Authors Note: Hi everyone! Well i was just randomly watching Disney flicks, cause being home for 4 months with Lymes really frees up a persons schedule. Anyway, i as watching the Little Mermaid and a nice, weird, plot line hit me and I just had to write it down. Sadly for my Inu/Kag fans, this one will be Sess/Kag story. I'd been reading a few of those and felt like switching it up. Of course, I'm still going to be writing Aristocrat but i hope this story is still enjoyable.
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Inuyasha Franchise, but that may seem obvious. Also, definitely not Hans Christen Anderson.
Chapter 1: In Her Stead
"Up and down, high and low, I will swim where I want to go. Back and forth, through the sea, father will be proud of me." The bell like voice chimed throughout the waters as the kings ward explored the oceans murky depths, excitement clear on her expression. She knew she was supposed to stay in the grotto today, but up above her seemed to be glowing. Brilliant pinks and purples were seeping into the water and Rin needed to see what exactly was causing such a brilliant display. Her fathers servant, the toad Jaken, would be running after her soon, but she was already 14 today and would do do as she pleased.
"Miss Rin! Miss Rin where are you going!" The toad screeched as Rin continued to swim farther and faster. Her tail was beginning to throb but she was nearly at the surface. "Princess Rin don't you dare break the-" But the toad was too late as Rin broke the water, letting her lungs breathe the human air.
The sky was a clash of colors; pink, violet, cyan, orange, and red all fighting each other in a violent but harmonious battle in the sky. Floating on her back, Rin watched the rays of sunlight play with the orange of her tail as the sun slowly disappeared from the sky. She sighed. Why did something so perfectly beautiful have to end so quickly. Rin flicked her tail as the battle reached a climactic end, watching the millions of sparkling droplets carry the warm colors before falling back to their place in the water.
By the time Jaken had caught up, Rin was illuminated only by moonlight. He sighed as he watched the crown princess hum on a nearby rock. That girl would be the death of him, if not naturally, his king would surely not hesitate in murdering him for his incompetence in watching a mere 14 year old.
"Rin-sama, what are you doing here? You know very well the consequence of being above land!" The toad preached, and Rin jumped into the water in surprise.
"Oh! It's just you Master Jaken." The young princess sighed in relief.
"And how lucky you are that it is 'just me'. What would you have done if it were otherwise?" Jaken yelled while Rin ignored him soundly. " The Council of Marina has completely forbidden going above land, yet you jump at every chance you get to break it. Don't think you're safe because you're the King's ward. One of these days you will be caught, and then you will be forced to face the consequences." The toad exclaimed, livid while he shook his finger at the young, brown haired mermaid.
"Master Jaken, you worry over nothing. It's not like I've done anything bad. I merely came to observe the sunset. I have not swum to shore, nor would I know the way. I am merely sitting on a rock in the middle of the ocean, enjoying the moonlight before returning to the grotto."
"Even so, I cannot just allow the crown princess to-"
"Jaken, I'll go back soon. Just let me enjoy myself. It's my birthday after all." The girl looked at the toad with big, brown, puppy dog eyes and he just couldn't find it in himself to refuse.
" Ugh! Fine...but if you get caught. It's your own fault." The princesses bell like laughter filled the air as she danced between the surface and ocean, flipping and twisting and twirling until she finally rested upon her back, gazing at the stars.
"Oh, it's so beautiful, isn't it Master Jaken?" Rin asked, stretching her hand out towards the stars.
"I see nothing here that even compares to the beauty of my King's waters." The toad said defiantly and Rin gasped. "Gasping is a slight overreaction don't you think Rin."
"Shh! Jaken, be quiet!" She hushed the servant while pulling him behind her previously perched rock.
The sky was alight with colors, but not as it had been with the sunset. Bursts of fire lit the sky, in greens and blues and reds and all sorts of colors. It was mesmerizing. As Rin looked to acquire the source of explosion, her eyes fell upon a large boat in the distance. She could hear the festive music growing louder and louder as the boat made its steady approach.
"Jaken! Isn't that absolutely, the most positively beautifulest thing you've ever seen?" The young mermaid exclaimed, unconsciously swimming towards the ship.
"Princess Rin, do not go any further to that boat if you value my life as well as your own." The imp like toad screamed, but it was in vain.
"Go back without me. I promise I'll only be a few moments." Reluctantly, Jaken obeyed. Rin was like a moth and the boat a flame, drawing her nearer and nearer in an odd trance.
Many two legs were dancing on the ships deck. Many were laughing and all were merry. Many looked the same, dressed in what appeared to be a uniform. But others wore lavish clothes with lace and ribbon trim as well as bows and neckties. And although many men were handsome, and many women beautiful, Rin was drawn to a younger boy seated on the side.
He was dressed in a fashionably handsome manner, though he did not look but a year or two older than herself. His hair was a dark brown and pulled back in a small ponytail, while his eyes gleamed chocolate brown as he laughed. Many well dressed men and women were coming closer to greet him and Rin noticed he wore a deeply embellished crest over the right of his chest.
At the same time Rin saw two beautiful women approach the boy. The one's resemblance to the boy was astonishing with hair and eyes the same tone, though her hair was long and her eyes were calm. Her outfit seem more extravagant than those around her andshe wore a necklace with the same crest as the boy. But the second girl was truly the most attention grabbing.
Her dress was simple yet very flattering, with hardly any extra embellishments. Her ebony hair was in a pretty up do and held in place with a delicate tiara. She happily conversed with all around her showing enthusiasm, however as she approached the boy and the other woman, her eyes seemed to loose the sparkle, as if she was letting down a facade.
Rin decided to swim closer, in hopes of hearing the boys name. Carefully and quietly, she slipped under the water and swam so that she was side by side with the boat. Voices drifted towards her ear, and she noticed the first was clearly a boys. What a lovely voice!
"...but my dear sister, this war is coming. Though you may not wish to see it our country has made some most fearsome enemy's who are not so keen on sweet talk."
"Would you lighten up, Kohaku! This is a birthday party! For our princess, no less. Even a silly 15 year old boy should know not to speak politics at a party." The extravagantly dressed woman exclaimed towards the boy. So his name's Kohaku. What a wonderful name.
"Sango, I will have to side with your brother on this one. Though this may not have been the best time to bring up such a topic, it is a pressing one. This war does seem impending and I do wish that their was a way to put our people at ease. However, there seems to be none." The princess sighed.
"I'm sorry cousin. It was not in my place to speak on such a subject." The young boy bowed his head, but the princess laughed.
"There is no need to be so formal, Kohaku. You were merely curious. You always have been a curious boy!" Ruffling the hair on his head, the princess laughed.
"You are far too light on him, Kagome. He deserves a lecture." The one called Sango scolded, her face upturning in was an expression Rin often saw on Jaken, although much prettier on this lady. The Princess laughed, grabbing Sango's arm.
"Come, cousin. Let us leave your curious brother and talk of Mister Miroku. Don't think that I missed you two dancing so intimately only moments before." And with a mischievous smile, the two left. Kohaku sighed glancing out onto the waters. He looked down, and before Rin could dunk under, their eyes met.
His eyes held an emotion Rin had never seen towards her; astonishment. She began to swim away but he called to her.
"Wait!" He called. Rin put a finger to her lips and he gasped, realizing his mistake. Leaning down so that he was closer to her level he called again, though in a quieter tone. "Please, don't swim away." Rin cocked her head to the side, questioningly.
"Please. I didn't mean to scare you, but you surprised me as well. What is a pretty young lady doing swimming at this time of night?"
"I..I..I can't tell you!" She exclaimed, hush.
"Why not? I promise not to tell anyone I saw you swimming so late." Rin so wanted to jump aboard the ship and have fun with the handsome boy and the beautiful women, though she knew she couldn't.
"I really must return home. My father will be worried." The boy gave Rin a questioning look but she smiled, innocently.
"Well, when can I see you again?" Kohaku asked, and he sounded so hopeful.
"Ah..um..I really shouldn't meet with you again. I'm not allowed." Reluctance was heavy in her voice.
"Why that's the silliest thing I've ever heard. Why not?"
"Because...we're too different...you and I." Rin muttered. "Ah!" An alarmed scream escaped Rin as she jumped slightly out of the water due to a pulling on her tail. She flicked her hand around under the water and grasped hard when she felt something slimy in her grasp. She was about to leave and deal with the toad in her hand before Kohaku suspected anything, but it was too late.
"Is that...a tail?" He asked breathlessly and stunned. Rin released her caretaker. Silverfish! Oh this is not good Rin, this is not good!
"A tail? Sir you must be imagining-"
"Don't lie. I know what I saw." Kohaku stopped briefly, noticing the tears being to well in the little mermaids eyes. " Don't cry. I promise I won't tell anybody what I saw, or what you are. But in exchange you have to meet with me tomorrow." Rin gasped at the blunt proposal, wiping at her eyes.
"W..what...fine, fine! I'll see you tomorrow." She called back to him as she began to leave, knowing Jaken would be angry..
"At the abandoned caves!" Kohaku called, and Rin nodded before diving under the water. The young boy sighed dreamily.
"What are you screaming about,boy." Kohaku jumped slightly at the firm pressure on his shoulder. Lord Miroku was standing behind him, questioning his behavior. "Oh wow, look at that fish!" Kohaku and Miroku both watched as the large orange tail broke the surface of the water, waving goodbye. The young boy smiled before turning to the lord.
"Yes. What a beautiful fish.
Rin did flip flops while whistling, and expression of complete bliss plastered to her face. She couldn't believe it. Kohaku was so kind! He had seen her tail and he still wished to see her, even though all the tales the wise woman had told her said that humans detested the mermaid tail. She smiled even wider and continued dancing in the open waters.
"Princess Rin, what on earth were you doing so close to the boat?" Jaken screeched, interrogating the newly elated mermaid princess. Rin swam along happily, so absorbed in her blissful thinkings that Jaken's words didn't graze her thoughts. " Rin? RIN!"
"What is it Master Jaken? Surely there was no need to scream." The girl asked innocently.
"I had asked you a question many times, Princess, that you ignored. My screaming was necessary for your attention." The toad replied, annoyance in his tone.
"I would never ignore you Jaken. It must have been your imagination." Rin lied, before giving in to her caretakers temper tantrum. " But you have my attention now so what did you need?"
"Why were you so close to the ship?" Jaken repeated. " Do you know how easily you could have been caught?"
"Yes, yes." The girl responded, and Jaken did not miss the dreamy tone hidden behind her words.
"Well...as long as you know." The toad said, giving up as the mermaid dashed ahead of him. There was no way his short legs would stand a chance trying to keep up with her tail and besides, they were nearly at the castle.
Sesshomaru sighed, inwardly of course. He would never let the council have the satisfaction of knowing he felt overwhelmed with work. But it was true. The standing politics and party arrangements between oceans, as well as political issues within his home city seemed to be overflowing as of late. Not that it was something he couldn't handle, but any mer-king would grow tired eventually. He just thanked god for his Inu blood. He had never been particularly proud that his ancestors had merged blood with anything resembling a human, but the strong dog blood proved helpful when it came to sense and endurance. Not to mention the distinct Inu features made his nobility that much more apparent, adding to the intimidating aura a good king must have.
Yet the never ending political affairs was not the only reason for Sesshomarus' inward sighs. It was his ward. She had yet to return from her escapade in the grotto with Jaken, and though he would not admit to being worried, he would admit he was agitated. It was Jaken. The fool was barely competent enough to take care of himself, let alone a female mer-child. It had been a mistake on Sesshomaru's part to hire the fool, and even now he wondered why he did not fire the useless retch. But Rin was in the Grottoes, which he had under enough Merish spells to keep ten thousand Rins' safe. Even so, he would send a guard to check on them if they did not return in 5 minutes.
He remembered clearly the day Rin had been entrusted in his care. His brother, Inuyasha and wife, Kikyo had left on a short political party in the allied Eastern Ocean. Their daughter, Rin, had been only two at the time and was far too young to attend such a party and the Mer-king had, begrudgingly accepted the responsibility of watching her in his brothers absence. Though, it was Inuyasha's words that had confused Sesshomaru.
Take care of her for me Sesshomaru. He had told his older brother. Keep her safe for me while I'm gone. Sesshomaru had noticed the dismissive tone in his brothers voice, but had passed it over as another of his cruel, stupid jokes. Had he taken it seriously, he may have been able to stop their deaths. But he hadn't, and Inuyasha and his bride had been murdered on their trip. So, Sesshomaru was true to his word. He cared for Rin like his own daughter, though the feat wasn't hard in itself. The girl seemed to be able to infect everyone around her with a sense of pure happiness.
Yes, if the two did not return in five minutes the toads life would pay the price. Sesshomaru was set on his decision.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" Calmly, the Kings eyes looked up meeting an excited mermaid. The young princess lept into the arms of the stoic merman, excitement radiating off every fiber of her being. He patted the girls head once before detaching her from his waist.
"You're very late today, Rin." Sesshomaru remarked, and though his voice was monotone, Rin could tell she was being scolded.
"I know Sesshomaru-sama. I'm very sorry but the flowers in the grotto were just so beautiful that I lost track of time." She smiled toothily up at her surrogate father, silently begging for him to accept the explanation.
"Very well. Do not let it happen again." The Kings words were blunt as he turned to leave. Rin smiled to herself before beginning to hum as she swam towards her room.
Sesshomaru was well aware that his daughter had been untruthful, but he had let it pass. Lying was so unlike Rin, and unlike other times where she had lied and immediately confessed, Rin did not seemed troubled. On the contrary, she had seemed happier than usual. Yet, she had lied. Sesshomaru was not sure what to make of the situation, but it was definite that he would be cautious of Rins actions from now on.
As the King made his way to the imperial study, a figure boldly swam in front of him, blocking the way.
"So, you've noticed your wards lie Sesshomaru." The voice was a slimy baritone, one easily recognizable for Sesshomaru.
"Your position as Council elder does not excuse you from giving me respect, Naraku-san." The King stated coldly.
"Ah! Forgive me, my King. But I can't help but find it odd that you would not notice such an obvious lie from you're daughter.'
"I do not see how this involves you, Naraku. Nor do I see how you can so blatantly accuse your heir of lying without any aforementioned proof. Or have you any?"
"I do not, but my instincts tell me she is. And my instincts never lie." The council man had wormed his way over to the king, placing a hand over his shoulder. " I would watch carefully from this day forward. You never know where ones instincts may lead them." The hint was a worm of words, slimy in Sesshomaru's ear. The king made calm haste in removing the hand from his shoulder.
"I appreciate the advise, but I advise you to stay out of business in which you are not wanted."
"Such bold words, Sesshomaru-sama. I advise you to take your own advise." With no other warning the octopus merman was gone.
It was no secret that Sesshomaru was not fond of the Mer Councils leader. However, the Council was well respected and still held many political strings that the King would have a hard time overcoming. The Council was set up solely to monitor the King and Queen's rule. Though Sesshomaru was well aware that they had overstepped such boundaries long ago there was not much he could do about the matter. The fact was, they still held power over him and he was not one to mar his honor by disobeying superiors.
"Where are you running off to Kohaku?" The young boy turned around to face his royal cousin.
"Ah, Kagome-hime." Kohaku sighed to himself.
"Kohaku, I cleaned your spit up when you were a baby. Honorifics are not necessary." The princess remarked, ruffling the young lords hair.
"Perhaps you're right. I'm fairly positive a princess wouldn't talk about spit." Kohaku chuckled as he escaped from under his cousins teasing hand.
"Pfft. Scratch that. I am your princess. Your future queen!" Kagome stood, stance ready and conquering as she belittled her cousin. The two laughed. "But really Kohaku, where are you going?"
The boy stuttered for a few moments, debating the options in his head of what to tell his overly curious cousin. Finally, he found a perfect alibi.
"I...well you caught me. I'm off to see Kana-chan. She...she wanted to go pick seashells." He smiled up at the princess, sheepishly. Her eyes widened and she smiled at her younger cousin.
"I knew it! Oh that's wonderful! Be sure to say hello to Kana-chan for me." Kagome called to the young boy, running off in the direction of the Ocean.
"I'll be sure to." Kohaku called back.
As soon as Kohaku was sure that Kagome was not following him, he slipped into the direction of the secret cave. He was still a ways away an now he was late. But Rin would understand.
Ah Rin. She was so beautiful. Kohaku had never been in love, but he had to believe that he was experiencing it now. These past three weeks of meeting Rin had been the best of his life; or so he dared to think. And now as he rowed his small boat to the caves mouth he could see the orange shimmer of the tail of his love.
The council head stormed into the throne room, disrupting the serene quiet the King had established. Sesshomaru had the normal urge to ignore the hateful council man until he saw what Naraku's henchman held captive. Rins arms were being dragged by the arms of Bankotsu and Ryoukotssei.
"What is the meaning of this?" The stone cold voice rang out, motioning to the captive hands of his ward.
"This mermaid has committed treason, of the highest offense." Naraku raised an accusatory arm towards the young princess.
"And how has my ward committed such a high felony?" The King inquired calmly.
"Why, your precious 'daughter' has been coercing with a human boy for the past three weeks." The merman's voice raised an octave as he yelled his acquisition.
"Is this true Rin?"Sesshomaru asked, turning to his ward.
"I...well the truth-"
"We know this is true! I have proof!" Naraku exclaimed, only slightly excited as he cut off the princesses shame filled answer.
"I have not asked you." Sesshomaru responded, and the ice in his words could have frozen a fire. "Rin." He stated, wordlessly demanding an answer.
"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama." She replied with haste, head bent in embarrassment.
"I see." Rin dared to look up at her king as his words were spoken and nearly burst into tears at the sight. She had never seen her surrogate fathers face so cold,so disappointed. He turned towards the winning council man, eyes cold as stone. "What is her punishment?"
"Ah, her punishment. You are aware that it will have to be one of great discipline, my King."
"Yes."
"Well then, our hearing is sentence of two months without contact in the arctic ocean." Naraku's chagrin leaked into his words, oozing male intent. Hushed gasps were heard throughout the throne room. Rin cried silently in fear.
"Is that all?" The silver haired King questioned.
"And she will be turned human. This is the councils decision." Black eyes stared firmly into cold amber, triumphant laughter of a victory painted onto his face.
Sesshomaru knew the true meaning of the sentence; death. There was no way a mermaid could survive in the cold of the arctic, let alone a human. Certainly not a girl of Rins' age and power. Allowing Rin to die was not an option leaving only one logical answer.
"I will go in Rins' stead."
Authors Note: Well that's the first chapter/Prolougue. Hope you guys liked it, cause it was fun to write! Review, Review,Review! They make people Happy!