Note from the Author: This story was inspired by a strange dream I had: Sesshomaru transformed from demon to human by a powerful goddess. Strange, but really cool at the same time. It intrigued me so much that I had to write a fan fiction about it. The storyline will be similar to the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, but with a different twist and plot. This fanfic is dedicated to my friend Leslie Smith who swears Sesshomaru is her husband...Enjoy!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha its characters...
A Change of Heart
Chapter 1: Troubled Thoughts
Lord Sesshomaru was unnerved.
The Ruler of the Western Lands shifted slightly in his chair as another wave of anxiety coursed through his body and infested his soul. A low growl emitted itself from the back of his throat as he glanced warily at the window, which provided the tapestry of a raging blizzard. Something was out of place, yet he couldn't put his finger on it.
The feeling resided into a dull ache in his chest as the flames died down within the furnace of the castle library. Sesshomaru enjoyed spending many evenings in the library; sitting quietly beside the firelight. It was a sanctuary where he'd feel calm and could contemplate his thoughts. There was no comfort tonight however, but a haunting apparition of a council room where he'd receive his judgment.
His eyes scanned the room and rested on his two companions, Jakken and Rin. Jakken, the ever so loyal retainer had made himself comfortable sitting on a silk cushion; lost within the scrolls of myths and legends. Rin on the other hand was lying on the floor close to the furnace with elbows propped and delicate hands supporting her slender face as she read. Every now and then, the girl would glance up at the demon lord when he'd move restlessly in his chair.
Sesshomaru focused his attention back at to the window. Jakken and Rin didn't appear to share the same emotions as he did now.
He sighed deeply and shifted again in his chair as new feelings of suspicion and fear washed over him. Gods, what was wrong with him? Never in his life did he experience such suspicion and, dare he say it...fear. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at the thought. He, the Lord of the Western Lands afraid? Preposterous.
He continued to absorb into his thoughts until Rin intervened. "My lord?" she said in an inquisitive voice. The demon lord turned around sharply to look at the human girl whose mahogany eyes widened in surprise at the expression on his face. Sesshomaru took note of this. What did Rin see when she looked into his golden hue eyes? Fear? Confusion? Loss?
Quickly, he replaced the mask over his face, and his emotions once again concealed behind a stoic expression. "Rin..." he replied, waiting for her to continue. Rin shook herself mentally. "My lord, you seem deeply troubled. What fearful thoughts plague your mind?"
Jakken snorted at Rin's comment. "Foolish girl, you dare call my lord a coward?! Lord Sesshomaru fears nothing nor does anything trouble him! Keep your silly opinions to yourself!" Rin started to protest, but Sesshomaru's cold glare stopped her.
"My thoughts are none of your concern. Now go to bed, it's getting late." he replied, never giving her the answer that she hoped for. The girl hung her head low in slight defeat.
"Yes my lord, goodnight."
He nodded in response while Jakken was mumbling something about disgusting humans sticking their noses where it didn't belong. The demon lord's eyes followed Rin until she disappeared upstairs into her chambers.
You seem deeply troubled...
Her words lingered around him like a tormented spirit.
What fearful thoughts plague your mind?
Is that what she saw when he looked upon her? Fear? Did he let his guard down so easily for such emotions to show through?
No. It wasn't. He concluded.
Only a feeble minded human would think that, and Rin fit right into that category.
That's how his father, the great Inutaishou Toga destroyed himself. By letting his guard down, he allowed himself to be dragged into human emotions. In result, he fell in love with a worthless human female noble causing disgrace and shame to his dynasty and reputation. Not to mention their offspring son was a cursed half breed forced to live his life in turmoil.
Sesshomaru's hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles turned porcelain white from the applied pressure that was admitted.
Gods, how he hated humans; the filthy, weak creatures they were. But if that was the reason, why did he allow Rin to stay in the castle?
A wry smile played across the demon lord's lips as the answer presented itself. Rin was nothing more but a servant to him. An object that was used for his purpose to provide the example of the status concerning the human race. He merely tolerated her presence for that fact. He knew that he wasn't going to make the same mistake as his father did.
The skies grew darker as if to speak of ominous things to come. Sesshomaru stood up from his seat and walked towards the door. "My lord, will you be turning in for the night?" Jakken asked, aware of his master's departing. Sesshomaru shook his head, giving a negative reply. "I'm going for a walk through the castle, I shall return shortly."
He proceeded through the doors that lead into the great hall only to stop in his tracks. Faster than a bolt of lightning, Sesshomaru retrieves his prized sword Tokijin. She obstructed his path in a mess of tattered rags while gnarled hands wrapped securely around a wooden staff allowing her to pull her frail body into an upright position. Strands of thinning gray hair fell lightly around a sunken face giving it the appearance of a withered mask. Her scent gave off a repugnant smell that the demon lord knew all too well...the smell of a human.