Prologue
"Rin turned out to be an excellent little addition to our little horde. She is certainly well versed in many fine 'arts'."
Sesshomaru scowled, "What have you done to her!?"
"Ha! Everything that you couldn't! Sheltered her, clothed her-"
"But certainly not bathed her!" He barked, "Can you not smell the stench on her!? Have you no honor?"
Fujin coyly pondered, chuckling at the enraged demon, "Gee…" He smirked, "I guess I left that one out. After all, the passing of the first year wasn't so bad. I guess I got accustomed to her foul odor."
Sesshomaru let out a deep bellied growl from his words. For four long years Rin has not bathed or taken care of herself. She was awfully pale, and thin, and practically rotting from old opened wounds and blood that reappeared every month. Old blood smelled vile in-between her legs, as the newer blood, maybe from not long before the dog demon arrived, seemed to wipe the old away. However, as Sesshomaru contemplated in his thoughts, soon that blood will cake where the old blood stands now, and begin to stink. As he examined more, Rin's long thick hair was filled with dirt and leaves, her skin no longer silkened, but rough after years of neglect, and…her eyes, even hollowed out, were filled with dread and exhaustion. She only slept when Fujin's hold on her had vanished, but even then, his absence was not gone long enough for the girl to survive and keep herself.
What had he done to her!? What had he Done to His Rin? His Bride?
He unsheathed his bakusaiga, growing mad with the disgusting display presented to him. He snarled animalistic, eyes becoming blood red.
"Ah,ah,ah." The leopard demon puppeteer wagged his finger toward Sesshomaru's revealed sword, "That would not be wise for the Great Dog Demon as of now."
Sesshomaru drew back himself and the sword, but stayed in that growling mess.
"You see…you can kill me. But you would be putting the young woman's life in danger."
Sesshomaru then caught his breath in a gasp, and stiffened.
"Her life is tied with mine. You didn't think I would just allow you to kill me so easily, did you? I knew how important the girl was to you. However…"
The great dog demon tensed more, gripping his sword with caution as his inflamed eyes bounced from Fujin's to Rin's lifeless ones. She stood in the dark corners of the cave, embodying a statue. Never moving, never blinking. Could she not see him? Could she not notice that her beloved was here to rescue her as he had always?...As he had promised to her?
Hi all! I am trying a new story now and I hope that I get a few readers! I really really hope it turns out ok and that the ones that read it will enjoy it a great deal. I'm starting this story five years after the ending of Inuyasha, and beginning it right after the Inuyasha Drama CD came out. Though the CD is not canon, I do believe it is a part of Inuyasha as a whole. Some people don't approve of the match between Sesshomaru and Rin, and also detest the drama CD. Although the creator of Inuyasha did not necessarily write the drama CD, she did have a hand in its approval. She also never disliked Sesshomaru and Rin linked in a relationship when questioned about it during an interview. It didn't bother her when fans ship them. Now, after the CD, I consider them an item. I just can't discard non-canon works, personally. The movies were non canon but still apart of the over-all concept that is Inuyasha, so there-fore, I think the drama CD is too. Although it was comical and written as more of a satire, I believe that most filler episodes play the same role. Those too are still considered to be conjoined with Inuyasha in a complete package. The CD is no different in my opinion. So…with that said, please enjoy this story. I don't know how long it will be, but I do plan to complete it without extremely long wait periods. (Hopefully). If there are any of you who share this opinion with me, feel free to express it. Back-up and support are all that makes this writing experience that much more enjoyable!
Thank You.
Four years earlier….
During a warm summer day, in the village Lady kaede was fostering the young Rin and her many companions, a nice breeze blew directly at the small town, swaying the trees, grass, and a familiar scent young Rins' way. Kagome and Lady Kaede were beside her, picking herbs they had planted for potions.
Rin's new green kimono blew lightly, as a soft smile crossed her face. She immediately stood up, smelling the air while her slightly longer locks peddled in the wind. She took in a deep, refreshing breath, exhaling with the scent she recognized.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" She gapped, witnessing his approaching form across the way. He steadily and slowly continued to move toward her, holding yet another slew gifts for her in his hands. Jaken was never absent, seeming just as excited as she was too see him.
"Oh!" Kagome halted in her harvesting once she looked up, "Look, lady Kaede, Sesshomaru has come back." She spoke softly, tired from her work, but still glad to see him.
The elderly priestess began to witness as well. "My, My. How long has it been since his last visit?" She asked the training priestess.
"Hmm…" Kagome pondered, "Maybe about…six months."
"Six whole months? And the time before that."
"About the same." Kagome answered her.
"So, it appears Sesshomaru gave young Rin only a year." She sighed, putting down her herb basket.
"You mean…you think He will want an answer now?" She stared, gawking at his closer form.
"Hmmm…" Keade pondered that time too, "It would appear so." She began to stand, along with Kagome, "I hope young Rin has been heavily in thought."
"It's hard to believe she ever has time to think with how busy she has been."
"Well, we'll certainly see. After-all, Sesshomaru has never been the most patient of beings. He will want her to leave with him as soon as he knows." The elderly priestess finalized.
Sesshomaru finally arrived to Rin. He stood in front of her, calm in the face, mellow in his stance. She stared him in his eyes, looking up from being considerably short. Jaken's mouth hung open in a smile, waiting for her to acknowledge them.
"Ah! Welcome back Lord Sesshomaru! It has been a long time."
"Rin." He was stoic. "Have you been faring well?"
She nodded, smiling from ear to ear, "Yes! I've been learning so much from Lady Kaede and Lady Kagome."
"Have you been thinking about what I told you?"
Rin then froze. Her face went from a smile to a frown in a second. "Gee. I've been really busy…" Her head lowered in her thoughts.
Jaken then spoke up as he usually did for Sesshomaru.
"Now Rin! Do not dottle! Lord Sesshomaru came all this way for you! He even spared a whole year for you to think on it! It is not wise to waste My Lord's time."
"Yes but-"
"Rin." Sesshomaru interrupted her. When she looked back up, his eyes were beaming through her with gold, and she could not bear having him become impatient. She knew him well.
"Yes, My lord." She answered with a confident huff, "I have been thinking about what you told me." Her brow furrowed but her heart was bold and ready.
"Well?" The tall demon pressed.
Rin felt her nerves again, swallowing a bit of doubt down.
"If you do not mind, My Lord, If we could discuss this else-where? I still have duties to fulfill with the day. I cannot simply leave them undone."
"When?" He asked, definitely impatient.
"Later today. I promise. Once I am done." She quickly gripped his arm, giving it a light squeeze for reassurance. Sesshomaru was slightly caught off guard from this bit of affection, but barely let it show through his tough domineer. "I promise." She repeated softly, dipping away back toward the garden with the waiting priestesses. Sesshomaru simply turned back around and headed the way he came.
"We'll be back tonight Rin!" Jaken shouted, waving his staff around before scurrying off with his master.
Rin looked away from their advancing bodies, going back to her harvesting with a worried expression now. Kaede and Kagome shared the look.
"Is everything alright, Rin?" Kagome asked, knelling back down to help her pick herbs. "Sesshomaru took the gifts with him."
"Yes." She nodded, sighing a bit, "Everything is alright."
"What did he say, young child?" Kaede asked, joining the two again.
"He…" Rin froze again, gripping a plant in her hands a bit tightly, "He wants to speak with me."
Kagome gasped, "So it is about the-"
"My guess was correct then!?" Kaede interrupted.
Rin nodded, closing her eyes in the grief.
"That's wonderful!" Kagome was ecstatic as always.
"But my dear child, you seem troubled."
Rin opened her eyes, and sighed heavily again, "I've caused a lot of trouble for Lord Sesshomaru. I haven't really given much thought in his proposal. He said we had time to examine our hearts. Or in this case…my heart."
"One year is plenty of time. You are now old enough to make that decision for yourself." The elderly priestess stated, stopping her harvesting. Kagome's expression was simply saddened as she gazed upon the young girl.
"Do you not love him, Rin?"
Rin looked to Kagome, who only showed kindness in her words.
"I do Love him. As my protector and Lord, I do. But, I didn't give enough time to my heart. He is usually so quiet toward me. Only Jaken expresses what he feels. How could I be his bride if all I know him as, is this?"
"Maybe he will change once you two are married?" Kagome tried to be optimistic.
"Maybe you are right. I just cannot help but to feel that he won't."
For the rest of the day, Rin and the two priestesses finished harvesting herbs. Once they were done, Rin tended to horses, and babysat Sango's youngest son while She and her Husband, Miroku went out to catch fish with Inuyasha. All that day, she was lost from the world in her thoughts. She half did almost everything, including feeding the young kid left in her care. She just could not shake the coming evening. As the sun set, her nerves became even more sharp to her. The sky was a dazzling orange and yellow, but all she could think about, when going to her and kaede's hut, was her lord's golden piercers.
The night was calm and cool. Rin was preparing her supper, while the elderly priestess was already enjoying hers. Rin put rice and fish in her bowl, something she had every night. Just as soon as she was putting chopsticks with rice in her mouth, the curtain from the door swung open. She froze, knowing exactly who it was by his faint scent. She chewed her rice nervously and swallowed just the same, if not shakier.
"Rin." His deep voice stated, almost summoning "Follow me." He demanded.
The young girl put down her bowl and stood up slowly, facing him. She looked to his face, which seemed annoyed. This didn't make her feel better at all, and she suddenly wished she had given his offer more thought. As he head out the hut, she followed, halting at the door to give Lady Kaede one more hopeful look. The priestess smiled and bowed her head, wishing her well on her decision. Rin then swallowed a lump in her throat, and left, trailing behind Sesshomaru.
She followed him that night, up to a quiet river with the large moon shinning along it. There were no people or creatures near, and her heart felt better knowing that the village was only five minutes away. She had spent so long with humans, she almost forgot how it was being with such a cold demon. He was so quiet, even as he stopped by the silent river, that she had wished Jaken was at least there to break the ice.
"Rin." He finally spoke. He faced the opposite way from her, and she nervously looked at the back of his head. "As a demon, I cannot easily put into words something as delicate as this. I have thought long and hard about my wishes, and what I feel for you."
Rin swallowed nerves again.
"Just know that I do not intend to leave here without an absolute answer. I plan to start our lives together at once." He stated calmly and softly, "However, if you have decided on staying in the human village, I must continue without you. After tonight, You will never see me again."
"Wha-what!?" Rin hissed. Sesshomaru whipped around, fully facing her and eyeing her as her emotions ran amuck. "Wh-Why My Lord!?"
"If I cannot have you, I will not allow myself to suffer. It would just be better to rid all contact."
Rin's mouth stood open and surprised. "But…But, I cannot envision a life without you My Lord!"
"Then you only have one choice, Rin." Now her eyes weld with tears, "You must become my bride."
For the very first time, Rin felt absolutely helpless. This was an ultimatum. Either marry Sesshomaru or be rid of him forever and live a normal human life. So, she also decided to do something she had never done before as well.
"That-THAT-THIS IS SIMPLY NOT FAIR!" She yelled at him.
"My Lord, I am merely a child (Though she is 15)! I am not ready to be a bride! You are considerably older! AND you have never given me anything but silence and petulance. You never have laughed, cried or loved!"
This took him completely by surprise, almost angering him by her sudden burst of energy, yet, it amused him because she finally stood her ground after so long of obedience.
"I would be sleeping in your bed, Living with you!" It angered her so much to the point of turning red, "I-I would even…." She froze, catching her breath at the realization. "I would have to sleep with you!" She hissed, "My lord, The one who protected me would become my Lord and husband Or else, I'd lose him forever!? That's just not fair!"
"We would not be doing any of those things." He almost hissed, but subtly stated so in a calm voice. Rin froze yet again, exasperated.
"Huh? What?" She was so confused, calming down from his response breath by breath.
"At least, not right away. I would have to court you for about a year first."
"What? Court me? Wasn't that what you were doing when you brought all those gifts?"
"No." He answered cold, "Those were simply just gifts."
"Just gifts?" She asked surprised as her lord towered over her. She pondered deeply, looking a tad bit better in the face, but it was minuet. "So…I don't have to leave the village?"
"Unfortunately, that, you still must do. As the year moves along, You must become familiar with me again."
She sighed of disappointment, "I should have known."
"Why so much worry? Did you not want to start traveling with me again?"
"Of course that's what I wanted." She lowered her eyes, "It's just, I'll be leaving everyone I've become accustomed to."
"By they, do you mean Kagome and Inuyasha?" He almost stated with distain.
"Uh-huh. And Kaede, Sango, Shippo, and Miroku." She paused, "And of course, Kohaku."
Sesshomaru's eye flashed toward her's now with a bit of concern. "He visits often?"
She nodded, "Yes. A lot more than you. We've become quite good friends."
His eyes left hers as he stared behind her, deep in thought, "I see."
"But it's nothing serious My Lord. He simply visits because of Sango. I babysit her children, so I happen to just be around him. Nothing more."
His eyes came back to hers. "Are you certain, Rin?"
"Of course, My Lord."
They stare at each other for a while before he could detect a lie, saying something else, "Very well, Rin. You may visit them as much as you like, however I will need an answer now."
She was taken aback a little by that, "But…I have so many questions."
"What are they?" His impatient side came through again.
"Well…" She looked away and began traddling her thumbs, "If I became your bride, do we immediately have to…have to…." She hesitated, "Consummate the marriage?"
He gasped a bit, "I would not do such a thing until you were absolutely ready. You would be my bride, not my puppet."
She sighed of relief. "What about where I would sleep?"
"Separately until we wed. After that, you take your rightful place beside me."
"What will we do for the year of courting?"
"As I have said, we will travel. We will not settle until we wed."
"We will wed right after courting?"
"Yes." He stated simply, her nerves went on overdrive and her frown drew even lower "Then I will return you to the Human village until you were ready. That is when I will come back for you and we live together as mates."
Her heart slowed down and complete relief ran through her body as if pressure had come off completely. "You mean that?"
"Please. Don't take me for a fool. I will not hold you hostage."
Happier tears swelled in her eyes as she began to bounce up and down, "Oh thank you Lord Sesshomaru!" She leapt toward him, hugging onto his leg from her happiness.
"Are you happy now, Rin?" he asked, looking down at her in a sort of amusement.
She let him go, returning her eyes to him, "Yes! Very!"
"So do you accept?"
The tears fell down her cheeks as her smile returned a beaming ear to ear expression.
"Of course! Of course I accept. I will be your bride, My Lord."
"Good." He stated softly. "Shall we be off then?"
She halted in thought, "Well…"
"Rin. What is it?" He huffed from her emotions changing so quickly.
"I must pack first."
"No need. Anything you may need or want I can provide."
"Can I say goodbye to everyone at least?"
He made a low and subtle growl from his growing irritation.
"If you must."
Her smile returned once again, "Thank you Lord Sesshomaru!"
"Let's go." He glided off, having Rin skipping playfully behind.