Affections

by prestige-beauty00

The edited version of my original Story Affections. Sesshomaru and Rin go through changes and find their love for each other...can the great Lord Sesshomaru admit to such an accusation? Chapter two is only what i have done of part two...happy reading!

1. Chapter 1

Character: Sesshomaru, Rin, Jaken –some may be a little OOC…but its okay!!! I added some of my own characters so I hope you enjoy it!!! Please review and comment for me!!! I really want to know what you think!!! This is my first fanfic…wish me luck!!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANY PART OF INUYASHA…I wish I did though…

Part 1:

He walked into the clearing first, his hair starting to accumulate within the silent wind around him. He was growing angry, he thought he had sensed something here, but it seemed to have vanished or fled. He partly figured it was because the creature got hold of his youki scent and aura; but something inside said otherwise. Squinting his eyes further, something told him that even though he could no longer catch the scent of what was here; it wasn't nearly gone from that place. Smelling the wind once again, he caught it.

"Rin," he continued looking forward; she nodded. She knew what he wanted her to do at that point. She was nearly seventeen now; hair black as coal, and eyes as dark brown as the earth under their feet. She had definitely grown; her breasts three sizes bigger than the small mosquito bites she once had, and her body that of an athlete. She loved to run around playing a wrestling with Ah-Un and yet, she still loved her flowers. She could name any kind you placed in front of her. She even had strangely-to her-established a small speck of markings on her wrists. They were faint and the color of a sky blue, mid-night rose. Sesshomaru had seen them and had instinctly inspected them, but she could tell he was acting. He had known something and wasn't surprised at all by the new finding. Jaken, however, was dumbfounded. She swiftly went behind Ah-Un and waited for his signal to continue on into the clearing. He could still sense it and he wasn't satisfied with the distance it was from his traveling companions. He grew sour and began to strategize. What would he say and how would he handle such a situation as this? "Farther from here-Jaken."

"Yes, my Lord." Jaken quickly took Ah-Un and Rin further back into the forest which they just came. He backed slowly and cautiously looked around for a safe place to sit back and observe. Why do I always have to protect her? I used to be able to fight along side my Lord, I miss being beside him. Ah-Un can protect her just as well as I can. Oh, why does he favor her over ME!!! I have been his long time servant and yet he still insists I am to let this human mortal do as she pleases!! They both stalked backwards and finally found a safe place to observe. What does he sense near here? Jaken watched his Lord. What was he to do now? He walked further out-instinct starting to kick in. He crouched low and then slowly rose as he finally caught another scent and recognized who has been playing games. He decided that he would finally turn a new direction.

"Come on out, Pandora. I am done playing games with you." He looked towards the middle of the clearing where he sensed to be the strongest of her scent. She appeared instantly and still holding her box-as he might have figured. He hadn't seen or heard from her since he was nearly 100 years old. She often had her box open and she was becoming masterful in its many powers. Her hair was a darker shade of blue than he last remembered and her armor fit her much better as well. Her icy eyes pierced through him then and he quickly looked away. Damn. Sesshomaru had forgotten about those eyes of hers. They were striking and yet so astonishing with the power to soften even his great grandfather and her own father. He always found a reason to fight the urge to soften and show his inner thoughts. He hated her for it. Pandora smirked and thought a moment before confronting him fully.

"Well, well, Sesshomaru, you haven't changed one bit. Still trying to exceed your father's inferior strength and power?" She moved her body closer to him and was directly in front of him now. Her clothing of silk under her armor. The color of her clan-red and black. She knew him better than his mother he had once thought when he was younger because she knew what buttons would strum what nerves, and indeed, she had just struck one. He knew better, however, and learned that she only found out and remembered what would benefit her in the long run. "Look at me, Sesshomaru."

"Why? What have you come here for?" He hadn't asked for her to come see him. She always showed up when he least expected anyone to how themselves. Then again-she was never expected.

"Aw, but my Lord Sesshomaru, I merely came to see if the rumors were true. Besides, I figured since I haven't seen you in centuries, I would pay you a visit. Who is this girl they speak of you allow to follow you? Has she really been able to do what I have longed to for so long?"

"Pandora, why do you always have to stick your filthy nose where it doesn't belong? She is none of your business. Leave this place-my patience grows thin." He saw he had made her angry but she controlled her self and regained her happy composure. She put her hand on the lock of the box, and looked as if she would open it. Don't open the box, Pandora. I will kill you and your petty creatures. She even smirked before flicking her wrist and actually unlatching the lock. But, as he was ready to unsheathe his Tokajin, she vanished in an angry wind. When he felt and sensed her presence no longer, he called for Jaken.

"Yes, my Lord?" He looked slightly worried. Fidgeting somewhat.

"There is a village not too far from here. Go there and give fair warning to Naomi that I am coming by tomorrow."

"Yes," Jaken answered, happy to leave but really didn't want to go alone. He feared Pandora and feared Naomi. But he would rather go than stay. Lord Sesshomaru seemed agitated enough to kill even HIM.

"Rin, didn't you want to gather wood and bath in the stream?" He wanted to set up camp for lunch and the rest of the day for nightfall. "Be quick. I do not want to go searching for you tonight."

"Oh yes! I had forgotten my Lord! Come, Ah-Un. You shall have a bath as well. I will be back shortly Lord Sesshomaru!!" Lord Sesshomaru. Why are you so excited? It was just another youki demon I am sure you could easily take. I wish you would talk to me as you used to. I miss our conversations, our time we spent alone without stupid Jaken there to mess it up. I wish you would at least acknowledge that I am a woman. I get so tired of you treating me as a child. I am a reasonable adult woman. I do not wish to leave or to disappoint you, but I do wish you would acknowledge this fact. She slowly turned with Ah-Un following closely. He was to keep watch of her now that Jaken had left. He had this assignment many times before. Nothing was new-make sure nothing happens and that's all it really was. She could take care of herself now that she didn't need helped with her bathing as she did when she was younger. Ah-Un knew that she had grown into a woman. She was older and more mature now. Something they knew needed to be acknowledged by their Lord.

Sesshomaru sat against a tree on the edge of the clearing. Why after what you did do you show up after all these centuries? I was forgetting you. I hardly recognized your scent. Why do you haunt me, is it a game? He hadn't thought about it or sensed it until now, but someone was watching him. His eyes shot open and he put his hand on Tokajin, ready to use. He looked up and spotted Pandora.

"Did I wake you?"

"No. I do not sleep."

"I have missed you all these years, Lord Sesshomaru. Why have you not found me out before now?"

"Pandora, you disgust me and you are becoming very annoying. I have no patience left for you. You do not deserve to be found by anyone of my stature. You have played games all of your life. So, continue playing-away from me and my lands." He saw he had hurt her and he didn't care. She had hurt him before. Even though the lands they were in were her father's, he still didn't want her anywhere near him. He sensed someone coming into the clearing and jumped up only to see it was Rin. Rin, go back. She looked frightened and he could feel Pandora's aura grow. She jumped out from the tree beside Sesshomaru and looked up to him. Her purple eyes were glowing. She looked hurt and angry all at the same time and he found he couldn't look away from her. Why did he feel like her was betraying her again? She then asked a question that he knew was coming and had answered to himself many times before. He still wasn't prepared.

"So, she has taken the heart of Lord Sesshomaru. What has she done to deserve your love that I haven't done? What is she to you, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Pandora, I told you that she is of none of your concern. Leave and I will spare you. I am tired of your incompetence and your games; why is it you fear losing things that you have lost so long ago?" He had finally looked away and was now starring at Rin. She looked so confused and frightened. He wanted to take her away from here so she would be safe and Jaken hadn't yet returned.

"Ah-Un, take Rin to Jaken. Do not return to me until I call for you." Ah-Un nodded and left with Rin. Now Sesshomaru could concentrate on Pandora. "Why do you play such games? Tell me why you are here."

"My Lord Sesshomaru…I have come on the asking of your mother and because of the curiousness I feel. It seems that there are many demons and humans working together to over throw your power over the Western Lands. Please come back…We need your help, besides it is your castle after all."

"Pandora, I will not come to help my own mother. She has the strength to fight off those inferior creatures…Besides, she can easily control a castle and its inhabitants-even your box has the power to conquer them."

"None of them want to serve you when you have a human concubine at your side!!! I didn't want to come for you but your mother insisted!!! I told her that you had fallen too low and she still insisted I come for you!!! Lord Sesshomaru! WHAT IS THIS MORTAL TO YOU THAT YOU LET HER CONTROL YOUR HEART? She has taken you from us and now you will not help your own kin? You're a traitor and I regret coming for your DEAD mother!" Sesshomaru had his hand on her neck and against the tree in a matter of seconds. Hoe dare she talk to him that way!!!

"Pandora you have finally ran my patience. I did not give that mortal my heart nor did I turn my back on any of my kin. Rin has nothing to do with anything or anyone. She is mine to will and do as I please. She amuses me and that is that. I did not come because I didn't feel my mother needed the help. I despise being told what to do and had I known earlier about her passing I would have quickly come to her aid. Why are you jealous of this mortal? You had your chances! You even had my heart. You betrayed me and so you no longer matter to me! PARISH!" He dug his claws into her throat and watched the life leave her. He stood there for a few more minutes before releasing her. He watched her spirit leave before calling Ah-Un back. He examined her box and saw that she was only full demon as she was alive because this box contained the mind of her soul. He thought about giving it to Rin, but thought better. He would keep it with him until he saw fit to give it away.

"Rin,"

"Yes, my Lord?"

"What is it about you that makes everyone so uneasy?" Rin sensed that he was just wanting someone to hear him out and so she kept quiet. "Do I revolt you Rin? Do I frighten you and make you do things you wish not to do? Do you not wish to stay with me any longer?"

"Rin does not feel sick or frightened by you. I want to be with you. If I didn't I would have told you so. I want to stay with you until you wish me to no longer be in your presence. I love you, Lord Sesshomaru." She looked at him with such passion in her eyes that he couldn't help but feel drawn in by them. They held on like this until Rin finally looked away and blushed. He didn't know what to say. She wanted to stay with him? She loves him

"Rin, do as you please. We are going back to the castle after we visit an old friend tomorrow morning. Also, I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise? For me?"

"Sleep, no more questions."

"Yes, my Lord." She was so happy. He had finally talked to her about what was bugging him and now he seemed so relieved. She went to sleep quickly but woke up shortly after. She wasn't sure as to where she was. She looked around hazily and found that she was next to her Lord Sesshomaru. He had moved her there shortly after she had dozed off. His fuzzy tail was over her and it enveloped her in warmth. She loved it when he did this. I must have been moving too much. He never does this unless I am moving too much or having a nightmare.

"Sleep Rin." He had noticed her stir, and she had awoken. She seemed not to know where she was or why, but she remembered and relaxed.

"Yes. Thank you my Lord." She quickly fell back to sleep after finding an even more comfortable spot within his fluffy tail. He looked down after awhile and then softly stroked her face. She seemed peaceful now. She was having so many nightmares lately. She hadn't had them so much since she had first started traveling with him. Sesshomaru felt sleep tugging at him but he refused it. The sun would rise in a few minutes. He got up and tended to Ah-Un and settled him for that day's journey. Jaken awoke before he had finished his task and asked to go and retrieve breakfast. "Go. But be quick we are leaving shortly."

"Yes, my Lord. Umm, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"What is it Jaken?"

"Why didn't you answer Pandora yesterday when she asked you about Rin?"

"Jaken, do you wish to join her?"

"N-NO MY LORD!! I was just wondering." Jaken ran quickly from camp in search for the breakfast meal. I know you are angry with Pandora, but why is it you are so agitated with yesterday in general?

"Lord Sesshomaru!"

"Yes Rin?" She didn't answer back though. He looked over his shoulder to find that she was having yet another nightmare. Foolish humans. Always worrying about such petty things…I wonder what she is dreaming about.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Please!!! Please don't leave me here with them!! Please! I beg you My Lord! They have been cruel to me in so many ways!!! Look what they have done!! Why are you leaving me here with them after they have done this? I don't understand…My Lord I love you please don't leave me!!!" Sesshomaru had had enough. When she said they had done something to his Rin he grew angry and wanted to save her even though it wasn't more than a dream.

"Rin, wake up." She didn't wake, she just kept sobbing in her sleep. Sesshomaru went to her and scooped her into his arms. He had just recently gotten used to using his newly re-grown arm. He liked it because he didn't stress his left arm so much. He looked at her and gently ran his knuckles against her skin. She calmed down and her sobs quieted but she was still murmuring for him not to leave her. "Rin, please wake up. I am here to protect you." Her eyes fluttered open and when she saw her Lord Sesshomaru holding her she lunged at him and hugged him tightly. He was shocked at first and thought to push her away but she realized he had tensed up and pulled away, embarrassed at what she had just done. He hadn't forgotten about her growing up and becoming a woman. In fact, he enjoyed her more now that she was one. She was tan and her new kimonos were made to fit her every curve. She starred at him and wondered when he would let her down but said nothing. She was enjoying being held by her Lord. He continued starring at her in a mask of blank thoughts but inside he was worried. She had never done that before. It scared him that he had enjoyed that so much. He wanted to put her down but couldn't bring himself to do it. "Rin."

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Are you alright now?"

"Yes my Lord. I am fine, thank you."

"What did you dream about?"

"Oh! Ummm…Well nothing BIG really just um…well nothing I guess," she lied but failed. She half-smiled at him in the attempt and realizing she failed frowned and thought of how to put it.

"Hn."

"Well, you had left me in a village with this family so that you could go on a journey. You were gone for three months and I worried you wouldn't return…" She stopped lost in thought of the dream. He felt her tense up.

"And?" He hated it when she wouldn't tell everything. She would say some of what had happened but then stop and think that he would figure it out from there. It was always different but still a similar central idea to them all.

"And the man in this family had a son and he and his son beat me because I was yours and they raped me many times. When you came back though…"

"Rin." She had stopped again with a disgusted look on her face at the memory of it all. It was like she felt and actually went through every detail she was remembering.

"Sorry. You didn't seem to care that they had hurt me badly and you were going to leave me again. I cried and cried for you to stay but every time I cried out to you, you got further and further away. You told me you didn't want me in your company anymore because I wasn't yours to keep any longer because of what had happened. I wanted to kill myself at those words but I knew you would be angry. So, I stayed there with the family at your command. The brutality continued and you never returned my Lord!!!"

"…" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He wanted to kill the family in her dream because of the fear they had instilled into her mind. What do I say to her? How do I comfort her? She has to be questioning my want of her to have such a dream…when did she start to question it? "Rin, I will not ever leave you if you wish me not to."

"Never?" She looked as if not assured. She had thought he would eventually leave her because she was older and a Human. He still had to go and assume his nobilities at the castle like his father and his father's father before him.

"No, never." He starred at her as she began to blush. He could feel her body heat growing in his arms. She had questioned it. He grew angry and put her down again. Jaken had returned and had began getting breakfast ready. Rin ate happily and Jaken as well. They left and started for Naomi's home in the village beyond the forests. Why do I feel this way?

"Ah, Lord Sesshomaru! What brings you to my home?" Naomi was Pandora's elder sister and was much more beautiful than Pandora could ever hope to be. Her long, French braided, pink hair was half way in a bun and her eyes a piercing green. She was slender and muscular under her elegant white and red kimono. Her fingers still in their shape of a ball to read into what was happening around her. He could see her in his mind but she wasn't into view yet. They still had a few hundred yards to go before reaching the end of the forest, let alone the end of the village to her home. He could hear her and knew he didn't have to say a thing. He could talk to her through his minds eye and still keep his thoughts to himself. All he had to do was say her name before he said anything.

"Naomi, I have need of you."

"Of course. But first, what of my sister Pandora? She never came home."

"Naomi, she's pushed her limits of my patience and she had insulted me as well. She brought her death unto herself."

"I see. And the box? Have you the box she carried? She really was useless without it. She couldn't become a full demon unless she put her soul's mind in that box. I am glad though. She was indeed a disgrace to my family. Half-breeds are tiresome with there arrogance and inferior powers."

"Naomi, I did bring the box. Indeed, you are correct. My brother is of no exception either."

"Ha-ha. Oh, and I am inviting your human ward and your servant Jaken in as well. I did some cleaning. They should live." Naomi chuckles at this. She hadn't done any real cleaning…just made sure there wasn't any intoxicating aura to kill them…nothing truly harmful.

"Naomi, very well." He continued walking and felt someone grab his arm and squeeze. He looked down slightly to see Rin looking up at him. She looked confused. "What is it Rin?"

"My Lord, am I going to like this surprise?" She had noticed that they were going into a village. Damn. I had forgotten.

"I should hope so Rin."

"…"

"Do not fear. I am not leaving you here."

"Yes, my Lord." She let go of him and dropped back to Ah-Un. Her eyes were so catching. When they reached the end of the village they entered a rather huge hut. It was dark brown wood compared to the other wood used on the other huts and there was demonic aura around it. Sesshomaru stopped in front of the door curtain and said something soft and lulling. The curtain opened enough to let Lord Sesshomaru in and then it closed again. He came out fifteen minutes later and the aura dissipated. He then nodded for Jaken and Rin to go inside.

What is this place? Rin wasn't sure she wanted to go in but Sesshomaru said her name once more and she went inside. She was shocked at what she was seeing. How can this be? I haven't been here in years how can I be here now?!? Where is Lord Sesshomaru? He said he wouldn't leave me!!! She began to cry until she realized how she recognized the forest around her. She had been here once before when she was younger and first traveling with Lord Sesshomaru. How could her Lord lie to her like that? Wasn't she a concern to him anymore? Her vision was clouded from crying and her kimono was starting to ruin. She noticed that as she cried the weather changed and started to rain and the harder she cried the harder it rained. Finally, she decided that crying alone wasn't going to help so she got up and straightened up to go and find her Lord. I have to know if you care about me just as much as I care for you my Lord Sesshomaru.

"Lord Sesshomaru!! Where are you?" Jaken wondered were his master could have gotten to so quickly. He's always leaving me behind. At least I am not babysitting that silly mortal girl, Rin. Lord Sesshomaru sure has taken a liking to the girl. I would never tell him that for fear of my life but he should know himself that he has fallen, right?

"JAKEN!!!" Rin had at least found Jaken. The silly little toad wasn't really what she had hoped to find but at least she found some part close to Sesshomaru.

"RIN! Where have you been! I have been looking everywhere for you and Lord Sesshomaru! I was so worried something had happened to our Lord and yourself!"

"Oh Jaken! Have you seen Lord Sesshomaru? I came in through that curtain and I ended up here. What is this place?"

Clears throat before continuing "Well, we have entered the house and realm of Naomi. She is very good at entering and toying with creatures minds. She could have killed you when you entered her home but she didn't. We have to quickly arrive to her castle within this hut before nightfall or else we could very well die."

"But Master Jaken, where is Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Stop asking so many questions Rin. We will see Lord Sesshomaru when we get to Naomi's hut."

"Ok." She wasn't even sure Jaken knew the way to Naomi's castle. She looked around and could have swore that they were going in circles.

"What is this game you wish to play with them? If something happens and they cannot get here before dark, they are subject to death."

"Do not worry Lord Sesshomaru. They will be fine. Your young ward will not be harmed before nightfall-if she makes it here. I will allow you to go to her fifteen minutes before the first star appears. You are cunning enough to reach her and your little imp during that time aren't you?"

"Do not play these games with me. You would regret it."

Laughs evilly and begins to accelerate her words "My Lord, do not push your luck with me. I will not hesitate to put you in a world of your own."

"Don't tempt me." Sesshomaru growled and became both agitated and worried. If they end up going farther away from here instead of coming closer…I might not get there in time to save Rin or Jaken. Rin…Please stay strong…like I have raised you to be…

"Master Jaken, do you think we will be there soon? I am getting tired and hungry."

"Rin, we will get there when we get there!"

"But Master Jaken, you said that if we were out here after dark that we are certain to die. Do you even know where you are going?"

"I know where I am going!! I came here last night remember??"

"Oh yes. I remember. That's when Pandora appeared and challenged Lord Sesshomaru. He killed her without a glance of mercy!! He was so stunning Master Jaken! But you weren't there to see him!" Rin stuck her tongue out at the little toad and relished in his squirming anger. She loved picking on him just as much as she cared for him. Though sometimes he could be quite cruel when getting back at her.

"RIN, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY LORD SESSHOMARU KEEPS YOU AROUND!! YOU ARE SO ANNOYING AND YOU ARE VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO YOUR ELDERS!!! YOU KNOW HE ONLY KEEPS YOU AROUND FOR HIS AMUSEMENT!!???!!! I'LL BET YOU NEVER KNEW THAT DID YOU??!"

Rin took in what her 'best friend' had just said. Did he really feel this way? Am I really just something else that amuses my Lord? Does Jaken really hate me that much? Rin's eyes began to water heavily and her eyes grew so big that they were bigger than her own head. How could the both of you lie to me like this? She began to sob and she starred with hatred towards the imp. "If you both really feel that way then I will leave. Don't bother helping me to the door, I will find it myself." She gritted her teeth together, turned on her heal and headed in the direction they had just come.

"Rin, where do you think you are going? You can't just leave like that! Lord Sesshomaru won't be happy with you if you leave without him knowing or without his permission! Rin!!! Come ba-"

"Jaken!" She didn't know what else to do. She just yelled at him. She again, turned, and ran off.

Jaken was speechless. She's never talked to me like that before!!! Just wait until I tell Lord Sesshomaru!!! He watched her leave and shortly dreamt of her being punished later. Ha-ha, she will pay for what she has done and she will finally have respect to me and even more for my Lord. Stupid girl, I warned her.

Sesshomaru was infuriated. Rin would never make it on her own if she didn't make it out of here or to Naomi's inner hut before her darkness fell. Jaken was going the wrong way and he thought that he should probably just leave him there but he decided against it considering he had shown to be quite useful in the past.

"Lord Sesshomaru. You may have your fifteen minutes now. Be swift my Lord. For not even you can save them after they are exposed to my night."

"They had better live Naomi…or it is your head." He swiftly left the inner hut and headed straight for Jaken. When he found him he ignored the usual rantings and rushed him to the inner hut to be in Naomi's care until he returned… "Do not think that your outburst will go unpunished. If Rin dies, you will die."

Rin. He was starting to panic on the inside and it was slowly starting to show on his face. He had forgotten to check the orb again before he left to find Rin. He only had five minutes left now and he was in desperate need to find her now in order to return before nightfall. "Rin!" Where could she have gotten to? She had been heading towards the hut but was still just a little off. She couldn't have gotten far, right? He started to think that maybe a forest demon living in Naomi's virtual forest had killed her and devoured every trace. He couldn't even catch her scent.

There!!! He spotted her kimono. Only a brief second of it but it was still her kimono. "Rin. Stop, now." He went around the boulder and spotted her. She stopped instantly. He thought he could catch the faint scent of tears and blood. Jaken why do you have to be such an imbecile? "Rin."

sniffle "Yes, my Lord?"

"Look at me." He could tell she had definitely been crying as she turned around to face him. He didn't like it. He felt sick all of a sudden and he never wanted to see her like that again. He then remembered their time limit. "Rin, we have to get to Naomi's or else we will both parish when night falls. Do you understand what I am telling you?"

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. I understand." She really didn't want to follow him or see him ever again because of what she had recently found out, but she did anyways. She figured they should at least part on good terms.

On the way back to Naomi's Sesshomaru had carried Rin and neither talked all the while. He could feel the hurt from her stare and see the hurt throughout her shaking body even though he didn't have to look at her. He still didn't understand why she smelt of her own blood. It wasn't her cycle yet. She had finished just ten days ago. No way it could be that. She had to be hurt somewhere on her body. When they arrived night had just taken up the virtual world around them. They made it just in the nick of time. "Rin, meet Naomi."

"Hello darling. You look..?.. Stunning for your age.?.?." She didn't know what to say to the human woman set before her. She was beautiful and she could definitely tell she belonged to Lord Sesshomaru. She had gotten her beauty from him after practically growing up with him and she definitely carried his scent. No wonder he loved her…she was simply breath taking.

"Thank you Lady Naomi. You are so kind, you are very beautiful yourself." She looked at Naomi and Sesshomaru both to see that it was acceptable to say such things and then looked to the floor again. Her kimono was starting to irritate her wound. She had fallen and been gouged with a sharp rock on the right side of her hip. She had readjusted her kimono and put extra cloth she had with her on her wound so she could hide it from Sesshomaru if he ended catching up with her. She hated seeing him worried. She looked back up at him to see what he wanted her to do next. She always wanted him to be happy with her and never angry or disappointed.

"Rin, we are going to eat and then I will talk with Naomi alone about your surprise. Then we are leaving."

"Yes, my Lord. Uh…"

"Yes, Rin?"

"Oh, it's nothing…Just a little tired I guess…I will be fine after we have lunch. I promise." She gave a smile to her Lord and then looked back at the floor. She knew he could tell she was half-lying but he let it go. He would talk to her later she was sure. That's when she would tell him she was leaving.

"Fine. Naomi."

"This way dear. Oh and Lord Sesshomaru? I have a surprise dish just for you! Jaken has already eaten. He's in the other room napping. Just in case you wanted to talk with him privately?" She gave him a ri-smile and he knew what she was getting at. He would tend to Jaken later. He was too busy wondering about Rin and his surprise dish. He was hoping it was her special but concerning that he hadn't had his ultimate favorite dish in years, he wanted it the most.

Maybe, it was snake gut soup with raw meat. Oh, or maybe it was her dish she prepares every time he came; rabbit foot and deer skin stew. Mmmm…just thinking about it was making his mouth water with a terrorizing greed to tear through meat and savor its hearty tastes. Then, his mind suddenly shifted. What was this blood he could smell in the air around him? He knew it was Rin's blood but he didn't know where it was coming from. He silently and hiddenly hoped that she was fine. He really wanted to find out then what was happening but he wanted blood and the feeling of juicy meat sliding down his throat as well.

Naomi nodded to a servant who opened a screen to a separate room of the castle and within in held the finely thought out dinner for her travelers. I cannot believe he hasn't figured it out yet. It was obvious to me without reading her mind that she had hurt herself…besides, her side is slightly bulged…Hahaha, Lord Sesshomaru, so you can ignore things that are much too obvious. She opened her eyes to see them both looking at her. What?!? "Please, sit…" She motioned each to their seats, and then sat herself at the head of the table.

They are toying with me I know it… Sesshomaru didn't know what to do besides just act as if nothing was wrong or going on at all. He pulled the sac-cloth from his plate and lo-and-behold, his most favorite dish-raw rabbit hide with snake gut stew…indulging. He dug in but kept his dignity. He wanted to devour it in one bite but he knew he had to have manners in the presence of others…besides; he didn't want to scare Rin away. Rin…always on my mind. He slowed but it didn't look it to the eyes of his onlookers.

"Naomi, we will talk now. I need to know what I am to do and what my options are."

"Of course, My Lord Sesshomaru, we can go into the other room…right through there." She pointed towards another screen leading to yet another room.

"Rin."

"Yes, my Lord?"

"You are to stay here." He said this with unusual command. It was as if he thought she was going to run away again.

"Yes, of course, Lord Sesshomaru." She looked back down and continued eating in silence. She had long since left eating as if she was a wild animal. Lord Sesshomaru had her go through some kind of Youki etiquette training of sorts when she arrived at his castles for the first time. She learned a lot and stayed attentive and kept it in her mind at all times. She had always wanted to impress her Lord, but it seemed that if she had he either didn't notice or he didn't show it. He showed some feelings to her, like when he was angry(all of the time), and when he was sad or confused about something he would only show those feelings to her. She wished he would show others though, like passion and love, pain and suffering, loneliness and happiness. Those were the ones she wanted to see and experience with him. She felt a pain in her side twinge and she winced. Damn. I cannot wince again, he isn't happy right now that I tried to leave, what will he do when he finds out that I have hidden this bad of a wound from him this long? The only reason I am still moving is because I have these cloths around me. Damn. Why do I have to be so stupid?

"Rin."

"Ah…Yes, my Lord?"

"What is wrong?"

"Oh, um…nothing serious. I think I just pulled a muscle in my leg or something."

"Hn." Liar. Don't lie to me Rin. I know you are bleeding, I can smell it and it is strong. It must be painful and it must be deep to have such a strong scent. Tell me the truth. Can't you see I care about you and your well-being? "Rin, I will go now if you are sure your fine."

"Yes."

"Don't lie to me again."

"Uh…blinks…yes, of course, my Lord." Damn. HE KNEW! Well, duh he always knows. "I am sorry my Lord." He leaves the room with Naomi's smirk to follow.

"Silly girl, so naïve to his powers. Tsk, tsk, tsk." Naomi follows Sesshomaru's lead and Rin is left alone with her dinner. She took another bite and found it hard to eat. She had suddenly felt light headed. I cannot show weakness. She put the chopsticks down and took a drink. She felt better with drinking than she did with eating. So, until Lord Sesshomaru came back in she continued to nurse on the drink that had been set in front of her…

"My Lord Sesshomaru, what is it you want to know? Is it my sister's box? Or perhaps, you are too affixed with that Human?"

"Naomi, that girl is of importance to me with this box. You said that your sister was only half demon and only became full demon because she left her soul's mind within the box itself. What does that mean?"

"Ah, well, my father wanted her to be treated as normal as I was and in order to accomplish this, he had a box crafted for her to keep the human part of her soul locked inside. Without her human part she was full demon and so therefore no one would know unless my family told them. Everyone half demon have both a human and demon mind within their own soul. It never comes out because the mind of the soul contains the human part. For someone like Rin or my sister to take hold of this box is crucial. Only creatures as they are can control my father's box."

"I see. What would happen if I gave the box to Rin? What are the pros and cons?"

"Well, as I see it my sister went through a one week transformation. Now you can have Rin be any full demon but you have to inject a demon's venom into her pulse at her wrist. Not something like a mate mark but a cut that injects part of the demons powers into her. She will not have the power to be as great or as low as the demon you choose but she will be able to protect herself if she is in trouble. However, she will still be human on the outside. She might produce markings she might look the same, no one can be sure. Remember this. You cannot forget to show her how to open and close the box. She has to know in order to maintain herself. She is only to mate with the same type demon that she becomes. No one else, or she will die and her soul forever lost within the box. Do not tell anyone else of this boxes power and of Rin's new found identity. It will destroy everything. These pieces of information are valuable and crucial. Do not ignore my words here, My Lord, like you have ignored Rin's wounds. She will die if you do not go to her now and help her to heal on your own. I will always be able to talk with you through your mind. Just say my name."

"Thank you Naomi. I want to return home because of my mother dying, but I want Rin to learn in private."

"My Lord Sesshomaru, your mother is not at the castle any longer. She was brought here by my servants. She will be fine. She just needed time to rest away from battle. Besides, she called upon me just as your father once did to put up another barrier. All is well, my Lord."

"Hn."

"You wanted your mother dead, my Lord?"

"No. I wanted my inheritance that was promised to me. I am not to have it unless I take full control of the Western provinces and mate, or she dies. My father left it to her with those instructions."

"HAHAHA. My, my, my. Lord Sesshomaru, you will have your inheritance as soon as you mate and I see that you have thought about it. It is still fresh in your mind. I can taste it. Tell me, what is that Human to you, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I do not have to answer your question, Naomi. She is mine. That is all. Just another mere servant to look after. My ward." He growled out the last my and it surprised Naomi that he was being just as protective and selfish about her as he had been with Pandora many, many years ago.

"Very well. Please stay as long as you will need. Afterwards, please, leave and do as you see fit to do-preferable before you are killed or you die. You know where I will be if you need me while you stay. My servants will attend you. Do not go out at night-not that you needed reminded." She stared at him a minute. He looked so angry. "Don't look so grim." Then, she just vanished. Stupid tricks. I would have been better off reading a scroll. Sesshomaru hated mind games and low tricks. He figured that his prey and friends would be better off just saying 'I'm sorry, but I will tell you nothing to help you.' Then, he would be getting somewhere. He walked back into the room where his dinner lay. He first saw Rin, then his mother. Damn it. He noticed they were both pale. He figured his mother would be after battling for so long with much needed rest, but Rin was too pale. Almost like someone had just sucked all the color out of her body.

"Rin."

"I am so sorry, Lord Sess-." She couldn't stay strong anymore. She had been sitting so long with her wounds without wrapping and treating them properly, that she was losing too much. She needed help and before she could ask it, she was gone. She fainted and hit the floor hard.

"Sesshomaru. I smelt it even in my own chambers. Such an indulging smell. What has happened to her? Why have you not treated her?"

"Mother, if I needed you to tell me the obvious I would have asked for it. I don't know what happened nor what is wrong with her. She has lied to me and tried to leave. Will you leave us?"

"I will, but remember me. I need to speak with you. It is deadly important."

"Of course." She went off somewhere to the left. He waited for her footsteps to leave his hearing before acting as he had wanted to. He rushed to her and picked her up gently and rested her onto his legs and hugged her tightly. He let go after a second and looked her over thoroughly. There! Sesshomaru looked to her right hip and saw the bulge. He ripped a line from her feet up to the side of her stomach. When he did he saw the trail of blood that had left the wrap. Too much blood! He was becoming angry again and feared she was going to leave him for good. He quickly called for a servant to bring hot water, rags, wraps, needle and thread. He would clean it and have the servant stitch it shut. Then he would wrap it because he didn't want anyone touching her otherwise.

He looked at the wound intently as he cleaned it almost too gently. Why would you hide something like THIS from me? He kept his grim and emotionless mask on the outside but inside he wanted to kill her and yet hold her in his arms at the same time. He didn't want her to leave him. Ever. He pressed hard on the sides of the gash reaching from her outer right thigh to the very top of her hip. It showed her bone and he knew she was in serious trouble. After the servant stitched it to his satisfactory, he cleaned it again. He asked for some fire to help with sealing the wound further and then wrapped it tight enough to conceal it and not irritate it when he had another kimono put on her.

He took her with him to his chambers in Naomi's castle. Sesshomaru decided he was going to keep her with him because he was the only one who could take care of her to his satisfactory. What? The servants here are very much capable of taking care of her. All I have to do is give the command. He put Rin down onto the bed and took the outer layer of her ripped kimono off and replaced it with another he had brought in by the same servant who stitched her up. He laid down next to her and stared at the canopy colors. The dark blue clashed beautifully with the velvet red. They made the room seem more seductive to come in to sleep and relax. He dozed off and hit a sleep he hadn't had in what seemed years.

Rin woke up and couldn't see anything. It was all dark-she panicked. She got up so fast that the pain from the wound came at her in a flood. She started to sob and she collapsed back onto the bed. "Why can't I see anything!" She cried as she noticed that someone was next to her. Again, she panicked. "AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!! LORD SESSHOMARU!!"

"Rin, stop screaming."

"WHY! You're aren't supposed to be in a bed with me! Lord Sesshomaru will kill you if he finds out!"

"Rin, stop. I will explain everything to you; just please stop moving and talking."

"How do you even know my name? I don't know you; I cant even see who you are!"

"Rin, I am Lord Sesshomaru. Relax."

"Oh," She relaxed partly. "Sorry. I cannot see you. Sorry for screaming Lord Sesshomaru." She was so embarrassed, yet, he was so warm.

'You are fine, relax." She was reluctant to relax right away but since she felt him tense, she made an effort to at least relax a little. Why was he acting like this? He never acted so loving or caring towards her like this ever; unless you count when he resurrected her from the dead with Tensaiga and when he brought her back from the Hell Hound. Other than that he never gave any indication that he felt anything for her. Then, she thought, she had to be dying because those were the only times before he showed such feelings. She tensed again instead of relaxing.

"Rin, relax. There is nothing to be scared of, or to worry about. You are here with me. Safe. Relax." He said the last with force and edginess in his voice. He wanted her to at least try because her being so tense was making him tense. Why couldn't she see? What was wrong with her eyes? Too much blood loss. She's lost so much blood she lost vision. She will get it back, she just has to relax. She felt him tense up again and she immediately tried to relax but he had startled her and she jumped. She caught her side and cried out in pain. He quickly turned to the other side and picked up a hot pad and put it on the wound to soothe any pain she had. The pain subsided after a while but he never removed it for fear the pain would come back.

"Lord Sesshomaru."

"What is it Rin?"

"Am I dying? Is that why you are caring for me and not a servant? Because if I am dying please leave me. I do not want you here while I die. I hate seeing you in pain, my Lord."

"Rin, you are not dying. You fainted from blood loss. You are fine, with rest and much healing you will be just fine. I really wanted to keep and eye on you. I was sleeping until you started screaming."

"Oh, I am so sorry Lord Sesshomaru!! Please, I didn't mean it!" There was silence again for a few moments and then he remembered something.

"Why were you running?"

"What?"

"You were trying to leave. Why were you running?"

"Oh, umm…I thought that since you all felt that you didn't like me that you wouldn't care if I left you and fend myself. So, I ran. I came to a slippery marsh and fell while climbing around it. When I fell, I landed on a sharp rock and cut myself deeply. I wrapped myself as best as I could. Lord Sesshomaru, I am so sorry!!! Please forgive me my Lord!"

"Rin, what did he tell you?"

"Jaken?"

"Rin."

"Right. He said, 'RIN! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY LORD SESSHOMARU KEEPS YOU AROUND!! YOU ARE SO ANNOYING AND YOU ARE VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO YOUR ELDERS!!! YOU KNOW HE ONLY KEEPS YOU AROUND FOR HIS AMUSEMENT!!???!!! I'LL BET YOU NEVER KNEW THAT DID YOU??!' So, I ran off because I believed him. Oh, Lord Sesshomaru! You don't really think that do you? You would have told me wouldn't you?

"Rin." He hesitated and it gave her the impression that Jaken had been right. He immediately regretted saying her name.

"I see. You care for me because it is some kind of duty, right? I am a human, so you cannot love me or care for me. Is that the answer to my question, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Rin," She had believed every word to come out of Jaken's mouth. He only had said her name and by not answering directly she assumed he never cared at all. It struck him odd that he cared about what she was thinking. He didn't care for humans. He would as soon wipe every one of them from the face of this earth if he could. They were filthy, smelly, disobedient, disrespectful creatures and thought only to protect themselves and to care for themselves. It was disgusting. Rin was different though. Rin never did like traveling through the villages and she never complained when they visited his mother or any other powerful demon. She didn't even flinch when Sesshomaru killed anything-besides flowers or animals. She was a perfect creature for him. Wait, what am I thinking? She is Human. Not demon. I cannot love a Human. It is disgraceful and uncouth. "Rin, I have always cared for you. Yes, it is true that I loath Humans and half-demons alike, but you have never seemed to be either for me. You have surpassed them all. I have a cold heart, yes, but whenever I see you hurt emotionally or physically, my heart breaks. I could never leave you if I tried. You are always on my mind. Being in love with someone, has always been at the bottom of my list of things to conquer, but to love a Human or half-demon is a disgrace that I cannot help but hate my own self for feeling because of you. I have fallen for you-a Human. Do you not see how much I care you? I love you and fear you. Why are you running from me? Do you not return the feelings back to me? Do I disgust you as your kind disgusts me?" He looked at her with an expectation of an answer. She couldn't say or do anything other than stare into his eyes searching for something. She couldn't believe it. He had said something along the lines of what she thought he would never say. He loved her and it was evident now. She blushed and looked away, but her head was brought back around. She looked into her master's eyes and not to her surprise there seemed to be nothing there. But she saw it plain as day. He held compassion in those eyes-all for her. "Rin, the surprise I have for you; It is your choice to accept it. I will not make you take it or tell you that you should throw it away. It is all your choice."

"But, my Lord, you never told me what it was." He helped her to sit up in the bed and then got up himself to revel what it was. He had only his pants on and he still was breath taking. His abs a sturdy eight pack of pure muscle and demonic steal. His biceps huge and yet not a disgusting huge. He placed a box onto the bed between the both of them. She recognized the box as the one Pandora had. She drew back scared it would pop open and kill her.

"Rin, it is okay. I promise." There it was. The 'I promise'. The one he never said unless it was serious and true all at the same time. This also meant that he really wanted her to have it. She thought about it for a second wondering why he wanted her to have it so badly. What secrets did it hold that he was insistent on her being the owner? She guessed she would find out sooner or later so she reached her hand out to trace the edges of the box only to have it be covered by Sesshomaru's. She drew back slightly and he flinched away. He didn't think she would have done that. He felt stupid now and his anger was growing. She was taking forever to think it through.

"Ok, I will take it but only if you promise to never leave me in return." There, now she had him trapped. He couldn't ever leave her now even if he wanted to. If he wanted her to really have this box then he would agree.

"Done, now close your eyes and concentrate on- anything." She did as she was told and she then heard the box open. She tensed and he sensed it. "Rin, relax. Nothing is going to hurt you." She relaxed, to a margin, but kept her guard up. She heard it start to open again. She then felt a tug at her spirit. She started to panic inside but then she somehow relaxed and didn't find worry in what was happening. She felt freer and she felt more power fill up inside of her. She felt everything around her in an all new level and yet she didn't feel she was quite finished somehow. She still had her eyes closed and she was still feeling a tug at her spirit. She then heard the box close and snap locked. "Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Rin, give me your right hand." She stretched out her right hand towards his voice and Sesshomaru took her hand and flipped it over so that her palm was facing his face. He then bit at her pulse, infusing his venom into her system. He felt an erg to suck at the blood but decided against it. He almost felt gluttonous towards Rin at times, but he always found a way to leave those thoughts out of his mind. Rin's quid pro quo was almost mimicking to his earlier pleadings. He hadn't ever forsaken her as Jaken stated the day before. But he had thought the scent of her rancid, Human, blood was almost gone. It smelled almost like his. Her vivacious personality clashed with his somnolent one and he loved it. She completed him in so many ways; it was almost captivating to have her step into the room. He remembered when the priest tried to abduct her from him long ago when she first started traveling with him. He was not stagnant to rescue her. In fact, if he remembered correctly, he almost killed the man, his henchmen running around him trying to cast a spell worth calling him to a motionless state, all just so the priest could get away with his Rin. He then extracted his fangs from her and looked at what the damage was. He was surprised that it was so clean. He had expected some type of mess to have to clean up, but there was none. He looked up at her and saw her eyes only. Terrified was what came to his mind first. He slowly licked at the wound he had just given her while still keeping contact with his eyes on hers. She still looked terrified and then she suddenly looked exhausted. She collapsed towards him as he caught her. She looked up at him lazily.

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes, Rin?"

"What just happened to me?"

"I made you temporarily demon; but it would only last if I made you as of my own self. You are now part of the Inu-youki clan. You are a dog demon just like me. Your powers aren't like mine but you have them enough to protect yourself. I cannot always be there or here to protect you and I want to make sure that you are protected in the best way possible."

"Lord Sesshomaru, you…you wanted to protect me even if it meant sacrificing some of your own powers? But, why? I was only a Human."

"Yes, I know this, but it's because I…I love you." There. He had said it. The thing that had been bugging him for what seemed an eternity; it was out in the open for her to see and ponder. He had came to the conclusion a while ago when she turned fifteen. He remembered that he tried staying away from her in order to not feel it. But as he stayed away, he found that it only made him love her even more. What would she say? Will she accept him? Yes. She had to accept him or else he would have been a fool. No one made him a fool, not the great Sesshomaru. He surpassed his own father in power, strength and great wealth within these lands he held in his grasp. His father was weak and didn't even try to cover it. He'd just parade around acting like no one could stand up to him or defeat him-yet he died at the hands of a Human. My father, such a weak Inu-youki. Never can anyone fall for such a disgraceful creature. Yet I have brought my own self to that level…well, at least I do not have to worry about that any longer. Rin is an Inu-Youki now. I am allowed to love her. Till death do us part. Now, he knew he sounded conceded to everyone else at times, but he wanted the authority. He loved being the authority and he loved being feared.

"Lord Sesshomaru loves me?" She didn't know what else to say. She was thinking out loud more than asking a direct question. Her Lord had just admitted that he loved her and for her to deny him or not to say anything to comfort him was a form he would take as being foolish. She had seen what he was when he thought he was being foolish. Destruction always follows. "Lord Sesshomaru, you do not know how long I have waited for you to say those words to me. I always just satisfied myself with hearing it in my dreams but-you love me. I am so happy My Lord!!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him until he nudged her away.

"Rin. We cannot tell anyone about this."

"Of course, My Lord."

"You need to heal. I will let you know when you can start learning of your new powers and how to use your box."

"Yes, My Lord."

He woke up holding something tightly and possessively. He looked down to see Rin nuzzled deep and almost comfortably within his arms and tail. I must have fallen asleep. They had spent the rest of the night together. Just laying there thinking and Rin mostly talking or sleeping silently in and out. He was only going to stay there until she was deep in sleep but he must have let himself go. Oh well. She stirred under him and he instinctly made his arms tighter. She looked up at him dazedly. "Where do you think you are going?" She wasn't going anywhere yet. He was too comfortable.

"Aren't you leaving today My Lord? Do you not have things to do?" She looked at him like she had caught him. Yes, he was going back to the castle today, and he wanted to make sure everything was okay here while he was gone, but he wanted to stay like this a little longer.

"Yes. But I feel so at ease. I think I will be sleeping in today." He looked back down at her and she smiled at him and then rolled her eyes as she once again found her comfortable spot and dozed back off. He waited for her to be completely asleep before slowly and cautiously taking himself away from her. He did have things to do today. Too much to do that he couldn't sleep in as he wanted. Jaken would be coming and going between the two places while he was out, yes, but he still wanted things to be going smoothly before he left. He finally was out and up and watched her become comfortable in his absence and then left his chambers in search of Naomi and Jaken.

I have to speak with my mother. He had forgotten to speak with her last night and probably would have left without a word to her had he not seen her servant pass by him bowing as he passed cautiously. All of the servants that had ever served under his family acted like this. Always acting like they would be slaughtered at any given moment. So annoying and distracting. He asked the servant to take him to his mother immediately. He was taken to the far end of the 'castle' to a place most beautiful. He stared at the paintings and at the scenery. They were all identical to his mother's castle surroundings. She was so funny to him because she always had this way with Naomi that he knew they trusted each other. He wanted someone to trust and put his life in the hands of when he was in trouble. He looked up at the door that said SAMA on it in elegant, bold characters. Mother you are definitely an Inuyouki… he rapped on the door three times before he heard his mother inside command her servant to open the screen and for him to enter. He did and found she hadn't left her bed yet.

"You really must be badly injured to be in bed this long mother." He walked to a seat at the end of her bed and sat down lazily. He was still only in his pants, but what did he care? No one would say anything to him if he wanted to stay like this all day long.

"Oh Good Morning, Sesshomaru! I thought maybe you were another of my servants. They have been attending me all morning I am getting sick of seeing them. No, I just don't want to be a noble today. Ha-ha. How is Rin doing my dear?"

"She is well. You will be quite surprised to see her when she fully recovers…but you must tell no one what you know is different-if you catch it."

"Oh Sesshomaru, dear, I could smell her from here. I know she has changed much and I know why you did it. I was wondering if you would ever figure it out though…Ha-ha…looks like you did. Did you two have fun last night?" She gave an evil smirk and wiggled her body at the comment. She was having fun bating him into a conversation. He had known she would catch it sooner or later but he didn't think she would have been so keen as to notice right away without even seeing Rin. His mother scared him sometimes; but he never let on.

"Mother, what has been happening at my castle in the Western provinces?"

"Oh, you mean your Father's castle? Well…the Humans and the inferior demons and youki think that you are in love with a Human… So they thought that maybe a little uproar would change your mind? But, when they figured out that you weren't at your castle and gone on business, they attacked the castle directly in order to overthrow you. None of them know Rin's name, but they know she is Human. Well, not anymore she isn't but what they don't know will not get them killed." She laughed at herself and she then lifted her finger to point at a servant. He came and she asked for a sweet. He nodded and left the room.

"So what happened that you were hurt and almost killed?"

"Well, I was protecting the castle and I was shot at from all angles. I was charged at the same time and so I couldn't take both at once unless I destroyed your castle. I knew you would have been angry with your poor, little mother so I took the shooting arrows and disabled the chargers. All is well though. I had contacted Naomi and asked her to teleport me here if I was injured. Since I disappeared, Pandora thought I was dead. I guess stupidity finally killed her aye?" Again she eyed her son to see if she had bated him into telling some gossip for once in his life. Nothing. She grew a pout on her face and finally reached for a sweet that had been placed in front of her.

"Yes, I see, stupidity did in fact kill her. I killed her with my own hands actually, mother. You would have loved to have been there." He smiled at himself and lifted his right arm to show his claws. She laughed a little at her son.

"Yes, well, at least she cant torture you anymore with her inferior scent and power. Now you can openly LOVE Rin…Am I right?" She gave him a look of everyone knew but you and his blood began to boil. Why does my mother always turn a good conversation between the two of us into a bad one? It's like she thrives on my anger about the whole Rin situation.

"Mother I-"

"Lord Sesshomaru!!!!"

Rin. He darted out of his mother's chambers before she could protest it; though she turned to laughing hysterically when she realized he was leaving to tend to Rin. He always thought it to be awkward that his mother liked Rin above all other Humans as well as anyone else who knew her. No one he knew other than his brother Inuyasha had ever loved, cared or ever liked a Human near them. It was strange what Rin could do with a demon present. It had always been as if she was part Demon herself all along.

"LORD SESSHOAMRU!!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. Rin didn't know what was happening to her or why what just happened, happened. She looked towards the sliding door as it slide open with a loud 'THUD', and saw her Lord enter the room. She started to cry. She was so emotional when she didn't know what was happening because she thought that she might be disappointing Lord Sesshomaru. She looked on his face and she saw for the hundredth time a small sliver of relief on his face. "Lord Sesshomaru!?! What is happening to me!?!?"

He couldn't help it…he laughed. "Rin, you are fine."

"No I am not!!! Look at me!!! I have claws and streaks in my hair!!!"

"You are fine, Rin. Look in the mirror over there. You are beautiful." She got up out of bed and ran to the mirror. She did. He hadn't lied-she was remarkable looking. Just like her Lord's mother was astonishing. Of course, his mother's beauty was unbeatable; Rin thought she looked almost as astonishing. She then noticed she had faint markings beginning to appear, still invisible if someone wasn't paying close, close attention. She looked over to Lord Sesshomaru reclining on her bed now. He was so beautiful himself, but she knew better than that. His human appearance was only a cover up for his fierce dog-demon form, as was his mother's. Was she to become like them?

"Lord Sesshomaru?" She looked worried.

"What is it Rin?" He was staring her down with his amber eyes daring her to move.

"What is happening?" She continued to look worried.

"Rin, come here." She came closer to him and he motioned for her to sit next to him. She did so and was surprised when he came even closer to her. Her jet black hair now had blue and white streaks running through her hair in a delicate pattern of beauty. Her fangs were small but he knew that they would become slightly bigger within the week. Her fingers and hands had turned to hands of clawed fingers. The claws with a hint of purple permanent polish. My colors. He couldn't help but feel proud of her and of himself most definitely. He had helped to create the perfect Inuyouki for him to love and cherish forever. Should I kiss you, My Rin? Will you refuse me if I tell you what I have done?

"Lord Sesshomaru, please tell me what is happening to me? I would like to know my Lord."

He hesitated for a minute but brought himself out of thought and told her what she had wanted to hear. He also reminded her about not telling anyone she was previously Human. "If anyone questions you, kill them or tell them to confront myself personally. They have no business knowing you personally Rin."

"Yes, my Lord. When will you be leaving?" She didn't want him to leave, but he had a duty to tend to at his castle.

"What?"

"You are leaving tonight, before Naomi's darkness sets in, right? That's why you have your armor on ready to go. Are you going back to the castle to settle things?"

"Yes, Rin, I am leaving tonight. You are to stay here and learn what you can from Jaken, Naomi, and my Mother. Do you understand what I am telling you, Rin?"

"Yes, of course, my Lord." She looked down to her feet. She didn't want him to leave just yet. She wanted to spend more time with him. He was finally opening up to her and he had said he loved her. She wanted to stay with him, but she knew she would only be in the way with being in her current condition. She was about to get up and leave to get ready for the day when she felt her chin being turned and pulled to her right. She slowly lifted her eyes to see her Lord's amber ones before he closed them and kissed her gently on the lips. She was shocked at first but then she relaxed and kissed him back before he pulled away.

"I will dine with you for lunch before I leave. I have further things to discuss with you before returning."

"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru." She was dazed and her eyes pleaded that he didn't leave her now more than before but he rose and left the room to return to his mother's chambers. Oh my gosh! Did he just kiss me or am I imagining things now, too? She quickly called for a chamber maid and asked for someone to assist her in preparing for the day. She was lead to a hot spring where she bathed leisurely until her fingers almost wrinkled. She noticed though that the creatures where more edgy around her now than they were the other day. They had stalked her then but now they kept good distance from her as she walked to and from the springs. She put on a blue and white kimono with red flower prints and tied her hair up with clear sticks. She then went into Naomi's garden and asked if she could have a flower for her hair. She picked Sesshomaru's favorite white one, a lily, and put it in her hair. She perfumed herself and then she was off to find Jaken and meet everyone in the dining hall. She was so excited she was now able to please her Lord even more. She had noticed that the markings on her wrists and face were becoming more evident but she had also developed some on her hips and thighs as well as her ankles. She was becoming a completely different creature and she loved every minute of it.

"My Lord, I was wondering if I was allowed permission to accompany you on your journey back to the castle. I would like to help you retrieve your kingdom. Uh…M-my Lord." He hadn't been paying attention to Jaken's pleadings, just trying to think of how to get things back to normal-or at least back to a 'normal' normal.

"Jaken. You are to stay here and see to it that Rin is comfortable the WHOLE time I am gone. Understood?"

"OH! Of Course, My Lord. But I wanted to leave with you Lord Sesshomaru!"

"Jaken."

"OH please do not get angry with me Lord Sesshomaru. It is just that I will miss you while you are away my Lord."

"Eat Jaken."

"Yes, of course." Oh man! I have to stay here and guard and guide Rin when I could be helping Lord Sesshomaru!! Stupid girl! I hate being the babysitter! OH!!! He hadn't noticed that everyone had stopped eating to look towards the entrance of the room. He turned and looked himself and saw what he thought was an angel. Rin was standing there waiting for Lord Sesshomaru's approval to be seated with everyone else to eat. He hadn't said anything but just stared. She was becoming antsy under his stare and he then nodded for her to sit. His eyes following her every move to her seat. She was so graceful with her movements; unlike the childish ones she used to have when she was younger-now even more elegant that she had slightly rounder hips. He couldn't stand it any longer; he looked away and didn't even try to look back for fear of lust leaking out of his eyes.

Have I done something wrong? He looked away and he hasn't looked to me since! What did I do-make him angry? Please look at me, my Lord. I am sorry if I have displeased you!! She didn't touch anything. She just sat there silently. She looked to everyone. Jaken was eating happily, occasionally looking up at her to see if she had touched any of her food since he had last looked. Lord Sesshomaru's mother kept looking at her in concern and admiration. She knew his mother didn't think Rin did anything wrong. But Lord Sesshomaru never once looked to her or anyone else. She felt awful, but didn't know what to do to excuse herself from her Lord.

"Rin, dear?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to help me back to my room? I would like your company."

"Yes, of course." Rin looked at her Lord's mother with thankfulness in her eyes. She loved his mother. She was always so kind to her. Rin waited for his mother to finish off her meal and then helped her up and to her room. All the while, Lord Sesshomaru never once looked her way.

Once they were in his mother's chambers, she breathed again. She was on the verge of crying. She had tried so hard to try and please her Lord at lunch today, that all she did was make him look away instead.

"Rin, my dear, you didn't make him angry. Don't cry, you made him want to stay here with you is all. He couldn't look at you because he wanted to keep his mind made up on leaving. Do not stress my dear you look ravishing."

"Thank you so much. My Lady, what is it that I must learn from each of you in order to achieve control of my powers and the box?"

"Well, actually, you will learn for fight physically from me. I am quite sure Jaken and Naomi have their own little things to teach you other than what they are told to teach you from Sesshomaru. All I know is that I am to teach you to fight and use your head. It will be fun I promise."

"Oh. Yes, of course. Thank you My Lady."

"All is well my dear. Now, get back to your chambers and wait there patiently for him to come and bid you good-bye. I am almost positive he has to see you before he leaves. Ha-ha; at least, I believe so, since he couldn't even look towards you at lunch today!" She giggled some more and Rin started to smile. "He is definitely in love with you my dear. That's it; keep smiling. That's your most intriguing attribute. Oh, and don't show so much emotion. It throws both male and female of all statures."

"Thank you. Please sleep well tonight, My Lady."

"Yes, and do not forget to meet Naomi tomorrow morning for her schoolings. If you have any questions about your transformations, please come and ask me my dear. Good evening."

"Yes, I will My Lady. Thank you so much for all you have done for me. Good evening." She left his mother's chambers and went quickly to hers. She was relieved that Sesshomaru wasn't angry with her. Now she could go about things in peace for the rest of her stay.

Rin. What are you doing to ME?! Sesshomaru went to Naomi's chambers and asked to speak with her. She appeared when her servants left the room.

"What can I help you with my Lord Sesshomaru?" She looked bored and agitated. He must have interrupted something entertaining.

"I need you to teach and educate Rin in the magic of this box-this I am sure you have already found. You said she was to have the box in order to keep her transformations and self alive, correct?"

"Yes, I did. But, why me? Why not you. You know almost everything about my father's box. Are you leaving me to care for her Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I have to. I do not want her out of here while she is still transforming. I will keep in touch with you as I am gone, however, please teach her."

"Why not my Father then?"

"Isn't he the one that seems to be intrigued with his own daughters? Why would I leave him with my Rin?"

" Fine. I will do my best. She will be taught everything. It is her choice to learn it. When will you be returning?"

"One week from tomorrow. That should leave Rin with two days extra after her transformation is complete."

"Two days. Alright. I will agree to this. I see you are finally putting trust in me. I am relieved."

"Why? If my own mother trusts you with her life, I figure I should trust you with my life and of the lives of both traveling companions. Keep her safe and comfortable while I am absent."

"Of course. She seems sad today. What has happened?"

"I told her I was leaving this morning and well..." He trailed off. She didn't need to know details. He wasn't going to give them either.

"You leave often. How has it changed for her to be so upset?"

"I want the best for her."

"Well, then I will definitely do my best. Good bye, Lord Sesshomaru. Be safe yourself and I will see you a week from tomorrow."

"Farewell, Naomi." He turned and left the room, heading for Jaken's chambers. He needed Jaken to know his part more than the other two. He was the one he was worried about ruining everything he had just worked for.

"Jaken." He called for the little imp as he walked into his chambers.

"What is it my Lord?"

"You are to teach Rin the ways of the Court. I know she knows most of them but, I want her to present herself and convince everyone that she is in fact and always has been an Inuyouki. Do you understand what I am asking Jaken?"

"MY LORD!!! I THOUGHT YOU WOULD NEVER ASK!" Jaken was so pleased and excited that he had finally asked him to teach Rin a thing or too about the Inuyouki court and lifestyle. Now she couldn't back talk him when he was teaching her. He was indeed going to enjoy this. She was finally going to have to listen to his story telling.

"Jaken, I will be back a week from tomorrow. Do not fail me."

"Yes, my Lord. Of course. I will not fail you!!! Leave everything to me my Lord. She will be so convincing that even your mother will believe it! Not that she is foolish my Lord, not at all. I am just saying that Rin will be most suitable-," Sesshomaru left before Jaken could finish.

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru left Jaken to his ramblings and scurrying to find all the things he needed to teach Rin about the Inuyouki. He didn't care how it was done, he just wanted it done.

He walked into the castle kitchen and grabbed one of the servants. "Bring a light lunch to the chambers belonging to Rin. She will be needing refreshment."

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru. I will have it brought in at once!" The servant bowed and scurried into the kitchen to prepare the little meal. Sesshomaru stretched and prepared himself to arrive at Rin's chambers with her lunch. He was sure she was sad because he had acted as if she was displeasing. But she hadn't been displeasing in the least bit. She had been gorgeous and graceful-perfectly. He wished he could have controlled himself better around her though. He felt like a fool. He started to think of the trip he was about to take when the servant returned with Rin's lunch. Sesshomaru nodded and walked to her chambers. He was about to knock on the door when the door opened. The servant coming out was startled and he bowed down low. He told the Lord that Rin was writing and entertaining herself with music. She wasn't expecting any visitors tonight.

"You will let me in. Tell her that her Lord has come to visit."

"Yes, at once my Lord." The servant ran back inside and told Rin of Sesshomaru coming in. She quickly shooed him away and readied herself for her last visit with Lord Sesshomaru. I hope he really isn't angry with me! I would feel awful if he was and I welcomed him in as if nothing was wrong. Please God, he can't be angry with me! He's leaving tonight. She walked into the main part of her chambers and saw him sitting on her bed with a lunch. She was shocked to see he had brought her anything at all. He looked her way and seemed awestruck with her figure. She had changed into a blue and black kimono with purple squiggles. His favorite colors, blue and purple, caught his eye at first but when he saw Rin's form inside of the elegant kimono, he again felt he was about to loose control. Rin looked away to blush a bright red. He was looking at her in lust and he had never looked that way towards her before. She decided she had to go over there before he left so she went to get it over with. He watched her move and again found that he had to look away from her. She saw it and felt pride fill her. She didn't want her Lord to feel like a fool because he couldn't control himself-but it felt great that she was able to stir such a feeling from her Lord. It was beneath him to be foolish in any aspect. She stopped in the middle of the room and turned away.

"My Lord, if it pleases you; I can live without a goodbye."

"Rin, I cannot leave you."

"But my Lord, your castle needs your protection and guidance. Without you to go and diminish the revolt, your lordship of the Western Lands will be diminished. You must leave my Lord." She wasn't about to let him blow off his duties to his people and lands just because he felt gluttonous towards her.

"Rin. I was still going to leave…I want to bring you with me but you cannot come. It is too much for someone in your state."

"Lord Sesshomaru, I didn't want you to leave this morning, but now I know your castle needs you and you have to go. Protect what is yours to protect. I wouldn't have wanted to come with you if you asked me to but I would have gone because you did ask. I love you, my Lord. I want what makes you happy." She didn't want him to leave really, and she did want to go with him, but she knew he had to go alone. This was what would test her abilities to please her Lord with her new body and powers. Besides, she had to learn how to convince everyone else that she had always been an Inuyouki. For that, she needed Jaken and Sesshomaru's mother. Naomi had her job too. To teach Rin all about her powers and everything there was about the box.

"I have my responsibilities to attend and I needed to see you before I left" Well, it was the truth and he would have said anything to see a smile on Rin's face right now. She was going to cry and he knew it was his fault. He had only yesterday given her the surprise, and now he wanted to witness all of her transformations into an Inuyouki. He was going to miss her, he knew it was inevitable, but he wasn't ever going to leave her without saying goodbye to her first. "Rin, you are mine to protect. It is funny that I feel that way. My father once asked me if I had something to protect. I have gone all of this time believing that I never had anything to protect. I even declared that I protected nothing at one time. Now, however, I feel that I need to protect you and my dignity as an Inuyouki Lord." I now see why my Father needed to leave for Izyori; he had something to protect.

She couldn't help but smile, laugh and cry all at the same time. Rin was overjoyed that he had indeed fallen in love with her, out of all the other creatures in this world and the next; he had chosen to love her. She was now acceptable for him to love and she could tell he wasn't going to be shy about it. "Lord Sesshomaru, you flatter me. Do not be so cruel. I have always loved and served you. Do not tease me about it now of all times, please." She looked at Lord Sesshomaru and he motioned for her to come and sit to the right of him. She did so without hesitation. "I will miss you dearly, my Lord. Please; do not leave tonight."

"Rin." He knew what she was asking. He would have to leave tomorrow if he spent anymore time here with Rin. "I will have to leave right now to make it in time before nightfall. I cannot leave tonight if you keep me here any longer." He rose up and started for the door to leave. Rin looked at his body. Something was different. He usually had everything including his armor on when he was leaving for a trip anywhere. But, this time he didn't. Lord Sesshomaru didn't have any of his armor on. Then, it clicked.

"You weren't planning on leaving tonight. You changed your mind after lunch today, didn't you? You have no armor on." She smirked as she looked into his eyes and saw that he was surprised at her observations. He smiled, indeed he'd taught her well. To observe and remember everything so as to not be tricked into something false.

"You are cleaver Rin. No, I had planned on leaving up until I came to your chamber doors. At the last second, I asked the servant to take my armor to my chambers for the night. I couldn't take leaving you after what happened yesterday. It wouldn't be right."

"But, my Lord, what are you going to tell everyone at breakfast tomorrow morning? They all think you have left! Besides, it's bad enough the people and demons on your lands are revolting because they think you love a Human. What are you to do my Lord?"

"Rin, do not worry about such things right now. We are no longer different. I can love you as I please. You are an Inuyouki and so am I. We are acceptable to society and the creatures on my land will no longer have a reason to revolt against me. In a way, I got rid of the Human traveling in my company." Rin flinched. He had said the word Human with so much disgust in his voice, it scared her. She started to feel guilty because she herself was a Human. No. No, I am not a Human. I am an Inuyouki. Humans are not a part of me nor I of them. They are lowly creatures with no hearts. I should know from experience right?

Sesshomaru saw she was fighting something. "What is it Rin?"

"Oh. Umm…well, I keep forgetting I am no longer Human but an Inuyouki. I guess I have to get used to it right?"

"Yes. Indeed you will need to remember that for future references, however, there is something I must tell you. Something you must never let anyone here know that you have been told. Come and eat."

"Uh huh. You will tell me though, right?" She gladly ate her small meal and hummed all the while with anticipation as to what the gossip could be. She hadn't eaten lunch earlier. She had stressed over something silly. "My Lord?"

"Yes, Rin?"

"What are you going to do until tomorrow morning?"

"Well, I will go to dinner tonight and then come back here with you. Do you object to this?"

"Do not jest! I think that would be delightful, Lord Sesshomaru." She smiled at this and felt like she was having an actual conversation with the great Lord Sesshomaru. They had never talked together with his absolute trust in saying everything on his mind. Rin thought it was amazing. He had also convinced her of his undying love. The great Lord Sesshomaru…he could love after all. "So, what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"Sesshomaru, tell me again why you are staying tonight?" Sesshomaru's mother couldn't understand why he had decided to stay on the account that he didn't feel he needed to go so soon and he could stay one more night. She was furious at first but them she thought about it and she couldn't remember the last time she had spent this much time with her own son.

"Mother, I do not like repeating myself." He was growing angry. He was hoping they would accept it and then drop the subject but everyone just kept on asking. He hated repeating orders and he hated it even more when asked after stating he didn't like to repeat statements previously made. His blood was boiling. Sesshomaru rose from his spot and walked out of the dinning hall. Why do they torture me like this? They know it angers me and yet they still do it? If it were anyone or thing else I wouldn't have hesitated to kill them already! Have I really grown soft?!?!?! No. I would never grow soft! He stormed out of the left wing of the castle into the courtyard where, even though it was dark out, this part didn't have the death threat as going outside the castle walls would. He found peace of mind here and after a couple of hours just star gazing, he finally went back inside to look for his Rin.

What is this? Why can I not catch her scent? No matter where he went and no matter who he asked, Rin was no where. He thought he had caught her aura and scent fifteen minutes ago but that was only because she had been sitting there at dinner. He went everywhere and then he stood stagnant. "NAOMI!?!"

"Yes, my Lord?" He could see her in his mind and he saw the smirk on her face. He had been oblivious for an hour as to what was happening all because he had his mind wide open just to find Rin. "Why did you open your mind for everyone to read my Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Fix it Naomi."

"I cannot. You have to close your mind. You have been concentrating and worrying about not being able to find her that you let your guard down and now, I was able to finally play a little trick on you. Sad really, but I understand your worry. Her wound has healed nicely hasn't it?"

"There is a scar. It will not disappear but, I have no complaints over a mere scar."

"You must have seen it by now!! Your castle is going to ruins and you care nothing about it. You aren't protecting what you had promised to protect. You used to have a heart and mind for conquest and now look at you; gone soft, just as your father."

"Naomi, back down or suffer the consequences of your actions."

"Come and get me."

"Fine, have it your way." He started for her. She was now in the mind-game she had planted for him. All he had to do was kill her virtual being and he would be able to leave this virtual world behind. He saw she had ducked under a small table and vanished. No one just vanishes, not even figments of an imagination. He knew he couldn't use his sense of smell here so he had to rely on instinct, sight, sound and taste of the air around him. I hate games when I am the prey. He was always dragged into these as a young youki and he had always ripped everything to shreds only to have a migraine lasting several weeks afterwards. He had learned from those and knew to be careful about what he destroyed here. "Naomi?"

"Yes?"

"Why do you find delight in toying with your prey?"

"Why do you?" She chuckled as he tried clawing at her and missed.

"It excites me. It makes me feel more powerful, even if only for the moment." He lunged at her again and nicked her cheek.

"Hn. Lord Sesshomaru, we were never really that much different from each other. What made you choose my sister instead of me so long ago?"

"The same reason I didn't choose either of you now. I hated her for her weaknesses and petty strengths. I always knew that she was a masked figure. You were the real thing and I have never liked a fake."

"So you chose me because I was strong, cunning, and more powerful than my sister? Yet, you loved her until that fateful afternoon."

"Well, I never liked her anyways."

"Oh, you're cruel. I wish she was alive just so that I could tell her that. I would have loved to see her face. Just like when you had found out what happened."

"Hn."

"Lord Sesshomaru, you had an evil, disappointed look on your face. I laughed until I found out what caused it. She was so angry that you were there to witness what she was doing. She even said that it wasn't as it seemed! Didn't you see it when she opened her box?"

"No. I left after she opened it. I saw the destruction it was causing. Pleasing but stupid…Never liked stupid creatures, especially a hanyou." He had almost caught her on that one but missed by a narrow second. Damn. Still too slow!

"You almost had me that time!! You're getting faster. Maybe you should quit talking to me so you can concentrate."

"I can do more things at once than you can! How dare you insult me?!"

"Suck it up. You haven't ever been able to catch me. I always had to surrender because I became bored! Of course, you always complained of a stupid headache. SO funny to watch you lose control and get angry over a game. Always the sore loser."

"Liar, I caught you once."

"WOW. Once, so what?"

"PARISH!" He had taken his Tokajin out to play out its lightning strike. It hit its target but also caused his head to feel as if it were to explode in any second.

"Ha-ha!!! Until next time my Lord!?!"

"We will see…" His head hurt so bad! DAMN! WHY DID I DO THAT?!?! He found he was back in the courtyard and rose up to head for Rin's chambers. She had to be in there by now.

He rapped on the door three times before entering. He didn't see her anywhere. Where could she be at this hour? He scanned the room and found a small hump on the bed covered tightly. He walked over and peered to see what it was.

"Rin?" The 'thing' shook and shoved its head under the covers. "Rin, show me your face."

"I can't. I look like Pandora!!" She had better not look like Pandora! He flung the sheets to the floor. Low and behold-her body only covered where it really needed to be and pale white, though her transparent night kimono, just as Sesshomaru was. She had markings around her thighs and hips that were purple just as were the ones going from the bottom of her back to the top and down her arms until they faded into a sky blue, midnight rose color at her wrists and ankles. He saw a pale red marking on the side of her face and the colors in her hair had become more distinct even a hint of bright pink streaking though.

"Rin."

"My Lord, what do I look like to you?" She finally looked up at him and he did a full up and down check of her entire body. She was remarkable The faint, but distinct pale red markings on her cheeks clashed remarkably with the sky blue, midnight rose colored outline of a new moon on her forehead. He didn't say anything, just stared into her eyes. The color had sharpened some and it was intense with emotion. He looked away. He hated seeing emotion in her new eyes. It made them look stained. To Rin he seemed to be disgusted with her new features, even though it wasn't true, she didn't know it. He was actually quite happy with them, but emotion stains the eyes and it makes one uncomfortable with looking at them. "That is fine. No need to answer. I can tell by your actions. You can leave without saying good bye to me. I will see you when you return-maybe then I will be presentable enough to look at!" She turned around a stormed to her vanity-Sesshomaru on her heals.

"DO NOT SPEAK TO ME THAT WAY! I AM YOUR LORD AND YOU WILL OBEY AND RESPECT ME!" Her ramblings had enraged him. Boiling his Youki blood to the point of explosion. His eyes changing to a crimson red as he spoke and held her in place with his hands pressing her arms and body into the wall she stood against.

"You do not show any interest in my new transformation. Maybe you regret making me an Inuyouki?" She looked into his red eyes and saw that he wanted to plaster her face into the wall behind her for being so incompetent, but thought otherwise.

"YOU DO NOT INTIMIDATE ME, RIN! I AM THE ONE WHO CALLS MY OWN THOUGHTS AND WORDS-NOT YOU OR WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN READ. YOU KNOW NOTHING. I DO NOT REGRET THINGS I DO OR DESIDE MUST BE DONE- IF THEY TURN OUT BADLY, I KILL AND DESTROY WHAT IS DISPLEASING TO ME. KEEP TALKING-YOU WILL BE THE NEXT BAD THING TO HAPPEN." How dare she talk to him like he had grown soft and obeyed her? She might be an equal in demon now, but she was never his equal in anything else. Yes he loved her, but she was to keep her obedience to him at all times. She had no rights to act as she was with him-none. He let go and stormed out of her chambers-headed for somewhere else. He made it half way to the gardens and turned around to go back to Rin's chambers. She wasn't getting away with disrespect-he wasn't soft a demon-ever.

Rin watched him storm from the room. She didn't know why she had just disobeyed her master. She didn't know what came over her. She still didn't want to let him see her face and what had happened. She thought she was hideous, she didn't know what was to happen next, she thought she might accidentally hurt someone. She didn't want that. She didn't know how to tell her Lord she was sorry but she was going to no matter what. He had to forgive her. She walked up to her vanity and combed her hair once more. It was softer now and much more manageable. It didn't seem to tangle so easily or knot up like it used to. It shone in the light just like Lord Sesshomaru's. She loved that part at least. There came a knock at her door and she rushed to open it. She saw it wasn't Lord Sesshomaru, but Jaken.

"Rin, what has happened?"

"I don't know Master Jaken! What am I to do? I am hideous!"

"Oh, Rin you don't look bad, you look ravishing!! I get to teach you all about the Inuyouki and how to convince even our Lord's mother that you have always been an Inuyouki!! Won't this be so much fun!?"

"Oh, yes, of course Master Jaken! I cannot wait to learn as much as possible about my new self and clan. It's like becoming one of Lord Sesshomaru's servants all over again!!!"

"Rin, what happened though?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was coming to say just this to you when I heard Lord Sesshomaru yelling and saw him leave you here. What happened?"

"Oh, I yelled at him and said what I thought he was thinking! He got angry with me because I didn't listen. Oh, Master Jaken what do I do!? How can I get him to forgive me?"

"OH NO! Rin, you didn't! Tell me you're lying!"

"No. I am not. I am so sorry Master Jaken! Please tell me what I should do!"

"You have to grovel! Plead for your forgiveness at his feet and ask to be spared!! You must act humble about it Rin or he will never forgive you!"

"Jaken." Lord Sesshomaru had heard talking and entered the room to see who it had been. He was very angry now that Jaken knew about it.

"Y-y-yes M-m-my L-l-l-lord?"

"Leave. Now."

"Of Course! So sorry, My Lord!" He darted out of the room and never once looked back. Sesshomaru shut the door and locked it behind him. He looked over at Rin's tear stained cheeks, but didn't give any sign that he felt bad or happy about it. He went over to the bed and sat down next to Rin. She tensed up and started the process to stop crying. He looked around the room and never directly at her. She felt so bad! What was she to do?

"Lord Sesshomaru, I am so sorry!!! I never meant to disobey you, I just wa-"

"Rin, stop talking." That was it. She really had angered him into not forgiving her at all. She felt horrible. She felt as if she was being ungrateful for everything he had done for her and it was all false. She was so happy and excited to get things from him and for him to do everything just for her safety and happiness. It all made her happy and above all else grateful to her Lord. She loved him with all of her being. Yet, she had acted this way and made him feel like a fool. Please say something, Lord Sesshomaru!

She looked at his feet while her head was down. Motionless…just as he was being. She wanted to ask again to be forgiven and she wanted to say sorry once again. What is he thinking? She took a chance and looked up towards his face to see if she could hint anything in his demeanor-nothing. He was just looking forward without saying a word…silence. It was killing her. "Rin?"

"Yes, My Lord?"

"If you want my forgiveness-earn it." She looked up again and he was staring at her. This time however, his eyes were once again a crimson red. She broke and ran out of the room to Naomi's chambers. She could hear him calling for her but she kept running-running for her life. She heard a loud, growling howl coming from a distance behind her. She knew he was coming for her. It was only a matter of time before he would catch up. She felt she was betraying him again but she couldn't help it, he told her she had to earn it. The only way to do that; play by his game playing rules. She saw Naomi's chamber door and she started to run harder-only to find herself colliding with a hard surface-Lord Sesshomaru. He had finally caught up. Please… She looked back towards the door and willed it to open. Anything to happen for Naomi to come and answer her questions before she died. She turned around-too slow.

Rin looked back up at Lord Sesshomaru. She could see he had transformed on an instant because his eyes were still a crimson red and his face still slightly deformed.

He then let out a terrifying growl that made her shiver uncontrollably, "Rin, why did you run? Are you so naïve that you didn't think I would become angry? Or, did you just assume I wouldn't care because I have become too soft." He said this last with such disgust she thought that maybe he was going to slice her right then and there. He stared her down and she willed herself not to cry. Rin's eyes watered but nothing left her eyes; she wouldn't dare show her tears now. As she continued to stare up at him she found strength from somewhere within. She then stood a little bolder and stared intensely back at him without emotion. Straining not to show that she was more curious than anything else. When she did this she found that it infuriated him even more and then when she acted as if she was going to back away and turn to leave he would settle. Interesting. She got right into his face a kissed him. It was just a small kiss on the lips and it wasn't anything big to worry about. She felt him relax to an extreme margin. Very Interesting. She let go of their kiss and stepped back. Again just staring at him. No emotion being let out. Just blankness. His face said it all. He hadn't expected her to do anything. He hadn't expected her to show-nothing. When she did this, he couldn't read her as he once could-her power was to be un-expecting. She smiled-she even let out a small quiet giggle. "Why did you come to Naomi?"

"M-my L-l-lord, I…I…I…"

"SPIT IT OUT, NOW!!"

"My Lord, please, I just wanted Naomi to answer my questions, and I couldn't stand the silence between us any longer-she was the one I felt would help me with the game…" Well, it was the truth and it wasn't pleasing him anymore than it would have if she would have told him a lie.

"Silence? If I choose to have silence you should show ME respect enough to be silent and stay in that silence unless I say otherwise! Why are you being so incompetent?" He didn't get it. No at all, why was she being so rebellious?? It was, however, doing her good with his attentions…she couldn't possibly believe that she was good enough now to be in his rank of priorities and respect. Then, he thought again. Now that she was an Inuyouki, she was to act as if she was Inuyouki in public, she wasn't to act this way with him at any time, no matter in public or privacy-although, he could make exceptions every now and then. She saw his face become the normal, and she breathed out a sigh of relief. She knew however that they would probably talk again later, but she wanted answers and he knew that now. He would let her visit Naomi, wouldn't he? "Go…but come back to me…I have to talk with you one last time."

"Yes, my Lord. I really am sorry, I understand. I cannot help it though my Lord. It is something I haven't ever experienced."

He thought a moment, they nodded. They would talk later. She bowed and then started off towards Naomi's chamber door, but he stopped her with his extended right arm, pulling her back close to him. She stared back at him as she was cradled in both of his arms-real close-and saw something there in his eyes. Something she hadn't noticed until then. She saw love in his eyes before he leaned in for yet another kiss. She didn't know how to react to this one. She returned it but didn't know why he did it. Yeah she saw the love there but wasn't he angry with her? She stared back up at Lord Sesshomaru; he was only centimeters from her face. She leaned her body in further towards him without moving her head. She wanted another kiss. They were so delightful, coming from Lord Sesshomaru.

Is this a move for more? Should he take it to another level or keep it at the same? Will she reject him? No, I will not go any further until the RIGHT time. She could tell he was thinking about something. What of, she didn't know but she knew he had to be thinking about them and what she had just done. He leaned in and kissed her gently again, releasing her after a few seconds.

"Rin, I want you to be with me forever. I want you to be my life mate-my soul mate." She looked up at him again;

"And so I shall become everything you want me to be. I love you and I want to be with you as well." Then Rin pulled away to go to Naomi. She still wanted her to tell her what was happening.

He watched her go to Naomi's chambers and then he went to finish his preparations for his journey home.

"Naomi? Where are you, my Lady?" She scanned all over the room and didn't see her anywhere. Where else could she be at this time?? Surely, there were no visitors…she didn't remember seeing any today-then again she hadn't left her room all day today either. "Naomi?" She tried again to call for her but heard no sounds at all. Then, she felt something strange…like she could sense where things were in the room with her eyes shut…she concentrated on movement coming behind her. It was slow and stalking, as if waiting for something…but what? She turned around and opened her eyes, only to find Naomi standing there with a satisfied look on her face.

"Well, you've learned to somewhat use your sixth sense. How have you been darling?"

"I have some questions my Lady."

"Well, spill them out. No one likes a girl who won't spill. Now, come, come spit it out." Naomi looked at Rin with eyes filled with hopeful gossip.

"Well, I have been acting strange lately. What should I do? Lord Sesshomaru says that I am being incompetent. Please, tell me what I need to know. I do not know how to ask for what I am missing-I do not understand it myself; let alone ask for it." She looked at Naomi with pleading eyes. She searched for any sign that Naomi was really going to help her out. It looked as if there was no hope of finding out when Naomi signaled for Rin to follow her.

"Rin, I have some things I need to teach you while Lord Sesshomaru is away. However, I do see it necessary that you know these vital things first. You are going through changes of course but it is almost ten times what used to happen to you once a month. You become agitated easily and you cry a lot right? Well, it is to be expected. You are changing and you aren't used to them. You are used to everyone associating with the Human Rin, correct? Well, no matter. You are an Inuyouki now, and so you have it in your blood to act as one. Besides, the Inuyouki have respect for Lord Sesshomaru. They have learned to respect those they have to and those they want to. You just have to learn to keep your mouth shut when it needs to be and only answer the question that was asked. Do you understand me so far?"

"Yes." She was starting to see now. It was all clear to grab and hold on to.

"As for your looks, darling you look like a ruby!!! You are devastatingly lavishing!! You mustn't down yourself as you do. Be confident about you body. It is the best attribute any female youki has. Use it to your advantage-but wait until I tell you how, ok? Anyways, look at your changes this way-you are only going through this until you learn about it. Until you learn, just act as you would normally. It shouldn't be too hard to keep those inklings to disrespect down should it? Oh, and please-keep those emotions in check. Do not show them-your emotions-they tend to stain your dark, brown eyes. Stained eyes are a peeve that agitates your Lord."

"No, of course not; and yes I see. Thank you, my Lady. I shall keep that in mind. If I should need you again?"

"You can always call upon me dear…just use your head." She said this with a smile that was accompanied with her finger tapping her own head and then vanished back to where ever it was she had been before. She was so elegant and knowledgeable. Rin was envious of it but knew that with time she would be just as graceful and elegant as any lady demon. She left the chambers and headed towards her own. Listening with her ears and not seeing with her eyes as she walked through the corridors. She listened carefully to the sounds reverberating off the walls and floors to see with her minds eye what was going on around her. She was starting to use senses she didn't normally use as a Human and was actually starting to enjoy it. She could hear conversations that were happening on the other end of the castle if she strained herself, but she would have rather listen to her chamber area floors to see where everyone was and who it was. She sensed someone stalking behind her, again. Almost like they were just watching her to see what she was up to and what she would do with this new presence. She started to walk slower and found the figure become slower accordingly. She then made her way to her chambers and slowly closed the door to be sure to catch if it moved into the room as well. Rin finished closing the door and stalked to her mirror where she picked up her brush and softened her 'new' hair. She then felt the figure move closer to her, as if they were going to say or do something but then decided against it and stopped-stagnate. She turned towards the figure, her eyes still closed, and she made her way to the figure. She could sense the pulse rise and then control itself to lower again as she stopped to stand directly in front of it. She listened for other movement, like the hands or upper body, maybe even the knees, but there was none. She made a move towards the left of the object and moved right past it, sensing the rise of the pulse and the aura around it. It seemed so familiar to her-yet she couldn't place where she knew it from. She then moved towards her bed and laid down on her side-back facing the presence. She waited for the figure to move or to acknowledge its presence in anyway, but it only moved closer to her. She felt the pulse rise again and the aura grow stronger. She felt the presence move closer; in fact, it came up right behind her and bent down to nuzzle its nose on her neck. Rin, being surprised, turned slowly and opened her eyes to see…

Lord Sesshomaru. He was just standing there looking at her. It would have seemed to her that he was just testing what she had developed in her transformations. "Rin."

"Yes, my Lord?" She stared at him with an intenseness he had never seen before. She had the cold stare she could give people without even trying, but her eyes held love and compassion in them that intermingled with this new coldness. He couldn't have asked for better eyes.

"Why didn't you say anything if you sensed my presence?"

"Because I didn't know that the strong aura belonged to you. I could tell you were you when I had my original senses but now; I have to get used to the aura." She laughed a little at herself.

"Hn." He left it at that and didn't think to ask anything else. Obviously she did need to learn some things, but at least now she knew his presence. What would he do now that he was leaving? He wanted to stay but he knew that he had to go back home and tend to things. They would have the rest of their lives together.

"My Lord?" She wanted to ask him what was bothering him so; she had said his name five times. She had never needed to say it more than once.

"What is it Rin?" He focused in on her again-she was sitting up now. How long had she been saying his name?

"May I ask what you are thinking?" She looked at him in concern. What could be so perplexing to her Lord?

"Rin, I have to leave. I have things to attend to at the fortress. I don't exactly know what is happening there to know how to approach it. I need, at the least, two weeks to achieve any kind of order. Do you understand?"

"Um…yes, I believe I do understand what you are saying my Lord. I will wait for you here, even if you where gone more than two weeks. Please, stay as long as you need. I understand your responsibilities, and I respect you for taking care of so much. That is one of the reasons I fell for you Lord Sesshomaru." She had thought about this for a while now and knew he had to go and take care of things at the castle, but she wanted everything to be so-so for her Lord; this way he wasn't worried when he left to come and retrieve both Jaken and herself.

"Rin, I love you; more than I have ever loved anyone. I will send a messenger to you if I cannot make it within two weeks."

"Yes, of course, Lord Sesshomaru. Will you stay with me tonight?"

"Rin-,"

"Please, just so that I can stay with you longer. Even if it is just until I fall asleep. Please, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I do not know."

"Well, it is whatever you choose, My Lord." With that she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Rin then left the main room and made way for the baths. She had felt so confident just then. How exciting, he might stay with me tonight! She let her worries about her appearance and her transformations wash and melt away in the hot springs that had been carved into the bath house off the side of her chambers. She was going to be the mate Lord Sesshomaru deserved, and she was going to study and be to the best of her abilities until he came back for her. She would show all of those Inuyouki that she was just as much Inuyouki as they were, and she was perfect for her Lord. They would have no objections inwards or outwards about Rin. They would love her as Lord Sesshomaru wished they would.

Lord Sesshomaru was getting provisions ready and Ah-Un packed so that he could make a quick trip there, when he heard a sadistic scream coming from the inner part of the castle. Naomi; he noticed her screams. She must be having fun-she sure sounded like it. He smiled to himself when he thought of it. How he longed to be officially mated to his Rin. What a night that would be. Sesshomaru shook the thoughts from his head. No sooner. He was done with his preparations, now all he had to do was keep to his word. It had been three hours since he had talked with Rin. She was becoming so confident with him. Rin was now being her old respectful self infused with her new confidence. He liked it. If she was going to be shaped into an Inuyouki-she might as well act like one. He would look forward to his next meeting with Rin after tonight. She was already forming into an awe-striking beauty; could she become any more luxurious? He only wished he knew. Was Rin meant to get the box? Was all of this just another plan formed long ago from Destiny? He didn't know, but he wanted to find out. He would ask his Mother and Naomi later. Right now, he had a charming, young Inuyouki to attend to.

It had been three hours, would he really come? Rin finally just lay on her bed and star up at the canopy above her bed. She drifted in and out of sleep, but whenever her ears caught sound she jerked out of sleep. Rin really wanted to spend some time with Lord Sesshomaru tonight, talk to him, lay next to him and sleep, maybe even watch him sleep…last time she had woken up to see him asleep for once was almost three years ago. He probably wouldn't actually sleep next to her as she would have liked but she knew he would at least attempt to look like he was. She smiled and thought of seeing him smiling for a change. He never smiled. Not once had she seen him smile unless you count the time he 'enjoyed' killing Naraku. Yes, it had been seven years now since Naraku had been around. Lord Sesshomaru and his brother Inuyasha had spent a great deal of time looking for him, but Naraku was the one that made his self known to the both of them first. They were lured into one of Naraku's traps but instead of them being the trapped, he was the trapped. A tag-team method was used and together they rid the world of Naraku. Of course both wanted to defeat him themselves, but they realized that the only way to keep Kagome and me alive and safe was to defeat him. I had been having nightmares while I was being held captive…Kagome was pregnant and didn't know how to help me get through them…I just cried the entire time until I was too tired to cry anymore and fell asleep…only to wake up again from another nightmare. I also remember that Naraku almost made Kagome loose her baby. Luckily though, Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha defeated him and saved us from our tortures. I had to help Kagome stay calm after that blow to her stomach for back talking Naraku, but I was only punished for helping her. I was sent to a private chamber where I was chained up and whipped multiple times. Remembering this, she then got up and pulled her kimono far enough down in the back to notice in the mirror that she still had the scars from the multiple strikes. They were scars from the past when she was a Human not a fresh one like her hip had been when she first became an Inuyouki. She pulled up her kimono to see that the gash was healing nicely and wouldn't produce any type of scarring. Rin then went back to her bed. Rin wondered what Lord Sesshomaru would think or do if he saw the scars now. She knew what he had done when he saw her hanging in the private chambers at Naraku's new castle hideout. She had been terribly beaten before being chained up. Her arms and legs spread in the air so that her whole back received each blow. Her kimono that she had worn out for so long-given to her after Sesshomaru revived her-was now in shreds and only covering less than half of her body. Her lips were bleeding and head hung low. When Sesshomaru had opened the door and come in, she had thought that he was one of Naraku's men come to beat her again. However, when she heard a low growl and then the screams of the servants in the room, she knew who it was. He cut everyone of Naraku's servants into multiple pieces with his acid whip and when he found Naraku himself, he gave him a battle Lord Sesshomaru knew Naraku wouldn't win. He had been furious that someone would have done that to a Human youth, yet, in Lord Sesshomaru's family, they ate Humans on a normal basis if they got in their way. Why was she so special? Because Rin was Lord Sesshomaru's possession. No one treated anything belonging to him with disrespect, but Lord Sesshomaru had fallen in love with this Rin. So, where did Rin fall within the mind of the great Lord Sesshomaru? She didn't know. Rin then thought about what Lord Sesshomaru had said to Naraku when fighting him; 'How dare you take MY RIN and think that you could trap and defeat me? How dare you mistreat one of mine?!? You will die for taking My Rin.' She smiled to herself. He had been so angry and distraught that he had forgotten about Naraku for a moment to take me down from my chained prison. He handled me with such care and love. He even ordered on of Naraku's servants to take me to Jaken and Ah-Un outside of the castle…he threaten that if anything else happened to me-he would die as well. Pleased to say, I made it without even a scratch further from what I had when Sesshomaru first saw me hanging.

He looked at the sliding doors to her room and thought about turning around and going back to his own to sleep for the night. He was actually in the middle of stepping away when he heard his name. It was only a whisper, but he still heard it. She had heard him approach the screen to her room and stop. What was he going to do? Was he going to come in or just stand there? Was he going to leave without saying goodbye? Rin then sensed him stepping away, "Lord Sesshomaru." She only dared to whisper his name. She didn't want him to leave. Rin closed her eyes and listened carefully. There were no steps taken and there was no movement. "Lord Sesshomaru, are you really there?" She whispered again, hoping he heard her faint pleas. "I have been waiting, My Lord." He stepped back in front of the doors and slid them open carefully. He peered in to see Rin looking over her shoulder at him. He saw that she still had the scars on her back. Lord Sesshomaru couldn't help but feel angry at the sight of these. She noticed him become slightly angry and realized that she had been showing her back to him. Rin quickly pulled her kimono up and turned around to greet her Lord. "Hello, my Lord. I was starting to think that you were not going to come at all."

"Rin, I always keep my word. I would not leave without saying goodbye." He starred at her and found that she didn't show what she had shown earlier. Indeed, Naomi had enlightened her to a point. Something was different about her demeanor.

"Then will you lay here with me? I have been having a terrible time trying to sleep. Will you stay with me?" She looked back up at him and pouted her lips.

"Do you really doubt me so much?" Sesshomaru chuckled lightly at the thought that she wouldn't doubt him. But he could see that she was being serious about it. Was she really having these nightmares again?? He had thought he had chased them away long ago, but obviously they hadn't left her at all.

"My Lord, will you stay with me tonight, truthfully? I really would appreciate it. Besides, after you are gone, who will soothe my cries from my nightmares?"

"Hn…" Sesshomaru thought about this and decided he would ask Naomi to give Rin pleasant dreams every night. "I will stay with you tonight as you have asked, but I will keep those troublesome dreams at bay. Deal?"

"Agreed!" Rin smiled a smile of pure joy and relief. She had suspected that he would stay but he had shown her signs of leaving her there. "Well, I am going to finish readying myself for bed then. What shall you do while you wait?"

"Hn." Lord Sesshomaru smirked at Rin and then turned around and walked to her vanity. He looked over his shoulder towards her but she had already vanished. "Interesting." He hadn't even heard her leave. He had suspected that she was leaving but not as silently as she had just done. She was as his father was a phantom of quiet steps. Her steps and his were never heard because they didn't exist. His father appeared to walk on the ground or floors but he was actually walking on a thin film of air. Air was never heard. Never. He then heard a thud; like something hitting a hard surface of wood or possibly even stone. It didn't sound like a person had hit the surface but an object. He went to investigate.

"Rin, you will have to work on how to keep yourself as one creature and transforming when you want to not when it decides." He looked back to where she would have gone. He didn't see or hear anything other than the bustle of movements Rin was causing. Sesshomaru turned back and looked at himself in the mirror. Is this what he truly wanted? Could he leave her here and not be with her during her transformations?? What of Lord Takeshi? What would he do if he found out Rin was here unprotected? He sensed she was coming back and turned fully to see she was in her pure white night-kimono. Sesshomaru walked up to her and traced her cheek. He couldn't help what he was doing, it just happened without him giving any consent to his own body. He leaned in to her face and nuzzled his nose against the same cheek he had just caressed and then moving for her mouth to kiss her-yet again. He deepened this kiss with his tongue tracing her mouth line asking permission to enter. She accepted and he found that he couldn't help but explore her newly grown fang teeth. They were so sharp and yet they were deviously tantalizing. He had to stop kissing her. These kisses were going to lead to other things-he had to stop. He pulled away gently, watching Rin's face go from eyes shut and lips puckered to quickly open and pressed into a thin line. She looked dizzyingly into his eyes while he picked her up and carried her to her own bed. He set her down and got up and lay behind her on the bed. She seemed to grow cold as she slowly drifted into sleep. He pulled the covers over her small body and wrapped his arms around her. She moved herself into a comfortable position in his arms and quickly fell into a deep sleep. Lord Sesshomaru hoped that the dreams she was having were indeed happy ones. He began drifting. He sensed someone come into the room. Sesshomaru opened his eyes to see the night servant come in to blow out the candle light. He asked to be awoken an hour after day break. He wanted an early start home. He drifted again and found the next morning before leaving that he had had a sleep he hadn't experienced since he was young. He bid Jaken and Naomi goodbye and spent a few extra with his mother wanting Rin to be safe and secure. He even asked Naomi about Rin's nightmares. Naomi said she would indeed give her good dreams. His final goodbye was to Rin. He let her walk with him to the hut entrance and out. Then he kissed her farewell and took AhUn's reins to head towards his castle. He doubted he would ever show such affections in public, but he was leaving and decided that since no one was there to watch; he would kiss her farewell. What he would find when he arrived he didn't know. All he knew was that he wanted to solve the problem and get back to the peace that was once there.

While Sesshomaru was Away:

Rin woke with a small blue bird chirping outside of her window. She didn't know what to think of it; except as a good luck charm that Naomi had put there just so Rin could have good dreams. She remembered then that Lord Sesshomaru had left the day before. What lessons do I have today? She thought that maybe she would start with Naomi and end with Jaken each day because she wanted to have exciting things to do during the day and go to sleep being lulled to by Jaken's teachings. Rin washed up at the hot springs before changing into a sky blue and pink kimono with doves embroidered onto it. She pinned her hair up with silver clips and decided to put a lily in her hair this day instead of a white rose as she had planned. She then grabbed her box she was to carry with her and strapped it to her body so that it was slightly on her right side. Rin then left her chambers walking through the classic white marble halls to Naomi's garden to learn about her new box.

Upon arriving Rin knew that she was being, yet again, tested on her sixth sense. She was told to walk in with her eyes closed. Rin figured that since her Lord's mother was helping her so much that she actually liked Rin. Who knew? Maybe she liked the choice her son had made after all? She could sense Naomi's and Lord Sesshomaru's mother's around her. One was near the left front and the other was to the right but behind her. She called out the positions and then she guessed as to who they were and why. She had this game yesterday after Sesshomaru had left. Only, she had chosen Jaken first and she now knew that was a mistake. Rin thought she would be smart today about her lessons. She then went on to her box lessons after another game or two that were to find out just how much she had been practicing her new sixth sense.

"Rin, this is how you open the box. Now, pay attention because there is specific and quick jesters that have to be done. Are you watching?"

"Yes, please continue." Everyone had told her that she no longer needed to say the formal names so much-except when it came to Lord Sesshomaru's mother-and Naomi had stated that Rin didn't need to address her as such anyways. I still like to use them though. Rin had said this to them all, but she obeyed their wishes. Naomi did a quick flip of her wrist like she was going to conduct something and then she undid the buckle. Then, she made eye contact with the Human guard at the corner of the room and opened the box after a few seconds of what seemed open meditation. Naomi's aura had grown a little while she was meditating. To Rin, it was beautiful-until the creatures came out. She knew that they were demons, but as to what kind of demons-she didn't know. "Can you demonstrate once more, please?" She wanted to try and catch anything she might have missed. Not only that but she wanted to see the demons again. They reminded her of the demons Naraku had used during his demonic reign. Naomi had done it with such grace and poise. It was almost impossible-to Rin-for her to do this with such grace.

"Once more and that is all for today. You will never be opening this box inside my castle; as I have just done. You will be practicing in my forest. Understood?"

"Yes, Lady Naomi." Rin never wanted to unleash any of those demons in this pretty castle anyways. Naomi opened it once more and then handed the box back to Rin. They went out into the gardens and Rin tried opening the box. First, she took the box and faced the buckle outwards. Then, she closed her eyes and concentrated on the buckle she felt under her fingers. Next she opened her eyes and took it slow. She felt her power accumulating as she slowly extended her right arm to the left and accordingly flicked her wrist. To her it was a bit rough, but it was her first time and she was nervous; not only that, but Naomi had instructed her to direct it to her. Rin was a little scared about it until she had said that she had done it all of the time with her sister when her sister was learning. Rin popped the buckle loose in one smooth move circling from the top left counter-clockwise to the right; stopping slightly after the box lid-wrist still flicked outwards. Next she made eye contact with Naomi; meditating on whatever was going to come out of it and on Naomi. She didn't want the demons to stray. Next, she placed her fingers gently on the box lid and lifted slowly. Releasing little of what was inside and then closed and buckled it in one splendid move. Naomi moved her hands in a wide circle before her, never taking her eyes off of the demons coming towards her. Next she murmured something foreign and a glowing ball of light disintegrated the demons before they reached her. Wow! She is remarkable!! Rin couldn't believe it. Naomi could actually catch things with her own hands-well, not technically speaking.

"Remarkable!" Naomi was squealing like a child with joy. She then looked back to what Rin had done and how concentrated she was on her task. Naomi wondered if it would be the same in a battle when there were distractions everywhere. Her eyes had changed from a white to a light blue and then dark blue to black-all gradual. Does she really possess such powers? "Well, done Rin! You have learned quite quickly. You should continue practicing later. It is not wise to use all of your strength up for the day. We will try something else. Come with me."

"Of course," Rin then followed Naomi back into the gardens within the castle. She smiled inwardly and allowed slight joy to show within her brown eyes. She remembered to always try and show or not show everything. Her eyes was what they all would look at and it was always the eyes that gives creatures away.

"Okay. We are now going to meditate and see within ourselves. This is indeed something you Inuyouki seem to do often, whether or not we do it one way or another. Lord Sesshomaru thinks and meditates all of the time. That is why he has such control over what happens with his own body-not only that but he has trained himself to show only the emotions he wishes others to see. He believes a worthy person to befriend is a strong and powerful one that is respectful to him first. He is quite a character no?" Naomi chuckled a little before taking her feet off of the ground and just sitting there in the air where she had once stood. Next, she levitated down and set herself on the ground gently. Rin had been giggling with her until she saw this. She starred in awe until Naomi looked back at her and continued. "Okay, Rin you can sit down now. Right here, next to me." She patted a spot next to her but at least two feet away. "Okay now concentrate on your favorite flower, flowers make you happy, right?"

"Yes, they do. I love them."

"Well, then concentrate on your favorite flower. I will concentrate on my favorite…umm…never mind…it's my favorite." She laughed a little and it made Rin laugh as well. "Okay. Now, sit cross-legged and put the back of your hands on your knees. Just let them relax there. Go." Rin did as she was told and started to concentrate on her favorite flower.

While thinking of it, she also remembered things that had happened when she was picking flowers or when Lord Sesshomaru, Jaken and herself had walked through a flower field while on their journeys. Lilies were her favorite and if she had the choice, she would have a garden of rainbow lilies. When she thought of this, she felt herself lighten and her aura grow-like it was protecting her from something. It enveloped her in warmth and caution-she felt like something was headed her way-fast. She opened her eyes and saw nothing but white lilies all around her. What is this place? What am I doing here? Where is Naomi? It's so very beautiful here. Next, she looked to the left and saw all red and black lilies. Rin walked over to the field and felt that even though the colors were dark, it was all still beautiful to her. She felt anger and hurt in this field of flowers. She wondered why she could feel such a way in a field of lilies. She looked back to where she had just come and found that past the white lilies, there were royal and light blue ones, mixed with assorted green ones. "Oh! How pretty!" She couldn't believe how awesome it looked in this field. Here she felt joyfulness and contentment. Something she had felt when she first started loving to stay with her Lord Sesshomaru-when he saved her and cared for her. "Hn. I wonder if there are other fields here. I should go looking around." She decided to go quite the opposite of both directions she just came. When she came to a different field of lilies-these ones of pinks and yellows-she started to feel passion and love for the people she felt for accordingly. She decided that she loved this one even more than the last; but then decided that she liked the white lilies the most of them all. "Is this all a dream?" She couldn't believe all the multi-colored lilies around her. She then turned around and went the other direction. She went past the white lilies again and even stopped to lie down and rest. Lying there just breathing and soaking in the rays of light coming from the white around her, before rising and continuing her journey to a different field. She came across a field of oranges and purples. Here she began to feel confusion and even feel hate. She remembered feeling confused before, but she had never actually hated anything except Naraku and the Bandits that had killed her family. Other than that, she didn't know who she could ever hate. Rin decided to leave this field and return to her spot in the middle of the white lilies. Here she felt safe and normal-herself. Then, it hit her. "This is my inner self. These are the feelings and colors of my mind and soul. This is my place of refuge and meditation. Hn…" She had figured it out. Now the question for her was-can she make it back here if she needed to? Will she be able to leave this place to begin with? Rin closed her eyes after sitting down. She began to concentrate on the things she needed to accomplish in the time that Lord Sesshomaru was gone. Refinement, grace, beauty, poise, etiquette; these are some of the things she knew she needed to work on. She felt herself begin to pressurize again and her aura loosen its safety grip around her. She opened her eyes once again and saw she was back at Naomi's. She looked up into the sky and saw that it was almost time for a late lunch. The sun was far in the west. She had missed everything else that had happened during that day. She would be lucky to make it to Jaken tonight. She rushed to the Lady Inuyouki's chambers to meet her for etiquette training. Rin knew she would definitely need this lesson. She would learn it and tuck it away in the 'use often' file in her head. She needed everything the Lady gave her.

She rapped on the side of the sliding doors and waited to hear the acceptance for her to come in. The servant at the door slide it open to reveal a light blue room. It was well lit and very well managed. She could smell how clean it was here. They must have just finished cleaning. The ceilings were high and the tapestry to match the colors of the noble West. She looked around for his Mother and found that she was out in her little private gardens. Rin walked out there to greet her.

"Good afternoon, My Lady." Rin bowed her head and slightly bent her knees to show a small bow; remembering that was the only way to address nobility unless you were told to address them otherwise or by name. Rin couldn't recall his mother's name though. She had saved Rin before and yet Rin couldn't remember her name.

"Yes, quite lovely isn't it? Oh and please, Rin, call me InuKimi. That is my alias anyways. So what are you interested in learning today?"

"Actually, I have questions if you wouldn't mind answering them?"

Sesshomaru is going Home:

He had finally made it back to his castle a little after sunrise the next day. He had run into a few problems along the way-as he had thought he would-but these 'problems' where nothing he couldn't handle. In fact, there was one instance where a Human came up to him and challenged him. He wanted to laugh in the man's face at the thought of a mere mortal taking him on in a battle; but he kept his annoyed composure and waited for the battle to begin if the Human felt he was strong enough. He had been ready to continue walking when the man said that he, Lord Sesshomaru, loved a Human that didn't need to be tricked into loving him if he couldn't get his own kind to love him. He told the Lord that he was hypocritical and didn't need to rule and preach to others about things he didn't agree with-and yet he did those very same wrongs. This had made him go into outrage. How dare anyone accuse him of such monstrosities? He would have never tricked Rin into anything; she had always done what she pleased to do-unless it came to the fact that she still had to respect the nobility and himself. But to love a Human? He didn't love a Human anymore and so he had all the rights to get angry. Rin was an Inuyouki. She would always be one and he had no worries of falling for a Human any longer. He simply laced through the mortal man with a snap of his poison whip and he disintegrated.

When he arrived to the gates, he sensed that there was reluctance in opening them and he again had to keep his composer so as to not 'fly off the handles'. He looked up to both sides of the gates and saw there was both fear and anger in the eyes of his fellow Youki. What stupid ingrates. Do they not know anything that they have to believe some lie told by a Youki who hates me? Sesshomaru marched into the main hall to find Gatuchio sitting in HIS throne. When Gatuchio caught sight and smell of Lord Sesshomaru, he stammered in his words and he stumbled off the seat he was in.

"Lord Sesshomaru, we were told you were not coming back." He looked around searching for InuKimi and Jaken at the least. No one was with him. No one…

"Ingrate, who would come up with such a stupid lie as that and why would you believe it? Did I not promise you all that I would be back after defeating Naraku?" He still had his armor on. Upon entering the gates he marched past the servant standing there ready to take his armor and travel companion-AhUn. He wasn't in the mood to take it off. He was ready to fight in a battle with someone-anyone willing to take him on.

"But, my Lord, that was such a long time ago and you haven't stayed when you have been back. You are not acting as Lord of this Castle or of your people."

"Fool, how dare you think you can speak to me that way? I have been looking for a mate to bring back to my people and this is how you all repay me for my gratitude to you all? I let you keep your filthy Humans as pets and for your meat; I even let some of the nobility stay in MY castle. You repay me with such lack of trust and with so much disrespect I am beginning to wonder why not kill you all? Besides, how will I be able to patrol my lands if I stay here with you continuously?" He glared at Gatuchio. How dare he sit on his throne?

"My Lord! I am sorry I meant no disrespect. I was simply explaining the thoughts of your lands my Lord. Please, forgive us! If you had already had a mate then you could have left the lands in her care while you were out, My Lord."

"Who has been revolting against me Gatuchio? I want names and I want a mortality or immortality label next to there names. I want the scroll in two hours to be in my chambers. Understood?"

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. As you wish." Lord Sesshomaru, if I put her name on there, will you really kill her? Gatuchio wouldn't dare put the girl's name on the scroll with his. He decided that he would scribe them down and then report to his Lord's chambers for further instructions. He wouldn't dare tell Lord Sesshomaru that he had been behind the attacks on the castle, and he wouldn't tell his Lord that his own Human chamber maid had planned to kill him in his sleep this night either. She had been behind the Human revolting and he, in fact, was infatuated with her. My love, we shall rule…I promise.

In his chambers, Sesshomaru could sense that there was a heightened impression of anger and deceit. He didn't know where from, but he planned to seek it out. Sesshomaru had lunch brought to his room. He was glad he never had to worry about someone poisoning his food or beverage because he was immune to all poisons possibly concocted. Would Rin be able to not worry about the same thing? No, she shouldn't have to, she has my powers too…she should be immune as well. When he was finished he went out to the gardens and walked around a bit, lost in his thoughts.

"Naomi, can you sense it to?"

"Aww…Lord Sesshomaru. You call on me at last. What is it you seek?"

"Naomi, how is my beloved Rin?"

"She is doing well, my Lord. She learns quickly and she will not shame you I can judge that. You indeed are very wise in your choice of a mate."

"Naomi, yes, thanks for that. Can you not sense this impression of anger and deceit? I feel it all over my castle; even in my own chambers. I walked into the main hall this morning and Gatuchio was sitting on my throne. He hasn't been truthful to me."

"Hn…Lord Sesshomaru, what is it you think has happened? Is this not what your own father had to go through with Gatuchio's father? Think of it my Lord. You are smart to figure this out, I know. Anything I can be of service, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Naomi, you are a kind and generous friend. I have one thing to ask of you."

"Yes?"

"Naomi, will you find the one causing my home such agony?"

"And what if it be more than one? Shall I seek them all out?"
"Naomi, it would be greatly appreciated."

"As you wish. Oh, how lovely, Rin misses you my Lord. Ah, how cute, she loves your authoritive attitude the most over everything-oh and how handsome you are…she cannot get you out of her mind."

"Naomi, stay out of her head. Why must you tease the woman so?" He then thought about it and smiled. "One more question."

"Fine, one more. I have to get back to my lessons. We are learning to meditate today."

"Naomi, is Rin immune to all of the things that I am?"

"Oh, you mean as in poisons and the healing process and such? Well, she should be but you could always suck out the poison if she isn't. Oh well, I shall be going. Farewell, Lord Sesshomaru."

"Interesting." He walked back into the castle and made his way to his chambers. He hated that his own home felt like he was within Naraku's castle. That same hate and anger was evident everywhere. What was he going to do about it except go back to what he had done before Naraku-but without his conquest for Tetssaiga. He had always had control of situations and had always had the perpetrator in custody or killed before anything got out of hand. Obviously he had made a poor decision when he chose Gatuchio as his commander while he was gone. Sesshomaru knew that he was behind a lot of what was happening at and in his castle. He knew that after Gatuchio arrived at his chambers. Soon; he would kill him and then take the scroll and investigate each and every name.

knocking on the door

"Come in." Lord Sesshomaru knew it had to be Gatuchio or his dinner. Either way he was talking with Gatuchio about what has been happening and why he hadn't done anything or sent for Sesshomaru.

"My Lord, your dinner and a guest."

"Who is my guest?" Sesshomaru was surprised. He hadn't asked for anyone to join him for dinner unless Gatuchio had arrived when his dinner had.

"A Human woman my Lord. She has said that you asked for her to entertain you tonight."

"I have done no such thing." He waved for her to be brought in. When the woman came in he thought he recognized her as Rin's caretaker when Rin was sick last year. Why had she shown up here and why had she said those things? "Why have you come here with a lying tongue?"

"I have done no such thing my Lord. A Youki had told me that you desired my company tonight. I have come at your request."

"Who was this Youki, so I can tear him to shreds."

"My Lord, he is of your court. I believe he is called Gatuchio. Did you not ask for me my Lord?"

"I have never asked for a Human to entertain me. You are bugs that need to be squashed under my boots. Why would I have asked for you to come here to entertain me? Stupid, incompetent…" he trailed off using only the words incompetent and foolish one too many times, along with many curses. He truly hated them all-except one had softened his heart-Rin. She was never a Human in his eyes, just Rin.

"My Lord, I am so sorry. You are right, I shouldn't have come…I am so sorry! Please forgive me. I shall leave at once."

"No."

"But, why not my Lord?"

"You are to attend Gatuchio's chambers tonight and entertain him. At my request, you and he have to entertain each other. I want to know more about him. If he has a mistress, notify me. You can leave." He saw her hesitate slightly before turning to leave. She had never answered him. "Do you understand what I have said?" His voice filled with impatience. She hadn't given him an answer and she was about to pass the screens.

"Yes, of course, my Lord." Turning around and with a last bow she left his chambers and the kitchen servant stared at his Lord. He had been told for over a year and a half now that his Lord loved to be entertained by the mortal women and that he had made plans to marry one. But, all the servant has seen and witnessed hearing, since the return of Lord Sesshomaru, is all of the same as before he left. He still despised Humans and he never asked them to come to his chambers. He had even stated when he entered the Main Hall this morning that he was out looking for a mate-if he had planned to marry the Human he had planned on, he would have been married by now for sure. This servant was a Human and he had thought he could trust what Lord Sesshomaru's chamber maid had whispered to all of them while he was away. She had said that she often witnessed him with mortal women, and they had believed her because she was his chamber maid. This made the servant wonder if she had ever been allowed in his presence before other than when Lord Sesshomaru requested her to clean his chambers. Surely, she had been lying to them all. Lord Sesshomaru was still the same, and if he was still the same, then any name on that list would be wiped from the existence of this world.

"My Lord?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"May I inquire something with you?"

"Hn…" He thought a moment and then nodded his acceptance; maybe the servant had information about his castle and lands.

"Well, my Lord, your chamber maid has been speaking lies of you while you have been away. Why does she have such a grudge on you my Lord? Have you not been kind to her all these years as you have been to me and the rest of your house servants?" The servant looked up at his Lord with questioning eyes and worry that his thoughts were once again wrong.

"What is your name?"

"Umm…Sam, my Lord."

"Sam, you are all servants in my household and are treated as such in the same manner. Some of you are, indeed, Humans, but I haven't allowed any of you to be eaten have I? Have I allowed your families to suffer? I do not love any of my servants; I have just simply tolerated and respected you for your duties around my castle. My chamber maid I have yet to meet." He let a small growl escape from his throat as he thought of what was happening and who what the cause of it all.

"As I had thought. I had always thought you would never do such things as your chamber maid had said, My Lord. I had always believed that you would take care of us as long as we did what you asked and I always assumed that you would take a beautiful Inuyouki as your life mate. Please forgive the lot of us for being disrespectful as you have alleged, My Lord."

"You speak too much. I care not for your pleadings. If a name is on the list it will be examined and tried. Then, I will kill the person named if they are found guilty. No exceptions-I am not soft. What is the name of this 'chamber maid' that I am supposed to have met?"

"Her name, My Lord, is Isabella. She is the one engaged to your commanding officer, Gatuchio. Before it gets cold, your dinner Lord Sesshomaru. Thank you for the time you have spent talking with me. Enjoy." The servant handed Sesshomaru his dinner and left the chambers with a bow. However, he didn't make it back to the kitchen before his throat was slit. Ten minutes later, it was heard around the castle-a howl so grotesque and painful that the whole castle and surrounding western lands shook at the sound of such a howl. The owner was indeed troubled and yet so angry that something could have gone so wrong. Lord Sesshomaru had followed his servant to see who it was who had been listening so intently to their conversation. He assumed, after she had screamed Gatuchio's name before being sliced into pieces with Lord Sesshomaru's Tokajin, that she was the chamber maid the servant had spoken of. Gatuchio had arrived to the scene seconds after her death, only to be patiently killed by the Inuyouki Lord. He questioned the youki whom had defied his authority-getting no answers and only pitiful pleadings for life and the life of his young Human mate to be made whole again. After becoming impatient with his pleadings, he took his index finger and traced a line from the temple of Gatuchio's forehead down to his left shoulder blade-infusing his poisonous venom into his skin. Sesshomaru had enjoyed taking the two out of his sights forever. But, after he had heard his howl and after he thought about what he had done, he himself howled in triumph. He had taken out the two main commanders of the revolt and now all he had to do was suppress it until it died. He would enjoy every minute of it because Rin wasn't there to keep him from his pleasure in torturing and killing the victims that dared to defy him.

"My Lord?" A young male servant came into the chambers of the Inuyouki Lord and saw that he was actually sleeping. He walked over to the balcony doors and opened them to let in the morning light and warmth. He then left the room to prepare a breakfast for Lord Sesshomaru. When the servant left, the Inuyouki Lord stirred from his sleep. Interesting. I slept well last night. I feel ready to take on more challenges. I hope that I am going about this in the best way possible so as not to case an even worse outcome. Sesshomaru got out of bed and went to his hot springs off the side of his main chamber room. While bathing he looked over his arm seeing that the scar on the bicep wasn't going away. It would stay there as a reminder that his newly grown arm was a blessing and wouldn't be happening again. He dressed in his armor and had his swords polished and sharpened in his chambers while ate his breakfast. Today had turned out to be 'normal' so far and he was glad for it. He left and went to the Main Hall for the addressing of his court. When he arrived he saw anger on some faces and relief on others. He sat in his chair and there was quiet for about two point five seconds before the angry faces burst out in a yelling, mad, frenzy of accusations and questions.

"SILENCE!" Lord Sesshomaru boomed and the room again fell quiet. He had been overwhelmed with them all and wouldn't have objected to telling them all that they either did as he asked or died. However, when dealing with a kingdom, the Lord has to make negotiations. "I will accept one question and one accusation from each of you. However, I will tell you all this right now, I killed Gatuchio and Isabella last night because they were traitors. I tolerate none now as I didn't tolerate them before. I will not hesitate to kill anyone who approaches with a threat to the safety of me or my castle and lands." With this he sat back and waited for the first brave soul to speak.

"Lord Sesshomaru, where have you been since Naraku was defeated?"

"I have been looking for a mate of Inuyouki blood. I have been lonely long enough and felt it was time that I have children of my own to rule when I am gone. Besides, my lands needed patrolled again, there was a strange scent within the air."

"It has been said that you are in love with a Human woman. Why would you of all creatures be hypocritical and mate with a Human? You said you hated them." The face of this accuser was painted in fury that his Lord was a hypocrite. Sesshomaru didn't blame him, he would have been angry as well-in fact he had been angry-with his father.

"I do not hate them, I loath them. I would wipe them from the planet if I didn't think you all were such great pets and if you all didn't taste so great," he stopped to chuckle at his own private joke and in all actuality, he wasn't lying. "I have not fallen for a Human; in fact, I have fallen for an Inuyouki. She will be arriving in two to three weeks time and maybe longer than that if there continues to be problems. Her name is Rin."

"My Lord, why have you not come to your castle before now? This revolt has been happening for six or seven months now. Do you not care what happens with your people?"

"My commanding officer, Gatuchio, was supposed to tell me if anything was going wrong and report to me the happenings of my castle. Since he never contacted me I assumed that everything was in order. I was wrong in trusting such a pathetic youki, especially one whose father had tried the same thing with my own father. Such a foolish family."

"Lord Sesshomaru, have you made any treaties or negotiations with the revolting parties?"

"No, I have not. No one has come forward as commanding officers, at least not one that is still alive." He smiled at himself. He was being sarcastic, of course, because he had the list of names taken from Gatuchio when Sesshomaru had killed him. He still had to question each person listed. He pulled the scroll from his sash and opened it to read out each name. All of the people were questioned and not to the Inuyouki Lord's surprise, some weren't even part of the revolt. Sesshomaru did however; find that four of the people who had asked his questions were actually leaders in the revolt for both Youki and Human alike. "The four of you are invited to my garden lunch after this morning's court is dismissed. Please, bring a guest you feel will help you in our 'negotiations.'"

InuKimi & Naomi's secret:

"What are these questions you have? I will answer what I see fit to, be for warned…" InuKimi giggled slightly before leaning towards Rin to hear her questions.

"I know so much about my Lord yet so little about him at all. What questions to ask you are beyond the reach of my own mind. So many to compress into so few; where should I start?"

"Hn…well, darling, if I may say so, which I can, I would start with what you already know and go from there…what is it you wish to know about your mate, and my son?"

"Where was he born?"

"Well, at the castle of course and in my old chambers-his chambers. He was quite difficult to give birth to though, he has such a big head." They both laugh and nod at this…yes he did have a rather big head-even in the sense of his ego.

"What was his favorite thing to do as a pup?"

"Hn…I think he enjoyed to go on the 'trips' his father often took when the old Inuyouki found it too stressful to stay at the castle. I do not know what they did or didn't do while they were gone but they were close until Sesshomaru found out about his father's Human mistress. That's when things became strained. You know how he is about Humans; but he has always loved you, that's what made me wonder about you. After finding out about his father's mistress, he began his world conquest. He wanted to rule all of Japan and never wanted to hear anyone tell him no. He is ruthless and if I might say somewhat evil. Those are things he has that are of me. His love to be out of the castle and in the wild comes from his father. How did the two of you meet again?" InuKimi was in wonder how they even stumbled upon each other. It wasn't like her son took everything in he stumbled onto on his 'trips.'

"I have never known my parents. They were killed by bandits when I was five or six; my brother with them. The village took me in as an orphan and since I was an orphan, beat me and treated me badly. One day when I was around my eighth year, I was walking in the woods looking for something to fill my stomach when I stumbled across Lord Sesshomaru. I thought he was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Of course he still is, to me, but he was my savior. I brought him food and water even though he told me I was wasting my time; 'I do not eat Human food…' he had said." She made a face, keeping in mind that his face really didn't look as dramatized as she was making it seem. "I was beaten one night while I was catching fish to eat. The villagers said that I was stealing from them. I went to check on My Lord the next day and he looked partially concerned. Of course, after I smiled at him, he turned away so I couldn't see. He asked me where I had gotten my bruises. He said he wasn't concerned he was just curious. So funny now that I look back at it. That same day when I went back into the village, wolf demons attacked and I ran back into the woods to go to Lord Sesshomaru. I knew he had to keep me safe from them. But I didn't make it to him. I tripped on a tree root and face planted into the dirt. The wolves caught up to me and most of the blood within me. From what Jaken has told me, Sesshomaru sensed my blood and came to see what had happened to me. Jaken alleged that Lord Sesshomaru was just testing his Tetseiga again, but from everything that he has done-I see it as affection more than curiosity."

"So you have never known your real parents, and my son has cared for you for nine years now? Interesting. I would have never imagined him caring for any Human, but when I saw how hurt he was that the Hell Hound had taken you, I couldn't resist bringing your soul back to your body. I don't believe he has ever seen you as a Human though. Always, something else."

"So what did Lord Sesshomaru and his father do when they were in the castle?"

"I believe that they played mostly-father teaching son really-but you understand. I remember once that Sesshomaru snuck up on me and growled loudly and as manly as the pup could conjure up. I acted as if I was scared just to toy with the poor dear. His father laughed and laughed. He tried again the next day, but actually scared me out of my wits. On another occasion, he was in the kitchen making his self a lunch. He said he wanted it done right or else he wasn't eating anything. His father came in and took every last thing the little pup picked up and told him to eat what he gave him or else he wouldn't hesitate to tell the servant to let Sesshomaru starve. He had such a pout on his face you would have thought his face was going to be stuck like that. They played torture games with Humans that they had caught and I do believe Sesshomaru had eaten his first Human when he was very young with his father. We never had Human servants then, but now, all of the castles, except mine, have at the least one Human servant. No complaints though-Humans are pretty tasty." She licked her lips at the thought of it. Never taking her eyes off of the Human servant looking terrified in the left corner of the room. "He occasionally played tricks on his father as his father would to him. They were a pair to watch. So amusing, they really did love each other. I told InuTashio not to tell Sesshomaru or to walk out on me like he had because Sesshomaru wouldn't be able to understand it. Of course, being the stubborn foul he was, he did it all anyways, never looking back. He had said that since he thought Sesshomaru loved him that he would be able to understand. But, as always, the female is correct. That is one of our attributes though, we can read creatures better than anything else. We sense things no one else can. In fact, we are the fiercer fighters." She chuckled again as she thought about how she had ordered the death of Inuyasha's mother; finding pleasure only when she decided to do it herself.

"What happened that he lost his humorous side?"

"Well, like I had said before, his father was found to be with a Human mistress and you know Sesshomaru has always hated the Humans. But, Sesshomaru was older and wanting to learn how to run the castle and the lands. He wanted to be the greatest and the most powerful. He wanted his father's swords if his father wasn't going to use them anymore. He learned how to control the flow of his emotions to his face to show a never ending empty one. The only way to see what he was thinking was through his eyes-always his eyes. Such beauties his eyes are, but he got those from his father. His crescent moon from my side of the family. The crescent moon gives him the power to prevail at night instead of the day. He was always fond of using his fluffy tail when he was younger but as he grew older and fiercer, he went to conquest for his father's swords and to be ruler over Japan. He even asked his father to give them to him before going to save the worthless Human his father loved. His father asked him if he had something to protect; Sesshomaru never understood protecting anything-his way or die was always his thoughts. There was never anything for him to protect because to him , he had nothing to lose. But now, since he has found you and he protects you, I bet he wishes he had spent more time with his father before he died. Sesshomaru was the last of the Inuyouki to see him alive."

"I see."

"Well Rin, what else would you like to know?"

"What are his favorite colors and his least favorite?"

"Favorably, blues, purples, and whites. He likes some reds. He can tolerate pink and green."

"Oh. What about his favorite foods and delicacies?"

"Well, Naomi has always been good about that. She always hits it on the nose. I always tend to make the things I like and love and not the ones he does. We have very adverse tastes in foods. You should ask Naomi about those things."

"Okay, I will. Thank you. One more question."

"Yes?"

"Will you teach me how to please my Lord?"

"Oh. Well, I guess. But, you have to understand that I do not know if he likes some things. I know someone who would though…" She paused to see if Rin would catch on.

"Naomi."

"Yes. Now what shall we learn today?"

"The balancing of the table. I want to be presentable."

"Now that's something I can help you with. Even though that is Jaken's job." InuKimi smiled to herself and led Rin to the dining room. This youki just might make him happy for the rest of his life. No more stupid or silly quests. He will finally be the Lord I had always imagined him to be. "Now, this fork is for the main course and this one for the salads and appetizers. This is a soup spoon, and this a spoon for your sides and desserts. This is the knife you would use to spread things on breads and other pastries. This is the knife you use for eating and cutting your main course. Now, repeat these to me." She backed away from the table and watched as Rin detailed and repeated everything she had just explained. She was catching on very fast. She would indeed fit in at court. All I have to do after my training is hope that Jaken does his part. "Rin, darling, I must get to my study. I just remembered I had something to finish. Please excuse me."

"Yes, of course. Good afternoon, my Lady." Rin bowed her head slightly and waited for InuKimi to leave the room and then made her way to her study to meet Jaken. When she arrived, he was fidgeting over some papers he had just received by the servant she passed on her way in.

"No. No, this can't be right. I never even sensed any part of it! Not even when she was angry with me!! No. This is impossible. Maybe it's because she's onl-"

"Jaken? What are you talking about?"

"R-Rin! Where have you been?"

"With Lady InuKimi. Where else would I be?"

"How were your lessons today?"

"Excellent. Yours, Master Jaken."

"Most refreshing until I received this scroll. I need an hour or two to write to Lord Sesshomaru. I will have to teach you tomorrow. I am sorry Rin."

"It's okay Master Jaken. I had some things to attend to anyways. I will see you first thing tomorrow. Good afternoon, Master Jaken."

"Good afternoon, Rin."

She made her way out of the study and towards Lady Naomi's chambers. Before entering she heard a noise from the inside. Startled and yet curious, she tip-toed into Naomi's chambers. She peered around a corner and saw her-with a male youki. Rin blushed and quickly, quietly, tip-toed back out of the chambers. Rin was used to hearing things by now but still she never knew what was going on. She even saw some of the male youki stay for dinner sometimes, but she never saw any of the same ones ever again. They simply just disappeared. Rin never imagined Naomi to be the type to be as violent with such things as this, but she figured she would just ask Naomi later about Lord Sesshomaru. Rin ended back up at her chamber screens and waited for the servant to open the screen so she could enter. When walking past her vanity to go to the hot springs, she caught a glimpse of something familiar, yet so odd to her. Looking in the mirror, she noticed she had grown a little fond of her new appearance. She rather liked the new one now that she knew what was happening. She combed her hair back and then pinned it up with the dragon combs Lord Sesshomaru had given her before he left. She, in truth, especially loved these combs because these were the ones he gave her after telling her he loved her. He had given her jaded combs when she became of age, and had also given her a lily comb when she first arrived at the castle after Naraku was finally defeated. The lily one had been her favorite until now.

"Rin?" Naomi came into the room as she was finishing up readying for dinner. She finally put on her outer kimono and then left the room with Naomi. They both met Lady InuKimi on the way and they walked into the dining hall together.

Naomi, didn't you recognize this when she arrived? What are we going to do about this? When are we going to tell her?

"Come, come now InuKimi. We will find the right time…trust me."

"Umm…Lady Naomi? Who are you talking to?"

"No one Rin, nothing for you to worry about."

"Okay." Rin looked up at her and then dismissed the idea with a shake of her head. She knew that she had to be talking to Lady InuKimi. Maybe about her?? She didn't, know.

Naomi, when will the right time be? She has to find out before Sesshomaru, doesn't she? She must know her own family lineage and it would help her with her training with Jaken. He would have more respect for the young Youki. She deserves to know.

"We will find the right time…trust me."

Naomi, do as you wish. What news do you have from the castle?

"Lord Sesshomaru is doing well. I have news that he has slain the two master minds behind the attacks and he is conducting a meeting to negotiate between the parties. He is doing well, this son of yours, InuKimi. He even sent word for Rin." She raised her brow at this…he had never sent anything for her; not really. Just slipped up in something he was thinking about sending.

"For me?" Rin was astonished. Why would he send a special message for her?

"He says that he will not have you coming to an unsafe castle. He wants to make sure everything is in order and back to a normalcy before you journey back to his home. He also sends his love."

"Naomi! You know my son wouldn't have sent that!" She was shocked Naomi would have said anything along those lines. Her son was never the type to send any kind of love. He didn't recognize love anymore…he didn't believe in it, until Rin came along.

"Oh, but he wanted to say it."

"You stay out of his head and stay focused on the lessons to be learned here."

"Yes, yes. Well, it's dinner time. Please, eat." They all sat in their respectable places and ate quietly. Rin wondered who Naomi had been talking to. Maybe she was talking to Lady InuKimi. "Rin, what was it you wanted to come see me about today?"

"Oh, ummm…well, I had some questions about Lord Sesshomaru. I would rather talk to you privately." There was another male youki at the table this time. He seemed more laid back than the others. She didn't know why, but she felt as if she knew him. Somehow, somewhere she had met him before. "I am sorry, but have we met prior to this occasion?" He looked questionably to Naomi and she scowled back at him. He hesitated and then looked back at Rin before speaking.

"Lady Rin, I have never met you before. I am sorry that you are mistaken."

"I see. You just seem so vaguely familiar." She continued eating in silence and when finished she asked to be excused for the night. When she left the room all eyes went to the gentleman Naomi had invited over.

"I see you have met her before. What are you to her?"

"I was the one who was responsible for finding her a family to love and care for her until it was safe for her to return to her family's lands. You see, her great-grandfather was the great shadow demon, YukiNowa. But her great-grandmother was a great influential Human. They conceived and birthed Rin's grandfather giving him the dominate gene for giving the child, his daughter, half-demon blood. But this daughter died when she was in labor with Rin and so Rin was taken to a near by village to be cared for by the mother's family. Before I could get back to the village to bring Rin back to her father, bandits had already savaged the place and Rin had been taken to another village to be cared for by the villagers. I heard she was then taken in by Lord Sesshomaru. I didn't intervene then because I wanted to see how it would turn out with her being in his company. She hasn't turned out to be so far from what her father had wanted her to be. He died a decade ago. He has a will for her to read and she is entitled to everything if she so wishes to have them. Of course she was hard to detect as one forth demon because she was part shadow demon. But, I doubt Lord Sesshomaru missed some of the aura she gave off. You both didn't miss it did you?"

"Ah. I see what has happened. I have always had inklings about her being different from those lowly Humans, but I couldn't figure it out. Naomi, did you know about this?"

"I did."

"Why did you not mention anything!?"

"I wanted to see if Lord Sesshomaru recognized it first. My aura usually repels the aura given by shadow youki, so hers would have been heightened at least by a small margin. But he went un-noticing to my eyes. Should I tell him? Or should I wait?"

"Lady Naomi, I might keep it from him and her both if it were my decision, but because of Lord YukiNowa's will, I have to explain to her what she is obligated to do."

"But when should we tell her?" Naomi didn't know what to do for the first time in centuries. Why did things have to be so complicated?

"I think you should tell her before she asks you those 'personal' questions about Sesshomaru." InuKimi winked at Naomi and then raised up and excused herself from the table.

"My, my. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Just think about how he will react to this."

"Shall we retire?" He gave her a look of, yeah I have more, and then rose up to walk to her side of the table. He stretched his hand out to help her out of her chair. At first she refused.

"Hn…I have things to attend to first. But, I shall see you in my chambers." She gazed at him and then rose up to go to Rin's study. She knew what questions were going to be asked and she knew which ones Rin wasn't going to ask. She didn't know how she was going to tell Rin she was originally part Shadow demon but she had to tell her. She was entitled to a large sum of money and to the lands that her father was given by the grandfather and great-grandfather. The male youki, Kyoko, failed to mention which lands Rin's father had given her. She would find out later. But she never expected to see what she saw when she entered Rin's study…

To Negotiate or Not to Negotiate:

"My Lord?"

"What is it?" Sesshomaru was agitated. Why had they believed such non-sense and lies? Where his people such ninnies?

"Umm, when will you appoint new commanders and servants? You have ordered kills plenty today…not to mention you killed both your leading commander and your chamber maid last night."

"Nobu-San, I will appoint new positions when negotiations are complete and I feel that they should be given out. Understood?"

"Yes, of course." Nobu realized it wasn't the time to discuss such matters. His Lord was in thought and seemed to be thinking of more than just what was happening at his own castle.

"Nobu-San, will you check on something for me? It is highly important to me and I wish for no one else to know what I am having you do. Can I trust you with this?"

"Why, of course my Lord. What ever shall I do for you?"

"I want to you check on my servant Jaken, my mother, and my soul mate-Rin. They are dwelling at the home of Naomi. You are demon and she knows you well. Do not deceive me Nobu-Chan. I am counting on you to show your loyalty through this."

"I will set off right away, my Lord. Anything else I might help you with?"

"No, that is all. Be quick with getting back with news of their well-being."

"Right away, Lord Sesshomaru." With that, Nobu-San was off on his assignment. Such a loyal comrade. He has always been dependable for my family.

"Ichigo, I see you have brought along your wife, Yumi. I haven't seen you in over two decades. Have you finally started a family of your own?"

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru, I have. I have a three year old son as well. You have been gone a long time. You should settle down yourself and stay around more often." Ichigo starts to laugh but catches himself when he sees more rebel leaders streaming into the garden. Now was not the time to 'catch-up'. Ichigo knew what Sesshomaru had planned to do during these 'negotiations'. He had known him since they were small, small pups. When he would strike was the only thing he hated not knowing.

"Sayuri, glad to see you and your brother could make it. Please, sit down." Sesshomaru said the last with a bit of impatience. He wanted to just kill them all for being 'revolt' leaders, but he knew that it would only heighten the rioting anger brewing inside and out of the castle walls.

"Lord Sesshomaru, how lovely to see you within the castle. Here on another three day stay?"

"How amusing, Sayuri. If only I had remembered to laugh, then it would have been a good joke." He smiled with his teeth to show he hadn't the patience for her stupid, sarcastic remarks. She cocked her head to the side; partially confused and then turned abruptly away.

"Come now sister, you know why we are really here. We have to negotiate so Lord Sesshomaru doesn't lose his power over his own lands."

"Silence Guchan, this is not a place for little children." Sesshomaru always hated it when they were anywhere near his dwelling place. Ichigo laughed quietly to himself. Four more walk proudly into the gardens. Two were Human.

"Lord Sesshomaru, it's an honor to be here." Both Humans bow low and then rise again before walking to their seats. Sesshomaru had made sure everything was in order and set out before anyone arrived.

"Stop." Both stop before sitting. Looking at each other before looking to Sesshomaru and noticing they had forgotten to introduce themselves.

"Apologies, my Lord. My name is Alex and this is my loyal friend, Goshen. We are from the most western part of your lands." Again, Alex and Goshen bowed low and then finally sat down. Sesshomaru raised an eye brow. How is it they thought they had been told they could sit? He had never acknowledged them to come in so confidently.

"And who might the two of you be?" The lunch could finally start after this last introduction. Sesshomaru was hungry. He had made sure the chef made his special dish-rabbit stew and rice. His mouth watered at the thought of finally being able to chow on the juicy rabbit cooked just rare inside of the hot stew.

"I am Satsu and this is my son Koji. We are Shadow demons from the most eastern part of your lands."

"Hn…have a seat." With that he waited for everyone to be seated and then sat down to enjoy his meal. What am I going to do with these 'negotiations'? He thought a while as everyone finished with their lunches. The sun was strangely drifting back into the dark grey clouds as Sesshomaru looked up into the sky. The storm clouds where indeed dark, but yet none of them held lighting-yet.

"We shall walk." Sesshomaru announced as he slowly, gracefully, rose from his sitting position. He started to walk further into the garden. He wanted to see the beauty of it before the battle started.

"My lord. Shall we play our game first?" Ichigo asked as he rose to follow; his wife closely behind. Sayuri and Guchan look at each other before getting up and following as well. Before, entering deeper into the gardens, they turn around and look at the two Human rebel leaders. Stupid Humans. Sayuri despised them.

"No, we are not quite 'thirsty' enough for a game quite yet. Satsu, Koji. I want the two of you up here with me. I have some questions to ask you." He stopped and turned slightly, waiting for them to arrive by his side. They both looked to the Humans that hadn't moved yet and then made their way next to Lord Sesshomaru. The wind was starting to pick up slightly getting faster and fiercer with each passing minute. The sky was becoming a not so nice dark grey. Lightning was starting to slowly make its way known to the on-lookers below.

"What is it you wanted to talk about My Lord?" Satsu was the one that was probably going to do all the talking. Sesshomaru didn't think Koji was one to talk much at all. He just kept on walking. Getting further and further into the gardens. He looked back slightly to see the Humans getting farther into the distance.

"If the two of you do not come now, you will be the next to die!" He was getting angry; they had pushed every button on his scale. Who did they think they were? They were guests in his castle. They should have had much more mannerly respect than what the two of them were showing. Didn't they know that they were to come for a walk when the Lord commanded?

"Oh, yes, coming, Lord Sesshomaru!" Alex pushed his friend over and started to run to catch up. Goshen saw he was going to be left behind.

"Alex! Do not leave me here!" He dug his heels in and high-tailed it to the group.

"My Lord?" He still hadn't answered Satsu. He started to move forward again.

"Have you found your Master's heir?" He looked at Satsu as they stalked along the gardens boundaries. The thunder was starting to become apparent as the storm came closer to the demons castle.

"My Lord? How did you know we have been looking?" Satsu was confused. How had he known? She didn't even know who the heir was or where the heir was found. How did he find out before she did?

"I am going to be married to her." He stopped at looked at Satsu and Koji. Koji had traveled back to the present from his thoughts when he heard this.

"You lie. I was to marry the heir if he/she was found to be a woman." Koji was angry. He wanted to marry the female Shadow demon. He wanted to start his family. He was in love with another, but he was predestined to marry the heir to the lands.

"I have found her and she has found me. We fell for each other and we are to be mates. You do not wish this to be so? Is it not true that you love the Lady Hotisha?"

"It is true, but I was told I had to marry the heir unless she had already found another. It seems she has indeed found you my Lord." Koji looked at his mother, Satsu. What was he going to do?

"Koji, I understand that you love Hotisha. I also understand that you want to make your family proud. I am behind you on which ever decision you make. All I want is for you to be happy with your choice." Satsu looked at her son. He wanted to choose Hotisha, but he didn't want to disappoint his father.

"Mother, how will I tell father that I want to be with Hotisha?"

"I will tell him for you and he will like it if I tell him to." She laughed and hugged her son. She was happy he didn't have to marry someone he didn't know or love. She was indeed happy for him.

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes Satsu?"

"What do you think of my son's decision?"

"I believe it wise of him, because now I do not have to kill him to keep my own love." With this they all laughed except the two Humans. They didn't get anything the demon generals and leaders had said. The demons were a violent race that had a firm belief in no one stepping beyond set barriers. They were truly made to be feared.

"My Lord, the storm is upon us." Ichigo wanted to fight and get this nervousness out of his system.

"Ichigo, do you not trust me enough to tell you when I am ready to play with my prey?" Ichigo swallowed hard. He didn't want to get on Sesshomaru's bad side. How do I answer him?

"Lord Sesshomaru, I-I trust you will tell us all when you are ready. I just…I just want-" He turned and faced his wife. How beautiful she looked when the storms came. She controlled the water with her mind and he knew she had no power over this storm. It was a storm of anger and hate for those that knew the way of deceit. This storm was made by the emotions that ran and coursed throughout Sesshomaru's veins.

"Then tell me something."

"Yes, what is it?"

Sesshomaru turned to face Ichigo and his wife, Yumi. She was quiet but he could tell she was ready for anything. "Why did you deceive me?" Ichigo knew it was coming and yet he never thought he was going to be the first to be called forth. He stepped back a few paces and then to the right several more.

"I have always been loyal to my fellow people, and my Lord. But you, Lord Sesshomaru, you do not have the throne. You cannot rule a territory if you do not sit on the throne. I have always been for you even when out numbered. I have been leading against the revolt-not for it." He pulled out his sword ready to fight. His wife behind him, under her cloak, ready to spray her acid rain. Her teeth glowing in the light from the lightning flashing and Ichigo's sword crying when the thunder rolled.

"You have indeed proved to be loyal to me when you didn't know that I didn't have my rightful throne. But I am here to tell you that I will be sitting on that throne, in the place I have every right to claim." With this he pulls out his own sword, Tokajin, and has it at the ready. The game-is about to begin…

We learn about her family:

She had never expected to see the Lord present himself to anyone. Why had he come down here? This wasn't his part of the home. He was supposed to stay up above her jurisdiction. She was growing angry until she realized what it was that was attracting him-she was glowing bright orange.

"Father?" She didn't know what was casing this change in Rin, but she knew her father, Lord Takeshi, would tell her.

"She has such great power built up inside. What are the causes of searching your own self to find your power?"

"She is Lord Sesshomaru's sworn mate. He searched himself didn't he? That's how he unleashed his full power."

"Ah, yes, but he still has unfound power, doesn't he. He tends to be over protective of this lowly demon. I am very disappointed Naomi. You never came to get me on this."

"But father, Lord Sesshomaru wanted to know why Pandora was half, but full, demon. I had to tell him. Rin is the only one I know and have found with the same stature as Pandora. Besides, she is part Shadow demon. What are you to say she will not succeed?"

"So, it is final; Lord Sesshomaru finally found a creature to love that loved him in return. This was something Pandora was never able to accomplish. However," he turned towards her and took his eyes off of Rin, "You never told Lord Sesshomaru of this matter. How is she to be ready when he returns?"

"She is smart and she has drive. She will find a way out. I am still able to talk to her. How did you find out about the time we had here?"

"You only have ten days. Will you all truly be done with your teachings by then? She has a lot to learn within herself. No doubt she has found her true inner demon. I can see it; a very beautiful picture of pain and determination that I have found myself fond of. I will proceed to keep her with me until she is done with her soul search."

"Father, no! She has to stay here within my watch! Lord Sesshomaru will kill me if he finds out that you have taken her up there with you! You cannot take her, she is mine!" She stepped forward in an attempt to show she was serious.

"Naomi," he let her name sit in the air for a short, but what seemed long, moment, "she is coming with me. Look at her, isn't that the most luscious demon you have ever seen?" He turned back towards her and stared, all the while licking his lips. Lord Takeshi wasn't giving up his fight to have Rin. What was he going to do with her? She was in a state of pure exposition. She was vulnerable to anything and everything. She walked up to be next to him. He wasn't taking her anywhere.

"Father, she is destined to be with Sesshomaru. You cannot take her away from him. I have seen their future. Please, father, Lord Takeshi, don't take her from him." She looked to him with pleading eyes as he looked to her and then smiled. It wasn't a smile a father would give in empathy, more like a smile a predator would give to his fellow creature as if saying they had finally spotted their prey. "Father, no! I beg you! Pl-." She put her hands on his arms and was thrown. She wasn't going to get her way.

"Enough, Naomi; she is mine to take as I please. She is unmarked and unmated. Being claimed is something that can happen more than once during a young youki's life. I am sure Lord Sesshomaru knows this." He stepped forward and licked Rin's cheek like he was getting a small taste of what the full meal would taste like.

"Sure enough he does, but I am most sure that he doesn't expect me to give you his life-mate. He wasn't expecting you to come down from your high perch. You are not supposed to be here." She moved towards him again attempting to take Rin with her. She failed in getting close to her. She was thrown against Rin's desk and pinned there.

"Can a father not visit his only daughter?" She could tell he was right with the only part but he was using it to try and bribe her into letting him keep Rin.

"Pandora is dead, you only ever visited her. She was your pet. Rin must stay here. I am not Pandora or your pet." She was growing angry. She knew she wasn't going to win; but she had to try.

"Naomi, I have made my decision, she is coming with me." Rin was levitated slightly and glowing a bright orange with her hair blowing in an imaginary wind. Takeshi rose up and took her into his arms; disappearing into a cloud of mist. Naomi laid there for a nanosecond after and then ran for her chambers. What am I going to tell Lord Sesshomaru? She went right past the youki waiting for her and into her private gardens. There, she sat and meditated. She had to get Lord Sesshomaru or his brother there to retrieve Rin from her father. They were the only two able to do it. She was willing to try anything…

Let the War games begin:

"This is absurd!! You cannot possibly think you will win over your people by killing the lot of us!" Ichigo didn't see what Lord Sesshomaru was getting at. He hadn't done anything to deserve being killed.

"Who said anything about killing?" He raised his eye brow and starred at his opponent. All he really wanted was the truth from each of them and the only way to find the truth was to do it the only way her knew how-threatening their lives. "Begin Ichigo. You have the floor." Ichigo hesitated and then ran towards Lord Sesshomaru trying a small and insignificant attack that was sure to be blocked. But when he turned from the blocked attack, Yumi blew kisses of sulfur snow flakes in Sesshomaru's face. He was temporarily blinded for about five minutes of the battle but followed his other senses and listened to what was between the sounds of the storm. "Why such weak forces? I thought you wanted my THRONE!!" He sliced through something and heard the intense breathing of a female. The taste of her blood in the air with the raining mist made for an intense longing for the taste on his lips. He had made the first cut. Therefore, Ichigo was given the chance to retreat or be attacked twice in a row. He attacked first and slit the side of Sesshomaru's face-just missing his right eye. He had broken the rules. But, Sesshomaru understood his defending his wife.

"Stupid fool, you think that just because your father was powerful and a great leader that you are automatically the same or more powerful? You are wrong. You will never be anything like your father. Face it. You are weak." Ichigo stepped back and let the demon have his fit. He knew that if he could get him to show his rage and hurt within these few battles that Lord Sesshomaru would be able to concentrate on what was happening at his castle and deal with it accordingly. He knew Sesshomaru was agitated and enraged-if he had his fit now, everyone would benefit with his patience later.

"And you think you are fit for the throne? You criticize me thinking that I am weaker than my father when I am more than my father was capable of being. I defeated the strongest foe to roam earth-one he couldn't begin to battle and I will always loath those filthy, low, desecrating Humans!" He made a quick move to the left causing Ichigo to go right so that Sesshomaru could put out his poison whip and slash him in the chest. He missed all except the last point of his whip, nicking Ichigo's neck-just missing a death point.

"Lord Sesshomaru…" He said, falling to one knee signaling the Lord had won, "I have always been loyal to you; even when you arrived back. I have been a commander for the castle defenses. I never betrayed you-you are my friend. You have always been since we were pups. Why do you not trust me, My Lord?" With this he bowed his head and then rose up and jogged back to the side of the field to help his wife when given acknowledgement from the demon lord.

"And you, Sayuri? What have you done that makes you so worthy of my father's throne? Or even you Guchan? How do you two differ from my deceased chamber maid and my retired officer, Gatuchio?" He breathed calmly on the outside but was brewing volcanic acid inside.

"My, my, aren't we in a bad mood today? We are here more than you ever are. You don't even know the names of your commanding officers. How can you sit on a throne and govern a land you know nothing about?" Sayuri stared him down as she stalked into the center where Ichigo had been defeated by Sesshomaru. Following her like a lost, cautious puppy, was her brother, Guchan.

"Yeah, we can't follow a Lord that is too stupid to stay and guard his castle and too lazy to know the creatures that dwell in his land."

"Oh? You both think I know absolutely nothing about my father's lands? I have patrolled them multiple times over. You think you're fit for this job?" He sheathed Tokajin and waited for a response. One never came. Guchan pounced and turned into his demon form. Guchan was what was called a mutt. He fought dirty and was also clumsy. He had two distinctly different dog demons within his veins. Nothing like what a shadow dog demon would be. Shadow demon was just another trait that appeared just like ears or hair. Demons had it from one parent or both. Sometimes, however, they didn't get it at all. Sesshomaru pulled his fluffy tail out and wrapped it around the over-confident mutt and swung him into the air to be shocked by a bolt of lightning catching the first to go air born. "One down, one to go. How about it Sayuri? Tell me what you think?" He pulled out Tokajin and let her see it from afar. "This is the sword made from the fang of the demon that broke my father's favored sword-Tetssaiga." He smiled as she awed at the textured sword held in Sesshomaru's hands. She never knew that he had a trap laid out for the foolish youki. He had to trick her though, or else she would have been too fast for him. "Come test it out." He held it out as if to actually let her touch it. She made a move to walk towards it but thought otherwise.

"Why must I be mocked into thinking that you are offering me an up-close and personal look at your fancy, new sword?" She smiled thinking she had figured out his scheme.

"Oh? You don't want to test it?" He looked at her shaking is head in confusion. "Fine." His expression turning to grim and expressionless. He expertly acted as if he was going to whirl it around in his hand and snap it into ready fighting stance, but he stopped in mid-swing and Tokajin shot out a red beam of demonic energy. She toasted where she stood. Then, the impossible happened-Lord Sesshomaru laughed. It wasn't a childish victory laugh; it was a pure enjoyment from your stupidity laugh. The 'I told you not to put your finger in the electrical socket', laugh. "Fool." Two Human servants rushed out to retrieve both youki and drag them to the front gates. There, they would be thrown out and never allowed back.

"You are cruel." Ichigo and Yumi both wide eyed at the comment given by Alex.

"Yes…No, you aren't cruel, you are pure evil." Goshen agreed; Lord Sesshomaru was having fun playing a game to find out who he could really trust-and it was at their life's expense. "How do you live with yourself?"

"I don't." He sheathed his sword once again and then changed into his demonic form. He stalked his prey, willing them to run. Goshen grew frightened and coward low, but not to the ground. Alex, however, acted like it was normal.

"You don't scare me my Lord. All I wanted to know from you by coming here, was why you were being hypocritical?" Sesshomaru titled his head in response to the Human condemning him. "You have claimed and proved numerously throughout your life that you loath Humans. Why now do you change your mind secretly?" Sesshomaru slowly formed back into his Human form and proceeded to walk to the Human commanders. His eyes never changed from their crimson red and his aura did not cease.

"How have I changed my mind? I still loath them whether you believe me or not."

"Your Human ward was indeed, Human, was she not?" Alex glared at him in disbelief. How could the Inuyouki Lord lie to him like that but not stand for anyone else to lie about how many fingers on each hand.

"My half-demon ward I was watching until she was taken to her family?" Sesshomaru was growing furious. YOU DARE TO SAY I AM A HYPOCRITICAL LIAR?!?! "She is gone." Alex saw that he had been told a terrible lie and he had acted on it without knowing all the facts or Sesshomaru was a phenomenal liar. He backed away slowly. Putting up his hands in surrender.

"My Lord, I have only come to ask that question. I lead the side of the Humans that was helping Ichigo's youki defenses. Please, I beg you; don't punish me for trying to find the truth." Alex bowed low and helped Goshen up to do the same.

"Ichigo, tell me. What shall I do with these frightened children?" He never took his eyes off of the Humans, but he turned his head slightly for Ichigo to answer him. When he didn't answer, Sesshomaru turned his body fully towards Goshen and asked him to step forward. Goshen hesitated; then stepping out and bowing low, Sesshomaru engraved an X on Goshen's right cheek with his poison whip, as well as Alex's left cheek when he was asked to step forward. This was their negotiation marks. He couldn't fight Humans, because he would kill them before they got a shot in.

"As for you two, Satsu and Koji; you have negotiated with me already. I will take your heir as my mate. Deal?" Both nodded their heads and all retreated into the castle for bathes, dinner and sleep. However, Sesshomaru did not sleep. He felt something wasn't right-something bad had happened or was going to happen. He convinced himself it was just the feel of the castle and lies down and falls lightly asleep.

The next morning a servant came in to wake the Lord, but he wasn't in his chambers. He decided to prep the room for the day and make it ready for the Lord to make way for a new rule-his rule. He opened the windows, fluffed the pillows and made the bed. He swept around the room and cleaned the lavatory and around the indoor springs of anything the Lord left behind. When he was done and left the Lord's chambers; he was startled to see him standing in front of the screen in a sort of daze until the servant bowed and backed away. Sesshomaru just simply walked past him and continued on with his path for the day. Today was going to be a long day. He had noticed much last night and had learned much as well. What will I do? He wanted someone to confide in and talk to about this situation. He felt like something was wrong and yet nothing seemed out of place. Everything was going smoothly-so far- here at the castle and the new commanders where going to be announced in the next week. He still had to talk with many creatures and get things straight for the new reign-his reign. So far as he knew, Rin and Jaken were still doing well with Naomi. So what was wrong? He couldn't leave and check on them himself; the people would go against him again for leaving so soon just to 'check' on some things. Normally, he would send Jaken, but Jaken was with Naomi.

"Lord Sesshomaru, your messenger you had sent to Naomi." He turned to see Nobu-San. He looked exhausted and yet troubled.

"Speak to me Nobu-San." The messenger looked up and pleaded not to be killed for delivering the news. "Just tell me. You have been loyal." He stepped forward to show he wanted to listen and to show he wasn't kidding about Nobu needing to spit it out.

"My Lord, Rin has been taken by Lord Takeshi." He flinched as if expecting something-nothing came. So he bowed low and then left. With that, Sesshomaru stormed out of his chambers towards the main hall. Everyone coward in his presence and sound of his voice; indeed today wasn't going to be a good day.

"Speak." He growled, looking to Ichigo to hear the statements written.

"Lord Sesshomaru, you have been charged with hypocrisy, deceit, fraud, and failure to protect your father's people. How do you plea?"

"I plead innocent to three charges and guilty to one. Innocent to hypocrisy, deceit, and fraud; guilty to my failure to protect my father's people-I will be asked questions from the following people." He pulled out a scroll from his side and read the list out loud. "Ichigo and Yumi, Alex and Goshen, and Satsu and Koji. No one will be hearing from Sayuri or Guchan. Is all understood?" The whole court could tell he was pissed. Something had happened; none dared to ask. "Ichigo and Yumi-you are first."

"From 'negotiations' last night, we have come to you with a few questions. First," He cleared his throat and waited for his wife to pull out the scroll to take notes on the session. "Why have you chosen, so far, since your father's passing to stay far from this castle? You do not stay when you should. Why?"

"I believe in conquest." He stopped and waited for the next question. He wanted this over with so that he could debate whether or not to leave and come to Rin's aide.

"Second; what foes have you defeated in your conquests and why were they such threats?"

"First, I wanted a sword my father had left. It was unfortunately left to Inuyasha, and so therefore I fought for it. I came across a half-demon girl and took her in as a servant-the little girl has left. All was well until I was introduced to a demon named Naraku. He loved to toy with creatures and eat them to obtain their power. He tried to kill me and so I had to kill him. I wasn't too absorbed into killing this foe until he deceived me and tried to kill my companions. He would have come and ruled here and killed all with his toxic miasma. He was almost unstoppable. Naraku was the biggest threat to anyone and everyone. It took five years to defeat and kill the demon and his followers." He stopped and thought back to why he had just said so much. He had never talked so exceedingly before. It was curious to him and Ichigo as to why there was a sudden change.

"Third; what have you learned on these 'conquests'?"

"Hn…companionship. I learned to trust them and lead them without an ounce of resentment. I learned to love. I fell for a beautiful creature that is always into trouble. I learned to control my anger over petty natures-everything passes with time." There was silence of the first time in many years throughout the court.

"That will be all from my self and Yumi."

"Alex and Goshen; your accusations?" He looked to them and saw a passion to follow a Lord that was capable of all those things. They looked guilty and puzzled as to what to ask after hearing these things. Alex made his way up to the front of the room with Goshen trailing behind. Alex really must have chosen him because he wouldn't get in the way. He cleared his throat and began.

"Lord Sesshomaru. We also have few questions. First; what of your Human ward?"

"She was half-demon. The little girl left, however. I was keeping watch over her."

"I see. Second; what of this female Inuyouki you speak of? What is she to you, Lord Sesshomaru?" There was that stupid, simple question that always made him think harder than he needed to. The answer was simple. Everything. However, he could never speak that into existence in front of anyone other than Rin.

"She means much to me. She has shown me love and charm. Her name-Rin. She is heir to the Shadow demons and my fiancée. She is mine and always will be." Everyone held there breaths scared to breathe after hearing a low growl escape from his throat. Something must have been wrong for him or his fiancée to be so on edge. Who would be the first to ask?

"Interesting that you say that, my Lord. I will ask one more and I am done. Why are you so protective over her that you seem so distraught when you are thinking of her? Is she in trouble?" Alex leaned forward waiting for his reply. Sesshomaru was being very protective of her even when she wasn't around to protect…they had only asked a simple question and he had almost lost it. Something was up.

"I am extremely protective of her because I feel that I am the only one able to protect her-the only one worthy of such a find as she is. She is perfectly able to fend for herself, but I refuse to let her feel she has to protect herself in order to live freely." She is mine and I am hers. I protect her well-being and her life. I sometimes think that if I do not know where she is, what she is doing or who she is with, that she could easily die or be taken from me forever-never to return. He thought about the fact that he had revealed so much. He decided that he didn't care. He just wanted to get to Rin before Lord Takeshi took her from him.

"I see. Nothing more. Good day, Lord Sesshomaru." He bowed low as did Goshen. They left after that and went home. They had seen, heard and found all they needed to know in order to make a decision. They were happy to leave.

"Koji and Satsu. Proceed." He looked at them with longing for it to be over soon. Koji understood what he was going through and so he told his mother that he didn't want to question him. The charges that they had against him needed dropped. They were only excuses for missing the Lord at the castle. She agreed and both bowed low and then exited the building to go home. "I believe that there is no more to be said. The charges that stand to be tried are as follows." He pointed to Ichigo and Ichigo read off of the scroll just handed to him from the court scribe. It was an unanimous vote to drop all charges except the charge of failure to protect the lands and castle. "It is here-upon heard through out the court that Lord Sesshomaru is innocent of fraud, hypocrisy, and deceit. The Lord is however, charged as guilty for failure to protect his father's lands. How will his sentence be told?" Ichigo searches the main hall for any volunteers for a sentencing…there are none so it is now up to him. "I believe that our Lord should serve his sentence by doing manual labor and staying on house arrest for three weeks starting when he returns with his mate-to-be. All in favor say Hai." He looked around and saw and heard everyone announce Hai. "It is done. My Lord, go and retrieve your mother and fiancée. I am sure they are waiting for you." With that Ichigo dismissed the court and all went their separate ways. The trial had lasted four days and their Lord had been distraught. None quite knew what he was so on edge about, but none would ask.

While Sesshomaru was preparing his self for the trip, Ichigo showed up and made small talk.

"Get to the point Ichigo. I do not have time to be lulled. I have someone to kill and someone to retrieve. What is it you want?"

"You are still not done with negotiations and treaties my Lord. When you return I will have everything ready to be read to you and everything to be signed."

"Very well; I leave you in charge. Do not fail me. I will be gone three days-a week at the longest. Anything else?"

"Do you want to be handed the throne right when you get back or are you waiting?"

"As soon as I enter the gates."

"Very well; good luck and happy travels." With that he left and let Sesshomaru finish with his packing. Ichigo noticed, however, that Sesshomaru had a present wrapped neatly and securely within his belt. He thought maybe it could be for his fiancée, but if it was what he thought it was-they were not engaged. He doubted that it was true, so he figured it was just another clutter to add to the female's collection.

Within Takeshi's Castle:

"When it comes to a female Youki, he is never persuaded otherwise unless she is marked and mated or she is courted and married. Otherwise, she is fair game to anyone and everyone. If he mates with her, Sesshomaru will have to kill him in order to keep her. Otherwise, she will forever be my father's mate. I would feel awful if that happened. Sesshomaru deserves to finally be happy and see that love is good thing to feel. He is just now starting to feel this love and he is unsure of the ground he is stepping. He can easily be dissuaded and easily angered. He is feeling foolish lately, and he is disgusted with the feeling of foolishness. He has had trouble accepting he is in love with another demon." Naomi had gone to Lady InuKimi to see what she should do.

"I see." InuKimi looked around the room in search of the smell that was new to her. She finally laid eyes on Nobu-San. The loyal servant to the Inu-family for centuries.

"I shall be going. I need to be up there keeping watch on Rin and helping her come out of her self-searching. She will be lost if I do not help."

"Hurry back with her. For Sesshomaru. He does deserve to finally be happy again. Even if only a little while; Nobu-San-come forward please."

"Hn…" Naomi started on her way and soon was entering her father's castle.

"What news do you have from the castle?" InuKimi glared at him expecting a warm welcome and good news. But she never expected having to go home so soon to help her son clean up a mess partially her fault.

"Father?" Naomi looked around the room and the castle for her father. She had come in the same as the last, yet he was no longer there. Rin was not there either. "Lord Takeshi! I need to stay with RIN!!!!!!" She was getting angry. She hated playing these stupid games with her father. He always thought they were entertaining and yet she never saw how they were-not when her life was on the line.

"Oh you have arrived? How pleasant. Might you come join me in my study?"

"Takeshi, fine, but I will take Rin and go to my old chambers. You will not be allowed in there. Do not disturb me. Understood?"

"Such incompetence; if only your mother was here to hear you talk that way."

"Takeshi, if you hadn't eaten her, then maybe she would be here. Stupid fool." She was tired of hearing about her mother. She was gone long ago. No longer a concern or hurt to her.

"Very well, my dear, she has turned purple. So elegant and beautiful a color."

"Takeshi, you are the incompetent one. So like you to enjoy a falling mistress that you want for yourself, yet you will not help her to stay with the world."

"Hn…" At least he shut up. That's all she wanted. She arrived at his study and didn't exchange any conversation. Naomi lifted both hands and formed a ball with them-finger tips touching. She slowly drew them apart dove her arms down and slowly back up to the height of her head. When she had hold of the glass tube; she then shrank it to a size big enough to fit in her hands. In her hands is where she would keep and protect Rin. Here is where she would help Rin escape herself. She started towards her chambers when the door closed and she heard growl from behind her. She slowly turned and saw her father enraged.

"What are you angry about?"

"When is Sesshomaru arriving?"

"I do not know; when he gets here. Stay out of my head." She turned again towards the door and before opening it-she was whirled around and slammed into the door.

"Shut-up and listen to me! She is MINE! You both took my Pandora away and so now you both will pay. Either I have Rin or you kill Sesshomaru. If I get neither-you will take my Pandora's place. You are MINE and you will not disobey me again!"

"You're disgusting. I am not weak, I am not a half-demon. You are nothing more than an angry demon looking for sport!" She spit on him and teleported to her old chambers before he could do anything further. She was shaking fiercely and she could feel herself feel faint. She was going to end up weak and chastised just like Pandora if Sesshomaru didn't kill Lord Takeshi.

He made it to Naomi's hut and walked inside to see that it was still daylight outside. He rushed to get to the castle within before night finally hit. He passed multiple animals and nature. He looked ahead as he approached the castle within his glowing ball. The castle was dark and the air above it was black. Lord Takeshi knew he was coming and knew there was going to be a fight. He just hoped nothing bad had happened to Rin yet.

"Rin! Can you hear me?" What was this? She had been in her lily self for over three days now. She was starting to think she would never find her way back.

"I hear you Naomi. Where are you?"

"I am in front of you. Try and open your eyes for me."

"Naomi, I can try." She meditated and could feel her eyes open even though to her she could see.

"Good now I can enter your mind and walk with you. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes. I want out of here." Naomi never heard her, but she went ahead and entered anyways. "There you are Naomi! Why can I not leave here?"

"You are in your self-searching stage. I have to walk you through it. You have to find your powers."

"I see." She looked at Naomi and saw she looked puzzled. "What?"

"Nothing, I just thought that you would have gotten your fluffy tail before you did this, but I guess not."

"TAIL?!?! You mean like Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes, every dog demon has a tail. What did you think it was? It's not just there to keep you warm you know. You can do all kinds of things with a tail. It's actually quite exciting. I wish I had one." She laughed a little and then started walking in one direction. Rin followed and told Naomi what she felt in each garden of different colored lilies. "Interesting. Have you ever traveled past these fields?"

"No. Is there anything past them?"

"Yes. Your powers. Pick one and I will show you how to acquire some. You will have to do the rest on your own and on your own time. Got it?"

"Hn…I understand, but which one should I choose? I mean, I love all my fields. But I like the field with joyfulness and contentment. I love the colors there. Let's find some there." She started to walk in that direction when she felt her head start to hurt. She dropped down to one knee and felt like she was going to burst from the inside of her head out. "Naomi why do I feel like my head is going to burst?"

"Because it very well may be." She answered truthfully. She looked up from her walking to Rin and saw her nose was bleeding. It was going to explode. "Rin we have to find these powers in order for you to leave. We have the hurry."

"If I get to leave, will my head explode?"

"No. Let's hurry." Rin nodded her head and began getting up again. Naomi walked next to her and helped her up. Then she asked her to show her past the field. Her head would quit hurting when she got closer to the powers she was searching for. Naomi even gave her a cloth to help with the nose bleed. They walked for what seemed to Naomi forever. When they finally made it to the end of the field of blue and green lilies, they came upon a forest of pine trees. Naomi knew it to be a maze. They needed to find the powers hidden within the maze. Naomi led the way. She wanted out of there. She hated being closed in a bunch of trees without being able to find a way out. She marked their journey with red balls of light and when ever they made a wrong turn, she would diminish the lights till they came back and went to other way. After another hour, they came across a dark blue light. Rin was fascinated.

"What is it? Is that my power?"

"One of them. You have to enter that light and take something. Like a potion. You will the acquirer that power. But you have many within this maze. Maybe two more. A white one and a green one. You must find them as well and take something from them as well. Then we can leave."

"Oh. Well, then here I go." She let the cloth drop to the ground and walked quickly to the light. She put her hands up and tried to put them through the light. It was like water. But she felt her hands were still dry on the other side. So, she emerged herself within the light. She saw on a pedestal was a small glass jar. She walked swiftly towards it. Reaching inside to find five cookies. "Hn…" She took them all and ate them all. She felt like she was newly revived. Her nose quit bleeding and her headache lightened some. "Three more lights to go." She walked out and found that after she exited, the light diminished and the half of the maze it was held in, vanished in a wind.

"Let's go!" Naomi started for the next part of the maze. She wanted out of here. Another hour and a half passed and they finally came across a gate. Behind it Rin could see a bright white light. "I can not go inside with you. This power was locked away from other eyes. Proceed." Naomi stepped back a few paces and turned her body fully around. The gate wouldn't open with someone looking other than Rin.

"Ok. I will be back." She opened the gate and disappeared within. She again entered the light and found that on the pedestal this time was a glass plate with chocolate on it. Could she eat this chocolate? Or was it something else? She walked closer to it and found that instead of chocolate it was in fact a box of sweets. "How convenient." She said. She wasn't too thrilled that she was still there. She wanted out of her mind so that she could be ready for her Lord. When she ate the sweets, she began feeling different. Like she was gaining knowledge of something. She started to see memories she had never seen before. Some she knew happened before she was even born. These were memories Sesshomaru had given her. These memories also contained information within them that she could rely on to help her learn about the Inuyouki clan. Information she would rely on when she needed to know about her own clan. She exited and again she saw the light diminish and the maze it was in disappear within a wind. "That was interesting." That was all Rin said. She wasn't going to tell Naomi why the gate was there. Rin knew the gate was there because the light contained part of Sesshomaru-he kept himself guarded. "Next. I hope I can leave soon. I am growing bored being here. Especially since I have been here alone for so long."

"That's understandable. So. Tell me. Do you still want me to give you some more pointers on how to please him? Or would you rather explore on your own?"

"Actually, I think I know how I can. I believe I can do that part on my own." They both giggled for a little while making small conversation. Rin was happy Naomi and her had grown closer and was becoming friends. She hoped they would and could be good friends one day. She liked Naomi.

"Hey there it is!" It was been forty-five minutes or more and they finally found the last one. Now Rin could finally leave. They both walked up to the light. When Rin was inside she saw that there was a small cup sitting on the pedestal. Inside she thought for sure it was sake. She drank it anyways and then felt her fingers in her right hand warm up and then cool down. "Interesting. Maybe I have the poison whip as well?" She thought about it and then jumped for joy. She was finally able to leave. She exited and saw after the maze disappeared that they weren't far from the field of blue and green lilies. They raced back to the white ones and then stood there. Naomi was beaming. She had helped Rin recover some of her powers and so now they could leave. Rin was also overjoyed. She was finally able to join the real world again. "See you on the other side Naomi. Thanks for everything."

"You're welcome dear. You're worth helping-not just because you're Sesshomaru's, because you are my friend." They smiled at each other and Rin watched as Naomi grew transparent and then wasn't there. She sat down and meditated. Feeling her self finally grow heavy and land on her two feet. She opened her eyes and blinked. Where was she?

"Naomi? Where are you? Where are we?"

"You are in my chambers." That wasn't Naomi. It wasn't Lord Sesshomaru, Jaken or InuKimi either. She didn't know who that was. She turned to her right and saw a bed and turned to her left and saw a door. Someone was pounding on it. Someone pounding on it was angry and screaming for the door to be opened. That someone was Naomi. Rin broke for the door only to have her path intercepted by a tall, ugly, old demon.

"Who are you? Why will you not let me leave?" Rin was kind of scared. She didn't know who he was or if he was friendly and from what she could tell-he wasn't near friendly.

"You are mine. Why would you want to leave me?" He looked at her coolly and decided that she wasn't comfortable with him. He would have to change that.

"You do not look like Lord Sesshomaru. I belong to him." She became cocky, hoping he would back off.

"You are not marked, mated, or married. You belong to me." He stated this as a matter of fact, and so she grew serious and thought about it. She decided that the only way to get away from him was to convince him she wasn't his either.

"Well, if I am none of those things, then I belong to no one-not even you."

"Heh…we will see, won't we?" He made a move towards her. She dashed backwards; flying-somewhat. She could jump slightly and glide a ways before landing. She chose to see if she could use her poison whip. She looked at her hand and willed it to work. Her index and middle fingers ignited and was a vivid blue-sparking and crackling. Rin drew her hand back and lashed and invisible whip at his face. Her blue poison whip lashed out and hit the mark. He stopped short and graced his hand over the wound. It was bubbling. She had an acid whip-not a poison whip. "Feisty aren't we?"

"You wish. Let me go; I want to leave." The pounding at the door stopped and she heard a terrible scream coming from someone being chocked. "Naomi!" She heard the chocking stop and a dropping of someone. Naomi was still breathing; but someone else was at the door.

"Lord Takeshi, open this door."

"Oh but you are too late. You see she has already been marked and mated-with me."

"Impossible."

"Very well." He darted at Rin and grabbed her in his arms. Placing his teeth at the base of her neck, he was about to bite when she realized what he was doing. She struggled to get free-only to be squeezed more tightly. She couldn't breathe and so she passed out. Limp in his arms, he lightly pressed his teeth within her neck. He wouldn't truly mark her until they actually mated-it would be a waste of pleasure if he did. He ripped her kimono off and set her on the bed. Making his way to his chambers door, he opened it to reveal Lord Sesshomaru. "You finally decided to join us? How pleasant of you to come. To bad you have terrible timing. Come see for yourself." Takeshi stepped aside. Letting Sesshomaru pass through and take a look at Rin. She was bruised from being squeezed too hard and she was bleeding from where Takeshi had bitten her. He didn't even lick up the blood. Sesshomaru wanted to take her, but she looked mated. The only thing wrong with the scene was the scent. No scent of mating-just Rin's blood and the scent of Lord Takeshi.

"She is not mated. She isn't even marked. That mark will heal and show nothing there. You have lied to me." He turned and whirled his own poison whip at Takeshi. He hit his mark around his chest area. "You have dishonored me by trying to take my fiancée. You are indeed a fool." He struck again and this time it was blocked by Lord Takeshi's katana. Takeshi dove for Sesshomaru and was met with Tokajin. "You are indeed worthless." He shoved forward and blasted demonic energy towards the demon. Hitting his right arm and knocking the katana from his hand. His hand was bleeding and now he had to use his left to fight. Not a great start to a fight by using your weak hand. "Hn…" Takeshi transformed and attacked using his teeth. He lunged forward biting hard into Sesshomaru's right side. Lord Sesshomaru rammed Tokajin into his head-killing him where he was. He was no longer a threat to anyone. He turned and went to Rin. She was breathing normal, she was shivering. He asked Naomi to clothe her while he waited outside the chambers. She agreed and did so quickly. Rin awoke when they were almost inside Naomi's castle. When she saw Sesshomaru, she rapped her arms around him. She was glad she was finally seeing him again.

It has been two days since that incident and Lord Sesshomaru has stayed close since. He refuses to leave without Rin and his Mother. He also asked Naomi to come and witness their union when the time came. She agreed and Rin was overjoyed. Rin had grown up more and she had indeed developed her tail-Sesshomaru still needed to get used to it. She was simply beautiful-no other words to describe her looks or her features-just beautiful. When her schooling was done and over with that second day, they packed up and left. Sesshomaru knew the castle wasn't ready for her, Naomi or his mother, but he wanted Rin close to him. He figured she was easier to protect that way. She could finish her 'schooling' when they were at the castle-privately. No one was to see, speak or hear from or of her until he said it was time. He wanted to keep it secret that she was there until it was inevitable that they all knew she was. He wanted to keep an eye on her and keep her closer to him now more than ever and she still needed to be schooled. He looked one last time back at Rin as they traveled back to his lands and castle. She was going to be a handful. And so they went.