I'll be the first to say that I'm not the biggest Inuyasha fan in the world, but, I do hold a place in my heart for a few characters. In light of this, I will attempt to do my favorite would-be pairing. I'm sorry if there are grammatical/spelling errors, I don't have a beta and I'm doing all of this myself. Also, Sesshomaru may be a little ooc, but the only thing I can say to defend that, would be that in Final Act he seemed much softer, and slightly friendlier towards humans in general. (Rin does end up at the village after all, so he must not hate them too badly.)

I'm doing this because Final act will be starting to air in English sometime in October, or so I hear. I'm so excited than I just had to do something, and so, I did this.

Updates will likely be sporadic and some mistakes are guaranteed. Read and leave a review. Let's just hope it doesn't suck.

"Thinking"
"speaking"

I clearly don't own Inuyasha...

Chapter 1: Lifeforms.

Time, a vulnerable subject to take into account when one considers anything in life. It would make you weak when you realize that you had only so long for life, or perhaps you had years aplenty of life left in you. Things dulled when days, months, and years edged on into decades where you changed very little, or none at all. The sun would rise without question. The rain pattered the ground without recourse. Seasons were just a passing in time, nothing more. Beings gifted longevity built the assumption that the world as they knew it flowed in a cycle. No one would fully understand such a meaning. After many years of life it was little more than simple truth. This was the plight of one such person, or rather, more accurately, demon. He was still rather young, not yet in his prime for his race. This meant very little due to his sure strength. The lord of his land. A title worthy of great honor, he was Sesshomaru.

He could consider his lifespan a reason for concern purely because he had reasons to mourn death. Not for himself, but rather, the few he could say he cared about. It was a delicate matter, and he made note of this as he walked carrying his gifts for the person of interest. She was a little girl after all, not a demon like himself, merely a mortal. Well, she wasn't little any more either. She was growing into a fine young woman who would soon start heat, bleeding by the guidance of the moon. A fine girl indeed, and one he was very proud of.

She had spent a few years among her kind, among the humans, and soon she would find herself able to find a mate of her own. The years were short, only a handful of them left. Thus, a new choice was going to be made. Rin was enough seasons old that she could decide for herself the path she would take, be it along his side until her dying days, or among the humans. He would still watch over her, no matter her decision. She was his pup after all. He sped up his pace as he thought of this. His pup needed him, he would not make her linger in her waiting.

It wasn't easy for him to admit, but he did care for the girl immensely. Perhaps it was only his sword at first, a passing interest that would fade in time, a good deed done and soon forgotten. That was his initial view. She was a human, no more, no less. She was beneath him, and yet...she was his equal. At least now she was, and he had every reason to believe that soon his pup would need the guidance only a father could give. That was also part of the reason he had set off for the village that had become a sort of home for Rin.

The stench of humans sickened him. They'd rut in the worst of places, failed to bathe, and the emotions that waved off of them made the bile raise in his throat. He realized just how disgusting those humans were very early in his own life. Back when he too, was merely a pup. Without claws, fangs, and a growl worthy of his status he had learned how unkind they were, how unforgiving they could be. He knew back then of the lies, the malice, the deceit. All of it and more rolled at him in waves back then, just as it did now. It took every ounce of his power to contain his anger at their impudence. Still, as much as he would have loved to lose his cool exterior, he remained placid and calm.

"Humans harmed Rin. Humans treated her poorly, would beat her, reprimand her, starve her..." He shook his head of those thoughts. "I must remember my place. They must remember theirs. Rin, she is above them. If she is ever harmed, they will pay."

Although as a species Sesshomaru found them little more than rabble, a few stood out as decent souls. These humans, although few and far between not only gained his approval, a sparse number, that of which he could count on one clawed hand, gained his respect. No, not all humans were bad creatures. Demons had their fair share of filth brought into the world. Many of even his kind were unworthy of his tolerance, he could agree with that. He could also leave Rin in this particular village because it was friendly towards demons. The humans tolerated him, much as he did them.

Granted, he only tolerated them because it was for the better welfare of his pup. This pup found safety here, and the people she had grown to love were people only he approved of. Truthfully, there were a few souls he wished dearly hadn't also settled down in this particular village, but even so, these lesser lifeforms would look after Rin should trouble arise. Not that there would ever be trouble, not with Rin seeking shelter and training among them. Sesshomaru would forever guard her, and thus, the village, purely for her. Only for Rin.

He only allowed a smile on his face as he saw the hill where many figures played. The scent was a welcomed one that calmed his spirit and it accompanied many more smells. While Sesshomaru couldn't say he hated them, he wasn't exactly fond either. Toleration was the word most fitting for those small children. They were most admirable after all. They were being raised by a single mother, one of great strength, a slayer who was quite worthy of her title. The three children had been growing up strong despite their father's absence in their lives. Still, the absence was one of valor, instead of one with disgust.

"Sesshomaru!" Rin yelled as she went running through the fields and into his arms. He smiled at her only slightly, warmly, before cringing inwardly as three more little ones found the need to cling onto him. "You're back! I hope you'll be staying with us for longer than a day this time. You are, aren't you?" She turned her head sideways, pleading for him to do so. She had been a rather playful child, and still retained that playfulness even now. Her active nature constantly led her into talkative fits that lasted hours when around the demon lord. She often missed him, even if he constantly came bearing gifts and his sound protection. "Please, say that you will?"

"Yes." He nodded, a man of few words when in front of many spectators. "For now." Then he looked down at the other ones hugging him, containing his direct urge to fling them into the air and watch them clatter onto the ground. These were human children, they lacked the proper parenting of a demon. He had raised Rin far better. She was taught simple manners. She didn't tackle people with such open ended excitement. She did with him, but he was her father, that was a different matter entirely. "Go alert the Slayer, I wish a word with her." He scoffed a little rudely at the children, rolling his eyes as they giggled and ran back towards their hut. "They have no sense of decency." He told Rin, a bit of aggravation ghosting his features momentarily.

"Sorry father." Rin had started calling him that after the death of Naraku. A suggestion from Kaede, and although he rarely took advice from humans, he had to admit she had sound reason to offer him the idea. It was helpful for Rin, and as a proud demon, he took care of his pup as best as he could. Allowing her the simple change gave her so much happiness, and it made his heart swell with great pride. "They like you a lot. I will try to talk with them again if you wish. They mean you no disrespect, it is just their way." Yes, she had aged well.

"Pay no mind." He answered, happy that he was finally alone to speak with Rin. "I have pressing matters I need to discuss with you." He sniffed the air, the hormone changes were subtle, but there. Soon, she would have her first heat. She was plenty old enough now to take up a blade. He handed her the satchel filled with things he knew she would need, having had spoken with Slayer Sango before about the matter. "These will be for the coming moon, soon you will feel pain and experience some things you will not be accustom with. I'd advise that you seek out proper help from those I approve before this happens. You will regret being unprepared."

"Yes sir." Rin nodded. "I shall do so. If the problem is medical, would seeking Priestess Kagome's aid be alright?" She looked through the bag, many things were found inside. Medicines, some cloth like bundles, cotton, and other things that she hadn't seen before made up the contents, she wondered just what it was she would undergo.

"That human woman again?" Sesshomaru sighed. "What is Rin's fascination with such a person. Rebellious natures aside, human women baffle me." Finally he said, "I would approve." he wasn't fond of Kagome's actions of being quite the rebellious woman. However, she was very protective of Rin. That was something he placed above obedience. She was not his mate, and so he expected a bit of brashness. His little brother was also lacking in basic social code. He could not expect any wench of Inuyasha's to be quiet and respectful. "Slayer Sango as well. I would highly approve if you seek her out in the coming times. Kaede, as always, is yet another I would recommend. She may be growing older, however she is a very wise woman. A proper model for you."

"Please Rin, go seek priestess Kaede. It simply would not do if you became like Kagome. She is simply unorthodox, even by a human standard." He watched Rin grow older. He knew the little savage she could be as a child. She was little back then. Her mischievous nature something of a way to help her survive. "The slayer, elder priestess, or perhaps even one of your little friends. Anyone but Kagome would be preferable."

"Yes father." Rin nodded.
"Rin, you are no longer the child I remember." He spoke calmly. "You are a young woman now."
"I know father, but I am still quite young, even Kagome says so." Rin chirped. Kagome still treated her as if she were a child.
"You are not so little." He spoke again. "Understand me Rin, Kagome is from a place far different from our own."
"I do understand father." Her excitement once again getting the best of her. "I dearly wish I can see it one day."
"Impossible," He began with a soft breath. "The request cannot be granted."
"Why not?" Rin questioned along with a simple shrug of her shoulders.

Their conversation was interrupted as a shout came from overhead. "Rin!" The young man atop a large catlike beast waved vigorously. He had been gone for many days, and upon his happy face were dark circles. His eyes were heavy, his body tired. Likely, this boy, also a slayer, had grown weary from battle. "Rin, I've returned." He shouted again, hiding his face from the glare of the sun with his hand. His landing was quick, and, he bowed to the great demon before him, gulping down his fear in the process. "Lord Sesshomaru, forgive my interruption. I should have been more careful in my address." He had not realized Rin had company, or else he would have stayed away a bit longer.

Sesshomaru still frightened him. "Stand tall." He waved off the slight annoyance. This was a boy Rin liked, and for what the admittance was worth, among humans he was a fine male. A good mate any human woman would find suitable. He wasn't anyplace near a demon when it came to having the qualities Sesshomaru would have expected, but, Rin was also a human. He would rather marry her off among her own species, than have her whelp half demon young. He then turned, facing Rin. "Spend time with him, I know you wish it."

"Thank you Sesshomaru." Rin chirped mindful of the others around her. She could call him father, and did often when she was alone. Among others, she still called him by name, as he expected of her. "I'll see you at dinner." She gave the tall demon a final hug as she and the boy wandered off. The cat shrunk down into a domestic size before curling up and laying down by Sesshomaru's feet. Growling slightly in a sound he didn't normally make, the cat responded back and he nodded. Then he addressed the other person.

"Slayer, make yourself known." He growled again softly as he sat down in the grass.
"My children said you wanted to speak with me." She answered him, following the same actions. "My I ask why?"
"There are a few matters that concern me. You are the one I seek on these points of interest." He spoke while pulling his hair away from the wind, the demon cat perched his shoulder triggering much displeasure inwardly.
"Concerns?" She wondered what it was that would trouble the great demon lord. "And you seek me out for them." It didn't make any sense.

"Yes." He nodded prying the little fuzzball from his body and placing it in the grass. "I seek your expertise. You see, Rin will soon start the flow of the moon. Because of this, I find she is old enough to take up the proper training of a blade. She needs training to defend herself. No pup of mine will be fully ready to take a mate unless she has the strength for such a commitment. However, she is a human. I would have waited a good twenty more years on a demon pup, she doesn't have such time at her disposal. If she would like to travel with me it would be best she has the means to survive without Jaken giving aid."

"If I may, isn't your skill in combat far greater than mine? I'm honored that you'd request my help for this, but I have not battled since my husband passed on." Sango let out a look sadness that went down into her very core. It had been a few years now, her children now all off the breast, walking, talking, and aiding the village within their spare time. Rin often spent time with her children, but she couldn't help but feel poorly. They had no father. Among the village she was pitied for lacking a man around the hut. Her children needed a father. The only male of influence was Inuyasha, and the brash half demon wasn't exactly the best role model for human children. "I fear I would not teach her well enough."

"A demon cannot train a human." Sesshomaru answered feeling the painful truth Sango blamed herself for. "I would kill her with a single strike. She is merely a human, a woman no less. You are powerful for a human. Your skills are adequate for my needs. It is not I who needs training, it is Rin." This was a formality for him, nothing more. Still, he would often speak with this woman at great length, purely because of the respectable woman she was. "If the mate Rin chooses protects her well, she will find little need in it." He saw Sango stiffen, and then nod, her emotions jetting out in her scent. Depression. "The best I could do is instruct Rin, but she needs someone who could also be a proper opponent. Someone to give her a challenge, teach her, guide her. I cannot do that. I fear I would harm her."

"You could easily kill a lone slayer well versed in combat. I would be little more than a quick strike with your claws." She knew his power well. He wasn't a lesser demon, it would have easily taken all of the strongest slayers of the village to stand a chance, and even then, it would have been a risk at best. In cases such as Sesshomaru, often it took an army of the strongest slayers, monks, and priestesses to even put down a demon of his stature. "I know how to fight, but if my skill had been good enough, I would not have lost the man I love." Sango said softly. "I was weak, unable to save him. Are you sure that you would want her under my wing, undergo my training, when I couldn't save the life of my own husband?"

Actually, it was likely because she was human that he spoke at any length. "You still feel so much regret in something you had little control over." Rin understood him, but this human, this woman would lack his meaning. She could not speak like he could. She could not smell his emotions. She did not understand his instinctual need to protect those who belonged at his side. "Your mate was a monk. Without his power of the tunnel, he could not have defended you properly." Demons had a higher social order, proper codes of conduct. He knew she would not understand. "Instead he did as any man of honor would have done. He gave his life for you and his pups. He was loyal only for you until the end, protecting you. There is little reason to place blame upon yourself." This was the logic of a demon.

Sesshomaru stuck by his theory. Miroku, though slightly lecherous, had been a man who fought and died. He did so to protect his offspring, and his female. It was a sacrifice worthy of merit, even in Sesshomaru's eyes. The man was not powerful, he did what needed to be done...it was the flow of life. "Think on it." Sesshomaru continued. "I will not force you. I would pay you properly for your work. It would no go by unnoticed. This brings me to my second point of interest." He took in a breath to calm himself, although this next topic troubled him highly. "Your brother, he is a fine male of your species, I would tolerate him should he decide to court Rin. The two of them spend time together, and often his scent is on her. However, I wish greatly that she would come with me when the time comes. Somehow, I feel as if she will not go without him." Any demon woman would have known that. Any mate of his, one of whom he would confide in, would have known of his distress without words. Humans were not so gifted in understand.

"My brother is old enough to make his own choices in his life." Her voice was saddened by those words as well. "He travels as a slayer now. Often he isn't home. Regardless, I wouldn't stop him if that is your concern." Sango replied as she pushed her bangs from her eyes. "I will train Rin with the best of my abilities, however I can not promise a positive result. Rin's hands were never made for killing. A wife and mother, I could see that, but I don't think even with any training she could slay a living creature."

"It is not that I wish for her to kill." Sesshomaru grew annoyed at the slayer, still he held his tongue. Rin was fond of the woman and he owed her a great deal. His point on her brother had obviously been missed. He attempted an explanation again. "It is as I said, I will not force you. Think on it carefully." How could he say this without sounding rude? He was unsure. Not that he wanted to sound soft, but he had pity for the children this woman had birthed. "You are my concern, Slayer Sango." He growled bluntly.

"I'm sorry?" She was unsure how to deal with that. The great dog demon, worried about her? It seemed illogical. Even the dumbest person on earth knew a demon of his level never worried about those under them. He did of Rin, but she was a different matter completely. "What have I done to cause you concern for me, if I may ask it plainly?"

"If you ask it plainly, I will speak it so." Thankfully, this woman was not one for games. He felt grateful for that, at the very least. "You have pups that need food and drink. My brother has gifted you his aid. However, soon he will have his own pack. I can smell his mate, she has been pupped. She will start to show and you will no longer have his help." Sesshomaru tried to think of a way to explain, but found nothing in his vocabulary that would suit him. "You will need a proper pack, he can not give you that. He has not marked you, he has not claimed you, and thus, when his pups are delivered into this world, you will be alone."

"Humans work differently." Sango spoke softly. Sesshomaru was worried for her children. Not her, but the mouths she had to feed. Money wasn't infinite, and she was a woman who had to help slay many demons. "We can be single mothers. We know how to do it, even if we find it hard. I won't let my children grow cold and hungry." The life of a slayer was dangerous. She had grown in a family, a village of such people. Still, it was because of her family, her aunts, uncles, her father, her brother...it was all because of the lives they were born into. To train, to fight, to slay those that harmed their own kind. Demon slaying wasn't for the weak. Sadly, it wasn't for children either. Her brother became a victim early on, purely because of those facts.

"What about manners? Training? Raising them takes more than you can offer." He spoke with honesty. This woman, she needed help. "Three pups, that is a handful for even the best pack mother. You are a weak human unable to care for them in the manner they need." He honestly didn't understand it himself. It wasn't his concern. He eyes trailed down, back where the huts sheltered people. Rin was there, her eyes on the children. She looked so happy. Yes. That was why he worried for the slayer. Rin was his pup, but, he was a dog demon. He protected his pack, Sango was apart of that, even if she was removed. Human or not, it made Rin happy.

"Rin is here, and often she gives aid. What would happen if she came with me? What would happen if your brother followed?" Sango's pack was his pack. He was the dominant male, and he had to do what was correct. "No one is left for you here, and you are not Inuyasha's female. You will not be taken by him and you will be alone. Do not take my warning lightly, Slayer. Think on it, I implore you, do that much." The finality in his voice told her he was through and as he stood. He offered her his clawed hand so that she could stand without an issue. He was at least that kind.

He walked away in search of Rin and the children, leaving Sango stuck inside of her mind. She had much to think upon and very little time to do it. She knew Rin would one day go back with him. There was no question about it, and it was almost guaranteed that she would be alone. Inuyasha was a good man, but Sesshomaru was right, when he was a father of his own children, she would be forced to rely on him less. She shook her head to rid herself of her worries. She had so many, all of them surrounding her. She never knew herself, how she would get by.

To Be Continued.

And this completes the first chapter. Please leave a review. I will update when I can, but no guarantees on how often that will be.