Author's Note: I do not own Inuyasha

An Insurmountable Love

As you wish, my lord. Those were the five words she'd engraved in her mind. Whatever he asked, demanded, and inquired about, she would oblige. It had been this way for fifteen years. The twenty-three year old sat in her favorite garden watching a lotus blossom float gently across the pond. The dark haired raven mused over her life as a servant walked behind her startling her out of her reverie.

"Rin, it is time for dinner. I do believe time has gotten away from you again."

"Oh, Sukia, you gave me quite a fright!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you, only to tell you dinner was ready."

"Ok, I'll be right there, just give me a second."

Sukia nodded her head in a knowing yet understanding fashion and walked away silently back toward the side entrance of the castle. Rin then turned her attention back to the lotus blossom. She sighed for the same thoughts that had been plaguing her mind for five years seeped into her thoughts once again. Unbeknown to her, a tall, handsome figure watched her from above. As he watched her from the balcony, he could see her ravine hair blowing in the warm yet cool evening. He saw how the gentle breeze gave a pink hue to her flawless skin. She was now twenty-three he mulled over. She was tall with dark brown eyes, pouty lips, plump face, long eye lashes, and a curvy and lithe figure that was hidden well beneath the royal dress robes that he had made sure she grew accustom to wearing over the years. Though, she wouldn't wear them much because she was always practicing her skills on the bow and arrow, swords( katana, tanto, wakizashi) martial arts, etc.

The girl was trained in much weaponry. She had to be, considering whom she traveled with. She could be considered by most humans and demon alike as a natural killer. She was accurate, discrete, and lethal to her opponent much like himself. Sesshomaru recalled watching her fight one of his superior officers no less that two years ago. The demon was dead in less than two minutes. She then bowed to the corpse and walked away as if nothing had happened at all. The entire time, he'd noticed her eyes were void of all emotion. A trait from him no doubt. Yes, Rin's physical abilities were extraordinary. Not to mention she was wise, impressively educated, and declared a bona fide healer three years prior whose knowledge in herbs exceeded even himself. She had so many merits to her person; it exceeded even demon standards of accomplishments for someone so young. Yes, there was something definitely... strange about her. But for right now, yes, she looked like a princess in waiting, but who was to be her prince. Now, that was a question that lingered quite frequently over the years. Rin was a woman. She needed a noble man to be her husband. But she wasn't just a woman.

She had inner and outer strength thanks to him, a warrior, and she had a haughty yet subtle air about herself. No regular human male would suffice. Though, why he hadn't sought out to find her one before now eluded him, though he often wondered why that was. Rin had been of mating age for at least six years now; it was definitely time to make a move before her kind labeled her a spinster. Then again, she never mentioned wanting to marry. He mused at this idea as he watched her long gentle fingers reach out to touch the lavender lotus that was floating nearby. He'd noticed that he'd been watching, analyzing her. He wondered was this a sign of weakness, the way he was always watching her now.

'Have I become weak like father? No,' he instantly corrected himself.

The fact of the matter was, he was like a father to this woman. The entire notion was repugnant and ridiculous. Nonetheless, he'd noticed how she would watch him as well. She had always watched him, but her lingering eyes had a more softness, harboring something that dwelled deep within. This made him wonder even more. He continued his reverie.

'I knew that one day she would harbor more mature feelings for me once she became of age. I should have sent her away years ago, but I just couldn't. I have gotten used to her always trailing behind me on my expeditions to the ends of the world if it entailed. Why did this mortal follow me for so many years? I suppose maybe it was because I was the only one she had. Yes, that seems more than a feasible explanation. But why allow such? I am a taiyoukai. I had always known that she admired me beyond reason, but her aura has changed drastically. I can smell it, and I can see it in her eyes every time she looks at me- a minute intrigue. It is a feeling of want but not demand. She does not wish to leave, this I know, but what am I to do with her? I know she can handle her own. She herself is a warrior at heart and will fight for what she wants. But my senses tell me I am at the top of her list of wants, and that I cannot allow. And she knows this, which is the cause for her inward sadness even now.'

Rin brushed her hands of the rich western soil. She then stood to walk toward the castle doors when something from above caught her eye. She looked to see none other than Sesshomaru watching her from the balcony. She gave a slight smile and a nod of the head. Sesshomaru gave a nod of his own. Rin let her glare linger a few moments more before she gave a slightly audible sigh and turned her attention to the doors of the castle. She pull them open but not before stealing one more look at her lord who was still staring at her.

'Why does he do this?' Rin inwardly pondered. 'Does he not know the power he harbors in his stare? His golden eyes penetrate into my soul. One look from him, and I feel as though my heart is being pulled into a thousand directions. I know he knows. He knows everything that goes on in his castle, and yet he does nothing. I do not pretend to be angry as to why we cannot marry. He is a formidable taiyoukai who claims to hate my breed, yet he cares for me. I know he does. He doesn't know, but I can see hints of emotion that seep from his eyes when he looks at me. If he knew he emitted such at times, he would surely deny it.

But why am I still here? What am I waiting for? Oh yes, I'm waiting for him to tell me he loves me- not as a father loves a daughter- not as a protector loves the protected- but as a man that loves a woman or in my case- a demon that loves a human. And that I excel in my studies and training just to please him, just to be worthy.' Rin sighed. 'Who am I fooling? If I ever revealed my feelings, all the training I've had would not prepare me for his response. Maybe I don't want to know what he thinks. Maybe I should just leave and start a new life ….Sesshomaruless. It would be for the best. That way, there would never be an awkward conversation about his present or none present feelings for me. Yes, for it would only be I who would be risking everything that I know and have worked for. Indeed, I must make up my mind soon of what I will do.'

Rin finally reached the dining hall. She walked in and sat down in her usually seat. She waited for Sesshomaru to arrive which he did several moments later. She and Jaken stood once he arrived. He had a cold look in his eyes and she instantly wondered what was wrong. Rin and Jaken sat down once Sesshomaru did. Rin could see that he looked as though he wanted to say something, not necessarily geared toward her but perhaps a genuine observation. On Sesshomaru's behalf, he had just learned from a worthy ally while he was on his way to dinner that a known enemy of his fathers' has once again broken free from the barrier he was in. Sesshomaru deduced that he must be killed.

"Are you sure that killing Monorakia is the best thing? He has immense spiritual powers that have been helping our kind for centuries."

"It is the only way; every time he breaks free he goes on treks of destruction. I cannot allow this again. We will find another who has spiritual powers, for Monorakia's ends is imminent."

"Yes, I will lend my assistance if you will accept."

"No!"

Tokona knew that was coming. The lord never accepted helped even if he needed it.

"Well, you'll know where to find me if you change your mind."

Sesshomaru nodded and kept walking toward the dining hall. He pondered the upcoming events.

'This journey will take at least three weeks, seeing as Monorakia lives in the eastern region. But the question that is really lingering on my mind is, do I take Rin?

She can be of assistance; she has been training with me and my best instructors for years, but is she ready for something like this.'

Sesshomaru sighed heavily at this. He entered the dining hall with a cold demeanor, for he was at a lost for what to do.

'Hmmm, I could bring her along and then leave her at a nearby village until the battle is over. She of course will insist that she will be able to defend herself, but I foresee this battle as being one of the worst in my time. Regardless, if she understands, I will not lose her in a battle that she should not have been present to begin with. Plus, this would give me a chance to have some time with Rin and decide what is best for her future. Yes, I will tell her after dinner.'

Dinner was rather mundane. There was little conversation, only Jaken's complaints about the lazy guards and servants. Rin stole a few glances at Sesshomaru, but he looked straight ahead the entire time as if no one else was in the room, nor did he comment on anything. She couldn't blame him on that part. The only person that was talking was a nuisance of a toad. Several moments had passed by after Rin had finished her dinner. She didn't know why she just sat there, but she was startled out of her notions when Sesshomaru's booming voice scared her.

"You may be excused if you wish Rin."

Rin snapped her neck over to Sesshomaru to see if he was finally looking at her, but his stare still lay straight ahead. Rin slowly rose, pushed her chair up, and left the room in silence.

"Humph, she was awfully quiet today my lord. I wonder what is bothering her?"

As soon as Jaken said this, Sesshomaru got up and went in the same direction as Rin.

"Humph, I wonder what is up with those two?"

Rin didn't know Sesshomaru was following her nor did she know he was following far behind on purpose. If she had she wouldn't have started talking aloud to herself.

"I wonder why Lord Sesshomaru looked so pensive and detached in there. Maybe something has happened. Perhaps, he really does know my feelings and wants to send me away. If that happened, I suppose that wouldn't be completely off from my previous notions of me wanting to leave anyway; however, to be sent away personally by him would be devastating."

Rin quickly dismissed such a scenario and came up with other possible reasons for his more than aloof, disposition.

"Or maybe he is getting married. Oh my, this notion is even more rancid than the previous one. I really don't know what I'd do then. Leaving would be imminent no doubt. I suppose he wouldn't care if I just left one day anyway, would he? Humph…better than being sent away. I mean if he got married then where would that leave me? It's not like he and I would … would… I can't even say it. Even my lips know how preposterous it is, but... that doesn't stop me from…. Ohhhh why am I even thinking about this? Perhaps, I should lay down for awhile. Yes, that will help."

Rin finally reached her room and opened her door. She went in and pushed the door closed as she walked off. She heard it close but felt another's presence in the room. She stopped mid-stride, for she knew who it was.

" Lord Sesshomaru," she said without turning around. Her heart was beating tenfold because she didn't know how long he'd been behind her, for she had said things aloud she had no inttention of him hearing anytime soon. She then turned around to see Sesshomaru starring at her with a rather shocked expression, but as soon as she saw it, it disappeared. Rin tried to look anywhere but at him. She knew he was going to say something about her catharsis. Sesshomaru just stood there for a minute starring at her. Rin was used to this so this didn't bother her as nearly as much as what she thought he was going to say whenever he decided to speak.

"Rin," he methodically breathed out.

He took a few steps closer, and Rin took a few steps back. Sesshomaru halted and crinkled his brow slightly.

"What is this; you are afraid of me now?"

"No," Rin stated almost inaudible.

"Humph," was all he managed to say.

"Rin, there is a disturbance in the far east that requires my attention." He paused before he continued, for he saw Rin's eyes emit confusion. She was sure he was going to mention what she said in the hall.

"And" she said.

"And the journey will take no less than three weeks"… Another long pause.

"I want you to come with me."

Rin's face lit up.

"Sure I'd love to come. Thank you for considering me Sesshomaru-sama." She said as she quickly put her feet together, swiftly placed a balled- up fist on her chest and bowed.

"Very well, we leave in two days. Prepare yourself."

With that, Sesshomaru turned to leave. Rin was elated, maybe he didn't hear her, but before she could complete that notion- he stopped before he got to the door and turned around. Rin was close to him on the account she was going to close the door behind him. So, when he stopped and turned to face her abruptly, she almost ran into him. Fortunately, she had superior reflexes and was able to stop herself from such a blunder. When he turned he knew she would be close. He wanted to see her response from a close range once he divulged what he was presently thinking. Rin just looked at him before speaking her thoughts aloud.

"Is there something wrong?"

He waited for a few seconds before responding.

"You, you think I wouldn't care if you left?" Rin's eyes grew big and she took a few steps back and turned around slightly. Sesshomaru took this opportunity to walk toward her which frighten her a bit; therefore, she backed away. But this time, Sesshomaru grabbed her softly by the wrist.

Rin suddenly felt light- headed and her heart was pounding.

"Calm down Rin, there is nothing to be frighten of. It is only this Sesshomaru."

"I know, but Rin is just surprised that's all."

"Of what,"

"Of… of… nothing…"

"You take me for a fool. Rin, you've never been easy to scare. Tell me, what are you thinking?"

"Oh, my lord you wouldn't… I couldn't, I mean… it's really nothing… I must be tired." Rin felt like a babbling fool. She wasn't used to being caught off guard.

"Why do you lie?"

"Because the truth will only bring pain," she said in a voice and a confidence she didn't recognize.

This even took Sesshomaru by surprise. He didn't realize he was still holding her until Rin looked down at his claws wrapped gently around her small wrist.

Sesshomaru looked down at his own hand around her wrist.

"Rin, I have always been accustomed to pain, it is one of the only things I can relate to."

"Tell this Sesshomaru" he whispered.

"That's the problem my lord, then you wouldn't be able to relate … what I feel…. for you…" She twisted out of his grip and turned all the way around as she whispered the last part.

"You know, and I know you know, ever since I was a child I adored you. I looked up to you. You and master Jaken were all I had. You were all I could relate to. But then as I grew older, the immature feelings I had, grew into.. she paused and looked into Sesshomaru's emotionless eyes "…into….. humph… what is the point of this?"

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. This made Rin smile- not only out of humor, but the fact that she was just about to tell Sesshomaru something she'd never wanted to tell him, for she knew his stance upon the matter.

"Look lord Sesshomaru, it's getting late, and I am really tired. This conversation is fated to be one -sided. I don't think I could bare your response."

She took a deep confident breath and continued.

"So, I'm letting you take the easy way out. So come tomorrow, everything will be as it was. No harm no foul." A tear rolled down her cheek when she said this. Sesshomaru didn't budge. When Rin saw that he wasn't moving, she let out an exasperated sigh.

"Please, not tonight.. not any night for that matter. I don't want to know your answer or your reasons of honor, pride, sacrilege, or misdeeds of your father because the fact of the matter is, your father died loving That's right.....Loving… something you think you are incapable of doing, and that is fine. I can live with that I promise I can. But I can't live with your rejection, not tonig…." She trailed off as her voice cracked. "So, like I said, let's just leave well enough alone." Sesshomaru, realizing that he had raised her to have too much fortitude, titled his chin upward and starred at her for a considerable amount of time before responding.

"As you wish!"

Sesshomaru was leaving out the door and Rin was holding it when Sesshomaru caught her hand on the knob and whispered in her ear.

"But…. this is far from over Rin, not for tonight or any other night. You will dowell to remember this notion." He gave her a glance before letting her hand go and walking down the hall as if nothing happened leaving Rin flabbergasted as she closed the door. She slowly backed away from the door and languidly sat down on the bed which lead to immediate contemplation.

"What have I done? If only I could have sensed he was behind me. Oh, but that wouldn't have mattered. Perhaps…,"

Rin suddenly got up and walked outside on her balcony to linger at the moon.

"Perhaps, him knowing is for the best. I was tired of this encumbrance. I am a warrior for goodness sake."

Rin balled her fist up and pounded it on the marble railing of the balcony because she had come to a resolution. "Yes, a warrior. I am supposed to be strong-minded. If Sesshomaru has taught me anything over the years, it is how to outwit my opponent, and as of now he is my opponent, as far as my heart goes. I vow right here and right now that I will never show Sesshomaru my heart ever again. I will become oblivious to my heart. He will not remember me as a weak human. He will remember me as a warrior. Rin unraveled her fist and roughly placed both hands on the cool railing and looked down only to snap her neck back upward at the moon vehemently, watching it as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She let a simple phrase escape her lips before turning around and retiring to bed.

"Yes, a warrior, this suites me.,"

Ok, how do you guys like that one. I've always wanted to write a Sesshomaru and Rin story. So, you all have to tell me how I'm doing! Review Review plzzzzzz