Disclaimer: Inuyasha and company are created and owned by the very talented Rumiko Takahashi. I can only dream along with multitudes of other fans in regards to ownership and creativity.
Note: This fic WILL have language and adult situations. There will probably be OOCness, so don't leave a review flaming me about it. Consider yourselves warned. Also, I have no idea how long this fic will run. It will either go to completion or until I grow tired of it. The main story idea has probably been explored hundreds of times, however, I wish to place my own twists within its confines and see where I can take it.
Just a little fyi... Rin's twelve, Kagome is eighteen, and when other human characters are introduced I'll list their ages.
Summary: Sesshoumaru acquires a human slave. She is everything he is not: happy, light, expressive and talkative. Will she be able to melt his icy barriers?
Heart Of A Slave
Chapter One: One Upon A Time and Happy Ever After?
A small girlish giggle erupted, halting the story currently being recounted by an older female.
"Rin, if you keep laughing we'll never reach the end," the brunette admonished gently, a smile on her lips, her heart lifting at the sound of such happiness.
'If there could only be such things', she mused, her mind temporarily distracted.
Happiness was a notion, an evading emotion, like love, itself, seemingly floating just out of reach, teasing, taunting. Love was unfortunately not meant for her, or so she surmised. The intrinsic ideal of love and its physical manifestation constantly avoided her, no matter the amount of male acquaintances she garnered. The few relationships that she'd experienced, were in fact short lived.
Being with InuYasha had taught her the true meaning of fleeting moments. He'd also taught her to accept what happiness she could grasp, feelings of betrayal, of extreme sadness and disappointment; not to mention love and all its painful glory, always dangling out of reach like the proverbial carrot.
Rin glanced at Kagome, her eyes twinkling, a crooked smile upon her lips, as her sister's story took a more somber turn, her voice's tonality softer, tinted with sadness. It was a grim reminder of the deaths of their parents and younger brother. The event may have been suppressed, but it would never go away. It would haunt them until the end of their days, as would the screams, the violence, and the pain.
Here in the feudal era....you never knew when your breath would be your last. Each day should be lived to the highest extent, potential in its entirety fulfilled with no regrets. That's how it is done, for tomorrow is never certain and the present leaves most fighting for their very lives- just to survive in these harsh times.
The young girl listened with rapt attention to everything Kagome relayed. Parts of her story frightened her, yet many did not. Human nature puzzled her. How could people be so cruel, so selfish? The stereotypical lot often bore hardened hearts, wielding torture, maiming and raping in the same mannerism as their sword- sharp, unforgiving and deadly.
So, no, she could not comprehend the reasons why certain aspects of humanity manifested itself in such excruciating, brutal ways. She'd never understand, and honestly she hoped she never would, because, to her, that would symbolize her descent to their dark, bitter and hateful level- her soul as corrupted as theirs.
She prayed this would never happen. Besides, how many people actually understood the multitude of reasons behind murder and heinous deeds? Did anyone ever understand?
Kagome watched Rin, wanting to judge her reaction from her story, observing her carefully. "For years humans and demons have warred with each other. Mikos and monks alike fought alongside the humans, attempting to cause the demons' extinction, and the demons pursued ours." Kagome paused and took a breath. "Both sides committed dark and terrifying acts, and usually they involved, and still involve, innocent bystanders."
Humans killed demons- creatures they didn't understand, and didn't want to; they murdered each other for basic necessities such as: food, water, clothing and weapons. It was truly a fight for survival, and for dominance. One that many would lose, their hopes destroyed, obliterated.
"And then there was the worst of them all," Kagome's voice continued onwards. "Naruku was born from the union between Onigumo, a common thief, and hundreds of demons. He'd fallen for a priestess by the name of Kikyou. Somehow Onigumo had been horribly burned, and Kikyou took pity on him, caring for him as she knew he'd never move on his own volition again."
"What happened, Kagome?" Rin was curious. She'd never before heard the story of Naraku's beginning's although she knew who the vile creature was. No one in all the lands hadn't heard of him and his villainous ways.
"Because he lusted after the shrine maiden, he surrendered his physical being and soul to a large mass of demons, believing that Kikyou would accept him, grow to love him even. However, he was mistaken. Kikyou knew what he'd done and rejected him, therefore angering the newly created half demon beyond words."
Rin, sitting on her mat with her legs crossed, swallowed with anticipation. "He killed her- didn't he?"
"Yes. He also caused her to turn against her hanyou lover, InuYasha, sealing him to the sacred tree."
"The one in lady Kaede's village?"
Kagome smiled warmly and nodded. "The very one."
"Is he still sealed?"
"Yes."
"What about Naraku? Will there ever be anyone who can kill him?"
The older sister nibbled gently on her lower lip before answering. She took a breath and replied honestly, "I don't know, Rin, but I'm sure there'll be someone, somehow."
"What is he after, Kagome? He must be searching for something..." Rin's voice trailed off thoughtfully.
"He's after the Shikon no Tama."
"Oh."
This worried Rin as she knew its location, its owner. She could only pray that he never discovered its whereabouts. If he wreaked complete havoc now....it'd certainly be much, much worse should he acquire it.
"Don't worry, Rin. He won't find it. Only a trusted few know its location, and the protector can handle herself, you know that. Have faith." Kagome's thoughts returned to Naraku.
Naraku, the vile hanyou who'd surrendered his being to hundreds of demonic creatures, and his pernicious assortment of demons still hunted the rather infamous Shikon no Tama. They searched for years, however, no one knew its currenty whereabouts.
No one except for a two mikos, a young miko in training, a hanyou, a demon slayer and a monk in the village of Edo.
She prayed this would never happen. Besides, how many people actually understood the multitude of reasons behind murder and heinous deeds? Did anyone ever understand?
So many questions rambled through her head, and she was uncertain if she should ask them. Could Kagome illuminate the subject for her? But then again, Rin didn't want to give rise to horrible memories better left alone. The doubt crept in....the questions churned....
What could anyone expect from a twelve year old female on the cusp of young adulthood. She still had much to learn about human nature and society in general. As long as she had her sister that's really all she needed to know.
"Rin, it seems I've much to teach you over the coming months. Certain aspects of life need to be revealed, and you will also ascertain the duties expected of you." Kagome, herself, reminisced, the times she'd stood on the precipice, adulthood beckoning, feeling somewhat anxious and fearful about what awaited her.
Rin appeared confused by her sister's thoughtful expression. Their looks were similar- their skin tone, dark hair, warm brown eyes, smiles that lit up the room, brighting everyone's day. Their similarity echoed in the fierceness with which they defended their friends- and each other.
Thinking about all the changes her younger sibling would be enduring bothered Kagome. They had no mother to help them through it, but at least Rin had Kagome. She believed it was a lot better than nothing. She only prayed her experiences would benefit Rin and wouldn't impede her development through these changes.
Rin wanted to know what upset Kagome. It was unnatural, to say the least, to see her disturbed expression. She was used to seeing her smiling. Rarely did the young woman frown or show dismal emotions. Rin smiled, feeling secretive. She had to do something. Since she'd already ascertained a villain's characteristics, she wanted to hear the protagonists' virtues.
"Kagome, what are hero's really like? Are they realistically as the ones in the books?" She questioned eagerly, chin resting in the palm of her hands.
Kagome smiled. Rin had always been precocious, intelligent and quick on her feet. She was unlike most of the children around them, possessing little fear, hesitant to play with most children her age due to their complete immaturity in conversation. Sometimes, though, when she wanted to play a game, it was the company of children she sought. Other than that, Kagome, Kaede, or Kagome's best friend, Sango, was the association of choice. If she wanted humor, irreverence and foul language, she congregated with Miroku and InuYasha. Many a day they entertained her, at least until Kagome intervened stating she'd been exposed to enough perversity and crudeness for the time being.
Abruptly, Kagome's face adopted a paler hue, her eyes wide, her hands shaking.
"Kagome?"
The miko didn't answer. Her eyes stared straight ahead, seemingly caught in a vision.
"Kagome?" Rin shook her. "Kagome, what's wrong," she urgently queried. She took her sister's hands in her own, shocked at the cold temperature of her skin.
Suddenly Kagome snapped out of it and whispered, "Do you feel it, Rin?"
"Feel what?"
"A powerful aura heading this way. The strength of it alone....if something happens, Rin, I want you to run. I'm not certain I can fight this one if it comes down to it."
Rin reached out with her senses, her miko abilities flaring just enough to pick up the presence. In that instant, her soul felt drained, her heart heavy as lead, feeling the weight of the creature's aura swirling around them, their home.
Leaping to her feet, Rin took Kagome's hand pulling her swiftly to her feet and took off running for the door. Now standing outside, the two females watched a figure approaching.
He was tall, very tall with a pure white gi and hakama, patterns of flowers embedded in the red portions of his top. He wore a sash of yellow and his outfit was completed by two swords hanging from his hip, bone armor across his chest and back, black shoes on his feet.
The way the moonlight illuminated his form, his hair, he was so beautiful. The closer he came, the girls stunned by his appearance, he glanced down at them disdainfully, amber eyes narrowed. And what happened next would seal Rin's opinion of him for a long time.
Rin thought he appeared every inch an angel. His face was masculine, yet so beautiful. A pair of magenta stripes adorned both cheeks, a thin stripe covered his eyelids, and a blue crescent moon rested directly in the center of his forehead. A mystery. A majestic, resplendent mystery. A mystery she'd love to solve, but knowing it'd be arduous to complete this task, for the aura he exuded elicited notions that he was closed off, hard, like an exquisite diamond- look but don't touch.
Rin could easily feel the scorn oozing from him. What had happened to cause such an intense dislike for her race, besides the great war between humanity and youkai? She tried to look away, but her eyes, her heart, was mesmerized by his captivating presence.
"Humans," he sneered, "why do you stare at this Sesshoumaru? Do you wish me to claw your eyes out?"
His smooth, deep voice entranced Rin. In other words, she was hooked. She reacted before Kagome did. She could feel Kagome straining against the hand which held her sleeve, a gentle reminder to watch her step, her words.
"Pardon our rudeness, Lord Sesshoumaru. It's been a long time since we've seen and felt such a commanding aura from a youkai such as yourself."
Dark golden eyes met brown. "Hm."
He was cold. Everything about him was cold: his eyes, his voice, his mannerisms, but Rin suspected it was all an act. Deep down she felt that with the right person every icy layer would dissipate, revealing the struggling heart within.
He abruptly turned on his heel and left. Rin and Kagome could only watch in stunned silence. The younger sibling was entranced as she watched his silvery hair swaying gently as he moved.
"Kagome?"
"Yes, Rin?" Kagome felt the oppressiveness lift as he walked away.
Smiling, Rin stated confidently, "I'm going to marry him some day."
Her sister's head swiveled towards her, a look of incredulity on her flushed face. Kagome had no answer for her. Rin's statement had stunned her beyond belief. They'd have to discuss this later. They really would.
Kagome returned to the house leaving Rin outside.
The young brunette smiled and basked in the ethereal moonlight. She whispered excitedly, "I'll definitely marry him some day."
Then she followed her sister into their hut and she immediately went to bed, falling asleep and dreaming of her future husband, a sweet smile on her lips.
Rin was unaware that as she slumbered she spoke his name, calling out to him, "Sesshoumaru." And she was also unaware that a certain youkai heard her, his name dancing on the night wind.
A/N: That's it for chapter one. The next chapter will be more interesting....things will gear up rather quickly. Next chapter will skip ahead five years.
Hope you guys enjoyed it. I'll try to update in the next week unless I get quite a few reviews asking for it sooner. However, I promise that I won't withhold the next chapter for reviews. Have a great weekend everyone!