Eternally Yours

Chapter 1

To the far fields of fortune

Rin's POV

"May you sale fair to the far fields of fortune, with diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet and may you need never to banish misfortune….may you find kindness in all who you meet" I sang as my sweet little girls eyes grew heavier, I swept some her long strands of glistening silver hair from that lovely ashen face as I continued to sing her the lullaby "may there always be angels to watch over you, to guide you each step of the way, to guard you and keep you…safe from all harm, loo-li loo-li lai-lay".

A smile touched her face….already she had begun to dream pleasantly…my little angel, as mystically beautiful and silver as the morning mist she was named after, my Kasumi was fairer than the light of dawn at only eight years of age, Kami knows what an exquisite beauty she had yet to become. When I heard her breathing peacefully, I leant forward and placed a motherly kiss upon the centre of her forehead where rested the mark similar to that of her father's, though hers was not a crescent moon, hers was the shape of a jasmine flower. "Good night my little princess" I whispered before leaving her luxurious chamber, the guards that kept watch outside her door as I exited, (they were there at the insistence of my husband, I told him he was being far too cautious but she was his only daughter and so she was his precious gem) "Lady Rin" they greeted respectfully.

I smiled warmly upon them "thank you both, I will again sleep easily knowing my daughter is safe under your protection" I thanked graciously, "Have you seen my little princes by any chance?"

"My lady the triplets were last seen searching for their brother Yoshi, I believe he still trains in the courtyard with our Lord" one answered, I bowed and took my leave.

Sure enough I indeed found my five favourite males battling in the courtyard, the triplets now reached the age of thirteen and had inherited certain elemental powers; Katashi, was senior by two minutes and strangely it showed, he was the more mature of the three…he had inherited his father's stoic nature and preferred not speak unless necessary, he was also the more aggressive one when it came to fighting, inside him raged an axe wielding warrior just itching to be set free. Despite this nature he was still so loving beneath his stony features (again just like his father) and would go at great lengths to protect those he loved, he would most likely be the one to take his father's place upon the throne when the time came. His elemental power…was fire, he wielded with such passion, his friends and siblings had given him the nickname "dragon breath" as like a dragon he could breathe it from his mouth. Then there was Kenta, my sensitive soul, he could read the emotions upon people like a large printed words on very thin paper. He had a wisdom and intelligence but also had an innocent air about him, he was the youngest of the three, and he adored his brothers and often followed them like a sweet little puppy. He did get on very well with his little sister and took more time than the others did to make sure she felt included. However, my Kenta was not to be underestimated; he was lethal with a blade already, a little clumsy at times but still had great potential. He controlled the water, he moved as his father did, deadly yet graceful, remaining more calm and collected than his hot headed brother Katashi. Finally there was my little joker, Katsu….he was so very light of heart and never dared to take things so seriously, he had this incredible ability to make someone smile with just a simple look, his grin was infectious, in fact unlike his brothers he entered this world laughing, not crying. He controlled the earth with a firm strength and respect; it was because of this that he adored nature and would much rather be spending his long hours in the nearby forests than remain in his grand palace home. Also his preferred weapon was that of a bow and arrow or two daggers.

We were told that when Kasumi came of age, she would control the wind…I could already see her manipulating the nightly mist in the frosty heavens of winter, her eyes, hair and skin mirroring the stars in which she danced beneath. I stood there for a moment admiring my triplets as they practised their elemental skill with such concentration. They were all identical by face and hair…all three of them already very tall and broad, appearing older than they actually were. Their markings upon the forehead told them apart, Katashi wore a red flame, Katsu a green linden leaf and finally Kenta was two turquoise squiggling lines like that of a river.

I shook my head and giggled, they looked exhausted and I easily guessed that they had been out here for hours, they were probably trying to show off in front of their elder brother again, it was wonderful how much they admired Yoshi. "Boy!" I hollered at the sound of my voice they stood to attention, I wandered over to them "my little princes its time you let yourselves rest, I'm sure your father would agree that that is enough for today…go inside and have someone bring you food".

They obeyed me "yes mother" they all said in unison.

They began to run off before I stopped them "Hold it!" I demanded firmly, they turned and faced me in confusion as I had one eyebrow raised "are we forgetting something? Is that how we say goodbye to a mother we have barely spoken to all day?" I pointed to my cheek and leant down; though they rolled their eyes they still smiled and obliged me with a little peck upon the cheek before running along.

I heard the sound of blades clashing together "very good my son" I heard my husband say "you almost had an advantage over me, your skills have improved I would say you can defeat any human foe…however we shall continue until you are finally able disarm me".

Sesshomaru….he was so intent on training Yoshi to be a leader, since the day we learned of his heritage, that he came from a royal line. I remember the day we told Yoshi the truth, he was six….I know this may sound young but Sesshomaru insisted that he could not keep such a secret from him and that he had the right to know. Yoshi reacted quite out of character and threw the biggest tantrum, but his father remained firm and told him to stop his foolishness, because no matter what we were his parents and we would be the ones to help take back what is his. Sesshomaru then pointed to me and said "when no one could even look upon you, that woman there saw only beauty resonating from your soul, she was always meant to be your mother just as I was always meant to be your father!" Yoshi still remembered those days when the curse of a vile monk had warped his outer appearance, making the ugliness of his birth mother's heart appear on his outer layers.

I turned the corner to see their progress, Yoshi appeared to be growing tired and breathlessly uttered "thank you father" he bowed down "one day father…I shall do what no human has ever succeeded in doing…I shall disarm you and defeat you in battle".

Sesshomaru held out his hand helped his son to his feet "Yes, you will…I shall see that you do" he assured. The two caught me staring, and big grin swept across my son Yoshi's face. He came to me with his arms wide open.

"Mother did you see me? Father says my stance has improved" he enveloped me in a bear like hug…he had gotten so big and at seventeen years old he was just as tall as my Lord Sesshomaru, he had a very muscular build, he was a huge contrast to the weak and feeble frame I had found covered in a basket.

I hugged him back "yes my dear I'm very proud" I again looked at him, there was a time that people could hardly bear to look at him, his smile repulsed him…when we broke the curse that the evil Kietsu had placed upon, they were all able to see what I was.

It had been fifteen years in total since then, since that day…fifteen years since the bond I had formed with Sesshomaru. I looked over my son's shoulder to see my Lord's golden eyes still settled upon me. "Yoshi…go find your brothers, make sure they're not causing any trouble" I instructed, like the good boy he has always been, he obeyed.

It was me and my husband left in the grand stone courtyard, it was high up amongst the clouds and on a warm starry night such as this it was like a meeting point in heaven. He watched me carefully as he wandered over to me, my heart still raced at a rapid speed; my head still swimming with the overwhelming fact that he, Sesshomaru was mine! We met in the centre of the white stone surroundings, I was gazing up at him…this bond we had made, the one that saved me from death…it allowed me to feel what he was in his heart. I didn't need him to vocalise his emotions, I felt them myself. I looked around…all was clear and faced my lord with a devilish smile, "my Lord….there is no one here, it is just you and me".

His eyebrow twitched upwards but the rest of his face remained still, but I felt the stirring excitement in his heart that he refused to show. He ran his claws through my hair and rested his hand on the back of my head. Gently he brought his lips to mine, joined at the lips under a twinkling jewelled sky; my life had become full of little romantic moments such as this, with an epic romantic melody playing in my mind.

When he released me I remained with my eyes closed, the warmth of the moment lingered on, "Rin" spoke his voice, all I could do was make a little breathy nose to show that I was listening, "Rin, open your eyes" he ordered.

I obliged and did so, my face still in his hands, a light little smile touched his lips….he would not say it, but he asked me to open my eyes so that he could look into them. I beamed up at him "My lord I love you" I told him.

He responded to this with another kiss, this was his way of saying "I love you too" without actually saying it. For a few moments he held me in silence….this was what I had been dreaming of ever since I was a little girl, I was partially raised by the man of my dreams.

"Uh My Lord" came the sheepish voice of Jaken, we both turned to him, Sesshomaru growled and I giggled.

"What is it Jaken" My lord brusquely asked.

"I-I'm sorry my lord but, there has been some disturbance" the little toad demon uttered, immediately I felt nervous and clung to my husband.

"What disturbance? Is it from the north?" Sesshomaru inquired, recently this past year there had been an angry dispute between the northern lands western lands. Jaken nodded nervously….did this mean an attack? No…not with my children here!

"Sesshomaru…what does that mean?" I panicked "are we under attack?" just as the words left my mouth, a whistling noise came through the air followed by an extreme heat. There came a crash, a large ball of fire hit at us, Sesshomaru managed to sweep us away in time, when the dust cleared and the flames died at little we saw an approaching mass of spears, glinting sharply in the moonlight.

"Rin" my love spoke "run inside, find the children and hide away…accept Yoshi tell him to meet with me in the armoury and Jaken alert the men of the army, tonight we fight!"

My heart raced, I was terrified….the army of the north was clad in the darkest shade of blue, their eyes aglow with such determination, a determination to destroy our home. We raced inside my hand tightly holding Sesshomaru's, there came another quake…another ball of fire had struck. Sesshomaru held me protectively against the wall till the shaking stopped. The servants and guards were running manic, the young maids squealing.

"My Lord" one of the men called over the noise "The men await you, master Jaken is currently locating Lord Yoshi".

Sesshomaru nodded, and took me by the shoulders "you know what to do" he stated with full faith in me, I nodded tearlessly… I would not cry, I am the Lady of the western lands and I would wear a mask of bravery. Reluctantly we parted….be careful my Lord I wept internally, the first place I ran to was my daughter's chamber, I looked over my shoulder once to see that Sesshomaru was looking back.

"This way princess Kasumi" the guards outside her room gently said to her as they cleared a path through the crowed, my little girl was so confused with sleep still in her big golden eyes, her little hands holding each hand of her two protectors. When she saw me she seemed more alert and ran eagerly to me.

I caught and swept her up, holding her close "mama" she whispered, "mama the earth is shaking? Why is it so scared?"

I set her down, "don't worry my little princess, daddy will chase away the earths fears, he and the other men" I assured, that was the power of being a mother and adult, my daughter had complete faith in me and to her my word was gospel.

"Mother!" came another voice that made me let out a sigh of relief, it was Yoshi, clad in the white armour of the western lands. He had gathered his triplet brothers and brought them to me, I took them all in my arms, Kasumi clung to Yoshi, gazing up at him like he was a hero. Yoshi was such a comfort to them, "mother I won't let anything happen to father….because I know whatever injuries he receives…you will too, you need to hide yourself away…if we are invaded the enemy will come for you first! You know where to go and what to do right?"

Every day he was becoming more like the demon lord who raised him, I nodded speechlessly, yes I knew exactly what to do and where to go.

"Lord Yoshi!" a guard called "my lord the helmet you requested" he handed the gleaming white helmet to Yoshi, who gleamed like a knight in a pearl.

He bowed and wished us luck and reminded us to be safe, he then turned to the two guards who had guided Kasumi to me, "guard them well" he ordered with such authority.

"Yes Lord Yoshi" they respectfully bowed.

Yoshi then looked to his brothers "protect our mother…protect our sister! We are the princes of the Western lands…we defend and conquer!" with those last words he was gone.

Kasumi outstretched her arm, "Yoshi no!" she cried out.

Katashi's eyes were ablaze with his internal fire, his axe was gripped in his hand "I will not stand here and do nothing! We are the princes of the Western land; we are the sons of the demon Lord Sesshomaru! We should be fighting alongside our father and brother! Not cowering with the women and children".

He began to give off flames as he often did when he began to lose his temper; Kenta splashed him with water he had conjured from the air and put out the rising fire. Katashi was not amused.

Katsu laughed "cool it dragon breath, our time will come" he spoke, Katsu then turned to me "mother…I assume we will take the catacombs…May I use my power to make a path there, it'll be quicker".

I nodded, "Okay hurry" I agreed, Katsu opened a path beneath our feet "age before beauty" he teased pushing in the guards first.

I picked up Kasumi, "All the women of this castle follow me now!" they formed an orderly line behind me as we made our way down.

Everything began to shake, there were more screams "Everyone remain calm and keep moving!" I called to them, they listened and we hastened to the safety chambers that had been built beneath the castle, buried deep in the mountains in which we were situated. My lord had this built for this exact purpose, we had made it…almost unarmed, we could hear the fighting, the clashing of swords. It was cold and dark so Katashi used his power to create various fires to warm and brighten the place, Kenta formed water for us to drink, Katsu kept spirits alive with his humour, and the children of the servants were so much more at ease when he told them stories. Kasumi did not leave my lap and I had her pray with me for the safety of her father, brother and fellow troops.

Kami…keep my lord and love safe…make sure no harm comes to my son as he fights alongside his father, protect all those in my company.

A sudden sharp pain flecked across my cheek…it was a fresh scar and the blood trickled down my face. My breath hitched as I touched the warm liquid…relax Rin, it's just a scratched we both knew it's impossible to come out of battle unscathed. That's what my mind said to calm me till a deep pain came in my gut where he had been punched of kicked there. I keeled over breathlessly, Kenta came to me "Mother" was all he could utter as he mopped away the blood. Kasumi went tearfully to Katsu who tried his best to make her smile and Katashi began to rage again shouting that he should be up there.

It was horrible for them to watch, because not only were they watching me suffer, but also this meant their father, who was always so invincible in their eyes, was in danger.

Sesshomaru's POV

He would pay for striking me…when he struck me he also struck my wife and that was simply not allowed! His life ended another second later. My armies were prevailing against their feeble attempts to conquer.

I checked my surroundings to see that my eldest son Yoshi was wielding his weapon with greater power than I had ever seen from any human. I had indeed taught him well.

He lifted his blade in the air and released a blood curdling war cry "Praise the Lord of the western Lands! Praise the mighty Lord Sesshomaru!" he was joined in his cheer by the other members of our army.

That night….I lead them to victory, as the light of dawn appeared we had defeated our foes and they soon retreated. The members of the army bowed and praised me, I held up my sword…once again we had won!

"Daddy!" Kasumi hollered running towards me, her hair following like a silver shadow and her golden eyes glittering as though I had descended from the heavens. I picked her up and allowed her little arms to cling around my neck….I remember when her mother was this age, this was the age I had found her and brought her back from the dead, I pray my Kasumi will not suffer the same as her mother did. She looked at me with her big sad eyes "daddy…it was so scary and when mommy got hurt we knew that you did too…daddy it was horrible!" she began to weep.

Sure enough my wife appeared bearing the same scratch upon her cheek as I did…it was the first time in so long that I had been scathed in battle, the children were not used to it. My three sons were at her side and kneeled before me, "father" they greeted in unison. I was not one to show affection, Rin compensated for that greatly, but I gave them a glimmer of fatherly tenderness with a simple and brief smile, in that instant they were reminded of how proud I was to be their father and they responded with a smile just as tender. I set my daughter down and called to my wife and offering out my hand "we must congregate in the throne room, Jaken and general Gorou await us there. Yoshi will join us there, a messenger came moments after the battle was finished and the two are currently conversing".

She nodded and took my hand, Rin looked to the guards that had kept watch over them in the underground chambers "thank you for your protection…please see the children receive a good breakfast, tell their tutors that due to the chaos of last night there will be no lessons today" she then looked kindly upon the children and gave them a smile that shined brighter than sunlight, and though she looked at them as she continued she was still addressing one of the guards, "today I expect them to behave like children…I expect a little bit of trouble" she then winked at them.

The four of them grinned and laughed, "ALRIGHT!" Katsu cheered "last one to the gardens has to wash Jaken's feet for a week!" and then sprinted on ahead.

"Such foolishness" Katashi sighed till he saw Kenta race past him with Kasumi on his back.

"Katashi's gonna lose!" his little sister teased, he growled and gave into his childish instincts and raced on to meet them.

Everything seemed quieter without them, Rin sighed happily as she watched after them. I gave the second guard a glare which was a wordless command for him to leave. I took the opportunity to inspect Rin's face during this time alone. It pained me that I could not prevent such a thing from occurring, every time I step into battle I risk her life as well as mine. But if that was the price I must pay to be with her always, it was worth every expense, for I Sesshomaru was as good as dead without her anyway.

I frowned with frustration and she laid her comforting satin hand upon my matching scar, "my Lord…please know I will gladly suffer any pain with you, that is how I would rather it…it gives me a strange comfort know we can face these things together…it binds us closer each time" she assured. Rin…still so beautiful, thanks to the bond she did not age in fifteen years, she still had the appeared nineteen years of age, only two years older than her son. But the wisdom of the thirty-four years she had lived sparkled in those eyes. It would be at least another hundred or so before she appeared to have aged even a year older.

We proceeded to the throne room and were of course respectfully greeted by Jaken and general Gorou. "My lord and lady" spoke the general, "we have this morning tasted a sweet victory indeed, but we must speak of why it occurred…the soldiers have never received an explanation, I believe it only fair they know why we are at war with the Northern Demon Lord".

Rin and I took our rightful places upon the throne, she averted her gaze in shame…of course, she still blames herself for the stupidity of the Northern Lord.

Jaken twitched like a fool "how dare you demand such things from our Lord! You fight because he tells you so and you need no other reason!" he shrilled.

Very true…even so "Jaken!" I spoke, he was quiet and I returned my attention to the demon general. "It would seem the Northern Lord was not happy with my choice of bride or the fact that my children are thus half human themselves. For the past year now we have evaded his spies who sought to know the day my children would fall into their weakened states and briefly turn into their fully human form" As I spoke I noticed Rin's expression grow tense, they were of course her main concern, if not in the presence of Jaken and Gorou, I would have taken her hand. "Of course that secret has been kept well locked by less than a handful of individual who can be trusted. I believe it is also his intent to take Lady Rin and use her against me as a former enemy of ours did, General Gorou I believe you recall who this was".

He growled, not in anger but shame "yes unfortunately he and I shared the same mother…my brother, Shadou…may he never rest in peace!"

At first I was uncertain of appointing Gorou as my general, but he had proven his loyalty time and time again and shown he was nothing like his younger brother.

I cleared my throat and continued "this Northern Lord, his name is Ichiro…he is a dragon demon and they are by nature bloodthirsty and war mongering. He considers me an insult to all demonic nobility and so believes he would make a far better ruler than I…but that is where he is wrong as we had just proven last night". I was indeed feeling smug, these dragon demons…they were filthy aggressive heathens!

Jaken appeared thoughtful "so last night he was attempting to invade your castle and kidnap Rin?"

I glared at him "Lady Rin"

He started shaking "Uh y-yes, of course!" he stuttered, "but what are his intentions with our Lady Rin?" he asked.

I dug my claw into the alabaster throne "that is something I would like to know" I replied, I felt Rin's fingertips briefly graze my hand, causing me to relax, "he also has her scent somehow, I believe something of hers was stolen from one of his previous spies".

At that moment Yoshi entered with a forlorn expression and I dare those were tears that vexed his vision. He kneeled before us, his armour still tarnished from battle, "my lady mother" he began "you and I have received such…heartbreak news, two days ago Lady Kaede of the Edo village…passed on…the messenger who came to pass on this news is not only her previous student but also the only daughter of Lord Inuyasha and Priestess Kagome".

So technically I have received a visit from my niece, I checked Rin's reaction and saw she was weeping openly and commanded that the girl be shown in. Sure enough the girl entered appearing no older that sixteen at the most, she was a replica of her mother but with black dog ears, she was quarter demon. She kneeled before us "Lady Rin…it is good to see you, though the last time I saw you was fifteen years ago I still vaguely recall having shared many fond moments with you along with the rest of my family…I hope you recall me…I am Mana" she introduced her heart heavy with sadness.

Rin dried her eyes and nodded "Yes Mana, I remember you….please tell me everything I have missed since I left" she requested.

Mana nodded and proceeded "Life went on as normal really, and then we all started getting older, my brother Kioshi has been travelling with monk Miroku's sons Mizu and Riku. They are in search of a purpose in life, Kioshi looks to be a worthy warrior, Riku wishes to continue his mother's demon slaying legacy and Mizu…it appears he merely wishes to enjoy life. The twin daughters of the monk each took separate paths of their own, Yuki is currently living in a nunnery training to become a nun, Yuka left and married a wealthy man…she now has two children and another on the way. It is only Airi and her younger brother Hiroshi that still reside with their parents". As she paused I noticed Yoshi tense at the mention of his childhood friend Airi, the only person other than Rin to truly see beyond his former appearance. Mana continued "as for myself I trained under the wisdom of Kaede, until her sad and recent death….I now train under my mother who has taken the place of the villages high priestess. The moment lady Kaede's death was announced, I came here against the wishes of my parents to tell you myself, I did so in hopes that you would return with me for the burial that takes place in another two days' time".

It seemed to be a lot for Rin to take in, she wiped her face of the tears "Kaede…she was a good woman and I loved her very much, I owe her everything….she was like a grandmother to me!" I felt the throbbing of her heart in my own, it was like it was literally breaking. "Regretfully I cannot, if you were a student of hers you would know about the bond and would know that I cannot physically stray that far from my lord".

Mana nodded "yes I was informed all about your story when I was old enough to hear it, it's a tale that has touched the hearts of many in our village, however…what Kaede didn't the chance to tell you is that there is one way you can travel long distances without each other…one simple and harmless method. If I were to show you that…would you travel back with me to the village of Edo?"

Rin gasped, this would have been very helpful information to know fifteen years ago! Rin gave another sigh "I could not bring my children with me and the thought of leaving them…hurts me! With all the brutality between the western and northern lands…is it really right for me to go?" she looked to me for the answer.

Gorou cleared his throat, we turned and had almost forgotten he was still there, "may I just say that the dispute between the two lands may be an excellent reason for you to go, if we mask you and send you away you can remain hidden there for a while. Your scent will eventually drift from this place and there will be fewer attack on the castle and thus the royal children will be safer too. I would say that it is a good idea if only for a little while, it would bide us some time".

Rin looked at me again with hope of approval, I gave slight nod, yes…she had my approval. With a smile of gratitude she showed through her tears. "Very well Mana, I will return with you!" she answered.

My young niece smiled in delight, she then turned to Yoshi, "Yoshi…you too are a face I vaguely recall, there are obviously a lot of differences from back then" she spoke that part sheepishly, she had obviously been told about how she would scream and run whenever she saw him. "but there is one who recalls you so very clearly, my dear friend Airi…she is the only one who knew what I was doing and requested that I ask you to return too" Mana the delved into her pocket and pulled out a napkin and handed it to Yoshi, when he unravelled it he saw a daisy that had been pressed and dried in order to sustain it youth. Yoshi's eyes turned wide and Man proceeded to explain "she said that this was a piece of a crown you had once made for her and that she wanted you to have it whether you agreed to return or not as a symbol of the friendship the two of you shared that she still greatly cherishes".

Yoshi gently touched at flower, his mind flooding with innocent memories, "how is Airi?" he uttered quietly, "Is she well?"

Mana smirked a little; she had the same smirk as her father, Inuyasha! "Yes" she responded "yes Airi is quite well…she has many suitors, one is even the son of a lord from the Takeda clan, his father Kuranoske once pursued her mother but failed miserably, apparently the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, his son Osamu is quite taken with Airi who is simply a miniature version of her mother".

"I see" Yoshi muttered quietly, I believe he appeared even sadder than before, he took one last look at the flower and then covered it "I will go, I will go to make sure my mother gets there safely and to pay my respects to Lady Kaede who opened her home to both me mother and me".

It was a satisfying and dignified answer, Rin too was pleased with this, I leant forward and put my fingertips together "now what exactly is this method?"…

Heya! Hope this wasn't too boring it will get better I promise, tell me what you think because if this sequel is going to ruin my last story for you please let me know about it and I'll stop :)