A/N: Warning; spoiler for ending.
Imperceptable
"Impossible," Sesshomaru breathed. There was no way any of this could have transpired; Rin's smile, her laughter, her tears, her joy, her love, herself reduced to a stagnant little heap in his arms. Still as the death that claimed her.
Sesshomaru's words were not of one who didn't believe in the capacity of Hell to steal a little life without pity. He'd been one such creature just yesterday or eons ago – he really wasn't sure of the difference anymore. Only that the little girl was gone.
I didn't have to bring her with me. When I called Rin back from the dead after she'd been mauled by wolves…at that time, if I'd just left her at a human village…
The stench of death was overwhelming, his head spun, he wanted to gag, but…
Sesshomaru snapped his eyes open. Impassively he examined the icicles of blood that dripped from his talons and four crimson nicks that welled in his palm. Real pain wasn't like that of dreams or bad memories.
He licked the bitter copper from his claws, but that didn't quiet the pounding of his heart.
No, nothing like it at all.
Golden eyes swept to where Rin slept, small and curled against Ah-Un. Tomorrow she might be spending the night under a thatched roof instead – not under the stars or Sesshomaru's vigilant gaze.
Little by little, he'd help her make the adjustment. In a few months' time, she wouldn't miss him after a week's absence. He wouldn't force her to live in this village or any other for the rest of her life, but in these tender years he wouldn't gamble her life again. If Rin could stay away from the battles he knew everyday, she'd be safe.
For the first time, Sesshomaru recognized in himself a gentle selfishness. It wasn't the covetous desire for an heirloom or the insatiable thirst for power or even the drive to vindicate wounded pride. It was that kind that sought to tether others close.
The dog-demon had heard the word for that feeling once. Father was the first to speak it to him. What was it now?
Love?
Sesshomaru wasn't entirely certain. He just couldn't stand to see that child – his child – die again.