500 Years and Waiting

By swirly87

Author's Notes: Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: Sesshoumaru, Rin, and all characters of Inuyasha are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. All characters that are mentioned in this story, but are not part of Inuyasha are either my creations or are characters that have been changed a bit from their respected anime. This includes the characters of Rurouni Kenshin and any other anime that is recognized. *

Chapter 1-Three Arrivals, Three Refusals, and One Message

It was like any other typical day. Sesshoumaru was patrolling his territory and Jaken, Rin, and Ah-Uh were following him. The sun was out and the forest was filled with the sound of life. Sesshoumaru was walking ahead, looking and sniffing around, while Jaken and Rin walked a few paces behind him. The only sounds coming from the group were the footsteps of Jaken, Rin, and Ah-Uh as well as the occasional orders from Sesshoumaru. Rin, now 20 years old, was observing her surroundings when she noticed something wrong.

"Jaken-sama, have we ever been to this part of the Western lands before? It looks familiar, but I don't think we've been here for a very long time," asked Rin as she looked around her surroundings.

"Hmm…you're right, Rin. We have not been here for a very long time. I think for at least a decade," answered Jaken as he too looked around.

"Where are we then, Jaken-sama? Why would Sesshoumaru-sama come here after not patrolling this area for so long?" asked a curious Rin.

"A decade is not long, baka. As for this area, I do not recall where this place is or what it's called…it looks awfully familiar. Ahh! That's it! This is Inuyasha's Forest. I wonder why Sesshoumaru-same would bring us here. He despises that inferior half-breed," answered a puzzled Jaken.

"I don't think Sesshoumaru-sama likes being here either. He's been tense ever since we left the castle. I wonder why? You don't suppose it had to do with that message that came after those youkai that came to the castle, do you Jaken-sama?" asked Rin as she observed Sesshoumaru as he stopped at a distance on a cliff and looked at something far away.

"I don't know, you brat. Stop asking me. I suppose it might have something to do with it. I'm not sure," said an agitated Jaken.

"But I thought Sesshoumaru-sama would have told you!" said a surprise Rin.

"Well, that doesn't mean he did. Now stop pestering me!" said Jaken, whose small pride was hurt when Rin reminded him that he was not important enough to know about Sesshoumaru's message that morning.

Sesshoumaru had stopped for awhile now and his ears moved a bit, catching the two's conversation. I'm surprised that they realized that yesterday morning has to deal with this trip to Inuyasha's Forest. As much as I hate going there, I don't trust anyone else to come here and speak to that mutt. It would have been so much easier if I could send Jaken or some other messenger there. At least then, I wouldn't have to speak with that brother of mine. Sesshoumaru thought as he silently sighed in his mind. I suppose it can't be helped. Sesshoumaru looked behind him and watched as Rin and Jaken begin to bicker. Although his face remained the same, his eyes betrayed a small light of emotion. Those two are impossible. Before Rin came, these trips would be so annoying and boring, what with the constant chattering of Jaken. At least Rin's voice is musical and angelic. Jaken's voice is so irratating. I wish I were back at the castle or at least patrolling another area, talking to that Inuyasha will be so degrading and a waste of time. If only that message hadn't arrived yesterday, I wouldn't be going there right now. Sesshoumaru thought as he recalled that morning, the morning that would start this wheel of destiny.

The day before…

It was a beautiful morning. Sesshoumaru was standing next to the sakura tree when he detected someone nearby. It is only Rin. He thought with a smile. She probably woke up this early to pick out the fresh flowers to put in her room.

"Ohayo, Sesshoumaru-sama!" greeted an energetic Rin, who was waving her hand and smiling at Sesshoumaru. She skipped her way to where he was and looked up at the tree.

Sesshoumaru merely nodded to her greeting and continued staring at the disappearing sakura leaves on the tree. He looked out of a corner of his eye at Rin. She has certainly grown into a beautiful woman. Her personality is still the same, energetic and pure, such innocence for a creature at this age and time. If only she wasn't human, I could tell her how I feel. I wonder if she feels the same. Too bad nothing could ever come out of such a relationship though. Sesshoumaru thought sadly.

"Are you okay, Sesshoumaru-sama?" inquired a worried Rin, who had turned to look at him.

"I am fine, Rin," answered Sesshoumaru.

"That's good to hear Sesshoumaru-sama. Don't you think autumn is sad and beautiful at the same time? It's sad because flowers begin to die and leaves begin to fall off trees, but it's beautiful because of the way they die and fall. Don't you think so, Sesshoumaru-sama?" asked Rin as she looked back at the tree.

"Yes, I do believe it is," answered Sesshoumaru, who had never stopped looking up at the tree.

"Even though autumn is quite beautiful, I think spring and summer are the best because they have the most life and everything is so beautiful then. What's your favorite season or seasons, Sesshoumaru-sama?" asked Rin.

"Winter," replied Sesshoumaru.

"Winter's beautiful too, but it's also sad. Winter is very white, beautiful, and yet very deadly. Many things die in winter," said Rin.

"True, but winter is the test of survival. It shows who deserves to go on to see spring," replied Sesshoumaru.

"I hope I always get to past winter. I would love to be able to see each spring. Spring is so beautiful and it has so many flowers growing then too," said Rin as she imagined the season being spring.

Not as beautiful as you. Thought Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru and Rin stood together a little while longer under the tree in silence, admiring the falling sakura leaves. Suddenly a large yell could be heard coming from the castle…

"Sesshoumaru-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama!" yelled Jaken as he ran around the castle and finally to the palace garden where he spotted Sesshoumaru with Rin.

"What is it Jaken?" asked Sesshoumaru as he glared at Jaken for disturbing the peace in his castle and ruining his time with Rin. Rin watched Jaken as he gulped under Sesshoumaru's glare.

"There…are…*gulps* three youkai ladies requesting to speak to you, Ssesshhoummaru-sama," answered a very nervous Jaken.

"Three youkai ladies, Jaken-sama? Are they really pretty? What kind of youkai are they? Why are they here?" asked a very curious Rin.

"There is a kitsune, inu, and wolf youkai. I believe they are Kaoru of the North, Misao of the East, and Megumi of the South. And all three are very beautiful youkai. All are of noble youkai blood. Why they are here, this Jaken does not know," answered Jaken, who regained his confidence and turned back to his know-it-all self as soon as Rin began her parade of questions.

"Bring them to my royal meeting room, I will meet them there," commanded Sesshoumaru.

"Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama," replied Jaken before he scurried away.

"Do you know why they're here, Sesshoumaru-sama?" asked Rin as she watched Jaken scurry away towards the castle.

"I do not know, Rin," answered Sesshoumaru as he walked toward the castle as well. Rin walked up beside Sesshoumaru and they walked together toward the royal meeting room. As they walked towards the room, they passed by many youkai servants. All greeted Sesshoumaru with respect. They also greeted Rin, but with affection as well as respect. When Sesshoumaru and Rin finally entered the royal meeting room, the three youkai women were already there. The women stood up from their seats and bowed respectively at Sesshoumaru and Rin.

"Greetings, Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands. Greetings Lady Rin. We are sorry to disturb you at such short notice," said one of the beautiful youkai. She had long dark raven hair that was tied up with a bright blue ribbon, her ears were pointed, and she had blue strips on the sides of her face. Her eyes were dark blue and she was wearing a bright kimono with many flowers. She had long, black, fluffy tail over one of her shoulders. Rin watched as this youkai presented herself and Rin's first impression of her was that she was a quiet and shy woman.

"There is no reason to apologize, at least not yet, Lady Kaoru of the North. However, I would like to know why the daughters of the Youkai Lords of the North, South, and East would journey so far away from home to talk with me," said Sesshoumaru as he looked at each woman in the eye.

One of the ladies, who looked a lot like Kaoru, walked up to Sesshoumaru. She was shorter than Kaoru, but not by much. She and Kaoru were be about 5'3, not much shorter than Rin who was 5'5. Unlike Kaoru, this woman's hair was tied in a long pigtail and she looked to be the youngest of the three, about Rin's age. Her eyes were the same color as Kaoru, but wider and with more innocence. She was dressed in something between a ninja's outfit and a kimono. Her tail was a lot shorter and less fluffy than Kaoru's tail. She looked straight up at Sesshoumaru, who was more than a foot taller than her, and told him, "Well, with all due respect, Sesshoumaru-sama. We're here because of that arranged marriage thing our fathers set up with you. We want to tell you that…"

"Misao-chan! Please excuse her, Sesshoumaru-sama. She's still very outspoken and a bit wild," said the one called Kaoru. Rin watched as Kaoru tried to excuse Misao's audaciousness. This is very interesting and yet disturbing at the same time. Did that wolf youkai just say "arranged marriage?" I hope that I'm hearing this wrong. Not that I don't want Sesshoumaru to marry and have kids or anything. I was just hoping that that person would be me. Of course, that would be impossible considering I'm human and he's a youkai. Still, it doesn't hurt to hope. Rin thought as she now watched Kaoru scolding Misao for her audaciousness. Rin then noticed that the third youkai, who had not said anything at all yet, slowly walked up to Sesshoumaru and ask, "If I may speak Sesshoumaru-sama. I would like to say that we're here to tell you that we no longer wish to continue with the arranged marriage deal. We hope that you will not be mad or anything, but we have our reasons not to marry you. Our fathers know about this, but they did not want to confront this with you yet. However, we thought it would be best if we tell you this as soon as possible."

"So your fathers do not know that you are here, Lady Megumi of the South," asked an emotionless Sesshoumaru.

"No, they do not know. They had hoped to tell you this later in a more subtle way. However, we three believed it was best if we told you this ourselves, considering one of us was suppose to be your bride," answered a very calm Megumi. Rin watched, as Sesshoumaru's face remained emotionless. However she knew that Sesshoumaru was in deep thought by the slight changes of emotions in his eyes. Rin then looked at Kaoru and Misao. The two women were both staring at Megumi and were surprised at what she had just said. Megumi looked at the two surprised youkai women and then looked back at Sesshoumaru. Megumi had long black hair and unlike the other two, her hair was let down. Her eyes were black and her skin was pale unlike the healthy, peachy glow of the other two youkai. The stripes on the sides of her face were black and her tail resembled that of Sesshoumaru's tail except that hers was black and not white. Her tail was hung over one shoulder like Kaoru's tail; Misao's tail was too short to be hung over a shoulder. The three youkai women as well as Rin watched and waited anxiously for Sesshoumaru's response.

"Though I am not interested in marriage at this point, I am curious to know why you three ladies would want to break an over 200 year old arrangement by our fathers," said Sesshoumaru. Rin felt relieved when she heard that he wasn't interested in marriage yet. However, she couldn't help wonder if he wanted to marry one of these three beautiful youkai women. Her heart gave a painful squeeze when she thought about that. She looked at the three women and wondered why anyone would refuse marrying Sesshoumaru; she wouldn't if she were in their places.

"I don't mean to offend you or anything Sesshoumaru, but is it wise to have this human girl here to listen to this conversation. No offense intended Lady Rin, but this is an arrangement made over 200 years ago and well I'm not sure if you would want to listen…" asked an unsure Kaoru.

Sesshoumaru looked at Rin and then said, "Rin."

"Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama," answered a nervous Rin.

"Do you wish to remain here to listen to this conversation?" asked Sesshoumaru.

"Of course, Sesshoumaru-sama," answered a happy Rin. Rin's eyes were filled with happiness as she looked at Sesshoumaru and Sesshoumaru couldn't help, but feel happier himself as he watched her. He watched Rin for a few moments before turning back to the three women, who had watched that short moment between the two. Sesshoumaru then sat down and the three women as well as Rin sat down after him.

To Rin's surprise, it was Misao who explained their circumstance. She began by shifting into a comfortable position on the chair before she began saying, "As you know Sesshoumaru, our fathers and your father made an agreement when we were born. Your father agreed that when you reached the marriageable age of 200 years or more, that you would choose one of us three to become your bride. Now this agreement was made so that our lands could unite and prosper. The western territory is the largest of the four territories; its size is equal to the three other territories combined. Our fathers and your father had hoped that by you marrying one of us, and after that our children marrying into the other territories, that one day the four territories would be one. However our fathers and yours were unusual youkai. They also wanted us to know one and other. Your father, in particular, wanted you to know each of us three personally so that one day you would be able to chose amongst us three. Therefore we have grown up together. It is only these half a century that we have not seen each other. However it has been these past decades that these have really changed Sesshoumaru. None of us three wish to continue with this agreement. We mean no offense, but none of us want to marry you. And we think that you don't want to marry any of us. Our fathers also agreed that you were the only one who could break this agreement if you did not wish to marry any of us. So let's just forget about this arranged marriage thing, ok?"

"Although it is true that I do not wish to marry any of you. I would still like to know the real reason behind breaking the agreement," commented Sesshoumaru. Rin watched the three women as they blushed. I guess he remembers them better than they remember him.

"Actually Sesshoumaru…the real reason we don't want to marry you…is that well…"started a stammering Kaoru.

"What she's trying to say Sesshoumaru is that all three of us have fallen in love and we wish to marry them instead of you," answered Megumi after her blush had faded.

"Marry them? Who are them?" asked a curious Sesshoumaru.

"You remember our royal bodyguards? Sanosuke, Kenshin, and Aoshi?" asked Megumi back to Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru merely nodded before Megumi continued, "Well, I want to marry my guard Sanosuke and Kaoru wants to marry her guard Kenshin. And Misao, of course, wants to marry her guard Aoshi."

"I did not think that you would want to marry Sanosuke, Megumi. The last I remember of you two were that you two were always bickering over something or another. Kaoru and Misao, I am not surprised. Very well, you three are excused from the agreement. I don't want an unhappy bride who is in love with another youkai," answered a calm Sesshoumaru. The three youkai stared at Sesshoumaru in amazement; they were surprised on how simple the whole thing was. Rin was just happy at the thought that Sesshomaru had allowed these three youkai to be with their love. If only I could be with mines. Thought Rin.

"I suggest you three to head back home before your fathers find out. I will send a notice to your fathers about breaking the arrangement. I will explain the details in the letters," said Sesshoumaru. The three women could only nod, surprised at their good fortune. Suddenly, one of the women, Kaoru, snapped out of her happiness and asked Sesshoumaru, "Excuse me Sesshoumaru, but if I remember correctly…is it not required for the youkai lord of the western lands to have an heir before he reached the age of 300 years?"

"That is true, Kaoru," answered Sesshoumaru. Rin, who had been happy only a moment before, stared at Kaoru and Sesshoumaru in shock. "However," continued Sesshoumaru, "I do not need to have a mate to accomplish that. The heir just needs to have the royal blood running through him and be a full-blooded youkai."

"And where would you find a youkai like that?" asked a curious Misao. The other two youkai women stared questioningly at Sesshoumaru as well. Rin looked at the three women and then at Sesshoumaru. She began to think. Who could be Sesshoumaru's heir? The only person I know who is related to Sesshoumaru is…Inuyasha! But Inuyasha's a hanyou, a half-demon, he couldn't be the heir unless…wait a moment! Inuyasha used the restored Shikon no tama to become a full-blooded youkai after the final battle with Naraku. He fits the heir description perfectly, but why him? Thought a puzzled Rin.

"It's Inuyasha, isn't it Sesshoumaru-sama? But why Inuyasha?" asked a bewildered Rin.

"Because Rin, I do not wish to marry yet. With Inuyasha as my heir, I am in no rush to find a mate and produce an heir," replied Sesshoumaru. Sessshoumaru watched as Rin's face was filled with different emotions: confusion, thoughtfulness, and sadness. Sadness huh? No need to fret Rin. I do not plan to marry anyone, but you. With Inuyasha as my heir, I can find a way to make you my mate, Rin. Thought Sesshoumaru. He looked at Rin and got lost in her warm, affectionate eyes. He stared at her as if she was the only creature existing in the room. Rin looked at Sesshoumaru and saw a weird look in his eyes. She could not figure out what his eyes were saying. As she looked into his eyes, trying to decipher its meaning, she got lost in their amber hues. All she could then think about was Sesshoumaru and his beautiful eyes. The two people, the youkai and the human, stared at each other with love without realizing that there were other people in the room.

The three female youkai watched Sesshoumaru and Rin exchange their words and looks. They looked at each other and then looked back at the two. They then realized the true meaning of Sesshoumaru's heir plan. That sly dog. He fell in love. The block of ice around his heart actually got melted and by a human to boot! Thought Misao. I would never have thought he'll fall for a human. I never would have thought that it was even possible for him to fall in love at all. Thought Kaoru. We better keep this a secret. A union between a human and a youkai lord is forbidden unless it's a second marriage and an heir is already produced from the first marriage. If only Rin was a youkai. I hope she's ready for the hardships ahead. Perhaps Sesshoumaru has a plan going, I sure hope he does. Thought Megumi. The three youkai women looked at the youkai lord and the human. They then stood up from their chairs. This immediately caught the attention of the couple, who then realized that they have been staring at each other the whole time. They turned towards the three women. Rin was blushing while Sesshoumaru merely remained his calm cold facade.

"If we may excuse ourselves Sesshoumaru. We would like to head back to our respective homes and inform our fathers about your decision. You are going to write and send those letters to our fathers, right?" asked Kaoru.

"Of course," answered Sesshoumaru as the three women began to leave the room. Suddenly, as if something important just struck her, Kaoru stopped. The other two youkai turned to look at Kaoru in puzzlement as she ran up to Sesshoumaru and said, "There's something you should know Sesshoumaru. If you're announcing your heir during that ball two weeks from now, which I think you are probably going to do, it's only fair that I should warn you that Tomoe is going to be there."

"That's right, that bitch is going to be there. She expects to be your mate. She keeps bragging on and on about how beautiful she is and how she'll make a great youkai mate for you. She makes me sick. And to think while she was bragging about all that, she was all over Kenshin, right Kaoru?" asked Misao as she too walked back towards Sesshoumaru.

"Yes, that's right. The way she was all over my Kenshin was downright wrong and made her look like a slut," replied an angry Kaoru.

"That bitch is a slut. You better be careful Sesshoumaru. She's not going to be happy when you announce your heir instead of your future mate at that ball. Any person you want to be your mate should watch their back. That conniving slut is probably going to try to kill her. Heck, she tried to kill us," said Misao.

"She tried to kill you?!" exclaimed a shocked and innocent Rin.

"Yes she did. All of us were engaged to Sesshoumaru. Lucky for us though, that we have very good bodyguards," explained Megumi.

"I remember Tomoe; she was that little poodle youkai that always stalked us when we were young. She's harmless. I'm always on my guard so my future mate will be fine. There is no need to worry," commented Sesshoumaru.

"Well that was then and this is now. She's changed into this slutty-looking, conniving bitch who will go to any lengths to get what she wants…and she wants you Sesshoumaru, so be careful," warned Megumi. Sesshoumaru merely nodded, telling them that he will be careful. Although the three women were not completely satisfied with his lack of concern, nonetheless they had no choice but to trust his judgement. The three women bowed a bit before leaving the room.

Sesshoumaru then stood up from his chair and turned to look at Rin who was watching the retreating women in amazement and wonder. So, that's how royal youkai females are like. I wonder who this Tomoe is that got them so riled up. I wonder why she would try to kill such nice people. Thought Rin as she stood up from her seat. Rin then snapped out of her thoughts to turn to look at Sesshoumaru. "I thought that was a very interesting meeting. What do you think of it, Sesshoumaru-sama?" commented Rin.

"It was quite…unexpected, but quite intriguing. Shall we continue our conversation outside, Rin?" asked Sesshoumaru as he looked outside and wondered what Rin had been thinking about as she watched the three youkai women leave.

"Of course, Sesshoumaru-sama," answered Rin. As the two started walking outside, back to the garden, a little racoon youkai ran up to Sesshoumaru. The racoon stopped in front of Sesshoumaru and bowed before saying, "Sesshoumaru-sama, an urgent message for you from the youkai of Inuyasha's Forest." Sesshoumaru took the letter and opened it. Rin watched as Sesshoumaru's eyes went from a bright happy gold to dark menacing amber. This is definitely not good, Rin thought. Sesshoumaru then handed the letter back to the racoon and said, "Burn it and tell Jaken to start packing. We're heading out tomorrow." Sesshoumaru then walked ahead and Rin followed him.

As the two walked, Rin began to worry about what the letter was about. She touched Sesshoumaru's arm and he turned his head to look at her. "Are you alright, Sesshoumaru-sama?" asked a concerned Rin.

"I am fine, Rin. You do not need to worry about it. However you should start packing as well," commented Sesshoumaru.

"I will do that now, Sesshoumaru-sama," said Rin before she stopped and headed toward her room. Sesshoumaru stared sadly as Rin walked away. There goes my day. And here I planned to spend the day with her. Stupid letter. Thought Sesshoumaru.

To Sesshoumaru-sama, Youkai Lord of the West:

We regretfully inform you that your chosen heir, Inuyasha, refuses to be your heir. He claims that you are in no need of an heir and that he is "busy" for the next 500 years or so. He also wishes to inform you that you should ask him the next time before assuming anything. He claims to not want to be a pawn in your political affairs.

-Your Humble Youkai Servants