A Demon Lord and His Human Child

"Hey kid, are you stupid or something?" The rough familiar voice barked to the young thirteen year old child who was shaking in the cold terrain. It was deep in winter time, and unusually colder than normal. He looked over the forest's horizon, there was something in the clouds. Something strange…slightly demonic? It was too far away to tell, but it was headed their way. He'd find out soon enough he decided, and he would be ready.

She ignored the harsh tone in his voice. He had the bad habit of chiding those that he secretly cared for, so she learned long ago from Kagome. She waited until he appeared beside her, just on the outskirts of the woods. "He's not gonna come any time soon" he spoke slightly gentler.

She nodded, "I know, but I like to pretend that he will"

"He told you it would be a few weeks until he returns from the village"

She smiled, "Well what if he finishes sooner?"

"Kohaku? That klutz return early from a mission?" he snorted

The young girl wanted to get angry at the comment, but knew he has right. She tried hard to fight away the giggles that came. "Leave him alone Inuyasha""Ya well, at any rate it's freezing out here, and I got Kagome on my case about you"

"It's not that bad…"she spoke while fiercely rubbing her arms up and down her skin to keep the warm in. "I've seen worse"

It was true. When she was younger and had traveled with him, she would see many cold nights. Most of the time she would have to sleep out in the wilderness, make her own fire, find her own warmth, but she never minded it. She didn't mind because he was there; her hero. He always had been, and when the winter nights came she would sneak ever so lightly next to him as he slept; kept warm under his pelt. He never made an objection to this, and when she got older she realized she wasn't being sneaky. He had always been awake when she had done this, but he allowed it.

He would always do this. Pretend he was indifferent to her plight, but do what he could to lessen it. She remembered the new attire he would bring for her during the winter nights. Without eye contact he would simply say; "Here"

She would always light up at his gifts, despite Jaken's assurances that is was simply so she wouldn't slow them down. Even then she knew the truth, he was her protector, her guardian…her father. How she missed him…

She remembered when she was first separated from him, and forced to live in this village with Inuyasha. She would sneak out at night just to sleep outside; like she had done before. She secretly hoped she would wake up and everything would go back to how it was, with him watching over her as she slept. She wondered if he ever wished for the same thing. Inuyasha would yell at her every morning he would find her, and throw a blanket at her simply saying, "Here!", When she looked up for an explanation, he would simply say, "I don't have time for you getting sick brat, ok!"

She would send him a smile, because despite what he would say, she knew. Perhaps that was why she found herself so close to Inuyasha. Both brother's spoke through their actions, and words meant nothing. That was why she stopped talking so long ago…what was the point? Everyone would say how sorry they were, or spout fake promises of assistance…or promise not to harm your loved ones if you simply complied, but it was all lies. How ironic that it was in demons she found her voice again. That they would show their feelings in action, and not falsify in voice. Her lord never forced her to speak. She at one point thought that he too lost his voice, due to his silence. Why would he not speak? Was he looking for his voice too?

She had awoken one night after having another nightmare. The wolves had been chasing her and she was desperately trying to make it into her mother's arms. The faster she ran the further her mother appeared, until she fell and the wolves fell upon her. She quickly opened her eyes to find that she was alone. No, the little green man was there and so was the two headed dragon…she told herself she would ride him one day. They seemed to like her. She looked around in silence, but noticed he wasn't there. Did he leave? Would he come back? She suddenly felt very alone, and the fire was almost out. The coldness came again…

A loud clink caught her attention. She thought she imagined it, but it sounded off again. She looked to the still slumbering demons, a large snot bubble coming out of the loud green man. Quietly, she decided upon following the sound. Silently she rose and walked towards the forest.

She hid behind a large tree to capture, in hiding, the cause of the sound. It was her hero, but he looked different. It was always there, and she wondered if anyone had ever noticed it before. He stood with his sword held out, examining the blade under the moonlight. She remembered that the little green man had said the sword had brought her back to life, in one of his rants.

His claws tightened on the hilt and crashed the blade against a poor tree. She cringed at the loud screech the sword let out. It sounded as if it was crying. She looked at the mark it had made, and her eyes widened in awe as the tree quickly healed itself as if no mark was made. She smiled at the sword's ability, and looked back into his eyes…she saw it again.

He found no joy in the weapon. Yes, there was anger, but that wasn't what made her frown. "He's sad…"

He slowly let his eyes open once more to examine the mocking blade. A being as powerful as he was, made to carry a weapon that made him look weak. "Your existence is a disgrace Tensaiga…" he seethed out. Her small hands tightened on the bark. Perhaps she shouldn't have been there. He didn't seem to notice her as he continued in a soft rage.

"You serve against me. For what I wish to destroy…you restore. So, it seems I stay at this impasse and therefore can not rise above it; my rightful…destiny!" Yet again the sword clashed against the tree in futility. The sword rang out. Was he punishing the Tensaiga?

He remained there for a moment, with his sword against the tree. His body slowly relaxed as the tree healed yet again. His eyes remained closed as he spoke to no one. "Did you intend for this? Your fang inhibits my ascension…and thus I am bound here" his body tightened once again. "I care not for your protection" he growled as he once again let the sword hit the large tree.

His damage was mocked with the healing of the bark. Only now he left the Tensaiga there, stuck between the healing tree. Perhaps he thought it was deserving. The sword refused to follow his orders of destruction, so it was left to be healed over by the bark. But what if he wanted to retrieve it again? Not that it looked like he wanted to.

She watched as his back faced the tree and his gaze turned to the stars above. He stood there in silence for several minutes. What was he thinking of? "Father" he whispered, "…I don't…understand"

She could tell it was hard for him to admit such a thing by the way he awkwardly phrased his words, but she didn't understand. What did his father do? Did her lord not want the sword? But wasn't that the reason she was alive? He didn't speak again, and she dared not to move. He looked like a statue, and she wondered if he had indeed fallen asleep. Could demons fall asleep standing up?

From what she could understand, his father had given him the sword, Tensaiga? And he didn't want it…maybe he didn't know what good it could do? Maybe it couldn't cut down the tree he wanted, but it could fix things. It must have been magic she decided. If it could bring her back to life, maybe it could make him smile…and take the sad eyes away.

She had to show him the good it could do, after all he helped take her sad eyes away. He made her smile. With a self determined nod she walked towards the trapped blade. She didn't notice the glare of contempt that he had sent the intrusion, or the slight raised brow he gave her when he realized who it was. Truth be told he was so enthralled with his own thoughts he hadn't noticed the visitor.

He opened his mouth to question the child, but froze when he pieced together what she was doing. With one small foot planted firmly against the base of the tree, she tried desperately to free the trapped Tensaiga. He knew it was futile, but was curious to see how long she would try. She fell a few times with unspoken thuds. The girl had yet spoken, and pain seemed to be nothing to her. Surely her hands would blister at the rate she was going…but then again why should he care? Strange, that the actions disturbed him ever so slightly. Yet in silence he watched as the girl would tug desperately on the hilt of the blade, and fall hard to the ground at every failure.

With slow curious steps, he found his way towards the trunk of the familiar tree, but his presence went ignored. She was oblivious to the fact that he was analyzing her actions. The girl was a stubborn one. Did she perhaps form a connection to the blade? Did she know the powers it possessed? Maybe she thought she could steal it now that he discarded it. For shear curiosity, he decided, he would put an end to the girl's struggling.

In a graceful motion his claws touched the trunk of the large magnolia, and he took secret delight at how it was finally scarred. Green smoke eased into the bark, and burnt a passage for the Tensaiga. The girl fell back with a thud with Tensaiga grasped firmly in her small fingers. She smiled at her success and slowly looked up to see the sword's owner. He looked forcefully uninterested in the circumstance, but his fixed and slow blinking gaze told her otherwise.

The sadness was put on hold and now he was wondering what she was doing. She stood quickly with the heavy weapon with her, and awkwardly held it out to him. He made no movements. She looked from the sword to him, motioning for him to take it…He made no movements. She looked down and slowly opened her mouth in an awkward way; testing it. She made a soft humming sound…a moan…a whimper?

His head turned ever so slightly at the strange sounds the child made. She noticed this and smiled. He was waiting for her. "Lo…"

A brow slowly perked on the demon lord's face. Was she attempting to speak?

"Lor-"

She felt the Tensaiga pulse in her palms as she took a deep breath. She smiled at the way it tickled. He noticed this and stopped his eyes from giving away any trace of surprise. Why was Tensaiga reacting to this girl?

"Lord…Lord….Ses-sho-maru" she pronounced. She had heard the green man say it many times, and hoped it was the right way to address him. He gave her a nod of acknowledgment and she smiled knowing she was correct in his title. "Lord Sesshomaru!" she spoke with more confidence. She held out the sword higher, almost losing her balance, "Ten-saiga…"

He reached for the blade gently; watching as it pulsed in delight. He wasn't sure if it was because he hadn't left it behind, or because of the foolish grinning girl below. "Girl?" he spoke as he examined the strange sword once again. "Do you yet own a name?…"

She looked down at the question and he nodded. "It's inconsequential" he decided as he placed away the blade. She smiled as he did so, and he watched as her eyes lit up at the action. Did she believe he was to abandon his father's cursed artifact? Or that she convinced him otherwise? A small smirk fell on his face at the thought. That his decisions would be altered but such a ridiculous notion. He noticed that her grin did not falter as she dusted off the dirty rags she still wore. His eyes fell to notice the bruises that remained on her person. Such a strange child…why did she show no fear of him?

She wanted to tell him more, but there was not much else to say. She wanted him to keep his sword and to smile. The magic sword granted her wishes, for he did both.

The next morning she was awoken to him standing over her. Looking away into the distance he spoke, "Here…"

With eyes full of wonder, she looked from his mystery to his outstretched hand. Was he referring to her? The loud yells from the green man confirmed it. "Don't just stand there fool! Lord Sesshomaru wishes for you to take his generous gift!"

A gift? She blinked in comprehension, before delight once again framed her entire being. With careful hands she slowly took hold of the orange fabric. Unfolding it, she saw the orange kimono it transformed into. The silk was so beautiful, and it was for her? It was for her! Her gap tooth smile led to laughter and a quick paced dance with the garments, where she spun herself in circles of admiration.

She stopped when the familiar reprimand squawking interrupted her, "Foolish girl! Thank our-"

"Enough Jaken" was her lord's firm answer. She was surprised at how quickly the imp was silenced, and once again for her sake. She tried to find word's to show how much the gift meant to her, but she was sad when she couldn't. Lowering her gift she sadly sulked away leaving her lord to wonder.

"Jaken" he spoke, watching the imp jump into attention, "You will accompany the girl to the stream…see her attire is adhered to"

"But m'lor-"

With a hardened look from his lord, the imp quickly snapped out of his doubts and jumped to his orders with a few apologetic bows. She quietly followed after the imp, hearing her lord's commands.

At the stream, she quietly listened to the imp, washing her face as instructed, destroying the old garments, applying the new ones as ordered. He even yelled at her about the condition of her hair, and using the brush for the dragon's mane, was able to fix her tangled locks. "It's bad enough my lord has to see you" Jaken scolded, "But seeing you parade as a filthier human is an eye sore, and my lord…."

His words faded out as the imp brushed her hair, surprisingly gently. He must have had experience caring for the dragons…which explained why they would roll their eyes whenever he spoke. She found his jabbering comical in a way. She thought on his words. He said her lord didn't like seeing her dirty…is that why he got her such nice clothing? She had so many questions about him…

"You should thank him at the very least girl… girl? Are you even listening to me?"

She turned to meet his gaze and sent him a smile. "Here" he bit out as he gave her a mirror. Again she danced in delight at her reflection. She looked as pretty as her mother would make her when she did her hair. He even left the small ponytail on her side. Then she remembered something. Her mother would always get upset when she was dirty too.

She returned and watched to see if her lord was happy with the results. He made no movements and his expression didn't change. Sitting quietly against the tree's base, he sent a quick glance to his companions, and went back to his casual staring. The girl let out another toothy grin, to the confusion of the company. She knew he was happy with the results.

The next day she woke up to the sound of birds singing. With a large stretch she noticed that she was alone with the dragons. They watched her curiously. It was their first time alone together and they were not sure what to make of her. Although, they did admit they enjoyed the energy she let out. It was different than the usual killer silence of Sesshomaru and aggravating noise of Jaken.

She looked back to the trees to find the bird who was making the prettiest noise. She stopped when she noticed a silent one. Sitting alone on a branch was a small finch. She wondered why it was all alone when the others were far higher in the branches making nests. She pouted when she saw that each was singing to another one a happy tune. Was it lonely? Or was it waiting for someone too? It eyed her curiously as she watched him. She nodded to herself as she licked her lips a little.

The dragons turned their heads at what they were watching. At first they thought the girl must have sneezed, it was a small high pitch squeak, but it grew in strength ever so softly. In rhythm they walked towards the girl; sitting directly behind her to get a better view.

She made no movement at their actions and continued with a smirk on her face. Bouncing her head back and forth she began humming her own tune to the small bird, who responded with one of his own. The bird's tune grew stronger to match the girl's. Soon, he caught the attention of another fair finch, and the girl smiled as the two flew off together. The dragon was saddened by the girl's return to silence, and began huffing in protest. The girl smiled at this. Did they enjoy her song? She let out a small hum to test her theory. The massive tail boomed in delight as they huffed in approval. The girl laughed as the warm air hit her face and she rubbed their heads gently, while continuing her small song.

Sesshomaru watched in amazement as his stead laid their heads in full submission to the girl's touch. Their eyes closed at the sound of her soft humming. Jaken mumbled at the foolishness of it all, and Sesshomaru wished he could remain still to watch the scene a moment longer. For when the girl caught sight of them her song slowly came to an end, and he wouldn't tell her what he thought of it.

The dragon's attention called her to reality and she saw her lord return. She didn't wish to interrupt his thoughts so she stopped her song, to the beast's great dislike. They even 'accidentally' whacked Jaken with their tail when he made a remark about how silly the girl was.

"Ah-Un" Sesshomaru spoke. All eyes turned to him for further clarification. (The beasts in particularly; scared they had upset their lord). Amber eyes turned to show he was addressing the child, "That are their names…"

She nodded as she once again nuzzled their heads; smiling as a warm tongue met her cheek. If only she could tell them her name.

Ah and Un had grown very fond of the girl, and had proven very protective of her. Even though she now slept against them and rode upon them, she would still awaken and watch her lord. How she wanted to thank him for everything, but why couldn't she?

He would never force her voice though, and his lips were almost as tight as hers. She didn't feel so alone with that thought. He was the same as her in a way, but the thought made her sad. She curled into Ah-Un. She hated not having a voice and not being able to tell him what she thought. She was lonely and she didn't think anyone would listen. She was scared to speak. She didn't think it mattered. So, why didn't he speak? Why was he sad? She sat up and found herself staring at his passive face. Was he asleep?

"Why do you stare at me girl?"

Maybe not. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. She then realized the major difference. At least he could speak, even if it was very little.

"I do not have time for you lagging behind" he began in what she could tell was false annoyance, "Sleep"

The order was clear, but she wasn't ready to sleep. Not when she had so many questions. Her eyes made her way back to her lord in wonderment. He saved her. He brought her back to life with the Tensaiga, but he hated Tensaiga. He barely talked, and hated it whenever he did. He wanted to see her clean. He smiled at her once, and sometimes his eyes didn't look sad when she smiled or…when she spoke. Was he happy when she was happy? Or maybe he didn't understand her…and that took his mind of other things.

Lord Sesshomaru gave her back her smile…she needed to give him one. Sesshomaru made her happy, and she would do the same for her lord. She couldn't hide her smile anymore. She had a job to do, and she wanted to do it more than ever. She wanted to be by her lord's side, she wanted to smile with him, she wanted to laugh again, and oh how she wanted to thank him for everything he did for her.

Without noticing she had been slowly crawling closer to her lord. His eyes were fully open now in confusion. What was she doing? He was going to question her, but as always was too curious to interrupt her actions. She stopped when he reached his full front, and she began fidgeting with something in her kimono.

With a nod of confidence to herself and a bright smile she pulled something out, and delicately held it out for her lord. Sesshomaru watched without movement as the small girl pulled out a yellow daisy and held it before him, as she had done before with the Tensaiga. Doing a quick survey he noticed that the others were still in slumber, and he returned his eyes on the young child. "What do you expect me to do with that?"

She shot her eyes down in a moment of self doubt, and as soon as she had he regretted his words. Had he insulted her? As if it would concern him, but he hated that it did ever so slightly. Perhaps she proved as delicate as the now slightly wilting flower. He couldn't find words to take back the comment, and told himself he had no desire to. Instead, in silence he turned his head away from the motion. The child would no doubt return to the dragon in defeat of her gesture

"It's…a present Lord Sesshomaru…"

His heart skipped a small beat at the sound. Had the girl spoken? It was a foolish question, his ears heard it perfectly. In a perfectly audible voice she had spoken, and even sounded delighted when speaking his name. Her eyes continued to sparkle, as if no doubt ever resided in them, and the flower was held out higher for his claws to grasp.

He didn't speak…or he couldn't find anymore suitable words. He wasn't fond of repeating himself…but he had no use of such a worthless thing.

"To thank you" she smiled and held it closer to his being, where he could now smell the sweet perfume it carried…only it was mixed in with her scent now.

"Not necessary"

"Rin, picked it special for you my lord…I…"

The small self doubt was there again. Something was troubling her…and he was…curious as to what it was. It wasn't as if he could really care about the dilemmas of a human child. Ridiculous…but he stopped as something else she said struck his attention.

"I…" she continued, "I thought you would like it…"

She felt pride as the words kept coming out. It was easy when she saw her lord's eyes. The more she spoke the more the sadness left him, and the more she wanted to speak. He was staring at the flower. He didn't understand. He was funny that way. He was the greatest person and the smartest person, but he didn't know what to do when someone was nice to him…maybe he wasn't use to it. She held out the flower again. "…because it's pretty" she smiled.

He looked at the blissful gleam in the girl's eyes, and the drooping flower; The flower that she thought was pretty and plucked for him. Had she been carrying it all day; building the courage to give it to him? When did she find the resolve? When did she find her voice?

Slowly his claws extended towards the small trinket, and ever so gently he received it from the girl's grasp. If only to keep her from returning into silence he would take it. He didn't have time to care for a mentally instable child after all. She had a purpose for the time being, in carrying for Ah-Un. The stead seemed to be very taken with her. He looked at the strange flower and then to the girl…perhaps there was some significance in the imperfect flower of the bush. "So…" he began, snapping the girl out of her pointless smiling, "Rin…that is your name then?"

"Yes my lord" she gave a single strong nod with her smile.

Looking to the stars he found his voice. "Hmmm" he gently hummed to himself. "Sleep, We leave with the sun…Rin"

Hearing the gentle tone in which he spoke her name, hearing someone finally speak her name after so long a time, she felt warm. Her smile remained throughout their entire first conversation. She nodded at his command and watched as he still held her gift. Without speaking a word she leaned against the same tree he had been resting against, and without saying a word she let her head fall against the thick warm pelt he wore.

Momentarily stunned by the audacity of the child he made no movements against her, and when he turned to the child readying a glare…none came out. She appeared to be in slumber, even though he knew she was not. Again he noticed that sleep consumed the others, and fighting a sigh of defeat allowed her to rest against him, but only for this single night he reassured to himself. This would not be a regular occurrence.

Staring at the small trinket, he decided that burning it would be the best option. However, there was no rush. Giving it a turn of evaluation for a final time, he placed the object within his kimono. He would destroy it on his own convenience.

The small girl giggled to herself as she saw this, and quickly closed her eyes as she saw two golden ones turn towards her. He stopped another sigh as he pretended he did not see the large brown eyes, or feel the small heaves of happiness come from the small bundle wrapped beneath his fur.

Now Rin stood at thirteen, awaiting the return of another important figure in her life; Kohaku. Still, not a day would pass when she did not think of her lord. How she missed him. She laughed at the memories, and felt the coldness strike her face. She was so much warmer back in those days; back when he was near.

On their last encounter, he said he had business to see in the northern province, but that was days ago. He usually came to see her as soon as he returned. Maybe he was still busy…or he forgot her. That fear would pester her every now and then…even though she knew the foolishness of it.

"I don't have time for this" Inuyasha mumbled to himself, "Either you get inside or-!"

"Ok" she smiled brightly. Grasping his hand she pulled him back towards the village. He awkwardly followed, not sure how it turned to him being forced inside. Rolling his eyes he followed after the weird girl, who was most comfortable when around demons. She was Sesshomaru's kid alright.

Five years had past since her childhood days of travel. The new one her lord granted her was safe and secure…only colder. Her grip tightened on Inuyasha's hand. She was grateful he was there. She knew that her two men would visit her soon enough, but right now she couldn't keep her Inuyasha worried.

Couldn't resist doing this flashback integration. I also like to imagine the relationship Rin and Inuyasha would have. During the early years preceding Naraku's defeat both had lost a loved one to an extent. Perhaps they would have depended on the other…

Thanks so much for reading. I'll update soon! Reviews are appreciated.

Much Love,

Merky15