Disclaimer: Do not own Inuyasha and characters
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Betrothed
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With a few fragile stalks of seasonal blossoms in her hand, Rin strolled to seat herself on the stony bench in the private gardens of her lord. Casually whilst humming a familiar tune, she twisted half her hair into a crooked bun, fixing it neatly with her now favorite silver pin, the one she had received from Sesshoumaru during one of her past birthdays. She placed both her elbows on her knee, then resting her chin on her palm as she breathed in deeply and exhaled a long relaxing breath.
If Rika had not told her, she wouldn't have known exactly how long she hadn't been able to come out here, basking in the noon sun like this…. since that day when she fell victim to a foe of Sesshoumaru.
If only I were stronger, like perhaps Suki-sama…. She mused rather contritely. Then… perhaps… I will not be a burden to…. him…
According to Rika, due to the potency of the poison, she had been unconscious for almost a full week before she finally roused. She remembered herself to be so weak and bleary when she first awoke, only vaguely noting the heads surrounding her and then, a tall white figure rushing straight at her from the door. Everyone seemed to bow deeply and retreat away all at once and that was when she knew… it was Sesshoumaru-sama.
Rin-chan, I'm so glad you're finally back. You have no idea. Sesshoumaru-sama…. He …. was not himself lately… Rika's words at that time were still fresh in her mind till now and it made her feel… well…. a complex mix of sweet and sadness. Sweet for the obvious reasons but sad too for the trouble she had caused him. After this tragic display of her humanly weakness, there wouldn't be a doubt left in the mind of Sesshoumaru-sama's mother that she was indeed utterly useless to her precious prince… her only son.
And that was a shocking two months ago. She had taken that long a time to make a full recovery.
Rin sighed, a small smile curved at the corner of her lips.
Throughout her road to health, Sesshoumaru had made the greatest effort to be by her side. She remembered him fussing about any and everything concerning her, be it her meals, her resting hours, her medications, giving strict orders that at any time if he were not to be there with her, a youkai general was to be guarding the chamber…. his chamber to be specific.
When she awoke, she had found herself there. From Rika's recount, she was moved to the lord's private chambers whilst she wasn't conscious and she had stayed there with him since. It had been that long that by now, most of her belonging had been moved over to Sesshoumaru's room.
Rin looked around the quiet garden solely meant for the usage of the great lord Sesshoumaru, still finding it a little odd that she was there. Since the beginning of time, no one was allowed here unless they wished an untimely death which meant to be sliced into halves and quarters in less than a second. Still, Sesshoumaru had insisted she stayed, even when she no longer had the reason to do so.
She briefly traced the process; how weak she had felt at first, not being able to do even the simplest of tasks like holding up a cup or a spoon. And though she had little appetite, Sesshoumaru had made sure she ate by insisting on doing the feeding himself.
Gradually as the days passed, she felt her strength returning, first enabling her sit up on her own, then being able to get down from the bed. She had pleaded with Sesshoumaru several times that she wished to go out and have a breath of fresh air but he had firmly refused, insisting she stayed indoors. In fact, he gave her the eye that indicated that there was absolutely no margin for argument on the issue. So she obeyed.
Then, there was that morning a month and a half later when he finally surprised her by bringing her out to the garden for a short walk. Still, as much as she had wished to, he had forbidden her to overexert herself in anyway, chiding and holding her back whenever she had the urge to dash toward a flower in full bloom. Bitterly, she remembered how the outdoor trip had been cut short when she felt a sudden wave of dizziness. As usual, nothing could escape Sesshoumaru's distinct youkai senses. He had sensed it right away and in a flash, she was lifted and carried back to the chambers and straight to bed.
All thanks to Jinenji-sama, three days ago, he had diagnosed her to have made full recovery. Since then, she had been able to take small walks like this on her own when Sesshoumaru was busy with matters of the court. Truly, there wasn't a word she could find to describe this feeling… of re-found freedom. Within two days, she had fully explored her lord's private gardens, memorizing every crook and cranny, every koi in the rock paved pond, every breed of flower that was planted there. She had fallen deeply in love with all of this.
But will she stay here? Will Sesshoumaru allow her to stay?
Rin blushed, recalling the many nights that she and her lord had shared, how she lay asleep in his arms… in the soft mattress of his huge bed, his feathery kisses on her cheeks and lips, his silken platinum strands woven round her fingers as he had her brown ones between his claws. In her short fifteen years, she had never felt so… contented with her life.
This surreal vision of perfection…. was it stay forever? A Taiyoukai lord such as Sesshoumaru…would he really be hers even when he had verbally declared his love for her? The mere thought of the vast differences between them made Rin feel as if it was an ocean that could never be crossed. Yet, he had… they had…. and she was glad… more than glad actually.
Out of all those almost perfect demonesses… Sesshoumaru-sama… he has picked….me…
And that alone was sufficient for her. For Sesshoumaru, she would do her best as his future mate, as the new lady of the Western lands.
Rin gulped.
The new lady of the Western lands?
Truly. If she were to become Sesshoumaru's life mate, then, naturally, that would like be her position, wouldn't it? And perhaps one day, the presiding lady of the west would give her consent, her sincere genuine consent to their union.
"Rin…"
The girl jumped up almost instantly from her seat, her musings a second ago fleeted to the farthest ends of her mind. Even though that smooth rich velvety voice could only belong to one, she was nonetheless startled.
"Sesshoumaru…" She turned around just in time to see him reaching her side.
"Are you alright?" His golden eyes narrowed as they briefly inspected her. "Are you unwell?" He raised his concern as he gently guided her to sit down with him.
"Err.. no… of course not. I-I'm fine… more than fine actually…" Rin flashed her best grin. "I feel…. perfect…"
The demon lord shook his head in amusement. "I'm actually doubting that you will tell me if you're truly unwell, Rin, since you're aware that I may rob you from your new found freedom."
Rin circled one arm round her lord's, smiling brilliantly. "You know I'll never lie to you, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru thought for a moment, then nodded, suddenly recalling why he had purposefully come this way in the midst of his busy schedule. He had to remind her of something… something of great importance…to them.
"Rin."
The girl met his eyes with curiosity.
"Remember tonight's dinner. You're to attend it with that new gown I had ordered to your size. Rika will assist you with the preparations." Seeing that she was listening attentively, Sesshoumaru moved to tenderly stroke her cheek. "Do…not…. wander off. I… need you to be there…tonight. Is that clear, Rin?"
Soon…. At last…. You… will be… mine…
There was a special function that night at the western courts, a ten-year anniversary celebration of his instatement as the post of the lord of the west. To the Taiyoukai, there would not be a better day to announce his plans for the girl. This night, everyone in the western court will be informed of his intention of taking her as his life mate. They would be engaged tonight, and their formal union would follow in a month's time. That should be sufficient for the court to prepare for it and if there were anyone who strongly opposed it, he'd have enough time to make sure they either give their blessing, stay silent or disappear from the surface of this earth forever. Moreover, there already had been quiet rumors spreading within the fortress as to why a human girl was allowed into the chambers of their great lord. He had preferred to remain silent at the issue then. Now, the time had come to properly and formally address it.
A ghost of a smile adorned his lips. He watched how Rin's brows furrowed questioningly as he tested to trace a crescent on her forehead. She would carry his symbol soon enough, after he bestowed upon her his engagement kiss. It would be an empowering one, one that would give her temporarily his symbol until they were united. Then, all who were present would witness who she belonged to…. who had put a claim on her.
His mother…. Hahaue…. would have to submit to his choice as all females should, be it mistress to her master, daughter to father or even… mother to son.
"Sesshoumaru…" The sweet echoes of Rin's voice brought him back from his thoughts. "What are you doing?" She caught his hand at her temple playfully as it glided down her cheek.
"Nothing." With a small smile, he got up, adjusting his robe slightly. "I have to go."
The girl followed after him till they reached the entryway.
"Rin, remember… tonight…" He coolly eyed her as he reminded, seeing her nodding in acknowledgement. Then, he was gone.
Rin watched until Sesshoumaru disappeared from the long ornamented corridors before she slid the room door closed. She skipped her way to the closet, opened one of the richly carved drawers and carefully lifted a set of silk kimono out. She walked to the bed, then laying it down neatly. She let her hands run down its long sleeves where the prints of peach blossoms were embroided. Sesshoumaru had this specially tailored for her. Surely, tonight must be a grand occasion.
The girl sighed. It would also be the first time she'd be having dinner with the lady of the west again after her recovery. It surely wasn't something she was looking forward to. Not even once had the lady visited her during her stay in Sesshoumaru's chamber. Somehow, that indicated to Rin quite obviously that her presence wasn't being missed.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and it slid open. Rin turned just in time to note that it was Rika.
"Rin-chan, how're you feeling today?" The demoness marched to the table, laying a tray of food there.
"I'm good." Rin strolled along her and casually surveyed the dishes. "What's for lunch?"
"Your favorite." Rika answered with a smile but the girl noted that it was a rather awkward one.
"Did something happen?" She became genuinely worried. Rika was usually cheerful. Something must have provoked her change.
"Erm… well… actually yes." The demoness frowned. "The lady…. She asked to see you after your meal."
Instantly, Rin froze.
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Her mind still deeply battling with what the lady had spoken about a while back, the girl packed a few necessities as she got ready for her trip. What Sesshoumaru's mother had said, it was weighing heavily upon her heart. Rin picked up the last and most important item from the floor, a bamboo container, stuffed it into her bundle.
"I'm going now." She did a half wave to the demoness as she exited the room through the garden.
"Be safe." Rika sighed, noting Rin's listless form. "Rin-chan…"
The girl halted in her tracks, turned slightly, listening.
"D-Don't be too affected by what the lady said. Sesshoumaru-sama does not think that way and that's the most important part, isn't it? Please be back in time for the dinner. Sesshoumaru-sama is expecting you."
Rin forced a smile, nodded and closed the door behind her.
The long scenic path to the northern parts of the western lands had proven to give her more time to digest the long lecture by the lady. She might not be very smart but still, she was able to pick up the fact that her presence tonight at the dinner was not encouraged.
Flashback
"I have no doubts, girl, that Sesshoumaru sees you as one who knows his heart. I must agree that you have done well as a human and I know my son takes a liking to you for that." The lady spoke coolly as she circled the slightly trembling girl, scrutinizing her form from head to toe. "I can see too that you have been completely cleared of the poison."
Rin swallowed hard. "Y-Yes, my lady. I have. Thank you for your concern."
Something in her last sentence triggered a long cold shrieking snigger from the lady and the girl instantly shut her mouth, waiting uncomfortably.
"You know… Rin… that is your name, am I right? Even in the great ancestral scrolls, Inu-taiyoukai lords do have a history of bestowing the honor on human ladies to be their concubines and at times, bore them hanyou off-springs. This is not an uncommon practice. That was how Sesshoumaru's Chichiue, as you know, had Inuyasha." She paused to eye the girl, making sure she was paying attention. She had intended to only make this speech once and thus, the message had to get across.
Even as she inspected the teenage girl, she could not help but realize that Rin, despite her lengthened stay in her son's chambers, had remained chaste. So, Sesshoumaru had not intended this human girl as a toy, a whore, a plaything. The only reason her prince had waited … was so that…. he could make her his life-mate. A female had to be pure when presented to the courts officially as a candidate of a warlord's mate. He could take her anytime after that but not before he gave her the empowering kiss, one which would mark her with his symbol.
Did Sesshoumaru plan to do it tonight at the dinner? The lady of the west pondered before a decision to put a stop to all this was made. Even though the Taisho had given her some specific instructions as to the selection of their heir's mate, somehow, she felt she had to … well, at least let the girl know what she was in for... what she was not or never able to do.
"Rin…" She started again after exhaling a long sigh. "Every Inu-taiyoukai has the responsibility to provide for himself and the clan a pure breed heir. That is the single most important task of the next lady of the West. Our line has to be carried on and the laws had been laid down as that. No one, not even Sesshoumaru, is able to alter it."
A pure breed heir, a pure Inu-Taiyoukai pup? The girl was beginning to understanding what this little talk was about.
End of Flashback
The rest of it was something Rin would rather not have heard. In short, the lady hinted that Sesshoumaru could keep her, but the next western lady, his life-mate has to be an Inu-Taiyoukai…. Suki…. to be specific. It was also made more than obvious to her that, tonight, the lady had planned for Sesshoumaru to announce Suki as his fiancée.
Was this Sesshoumaru's decision?
The girl concluded that it wasn't.
Still, was he able to have a choice?
Rin hadn't an answer to that. But she knew one thing.
She couldn't provide Sesshoumaru with the heir that he required. She didn't have the right to be the lady of the west, his life mate.
This is the least I can do for him…. She held tightly onto the bamboo container as she took in one deep breath, hopeful and trying to smile a bit…. an insignificant present for his anniversary celebrations.
It was a known fact that Sesshoumaru delighted in having his tea brewed from the night cypress dew from the foot of the northern mountains. Even so, it was not made a common practice for youkai servants to collect them for the great lord due to the dangers involved. The northern section of the Western lands was filled with complicated turns, folds and it was easy for even the best navigators to get lost, especially at the dead of night. Embedded along the route were thick thorny shrubs that cut deep into the fresh of the toughest youkais.
Since she wasn't welcome at the dinner that night, it wouldn't hurt if she took a little longer to return.
But Sesshoumaru…. She recalled his reminder.
He… perhaps, he wouldn't be put in a dilemma if she weren't around. By the time she returned, would he have taken Suki as his fiancée?
She dared not think on.
With that, Rin shut her eye lids tightly squeezing out a single tear drop, hardening her heart as she persevered on her way.
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Though the night was still young, the Taiyoukai lord was fiercely battling within him as he paced from one invited guest to another. The entire dining hall was filled with richly perfumed youkai demons, both males and females, each in their time coming before him, bowing deeply to offer their greetings and congratulations. For the past hour or so, he hadn't had the time for even a short break. He peered at the furthest corner of the room, spotting his mother mingling with yet another group of youkai ladies. Suki was amongst them. Everyone who was invited had arrived.
But… Where is Rin?
Even with his taiyoukai senses, it was getting difficult to spot the girl's scent in this thick crowd. The least he knew was that she was not here…. not in this room. Sesshoumaru looked to the window to check the time. It was getting late and dinner was about to begin anytime now. In fact, he had purposefully delayed the sitting of the guests even though the attendants had come once and again to implore that of him. He was waiting… still waiting.
The one who was to be in the limelight this night…. Where in the world is she?
Rin was taking way too long to get dressed and this was not like her. Especially after his reminder earlier in the day, she would never have been late… if she could help it.
In an instant, Sesshoumaru froze. From the corner of his ambers, he eyed his mother spotting that she, too, was occasionally stealing glances at his direction.
She was…. keeping him in sight?
Swiftly, the demon lord marched steadily toward the entryway, ignoring and declining to get into any conversation. Still, being the host, his sudden intention to take leave had caused muted gasps and whispers among the guests. But there was one, only one, who was in the midst of intercepting him.
The attendants slid the screen door open, bowing respectfully as the Taiyoukai was reaching it. He didn't intend to stop even when one hand rested on his shoulder with the intention of pulling him back.
"Sesshoumaru…. Where do you think you're going?" The lady of the west's tone was not all that pleased. The night had been going the way she had wished it to… until now.
Without a reply, the demon lord merely shrugged off her hand discreetly, ready to continue walking.
"Sesshoumaru, do you not think it is inappropriate for you to leave when dinner is about to start? Surely, you do not wish your guests to starve?" The lady scrunched her hands, trying to speak as composedly as possible.
Inu-no Taisho... her husband's last words…. was ringing in her head….
Sesshoumaru … tests will be laid in his way and he will overcome them… then he will be strong…. Then….we will…let him choose…. his destiny…Guide him… but…Do not stand in his way…
Did choosing his destiny include that… that human girl?
"Take charge of the night, mother. I will be back soon enough." And she watched as her son exited the room without even looking back.
He… was going to get her… the girl… Rin.
The lady sighed. Perhaps, this wasn't something she could change. It wasn't within her ability to do so. Indeed, it was true that her husband, the late Taisho had ideas of abolishing the traditional marriage between Taiyoukais. Thus, Sesshoumaru might be the first of their kind to have a mate of different breed, if he so chooses it.
But a human?
She had raised him to despise these lowly species. Right from the start, she had taken that precaution and she had raised him well…. poise, elegant, intelligent and strong.. all the makings of a prince. Since a pup, Sesshoumaru had displayed absolutely no hints of ever liking a human, ever getting close to them, ever knowing them.
But why now, why Rin?
She let off another sigh.
Truly… it was his destiny… and like what the Taisho had predicted, it wasn't something she could alter.
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In the huge chamber of the western lord, Rika had been pacing as if on hot bricks for the past few hours, her heart beat racing fearfully out of control as every second ticked by. A low sonorous thunder sounded in a sort of disharmony with the overlapping clatter of rain coming in from the garden to the wooden floor of the balcony. Rin had not returned from the mountains as she promised she would and this… this uninvited summer storm wasn't at all aiding the situation. The dinner had started more than an hour ago and still, no sign of the girl.
Oh God! Would Rin be in some kind of danger?
That horrific thought almost made Rika suffered an acute seizure. Even though Rin had been pronounced as fully recovered, Sesshoumaru had given strict orders that the girl need to be carefully attended to. There weren't any orders restricting Rin of where she wanted to go, but, somehow, Rika knew that the northern mountains surely would not fall under the "allowed" category.
Suddenly, the screen door of the chamber slammed open with such a thunderous crash that it made the already anxious Rika jump up. Only one was allowed to enter this room except the girl.
And she knew… her doom was near.
"Where is she?" A velvety voice echoed as the demoness found herself in the shadow of someone exceptionally tall.
Gulping while trying to support herself with her trembling legs, Rika turned and fell onto the ground, her head not daring to even peep up to the looming figure before her.
"Tell me, where is she? Rin, where is she?" In the same instant that he had entered the room, Sesshoumaru had noted that Rin was not within. In fact, her scent was not even lingering strongly in the room, meaning that she hadn't been here for some time.
Why? Where did Rin go? A discomforting chill spiraled up the Taiyoukai. Strangely, he had a bad feeling of everything and he did not like it one bit. He hated the feeling of insecurity, of… fear. Fury red flashed across his golden eyes as he pointed one poisonous claw at the one kneeing on the floor.
"Speak.."
"M-My Lord…. I… I…Rin… She…went out this afternoon. S-She said… she said she wanted to get you a gift…" Rika stuttered.
A gift? This… would be… likely what Rin would have in mind….
"Did she say where she intended to go?" He interrogated further.
Shit… The demoness almost fainted at that question. If Sesshoumaru were to know….
"S-She… Rin-chan…" She shut her eyes tightly, wishing only for a quick painless death. "She went to the northern mountains. I warned her of the dangers but… but she insisted. She said she will return by evening b-but she hasn't."
The northern mountains?
Immediately, the taiyoukai lord knew exactly where he could find her. Rin… she had gone to collect the cypress dew. Mixed emotions began to stir within him, frustration… anger… worry… fear….
Hadn't he warned her against such an idea numerous times in the past, not to mention that she had just recovered from a poison that almost rob her of her life? What was she thinking? Hadn't she promised him that she would be present at the dinner… the dinner that was to change her status?
Yes… Rin… She did not know that… She did not know his intentions. A little voice within him was speaking up for her so naturally but Sesshoumaru snapped a halt to it. She was no longer a child. She should well know where her priority lay.
Quickly cutting that thought off, the demon lord knew where his own priority lay. There was no time to punish. There was no time to lose. The northern mountain was a place one could easily be lost. He stared out at the thick curtains of downpour blurring the moonless night sky. It wasn't the most perfect of weathers too. He didn't wish to imagine Rin's present state as that would definitely make him explode with rage and anxiety.
In an instant, he transformed into a radiant ball of light and in the next, before Rika could lift up her head, the great lord was gone.
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Scrunching herself into a tight ball, Rin occasionally peeped out from one of the hollows in the rocky mountain, one she had so fortunately found when she was in the midst of searching for shelter when it suddenly poured. Thank the kamis, by the time she heard the first clash of thunder, she had already finished her collection.
With her cold trembling hands, she began to strip herself of her outer cloak and kimono, till she was left with only the inner layer, enough for her to keep bare decency. As if not at all affected by the drastic thinning of her clothes, with utmost care, she wrapped the layers of material over the bamboo container, then placing it safely between her knees and belly.
As another cruel gust of chilling wind and rain blew straight at her already frozen cheeks, Rin wriggled till she was as far as she could move from where the storm was coming in. She wasn't at all able to think about how late the time was and that she had definitely missed the dinner celebrations. Her mind was blanking out as she shivered so hard it was giving her spasms. All she wanted now…. All she could think of…. was to protect the one thing most precious to her… her gift…. for the one she loved… the one she was deemed not good enough for.
Oh dear…. Would her trail be lost?
Suddenly, the girl became frightened. She had purposefully left behind a trail of rainbow colored pebbles that would aid her find her way back. But… would the storm wash them away?
Sesshoumaru-sama….
At the thought of that very name, the girl felt a sudden stop in the continuous flow of winds that was blowing in at her. Something… or someone was blocking it and it was apparently standing right at the entryway. With her half bleary vision, Rin swallowed hard as she looked up, fearing that it could be a forest beast or demon on its night hunt.
She squinted while trying to keep conscious. It… It was… a dark…no… white figure with the rain forming a strange halo round its form.
Her eyes widened and she gasped.
"S-Sesshoumaru…."
Following the steady lead of her scent, the demon lord finally found the one he was looking for. However, the sight before him… the sight of the present Rin… did nothing to calm his nerves. He did not fail to notice that the girl was clad in nothing but a mere thin layer of inner kimono and he just could not contain his rage.
He marched swiftly to where she was crouched and with a strong grip, he pulled her up to a standing position, taking off his pelt and his own cloak, he wrapped her up from head to toe. He stood himself against the direction of the storm, shielding her from the ill elements, bringing her into his embrace when he saw she was still trembling.
"Sess… shou… maru…I-I'm so… glad… you're here…"
The mere touch of how she felt in his arms, the taiyoukai already found his stance softening. But something within him flared.
In a matter of time, the girl was to become his life mate, the lady of his court. How… How could she act so…. so without thought?
"Rin, what on earth are you doing here?" His tone hardened even when he was aware of her discomfort. "You were supposed to be at the dinner."
The girl forced a shaky smile as she lifted the bundle of cloth she was hugging. "F-For… you… Sess… shou…"
The demon lord glared heinously at the object that had caused the present plight of the one he so treasured. The sight of her like this…. being unwell again… after the tediously long hours, days and weeks he had spent on nursing her back to health…He simply could not take it.
"Is this what you think is important? Is this what you are risking your life for?" With the flick of a single sharp claw, the layers were shredded revealing the bamboo container. "I can tell you this now. I do not care for any of this…" With an anguish growl, he flung it to the furthest end of the cave.
With an exasperated cry, Rin pushed away from the taiyoukai, bulleting toward the direction where it flew and leaping as if for her life till the container finally landed safely in her hands. Sesshoumaru stood rooted in shock as the girl got up and did a thorough check on the condition of the container. Finishing her inspection and sure that everything was in order, she stood up, not the least caring about the few new wounds she had sustained on her knees from that most recent save.
The demon lord took in everything in silence, watching as the girl staggered back to his side. He admitted that his heart was hurting terribly at how he had caused her to suffer yet more injuries than she already had. At the moment he saw her, he had already sighted the torn skins at her ankles and the strong scent of her blood. But now… he had made it worse.
He watched her as she stopped right before him, trying a smile as she presented the container to him again. "S-Sess.. shou… please… this…" He noted she stopped as though she had difficulty to continue and he saw her biting her lip. "This… this is all… Rin can give… to Sesshoumaru…"
The demon lord's brows furrowed at those strangely phrased words.
All she could give… what did she mean by that?
Instinctively, he took the container from her, this time holding onto it.
"Rin… did you have any idea what you missed tonight?" Even he himself realized that his tone had softened significantly.
The girl merely smiled and smiling was getting harder and harder. The relief of finally presenting the gift to her lord was having the strangest effects on her. She felt so relaxed…. Her vision was blurring but she didn't mind…. Her eyes were closing but she didn't care… Her body felt so light but she couldn't stop it….
"Rin!" Sesshoumaru caught the girl in his arms as he saw her collapse right before him. He shook her slightly, noting the sharp fall in her pulse. "Rin!" He gently touched her cheeks, realizing they were cold as ice.
And he knew…. he had to bring her back to the fortress right away.
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Thoroughly soaked to the skin, the taiyoukai nudged open the screen door, entering the chamber from his garden. He had chosen his private gates in order not to arouse too much attention. He had not made his formal announcement regarding himself and the girl. Surely, it would not be appropriate to be spotted with his ward in this manner.
Immediately, Rika dashed toward them as Sesshoumaru placed Rin on the huge bed.
"She needs a change of clothes." He signaled to the demoness and nodding, she ran to the drawers, lifting out a dry clean set.
"I'll change her. You… get the hanyou physician…now!"
Rika bowed deeply, then as fast as her legs could carry her, disappeared through the entryway.
After an extendedly aching process of standing there, silently watching as Jinenji examined the girl, Sesshoumaru found that he simply could not just wait on. He moved forward, to the side of the bed where the physician squatted.
"My lord…" Jinenji stood up, offering a respectful bow.
"How is she?" The taiyoukai implored most worriedly. He could sense that Rin's pulse wasn't quite back to normal though she had stopped shivering. That… at least… was an indication that she wasn't in discomfort anymore.
"Rin-chan will be fine. It is nothing serious. She merely caught a cold…will be fine after a dosage of medicine. I… have to go prepare it now…" With that, he bowed again, preparing to leave the room when something on the table caught his attention. "My lord, is that… cypress dew from the north mountain?"
The demon lord nodded, not the least able to care about that insignificant item.
"Could I have it? Cypress dews are rare and they serve as good catalyst to the medication."
Sesshoumaru's brows rose. This… could help Rin? He needn't think further. "Take it."
The hanyou physician nodded and left with the bamboo container.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Sesshoumaru seat himself next to Rin, pulling and adjusting her covers so as to make sure she was comfortable. Gently, he swept some of her stray tresses to the back, then, let his finger glide down her cheek and he smiled a little as he heard her sigh at his touch. As he had all this, he had silently thought through the happenings of the night.
"Rika."
"Y-Yes, my lord." The demoness knelt down, her head dipped most remorsefully. She had failed her duty to look after Rin. Could she be told her punishment now?
"Tell me honestly. Did… my mother… have anything to do with all this?"
The demoness gasped, then gulped. She was waiting for the worst but… to betray the lady of the west… now that would seriously increase her chances of getting killed. She frowned, feeling the stress of making a decision… but in deep in her heart… she adored the girl and what she did not agree a bit to how the lady had handled the situation.
"Y-Yes, my lord." She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Here goes… "Rin-chan was summoned to the lady's chambers this afternoon and… and she… she…"
"Go on…. Do not fear telling me the truth. I wish to know… everything…" Even without Rika's confirmation, the taiyoukai had already guessed his mother's work in all of this. On the way back to the fortress, he had even caught the faint scent of Rin's tears though her clothes were drenched with rain and dirt. Rin had been crying? Surely, something… or someone must have upset her.
As the demoness related everything she had heard from Rin, the taiyoukai's eyes began glowing with fury. As he listened on, he had gripped so tightly on the mattress that his claws had sunk into it, destroying part of the foam.
"Mmm…."
He turned to the one lying on the bed as he heard her make a noise. "Rin?" Quickly, he waved the demoness, dismissing her and diverted his full attention to the girl who was rousing steadily.
"Sess…shou…" Rin's eyes began to open slowly.
"How are you feeling?"
"I-I'm fine…" She tried getting up.
"Don't…" He restrained her. "You need to rest."
Suddenly, the girl remembered something of importance. "Sesshou… the dinner… Don't you have to be there?"
The taiyoukai frowned. This time, he would make this clear to her once and for all. "Without you, the dinner… would hold no meaning, Rin. Do you not know it by now?" He stroked her cheek while he gazed down at her.
"But tonight…. The lady said you and Suki-sama are to be engaged…" She spoke in a whisper, turning her head so that she was shunning from his eyes. She did not wish him to see that she was disappointed.
Her words raised his ire slightly and he shook his head. "Have we not discussed about this before? Suki is …not… she is not…." And he felt her hand softly placed at his lips, stopping him from going on.
"Sesshoumaru…"
The taiyoukai watched the girl struggling again to get up and he assisted her, putting a pillow on her back and allowing her to comfortably lie against it. He waited, sensing her difficulty in continuing.
"Sesshoumaru…. I'm…" Rin shut her eyes tightly, forcing back a tear. She would not cry. No, she would not. "I can't… I can't be the one you wish me to be…"
"Who do you think I wish you to be?" Sesshoumaru knew… he had to be patient with her. She was merely fifteen and this sort of stress was not meant for one so young.
"I can't … be… the lady of this fortress… I'm not good enough…" A tear glistened at the corner of her eyes before it rolled down her cheek but she quickly brushed it away.
Sesshoumaru kept silent, eyeing at her intently. He was trying to figure out a way to undo whatever poison his mother had put in the girl. "So you wish me to take Suki as my mate just because she is also a taiyoukai?"
She bit her lips and nodded.
"And you? You wish to marry a human male?"
That made her gasp in shock and a long silence followed.
"I… I'll never marry another." Her reply came in a mutter.
"And why is that?" He tested her further, his heart already gleeful at her answer.
"I…love…you." Rin finally looked up at her lord. "I wish to be with Sesshoumaru forever….if you will still have me."
"But you do not wish to be my mate, did you not say that?" He was beginning to find this conversation amusing. Suddenly, he had a realization when the girl did not answer him. "Y-You wish that I take you as a whore?" His eyes darkened as frustration returned all at once. He stared at her while she kept silent.
Was this what Rin thought of him? "Is that it, Rin? You think… I would take you only as whore, a plaything?"
He turned her face toward him, making sure she was looking right at him before he carried on. "You wish me to take as a mate one whom I do not care for when you know fully well the one I want …is you."
His sudden raise of ire had seemed to greatly affect the girl. Rin just could hold back her emotions any further. She was tired… too tired trying. "Sesshoumaru… you need an heir I can never give." She cried as she spoke her heart. "One day, you will regret… having me…"
Solemnly, the taiyoukai listened. It was not that he had no knowledge of the truth between them. It was not that he did not know he would eventually need an heir, a pure taiyoukai heir, just that, he would never take anyone as his life mate because of that. He simply could not bring himself to do that.
An heir…He did not have an answer to that either.
But he knew one thing… the girl… Rin… was his destined mate. She was the one he saw in his future; She was the one he came to love… and that… that was sufficient for this moment.
And at this moment, everything became clear to him…. the present dilemma… his mother… Suki…. Rin… It would be solved through a simple decision… a simple decision made by him…. and him alone.
Finally, he smiled at her, brushing her hair so straighten out the frills, feeling the silken texture while at it. He was to protect her. He had sworn to that but until now, he had made a clear decision to do so. Things would be difficult from this night onward.
"Shh… Hush…please…" He pulled her into his arms, holding her firmly, feeling that Rin had circled her own arms round his waist, resting her head in his chest.
A long, long silence followed where neither spoke; the demon lord waited till the girl calmed down and stopped crying.
"Try to get some rest, Rin…"
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Carefully setting the girl down and placing the blankets over her, Sesshoumaru signaled the demoness to him with a thoughtful face.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Do a simple packing of the girl's necessities. We will be going away for a while." He instructed in the most composed manner despite the total shock on the face of the one he was speaking to.
"B-But…. the lady…" Rika was at a lost for words. Would this mark a dramatic change for the girl? The lord of the west was planning... to elope? Sesshoumaru was known for being totally inscrutable and cold. Never in her wildest mind would she think he was capable of doing such a thing.
"She need not know of this…yet." Her sentence was abruptly cut short. The taiyoukai simply did not wish to lose any more time.
"Yes, my lord." She got up from her kneeing position, wanting to get started with her task at hand but was stopped.
"Wait. Go to Jinenji. Tell him I need sufficient portions of Rin's medications packed for long travels."
"Yes, my lord." He is preparing to take Rin away. Couldn't at all keep her gleaming smile, Rika turned quickly and ran as fast as she could to look for the hanyou physician. She had to help Rin, help them. With the grand dinner function still on, the lady of the west would not find out about all of this and when she did, it would be too late. Sesshoumaru and Rin… they would be gone.
Watching as the demoness scurried out of the chamber, Sesshoumaru returned to his position beside the peacefully slumbering girl. Unable to keep himself from touching her, he stroked her hair then her cheeks lightly o as not to rouse her.
Soon… soon there would only be the two of us…. No other would be in our way….
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Droplets of moisture were still trickling from the leaves caused by the storm that had died off and the night air was damp but crisp. At the gates of the taiyoukai's private garden stood the physician and the demoness, bowing deeply. With a simple bundle slung to one shoulder, Sesshoumaru paced out of the fortress carrying the still slumbering girl in his arms. He stopped just before he took the first step out of the gates.
"Inform my mother… that I will be back when it deems fit."
"I-If the lady asks, should we…tell… her… the truth?" Rika asked as she fidgeted nervously. On one hand, she was happy for Rin, but on the other, if she'd known the lady like she did, somehow, she knew it wouldn't be an easy task explaining to her exactly what had happened to her only precious son.
"Tell her what you know." The taiyoukai answered rather dispassionately. "It matters little.
The two bowed again. Sesshoumaru looked down at the one whose head was leaning against his chest. Rin's breathing was slow, steady indicating that she was in deep sleep. Jinenji had said that the dosage of medication he had given her just before they left the chamber was enough to make her not rouse till about three hours later.
That… would be sufficient for him to reach his desired destination…. A place where no one would disturb them… a place where they could finally get some peace… a place where he would fulfill his destiny with her.
As the background music from the dining hall could still be heard from a distant, Rika peered up blinking, feeling a strong swirl of youki and instantly, Sesshoumaru's powers flared around him, turning both Rin and himself into a huge ball of radiant light. When she blinked again, they had sped off into the darkness.
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Hi there,
I know. My deepest deepest apologies for this very very atrociously late update. I've have working my butt off when the year started and true enough, forgetting how time can pass so quickly. Even with this chapter, the writing was so achingly slow with a few pages every night till about midnight. Well, half of the reason was because this is the second last chapter of this story. The next chapter will be the last. I had all along intended this story to be short. This is a sequel to "Vision of a Youkai's heart" and I meant it to be narrating on what happened before and not after the first story. Yap…. So… let me get to work on the last chapter before I go slack again….Give me some time… I hope to make it a good one
Happy belated New Year everyone…
Hugs
evilbunny