A/N: I have taken a very liberal definition of mating here to denote the moment the couple seals the first kiss and begins the whole 7 week cycle. From how I see it, both Sesshoumaru and Hiroto probably already see Rin as their mate thus referring to and treating her like one. :)
/ / / /
When he opened his eyes, Ryunnosuke wondered if this was heaven. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and most importantly, he beloved wife was not by his side. Closing back his eyes, Ryunnosuke tried to recall his fondest memory of her, willing it perhaps to call her to him.
She was seated by the koi pond in their large home; her feet kicking playfully at the water. Ryunnosuke loved those mornings when her illness had not yet started giving her pains and his wife was truly herself.
Except, that morning, they would come to learn of a sobering truth together.
"Anata, there is something I need to tell you." He had remembered her bewildered eyes, the tilt of her head as she looked up at him curiously.
"Ryunnosuke? Is something wrong?"
It wasn't. It was the greatest news of all, but…
"You're pregnant my love."
They had fought from then on whether to keep the child, knowing that her disease ridden body would not be strong enough to carry a hanyou into the world.
"Please Ryunnosuke… when I am no more in this earth, I hope our daughter will love you in my stead."
Ryunnosuke opened his eyes once more. No, this isn't heaven. Surely after death there should not be any more pain in his heart.
Pushing his covers aside, he got to his feet slowly, walking towards the mirror to examine himself.
He looked… fresh.
But Ryunnosuke noticed something he had never thought possible before. Fingers parting the side of his hair, he couldn't help but gasp at the slivers of grey growing from his crown!
"I am mortal." Beyond feeling upset, Ryunnosuke felt the first glimmer of tears threatening to fall. "Perhaps I will see you much sooner than I thought my love…"
Moving towards the wash basin already prepared at the end of his room, Ryunnosuke cleaned himself as best as he could, putting on a fresh pair of kimono someone –perhaps Rin –had already laid out next to his bed. Today was going to be a new day. There was no doubt in his mind now that his daughter had succeeded him and he would do everything he could to make the transition easier.
But for now, he needed to test this new mortal body of his. Putting one sure foot before the other, Ryunnosuke made his way into the palace gardens, grateful that it was too early before dawn to have anyone else in his way. In the quiet, the former Dragon Lord mulled over the events of last night as his fingers brush against the awakening blooms.
It was only when he reached the central pond that he noticed he wasn't alone. Seated on a cushion facing the rising sun, the long white-haired male looked almost forlorn as he raised the sleeve of his kimono to reveal a small pot of tea brewing –for two.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?"
At the sound of his name, the Daiyoukai turned his head, a ghost of a smile gracing his features."Ryunnosuke-sama. I see Tenseiga has served you well. Will you join me?"
For a moment Ryunnosuke was unsure what to make of the greeting. Did Sesshoumaru ever… smiled? If he ever did, it often signalled the calm before a storm.
Getting to his knees, Ryunnosuke placed both hands in front of him and bowed, the highest respect he could give to the one who saved him. "I owe my life to you Sesshoumaru-sama. This life is yours to do as you please. I will now live it only for my daughter and you."
But Sesshoumaru simply waved him off. "Your life is yours Ryunnosuke-sama –"
"Iye! Forgive me Inu Taisho-sama, I am humbled by your respect but I must insist that you address me no longer as a fellow Taisho."
The Dog youkai raised an eyebrow in amusement and gestured for the empty seat beside him. "Well then Ryunnosuke… dono? Will you join me for a cup of tea?"
Ryunnosuke kept silent. A step down from Lord was not what he'd expect but it seemed Sesshoumaru was adamant to still confer him some degree of respect. Why was that?
Did it have anything to do with Rin?
"It's unlike you to be so quiet. Are you not feeling well?"
"I am unsure my Lord."
The Inu Taisho put down his drink carefully, not saying anything at first. Then without warning, he grabbed Ryunnosuke's arm and pressed a sharp thumbnail into the vein at the base of his wrist.
"You are aware that you're mortal?"
He nodded, trying to keep still despite the pain.
"And that your daughter is now the Tatsu-Taisho?" At his second nod, Sesshoumaru released his arm and sealed the wound with a pinch of his fingertips. "Then all is well Ryunnosuke-dono."
He accepted another cup of tea from Sesshoumaru, mimicking the Inu Taisho's movement of bringing the edge of the cup to his lips.
"Unless of course you're worried about your daughter's decision to mate with me."
Sputtering on his hot tea, Ryunnosuke placed the cup down and immediately started apologising. Indeed, he had been plagued by thoughts of Rin being coerced into the decision.
"I do not think that the Tatsu-Taisho would accept things blindly. If she had chosen to be with me, she has her reasons for it," said Sesshoumaru calmly.
Ryunnosuke didn't doubt that one bit. His concern was whether Rin had rushed the union a little too soon. She was still young, yet to experience the world. For a woman, choices like mating were a one time offer. There would not be another chance, not even when her mate died someday.
"A union of our two lands could secure a lot of political benefits, more for the Eastern lands than the West. What can the West possibly gain, apart from a beautiful bride?"
For the second time that morning, Sesshoumaru gave him a smile. "For a mortal, you are still perceptive Tatsu-dono." Sipping his tea calmly, he then turned towards Ryunnosuke. "I have given Rin a fang of mine. Whatever she chooses to do with it is her choice."
This early in the courting? Ryunnosuke had not expected a youkai as powerful as Sesshoumaru to be this serious when it came to a female, much less his daughter who had no social standing prior to her current ascension. Swallowing his concern, Ryunnosuke then held the Inu Taisho's gaze and warned, "You do know that I will not hesitate to kill you if you ever make her cry, right?"
At any other time, such an open threat would be dealt with a severe hand by the Daiyoukai but Sesshoumaru simply sat there quietly, a sound slowly erupting from the depth of his ribs. Ryunnosuke was sure it sounded like laughter.
"And I believe you will die trying."
"Then I gladly accept."
/ / / /
When he found his daughter, Rin was holding up an exquisite bowl into the air; examining it from every angle possible. One look at it and Ryunnosuke knew what it meant.
"Ohayo beautiful child of mine."
At the sound of his voice, Rin's arms went slack; the bowl nearly crashing onto the floor in her attempts to turn too quickly to look at him.
"Otou-sama!" Bowl cast aside, she dashed across the room to grab him in a fierce hug. "You're alive! I was so worried. "
Ah that's right. The legendary powers of the Tenseiga. Ryunnosuke had heard of the former Inu no Taisho's sword and the immense strength and abilities it had. It was almost incomprehensible why he had chosen to bequeath a sword that would not harm, to his strongest heir.
But then again, fathers rarely did what their children preferred.
"Sesshoumaru-sama has done us both a great favour. My life is now his to do as he pleases." At his daughter's upturn mouth, he raised a questioning eyebrow. "You don't agree?"
"It is not a favour Otou-sama. It was a gift. As is that bowl over there."
For a moment Ryunnosuke didn't even register her last sentence about the bowl. He had never thought Sesshoumaru the kind to give out the powers of his healing sword on the whim. Ryunnosuke had assumed that Sesshoumaru intended for his life to be a guarantee for securing Rin's acceptance of the mating cycle. For him to do so and in lieu of a physical gift…
Did the Inu Daiyoukai actually feel something for his daughter?
"And this bowl… Sesshoumaru gave it to you too?" If so, then judging from the way she had carelessly tossed it aside, Ryunnosuke had a mind to chide her for her disrespect!
"Iye," Rin sighed in resignation. "It is a gift from the Uma Taisho-sama, Lord Hiroto. This is his second gift."
Ryunnosuke was starting to hear things. Did his daughter just say she was being courted by two regional Lords?
"Rin. What is the meaning of this?" It was so unlike her to be even interested in men, much less play two males against each other. "There will only be bloodshed."
Rin gave another sigh as she walked towards the bowl and picked it up. "Do you think me ignorant, Otou-sama? It was never my intention to be courted, nor even be seen by society. I was happy to be betrothed to Satoshi and I never imagined it would turn out like this.
But it is the will of the Shogun. He has decreed that I accept every round of the rituals without fail."
No! Clutching a hand over his heart, Ryunnosuke staggered slightly at the implications of her words. His daughter… the only piece of his wife that he had left… was about to be pawn to a needless civil war?
The Horse and the Dog were proud Zodiacs. Even if they had no intention of loving Rin, the idea of losing her to an opponent would injure their pride so much that a confrontation was inevitable.
"You will have to choose Rin."
But his daughter merely looked up, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "And who would you have me choose father?"
It wasn't an easy decision. He considered both males his friends and allies but if it came down to war, the Eastern Lands would have to side with the one that would ensure less carnage.
Picking up the bowl, he held in his hands before returning it to Rin. "This is a providing bowl. Hiroto-sama had chosen a snowflake obsidian because of its delicate beauty and its ability to strengthen our spirit of Earth."
Once upon a time, he too had given a human female a bowl made out from dragon scales.
"A providing bowl?"
"It is merely symbolic my child. When a male decides to be a provider, he is vowing subservience to his mate." Ryunnosuke gave Rin a quiet smile. "In his own way, Hiroto-sama is promising that you will be the only female for him. That's quite a statement coming from him."
"I don't trust that one bit," whispered Rin. "And… what if he had given me a sword instead?"
Ryunnosuke had to smile. Did Sesshoumaru give her a sword? It wouldn't have surprised him if he did. But then again, didn't the Inu Taisho say something about a fang? Glancing down at his daughter's neck, Ryunnosuke caught the slight ivory coloured tooth peeking from the top of her kimono collar. That was no sword.
"I'm sure you know what that means Rin. My only question to you now is if you know which one would make you happy."
"I cannot afford to think of my happiness when our lands are in danger." Looking up into his eyes, Ryunnosuke wondered when did his daughter stop being his little girl to become the woman standing before him. Gone were the starry eyes of a young child eager to please her father and in its place, the golden dragon swirled behind those alert but wary brown eyes.
/ / / /
The week had almost come to an end when Otou-sama finally joined everyone at the dinner table for his first public meal. Rin had thought he looked better –colour returning to his cheeks and his stature upright and proud. However, the few slivers of grey peeking out from under his golden locks reminded her that her father was no longer the fearsome Tatsu Taisho.
"Ryunnosuke-sama, it's wonderful to have you join us," welcomed Usagi Taisho, gesturing to his servants for an additional plate to be set up for their late guest.
"Hai… I think I have had my fill of okayu," laughed Ryunnosuke, referring to his steady diet of rice porridge these last few days. "I thought I'd like to have a decent meal one last time with my beautiful daughter and my friends."
Opposite of her, Sesshoumaru simply raised his glass in a silent salute before taking a small sip. Rin had noticed that he hadn't touched his food –at all, since they've arrived at the Hare palace –and wondered if she too would start to lose the need for nutrition as she grew more and more immortal by the day.
There was no doubt about it. It was as though she was absorbing all of her father's strength and rendering him completely mortal and helpless. Perhaps, she should return him his sword and forge a new one for herself.
Speaking of swords… Rin was still unsure whether her decision to shape one out of Sesshoumaru's fang would be favourable. It would not be wise to allow the regional Lords to have any hierarchy, even if she was to be mated to either of them.
But then again, Sesshoumaru, in all his outward aloofness and nonchalance, had held her with utmost gentleness and passion last night…
Just the thought of it left her blushing slightly. Darting her eyes away from the Inu Taisho, she focused instead on her father, listening to him share his harrowing escape from the Dragon castle to make his way to the Hares undetected.
"Perhaps it is time for Rin and I to return home," announced her father after finishing his story. "Will you come with us Inu Taisho-sama?"
Rin tried her best to avoid his eyes, choosing instead to focus on her plate. This was finally her chance to be rid of all her suitors –regardless of her feelings towards them –and be alone with her father once again.
"I appreciate the offer Ryunosuke-dono, but I must return to my homelands. Winter solstice is upon us." Feeling his eyes upon her, Rin lifted her head and blinked back the intense gold staring at her. "But you are welcomed to join me at the Tori Castle on the eve of the celebrations. I will be waiting for you."
Time it seemed had slowed down to the point where Rin could only hear the sounds of her breathing and see the smirking male before her. Though his eyes held hers in a polite gaze, Rin could feel heat radiating from his body, enveloping her in a possessive embrace.
It was a promise.
"Then I wish you a safe journey home, Inu Taisho-sama."
/ / / /
The dinner party had parted their own ways that night, each heading to the different quarters of the palace. But as the night drew on, Rin could feel her heart racing faster in anticipation of the very moment her shoji would slide open –
"Sesshoumaru?"
There had been no doubt in her mind all through dinner that he would seek her out later that night. Though he had been his usual reserved self at dinner, speaking only when necessary, Rin was excruciatingly aware of his every movement and his every look directed her way.
They hadn't had a chance to speak since their heated encounter last night and if she allowed it, there wouldn't be much talking tonight either.
"I want you to take me to the nearest waterfall."
Rin kept her eyes on him, aware that her heart was still thumping; the sight of him sending shivers down her body. "Why?"
"I have my next gift for you there."
It was too late into the night to be sneaking out but she knew that there wouldn't be a chance to speak privately anymore once they set off home the next day. Donning on a hood, she then clasped his hand tight and led him out through one of the servants' pass to avoid the main gates.
Despite their silence, Rin could feel the warmth travelling from his fingers up her hand to rest peacefully at her heart. She was almost disappointed when he pulled away as they reached the small waterfall hidden behind the mountains just east of the palace.
"Sesshoumaru?"
The Inu Taisho merely smiled at her before a bright blinding light filled the entire place. Rin had to shield her eyes with her hands; only opening them slightly when a slightly wet nose started rubbing at her stomach.
"Come in with me," he beckoned; the great white beast stepping casually, one paw after the other into the water. "When the water washes at my pelt, collect what you can and bring it to me."
Rin huffed slightly, annoyed that he was asking her to give him a bath! She wasn't one of his servants and this was definitely not how she thought they'd spend their last moments with each other.
"Please Rin." Another gentle push at her tummy with his snout.
Grumbling, Rin waded about the shallow water, aware that her robes now clung heavily to her body in the cold night. Whatever this gift was, it better be worth it!
"I hope this is enough," said Rin after a tiresome hour. It had surprised her how the pelt had simply clumped together, forming some sort of boa that mimicked the mokomoko Sesshoumaru often had on his shoulder. She had often thought it was his tail, or an extension of his Youkai form but now that she held it in her hands, Rin was sure that his fur had a life of its own.
Waddling up to shore, she placed the pile onto the ground and started to climb up when she felt strong hands pulling her back into the water. Had she been so distracted by her task that she hadn't noticed Sesshoumaru returning to his human form?
"Rin, my next gift to you." Warm hands circling around her waist, resting her back against a hard body. "An armour from the cold, fire and most importantly, danger."
"But the mokomoko-sama is alive isn't it?"
His answer was a nuzzling grin at the side of her neck. "It will look after you in my stead."
That, in her mind confirmed her decision to choose a sword made from his fang. Sesshoumaru was not destined to be subservient to her, ever. If he couldn't care for her himself, he'd make sure someone else did.
"Sesshoumaru?" Rin curled slightly backwards to look him in the eye. "What will you do if I choose Hiroto-sama?"
His tightened grip on her body didn't go unnoticed by Rin. "If that is what you wish."
But his answer was not what she wanted to hear. Slightly enraged, Rin pried herself away from his grip, splashing water on his face. "And you? What do you wish? Did last night mean nothing to you?"
Oh she had woken up furious that he'd manipulated her to sleep, leaving her body in knots and tensed with desire.
Almost on cue, Sesshoumaru grabbed her, twirling her around to face him. Rin gasped at the crimson bleeding into his golden eyes, his growl sending goosebumps all over her body.
"Does this mean nothing, Rin?" he demanded, pushing her back until she laid trapped between a rock and the agitated male before her. Though she did not understand the hot and heavy hardness pressing against her core, Rin knew that it wanted her –and she wanted it.
"I don't know what that means!" she spat back in exasperation. "I want to know what I mean to you!"
His answer was a fierce hungry kiss; his searing lips pressed onto hers with such possession that Rin was left breathless and aching within. When he pulled away, his rubied eyes stared down at her with his chest rising up and down in rhythm with her own breathing.
"I will tear the Horse, limb from limb, if you choose him. That's what you mean to me." That delicious hardness made itself known against her womanly core, making Rin struggle slightly, wishing there wasn't any of the wet cloth between them.
"Sesshoumaru…" Her hands grasped desperately at the lapels of his kimono, crying out when he pressed himself even harder against her. "Take this off… please."
She heard him gritting his teeth but he did as told; claws stripping away the intrusive material from his body, leaving the wide expanse of his chest exposed for the first time to her eyes. Just like the two red gashes on his cheek, Sesshoumaru's upper body was marked by the same pattern on the edge of his shoulders and from the side of his ribs.
Rin's fingers itched to trace those lines but Sesshoumaru had other ideas. Standing only in his hakama pants, Sesshoumaru took a step back and studied her. "If I rid you of your wet clothes now, I cannot guarantee that you can return to your home any time soon."
Heart pounding under her kimono, Rin took a deep breath and closed the gap between them. Placing both palms on his chest, she tiptoed slightly to press a gentle kiss on his lips. "I do not know what it is you do to me Inu Taisho-sama... but Rin does not object."
A low growl rumbled in his throat as he captured her lips for another kiss. "Then I hope you make the right decision Tatsu-Taisho."
/ / / /
It took him a little more than two days of running and flying to cross the country and arrive at the Western gates; the Inu Taisho feeling slightly worn out at covering that much space in so little time.
But as he strode past the gates into the inner hall, Sesshoumaru knew that rest would have to wait. A messenger boy was already waiting for him and from the scent of it, good news wasn't his forte.
"To what do I owe this pleasure of a royal messenger?" Sesshoumaru circled the young boy before taking a seat at his throne.
"Inu Taisho-sama! The Shogun would like to express his happiness at the invitation to the coming winter solstice celebrations. He requests that no expense be held back in his honour. The Western Lands can expect his arrival in a week."
Why that cheeky rat!
"I see."
The young messenger boy blinked back in surprise; almost as though not expecting Sesshoumaru's instant acquiesce. That Nezumi Naraku had probably warned him that the Inu Taisho would reject the self-invitation and even engage in a violent display of prowess.
As if Sesshoumaru had the time for that. He recognised the boy as the same Rat assassin as before and was no doubt prepared for any confrontation that might come his way.
"The Western clans thank the Shogun for his patronage," said Sesshoumaru instead. "He could have easily written a letter instead of sending a loyal messenger here."
"My apologies Inu Taisho-sama, perhaps I was not clear. I am to be stationed here until the Shogun's arrival."
Sesshoumaru leaned back in his seat and smiled. Did Naraku send this boy to keep watch for him? He should be honoured.
"Very well. Jaken!"
Tiny shuffling feet was heard rushing into the room. "Hai Sesshoumaru-sama!"
"It seems we have a guest who will be staying for the week. Escort young Kohaku to a suitable room. Return here when you are done."
The little imp bowed graciously before tugging at the Nezumi messenger's sleeves. Only when he could no longer scent the Rat in his presence did Sesshoumaru get up and walked over to his writing table.
There was no telling who else was standing guard outside his castle, keeping a keen eye and ear for whatever news that went in and out of the House of Inu. Pulling out a roll of parchment, Sesshoumaru picked up a brush and began writing his warning message. But instead of ink, the Inu Taisho pricked the centre of his palm deep enough until he could collect ink suitable for his purpose.
Dipping the brush in blood, his words flowed across the papyrus; the strokes dissolving into the material as though nothing had been written in the first place. His minor Taishos would know what to do the moment they received the empty parchment. Sesshoumaru only hoped that they would be ready to shore up their defences and march forth with their armies at his command.
When the knock came, Sesshoumaru grunted for Jaken to enter; entrusting him to deliver the message in the least obvious way possible. Knowing Jaken, the scheming imp would take absolute delight in doing so, especially if it was to best the Shogun.
For that, his loyalty was much appreciated, although Sesshoumaru would never voice that out loud.
"Jaken, there is one more thing." This, he had to take extra care as well. "Procure an uchikake and send it to the Tori Taisho's castle as well."
Jaken stared open mouthed at him; the four scrolls falling to the ground. "Ha… Hai! Is it for Rin-sama, my Lord?"
Sesshoumaru's slanted look sent Jaken into a frozen frenzy, the imp apologising profusely for thinking otherwise. But as he turned away, Jaken knelt on his feet and whispered, "If I may suggest Sesshoumaru-sama, perhaps you could go into your Chichi-ue's library and procure something of the Inu clan for Rin-sama's next gift?"
"Jaken, do not use up your usefulness in one breath."
If Jaken could turn greener, he would at Sesshoumaru's cold tone. Bowing quickly, the imp dashed out, slamming the door close. Though his servant had spoken out of line, Sesshoumaru knew that he had a point. Up till now, Seshoumaru's gifts paled in comparison to the precious ones given by Hiroto. Next to the dazzling jewels, his fang, fur and a swing of his blade seemed almost worthless.
But perhaps there was something even more precious than anything that Horse could give Rin. Sesshoumaru had recalled that his father's sword –before it was split into half for each of his sons –held the ability to transform into a diamond encrusted one. Perhaps… if Rin was to choose a sword to be made out of the fang he'd given her; Totosai could somehow forge the Dog clan diamonds into her sword.
But then again, there was no telling what that female was capable of choosing. At every turn, Sesshoumaru found himself meeting resistance and then absolute surrender, as though she was battling with herself whether to accept his mating call or not.
Though his night with Rin had ended with nothing except an unfulfilled ache in the loins for both of them, Sesshoumaru now knew without a doubt that there could not be any other female for him.
The Inu Youkai within him did not lie; its mating cry ringing loud and clear each time he held Rin in his arms. And thought she could not sense it yet, the sleeping Dragon within her was stirring awake, intrigued by the dance between the two of them. Oh he had seen the impatient desire flashing in her eyes but the only reason why Sesshoumaru had not acted on it yet was because the Tatsu Youkai had not accepted him fully.
Only the Shogun was stupid enough not to understand this. No matter how many weeks of rituals he'd force upon Hiroto and himself; if the Dragon within Rin deemed neither of them worthy, then no mating would occur.
That would be a shame. Sesshoumaru had already started to think of Rin as his. But more humbling than that was the fact that he had started to accept himself as hers.
/ / / /
A/N: Sesshoumaru is such a good boy, holding back and all. I was so tempted to write in a lemon for that earlier scene but I have decided to hold on. Separately, I know that it was Inuyasha's Tessaiga that took on the diamond form at one time. But since this is an AU, I'm tweaking it a little to suit the story.