The Young Bride

by missbot

This story takes place many years after The Final Act and the only thing I changed is that Rin continued with Lord Sesshomaru after the jewel was destroyed instead of staying in the village. Rin is an adolescent now and Sesshomaru makes a decision that will be hard for the both of them when he realizes she needs to live among humans and take a human mate.

25. C25: An eternity of Bliss

(Hey guys! Chapter 25 here. Hope everyone had a good holiday. Thanks again for the follows and favs and stuff. I've lost a couple readers over the months, but I'm glad for the people that enjoy my writing as it is. I'd just like to state before everyone reads that I really try to stay true to the way things were around the time this takes place and not trying to have a modern attitude about it. I don't condone abuse or sexual assault obviously. Thanks again. Much love!

KhlallamCedarTrees1912: Thank you so much for the good vibes! I appreciate it.

Lady Taiyou: Thanks! I'm glad you are excited and sorry it takes me awhile to get the chaps up. They are pretty long. )

…..

Chapter 25: An Eternity of Bliss

The forest was dim and foggy at this point of the evening, and a small hut laid in the middle of it. A noise escaped from inside, like a small creature was in distress. Heavy breathing and shouts could be heard. Outside the hut, there stood a magnificent beast. Inutaisho, the dog demon Lord of the West stood in front of the door, looking as if he were waiting for something. His long white robes swayed around him gently. He had the mark of lightning on his cheek. Shaking his head, a small worried smile came across his face.

He opened the door, and entered. He heard a deep growl and something was thrown in his direction. Inutaisho looked to the left and saw the one he had come for, his cousin, Monomaru. Underneath him was a small and naked fox demoness.

"You disturb me, little cousin, it must be for a good reason. I fear I should have a quarrel with you if not." Monomaru said, standing up and making himself presentable.

"You are needed at home, cousin." InuTaisho said.

The vixen, who had been quiet, slipped past the two dog demons and ran out the door and into the woods, not looking back.

"Great, now you've scared her away." His cousin argued with him.

"I believe she was scared long before I arrived, cousin." InuTaisho said. "Besides, you are to be married tomorrow. I hardly think this is the appropriate time for this. The Southern Lord worries that you will back out of this arrangement."

"He worries about the wrong person. It is his daughter that is not happy with this. She is a wild creature, not to be tied down."

"Why do you think her father is so eager to give her away?" InuTaisho smiled. "Come, I volunteered to find you and I will not return without you."

Monomaru sighed. "As you wish. She is so beautiful, the young Lady Kya."

"And you are so ugly." InuTaisho teased his cousin.

Monomaru ran his fingers over his face, where the red scars were paved in his skin. "You jest, but it is true. After our battle with the lizard demons, my face never healed. Their poison proved to be too strong. How could Kya ever love such a hideous being?"
"Cousin, you worry too much." InuTaisho smiled and gave Monomaru a strong friendly slap on the back. "Let us return."

Monomaru looked absently outside the walls of the Eastern estate. He thought deeply of his deceased cousin and wife. The memory of them not tainted by years and years of absence. Being so close to his cousin, he too had felt a sense of betrayal when Inutaisho left the Western Lady for a human girl. Kya, his wife, had described in great detail what would become of him if he dared to leave her like that.

"First, I will cut off that which makes you a man. And then I will rip off your arms and legs. Only then will I cut off your head to end your suffering. And the human woman I would nail to a tree and leave her there to bleed to death." Her voice was smooth but strong.

"You needn't even worry about such a thing. I am not sick like my cousin. I do not desire humans." He said in return, wrapping his arms around her. "And I would like to see you try to rip my arms off."

A huge growl brought him out of his thoughts, and he looked to the door of the room. On the other side, his daughter was in labor. It was not wise to be in the same room as a demoness giving birth as they were prone to lashing out. The growling and moaning pierced his ears. It was unbearable to hear his child in such a fuss. But he stayed there calmly, waiting for his grandchild to be born.

Suddenly, he heard someone enter the estate in a hurry. He smelled the air, and knew who it was. When the door opened and Gina entered, he looked stern.

"You have no loyalty to your family. Your sister.."

"Is none of my concern right now. I am out there taking care of duties you left behind in your wish to retire."

Monomaru let out a sigh and nodded. Although he did not believe for a second that his daughter had been gone on any errand of importance. She avoided her sister like the plague as of late. The two, who had always been joined at the hip, seemed further away from each other than ever before. Their usual likenesses became differences. Gina was becoming stronger than her sister both in body and station. Their situation with Sesshomaru had never yielded any results. The Western Lord had no intention of taking Hana to be his bride. This made Monomaru very angry and desperate.

"I've traveled all the way South to speak to Grandfather." Gina said, earning a glare from her Monomaru. He did not like the Lord of the South, who had been his wife's father. He was very old, and attached to his archaic ways. He hoped Gina had not told him about Hana.

Gina turned when she heard a low growl coming from Hana but then turned back to her father. "He is interested in a meeting with you."

"How dare you go behind my back like this. I despise your Grandfather, you know this." He said angrily.

"Please, go to him. I think you will not regret it. He has agreed to help us with our.. little situation. But only if you will meet with him first." Gina said.

Another big grunt came from the room and then the sounds of a tiny, high pitched howl. Gina smiled and went to open the door. The room was quite a mess, the demoness had made a storm of the room in her labor. But sitting there on the floor of the room was Hana, pale and tired, holding an infant. She was only lightly covered by a thin kimono.

"Well done, sister!" Gina laughed.

Hana ignored her sister and looked up as she saw her father coming toward her and the infant. She looked down again at the little baby in her arms, her breathing becoming more relaxed at this point. The baby howled again. She held her newborn child up, offering him to her father. Monomaru leaned down and with one arm scooped the baby up. Hana let out a small smile but was much too tired to display much emotion.

"A boy." said Monomaru, holding the child up. "A large boy, at that."

"Gina, Help me up." Hana requested.

Gina hurried to her sisters side, picking her up to have her sit on the bed. The both of them watched as their father inspected the newborn. The baby was indeed large, with half closed amber eyes and a little tuft of black hair atop it's head. Neither of the women commented on how the baby looked like his father, in fear it might start an argument. He had pale skin and pointy ears. Monomaru nodded proudly.

"The first pureblood in centuries." He said, admiring the infant.

Hana nodded. "Father, it is only fitting that you should be the one to name him."

The baby shrieked again, its eyes opening slightly to look at the man before him. "He will be a champion. He needs the name of a warrior. Therefore, He will be called Junomaru."

Making his way over to Hana, Monomaru placed the infant back into her arms, and placed a kiss on Hana's forehead. "Give him your breast, Hana. I will return soon."

Hana smiled, happy that her father had accepted his grandson into their family. Gina looked upon the baby, and felt a bad feeling rise up in her. A boy was threatening to her station. In no time, he would become a man. She choked back her worry and managed a smile for her sister.

…

I fear there isn't much left to hope for. Today, my lord leaves the castle to find that which takes over his soul. Revenge against his absent wife, Rin. I've prayed many times for him to reconsider.

Ami walked through the halls of the castle, taking a break from her needy baby. She had one of the servant girls tend to him while she took a walk around the halls. Her strength had been regained since his birth and she found solace in taking solo walks around the castle and garden. She intended to go to Akio, but held herself back. She passed by a room where there were two men and two girls. The men were guards and faithful servants of her lord. There was a servant girl working quickly on the other girl with brushes and pins. This caught Ami's interest. The men were watching and guarding carefully. The other girl was in a nice big blue kimono and was having her hair pinned up neatly.

"Hurry up, girl. We don't have all day. Our lord intends to leave soon." One of the guards told the servant girl.

The servant girl nodded hastily and worked quickly to pin the girls hair up. Ami clung to the side of the door, peeking in. It was none other than Kai in the blue kimono, being made up like a grown woman. Being only 13, it was hard to mature her youthful look. Her face made it obvious that she was hardly even there. Mentally, she had escaped somewhere else. Ami shook her head, not understanding the scenario in front of her. Why would Kai be wearing clothes like this? She was not in the Lord's favor. She remembered that there had been a few days where the girl was missing completely because Lord Eito was hiding her from Akio. But they had found her. Eito was becoming very ill, and could do very little to protect the young girl he was so fond of.

When she was done, the girl nodded and backed away, taking her things with her. When she passed Ami by the door, she looked directly at her as if she should not be prowling. Ami stopped the girl outside the door with her hand.

"Wait.." She whispered. "Please, what is going on in there?"

"Don't ask me. I don't want to get sent away too." The girl whispered quickly before shoving Ami's hand off of her arm and walking away.

"They are taking Kai?" Ami wondered aloud before looking back into the room.

One of the men took Kai by the arm, beginning to lead her out of the room. She did not try to fight him off or anything, she merely let him lead her, her feet sliding tiredly. When they got to the door, Ami put her hands on her hips.

"What is this?" She asked them. "Where are you taking her?"

"Ami, stay out of this." One of them said to her.

Her eyes found Kai's. The girl was so exhausted, she could hardly keep her head up. It seemed as if she had been drugged. "No, I demand you tell me right now where you intend to take young Kai in this state. Look at her, she can hardly stand."

"Ami, you are merely the Lord's mistress. You have no right to interrogate us." He said, shaking his head. "But if you must know.."

Before he could finish, both him and the other guard suddenly took a knee. Kai remained standing, absently looking into the wall. Ami turned around and saw Akio, causing her to lower her head.

"What is the hold up?" Akio said, snapping his fingers. The guards stood at this, and one of them spoke.

"We ran into your mistress our way to the carriages, my Lord. She demands to know where we are taking the girl." The guard answered.

"So we will stop for anybody who demands that you do? You are only to stop for me." He chided his guards before turning to Ami.

"It is none of your concern." He said to her.

Ami shook her head and slipped past the guards, placing her arm around Kai's shoulder. "Yes.. it very much is my concern. This girl has been drugged. Nontheless, she is very important to many people here and I think it's only reasonable that we know where you are taking her."

"Ami.." Kai attempted to speak, but instead she began to sink down. The guard that had her arm pulled her back up.

Akio glared. He snapped again to his guards. "Take the girl to the carriage."

Ami held the girls hand tight, and found that Kai squeezed her hand with what little strength she had in return. But the guards were large, and forced the girls hands away from each other. They led Kai down the hall, and Ami watched as the girl looked back at her and then forward again. Ami was pulled out of her thoughts when she saw Akio pointing his finger at her.

"You will not act this way towards me. Have you gone mad?"

"If you are doing what I think you are doing, I think it is absolutely dreadful." She said defensively. "I hold my tongue too often. This will not be that time."

Akio looked around at all the servants who were pretending to mind their own business, and felt almost outnumbered by those who despised him. To be disrespected in front of them caused him great anger. He grabbed Ami roughly by the hair. Her feet barely kept up as he dragged her up the hall. When he found her room, he slid it open with his foot and threw her body onto the floor. A servant girl inside the room was holding Ami's infant, and she shrieked from the sudden intrusion. The baby began to cry at this.

"Out!" Akio snapped at the girl, who wrapped her arms around the crying baby protectively and left the room with him in great haste.

Ami lifted her head off the ground, pushing the floor with her hands. Her hair covered one of her eyes as she looked up at Akio. She no longer saw the man who saved her, but a monster. She knew now there would be no changing him back. No amount of softness or gentle encouragements would save him.

"You have delayed me with this foolishness." He shouted, his hair messily whipping around his shoulder.

"I am glad." She said, tears coming down her face. "Were you not going to say goodbye to me or your son? Those you proclaim to love? I have been so good and faithful to you. But you will not have me again. I swear it."

"Insolent.." He growled under his breath. "I have given you a life better than the one before it and this is how you thank me?"

Ami's tears came faster now. "You have done no such thing. I live in misery. The only comfort in my life is my son."

His eyebrows tightened at her words. His heart banged around inside of his chest. Guilt, anger, resentment. But mostly guilt. Ami, still on the floor, breathed out slowly. She felt his foot push her onto her back. "I will kill you right now, and then your child will have no mother."

"If that is your wish. But I know you..you won't."

Ami felt his hand under her arm as he brought her to her feet to look him in the eyes. "You are the only person who loves me. I couldn't stand it if you stopped. If I cannot have your affections, no one else will. I will give you this one chance to regain my favor."

Ami felt hot tears run down her face. There was still love in her heart for who he had been. But his actions could not be excused. She could not be scared and submissive anymore. She needed to follow Rin and Kai's example and be brave.

"I wish you had never rescued me. Moreso I wish that I had never succumbed to you and given you a child." She said with conviction.

Akio's face was red. He could feel his hand shaking as he reached for his sword. Looking at his sword, he saw his own tears painted on the blade. Taking a step back, he tried to steady his hand. Locking eyes with Ami, he drew back the sword. Ami was perfectly still, not looking to the weapon at all.

His hand began to shake so violently that he dropped the sword onto the floor. Ami stayed silent as he wiped the tears from his face, stumbling towards the door. He slid it open, and looked back at her for a moment before leaving.

Ami stood there, breathing heavily. A couple servant girls came rushing in, surrounding her in concern. She didn't take her eyes away from the door.

.…

The warm sun beat on Rin's face as she woke from her slumber. She looked to her side and saw that Sesshomaru was still there, and smiled. She felt closer now to him than ever. Leaning in, she placed a kiss on his forehead, causing him to wake up. His eyes focused on hers for a little while before either of them spoke.

"Today will begin the rest of our lives together, I know it." She said, smiling confidently.

Sesshomaru brought his hand up to her face, caressing it. "What happens now?"

Her smile faded a bit. There was a small chance that she wouldn't be able to come back. But she shook her head, trying to avoid these thoughts. "I will go to the priest Kojin."

"A priest?" Sesshomaru scoffed. "What manner of priest is he to offer this to you?"

"He isn't like other priests. It's hard to explain, but I trust him. I don't think he is taking me for a fool."

"Rin." He looked disappointed. "You put too much faith in others."

"I put my faith in you. Was that a mistake?"

He thought upon her words and frowned. "Are you certain about this?"

"Yes.. I am." Rin bit her lip.

"I will accompany you." He decided.

Rin let out a weak smile. "You can't come with me, my love. A temple is no place for a demon. You probably wouldn't even make it inside without becoming ill."

Seshomaru did not like this. He sat up, and then stood. Taking a step away from Rin, he looked to the ground, deep in thought. Rin sat up on her hands, watching him, and sighed.

"Kohaku said that you would kill yourself for me.. why did he say this?" He said, clenching his fist lightly.

Rin sighed. "I know you know what that means, Sesshomaru."

He growled and his teeth gritted. "I want to hear you say it."

A tear ran down her cheek and she shook her head. She couldn't bear to tell him that she might not come back. She didn't want to think of it.

"If you do not return, I will make the priest suffer. He is within this mountain, I can smell him. And a woman, too."

Rin stood up and wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru, laying her head on his back. "You will do no such thing. I will return. I promise you."

Sesshomaru turned around, stroking her face. "Rin, do not make promises you cannot keep."

Her face turned red as he said this. "I must take this risk for us. You must understand."

Sesshomaru nodded. "If it is your desire to obtain such a long life, you shall find out both its pains and pleasures. You will watch the humans that you have grown so close to all wither away. You will find yourself bored with existence, and feel nothing but contempt for the short-lived creatures of this world."

"Sesshomaru, do not try to dissuade me. I will have you. That is all I need. Don't you see that?" She argued, pulling his forehead to hers.

"I hope that is all." He said, closing his eyes. "I will wait right here for you until you return."

Rin kissed his forehead. "Thank you, my love."

…..

A cold mist sat on the air in the Southern lands and Monomaru could smell the scent of blood and dog demons. He was close to his destination. The Southern palace was not too far from where he stood. He had not been there in so long, he could hardly even remember it. His wife had been born and raised in this palace. The southern dog demons were a rougher breed and their ways were slightly different from that of the Eastern and Western dog demons. But there were also more of them, not many more, but notably. They refused to take part in wars that they deemed not worthy of their time, so they had not perished in the great wars that had killed so many. This decision to remain detached from the other dog demons caused Monomaru to not be very fond of his wife's father. So he was surprised when he learned that his deceased wife's father was requesting an audience with him.

"Perhaps the old man has changed his ways." Monomaru thought aloud. "Maybe he is willing to take part in this world's affairs instead of locking him and his people away from others."

Just then, he saw the very palace he had set out to find. Sighing in relief, he headed toward it. The estate was a big black castle with large doors and a grand entrance with a large dog demon at the foot of it all. When he approached the man, he was greeted with a smile.

"Lord Monomaru of the East. I am happy to welcome you." Said the young dog demon. From his clothing, it was obvious that he was the Lord's guard and champion. "Please come with me. My Lord will be notified that you are here."

"My thanks, young lad." Monomaru smiled at the man, and patted him on the back. "It has been a long journey."

The dog demon escorted him into the castle. First there was a courtyard with a great garden. There were two mice demon tending to the plants as they walked through, not daring to look up at the larger creatures that were before them. There were a couple of children running around after each other. Studying the children, he saw that they were half bloods. They had the features of a dog demon, but they were small and scrawny like a fox demon.

"Such beautiful children, but small. Who's might they be?" Monomaru inquired.

The guard smiled. "These are grandchildren of Lord Ryomaru by his youngest son. He found himself smitten with a fox demoness much to the dismay of my Lord."

"If he has not accepted them then why are they here in his palace?"

The man let out a small chuckle. "My Lord initially sent his son and his lover away. But after they married and had children, he invited them back into his good graces. I think it was my Lady who convinced him to do so. She does love the little ones and does not care that their mother is a fox demoness."

When they got to the end of the garden, there was a woman with long black hair and big red eyes. She was dressed in regal clothing, and had a very welcoming aura. Monomaru recognized her right away. Her smile upon seeing his face made him warm inside, and he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it.

"My Lady, you haven't aged a day." Monomaru flattered the woman.

"Lord Monomaru, I am honored to welcome you. My husband is glad you have agreed to speak with him." Her red lips smiled so genuinely.

"Dear Lady Kohra, you and Lord Ryomaru do not harbor any resentment for me?" Monomaru let go of her hand.

The Lady sighed, and shook her head. "What happened to my daughter was not your fault, Monomaru."

"I failed her as her husband. I could not protect her." He said sadly.

"Please do not speak of it, Monomaru. No amount of blame will bring her back." The Lady said before motioning to the guard. "I will take him from here."

She turned and led him inside. The walls were golden and lined with paintings of the Lord's ancestors and family. He caught a glimpse of a painting of a little girl with black hair and sharp fangs, and knew it to be a picture of his late wife as a child. He sighed and moved forward, the place giving him too many old memories to handle. When they reached the throne room, he saw a small number of dog demons. There was a couple men who looked as if they were busy. One was old and the other was young, and they were both looking over and revising a scroll. Monomaru figured they must be the Lord's advisors. Then he saw a woman with curly brown hair and blue eyes. She had regal clothing like the Lady Kohra although it was a deep blue. Sitting on the arm of the throne, she fanned herself and leaned into the dog demon in it, whispering in his ear. When she noticed there was a guest, she quickly hopped off the arm of the throne and composed herself. Monomaru recognized her as his father-in-laws second wife, Lady Biata. This was not something he particularly liked. His wife had hated her fathers ways and his foreign bride. He nodded to her politely, and she returned his polite gesture.

Monomaru looked then at the Lord of the South. He was just how he remembered him. A large man with a shrewd look about him. His eyes were red and his hair was black with grey stripes. He had a large nose and a mean expression. He was a much older demon, so his face was beginning to wrinkle, although he did not look particularly old. He rose from his throne and stepped down to greet Monomaru. The men made short nods to each other before speaking.

"Lord Monomaru. My friend, it has been too long." The old demon said in his very deep voice.

"Lord Ryomaru… You know as well as I that our work is never done. To be in charge of such a large territory is a great burden." He said, making the Southern lord smile.

"Yes, it is hard work. But we do what we must. It is my understanding that you no longer wish to do it though. So much so that you have put my granddaughter in your place."

"I know how you feel about these matters, Lord Ryomaru. But I have never had any sons, you know. And Gina is very capable, and strong."

Ryomaru reluctantly smiled and shook his head. "I found this out when she came to see me. Feisty and very strong headed like her mother. I don't know where they got it from."

Lady Kohra made a short bow. "My Lord, might we take this into a more comfortable setting for our guest?"

Monomaru soon found himself in a smaller room with seating that made a circle so that all parties could see one another. He was seated across from Lord Ryomaru. To one side was Lady Kohra and on the other was Lady Biata. The old dog demon snapped his fingers and a servant came over, offering drinks to them.

"You are much too young to retire, Monomaru." The old demon started off. "Might you reconsider?"

"I am not like you, my friend. I no longer wish to rule in my old age. I am confident in my Gina, she will be a fine leader and guardian."

The old demon shook his head. "I didn't think I would see such a day, but here it is. And I hope you are right. Do you not believe that she should be married?"

"I do not think that would make her very happy." Monomaru started to get annoyed with Ryomaru's prying questions.

"You are much too soft, Monomaru." He smiled. "Our young females are misled. They are not having enough children to keep our bloodlines strong. The dog demons will come to an end eventually."

Monomaru was silent for a few moments watching the three dog demons before him. Kohra looked uncomfortable as she looked to Monomaru and her husband. It was clear she did not want any words to turn into an argument. And the blue eyed woman fanned herself tiredly, not paying too much attention to what was going on.

"Lord Monomaru, how is my Hana?" She said worriedly.

"She is fine, Lady Kohra. A few days ago, she gave birth to a boy." He said, nodding.

"Oh, that is wonderful!" Kohra smiled weakly. "We should arrange for her to come here and visit with the child."

This caught Biata's attention. She slapped her fan closed and looked to her husband. He nodded to her as if he knew what she was saying, even though she hadn't said a word.

"Ladies, I think I should prefer to have the rest of this meeting alone with Lord Monomaru." Ryomaru said.

Both of the ladies at the table rose and made a short bow before leaving. Kohra looked back at Monomaru and sighed before leaving. He took notice to this.

"You will have to forgive Lady Kohra's forwardness." Ryomaru said.

"It is not a problem. She is family. Why shouldn't she see her great grandson?"

Monomaru was starting to revisit his hatred of this man. Such little concern for others. He sighed, shaking his head.

"Monomaru. Is it true that my granddaughter Hana has given birth to a pureblood male?"

"This is true."

"But he is illegitimate." He finished.

"Yes.. Hana has atoned for her actions."

"And you do not know of the father's identity? There are so few, I'm sure you have narrowed it down, haven't you? Or perhaps she has told you herself?"

Monomaru thought of Sesshomaru, and how the young man had refused to marry Hana. If he admitted that he knew who he was, Ryomaru would accuse him of being weak. "I do not. Probably a nomadic creature. I have not located him."

Ryomaru's face darkened. "This is a problem."

Monomaru's face tightened. "You say this as if I don't know. Have I come all the way for you to tell me this?"

"You tone betrays you, Lord Monomaru. Remember, you are in my territory." Ryomaru warned. "I have not had you come to insult you. But to talk about solutions to our problem."

"Solutions?" Monomaru asked.

Ryomaru nodded. "Times are changing, I am not blind to that. We cannot seem to keep the old ways as long as the scarcity exists. Five hundred years ago I would have cursed my granddaughters name for such an act of dishonor."

"So you are not angry that she had an illegitimate child, then?" Monomaru asked, his eyebrow rising.

"No, the only thing I want is for her and the child's safety. The first pureblood in centuries, his upbringing is of great importance to me. Bring her and the child to me, and I will make sure that they are cared for. Perhaps one of my men will take to Hana regardless of her situation. There aren't many young ladies here anymore, so the men aren't inclined to be choosy."

"Your young men go without ladies yet one is not good enough for you." Monomaru felt like saying but held his tongue. "I will consider this, Lord Ryomaru."

Ryomaru let out a smirk, and raised his glass.

…

A hammer smashed down on a hunk of metal, making a terrible shriek. Keiji wiped his sweaty forehead with his calloused hands. His face had recovered since his confrontation with Kohaku, but he still had a couple scars across his cheek from the confrontation. Holding the metal to the fire with his gloved hand, he hissed at an ember that made it's way onto his forearm. Pulling the metal back out to pound it down, he lifted the hammer but then paused. Lifting his head to hear more clearly, sounds of horses hooves and a carriage rolling on the ground made their way to his ear. Tossing the stuff aside, he picked up his sword and began to head for the door. A paranoid being he was, but he found no fault in being on his toes.

When he made his way outside of his small cottage, he glared in the direction the sounds were coming from. He could see a bunch of armed men were riding in his direction. A carriage followed them, with whatever cargo might be in there. He recognized a few of the men as ones he had seen before. The men who were looking for Rin.

"I knew there was something wrong with that woman, she's got someone on her tail. I will help them as long as they have what I've asked for." He thought.

The men came closer to the cottage and began to halt their horses when they saw the large man outside of his home.

"So you have returned? This is good news for me." He said greedily, remembering the amount that he had demanded of them.

Akio trotted his horse over to Keiji, amd dismounted. "You are the one they call Keiji. A swordmsith, I understand?"

"At your service, Lord Akio, is it?" He said, sheathing his sword.

"Indeed." Akio was disgusted by the man's look. He was dirty from his endless work. "One day I might choose to employ you for this. But a different matter sees us today. You told my crew that you know the location of my wife?"

"Yes, I have the knowledge you need to find her." He insisted, licking his lips and nodding. "She came to me and had a sword crafted a while ago. I am aware of her current connections. Finding her will be easy, of course if you have what I asked."

Akio glared at the confident man before him. "Careful, peasant. Do not speak to me as if you are my equal. What you asked is an unreasonable sum. I will give what I deem worthy of this service. I think you will be more than pleased."

Keiji looked at Lord Akio and scoffed. He was not a small man, but was decorated and had long, silky hair and a gentle face. "Pretty rich boy.." He thought to himself. He caught himself before he said anything that might ruin this for him. He nodded, waiting for Akio to continue.

Akio snapped to one of his guards and the guard headed to one of the carriages. He tapped on the door a couple times before opening it.

TAP TAP! "What is that?" She thought as she opened her eyes groggily. "Oh no, where am I?"

Kai stood up and felt her legs wobble beneath her. The door in front of her was opened and she looked down at the guard who had guarding over her throughout this whole traveling ordeal. He had forcefed her sake at Lord Akio's request to make her weak and compliant. She stepped backwards until her bottom hit the other side of the carrriage.

"Come out, girl." The guard said gently, extending a hand to her. "Do not make this hard for yourself. You've been through enough."

Kai sighed and reluctantly stepped forward, extending her hand to him. He helped her down from the carriage. She looked around and saw all of Akio's men and Akio himself in front of a run down cottage.

"Head down, and follow me." The guard said quietly.

In her confusion, she knew nothing but to just listen until she found out where she was and what was going on. She walked forward, keeping her gaze to the ground as she walked in the direction of the cottage. When the guard stopped, she did too. The guard nodded to Akio, and he smirked, turning to Keiji.

"I offer you this young beauty for the recovery of my wife." He said.

Kai's body slumped a little. She could hardly believe what she was hearing. She felt shame wash over her and she wanted to hide away from everyone here.

Keiji could hardly believe the offering. It was generous, but not at all what he wanted. He looked at the frail being in front of him, not looking to him at all. He shook his head hesitantly. "What do I need with a girl?"

Akio looked the man up and down. Surely a man this ugly would not turn down such an offer. "This is my only offer. I could take it away just as easily. And then you will have nothing."

Keiji made his way over to Kai, and she could see his large feet approaching her. Her body was so weak from day after day of sake and little food, it betrayed her when she wanted to withdraw from him. She was frozen with grief. She felt his large hand lift her face, and his hard eyes studied hers. "So young.." He said.

"I can assure you she is mature." Akio said.

"Let me see about that." He whispered. Kai looked at Keiji in horror as he opened her mouth with his dirty hands and looked inside to make sure she had all of her teeth. He saw that she did, but as soon as he did she bit down on his finger. He hissed, squeezing his bloody finger. The guard that was in charge of her grabbed her violently, pulling her away.

Akio laughed at him as did his men. "She likes you, see? Then it is settled."

Keiji nodded, a small smile coming over his face. He did not want to seem like a poor sport by getting mad. "I will accept your offer, Lord Akio."

A few minutes later, he had closed up his little cottage and was mounting his horse. He felt a twinge of fear take over his mind and he wondered if this was the right choice. Keiji looked at the young girl Kai and sighed. Akio rode up beside him, his eyes studying the man.

"Where do you intend to lead us first?" Akio inquired.

"A friend." Was all he said.

Akio nodded and motioned for one of his men to bring Kai to Keiji. "I should hope that you are a man of your word as you seem. If not, you will wish you had never asked anything of me."

Keiji bit his lip, knowing if he didn't he would say something most foul to this man. He was then distracted by the girl being pushed in his direction. He watched as she almost fell near his horse.

"Kai, your service to me and my family has ended. Keiji has paid your debt and so you will answer to him now." Akio said, boredly looking towards his men who were abandoning the empty carriages.

"I answer to no one." She said with her small yet assertive voice.

A silence grew between everyone, and Keiji felt eyes upon him. He shook his head and reached down, pulling the small girl up with one arm. Sitting her in front of him, he took a hold of the reigns and motioned to the other men.

"Our first destination is but a day away. Follow me." He said aloud.

Akio smirked and nodded to his men and the sounds of several horse hooves could be heard trampling away. Keiji cast a glance at the girl, and saw that she did not look afraid of him. He rode ahead of the other men.

"I will resist should you try anything." She warned him..

"Hush, girl. You have said enough." He murmured.

"I hope for your sake you've made a promise you can keep. I can assure you if you do not deliver Lady Rin to them, they will kill you. You haven't even begun to see what they are capable of." She said softly.

He looked at her with hesitation for a moment but then shook his head and looked forward.

…

The cliffside was dreary, even in the middle of the day. Sesshomaru say waiting for Rin to return to him. He felt a certain sadness take over him when he thought of her absolute devotion to him. Nothing would stop her from being with him forever. She had always spoken of it as a child, but now she was an adult and set on it. To lose her would be a great tragedy, but he didn't want her to give up her mortality just to be with him. Humans were not meant to have such long lives.

"It is her will." He said to himself.

"My Lord!" Jaken screeched from a few yards away, scrambling over to the dog demon.

"What is it, Jaken? I hope it is important." Sesshomaru said, not bothering to turn and look at him.

"My lord, when you asked me to leave you be with Rin I thought that meant you were going to return. But here I find you sitting still with her nowhere to be found."

"I told her I would wait for her."

"Well, I wish you hadn't made that promise. Something has come to my attention. A messenger of the Eastern palace has brought me news."

Sesshomaru's eyes tightened at the thought of anything plucking him from the spot he was in. Frowning, he turned to Jaken.

"Hana has given birth, then?"

"Yes, and I was given this note that was meant just for you. I wonder what it says."

Sesshomaru felt his chest drop when he heard of the child being born. He extended his hand to receive the letter and brought it up to better read the small handwriting. It was Hana's.

Lord Sesshomaru,

I have sent this letter to you to inform you that you have a son. I risk my fathers anger by even writing you, but I believe that you have the right to know. He is a big child, and very strong. He is named Junomaru, by my fathers blessing. He will be raised well. Do not worry for him.

Lady Hana

Sesshomaru looked on at the note before him and felt a longing he hadn't felt before. The wish to be able to set eyes upon the infant took him. He also felt anger towards Monomaru for keeping him from his son and naming him in his place.

"Hana is the more reasonable of the two. It is unfortunate that she cannot escape the confines of her fathers wishes. She does not want it to be like this any more than I."

"Do you intend to go and retrieve your child, my Lord?" Jaken asked. Sesshomaru merely glared.

"No." He said, folding up the note and handing it back to Jaken. "In order to retrieve my son, I would have to separate him from Hana. I will leave him in her care."

"I must say that is wise , my Lord. You are not exactly equipped to take care of an infant, I dare say."

Sesshomaru glared at Jaken, but it was true. He didn't know the first thing about caring for an infant and neither Jaken nor anyone else in the palace would be a good replacement for the mother. It was best to leave things as they were for now. Sighing, he looked again to the sky.

"Junomaru.." He thought to himself, trying to imagine what his child looked like.

…

Rin stood in the heart of the mountain. Kojin on one side of her, and Mina to the other. The room was dark, only lit by a few candles. She wore a thin sheet over herself as Kojin hummed a prayer silently. She had come here and little words were passed between them. The priest knew that she would not change her mind. She was decided, and so now she would go forth and meet Death. Her breaths could be heard loudly bouncing off the walls. In front of them stood a body of water, deep enough to submerge yourself in. Rin's eyes fell to it. It looked so cold.

When Kojin was done praying, he turned to Mina. "Mina, the jug."

She nodded and picked up the decorated jug that was by her and gently poured the contents into the water. The liquid inside was red like blood, and smelled strong. It turned the water black before Rin's eyes. This frightened her, but she did not show it. She stood there, her long black hair flowing around her freely.

"Rin, please disrobe and climb down into the water." Kojin said soothingly.

Rin nodded, and shakily removed the sheet from around her. Her naked body was free for both the priest and the woman to see, but she did not care. There was no room for pride at this very moment. She was focused on what she had to do. She slowly walked into the body of water, looking straight ahead. The more she walked, the deeper she got. She could hear Kojin praying aloud, words she could hardly understand. His voice became louder as the water crept past her shoulders and past her neck. And then deeper she went, until just her eyes were above the water line. She then felt as if something grabbed her and pulled her under. She flailed a little, trying to swim back up but no result. Holding her breath, she tried to remain calm. Closing her eyes, she began to pray.

When she opened her eyes again, she saw that she was no longer underwater. She was in a grand room with black walls and nothing to line it. Empty and grey, it made her gasp. She looked down and saw that she was no longer nude but had a black kimono on. She walked forward, looking around the room until she stumbled upon someone. There stood a tall white man, who seemed to glow. His clothes were made of fabrics that couldn't possibly exist in the human world. They shined and glistened. His face was soft and pretty, and his hair was black. A huge crown of gold sat around his head. He was a marvelous being to behold. Rin was speechless and instinct took hold as she bowed low at his feet.

The man smiled and placed his hand on her head. "You are the one who has escaped me, are you not?"

"Yes, I am Rin." She said, raising her head to look at him. His large fingers brushed her face as he took a step back.

"It is very presumptuous that you should come to me under these conditions. I do not fancy those who cheat me."

"Forgive me, it was not my doing." Rin pleaded.

"Ah, yes, the pompous demon Lord. He doesn't wish for you to die. But that is not his choice. It is up to me whether a mortal lives or dies."

"Please, I love him." She said, shaking her head. "I have brought myself here to be at your mercy only for him."

"I know this..." He said, looking deep into her eyes. "But he has selfishly kept you away from an eternity of happiness."

Rin watched him quietly, waiting for him to elaborate. The man waved his arm and there was a hole split open in the room. He extended his hand to her, and she took it. Helping her off her feet, he led her through the hole. When they got to the other side, there was a large green field ahead of her. There was a small village, and a bunch of villagers bustled about. There was a heavenly hue to this place, but also it looked vaguely familiar. She looked at a small hut out in the middle of the village and stopped.

"What is this place?" She asked softly, looking at him.

"You don't remember? Perhaps they will help you memorize this place." He said , pointing his long pale fingers in the direction of the hut.

"Rin?" She heard a womans voice as she turned to look back at the hut. There stood a man and a woman looking at her curiously. She squinted her eyes to get a better look at their faces. When she realized who they were, her eyes widened.

"Mother.." She gasped. "Father?"

She couldn't feel her body as she ran towards the couple. They, in turn, opened up their arms to her and she fell deep into their embrace. He heart exploded as she felt her parents warmness surround her. She choked on tears as they kissed her cheeks and held her tight.

"We've missed you so much." Said her mother.

"You've grown up." Said her father.

"I never thought I'd see you again." She said, wiping her tears from her eyes.

Rin looked at their smiles and felt for the first time in a long time an incredible bliss wash over her. Before anybody could say anything else, the man laid a hand on her shoulder.

"This is what your Lord has been keeping you from. All I want for you is to live happily in this paradise with your loved ones. He should have never interfered."

Her heart dropped as she looked into the faces of her parents. "But he did.."

"The living despise me, they think I am cruel to take them from the world. But what I give them in return is this." He said. "Like you, others have come to me wanting the same thing. Immortality. When I show them this, they have almost all decided to stay with me here in the afterlife. You Rin must make the same choice."

"They chose to stay.." She said, a tear running down her cheek.

"Come home, sweetie." Her mother said softly.

"If you choose to live on, you will never be able to come here again. Even if you parish, you will simply be gone. Your soul will no longer be after this day. You will become nothing."

Rin reached out for her parents again, feeling their faces and hugging them. She turned to Death and saw that he was nodding happily. She then began to walk backwards, away from them.

"I love you both. I'm so sorry." She said through tears. "But my place is with Sesshomaru."

Her parents faces turned, and nodded sadly. "Goodbye, Rin."

She blinked, and they were gone. The field was no more. The village no longer there, though in her mind she was still there. Before her, the god himself sat in his throne, stroking his face as if he was thinking of something. Rin felt herself begin to sob at what she had just given up. Her parents faces, fresh in her mind.

"Your devotion to this demon is unrivaled. You would give up an eternity of happiness for him."

"Yes.. I would. Please.. Forgive our crimes against you and allow me to be with him." She begged.

He stood up. "Very well. But you must promise me that you will never speak of this place."

Rin nodded. "Thank you.."

Kojin hummed quietly as Mina stared into the water. "It's not happening. She isn't coming back. Probably for the best."

"Mina.." Kojin gave her a dirty look.

But just then the water began to bubble and a naked and gasping Rin clung to the ground, trying to pull herself out of the water. Kojin quickly grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around her, pulling her out of the water. She laid on the side and coughed violently as he held onto her forehead, and yelled words she did not understand. She coughed one last time, and a misty cloud escaped through her mouth and dissipated. She felt her body tingle all over as the scars on her hand and body disappeared. Her wide, scared eyes looked up at the priest.

"It is done.." Kojin said calmly, rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.

….

What a cruel thing it is to remove me from my loving Lord Eito in his time of illness. Thoughts of him kept me awake last night, but I doubt I would have slept anyways. Akio gave me to Keiji to take revenge on me for having his fathers love and affection. To be rid of him was my wish, but not like this. This Keiji is a rude man. He insists on calling me girl, even though I've told him my name on more than one occasion. I have made an effort to be quiet and respectful only to give myself time to plan my next move to get out of here. But that even becomes harder as the weather becomes cold. Keiji built a temporary lodging out of a sheet and rope last night for us to sleep under. And as I watched the other men setting up their own sleeping arrangements, I could feel myself becoming nervous..

"I could sleep outside, if you want." I suggested. "Then you would have more room."

"So you can freeze to death? No." He said, waving his hand dismissively.

A few minutes later, I looked over to the men who were settling in over a large pot of broth and rice. They laughed over crude jokes together, not caring that I was there to listen. "Come, Keiji!" The men called to him. "You need not make your own fire. Join us and eat."

I sat next to Keiji, not making any eye contact with anybody as they laughed and talked among each other. I ate a little, and it felt nice to have something that was not sake in my system for once. He joined in the gross jokes about women and I cringed. Akio was no where to be seen, as he did not like being friendly with his men. Trying to enjoy the warmth of the fire, I scooted a bit closer to it. I wanted so badly to stretch my feet out to the fire and warm my toes but I knew that it was immodest to show any leg and would surely get a rise out of everyone. I'm not a child anymore. Akio has seen to that. I hate him. When the fire began to die, I turned to Keiji and he looked as if he was deep in thought. He must have seen me looking at him because he looked right back.

"Come on, then. Let's go back." He said.

I felt my body stiffen, and it took me a moment to rise to my feet. I had never spent the night next to a man before and I didn't like the idea of him trying to get at me. Following him back, I could feel my legs finding the strength to run. But I stopped myself and entered the little sheet lodging. Immediately I found a small corner and wrapped myself into a ball, hugging my knees. Keiji saw this and shook his head, chuckling.

"Come lay at my side, girl. Do not worry so much."

Reluctantly, I crawled over and laid next to him facing away, making sure our bodies didn't touch. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me to his body. I was ready to fight him off, but to my surprise he didn't try to force himself on me. After a few minutes, my body began to calm. He fell asleep, and I stared into the whiteness of the lodging. He smelled musky, but his body was warm and I could feel his beard rubbing up against my hair. I tried to take comfort, but there was very little. I wished for sleep, but it never came.

Kai cupped her hands and dipped it into the fresh water of the river, splashing it on her face. She then dipped her hands in again, and pressed the fresh water to her lips. Drinking the cold water gave her body a rush. She had been so parched lately it felt great to finally hydrate. Kai drank her fill from the river.

"We must get back to the others soon." Keiji said, waiting close by.

Kai turned to look at Keiji and nodded. "May I ask you how you got those scars?" She tried to make conversation.

"You hardly say a thing to me, and then you ask about my face. Am I so hideous?"

Kai shook her head. "I was just curious."

"To think I have accepted you in place of money. That Akio swindled me. No going back now, of course. A deal is a deal, and I am a man of my word. You insult me with your questioning." He said, folding his arms. "But if you must know I got into a bad fight a little while back."

Kai frowned. "And the other man?"

"What about him? I sent him running home with his tail between his legs." he said pompously.

Keiji saw that she was not impressed with his story and approached her, pulling her to him. She was much shorter than him, so he lifted her off the ground with one arm and tilted her face up with the other hand so she would look at him. She cringed at him. "I may not be beautiful, girl, but I do have good qualities. You will see that I am a good protector, and you will learn to like me."

Kai felt her whole body becoming cold as he leaned down to kiss her. Before his lips could reach hers, they could hear one of the men yelling for him. He looked up and she sighed in relief. "Let's go." He said, placing her back onto her feet.

A few hours later, they were getting close to their destination. Kai sat behind Keiji on his horse, and had to hold onto his waist much to her dismay. She did not like having to be so close to him. But if she let go, she would fall off. She looked up when the horse stopped and saw what looked like an abandoned village. There were empty homes everywhere. She counted them as they trotted by. They came to the largest home and the men dismounted from their horses. Keiji nodded to Akio.

"Invade the home. Snatch out the man and bring him to me. But be careful, he is armed." Akio said to his men.

The men descended into the home and both Keiji and Akio dismounted from the horses. There was a great commotion coming from the cabin and after a couple minutes a few of the men resurfaced from the door. They had a man tied down and bloody and were dragging him along with them. They must have caught him resting as he only had the bottom half of his clothes on.

"Kirara!" The man yelled, looking desperately into the woods. One of the men slugged him, making him fall to his knees.

"My lord, he injured two of our men!" One of them shouted.

Kai saw this and gasped. Keiji smirked and walked over to the man. "Hello, old friend."

"Keiji.." The bloodied man grunted.

"My friend is missing his wife. And as I recall, you are the last person I saw with her." He taunted.

"Even if I knew where she was, I wouldn't tell you." he said.

Keiji hit him across the face hard, and the man coughed up blood.

"Kohaku, where is Rin?" He said, aggravated.

"Kirara!" The man yelled again, and Akio's men looked at each other confusedly. Keiji hit him again and again, asking him each time about the whereabouts of Rin.

Kai felt a tear going down her cheek as she watched the man being pummeled by Keiji. He was on the ground now and barely responsive. She slid down from the horse as fast as she could and ran over, draping herself across the man called Kohaku.

"Stop it! You're killing him!" She yelled frantically. Her face was pressed against the man, who peeked open an eye in his weariness.

"This is none of your concern. Get up." Keiji said loudly.

"Perhaps it would be best if we do this elsewhere." Akio said, looking around at the other homes, weary that someone might be listening. "Let us continue on the road until we find a suitable place for an interrogation. Perhaps a dip in the river might jog his memory."

Keiji gritted his teeth and nodded. His revenge had been cut short. The other men began to mount their horses, getting ready to retreat. A couple of them were shouting for Kai to get up and release Kohaku to them. She held the half-unconscious man to her, not letting him go until she felt the large hand of Keiji rip her from him and onto her feet.

Keiji growled. "Your bleeding heart is wasted on him."

Kohaku laid there silently and watched as the girl who had spared him was pulled away. He tried to lift his head, but he felt so weak from the blows that he couldn't. He felt himself being lifted when he lost consciousness.

…

A baby was being bounced gently up and down in its mothers arms, feeding generously on her breast. The mother, Hana, smiled gently as she looked out of the palace windows. It was a light day, but she was doomed to stay inside. She could not leave to hunt or to breathe. She had to stay and protect her child. Hana prayed that her sister would return soon with something she could feed upon. The days of baiting and torturing their meal was over. It was no longer enjoyable, at least to her. Gina would bring her scraps of dead men she had slayed and she would have to accept with gratitude.

Looking up, she saw a giant beast heading towards the castle and let out a small smile. "Father.."

She quickly but carefully made her way down the stairs to greet him at the door. When she opened the door, his face looked sad. "Hana.." He leaned in to embrace her and the child, kissing her gently on the forehead.

"Why so glum, Father?" She said, shaking he head. He walked past her into the hallways.

She followed him until they made their way into a room where he seated himself. She sat down in front of him, adjusting the infant. Looking at him curiously, she waited for him to speak.

"Your grandfather wants you to go to him and live in the Southern palace." He said.

Hana shook her head. "You must be mistaken. Grandfather is unbearable. I wouldn't think of it. Me and Gina don't avoid the Southern lands for nothing."

"Gina is the one who went to him first. Apparently she does not find him as unappealing as you do."

Hana's mouth fell open, and she shook her head. "Well you told him no."

"I did not."

Hana became morose, unlatching the child from her and pulling her kimono up. She placed the infant down, making him cry pitifully. "I will not go."

"Your sister cannot fend for you alone. I would have staff but the both of you can't seem to keep a servant alive for more than a couple nights. And I am not always around to protect you. Your son is very important to our bloodline. What if something were to happen to you both?" He defended his position. "It would be better this way. Junomaru can have a good upbringing."

Monomaru plucked up his grandson and held him close to stop his wailing. "He will not be unkind."

Hana ignored him, looking away towards the wall. "Gina.. Why are you trying to get rid of me?"

….

What misfortune befalls this man Kohaku. Yesterday I watched him being shoved headfirst again and again into the river, the men holding him refusing him air until the very last moment. I couldn't stand to watch, but I stood there anyway. My inability to stop the torture hurts my very being. Injustice surrounds me. Kohaku's pain has caused me to worry less about my own well being. I have to take it upon myself to help this man. And perhaps, he can help me. It would appear that Keiji knows him from the past, although I wouldn't dare ask him about it. He says that I will learn to like him. How can anybody like someone like him? He is violent and pompous. I want nothing to do with him.

"It's going to get dark soon. Let us set up camp." Kai heard Akio's voice and glared in his direction. "Tie the man to the tree there."

She watched as Kohaku was dragged over to a tree and secured there. His face made her heart drop. He was so severely beaten that his eye was swollen shut. They had tried everything to get him to divulge information, but they never got anywhere with him. Akio was beginning to get angry with Keiji for this.

"I hope you have another plan once that man is dead. He will not last long like this and it is clear he will not talk."

"If we feed him and keep him alive, perhaps she will come for him. You can send one of your men to his sisters home. Demand that they bring Rin to get him back." Keiji suggested.

Akio's face turned when he mentioned that Rin would come to save Kohaku. Looking over at the man, he scoffed. "Why would she come back for him? He is nothing special."

"It will surely work, though." He insisted.

Akio didn't answer. "Fine. You will give one of my men direction. He will go to Kohaku's sister and deliver the message should we fail to get information from him tomorrow."

Before he could answer back, Akio was already walking away from him. He looked over to the tree Kohaku was under and felt his heart turn on itself. "Goddammit, Kohaku. I didn't want it to be like this." He whispered to himself. "But you started it over that damn woman."

Kai was sitting not too far away from him, minding her own business. Her small hands worked delicately on a blue shawl, mending a small hole that had been made. When she saw Keiji walking over to her, she focused harder on it, ignoring his presence.

"It looks good." He said, trying to gain her attention.

She lifted her eyes to meet his, her face serious and glum. "Thank you." Was all she replied before looking back down.

"I have not asked much about you.. Have you come from Akio's village?" He asked.

"Yes.." She said, "I was orphaned and his father kept me and made sure I was cared for."

He smiled, leaning down to brush a hair out of her face, and she stayed still, refusing to look at him. "Kai, I think you will be content to return to my home with me. It is no castle, I can assure you. But less room makes for less housework. I will try to make you happy."

She continued doing her task, not wanting to hear him talk about such things. She did not intend to return to that lonely cottage in the woods with him. He sighed and gently took the shawl form her hands placing it to the side. He held both of her small hands and knelt down to be at her level. " You are afraid that I will be unkind, but I am a reasonable man.. You are much too pretty to be a housegirl. I will marry you to protect your honor as a decent woman. Does this please you?"

Her eyes widened, and she could feel her face fall into a frown. "Please, give me my shawl back." She said quietly. He shook his head in annoyance, standing and tossing the shawl into her lap.

"You are young, still. Unable to realize how lucky you are to be bequeathed to me and not some vagrant."

Later on, Keiji was sitting around the fire with the other men. Kai was a few feet away from the circle of men, humming to herself and trying to stay warm without being near the others. She draped her blue shawl around her head to keep warm and sighed. The way the men spoke to one another, she did not like. She glanced over at Kohaku, who's head was completely down. She thought perhaps he was sleeping.

"Kai." She could hear Keiji's voice calling her from the firepit.

Standing up, she grudgingly walked over to where he was, looking towards the ground. Keiji saw the look on her face, and he knew she didn't like him very much. He held something out to her, and she looked up. He was handing her a piece of bread. She reached out her hand and took it. He then threw a folded sheet at her and she caught it with the other.

"For the man." He said. "I will not free his hands. You must give these to him. But do not indulge him in conversation. He is Lord Akio's captive. We only need to keep him alive."

Kai nodded her head before turning and walking slowly over to Kohaku. Kneeling down in front of the man, she nudged him. His good eye opened and he focused on her as she gently wrapped his bare skin with the warm sheet. "You.."

"Eat." She whispered, bringing the bread to his lips.

He obeyed, and took a bite of the bread. "Thank you."

"Eat slowly." She whispered, looking behind her to see if Keiji was looking. When she saw he was not she turned to Kohaku. "I think we can help each other."

"How?"

"I will find a way to free you. I promise. But you must take me with you."

"You should not risk yourself for my sake." He said quietly, continuing to nibble the bread. "Do you know what they would do to you if they caught us?"

"Yes, but I will not be dissuaded. I have to get out of here and so do you." She whispered quickly.

A weak smile fell across the face of Kohaku. "To think my savior would be a young girl. Of course I will take you with me."

As he ate the last piece of the bread, he got some crumbs in his beard. Kai, seeing this, smiled for the first time in ages. She could tell Kohaku was not like the other men, there was a gentleness about him. She wondered how such a big man could have such a boyish charm about him. When she realized she had been smiling at him for a while, her cheeks turned red and she immediately stood.

Keiji turned and watched as Kai gave Kohaku the bread, and smiled at him. He saw the way she looked at him and his neck grew hot. Jealousy began to take hold of him. Kai stood up and headed back in his direction. When her face was visible, he could see her blushing.

Keiji sat still as Kai approached him. She did not look into his eyes as she stood there. "I've done what you asked."

When he didn't say anything in return, she let her eyes meet his. She could see the jealousy in his expression and it made her want to be as far away from him as she could be. She looked away again before speaking. "May I go to sleep now?"

Keiji waved her away and she turned quickly, making her way for the campsite. There was barely any sounds but the distant voices of the men and her own breath against the cold air of the night. She whipped open the flap to their lodging and closed it behind her. Crawling in, she sat there sitting on her knees. A tear made its way down her cheek as she removed the shawl from herself. Ripping the pins that had been in her hair for the past few days, she threw them to the floor. Her hair fell down around her shoulders as she removed them one after the other. Stroking her arm in a comforting fashion, she thought of Lord Eito and how he would hold her to him when she was scared or crying. But he was far away from her now, and this made her morose.

It was then she heard a rustle outside and stopped. Turning to look, she bit her lip. Keiji's hands were black from the fire ashes. She watched him as he slowly made his way to her side. She breathed heavily as he stroked her cheek, leaving black stripes on her face. "Such a sad face. Do I really disgust you so much?"

"No." She said quietly.

"You must think me a monster then." He shook his head. "That Kohaku you pity so much is not a good man.. he does not deserve your sympathy."

"And you are a good man?" She said sharply, against her best judgment. She saw him raise his hand and brought her arms up to her face instinctively, bracing herself.

He frowned, putting his hand around the back of her neck and pulling her to him. He pressed his lips against hers and she pushed at him with her hands. Kai kicked at him with legs to get him off of her and he released her for a moment before pulling her by her leg to him. "Stop! Keiji.."

Kai continued to try and fight him off as he kissed at her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist. She cried out for him to stop again, and he sighed, releasing her.

"If you want to protect my honor, I will accept your proposal." She half-shouted, her face red and hot from the struggle. "I want to wait until it's right.."

A small smile came across Keiji's face and his disposition changed. "You accept my proposal, then. I am relieved. I will oblige to your wishes."

She exhaled audibly, nodding her head. A tear rolled down her cheek. Keiji reached out and kissed her lips and she did not fight him this time. She withdrew into herself as he pulled her close to him, embracing her as if she had a choice in the matter. "I don't have much time."

…

Opening her eyes, Rin could see the flowing currents of the river. When she sat up, she looked up around, wondering where she was. "Sesshomaru?" She called out.

When he didn't answer, she stood up and walked alongside the river for a short distance. "Where am I?"

Just then, across the river, she spied a tall, thin man with black hair facing away from her.

"Hello! Excuse me. Sir!" She tried to get his attention.

When he turned, she gasped and backed away. Those eyes. The same exact eyes of the one whom she loved. But it was not him. The man wore regal clothes and had a long thin sword at his side.

He unsheathed the sword and jumped clear over the river in front of her. He held it out to her neck and her eyes widened. So hypnotized she was by the man in front of her, she couldn't move to run or fight.

"It can't be you, Sesshomaru.." She whispered. "Who are you?"

Rin jumped up out of her sleep, sweating and panting. She looked around her and recognized the room she was in as Sesshomaru's room. She sighed, slinking back down onto her back. "What a horrid dream."

"You are awake." She heard a females voice from the door. "I am glad to see that you are okay."

Rin looked and saw a young fox demon entering, a towel in her hand. She sat down beside Rin and felt her forehead. "Who are you?"

"I am Nami. I work here in the castle. It is nice to finally meet you, Lady Rin." She smiled, humming to herself.

"Please, just call me Rin. You don't have to fuss over me. But please tell me, how did I get here?"

"My Lord carried you here. He said you were very ill. Wouldn't tell me why, though." She said. "I suppose it's none of my business."

"Hm.." Rin sat up and took the sheet off of her, letting her feet dangle off the side of the bed. She looked at Nami and thought how pretty the girl was. Her vibrant red hair was braided over her bare shoulders. Tiny freckles lined her cheeks as she smiled at Rin.

"Nami, Sesshomaru has not told me about you." She said, blushing.

Feeling the hand on Nami on her shoulders, she looked into the girls green eyes. "You need not worry about me and Lord Sesshomaru. He has been nothing but a gentleman." She assured Rin. "That Ryokan on the other hand.."

"Ryokan? I think I remember.." Rin started.

Nami shook her head smiling. "At first I was afraid of him, but now I realize he is nothing to be feared."

"Where is Sesshomaru?" Rin asked.

"The Lord is downstairs, if you'd like to see him. He is in an odd mood, I must warn you." She sighed. "But you are his lady. Maybe you can help him."

Rin nodded. "Thank you.."

Nami stood up and made her way out of the room. Rin shook her head, and stood onto her feet. She took in a deep breath, and took notice to the changes in herself. It was nothing that could be explained in simple words. Before she had gone to the priest, she always felt a sort of aura around her. Like a spirit surrounding her as she went about her life. This feeling no longer existed. There was an uncertainty that came with this change. She found the stairs and began to climb down them silently. A weird feeling took her when she saw the hall leading to the throne room. Like she was about to find an old enemy waiting in there. She was light on her feet as she glided into the room.

There she saw Sesshomaru begin to stand at the sight of her, and she ran to him for the first time in ages. He threw his arms around her waist and held her to him tightly. He was relieved to see that she had finally come to.

"What happened?" She whispered.

"You came to me on the mountain." He recalled.

"Sesshomaru!" She shouted weakly, stumbling over her own feet. He heard her and quickly made his way to her side. Her face looked pale, like she had been poisoned.

"What happened?" He said, gritting his teeth.

"I saw him.." She whispered

"Saw who?" He lifted an eyebrow.

Just then, Rin made a small sound and fell out of consciousness. Sesshomaru caught her in his arms.

"What in the world was that?" Chimed Jaken, who had been watching from a distance.

"She has gone through with it.." Sesshomaru said holding her. "I can no longer feel her aura. It isn't there anymore.."

"So I brought you here to recover." He let his finger run down her face gently. "I cannot stand for you to be away from me any longer."

"I know." Rin nodded. "I know."

She pulled him down into a deep kiss, and his tense shoulders relaxed. They embraced each other for a while until Sesshomaru spoke.

"What was it like?"

Rin remembered the faces of her deceased parents, beckoning her to return home to them. The look of disappointment when she told she would not stay. Most of all, she remembered her promise to never speak of the place she had been.

"When I was a little girl, I used to think I would give up my soul to be with you." Her face looked remorse. "And now I've done it."

"I hope our sacrifices are proof of our commitment to each other." Sesshomaru said, releasing her from his grasp. She watched as he walked over to a table. On the table, there was a candle burning and a letter sitting by it. She did not know of what significance the letter was but she did not ask.

"A boy of my likeness, never to be seen." He said, and she heard a somber tone in his voice. He then held the letter over the candle and watched as the letter lit up in his hands and became ashes at his feet.

Rin felt a tear run down her face, remembering her dream. She approached Sesshomaru from behind, letting her hands fall around his waist. He took her hand in his and kissed her pale fingers gently.

A happy occasion had become somber. The only thing keeping them alight was the thought of them having eternity to spend with one another. Sesshomaru picked Rin up in his arms and she kissed his lips. They slowly made their way up the stairs and into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.

…..

"Kohaku..." A small whisper made its way into his ear. "Pssst...Kohaku."

He opened up his good eye and saw two little black eyes looking at him. When he had fully awoken, he looked around. It was still very dark, but there was a small bit of daylight beginning to peak through. He looked again to the person in front of him.

"Kai.." He said.

"Shhhhhh." She whispered before taking out a small knife, sawing away at the rope that bound him to the tree. When the rope became loose, he sighed in relief, rubbing his tingly arms. "I stole this from one of the men. They will all be waking soon. We do not have much time. Come, let's go quickly."

"We need a horse." He whispered back.

"We will take Keiji's." Kai said, looking over to the horses. "But we must go."

Kohaku tiptoed over to where the horses were tied up, Kai following him. He used his shaky, barely recovered hands to untie Keiji's horse from the tree. When he finished, he turned to Kai. "I will need your help riding. I can only see out of my right eye."

She nodded as he lifted her onto the horse and sloppily jumped on behind her.

"Let's go, please." She said quietly, and Kohaku ushered the horse to move.

They rode off as quick as lighting together in the dark of the early morning.

(That is a wrap for this chapter! Stay tuned. Also, if you are into Sess fics take a gander at my new one shot An Unexpected Night.)