Chapter 14
Rin walked home unhurriedly after a long day. She stretched her arms, balancing the basket full of herbs on her head. Ever since her wedding invitations had been sent out, she didn't have a day off or quiet moment to herself. Most days were filled with wedding preparation and finalizing the details with Asa, but the rest were dedicated to helping Kagome and Kaede around the village. Nights weren't quiet either thanks to additional work on the house, especially when Jaken was there yelling instructions at the working demons. At present, the villagers were loudly closing down their storefronts and walking among her after their own long day of work. She noted the dim sunset, realizing she'd be home when it's dark.
Still, she couldn't complain. Rin loved learning from the married women in her life now more than ever. She soaked up how Kagome and Sango switched from badass woman to lovingly wife mode constantly. She admired Sayo as she meticulously prepped Nakamoro's horse every night no matter the weather. And even though Asa was a widow, her constant dedication to her late husband's memory—black kimonos with his signature dragon, continuous incense, catching her dust his ancient scrolls and portrait— it stirred something lovely in Rin that she couldn't quite put a finger on.
On the days when she was surrounded by Kaede, she learned how to make healing potions and avoid poisonous herbs she wasn't used to, "Because you'd probably want to travel with your husband and never know where you'd end up," Kaede remarked weeks ago.
Everything was a valuable lesson and part of something big. Rin smiled, giddy for the umpteenth time that day.
A villager stopped her to hand her a lantern now that it was dark and she made her last turn out of the main village and onto the flowery path of her home. She could see Kaede turning on the outside lantern and wave her down as she got closer.
"The demons aren't here yet," Kaede yelled out. "Let's eat and sleep before we can't!"
Rin laughed as she grew near, handing over the herbs basket to Kaede while she ascended the steps. "Should I prepare some rice and veggies?" Rin asked.
"No need, Inuyasha and Kagome dropped off a large pot of seafood for us. I have our table served."
"Ah what a blessing, Lady Kaede! I kindly appreciate it!" she bowed deeply.
"It is I who should be thankful for this hefty basket of herbs. It's the least I can do," Kaede smiled. The women entered the home and after a bit of settling in, sat at the table to eat.
"Well, I have to ask my lady, what's with all the medicine lately?"
"I don't believe ye feels the change in the air. Perhaps I'm being cautious or maybe it's the fact that our home constantly has demons in it, but something big is coming. I sense it."
Rin gulped some rice down, feeling edgy. "Big? I haven't felt any different but then again I am occupied with wedding stuff when I'm not helping around…"
"…I could just be acting out of caution, Rin," Kaede shrugged. "It wouldn't hurt us to be more prepared come this fall. Ye might not even be back in the village by then and Kagome and I will be carrying the patient load with no helping hands. Speaking of which," she said, passing a plate of bean sprouts over, "have you decided where and how long your honeymoon will be?"
"Actually yes, my lady. Lord Sesshomaru would like us to explore the Southern lands. We'll be leaving the night of our wedding to reach an estate by twilight. Depending on the weather, we've planned to stay in the south until the next new moon." Rin finished the rest of the sprouts and poured them more tea.
"Excellent. And where is Lord Sesshomaru?" Kaede asked, drinking slowly.
"To tell you the truth, I'm unsure. Both Jaken and Lady Asa claim to have seen him this past week, but they're not giving me any details. It's been weeks," Rin pouted.
Kaede laughed. "I doubt it's cold feet, my dear child. The demons wouldn't be working as hard as they have if he wasn't sending them here. This home is now a full-sized castle thanks to the additions!"
"Milord says one part of the home is for you, my lady. So that you can live comfortably with us."
"That's very kind of him. I'll make sure to thank him next week on your wedding day."
The two women exchanged happy smiles and talked about their current joy— the current flower garden blooming around the castle.
— — —
"Would you happen to know where Lord Sesshomaru is, Ah-Un?" Rin questioned as they descended near Asa's hut.
They groaned, pressing their ears downward like a nervous pup.
"So you do know something! Give me a hint?" she beamed.
"Rin dearest, you mustn't torment the poor demons," Asa pouted by the door.
Rin bowed and turned to pat the demons goodbye.
"Well," Rin started as she followed her inside and stood on the risen platform, "I miss him, my lady. Milord said he was going to visit Kohaku, but even Kohaku hasn't written."
Asa placed a white veil on Rin's head, cutting the material to curve it out more. "Rin, he's fine, I promise you because he was the one to deliver this beautiful fabric."
"In person?"
"Yes. He came last night for his final fitting," Asa replied distractedly as she pinned different parts of the veil.
Rin's heart fluttered thinking about Sesshomaru in wedding attire. She caught Asa's golden eyes looking playful and cheerful as always. "So," Rin spoke, "I know for a fact you know something."
"It's not for me to say, beautiful. Everything in due time."
"You're right, I think I've just been so anxious because of the lighting god we encountered that one time. I haven't been a part of violence in a while."
"Are you forgetting the time you got stabbed?" Asa frowned, pinning one last area. She removed the veil and sat on a mat, sewing as Rin plopped beside her. Asa looked up from her busy work, waiting on an answer.
"Of course I haven't, my lady," Rin sighed as Asa returned to work, "I think about that deadman often. May kami erase the blood on my hands."
Taro's blood.
"Don't beat yourself over that, sweet maiden. You did what you had to—" Asa stopped, snapping her head to the bamboo screen.
Rin's gaze followed the entrance of the hut, waiting for whatever Asa was anticipating to appear. Nothing emerged and she turned, nervously fidgeting as Asa's sweet, cheerful visage faded into a bloodthirsty stare.
"Follow me, Rin," she commanded, slowly rising from her working position. Even though she was shorter than Rin, Asa's presence felt taller than any menacing demon she'd ever encountered, rivaling even Sesshomaru's for once.
As they walked into the green field that surrounded Asa's shabby hut, Rin held her frightened gasp the minute she saw them.
In front of them slithered the same snake demons from months ago, covered in blood, pus, and exposed innards. Immediately she noticed five dead demons attached to the largest one carrying the bodies, still wearing the outfits Asa created for them. Though this time the intact outfits had liquified the surrounding scales, emitting atomic indigo with each movement.
The surviving demon's forked tongue curled in pain, spitting out bile as it spotted the women.
"You fucking dog," it wheezed, "you tricked us! These fucking fabrics never came off and now my brothers are dead!"
"Oh?" Asa cocked her head. "Did you not like my designs?"
"Why did you do this bit—!" The demon hissed as it lunged. Asa snapped a green thread from her fingers, striking the demon in half. Her claws remained green with poison as she approached the fading demon.
"I never forgot what you did four hundred years ago. It was you—you were the one who killed the first innocent life," Rin could hear the change in Asa's voice, the pent-up anger from centuries before unfold.
Another step. Lady Asa…
"My home was burned to the ground as retaliation," Asa snarled. "It's your turn to burn."
Rin kept her distance as she watched the snake demon's eyes widen in realization and then—splat!— ceased to exist as Asa crushed the remaining body with her whip.
The demon faded into nothingness, leaving only the radioactive outfits in place.
"Lady Asa?" Rin whispered, approaching her slowly. She could see the petite demon relax her stance, turning to give her a soft smile after a while. Rin hugged her tightly.
"I did what I had to do," Asa affirmed.
— — —
Another unexpected visitor stopped by the hut that evening.
The two women had decided to spend their day as planned: working on clothing, cooking, and drawing topography paintings of the south. But as Rin was serving dinner, the bamboo screen rattled and took both women by surprise.
He stood there, glistening from the rain, white hair plastered on his armor beautifully.
"My lord," Rin gasped, jumping into his arms.
Sesshomaru nuzzled his nose lightly into her and stepped back to take her in.
"Forgive me for not visiting." The sweetness of his voice melted her heart. His eyes held hers for a bit until Rin buried her face in his chest again.
"I'm just glad you're back," she said, hugging him tightly. He smelled deliciously of forest and rain with a hint of ash.
"You two missed the show, Lord Sesshomaru," Asa smiled.
You two?
"I knew you could handle it."
Asa's smile deepened, bearing her fangs. She could sense something Rin couldn't. "So you guys knew they were coming?"
While Sesshomaru sat across from Asa, Rin poured them tea. Neither demon acknowledged it. Hm?
"Yes. Dan alerted me as we were returning."
"So he's with yo—" Rin stopped, looking up as a black-haired demon entered the hut.
He was absolutely gorgeous. Long black hair donned his tall frame and black hakama. His robes were the same black and adamant encrusted ones as Asa, all tied up by an indigo obi in the front. Dan gave her a quick look. His deep blue eyes were soft as they studied her for a second before he turned to Asa.
"Mother," he bowed.
"Dan," Asa cooed, gesturing at the mat next to her.
Rin watched them, seeing little features in him that matched Asa's. His cheerful smile and kind eyes, the indigo stripes on his cheek. Everything else though was surely Hiro.
"Almost his father's twin," Asa said proudly, boasting her chest. "Minus the puppy ears."
Rin giggled. "A true characteristic among the half-dog demons. Tea, Lord Dan?"
"Please," he nodded. He bowed lightly and sipped.
"Southern map?" Sesshomaru asked, his eyes following the scroll the women were working on earlier.
"Lady Asa said it would help us get around quicker."
"Hmm," Sesshomaru picked up his cup. "I think I know Asa better than that."
"You caught me," she raised her hands, showing off indigo-stripped arms. "It's merchant's path I once explored with Hiro. It had miles of shopping," Asa smiled, crinkling her nose. "If you'd be so kind to bring me a few bundles of silk I'd be forever gracious, Lord Sesshomaru."
"We'll explore it next week."
"Next week," Rin repeated, flashing Sesshomaru a joyful smile.
He was clearly trying to hide a smile and the party laughed as he struggled.
"Who would have thought? The dog marries the human," Asa said, winking at Rin.
— — —
"So where were you?" Rin asked, the two embracing in the moonlight. They had returned home, taking in the gorgeous garden behind the newly built walkway. Sesshomaru led her up onto the platform, entering the new rooms.
"Here's an armory, a study," Sesshomaru guided, sliding the doors as they made their way in the new compartments. "A dressing room, prize room," he snickered, "and a few extra rooms for whatever you have in mind."
"You're not going to tell me, huh," she pouted.
Sesshomaru chuckled as he slid the last door at the end, opening up to a large, beautiful room. Moonlight washed the flooring and cast a gorgeous shimmer on the decorated doors.
"And this is our room, where the wedding will be held," Sesshomaru proudly led.
"It's beautiful." Rin surveyed the room, noticing a couple of scrolls on the wall. "Is this you, my lord?" she giggled, pointing at a large demon dog painting.
"An early gift from mother," he answered nonchalantly.
Rin followed him to the end of the room and he slid the outermost door, revealing an immaculate garden.
"My lord," she said breathlessly. Different kinds of flowers lined a wooden fence, giving off their sweet smell to the night sky. In the middle, a circular koi pond held a statue of a dog, identical to the one at Sesshomaru's former home.
"It's all well thought out," Rin exclaimed. "You take everything into such consideration!" she hugged him, reaching to kiss his cheek. Sesshomaru moved in instead, kissing her lips.
"I'm glad you like it."
"I love it," Rin said between kisses.
"Hmm," Sesshomaru picked her up. He held her high above, extending his neck to kiss her softly. "So, let me tell you what I've been up to."
Rin waited, looking into his golden stare.
"I've been exploring a mountainside close to Kohaku's estate. It's a rich landscape filled with waterfalls and hot springs. I had to stake it out to eliminate the pests," he shrugged. "But it's ready now. For you."
"For us," Rin blushed as they kissed in the moonlight.
— — —
Two days before the wedding, Sango ran into Inuyasha and Kagome's home, scaring the Kagome and Rin into shock. They had spent a peaceful morning making food for the men and Sango had just walked out to collect rosemary for their dish when she suddenly appeared again— drenched in summer sweat and adrenaline.
"They're back!—" Sango managed out, falling to the ground. She clutched her chest and let out a cry— a joyous one?
"What? Who?!" Kagome ran to her, lifting her up as Rin joined them
"The men! Our village—!"
Inuyasha busted in, looking just as in shock as Sango had been. "The Northern war has ended," he explained. "Get Aiko," he instructed Kagome as he picked up Hisashi. "Let's join the villagers and welcome them."
As they walked to the center of the village, Rin watched the red battle flags approach them rhythmically. The group joined the rest of the celebrating villagers, screaming out names as the flags grew nearer. Men's voices carried the wind, chanting a song of victory and honor. When they were near, hooves stomped dust onto the villagers, but no one seemed to mind as they embraced their husbands, sons, and friends.
It's been too long, Rin hugged the villagers, thankful to see all the familiar faces safe at last.
"The war was much too gruesome for our liking," a warrior spoke as he peppered with kisses from his mother, "but after we lost one of our leaders, we were able to harness his fighting spirit into victory!"
The men raised their weapons, greeted with tremendous applause.
Rin forced a smile, knowing what he meant. She hugged a couple of warriors and made her way back to Sango and Kagome. In the chaos, Kaede had joined them, chanting a short prayer as warriors made their way to her. The women watched the scene in pride for a while before another warrior made his way directly to them. In his arms, he carried a bloody box and kneeled before Kaede. Rin watched as the headmaster made his way to Kaede, stopping as the warrior propped the box above his helmet. The rest of the warriors stopped, giving their undivided attention to him.
"I present," he boomed, immediately stopping Rin's heart, "the head of Lord Nijou, ruler of the North!"
The warrior rose, revealing his face to the crowd. Dark almond eyes, a beauty mark on his cheek, long, thick braid, his alluring built and height—
Taro.
The villagers and warriors erupted with cheer as the headmaster held the box, weeping in the embrace of his beloved son.
— — —
The village hosted a feast that night, drinking and eating merrily. There was an abundance of meats and sake, music and dancing, crying and laughing all evening. Rin found the warriors assuming as they told stories of the north, charged with drunkness. She sat alongside Sayo and Nakamoro, gasping at the war stories the men played out.
"And he ate them!" one of the men jumped, chasing the children around the bonfire.
The villagers laughed, some jumping up to dance to the slow beats of the instruments. Rin turned to Sayo, pointing her nose at Kume.
"She looks gorgeous," Rin whispered, admiring the greens and reds of her kimono.
"Maybe she'll catch the eye of a warrior," Sayo whispered back, breath heavy with sake. "I heard another village's headmaster is seeking her hand in marriage, but she refused him."
"Oh, the old one," Rin frowned. "She deserves better than that. A man of character and honor will do her well." She watched as a warrior asked Kume to dance, twirling her about.
Rin and Sayo exchanged a toothy smile.
"Would you like more sake, dearest?" Nakamoro asked, standing up.
"Bring us two, one for me and one for Lady Rin!"
He nodded, happily walking over to his group of returned friends.
"So the elephant in the room…" Sayo began, darting her eyes back and forth. "He's alive against our past judgment."
"I know," Rin said, sipping some tea. "I was certain it was him. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy he's safe, I just really believed it was him."
Rin shot Taro a quick glance, watching him laugh with his comrades.
"Well, that's that I suppose. Don't dwell on this too much, you're getting married soon," Sayo grinned.
"You're right," Rin sighed, shooing the discomfort in her mind.
Nakamoro soon arrived, delivering drinks to the women. "We almost never indulge in sake," he explained to Rin, "so forgive us if we're drunker than usual."
Rin forced a smile, hiding the fact that she knew why Sayo was drinking harder than ever. The day before she found Sayo crying by the river, drenched in tears and blood. "I lost the child!" she had sobbed into Rin's arms.
"We're not even drunk!" Sayo blushed.
Rin held her soft gaze for a bit as Sayo turned back to her husband.
"Not yet," he laughed and pulled up on her feet. "Dance with me."
Rin watched Sayo and Nakamoro dance the memory of their pain away, grateful her friends could rely on themselves during hard times.
"Wanna dance too?"
Rin looked up at Taro, hand stretched out towards her.
"I think it's getting late for me," Rin noted, looking around.
"Everyone's still here, princess."
He's right. In the crowd of dancing folk, Inuyasha and Kagome were whispering to each other, slow dancing. Sango and Miroku were also among them, kissing whenever they thought no one was looking. Meanwhile, Kaede was sitting with the headmaster, listening to war stories.
"Okay, one dance," she responded carefully.
Taro grinned proudly, leading her to a corner. They slow danced, stepping around the drunk awkwardly.
Rin peeked up, meeting his soft eyes. "Yes?"
"Can we forget about last time?" Taro asked, sounding as earnest as ever.
Rin studied him, reading the sincerity in his face. She followed the curve of the scar on his face, small yet deep on his cheek. "Yes, we can. Tell me, how'd you get this?"
"Just part of war," Taro shrugged. "I got a huge scar on my side, from the time someone struck me with my sword." He shifted a bit out of his robes, showing the puckered-up skin on his torso.
Rin gasped, remembering that fateful night, the night she fought the armored man in the forest. "Who gave this to you?!" she inquired frantically.
"You know," he rolled his eyes.
Rin stopped dancing, stepping to the side. "Taro, please."
"It doesn't matter because I recovered. But I will say," Taro smirked, "that night you left was the bloodiest night we had on the field."
"Oh?"
"I was wounded after I walked out, stumbling into the forest. A creature of sorts stabbed me with my own blade, but I was able to make it until someone found me."
"A creature?" What is he saying? Wasn't it I?
"And not far from our campsite, there was a general from the opposing team killed off too. He was drunk and fatally injured with his own sword too. Whoever did that saved our campsite from being exposed. I think we would have lost the war if someone approached us at our weakest," he confessed.
"Taro," Rin breathed, sliding to the ground. She pressed her palms on the ground, keeping herself from collapsing completely. "Where was the general found?" I need to know. Who did I strike down?
"Huh," Taro held his chin, pondering. "In the woods, near a riverbed."
Rin gulped. "I have something to confess as well, Taro." She looked up, meeting his curious gaze. "It was me—I was the one who killed the general."
"Princess Rin," he gasped, kneeling before her, "you saved us."
"All this time I thought it was you who I killed though," she sputtered out. "Kohaku was the one who found me shortly after my fight with him. I was badly injured, but Lord Sesshomaru was able to heal me."
Taro's eyes grew soft. "What a horrible sight that must have been for them."
Rin touched over the scar on her abdomen. "I was lucky, nevertheless."
The two stayed silent for a bit, listening to the happy people around them instead.
"Here," Taro offered his hand. He helped her up, leading to an exit from the crowd. "Let's get you home."
"Thank you," she smiled.
As they walked towards her home, Taro suddenly stopped, eyes widened in shock. "My lady, i-is that your home? It's tripled in size since I've last laid my eyes on it!"
"Ah yes," Rin said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, "we've had lots of preparations done to accommodate my upcoming marriage."
She could hear him let out a small whimper.
"I heard something about that not too long ago. Well, it can't be helped," Taro smiled weakly.
Rin felt the sadness emitting from him, feeling somewhat sad for his unrequited love. "Taro," she held his hands, squeezing them tightly," one day, you'll find a love so deep and true, you'll forget you'd ever hurt in the first place."
He scoffed, looking down. "I know, my lady. Perhaps the old me would have lost it and thrown a fit by now, but I've decided to love you as my dearest friend. I hope I haven't scared you—"
Rin cut him off, hugging him tightly. "Stupid Taro, that's all I've ever wanted: your friendship!"
For a while, they embraced one another, rekindling the once lost friendship they deeply craved and loved.
— — —
The day came.
Rin stood before the looking glass, marveling at the gorgeous painted woman in front of her. Her silky white robe hugged her curves modestly while she reached for her veil, crowning her head. She turned again, taking in a sight she'd only get to see once. Her lashes were dark with mascara, lips plump and soft in red. Everything about her was more perfect than ever if that was possible.
Asa had been the one to dress her that afternoon, holding back tears the entire time they spoke. "In the hundreds of years I've done this, Rin, you're the most beautiful bride I've ever dressed. It's an honor to witness a maiden like you."
It had taken everything Rin's power not to cry.
She stood there, watching the sky turn a dusky pink and lavender.
"Rin," Kagome called, "it's time."
Rin gathered her robes, walking carefully out of her bedroom and onto the newly built walkway. She turned a corner, giggling as Yuki became starstruck with the beauty.
"Open the door," Rin whispered, growing near.
Yuki nodded, sliding it to reveal her guests. From Dan and Asa to Sayo and Nakamoro, everyone who she considered an important part of their lives was there. Even Sesshomaru's mother was present, joining the score of guests that were taken aback by the stunning beauty.
She searched the large room, finding him at last.
My groom.
Sesshomaru sat patiently, donned in an impeccable black robe and grey hakama. Even without the armor, he was broad and muscular as ever. Rin blushed at the rare sight as she made her way towards him, stepping according to the shamisen's cues.
She kneeled before Miroku and Kaede, both presenting loving smiles to her as she peeked at them. Miroku then cleared his throat and started the ceremony, starting off with a traditional story of a peaceful marriage.
As the monk went on, Rin couldn't stop herself from glancing over at Sesshomaru. She caught him looking at her too, golden eyes glistening ever so slightly. She blushed, enamored by the mere presence of him.
Not before long, they exchanged vows, prayed, and drank sake together. "I pronounced you husband and wife," Miroku beamed at last, "Lord Sesshomaru, you may now kiss your bride."
Rin blushed as Sesshomaru kissed her ever so passionately in front of the cheering crowd.
.oOo.
AN: It's been far too long, my dear friends. Forgive me.
After rewatching Inuyasha and Yashahime, my heart yearned for this story. I promise that I'll give SessRin the story we deserved and loved.
Hope you guys enjoy this- I'm slowly tying up the loose ends so that our protagonists get undivided attention.
Also, please read my other work: Returned, an InuKag post canon one-shot :)