Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out!
Anything you see in this ' ' is a thought.
Chapter 9
Chaos
The day after speaking to the general, Maiko had noticed that Rin was now falling into little periods of sleep without her realizing it. Maiko would try to lay the princess down, hoping that the sleep would last but the princess would quickly wake and be disoriented. The princess would not realize where she was, or push away from her, shaking in fear.
Then Maiko started to notice that Rin must be hallucinating because she now started jumping at things that were not there. At one point, Rin laughed and when Maiko asked what was funny, Rin suddenly looked terrified and cower in fear.
"Red eyes…..red eyes….red eyes…" That was all Maiko could hear Rin say.
All the poor servant could do stay was by her mistress's side. She pleaded to the gods that their voyage would be over soon, and the princess could finally be well.
~oOo~
Rin had trouble focusing as Maiko talked to her. She was saying something about going to the castle.
"…we need…..ready…."
Rin blinked in confusion.
What day was it?
She had the feeling she was supposed to be doing something…..important.
Rin shook her head trying harder to focus on…..Maiko.
"Please princess, I need to get you ready. We are to land soon and then we will be traveling to our new home." Maiko pleaded.
Rin looked around in shock, how did she get here?
In a moment of lucidity, Rin nodded and she heard Maiko sigh out in happiness.
Maiko then spent the next hour, preparing Rin by helping her bathe. Maiko dressed the princess in one of her finer kimonos and took down her hair from the braid she had styled her hair in the night before to give her some waves. Maiko was dismayed at seeing the princess undressed. She had lost even more weight. Some her of ribs were beginning to show and the kimono she was dressing her in was too big for her now.
Once Maiko was satisfied that the princess looked her best, Maiko then led her to the upper deck.
Rin looked around and noticed land not too far away.
"Princess, my lady. We will be landing soon. Once we land a carriage is awaiting you and it's a short trip to your new home."
Rin's head turned as she heard Maiko answer, "Thank you general. The princess once again thanks you for your hospitality and safe passage. Correct princess Arina?"
Rin looked down at her feet and back up again, "….Yes….."
Rin's brain began to become foggy and missed the exchanged looks of concern that passed between the general and her servant in her slow foggy state.
Rin felt herself being led to sit down and she looked at the blue sky. While looking at the sky, Rin felt the same pain in her stomach she had been feeling for the past few days and grimaced. She wrapped her arms around her mid-section rocking herself.
The pain wouldn't stop….
Why wouldn't the pain just…stop….
Then Rin realized she was sitting in a carriage.
She looked beside herself to see Maiko's lips moving.
Rin's eyes traveled from Maiko's lips to the window behind her.
Blue sky.
Green land.
…..Red eyes.
Rin whimpered and shut her eyes tight.
'Please go away….' Rin screamed in her head.
There was a pressure building in her head now….
Pain in her stomach….
In the deafening silence of her mind, Rin suddenly heard a low feminine voice whisper 'Let….me…out….' inside of her head.
Rin gasped and looked around in terror.
'Someone please help me.' Rin whimpered.
~oOo~
Maiko watched as the princess seem to only get worse in the carriage. She had hoped this morning when the princess finally responded to her that she had come back to her sense enough to make the journey to the castle.
Maiko tapped against the top of the carriage signaling they need to arrive faster.
After Rin's slow acknowledgment of the general, he pulled the servant aside and inquired on the princess's health.
Maiko explained that they needed to get to the castle as soon as possible.
The general nodded in understanding.
Once they had landed, Maiko watched the general explained to both carriages, one of the men with the reins in his hands nodded.
The general came back over, "You will be riding in that carriage, the horses are fast on that. If anything happens, tap against the roof and the driver will know to make haste."
"Please hold on princess, we are almost there," Maiko said quietly and she took Rin's hands in her's.
~oOo~
Rin's foggy brain become lucid when she felt someone's hands touch her. Jumping and looking around, Rin turned to see Maiko looking at her with troubled eyes.
"Maiko?"
"Arina?"
"When did we get here?" Rin asked in alarm, looking out the carriage window.
"A while ago, we are almost to the castle. Please hold on." Maiko begged.
Rin nodded, confused as to what was going on and both women sat in silence as they neared their new home.
~oOo~
Sesshomaru walked beside the two-headed dragon, his gift to Rin.
He knew that dragons did not inhabit her lands. He looked over to the gentle dragon, knowing that this dragon would suit his mate. Last month, he had gone to the breeder asking for a dragon that would be gentle but protective of their human owner.
After spending time thoroughly inspecting the dragons that were paraded in front of him, he came upon this one.
When he had looked in the eyes of the large beast, he could tell this one had fight. When he had approached, the dragon stood its ground but was gentle when he petted its large snout.
After spending time gauging how well the dragon reacted to being petted and being led around by his harness, Sesshomaru determined this was the dragon for his mate.
He had advised the breeder who the dragon was for and that their owner would be arriving next month and to have him ready for the journey back.
Once Jaken had paid the breeder, the breeder nodded in respect and stated they would continue its training.
Now Sesshomaru and Jaken were on their way back to the castle with his gift for his mate.
Sesshomaru kept his expression neutral as they made their way back to their home but internally his heart was thumping so loudly in his chest.
After waiting for years, today was the day.
His mate was finally coming to their home. He would finally be able to look upon his mate with his own eyes. He would no longer need to use the fog or spells to be in direct contact with her.
As Sesshomaru walked in his masked exuberant state, a sudden deep pain ripped through his stomach causing him to fall to his knees and harshly pant out.
'SESSHOMARU! IT'S RIN!' His mother's voice called out through their link.
Sesshomaru was in the air before his mother's voice even finished and all Jaken saw was a dust cloud of where his lord was just kneeling.
"L-lord Sesshomaru?!" Jaken squawked out, left standing alone in the forest with the two-headed dragon completely confused about what he just witnessed.
~oOo~
Toga stood in the family garden in the back of the castle. He still his body and opened his senses to the surrounding forest around him.
After a few calming moments of silence, a troubled frown graced the king's serene face.
"She is on her way." Toga said quietly.
Opening his amber eyes, he made his way back inside. After traveling to his chambers, he found both of his wives sitting together, conversing.
"Come, they are almost here." Toga beckoned to Kimi and Izayoi.
"So soon?" Izayoi asked.
"I thought they would not be arriving until mid-day to the evening," Kimi added.
Toga led his wives to the main hall and ran into Inuyasha, Kagome, and a small fox child coming from the eastern wing.
"Father, the princess is early."
"Yes, I thought they would be here by early evening."
The combined family made their way to the front of the castle, each taking position as they waited for the princess's arrival.
Toga turned to his family, "When will Sesshomaru be back? He will most likely be upset that he missed his mate's arrival."
Kimi answered, "He went to fetch his gift for her, he will be back soon."
Toga nodded and paced for a moment longer.
"Come, let us go outside to give her a proper welcome."
Toga led his family outside just as the carriage arrived. Toga noticed that the carriage had moved rather quickly through the main gate and then watched as the driver jumped down and open the carriage door.
He watched in concern as the princess's personal servant jumped down and whispered something to the driver and quickly made her way to the family.
Bowing quickly, the servant looked nervous, "…May I speak to you my lord, in private?"
Toga nodded and stepped a few feet away from his family, "Is something wrong?"
"My lord, on the beginning of our journey the princess became seasick. She tried to eat but nothing would stay down. On the third night, she had a terrible nightmare. Whatever this nightmare was, it's affected her deeply. The last four days, the princess has refused to sleep and will not eat at all."
Toga gasped, "She hasn't slept in four days?!"
The servant shook her head in worry, "No my lord. She has moments where she is herself but is very confused. The other times…."
"Yes?" Toga pressed.
"She's not the princess. She is terrified and scared. She hides from me when I try to touch her. Please, my lord, we need a healer." The servant ended with tears in her eyes.
Toga looked towards the carriage in worry, "Please attend to your mistress, I will alert our chief healer and have them met us in the princess's chambers."
"Thank you, my lord," Maiko answered in a hopeful tone, the servant quickly bowed and dashed back to the carriage.
Toga made his way back to his family, Kimi being the first to ask, "Is something wrong?"
"Something has happened to the princess during her voyage here. Izayoi and Kagome, go fetch Kaede. Tell her she is needed in the princess's chambers and that she is ill. Shippo, please return to your room for now. Kimi and Inuyasha, you come with me."
The two dark-haired women quickly ran back into the castle with the Shippo riding on Kagome's shoulder and the rest of the family followed Toga to the carriage.
Toga met the princess's servant outside the carriage door, "You will have to forgive me but what is your name child?"
"Maiko my lord. I've been serving the princess for 7 years now." The servant answered with a deep bow.
"My lords, my lady, please do not be alarm by the princess's appearance," Maiko said before opening the carriage door.
"What…." Kimi said looking towards Inuyasha.
Toga was the first to look into the carriage and had to mask his face at the princess's appearance.
The princess that sat before him now was a stark contrast to the princess he met the month before. The princess he met last month was full of life and wit. This princess….
Toga was able to see the bags under the princess's eyes from lack of sleep. He could also tell she was thinner as well.
"My lord," Toga heard the princess say weakly.
"Princess, it's wonderful to see you. I hear you had quite the journey here. Come, let us get you settled in." Toga said, gently offering the princess his hand.
The great ruler noticed that it took a moment for the princess to react to him before reaching out her hand to him. When she stood up, she stumbled forward, and Toga caught her around the waist.
'She's so light, this isn't good…' Toga thought to himself.
Toga gently lifted the princess and set her on the ground, tucking her arm into the crook of his elbow to help lead her towards the castle.
"Holy shit…" Toga heard Inuyasha mumbled under his breath.
Toga gave his son a sharp look.
"Father…." Inuyasha said with concern written all over his face.
"I know."
~oOo~
Rin felt the pressure in her head getting worse and closed her eyes to it. She felt Toga leading her into the enormous castle that stood before her.
Before Rin knew it, she was standing in what she supposed was a bedroom. The room was laid out differently from what she was used to. She could hear people talking around her and clench her eyes shut at the pain in her head.
She then heard a soft voice speak to her, "Hello princess."
Rin opened her eyes to see a woman standing before her. She had long dark hair, her hair almost had a blue tint to it. She must have been a few years older than her.
"My name is Kagome; I hear you had quite the trip."
Rin could only nod.
"Can you tell me what happened? Your servant said you haven't been sleeping."
Rin looked around the room to take in everyone standing and observing her. She could feel their eyes boring into her.
Feeling fearful, Rin took a few steps back.
The woman known as Kagome said, "It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you. You already met my husband Inuyasha. We're almost sisters now!"
'Her husband…' Rin looked towards Inuyasha in pure shock.
Rin's head then slowly turned towards Toga and his wives.
'Oh….' Rin then realized that she was to be Inuyasha's second wife.
Izayoi's words coming back to her:
"I know it's not common in these parts of the lands."
Rin's breath caught in her throat, 'I should have known.'
Suddenly the pain Rin had been feeling in her head amplified and she clutched her head screaming out in pain collapsing to the floor.
She felt like something was ripping through her mind, a burning sensation that made her feel like she was on fire.
She felt someone touching her shoulder and looked to see Inuyasha crouching next to her.
'Not…mate…' Rin heard the low feminine voice within her head whisper.
Rin scrambled away from Inuyasha; she had only scooted a few feet away when she doubled over in pain.
Wrapping her arms around her stomach, Rin screamed out in pain again.
"Princess!"
Rin looked up to see Inuyasha reaching out to her, and she heard the voice in her head scream out in rage, 'NO! NOT MATE!'
Before Rin knew what was happening, she raised her hand and white light burst from her palm hitting Inuyasha squarely in the chest and sending him flying to the other side of the room.
Rin could hear Kagome screaming and rushed towards Inuyasha.
The entire room fell to dead silence.
Rin saw everything turn red, her chest rising and falling with her ragged breathing and then screaming out in a voice she did not recognize as her own, "NOT MATE!"
~oOo~
Toga and the rest of the family watched what happened in pure shock.
This wasn't supposed to be happening. She wasn't supposed to wake up.
Next to him, he heard the servant known as Maiko gasp out, "Not again!"
Turning quickly, "You have seen her in this state before?!"
Maiko quickly shook her head, "Yes once before! It…..was…..terrible."
Toga turned back to see the princess now raising, her hair hiding her eyes. He could also feel a powerful aura radiating off of her. He could feel pressure building within the room.
"Princess?" Maiko called out.
Toga's eyes widen when he saw red eyes look up and heard a growl being emitted from the princess.
"Everyone who is human, get out. NOW!" Toga bellowed.
Izayoi went to grab Maiko but Maiko pulled away.
"Please, I can't leave her!" The servant begged with tears running down her face.
"Maiko, I commend you on your loyalty to your mistress but right now the princess isn't the princess. Us youkai can handle her, and I promise we will do everything we can to return her to her right mind, but it's too dangerous for you." Toga said wrapping his large hands around the human woman's arms and then gently pushed her towards Izayoi.
Kagome helped Inuyasha off the ground after being thrown. Inuyasha then looked towards his father, "What do we do?"
Inuyasha turned towards Kagome, "You need to leave the room as well."
"No, I won't leave you!" The miko said.
"This isn't a discussion. Leave." Toga said in a stern voice.
Izayoi grabbed Kagome and rushed them out of the room and gently slid the door close.
Now all that remained was a red-eye Rin who was growling, two inuyoukai and a hanyou.
"Kimi, call Sesshomaru."
"I already did."
Toga took in the scene before him.
Rin stood in front of Toga, Kimi, and Inuyasha, her head tilted to the side. She was emitting some sort of iridescent protective field around her. They couldn't get to her if they wanted to. The pressure in the room was also growing. Toga could feel it pushing against him where he stood.
Toga turned to his wife, "Can you feel that?"
"Yes, she is gathering her energy."
"How is this happening? I thought she wasn't supposed to awaken." Inuyasha asked. He had started to walk towards Toga but stopped when Rin's hard glare suddenly turned towards him.
Toga watched as the iridescent field that was around Rin changed colors, morphing to a purple and start to expand towards Inuyasha.
Inuyasha felt pressure start pressing on his body and gasped for air. He fell to his knees, clutching at his chest.
Toga realizing what happening, quickly stepped forward trying to draw Rin's attention away from his son.
Toga watched in shock as Rin kept the field expanding towards Inuyasha but also lifted her hand and send a burst of light towards him. He barely had time to draw Tessaiga to absorb her attack, her attack having enough force to push him back afoot.
Red-eye Rin now sensing that everyone who was in the room with her was a threat, started to release a miasma. The field also surrounding her started to grow and the room started shaking with the pressure of her energy.
Kimi and Toga looked towards each other in fear now understanding how deadly the situation was becoming.
The great dog demon kept Tessaiga up and pushed back against the pressure that enveloping the room, and he gritted out, "Where the fuck is Sesshomaru?"
~oOo~
Miroku and Sango passed through the large gate of the castle, Kirara's large back loaded with supplies from the neighboring village.
"The princess arrives today," Sango said out loud.
Sango waited on a reply from her husband and was surprised when he said nothing. The demon slayer looked towards her husband to see him looking towards the castle in concern.
"Miroku?" Sango asked.
Sango then her name being called, she looked towards the large door of the castle to see her brother Kohaku running towards her.
"Sister! I think there is something wrong, the princess arrived not too long ago, and now the wing the family is at is now shaking!"
"Great Buddha…." Miroku whispered.
The former monk could feel the princess's aura from out here.
Miroku quickly ran into the castle, Sango close on his heels.
The couple ran until they reached the north wing of the castle, finding Izayoi and the others standing outside. From behind the closed doors, they could all feel the room shaking, the doors vibrating.
Miroku reached for the shoji door but was pulled back by Izayoi.
"No! Toga said all humans needed to stay out here!"
"I may be able to help, I still practice my Buddhist training."
"I'm going in with you then," Kagome said, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Miroku placed his hand on the shaking door and slid it open. Both Miroku and Kagome struggled to get into the room because of the overwhelming pressure that was beating down on them.
What they walked into was not was either of them were expecting.
The princess was now hovering off the ground mid-air with a purplish field pushing Toga back. Kimi had managed to drag a struggling to breathe Inuyasha behind them and Kimi was bracing Toga who was using Tessaiga as a shield.
Miroku and Kagome both started to move forward when everyone in the room felt the intense energy of an inu daiyoukai heading towards them.
Everyone's relief soon turn to panic though when they realized that the speed of energy coming was not slowing down but actually increasing and Toga yelled out, "EVERYONE GET DOWN!"
Miroku jumped in front of Toga and started chanting putting up a protective barrier around the family when the opposite side of the room exploded sending everyone flying back against the wall, their bodies slamming against the wall.
~oOo~
Sesshomaru pushed his body to its limit flying back to the castle. His body was burning because of how much strain he was putting on himself, but he did not care. He knew something was desperately wrong with his mate, the pain he was feeling in his stomach was getting worse.
With the castle now in sight, he could see that the north wing housing the royal family was shaking. Looking closer, he could see that it was Rin's room. Pushing himself even harder and finding it hard to breathe because of how much pressure he was putting on himself, Sesshomaru barreled into his future mate's chamber causing the room to explode.
Looking in front of him, Sesshomaru saw Rin drop to the ground, landing on her hands and knees. Sesshomaru stepped forward but was caught off guard when Rin suddenly charged at him. Her sudden movement sent him to the ground, and she quickly straddled him and grounded herself against him.
Sesshomaru heard her moan and looked into her red eyes.
"Mate." Sesshomaru heard Rin say and rocked her hips on his groin. Her hands moved to untie his hakama.
Sesshomaru quickly pinned her arms to her sides and Rin started struggling.
'MOTHER!' Sesshomaru called out through his link.
~oOo~
With the dust still flying around them from the explosion, Kimi could barely make out the outline of Rin straddling Sesshomaru. Kimi's eyes widen when she saw the princess rub herself against Sesshomaru.
"Toga, I need to get to Sesshomaru." Kimi coughed out.
She was still recovering from being thrown against the wall and could barely move. Toga was next to her in an instant and lifted her from the ground. Quietly both Inuyoukai crept up behind Rin.
Once Kimi heard Sesshomaru call for her, she called out to Toga through their link as not to give away their position to Rin, 'NOW!'
Toga pushed Kimi forward, so she was able to place one hand on Rin's cheek and grab onto Sesshomaru's wrist.
'Sleep.' Kimi pushed into Rin's chaotic mind.
Kimi watched as Rin's eyes rolled to the back of her head and she slumped forward against Sesshomaru's chest.
The inu demoness then heard her son hiss out, "What the fuck happened?!"
~oOo~
Notes:
I did do research on what sleep deprivation does to a person's mind.
So right off the bat, when you do not sleep for 4 days you can actually go into a sleep psychosis. Instead of dreaming when you're sleeping, you in a way are seeing what you would see in your dreams in the real world so hence having hallucinations.
So everything Rin is feeling and how she is acting is normal. You never want to go without sleep, it's very bad for you and really dangerous.
Because of lack of sleep, her nightmare and just hearing that Inuyasha is already married and thinking she is going to be a second wife pretty much caused Rin's mind to snap. Her darkness took over and does not recognize Inuyasha as her mate but definitely knows that our boy Sess is.
The next chapter will start explaining who Rin is and her role in this war.
Stay tuned!