Hi everyone!

So sorry in how long I took to get this chapter out. I'm sure you all are aware I put a short AU series. That little series took me about a week and a half to write. It came out longer than I expected so this chapter got bumped back. Steamy times ahead 😉

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

Chrysalis

Toga struggled to leave his chambers, he gripped onto the wall as an anchor and pulled himself towards the shoji doors. He looked back to see Izayoi, and Kimi frozen in place, their bodies shaking.

Amaterasu merely tilted her head.

Toga pulled himself from the doorway into the hallway to see all the guards currently stationed in the hall frozen in place as well. Their eyes open wide, struggling to move. Seeing a small dagger tucked into the belt of one of his men, Toga pulled it free and dug it into the wall to help him along the shaking hall.

The entire palace was shaking this time. Toga knew that everyone within the palace and on the grounds was frozen from the pressure that was being released.

Pulling the dagger free, Toga kept pulling himself along the wall trying to get to Sesshomaru's room. Toga heard a grunt and looked to his right to see Inuyasha pulling himself along the opposite wall as well. The exertion of moving causing his young son to sweat profusely. Toga could see beads of sweat rolling down Inuyasha's face.

"F…..father…" Inuyasha gritted out through clenched teeth.

Using all this strength, Toga gritted out, "It's…Rin….."

Both men continued pulling themselves along the wall, Inuyasha having to switch walls, had to crawl across as they got closer to Sesshomaru's room.

Toga could see a white light shining from Sesshomaru's doors. The vibration of the shaking room become more powerful as both men got closer to its source.

In all of Toga's time upon this earth, he had never felt such power. He had faced countless enemies during his years, fought battles that he believed were unwinnable. Fought against that odds that were completely against him but this…..

His new daughter-in-law…..

Rin, the half-demon, half-goddess was something he had never witness in his entire life.

If everything Amaterasu said was true…..then…

'No!' Toga thought to himself. He wouldn't let that happen to her or his son.

Toga finally reached the shoji door and pushed it open, gasping for air. Now that he was near the source of what happening, he was finding it harder to breathe. He felt like his body was being pricked ten times over. The pressure around him building to an intensity that would bring the palace down.

Inuyasha had finally managed to get to his feet and had to hold onto his father's armored shoulder to stand.

Both looked in to see that Rin had rolled away from Sesshomaru's embrace and the protective field from earlier was now encompassing the entire room. Sesshomaru seemed to be in a deep sleep.

"W….what…d…do we…do…?" Inuyasha gasped out.

"I need…to get…..Rin back….to Sesshomaru," Toga gritted out, it was getting harder to speak.

At this point, the great demon king knew it would be near impossible to get to Rin, but he would have to find a way otherwise the entire palace may lose structure. Being this close to Rin's power, Toga could feel the entire room vibrating. He looked over to see that the water pitcher from earlier had shattered under the pressure.

Taking a deep breath, Toga passed through the protective barrier and instantly felt like his body was on fire. Ignoring the pain, he forced one leg in front of the other. Toga struggled to reach Rin and felt like his body was going to burst because of the pressure surrounding him. Grunting through his pain, Toga's slow steps finally reached Rin and reached out a hand to push Rin back to Sesshomaru which turned out to be the wrong thing to do.

Because within a few inches of touching Rin, Sesshomaru woke up and lunged at his father, shoving him away from his sleeping mate. Sesshomaru then crouched low in front of Rin in a protective stance, growling.

Toga barely managed to catch himself and landed on his knees and looked at his son. He was met with red eyes instead of amber. He realized that Sesshomaru was only acting out of pure instinct, a male protecting his mate.

His unclaimed mate.

In Sesshomaru's agitated state, another powerful male was trying to touch his vulnerable mate.

The shaking of the room only got worse, Toga could hear the stones moving outside, shifting from the pressure.

'Think!' Toga thought frantically to himself. At this point, Toga was trying to get to his feet.

The room was suddenly flooded with a bright light and Amaterasu appeared.

The sun goddess took one look around and gently said, "Sleep Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru then collapsed next to Rin.

Amaterasu then stepped over to Rin and waved her hand over her face and softly chanted a spell.

The entire palace stopped shaking, the pressure finally lifted.

Toga took deep breaths, allowing oxygen to fill his deprived lungs. His body going slack against the floor, he rested on his hands and knees.

"Inuyasha?" Toga called out.

"…..I…I'm fine…." Toga heard his hanyou son call out.

After finally catching his breath, Toga looked up to see Amaterasu was gone and that it was dark out.

"That's impossible…." Toga gasped out.

It was only mid-day a few minutes ago.

Toga stood up and looked towards Inuyasha to see him frozen in place.

Amaterasu suddenly appeared before Toga.

"My lady?"

"I'm sorry my dear Toga, you and your family have lost several hours during the princess's episode."

Toga's eyes widen, looking towards Rin.

"How...and Inuyasha?" Toga asked in shock, looking towards his son frozen in time.

"One of her gifts….I'm ….merely…..freezing what she did to have another moment with you."

Amaterasu looked towards Rin and back to Toga, "She has rested enough. It's time. Your son will know what to do."

Toga opened his mouth but then the sun goddess was gone. He looked back to see Inuyasha now standing from the ground, looking just as confused when he looked towards the window to see it was dark out.

"I'll explain later, go and tell Kaede she needs to brew their tea. It's time for their bonding."

"Yes, father," Inuyasha said.

Toga reached out and gently shook Sesshomaru awake.

Sesshomaru woke and looked alarmed not to be on the futon and saw Rin lying next to him on the floor. Carefully Sesshomaru gathered Rin to his chest and checked her over. Looking towards his father, Sesshomaru spoke words that Toga never expected to hear.

"Father, I cannot mate her."

~oOo~

Sesshomaru leaning against the God Tree watched as Rin slept peacefully in his arms. He inhaled her scent, finding it comforting. To finally hold her in his arms…

Sesshomaru allowed a small smile to grace his stoic face.

Sesshomaru gently traced her soft features, letting his fingers linger over her soft plump lips.

Sesshomaru then remembered how terrified Rin had been when he mentioned she needed to rest, and she panicked.

Her terrified words of "Red eyes" haunting her.

Sesshomaru growled and pulled her small frame closer to his body.

She refused to tell them what Naraku had done to her when he had her.

Sesshomaru could gather that Naraku had physically hurt her, but he knew there was more to it.

The way his mate begged not to speak about it….

Sesshomaru knew Naraku was vile but to stoop so low as to that…..

Sesshomaru's eyes started glowing red, his breathing becoming ragged.

Naraku had tried to rape his young mate.

Rin didn't have to say it, but her reaction was enough for Sesshomaru to know.

Eyes still glowing red, Sesshomaru gently laid Rin down and stood. Taking a few steps away to calm himself, Sesshomaru took deep breaths.
Looking back towards Rin, Sesshomaru crouched down next to her.

If Naraku had indeed tried to rape his mate, then Sesshomaru knew any future intimacies were off the table. Even though his mate may feel safe in his arms, it did not mean she was ready for a sexual relationship.

Sesshomaru could tell how traumatize she was from her nightmare; how could he ask her to push aside what happened and finish their bonding now? Sesshomaru refused to allow any more trauma to his young mate.

Sesshomaru made the difficult decision that he would not be able to physically mate with his mate right now. He would have to find some other way to initiate their mental link.

It all came down to the mating bite. The bite infused their souls together and linked their minds. He could still place the mating mark but without her reaching sexual release she would feel the bite and be in pain. Once their mental link formed; he would be able to push waves of comfort into her mind to ease her discomfort but the bite itself will be extremely painful.

Sesshomaru sighed and realized he would need to talk to his father about this. His father would know what to do.

Standing up again, Sesshomaru turned and started pacing.

Naraku….

Sesshomaru's anger began to boil to the surface thinking about that blasted spider demon. If Naraku had not interfered, then he would not be in the predicament he was in now.

Sesshomaru's youki began flaring around him. He refused to allow any harm to come to his mate in the future. He would protect her from anyone that might harm her, be it friend or foe.

Unbeknownst to Sesshomaru, Rin's demon side started feeding off of Sesshomaru's anger and prompted her physical body to activate her protective barrier. Her demon side trying to protect them both.

With both their demonic energies slowly merging, neither was aware of the outside world's plight as the palace started shaking. Rin's power being so strong that it caused everyone to become immobilize and frozen in place. It was only because Toga was daiyoukai that he was able to move against her strength.

~oOo~

Sesshomaru with Rin laying in his arms once more looked his father in the eye. He could see his father was shocked by his statement.

"Sesshomaru, she is your mate. You've been waiting….years for her. What do you mean you cannot mate her?"

Sesshomaru looking towards Rin, gently cupped her face, "Father, you saw how she reacted to recalling her nightmare. We both know Naraku attempted to assault her in her dream. She is traumatized. I cannot ask her to mate with me when she is still recovering. I will not allow myself to add to her pain."

Sesshomaru heard his father sigh, "Sesshomaru… as noble as your intentions are, you need to finish the bonding process."

"I know which is why I'm telling you this. Father, is there any other way for us to finish bonding without me physically claiming her and not cause her any unnecessary pain?"

Toga started pacing, rubbing his chin. After a few minutes of thinking, Toga turned towards his son, "Before, when you called her to fog. You unknowingly started the process, did you use your…hands….or mouth when she…..?" Toga finished his statement by waving his hands between them both.

Unfazed by his father's question, Sesshomaru answered without missing a beat, "I used my hands."

"Ok…..this might work." Toga said thinking.

"Father?" Sesshomaru asked.

Toga faced his son fully now, "Repeat what you did when you called her to you. At the right moment, place the mating bite and she shouldn't feel any pain. But you also need to achieve release as well. Her pain and discomfort will be no more once she mentally joined to you but Sesshomaru….you will need to physically claim her soon. Your youkai will recognize that your mate is not physically claimed and….it….will not be good for you. You still start to feel pain and your youkai….your youkai will become angry. If you wait too long, your youkai will take over and finish what you started."

Sesshomaru set his jaw, "I will not harm my mate father."

"I know you wouldn't but-"

"Father, I will NOT harm-"

Toga gently cut off his son by raising his hand, "Sesshomaru…I know you wouldn't harm your mate. I know how long you have been waiting for her but waiting too long will cause your youkai to take over. All I'm telling you is that you need to be careful and claim her soon."

Sesshomaru only nodded.

"We cannot let anyone know about this, including our family. If word were to get out somehow…I vow to you, my son I will not repeat what or what does not happen in this room tonight." Toga said bowing.

"….Thank you, father." Sesshomaru answered with a tilt of his head.

"We need to tell her servant; I believe we can trust her. Any time a woman is bedded on her mating night, there is blood. Her servant may know of a way to help in that situation."

"I'll call her servant, wake your mate." Toga then stepped out.

Sesshomaru gently caressed his Rin's face, softly speaking, "Rin…"

Sesshomaru watched as Rin's eyes fluttered open and her petite body stretched like a kitten in his arms.

"Hm?" Rin answered drowsily.

"It's time to wake." Sesshomaru gently said.

"I'm still tired," Rin answered, trying to sit up.

"I promise you can rest afterward but right now we need to do something." Sesshomaru said, helping Rin get comfortable in his lap.

Toga, Kaede, and Maiko then all walked in. Maiko holding a tray with a teapot and two steaming teacups.

Kaede stepped forward, "Princess, ye name is Kaede, head healer to the Inu clan." Kaede then bowed.

"Hello, " Rin softly answered, grabbing onto moko-moko. Sesshomaru noticed her small hands gently squeezing and hold moko-moko to her chest almost in a comforting gesture.

"Ye and lord Sesshomaru will soon undergo the bonding process, ye need to drink this. This will allow ye mind to relax along with ye body to allow the bonding to proceed smoothly."

Maiko stepped forward with the tray and both Rin and Sesshomaru drank the tea.

"Do ye have any questions?" The old healer asked.

"What's the bonding process?" Rin asked.

"The joining of your bodies, princess," Kaede said matter of factly.

Sesshomaru felt Rin's small body still and could smell the small hints of fear emitting from her.

Sesshomaru grimaced and looked towards his face in concern.

Toga quickly ushered Kaede out, explaining if they needed anything else, she would be called.

In his lap, Sesshomaru could feel Rin start to shake and a small whimper escape her lips.

"Mate.." Sesshomaru started to say but was cut off by Rin hyperventilating. Her fear was spiking every minute, Sesshomaru knew he needed to calm her down.

Sesshomaru gently turned Rin in his lap and cupped her face, "Rin, I will not force myself on you nor would I expect to lay with me after what Naraku has done to you."

Rin's' eyes were welling with tears by this point, her small hands clutching moko-moko.

"There is another…..alternative to complete the bonding that does not require us to be as…..intimate. It will work and then you can sleep as long as you like, you have my word as your husband, your mate."

"A…an alternative?" Rin's small voice asked. Her body was calming down, the smell of fear easing away.

"Yes." Sesshomaru answered, rubbing her warm cheek, brushing away the tears that spilled.

Sesshomaru looked towards his father and nodded.

Toga turned to Maiko, "My dear, I'm sure you are aware that if your mistress was to be bedded tonight, you would find blood on her sheets."

"Yes, my king." Maiko solemnly answered.

"Our….solution…..for now will result in no blood being spilled tonight but….we cannot allow anyone in this palace to know this. What happens in this room will be staying between the four of us, is that understood?" Toga asked hardening his voice leaving no room for any question.

"Yes, my king, I have vowed to protect the princess's life until the day I die. No words shall ever leave my mouth that would place the princess in danger or give away any knowledge that could be used in ill will." Maiko then dropped to the ground placing her forehead and hands on the ground showing her absolute loyalty and devotion to her mistress and the new family she was serving.

"Your words bring relief to my heart, Maiko." Toga answered with a head nod.

"Do you understand what must be done?" Toga asked, placing his hands behind his back.

"Yes, my king. I shall see to it." Maiko answered.

"Good, please wait in the hall."

Maiko nodded at the beast king and nodded at Rin before leaving.

"Sesshomaru, Rin, I shall leave for the night." Toga said bowing and then left, quietly closing the door.

Now it was only Sesshomaru and Rin looking at each other.

~oOo~

Rin looked nervously towards Sesshomaru. He said there was an alternative they could do.

The minute the old healer Kaede mentioned joining their bodies, the memories of what Naraku had tried to do to her flashed in her head. She whimpered at the memory of him laying between her thighs and his….

She squeezed her eyes, tears escaping.

'Please no….I'm not ready,' Rin thought to herself.

Then when Sesshomaru told her there was an alternative, she felt the weight lift from her chest. Now she sat looking at Sesshomaru waiting to hear what this alternative was.

Feeling Sesshomaru's large hand caress her cheek, he asked, "Do you remember our meeting on your presentation night?"

Rin blushed, "Yes…"

"We need to repeat the same process, it will be the same nothing more. This time though, I need you to tell me when you are about to release."

"Release?" Rin asked.

Sesshomaru gently smiled, "Remember that night, when you called out and your body grew tight?"

"….Oh…..yes…." Rin answered, ducking her head in embarrassment. How could she forget, her entire body grew warm and tingled.

"When you feel that feeling about to happen, you need to tell me. Call out, "I'm cuming." I need to be precise in my timing when I place the mating bite."

"Mating bite?" Rin slightly paled, was that going to hurt?

"Yes, the bite is what will infuse our souls and minds together. Normally we would rut and you wouldn't feel any pain but because we….are performing an alternative I need to be careful of my timing.

"O…Ok," Rin whispered.

"Repeat the words you need to tell me when you feel that feeling." Sesshomaru said.

"I'm cuming." Rin said, slightly nodding her head.

"Good." Sesshomaru said, pulling her body closer to his and gently began kissing her.

At first, Rin was still, somewhat afraid to reciprocate.

"Relax, I am not Naraku, I will not hurt you." Sesshomaru said pulling back from her lips.

Sesshomaru then shifted her body, helping her onto her knees and reposition her so she was straddling him.

Rin blushed at how close their bodies were, she felt Sesshomaru gently rub her hips. She hesitantly placed her hands on his shoulders for leverage and lowered herself, so she was more comfortable.

"Good," Sesshomaru said with a small smile.

He cupped her jaw and began kissing her again. His lips were so soft against her mouth, Rin relaxed and slowly moved her lips against his. Sesshomaru's free hand, gently pressed on her lower back, bringing her closer, and nipped at her bottom lip.

Rin gasped at his gesture and Sesshomaru quickly slipped his tongue into her mouth, softly stroking against her tongue, teasing her. Rin shuddered and opened her mouth allowing him more access.

After a few minutes of his tongue plundering her mouth, she pulled back needing air. Sesshomaru's lips moved from her mouth and started trailing down to her jaw, peppering light kisses. His mouth trailed lowered to her neck where she tilted her head to the side to allow him to further his actions. His kisses alternated between light touches to nips to slow licks.

Rin was panting at this point and could feel wetness pooling between her legs, that dull ache from before slowly building. Her womanhood….almost throbbed….she didn't understand what was happening.

Almost as if Sesshomaru could sense what she was thinking, he gently pushed her thighs open and very gently cupped her center, pressing up in a massaging motion.

Rin's hand clenched at his shoulders, and she whimpered.

God….there was more wetness pooling between her thighs now….with no barrier between them, she knew his hand was probably slick from what her body was producing. Rin cried out as Sesshomaru applied more pressure to her center, her body subconsciously moving against his hand.

Sesshomaru groaned and he suddenly lifted her from his lap. Very quickly he laid her down on her back and rolled her to her side. He then pressed himself against her so her back was flush against his chest.

Rin felt her leg being lifted and tucked over his thigh, he pulled the side of her hadajuban down and push her hair out of the way. He started nibbling on her shoulder, specifically at the junction where her shoulder and neck met.

She could also feel something hard poking at her backside. Her eyes widen and suddenly an image of Naraku flashed in her mind. Her body tighten and Sesshomaru ceased all movements.

"Shh..it's ok…I'm not going to hurt you. I will not take you tonight…you have my word." Sesshomaru whispered, pressing his forehead to her exposed shoulder.

The next few minutes were quiet as Rin calmed down and Sesshomaru ran his hand down her side, softly squeezing here and there.

Rin felt her body relax, she quietly whispered, "I'm sorry…"

Sesshomaru gently tipped her face towards his, "Do not be sorry, it is not your fault."

He then leaned forward and gently kissed her.

Rin returned his kiss and nodded for him continued.

"Lay back," Sesshomaru whispered.

Rin allowed herself to get comfortable resting against his body and Sesshomaru's hand gently palmed her thigh. He started kissing at her shoulder and neck again and his hand slowly inched up towards her center.

Rin closed her eyes, chanting in her head, 'This is Sesshomaru, your husband.'

The young princess allowed herself to just feel his fingers trailing on her heated skin. She felt his hard member thrust against her bottom, his thrusts shallow. His fingers finally reached her center. His fingers gently dipped between her nether lips, gathering her wetness, and pulled back. She whimpered at the loss of the feeling but then keened out when he touched something hot and soft at the top of her sex. His fingers drawing soft circles against it.

Rin panted….this feeling….it was like before….gods…..she pushed her center against his rubbing fingers seeking more pressure. She could feel his hips thrusting more urgently against her bottom. She tentatively rubbed back against him and heard him growl. The pace of his fingers increased, now rubbing in a back-and-forth motion.

Rin cried out, "Ngggg!"

She grounded herself against his fingers wanting more.

His teeth were now grazing on her shoulder, his tongue lapping.

Hiking her leg up higher on his thigh, Rin pushed her hips down grinding down on Sesshomaru's fingers.

With a few more flicks of his fingers, Rin cried out, "I'm cuming!"

She felt the same heat from before, spread from her sex all the way through her body. She faintly felt Sesshomaru biting her and his hips erratically thrusting against her bottom.

All of a sudden, warmth filled her head. It was so soft and…comforting. A low hum buzzing in her head.

'It is done.'

Rin sighed and felt herself become drowsy. Not realizing, she answered back through their link, 'Can I sleep now?'

'Yes mate, you may rest. No harm shall come to you. I am here.'

Within a few moments, Rin fell into a deep sleep, her body and mind finally ready to recover from everything she had been through the past few weeks.

~oOo~

Sesshomaru laid behind Rin, panting from his release. Rin's body had glowed again but this time it was a mix of purple and iridescent and it also passed through him. When he felt her field enter him, his knot formed instantly. Usually, his knot would not happen unless he was sheathed inside his mate. His only intention was to merely rub against her body to achieve release as well but didn't expect that to happen.

He also had never experienced a release of that magnitude before. He was near frantic in need, he humped his mate like he was a young inu barely out of his pup years. He had to restrain himself not to roll her onto her stomach and thrust into her backside like some sort of rabid demon in wild heat.

Sesshomaru gently laid Rin down and fixed her hadajuban. He then grimaced at the feeling of his soiled hakama. Standing, he made quick work of stripping and wiping himself down. He then set to cleaning Rin's bite. Laying down next to her again, he examined the area, and everything appeared to be fine. He spent a few minutes lapping at her neck. He gently pushed into her mind as well.

She was in a deep sleep; he could feel her mind softly humming. She was at peace.

Seeing that his mate was secure and in peace, Sesshomaru opened the shoji door to find his father and Maiko but no guards. Maiko was also holding fresh bedding.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at the missing guards.

"I sent them away, with what we are planning to do, I didn't want to take any chances. I know our guards are loyal but….I won't risk jeopardizing Rin's future or the legitimacy of your union on any loose tongues on this night."

Sesshomaru nodded and stepped aside to allow his father and Maiko entry.

"Everything went well?" Toga asked, taking in Rin's sleeping appearance. Her bit mark clearly visible.

"Yes, she did glow again. Whatever the glow is, it passed through me as well. The feeling is…..intense." Sesshomaru answered.

Toga nodded and turned towards the young servant, "Well my dear this is where you step in. Is there anything we need to do to help?"

"All I ask is for the small dagger you have tucked into your obi, my lord."

Sesshomaru lowly growled and stepped in front of Rin.

"The dagger is for me, Lord Sesshomaru. I plan on drawing my own blood to pass as her's." Maiko said bowing to both youkai.

Sesshomaru wearily eyed the human woman but stepped back.

Maiko quickly swapped out the bedding and Sesshomaru gently switched Rin over.

Toga handed over the small dagger and Maiko stepped onto the old bedding. Both youkai watched as Maiko looked towards the princess and back, seeming to estimate where the princess would be laying during their mating. She then lifted her long kimono, cutting away a strip, and then placed the dagger at the inside of her thigh and took a deep breath. Maiko then quickly cut herself.

Toga and Sesshomaru both watched as she gathered the blood on the dagger and allowed it to drip onto the futon where Rin would have been laying. Using the dagger, Maiko then slowly spread the blood out and fanned it allowing it to dry. She quickly wrapped her cut with the long piece of kimono she had cut away and turned to both lords.

"That should do it, my lord. I'll take the bedding down to be washed."

"Good, thank you, Maiko. I will see that your weekly stipend is increased." Toga said with a warm smile.

"It is not necessary my king, my loyalty is to the princess and this family. I will always do as commanded by my lord."

"Nonetheless, it will be increased. Wait for me in the hall, I shall walk you down."

Maiko nodded at Sesshomaru and exited.

"The mental link has formed?" Toga asked.

"Yes, it is a low hum. She is at peace; she fell into a deep sleep once the connection finished forming."

"Good. Once she wakes and is in good health, your mother will be training you both in how the link works. It will take time but eventually, you will both be in tune with each other's feelings and be able to detect the slightest wrong thing even by how she thinks."

"Yes, father." Sesshomaru answered, looking towards Rin's sleeping form.

"Goodnight Sesshomaru, I will send the guards back with strict instructions not to enter otherwise commanded by you."

Sesshomaru watched as his father left and went back to his mate. He gently rearranged her and then growled, quickly crouching low in front of his sleeping mate ready to protect her.

"Hush now child, I mean no harm."

Sesshomaru stared, slowly standing, and watched as the other person slowly made their way to his mate.

"Now it's time we have a talk about your little mate Rin," Amaterasu said who was now kneeling next to Rin, gently smiling at her.

~oOo~

The following days, Rin did nothing but sleep. Everyone in the palace was under strict orders to avoid Sesshomaru's chambers. They all understood that Rin needed to recover. At first, the Inu family was concerned when Rin slept for three whole days but Sesshomaru vowed everything was well with his mate. Her young body simply needed the time to recover from all the stress she had gone through and the trauma of her near-rape at Naraku's hands.

Soon the few days turned into a full week and the princess still had not woken. Maiko and Kaede had taken to massaging her body to avoid any bedsores and bathing her.

Sesshomaru never once left her side. He would give Kaede and the human servant privacy as they bathed his mate but would not leave the room.

Toga approached one evening as Sesshomaru was reading next to Rin's sleeping form.

"Sesshomaru, Rin has been asleep for over a week now. Can you sense if everything is ok? I understand that she was exhausted but to sleep this long…."

Sesshomaru set the book down in his lap and sighed.

"She will be asleep for another week."

Toga gasped and sputtered, "But…why? How do you know?"

Sesshomaru did not speak, instead merely looking at Rin.

"Sesshomaru…..what aren't you telling me?" Toga inquired; the great beast king could tell Sesshomaru was holding something back.

"Amaterasu said Rin's demonic side has awakened sooner than expected. She is sleeping because of how much energy it drained from her. Her body is changing now."

Toga's eyes widen in surprise. When Amaterasu visited him and his wives, she made no mention of going to see Sesshomaru.

"When did she tell you this?"

"The night we bonded. I know she spoke to you, mother, and Izayoi earlier in the day."

"Is there anything else?" Toga asked.

Sesshomaru stood from the futon, leading his father away from his mate. Standing near the shoji door leading outside, Sesshomaru turned to his father.

"You know of the origin of her conception and birth?" Sesshomaru asked stoically.

With sad eyes, Toga answered, "Yes…"

"If the decision was mine, my mate would not know until she was stronger…but Amaterasu says she needs to be told the truth now." Sesshomaru said his voice hardening.

"Yes….Amaterasu told me the same."

Toga turned back to his daughter-in-law and back to his son, "We will tell her once she wakes and has had a good meal. Prepare yourself my son….she will need you more than ever."

Sesshomaru was now alone with his mate. He looked towards Rin with sad eyes and prayed that Amaterasu was correct.

Sesshomaru knew once Rin knew the truth, her entire world would shatter. She would feel alone but he would stay by her side. He would make her understand how much she meant to him.

She was his destiny.

~oOo~

Rin felt a soft buzzing in her head.

'Rin it's time to wake up.'

Rin snuggled into the warmth that was surrounding her. She didn't want to leave it.

Rin then felt a soft touch on her cheek, she slowly opened her eyes to see Sesshomaru softly looking at her.

"Sesshomaru?" Rin groggily asked, she tried sitting up but found she couldn't move.

Sesshomaru's large hands helped her to sit up and prop a pillow behind her. Rin looked around to see where she was and saw that it was only the two of them.

"Where are we?" Rin asked. She finally realized that she never asked what room this was or whom it belonged to. She did however have the feeling it belong to Sesshomaru…

"We are in my chambers; how do you feel?"

Rin took a mental inventory of her person's and a truly genuine smile started to spread across her face.

Looking at Sesshomaru, Rin's soft voice answered, "I….feel good. More than good…..I slept and….no nightmares."

Sesshomaru cupped her cheek and rested his forehead against her's, "As it should be, my mate. Our minds are linked now. Nothing can ever harm you in your sleep."

"Our minds are connected now?" Rin asked.

Rin felt the warmth from earlier return. There was that soft buzzing again…

The word 'Yes.' Was pushed into her mind. It was almost like an echo.

'Just think, I'll hear you.'

Rin thought, 'Are you my husband now?'

The warmth spiked in her head, was he amused at her question?

Sesshomaru pulled back and answered, "Yes I am your husband, and you are my wife."

Rin's stomach then growled, and she blushed.

"It's time you have a proper meal."

Just then the shoji door slid open and Maiko walked in holding a tray of food, smiling broadly.

"Princess! It's wonderful to see you awake!" The servant exclaimed out. Rin smiled at her trusted friend and noticed tears in her eyes.

"Maiko, why are you crying? I was only asleep for a day or two." Rin cheerily said.

Rin took in all the food in front of her and felt her mouth water. She couldn't remember the last time she was so happy to see food. The past few weeks her appetite completely disappeared.

Rin picked up the closet bowl of soup when she looked up smiling and noticed Maiko looked concerned.

"Maiko, is everything ok?"

Sesshomaru gently took the bowl from Rin's hands, "Rin….you have been asleep for two weeks."

Rin gasped, "That's….impossible….how?"

"My mate….I'm sure you are aware by now that there is…..something….different about you." Sesshomaru gently said.

Looking her husband in the eyes, Rin nodded.

"Rin, do you remember what happened when you arrived at the castle?"

Rin focused on trying to remember…..she remembered Toga offering her hand and being led into the castle. She remembered a dark hair woman talking to her…..what was her name?

"I met a dark hair woman, she looked to be a few years older than me," Rin said, hoping Sesshomaru could fill in the gaps of her memory.

"You met Kagome, Inuyasha's wife."

"Kagome…" Rin quietly said to herself.

"It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you. You already met my husband Inuyasha."

Inuyasha…Inuyasha…..he tried to help her somehow….a light from her hand….

"NO! NOT MATE!"

Rin's head snapped up and she gasped in horror, "I hurt Inuyasha! Oh my god, what did I do?!"

Sesshomaru quickly hugged Rin to his chest, Rin could feel the warmth flooding her mind. It was calming and soft.

"Inuyasha is fine," Sesshomaru whispered in her ear.

Rin pushed back from Sesshomaru, pleading to him, "Tell me, what did I do?"

Sesshomaru's eyes lowered, and he sighed, "You slept so long because your…abilities are starting to wake up. Your body was drained from all the energy you expelled when you got here."

Rin pulled back, her eyes widening, "My….abilities?..."

Sesshomaru took her hands, "Yes. I know you have many questions, and we will try to answer them all but right now, you need to eat."

Rin shook her head, "No please don't do this to me. Tell me."

Tears were running down her face now, she couldn't face another family lying to her. Her family and now her husband…..

The soft buzzing returned to her head, her panic slowly fading.

'I am not lying to you; I promise we will explain everything to you today but please eat. You have been asleep for two weeks and your body needs nutrients.'

Rin sniffled and pushed back into their link, 'You promise?'

'You have my word as your husband.'

Rin nodded to Sesshomaru's request and began slowly eating. While Rin ate, Maiko brushed her hair and applied camellia oil to it. She also fetched a light yukata for her.

"I'll shall return." Sesshomaru said and then walked out.

Rin noticed she struggled a bit to move around, her body becoming lethargic from not moving for two weeks. When Maiko had pulled her sleeping yukata from her body, Rin gasped at her appearance.

She bit her lip to keep from crying, the warmth suddenly flooded her head again.

'What is wrong?'

Rin jumped at the sudden intrusion. Having Sesshomaru in her head was going to take a while to get used to…

Taking a deep breath, 'I've lost so much weight, I can see almost all my ribs.'

'Yes…your servant advised you had a hard time eating before you arrived here. You're home now, you will be properly fed.'

'Ok'

Maiko helped Rin dressed and helped her back to the futon.

"Maiko, have they been treating you well?" Rin asked. She felt guilt for being asleep the past two weeks essentially leaving her servant alone in their new home.

"Very well princess! Everyone has been so welcoming and kind. My room here is bigger than my previous one! I got to know several of the family members and there are two demon slayers that live here as well! Sango and Kohaku. Sango has even offered to train me in combat!" Maiko explained to her, her face as bright as the sun during her answer.

"Good….good…..Maiko….were you there when I….hurt lord Inuyasha?" Rin asked in a small voice, her head down.

Rin heard Maiko sigh, "Yes I saw everything."

"Did I hurt anyone else?"

"No princess. I would think what lord Sesshomaru did was actually more damaging than what you did."

Rin's head quickly shot up, "What!?"

Maiko tilted her head to the side and smiled, "Oh yes, he was very urgent to get back to you. So much so, he blew a hole through the side of the palace to get to you.

"Oh my….." Rin whispered, covering her mouth.

Rin was baffled by how much Sesshomaru seemed to already love her so much. The day she arrived, was technically her second time meeting him. Second time being in his actual presence.

Rin knew she liked him and was developing feelings, but she couldn't say she loved him yet.

Even when they went to the fog so she could sleep, he readily admitted his feelings and advised she was not obligated to share how she felt. It was like he already knew she did not feel the same for him so far.

How could Sesshomaru love her the way he did when they have known each other for the latter part of the month?

The way he touched her, talked to her, and comforted her…..it was like he knew her his whole life…

Rin looked towards the door when she heard it slid open. Sesshomaru walked in with his parents.

"Princess! It is good to see you well again!" Toga happily said, clasping his hands behind his back.

"How are you feeling princess?" Kimi asked.

"I feel good, better than I've felt in a while, my lady," Rin said smiling.

"None of that now, as I said, you can call my Kimi or mother." Kimi tsked.

"Yes….mother…." Rin shyly said.

Kimi nodded in satisfaction.

Rin took a deep breath, "I'm sorry for any damage I may have caused when I arrived. I….do not remember everything that happened."

Rin then bowed to her family.

Sesshomaru was suddenly at her side, tipping her chin up, "There is nothing to apologize for. There was information your parents were to tell you but failed to do so. The events of the miscommunication and what happened on your voyage here caused the reaction that it did. You are not to blame."

Rin only nodded; she knew Sesshomaru was correct but still….

'No buts my mate.' Sesshomaru spoke into her mind through their link.

'It will take me some time to get used to you being in my head.' Rin pushed back and smiled.

'My mother will instruct us, there are ways to have privacy from each other when the need arises.'

Remembering that they were not the only ones present, Rin looked towards her new parents.

"Sesshomaru said you all will explain everything to me?"

Toga looked between both wives and they all took a seat around the small table that was set up next to the futon. Maiko sat a few feet away.

"Rin, what we are about to tell you….please remember it does not change who you are. You are still the same Rin you have always been."

"But I am not normal." Rin gently said.

Toga sadly smiled, "No… you're not my dear."

Sesshomaru moved so he was sitting behind Rin and drew her to his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her close. Rin could feel the soft buzzing and warmth start to fill her head.

Toga took a deep breath, "Well I suppose the best place to start is at the beginning."

~oOo~

Notes:

Alright, I hope you guys aren't too angry about Sess and Rin not fully consummating their union. I wanted to reflect on how RIn was still recovering from what Naraku did to her and was not ready for a physical relationship yet.

Their relationship will be a slow burn but the wait will be worth it. I will be sprinkling little smuts here and there as their relationship grows. I already have their night planned out and trust me...they will have their night and then some 😉 I will be writing the next chapter which I am considering the season finale of act 1. I will have that out by this coming weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.

Thanks for reading!