Rin sighed, heaving the last of the rice sacks in the storage room at the back of the restaurant. It was mid-summer, and her scanty cheap kimono barely covered her – but the eatery in which she worked had no air conditioning and with the hard work she did, she had to stay cool somehow, or else pass out from heat stroke.
Her employer was a fidgety old man who was pedantic about everything, and he seemed to have it out for Rin. He'd always manage to find her 'slacking off'; i.e. sitting on a log stump outside trying to catch her breath in between customers, dabbing at her sweating brow with a thin handkerchief.
'Oi, get up!' He'd squawk at her, swatting her away with a dish towel 'there's ten more customers in there and they aren't gonna serve themselves!'
Rin had to push on her aching leg muscles to will herself back inside, not reacting to her employers' pesky demands – she was used to them by now.
It had been over ten years.
The image of the Demon Lord who had saved her life and been with her for the first decade of it was now so faded that Rin only remembered the colours of white and gold – the memory of his voice but a whisper on the wind of her mind.
She had hoped for the first couple years in her young teenage days that he'd return but that wish had long ago died.
What replaced it was a numb anger whenever she thought of him; how could he desert her and not so much as give word as to his whereabouts, or anything at all? How could he seem to care, then utterly disappear as though she was nothing at all?
She had learned to think of trust no longer as something implicit, but a thing only to be broken and never rebuilt once lost.
With this attitude Rin had worked hard to pay for the life she now led, in a strange village near a very large and growing port town, after Kaede had passed away three years ago.
The food hall she worked in was an over-crowded, messy affair – always filled with travellers, locals, townsmen, families and lone wanderers. It was an amalgamation of all of Japan in the one place – a great cross section of species and races.
Even some demons came to eat there – none of them anywhere near as powerful as the Lord of the West however.
There was always talk of him – Rin heard snatched whispers among the stranger looking travellers – discussions of a great power that ran Japan with an iron fist, a formidable ruler who's justice and retribution was swift and deadly – his name was never spoken of but in hallowed tones, and many tradesmen and merchants debated new laws to do with border control, goods and service restrictions, check points and filtering of supplies via an external demon official guard.
Rin's ears burned when she overheard such speak – she knew damn well who the Lord of the West was.
It was obvious what had happened; he had dropped her as a child, then never looked back as he went and built his empire – the girl he had found and saved no doubt a mere dust speck in his memory if at all.
Rin knew with her rational mind that it was only normal and natural for such a great being as Sesshomaru to rapidly move on and progress with such wisdom and strength that he had at his command. She had seen him over many years fight larger forces, building his skills to such an extent that he had become a mighty force, not to be reckoned with.
Rin had watched him grow from someone who had to prove his prowess in a fight, to a being that with a single cold look could wither the murderous resolve of the worst of demons, causing them to flee without so much as raising a finger.
Such was his supremacy.
But still the faded murky memories of the many nights she slept near him, feeling such exultant safety and peace with the dog demon nearby would peek in to her conscious and a deep stab of pain would run through her gut, causing her to miss him terribly.
There was no real forgetting the one who had raised, saved and taught her all that she knew as a child, and this angered her above all.
Rin desired to forget her childhood guardian and raise herself within society and prove that he had no power over her.
But that was impossible. Rin hated everything with a passion – that she was still stooped to the level of serving maid and waitress to anything and anyone that bid her services.
Surely, she should have taken the knowledge her Lord had bestowed upon her and used it to become some great lady – at least someone of greater wealth than she was now!
Alas; it had not been so easy, especially after Kaede's death.
The old woman had lent gentility to Rin's character, and she had taught her many lady-like pursuits such as stitching and drawing, as well as formed her childish enthused tone of speech to a more turned, womanly tone, laced with mystery and calmness.
But after that woman's passing Rin's finances became dire rather quickly.
She had picked up various menial jobs until she had finally ended up at the great hall in Lukuoka, right near the great port city of Fyuoshu. Since the decade that the Lord of the West had been in power, Japan was the leading supplier to the rest of the world and the wealth of the country had exponentially tripled since the previous ruler. Fyuoshu had gone from a reasonably sized fishing town to a hub of steaming production and trade.
Rin knew she was nothing to such a being. She barely felt anything to herself; she despised that her soul continued to reminisce of the times she had spent alongside the now ruler of the country she served in.
Her anger burned at her helplessness, and she could only take it out each day by blinding herself emotionally by physically draining all her energy in vigorously cleaning tables, running to and from Fyuoshu with supplies, making deals with merchants for new spices and grains, baby-sitting Kagome's pups, and serving customers.
One good thing was that Rin's strength was by no means pitiful with all the labour she underwent; small and soft though she appeared, her arms could sooner knock out a lecherous customer than she could deftly pour ale for another.
And perverted customers were in no small supply.
Rin, fit from her work, yet with a heavy bust and wide hips, caused the restaurant to become even busier with her as a main attraction.
Men and demons alike would follow the meagrely clad woman with their eyes, watching as her voluptuous chest bounced with her quick walk in between tables, holding high many plates and cups, how her flushed cheeks caused her face to appear lewd and inviting, and many of them would 'spill' their beverages in order to ogle her round ass and the crevice between her upper thighs outlined by the cloth that stuck there by here warm skin; not to mention her swollen breasts dropping and revealing a deep cleavage that made them drool.
Many times Rin had been followed home, pulled in to alley ways, coaxed with briberies – but every encounter the little woman had swiftly kneed them in the balls and ran fast enough to escape – screamed so loud at least someone would hear and assist her, or stabbed them with the small dagger she kept tied to her upper thigh against her skin and under her clothing.
Many times, she had been groped and had to listen to disgusting remarks concerning her body. Such treatment had caused her to become hateful towards men and she cut any advances or honest interest off with an icy cold demeanour, not countenancing any proposals or offers of male friendship. Her passionate soul repelled their attention and Rin wanted nothing more than to remain staunchly single for her entire life after the constant harassment she had received.
That was, until a merchant called Sato showed up one day two years ago at her workplace.
He was not like anyone she had known before – except maybe Kohaku. He never scanned her up and down like a pervert or said any words that degraded her.
He would order food, ask how she was doing, and oftentimes he'd put in a few hours work unpaid to help Rin out with the load of customers. He'd leave her wildflower bouquets – the type she used to collect in her youth as a child, and it touched a soft spot in her heart – probably the only soft spot left.
It was with delight when Rin returned from the storeroom to find Sato waiting in line with his satchel of goods for some food, and she approached him with a wide smile on her face.
'Rin! You look dead tired. Go and sit down and I'll serve these people'
Rin hugged him freely with her chest pressed against him, and Sato went red, but recovered quickly enough to return her gaze when she let him go.
'Would you? Are you sure? My employer is in the kitchen at the moment, but I'll take over again as soon as he comes back out'
'Of course, I can see you're even trembling from exertion' he noticed with concern lacing his tone. 'Once I have this line of customers cleared, I must tell you something!'
'Oh?' Rin cocked her head in question at him, but he only squeezed her upper arm and rushed off to take her place, as the clients in line were becoming restless.
'Oi wench, we're hungry!' a low demon snarled, turning and glaring at the attractive yet wrung out serving girl and the merchant.
Sato glared at them 'she is tired. I will be serving you'
The demon grumbled, upset that the fuckable servant would not be handing him his food but at least glad he would be fed soon.
Rin sunk down thankfully in her seat, fanning herself with a paper menu on the table, feeling her lower back burn with such an ache that she winced – her tendons and muscles in her hands throbbing with heat and strain, and a tension headache spread from temple to temple. Using her small pink tipped fingers to massage them, she looked up to find someone had joined her. Sato smiled back at her.
'That was quick!' Rin looked around, noticing that the customer line had dispersed for now at least.
'I tried to be' he half smiled 'I wanted to sit with you for as many moments as you have free' he cleared his throat. 'I know you don't want to – er – hear about him – you know' Sato glanced warily at Rin and watched as her brows knit together in question.
'The Western ruler' Sato elaborated, and Rin stiffened.
'No, I do not' she said decidedly.
'Well, I know no one else believes you had anything to do with him in the past, but you know I knew Kaede, and she was the one who said you travelled with him in your childhood. I and a few others do believe you – not to mention, you're obvious and genuine dislike of him speaks more volumes than tales' Sato laughed 'any other woman would faint over him, even I have heard anecdotes of his beauty and conquests.'
Rin became paler, her fingers returning to massaging her temples.
'I'm sorry' Sato quickly said 'I just had to let you know, being aware of your past with him and your hatred toward the great Demon, that there is some news I heard which immediately brought me to you'
Rin looked at her friend with her lovely wide brown eyes narrowed in suspicion and curiosity, though she hated to admit to the latter emotion.
There was nothing she wanted less than to be bothered with word of her childhood protector-turned legendary ruler of Japan.
Yet there was also nothing she wanted more, perhaps to add fuel to the fire of her healthy dislike. Her trust had been broken and replacing that had been nothing but disgust.
'The latest news among the merchants is that the Lord himself is visiting every town and village to ensure order is upheld in all of them. I believe the real motive is different – perhaps there is a threat to national security, or some illegal substance has been filtered through our imports. It could even be more extraneous than that – it is difficult to tell what such a Royal Demon could be driven by. But I had to come and let you know, as he will be here in Fyuoshu not a day from now. There is a great entourage with him, many demoness's and guards – so it will be hard to miss his arrival, but only us travellers and tradesmen know of it as the news has not quite been kept a secret, but not spread around either. My immediate thought was to let you know, as to prepare yourself to see someone I know you dislike.'
Rin had become more and more rigid as Sato's words continued revealing to her that the Demon Sesshomaru was soon to be within her physical sight for the first time in over a decade.
Not next week, or in a month – but tomorrow.
Suddenly she felt so ill that her head dropped in her hands and she had to steady her breathing as her heart was beating far too erratically.
'Rin - ?' Sato had flung his hand across the table, grasping her forearm gently.
'Is there anything you can do to escape seeing him?' He inquired.
Rin slowly raised her head from her palms. Her eyes were blank and burned darkly like coals.
'No. My employer needs me most of all on a Saturday – and I need the money even more. That – person – has hurt me too much in the past to ever warrant my going out of the way to avoid him. He means nothing to me now, and the last thing I will do is run like a coward. Thank you for telling me, Sato-kun and sparing me the shock had I not known. It may be too much, but there is one thing I wish to ask of you'
Sato nodded, watching her pretty flushed cheeks become swept by her dark eyelashes as her eyes closed for a few moments.
'Would you be able to be here tomorrow? I – would like to know a friend is nearby'
Sato grasped her hand, clutching it.
'Of course,' he stated, but there appeared to be a stress to his tone 'it was a good thing anyway, as I have a stall at the markets tomorrow morning and was staying the night'
'Oh Kami, thank you' Rin sighed heavily, before noticing the busy old man that was her employer re-emerged from the kitchens.
'I must go' she said, withdrawing her hand from Sato's grasp, and with the news her friend had given her heavy on her heart, Rin overdid herself that afternoon with ensuring the restaurant ran as smoothly as it ever did.
Him! He would be here tomorrow, and Rin barely could conjure what he may be like now – would ten years have changed him as much as it did her? Or would he be the same implacable pillar of emotionless power?
She dared to not entertain that imagining.
What was his purpose in coming personally to all districts? Why did he have to come now, when she had waited patiently so long ago, only for her hope to solidify to anger and hurt? It was poor timing. But; Rin remembered that the last thing the great Lord of the West would be here for was her – and she burned to think of him not even caring or knowing she lived still. He had shown no such interest in the past ten years.
That night, Rin curled up in bed with a migraine so fierce that sparks flew before her eyes, and anxiety knotted so deeply in her stomach that she vomited. Even the stars outside did not bring her heart joy, and only the soft blowing of the night-time breeze relieved her feverish body.
Thank Kami Sato would be there, she would look at him for support and comfort – he had provided her with that and only that for the past few years.
He was like an older brother of sorts to her – and if the desire to ever produce offspring came to her, Rin would probably ask him to be with her.
It was with disgust and shame that any time she had ever masturbated herself to a climax that it was not Sato she thought of. No human male entered her mind – not even some of the better-looking demons she had served.
It was a singular pair of curiously golden eyes that watched her coldly as she massaged the folds between her legs needfully in her heated mind.
The next day was hotter than the last, and Rin rose from her insufficient rest to wash in her makeshift bathroom. Pouring cold water over herself with water from the pump, she allowed her body heat to drop and send cold shivers all over her, her nipples hardening at the temperature change.
Rin had hated her body as it had changed so greatly over puberty – if she hadn't turned in to such a curvaceous woman, Rin believed that she'd not have half the problems with men as she did now.
It was unfortunate that wearing the thin, short kimonos every other village girl wore in the heat of the season looked almost obscenely sexual on Rin just because of her figure.
She looped her long heavy brown hair in a bun and stuck some pins in it as she usually did, her slender pale neck on display. The V line of the kimono plunged down the bottom of her sternum revealing the crevice between her large breasts, and the hem of the clothing pulled tightly around her thick milky mid-thighs.
Rin was going to act as normally as possible today, of all days.
She would not react when she saw him or speak out of turn; she would indeed speak to him, but only as a serving maid to any other customer – no distinctions, no flutter of recognition or honour, save the customary lower bow accorded to high royalty.
He would get no special treatment.
Not after ten years of white noise and utter slighting.
Rin put on the high wooden thongs she had to wear and tucked her hand in the sleeve of her kimono, making her way to work.
At 5am, the sun already blazed high in the sky, heat waves visible rising off roofs and farm machinery; stalls and goods.
Rin's pale skin flushed pink with heat as she weaved her way through vendors and bowed to the locals and travellers that she knew, setting up their tables with wares for the day.
But though Rin's outer shell was held together, her stomach was one big painful twist of trepidation and sickness, hoping against hope that Sato was mistaken, and the Lord of the West was not about to enter her township.
Rin had arrived at work and alongside ten other waitresses, began organising the hall for the day, cleaning and setting up tables with cutlery and dishes, placing all necessary ingredients in the kitchen, and their employer came by with a look of overt stress on his face.
'Gather round, gather round!' The old man waved his hands about, motioning for everyone to halt what they were doing and circle around him. Rin's stomach tightened even more, and she hardly knew what to do with herself.
Her employer always looked frazzled, but his expression of utter horror was something new even to his finicky character.
'I've just been told' he began, dabbing at his brow with a towel 'by the merchants and a herald, that the – ' he took a deep breath 'the LORD OF THE WEST is coming' he announced with such a suddenly raised high-pitched voice that everyone jumped, as though the news on its own wasn't enough of a shock. The old man sounded as though the revelation was a physical blow and he leaned on a bench for support.
'Kami help us' he whispered before glaring around at his staff 'well!' He shouted 'don't just stand there! Look smart, go – go put some rouge and kohl on, girls, you look half-dead! Cook, go and use our latest spices – no! The freshest meat – understaff men, go and fetch our best sake! – Rin! Come with me!'
Rin felt as though her knees were made of jelly and her stomach was doing so many back flips, she thought it might jump through her mouth. She had no idea what her employer had singled her out for again, but she hoped it was not going to be bad news.
'Now, Rin' he turned to her as he had led her outside in between the hall and storage room.
'Please, put some stuff on your face once I've talked with you, you look the worst out of them all.' After glaring at the small woman disapprovingly, his eyes softened a moment.
'You're our hardest working employee' he said, and Rin was so taken aback at the praise that she stared at him dumb founded.
'Yes, well you might gape' he remarked caustically, noting her look of wonderment. 'But because of this you now have greater responsibility' her employer wrung his hands together and began pacing.
'I can't believe I only found out this morning about the Ruler of the West coming through these lands! I can't believe it. But I want you to serve him – if he even eats the food from here at all – at least ensure his entourage is satiated. Serve him beverages and offer to show him anything he needs to know about. You're the prettiest girl here, so I am sure he might not be so harsh on the way I run things if he has something good to look at'
Rin froze.
'I can't' was all she managed to say with quick bluntness.
'What?'
'I can't do it. Please get Ami to do it' she pleaded, all of a sudden grabbing his wizened old hands.
He pried her grasp from his fingers.
'Now why the attitude Rin? Of course, you must do it. You have unusually genteel manners for a maid, your voice is pleasant, and you know how to speak to those higher than you. The old dame Kaede taught you well, and it was why I took you in the first place'
'Thank you and I know you hired me because of Kaede's training, sir, but' – sudden tears washed over her eyes and the old man's eyes widened 'I can't. Please believe me when I say I wish to have as little interaction with the Lord of the West as possible' allowing the name of his title leave her lips left a bitter taste in her mouth and Rin winced.
'I had heard rumours of your past with him' muttered the old manager. 'But I've never seen you like this' he patted her head.
'Be strong, girl!' He sounded hearty, but slightly annoyed at her emotive display.
'I will make sure you are ok. He won't eat you. He probably doesn't even know you exist anymore, so forget about the time you ever spent with him. A decade is too long a time to hold on to such passions'
Rin felt shivers coursing down her spine, bereft of retorts to the stubborn old man, not to mention being taken aback by the sudden softness to her employers' tone of address.
He was right, after all. She was being stupid; ten years was far too long for her to break into a puddle of tears now. Rin righted herself with herculean effort and stood straight.
'Yes, sir' she bowed, and he cleared his throat, glad she seemed to have pulled herself together, reverting back to his grumpy old self.
'Off with you then!' he said 'go join the others and look a bit livelier'
Rin nodded and left, feeling hopeless in the face of what was about to take place.
Hopelessness might be ok, but tears and weakness were not, she reasoned. She allowed her heart to harden over the course of the morning, and after applying some makeup in the back room, she felt as though a coat of armour was on her face.
She'd not need anyone to tell her to keep her head screwed on today, for she had it tightly threaded on with her own will.
No man or demon, least of all him, would sway her.
The day reached a high of forty degrees, and Rin felt as thought the air itself sparked with fire flames. Strands of hair that had fallen from her bun stuck to the nape of her neck and down her back, her feet slid on her thongs and the kimono stuck to her body, revealing every crevice and outline.
The day was so beyond busy due to not only the weekend, but the markets, and news of the great Lord passing through. Fans of his thronged the streets and the call for cold drinks was overflowing and constant.
Rin found herself so overtaken with her duties, running trays expertly through the dense rabble of humans and demons that she barely stopped when a collective hush washed over the great hall.
'Bow to the Lord of the West!'
A cry went up from a herald, and many finely dressed guards appeared in the entrance way of the town hall. All the guests, even the inebriated ones, raised themselves to their feet to bow low as the train of demons walked into the place. Many people peered around, looking for the renowned tall figure of the Demon Lord, but it appeared only his men had entered the place and he was not with them.
Everyone was ordered to be at ease, and slowly tentative conversation and laughter rose once again in the cacophonous hall.
'Off you go!' Rin's employer came up to her and shooed her toward the guardsmen, but she had to finish serving the large table of snake demons first. Bending to place their drinks on the table, Rin felt a hand slither around her waist.
'Would you sit on my lap while I enjoy this wine?' A reptilian male hissed at her, and Rin swatted his hand away, wishing to serve the demons and get it over with so she could also get over with serving the dog demons who had just arrived.
It had been with a great wash of relief that Rin had not seen him with them and hoped that he was occupied elsewhere; after all he did not eat the food of mortals or lower demons.
Nonetheless, knowing creatures of his clan were in her vicinity caused her heart to thump loudly in her chest.
'I make an order for this maid' the snake continued harassing Rin, and she found his strong hold was more difficult than most to pry off, and she glared at the creature angrily.
'Unhand me, the whore house is down the street if that's what you're after'
The snake's eyes narrowed to slits.
'Whores are easy, and it's their job to give themselves. But an unwilling girl not in the sex services – ' his green eyes scanned her crudely up and down – 'and of your calibre - is what turns me on most. Resist further and you'll be sorry'
Rin's eyes widened in detestation as the reptile spoke to her in such uncivilized terms, and she found herself pulled against the grotesque creature's side, her breasts against his head as he sat down. She immediately began clawing at the forearm under her bust to escape.
But the snake stilled entirely as a cold blade suddenly rested against his throat seemingly out of thin air.
Rin looked up from her struggles to see that a soldier of the dog clan had put a long sword against the lascivious fiend's vital throat vein.
'Ha! You dog's, always so honourable' the snake spat, but it was not long before he spoke no more, as the blade sliced through the neck of the reptile, cutting it clean off.
Many people gasped in horror, but they all turned around to face the other way, not wanting to be next. Not a word would be said against the actions of one of the men from the Lord of the West's tribe. They were the strongest and wisest beings in existence.
Rin had let out a silent shocked scream as blood spurted across her white chest and kimono, stepping back rapidly as the snake's head slid sluggishly and rolled off the shoulders of the corpse.
Looking up at the guard, she stared for a few moments in horror at the helmeted head, before turning and dashing through the close rabble of onlookers to escape to the fresh air.
'Rin! Get back in there and serve – ' her employer stopped voicing his demand as Rin turned and he saw how she had blood all over her clothing.
'One of the dog guards killed a snake who was harassing me' she said evenly, her face deathly white.
'I knew the dog clan was ruthless but isn't this a bit much?' whined the owner, pulling his hair with his hands.
'They only just arrived for Kami's sake and they've already killed someone! There's not much I can do about it of course; the guards are at half the power of the Lord and he endorses their actions. Even at half the ruler's strength not all the demons in this hall could take them on!' he glanced distractedly over Rin's gored clothing.
'Go and change, there's another kimono uniform in the back room, then serve them. Act as if nothing has happened.'
Her employer hurriedly dashed back inside to find the snake clan hissing dangerously at the dog demon who had slain one of their members.
'You'll pay for this!' one of the reptiles snarled and the whole table raised from their seats, prepared to lunge toward the motionless armed member of the Lord of the West's entourage.
But the dog soldier removed his helmet, and they all stopped dead in their tracks, and the crushing rabble of onlookers gasped.
A heavy curtain of white hair fell from the constraints of the head piece, swaying down to almost his booted feet, and his ruby red eyes were slits; his indefatigable face was a mask of indifference and ultimate power seeped from his very aura.
Marks dashed across his high cheekbones and in the middle of his forehead a crescent moon signified that they all beheld the Lord of the West himself.
'M-my Lord' the entire group of snakes bowed low, stuttering.
'We apologise for the offense which our brother caused you, you dealt swift justice. We are honoured to be in your presence.'
The Lord Sesshomaru did not speak but turned on his heel and returned to his clan; the crowd creating a wide wave of space in his wake to let the tall Demon Ruler through, their forms bowing low as he passed.
It was like having a great pillar of solid destruction pass them by and all hairs stood on the back of every neck at his silent supremacy.
His eyes remained red, but he did not react in any way that indicated his rage, apart from the cold decapitation of the snake demon earlier.
The poor hall manager sighed in deep relief once he witnessed the Lord of the West reveal his identity; it meant his establishment would be saved from becoming a lake of blood and bodies.
It was curious that the ruler had arrived in a disguise of sorts, but perhaps it was not too uncommon for the brave lord to be the leader at the front of his men rather than behind them dressed like a king.
The manager wondered at the quick retribution that had befallen the customer who had harassed Rin and he frowned, remembering the tale of her travels with the now Ruler of the West.
Was it because the Emperor did remember his ward from years ago?
But perhaps that esteemed Spirit had merely wished to prove a point to anyone disrespecting the wishes of another being and forcing unwelcome attention.
Or maybe, to show his quick and emotionless ability to kill, lest anyone in this hall felt dislike toward the dog clan.
The motives could number many.
Rin had re-emerged shortly after the Lord of the West had shown who he was.
She had to calm herself greatly before appearing again to serve customers, especially the dog clan that had just now protected her – trying to not allow the stench of the snake blood to turn her stomach inside out. Luckily, she had not yet eaten and even if she had thrown up, the only thing regurgitated would have been bile and water.
The manager approached her again, glad to see she had tidied herself up and re-arranged her hair.
'Go now! It seems you gained the favour of the clan already. Serve them and express due gratitude.'
Rin inclined her head and threaded her way through the many tables, with a great pull urging her to run in the other direction in which she was forced to go. The dogs stood around the hall, seemingly inspecting with subtlety the personages within the great gallery.
When she looked up from the ground, as she was ensuring there was no foot sticking out or drink spill to trip her up, Rin paused ever so slightly in her tracks.
For there, in grandeur, stood a creature of such blinding handsomeness that she felt her mouth and throat become parched as a desert under a high noon sun.
Her memory came crashing back to the forefront of her mind as she found her gaze locked with the deep amber ones of her youth.
He was taller than she remembered – his hair longer and whiter, his shoulders broader; he seemed graced with even more beauty than ever her feeble recollection could deign to comprehend.
His fine features – from the sharp jaw line and pointed ears, to the grimly set lips, the straight nose and those deeply burning, cold yet strangely intense eyes set under fine dark brows, caused her memory to conflate the vague images of her dreams with the starkly detailed and completely alive visage before her.
All this her gaze devoured in a mere split second before she looked away, refusing to blush, refusing to allow her sandpaper mouth to not open with such crippling anxiety that would surely give her away. Alas, she saw no hint of recognition within that yellow gold gaze. Inwardly she smirked, satisfied that she was utterly forgotten by the great Lord before her.
Rin bowed low, remembering the turns of phrase that she had prepared, speaking with her smooth womanly voice as she rose from her curtsey. She appeared unruffled as any tea house geisha hostess – professional to the utmost, graceful and beautiful. But within her heart hammered like a hummingbird.
'Greetings to you, Emperor, and to your clan. I apologise for the delay in service, my Lord. We are deeply honoured to have your presence in our halls. Please allow me to serve you and your guardsmen in any way you wish – whether it is with food, or information. I will try my best to assist you with my abilities.' She inclined her head graciously as she finished.
Rin looked up with steadiness from the eyes of the ruler himself to a few of the soldiers who stood near him, including them in her address; she knew not which one had saved her before.
Rin was trembling like an autumn leaf in a storm inside. Such was the sheer force of will that Rin felt emanating from the Demon Lord of her childhood that her very soul quailed within her. His striking looks notwithstanding, his silent grace overwhelmed her. She certainly did not remember feeling so overpowered in her youthfulness; perhaps distance and her own growth had caused her to become more aware of such things.
Had she really used to curl up in his lap after a nightmare; played with his hair? Had it been her imagination that he had held her in his arms with the greatest of care whenever she'd been in danger? This man – god – before her now – surely could not be one and the same.
She was proud that her childish accents from her adolescence had turned to a deeper, more feminine voice and despite her inward turmoil, she had sounded strong, quiet yet confident in her own ears, and that gave her a sort of reassurance.
'What is your name?' Asked one of the guards.
The Western ruler merely maintained an expressionless regard of the maid with his red turned golden eyes, from his height his gaze slanted downwards as she only came to his shoulder height.
'My name is Rin Urihara, sir' she bowed again in the direction of the guard. Would he even remember her name as she spoke it? If there was the slightest of chances that he did – what on earth would he think of her? Did he think her pretty, or was he disgusted at her low position? Would her appearance be displeasing to him? Her mind ran a million miles.
'We have travelled far today, and it is very hot. Could you get us some refreshments?' The unknown guard addressed Rin.
'It would be my pleasure' she inclined her head, smoothly avoiding the gaze of the Western ruler. Calmly, Rin turned on her heel and made her way back through the throng of people to serve the demons of the west, making her way to the kitchen. Once she had exited the main hall and entered the steaming large kitchen, she leant against a wall for a moment, her hand clutching over her heart, catching her breath, trembling.
'Why are you shivering in this heat?' one of the cooks remarked as he ran past her.
Rin slapped her cheek and set to work gathering about twenty saucers for drinking and preparing the best sake, annoyed that she had allowed her emotions to overtake her at such a moment.
He definitely did not recognise her. He looked so formidable now that she barely knew how she was going to return to them. Perhaps it was her childish mind that had remembered him showing softer expressions. Perhaps the years of war and tireless work on the country had hardened him again?
Her cheeks now burned up with a deep blush, and she felt her throat constrict with heavy tears. Why was he here? Why did he of all people have to be the ruler of her land.
She had known him only as a solitary wanderer, quiet and yet caring in his own way.
Now he was a being of such influence and authority, he commanded respect of the entire room without a word or movement.
How was the Sesshomaru of her childhood the same creature as the Lord standing out there?
Yet it was still he who had deserted her, not leaving so much as a word behind for a whole decade. Her initial shock still sending sparks throughout her body, Rin's anger ran deep, nonetheless. He might have had many things to become and control – but she was a mere human, and to be forgotten so crudely and openly had hurt beyond healing.
It did not matter that it was the Lord of the West who now represented the person who'd left her. She remembered her Sesshomaru, the one who rescued her time and again, and kept her safe from harm – teaching her many things patiently, and ensuring she was always in good health.
A voice whispered within her that he was also always the object of her deepest fantasies, but Rin's conscious mind was far from acknowledging that fact now.
If he had dropped her and left her behind, then so could she to him.
Rin was determined that she would give no sign whatever of her remembrance; he had long lost the privilege of her notice on a personal level – civilian of his empire she may be, but nothing more or less.
Rin was the last person to grovel at the feet of someone who did not want her.
~!~!~!~
'Why did you kill that snake?' One of the guards asked their Master.
Sesshomaru inclined his head toward his soldier slightly, his voice low and silken.
'That reptile was the one who allowed one of our detainees to escape.'
'Oh, was he was the guy who let that turncoat free when we had held him for court sentencing 6 months ago?'
The miscreant they spoke of had re-directed some ships to export illegally to an enemy country. The traitor had been caught by the snake clan but let loose by the one the Western Lord had just murdered. The guard always knew there were many good reasons for the actions of his mighty employer, no matter how extreme they might have appeared at first.
The foremost reason for the killing, however, was no one's to know.
~!~!~!~!
Rin returned to her illustrious clients holding high a tray full of sake cups with separate bowls of ice, and some snacks she knew some dog demons to like. Raw or barely cooked meat, and fresh fruit.
She bid them to sit at a large table that other customers had cleared for their ruler. In general, the air of the great gallery was much quieter than its wont, but the clans talked among themselves as usual, not wanting to gawk at their leader or bring undue attention to themselves.
The rule of thumb was the Emperor Inu Daiyokai would not heed one's existence unless an individual did something out of the ordinary to warrant his esteemed attention.
The might of over twenty dog demons clad in armour and their ruler seemed the height of incongruence in the middle of many highs and lows of society that gathered there on a Saturday. The killing of the snake had cast a sombre mood on the room, but alcohol was enough to raise spirits again. Not many people like the reptiles, so it had not caused too great a stir except among their own kind.
Rin's eyes burned in her skull as she tried desperately to erase the image of the severed head from her mind, the long tongue sticking out grossly from its mouth. She was usually able to protect herself against such unwanted attention, and she wondered why one of these guards she now served had decided to kill the demon.
She recalled how Sesshomaru used to slay creatures without so much as a warning and would still continue on unbothered by the taking of life.
It was what had made him in to such a fearsome leader no doubt, and he had instilled the same mercilessness in his men. Yet Rin hoped that he was not entirely given over to blood lust as she had sometimes feared in her younger years. Sure, he had seemed to have a sort of care for her, Jaken and Ah-un, but that did not dictate his feelings toward every other living creature.
He had not got where he was with flattery and bribery, that was for certain. Yet surely bloodshed and strength alone did not make a worthy leader.
As Rin bent to place the trays in the centre of the table, she chanced a furtive glance at the Lord of the West who remained standing by his men as they all seated themselves and with shock she noticed his yellow gaze was on her – the expression one of slight annoyance? Or was it - impatience? The years of separation had clouded her abilities to read his face as well.
Rin did not see any softness there at all and knew that the rumours of the Lord's iron fist were not exaggerated. He had left her in the village with Kaede, and it seemed any gentleness he may have had.
Why was her Sesshomaru so detached and cold as to send shivers down her spine? For certain, he had forgotten her, but there was no need for him to gaze at her like an intolerant juror, his eyes judging her for her very existence, so it seemed.
How did he not remember her? He was so lost in his own power.
Rin tipped her chin in slight defiance when she broke away from his regard and moved slowly around the table to hand each guard their drink with a small bow and smile.
He could not intimidate her, and though every other being around them refused to interact with the frightening ruler, Rin would not allow her own consuming anxiety defeat her purpose of proving he was nothing to her; most of all, to herself.
She reached the last guard before the Lord himself, and she lingered longer on this man than all the others, her heart straining against her rib cage as she dreaded having to pass anything in servitude to this one man.
Trying to slowly as possible inhale the deepest breath she had probably taken yet, Rin bent, taking another glass, as she elegantly rose again from the floor to turn and face him.
It was the closest she'd been to him in ten years.
He was so tall she felt as though the chest she faced was an unscalable wall, framed by silken long white tresses spilling around his form.
'My Lord' Rin bowed low, offering the drink to him, her eyes downcast with an appearance of respect, masking her terror.
Slender fingers brushed against her hand as he took the vessel from her hand, and her skin burned where he had grazed.
'It's very – hot. I need ice' Rin's heart stopped a moment as she heard his voice for the first time in many long months. Deep, gravelly.
'Of course' she murmured, kneeling again to pick some ice up, raising to offer it to the great Demon.
Rin felt utterly dissociated, wondering how such paltry and ridiculous dialogue was the first she was to have with him after five score years apart.
As soon as she had placed the ice in the drink he held, keeping her eyes steady on the task and not on him, Rin replaced the tool to the ice bowl and turned to serve the next soldier, feeling as though her entire body burned being so near the one she had dearly missed – finally, yet so stung by his utter ignorance of her. It was well she had not looked up into his face and shown the pain in her eyes.
She outwardly maintained such a dignified air, that the soldier she served next asked her;
'Are you a lady of this village? Is that why such a refined and pretty young woman serves us?'
Rin did faintly blush at that; her hand paused momentarily in its mission to pour and pass the drink to him.
'I thank you, sir' she kept her gaze downward as she served the demon under Sesshomaru's employ. It was embarrassing that she was being spoken to properly by the soldier next to the Ruler. 'But I am no lady – this is my workplace and it pleases me to serve you'
The guard scoffed 'a lady is not so by title only. You are one, regardless of position in society'
Rin flashed a sweet smile to the face of the guardsmen, allowing some her true self shine through. It was ironic that a demon of the dog clan who did not know her at all would comment so sweetly and sincerely to her.
She felt her heart squeeze with warmth, as genuine praise was usually lacking in her occupation, and she thanked him again, bowing.
Knowing Sesshomaru had well heard the exchange made her feel lightheaded, and she wished despite being truly grateful for the compliment, that it had not been spoken in front of the one she wished to avoid.
'Would you sit with us and talk easily while we rest? We have much to do today. There are also some questions we need to ask, and you may be able to help us with your local knowledge' Rin's eyes widened ever so slightly, but she used all her will to maintain a mask of polite interest, no more or less.
She hardly knew the procedure for such a request, especially spoken by a demon in a royal envoy, so she decided to ask his permission to ensure her employer would be able to operate without her services for as long as the dog clan needed her.
'Of course,' was the guard's amiable response, and she was thankful for the even tempered, easy going nature of the man. Unlike someone next to them, who seemed to be intent on standing – as though on the lookout, and completely disregarding her existence as he had always done.
As Rin raised herself to collect the trays to return to the kitchen, she caught a glimpse of Sato, and her face broke out into a gorgeous wide smile. Closely passing by Sesshomaru as she focused in on her merchant friend, Rin advanced towards the man and hugged him.
'Rin! Is that – ' Sato motioned toward the striking figure standing nearby, his voice awed.
'That is the Lord of the West' Rin replied; her tone slightly clipped. 'I have been asked to attend to them today.' She gave Sato a 'look' that the marketeer read to mean 'don't ask me here'. Rin knew that Sesshomaru could hear every word she spoke if he wanted to, even above the din of the room.
'How is the market? Have you sold much?' Rin inquired, trying to ignore the feeling of a pair of eyes boring into her back. It was most likely her imagination.
'In fact I have! Ever since early this morning there have been hordes of customers – many here to see our Ruler' Sato watched as Rin's pallor seemed to fade at every mention of the Western Demon. The agreeable man glanced toward the leader over Rin's head as she had her back to the white demon and saw how he seemed to be the subject of that daunting spirit's regard. The creature was certainly impressive beyond the vocabulary at his command, and Sato wondered if he was putting a foot wrong in speaking to the Lord of the West's former ward.
'I must let you go' Sato said to his lovely companion, his glance returning from his first encounter of the Lord of the West 'I – I will get back to my stall. Let me know if you need anything'
'Thank you' Rin gave the merchant such a look of melting gratitude that Sato's breath caught in his throat, but the aura he experienced from the leader of the dog clan was too powerful for him to remain at her side. He knew when he was in danger - he was a clever man and had encountered many different types of people. But certainly, he had never felt such force of raw will than he did from the Demon monarch or sense such peril. And he most certainly was in danger of something.
Rin hurried back to the kitchens with her charge and found her employer darting back and forth between massive boiling pots of rice and curry, licking the tips of his fingers as he ensured each dish was made to perfection. Rin realised how sweaty she was and hoped that the guard's opinion of her apparent gentle breeding was no delusion on his part. What had Sesshomaru thought of his vassals' remarks to her? She shook herself, knowing that it was useless trying to divine the thoughts of someone who had now become a complete stranger to her.
'Sir, may I have a moment?'
'What is it girl?' the stressed old man grumbled, barely stopping.
'The guards of the Lord of the West wish for me to sit with them and answer some questions. Could you manage with me gone for some moments?'
Rin watched as her employer looked at her with bulging eyes, his silence causing Rin to shuffle on her feet.
'What sort of question is that?' He finally screeched.
'Go, go!' He shooed her 'you come asking me for permission when the ruler of our land requests your company as though I have greater power? Are you mad?' He shushed her right out of the kitchen and shut the door on her unceremoniously.
Rin took a few deep breaths before returning with the jug of expensive sake that the hall owner suddenly shoved in her empty hands, darting his head out of the kitchen door again and then disappearing.
Rin clutched the expensive alcohol with both hands, and though she was usually used to carrying a scary amount of plates and glasses at high speed, this one vessel seemed to hold the weight of the world.
Quickly returning to the guardsmen – and him – Rin dodged many customers asking for her services as she politely declined, informing everyone that she would be sitting with the dog clan for now. The looks she received were not short of horrified; for a serving girl to sit with the royal envoy was unheard of.
Perhaps they would eat her later? There had been rumours of the pitiless ruling tribe eating people's hearts.
Rin bowed as she approached the table once more, overwhelmed by the number of men in the group. They made her nervous at the best of times, and she could only hope they were all of similar character to the one guard who had requested her presence with them. A few demonesses had joined them as well by this time, fanning themselves as they lay back on the establishment's best cushions, looking around themselves scathingly, obviously thinking themselves far above the company.
'Lord Sesshomaru, when do we leave this – hovel – for the port city? I'm dying to see the new fabrics they've got in' A beautiful ebony haired demon directed her arch inquiry toward the ruler, and Rin did not like her referencing the hall as a hovel. But she was so beautiful, her words seemed justified. Such a stunning creature certainly stood out against the contrasting relative drabness of the gallery. Yet, the demoness could be said to fit in when one transferred their gaze to the Lord of the West; his appearance and aura was far above anyone.
The guard who had requested Rin's presence ignored the demonesses whining and motioned for her to sit down beside him; which happened to be right next to the Lord himself, who was now seated.
Was this some cruel plot of the kami to humiliate her? Rin believed it had to be, as the awkwardness she felt caused her to actually speak out.
Sesshomaru had likewise ignored the question of the demoness, and his citrine eyes slanted toward the direction of Rin as the girl raised an appropriate question.
'Sir, is it proper to sit in such a position?'
Rin's eyes remained steadfast on the guard, refusing to look at the person she thought of.
'Why not even I can sit by Lord Sesshomaru' whinged the gorgeous demon lady 'at least the maid has some sense, Shota. Why do you want a servant at our table? She brings us some tolerable sake, but that is no reason to confer favour'
The guard sat straight.
'We need to ask some questions of a local, and the owner of this establishment has told us this maid here knows much. So, she will sit with us, and you will be silent while we converse!'
'Oh, how dare you!' The pretty spirit huffed 'don't talk down to me like that! Lord Sesshomaru, your men have a sharp tongue when they speak to gentle-women'
Yet the ever-stoic master said nothing, merely his eyes flickered toward the demoness, and she suddenly found the hem of her colourfully dyed kimono fascinating, and she did not open her lips again for some moments.
'Forgive Lady Machiko, Rin-san. Please, be seated, and you are permitted to kneel besides our Lord. He is not one to hold servants in contempt.'
Rin had listened to the quick exchange between the guard and the beautiful woman with panic rising in her chest, and she was more on the side of the demoness than the guard.
It did seem highly strange for her, a serving girl, to be allowed to sit right next to the Lord of the West, personal fear and dislike aside. Rin had not seen the glance that Sesshomaru had flickered towards the lady; instead she was focused on trying to send an apologetic look to Lady Machiko. With knees trying hard to knock together in fear, Rin forced herself to fluidly bend her legs to place herself on the cushion between the guard, and the Emperor.
Her spine felt like a rod of wood, as her body stiffened being so close to him. This was going far worse than she had imagined; even in the midst of her anxiety attack last night she had not envisioned she'd end up sitting right next to the man who had caused her such pain.
His luxurious white hair brushed against her cheek as he moved slightly, and Rin shifted away as subtly as possible, the barely there contact causing her to shiver.
Rin had placed the sake in the centre of the table, and she looked at the attractive guard next to her, his face cut through with a pale scar, causing one eye to appear lighter than the other.
'You look uneasy; rest assured we aren't going to interrogate you' the guard said in a warm tone as the sake was poured.
Rin tried to make her face a study of unconcern, but the burning sensation that scorched within her gut caused her to feel ill.
'I will do my best to answer any questions you may have' she responded with studied serenity.
'We come this way not just for routine inspection of the land' the guard spoke 'but we are after a few criminals. Tell me, would you happen to have seen a man of this appearance?'
Rin looked down at the table as the soldier pulled out a piece of paper, displaying an artwork drawn of a man's face.
The sheet white pallor of Rin's countenance upon looking at the paper was not lost on the demon guard.
'Rin-san?'
'I – do not know him' but the face of Sato stared back at her from the wanted poster as stark as the sweltering sun outside.
'Why are you lying'
Rin jumped slightly, giving away her utterly on-edge nerves, as it was not the guard but the great Dog Demon who had spoken; in such accusatory and blunt of a tone that she faltered in replying.
Above and below earth and all the kami's within them, how was this happening? Dear Sato could not be a criminal, there had to be a mistake.
And now the man whom she had been estranged from since childhood and who did not remember her sounded as though he was about to arrest her.
Rin dared not look directly at the no doubt burning amber eyes to her right.
'I – there is no such man of my acquaintance, or knowledge, my Lord'
Rin risked something much greater than accusation if she continued denying it. She of course did not know that the Demon Lord had seen her very well as she embraced Sato and exchanged words with him.
The guard watched his Master's expression turn from a mask of imperturbable calm to one of subtle anger.
The fine brows drew together and his eyes were narrow, staring down at the serving maid to his side.
'My Lord, perhaps she really does not know who this man is'
The guard felt as though he had to say something before another kill was carried out; hoping that Sesshomaru was mistaken for once.
'Is the criminal your husband?'
The poor guard balked as he was blatantly ignored. The Lord was evidently bent on overtaking the questioning, which now seemed to have become the interrogation he had promised it would not be. Rin continued to stiffen, and she clutched her kimono with her hands in her lap, trying desperately to hide her tremble.
Why was Lord Sesshomaru so angry at her?
She did not remember him ever speaking to her in such a tone; the only time he had ever been anything near violent with her was when she had first come across him, injured in the woods so long ago.
He'd otherwise only ever talked to her in not necessarily soft accents, but certainly with pared back coldness to his usual habit – even tenderness in certain moments.
This icy anger was strange to her ears and she did not like it one bit. How dared he forget her; then go on to strike fear in her heart!
Had he already seen her with Sato? Surely not, his attention would've been occupied elsewhere.
'No, he is not!' Rin's knee-jerk response gave away such emotion that expressed her at least knowing of the man.
Her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, and the demon's eyes lingered on the milky flesh of her cleavage revealed slightly by the kimono. He could hear the erratic heartbeat and knew she was concealing the truth from him.
'So! You were lying. It would not be worth all the husband's in the world to lie to the face of your ruler' Rin trembled at the growl coming from his throat.
She felt as though her lungs were filled with cotton wool; Lord Sesshomaru's voice was filled with such vitriolic spite that she wondered if he was an imposter, in the guise of her beloved old guardian. But alas; no longer beloved, she remembered, but someone who had abandoned her without a second thought. Perhaps this kind of poisonous attitude was befitting such a person.
She could barely credit that Sato was in such danger and Rin fought to maintain any semblance of sanity in front of the Dog demon.
'My Lord – did you – '
But the guard's half-spoken question was cut off by Sesshomaru.
'I saw her with this cretin not mere moments ago.'
The guard immediately began rising, his hand to his sword hilt.
'Then I must immediately find and arrest him!'
'Sit down' Lord Sesshomaru ordered, and continued 'as penance for her misplaced loyalties, this maid will bring him to us'
Rin now swung her wide deep brown eyes, tear washed, into the Western Lord's cold face. Her tone became impulsively pleading; braving his scorching, glittering gold gaze so close to her.
'My Lord, I apologise for lying to you – I didn't know what to do – he has been very dear to me for years now, and I panicked wanting to protect him. Please, don't make me do such a thing and betray him'
Sesshomaru's narrowed saffron stare pierced into her eyes, seeming to sear her upturned face.
'It is you who betrayed me'
Rin was rendered speechless by the hint of passion in his voice.
'My Lord, we really should find him before he escapes too far!' Another of the soldiers spoke up, watching dubiously the strange verbal sparring between the serving girl and her ruler.
Rin felt locked in a stare down in which she was the victim and didn't know how to process the situation at hand in any way. She looked deep in his eyes for any shred of recognition; of the old Sesshomaru she had loved and followed. In vain.
There was no mistaking that she had blatantly lied to the mightiest demon of the land, and she was shaken to the core by his enigmatic yet fervent words. And even now as their gazes intermingled, there was a barrier between them.
Her nerves felt strung out, and she could not control the burn-up of her face as the feverish yellow eyes of her Lord seemed to strip her bare, boring into her own gaze.
But soon, within seconds, the shutters seemed to descend swiftly on his face again, and Rin was not looking at someone stirred by some deep well of emotion, but of a detached icy aspect.
He looked away.
'Jiro, follow this servant from a good distance while she finds the man we are after. Arrest him on sight. Do not let this maid escape. I have other matters to attend to'
The order was given, and the guard next to her called Jiro apologetically rose, having to force Rin up with him. As they walked some way from the table, Jiro said;
'I apologise it has turned out to be like this. I understand this criminal is special to you, but it does no one any good to lie to the Lord. He can even smell how your scent changes when you aren't telling the truth. It's no use. Just do this job for us, and I am certain he will let you off the hook.'
'Jiro-kun, I cannot do this' Rin turned to the soldier, grasping his forearm. 'This man has been one of the few there for me in the worst times. I cannot betray him like this. Of what is he accused? Perhaps the Lord Sesshomaru is mistaken.'
Jiro made a motion for her to keep her voice down.
'He is never mistaken' the man replied, and of course Rin had known this. Her anger was too blinding for her to watch her words at this point.
'I know this will be hard; but he is accused of harbouring fugitives of war on cartel ships used for exporting in Fyuoshu, allowing illegal aliens to filter into our society unchecked. He is one of many in on this operation. It's a matter of national security and the Lord brings down swift retribution on such criminals'
Rin's chest swelled with ire and she came to a halt.
'Prisoners of war? People who have lost their homes and families? These are the types of people who need help more than anyone! Who is the Western ruler to say these individuals are illegal? Have any of them caused harm to our country?'
'Hush!' The guard ordered harshly, and Rin looked at him in surprise though she was seething. 'You don't know what you speak of, this matter is far more complicated than that. You will do as the Lord ordered, or else there will be a worse penalty for you than merely locating this traitor'
Rin felt her skin crawl at the swift change in the demon guard's demeanour. She knew then that this soldier would force her to do this awful thing at sword point if she did not do it herself now.
Her mind raced. She could never outrun them. She could not hurt any of them, or outwit them. But perhaps; - she could distract them.
Setting her jaw grimly, she looked away from the guard without a word after his reprimand. She started walking with purpose towards where Sato should be amongst the many market stalls outside. She noticed briefly that her employer was watching her with curiosity, as well as some of her colleagues. She would not cause a scene in here.
Weaving amongst the crowds, Rin spied Sato's stall. It was fortunate she caught his eye, as she mouthed to him 'run!' while she continued walking towards him.
She watched as Sato went white, and she thanked her lucky stars that he had been able to lip read; but as soon as Sato ducked to go underneath his stall, Jiro let out a shout and sprung towards the man. Rin kicked the leg of a large vegetable table and sent a myriad of melons and produce flying. The guard cursed, but it did not keep him for long. Rin made to dash after the guard, about to trip him up or something, when she found her body pulled back against something very hard.
The breath knocked clean out of her, Rin noticed arms surrounded her waist under her bust, and she struggled against them, swivelling to face none other than Sesshomaru.
'Let go you beast!' she hissed, clawing at his muscular forearms, tears streaming down her face at what Sato was about to endure as a felon of the state. It made her dejected anger no better that the one who detained her was also a subject of her virulent dislike.
Without a word, Rin found herself swung up in the arms of the great Demon, and many people stared in wonder and fear at him as he strode with his long-armoured legs clanking, the spirited Rin in his hold, towards the outskirts of town.
Her body shaking very openly now, Rin pummelled her fists against his chest.
'Let me go! Let me go, put me down! I hate you! Sato is a good man - !' she felt as though she was gasping for air, so horrified was she. Had he become so alien, so cruel? Tears streamed unabated down her face, but the Lord seemed unphased, immovable, inexorably marching her somewhere.
Rin's frenzied conscious mind was reminded by her subconscious of the last time she had been held in her Sesshomaru's arms like this, when he had rescued her from hell. Then, he had felt like an all-encompassing blanket of warmth and light.
Now it seemed he was hell itself, and she needed to escape him at all costs to save her friend. Her small hands hit despairingly and in vain against his armoured chest, and her sobs shook her body. Where was he taking her? How could he treat her so awfully? What had he become? Where had her old friend gone? Her cries became so heartbroken that she shed her tears silently.
*Authors note*
Hey guys! The original oneshot got taken down for explicit content (Weird right, considering theres way more explicit stuff on this site) anyway, I took it as a sign to continue this not as a one shot but as a series, which is good as a lot of people reviewed saying they'd like more added to it. So we'll see what happens! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing as usual!