Shadow Spinner: You were my first reviewer, I remember the excitement I felt when I first read my review. I was hopping all over the place when I found out that someone actually liked my fic. Thank you for always being a faithful reviewer.
Lady Sable: You have also been one of my faithful reviewers. Your excitement over my fanfic has been a great inspiration to write. Your funny and pointed comments always make me laugh. Thank you for saying I have a way with words.Emily Tseng: Thank you for reading my fanfics and reviewing. I wish more people would be like you. Yup, you got it, a demon wedding. Although it is not anything that spectacular, truthfully, I had a hard time writing it. Oh well, thank you thank you thank you, and I hope you have enjoyed my story.
Inu_Yukai: Thank you for reviewing my story. I must say that it was your last review that pulled me from my lethargy and motivated me to write again, albeit a bit slowly. Thank you for reading my fanfic and I hope you like the ending.
AkooAllan: Hey bro, thanks for reading my first chappy. I know you hate Inuyasha and did it for me. You will probably never get this far and read this, but if you do, Thank you. As a favor to you: Readers, if you like funny fanfics, read some of his, they are hilarious if you like his kind of humor, he's kinda twisted. If you read them tell him I sent you.Well thank you to everyone else who ever reviewed. And now, what you all have been waiting for.
Standard Disclaimers apply
Growth In-Between TimesRin suddenly felt very cold without Sesshoumaru's arms around her. She sat up. "Sleep with me?" She whispered. Sesshoumaru shook his head. "I daren't" Her nearness would cause him to lose self-control. Rin blushed again and lay down. She went to sleep while Sesshomaru gazed at her sleeping form. Impatient for the day he would make her fully his.
Chapter Eight: Conclusions
It was morning, the beginning of a beautiful new day. Rin sat up and stretched, from now on all her days would be beautiful. She looked around for her Sesshoumaru and saw that he was still leaning against the tree watching her. She sat down next to him and put her head on his shoulder. "Did you sleep well?"
Sesshoumaru smiled, he didn't tell that he hadn't slept at all, but had spent the whole night watching her sleep, making sure that nothing would harm her. He brought his hand up and caressed Rin's cheek, "Shall we go back to the castle now?" Rin smiled and nodded, then her eyes suddenly widened "Oh no" she gasped. "I forgot about Jaken, he might be hurt." She stood up and started wringing her hands "I feel so awful, I have been enjoying myself here with you and Jaken might be dying back at the castle." Sesshoumaru stood up next to her "Don't worry about Jaken. He is all right. I saw him before coming to find you." Rin peered up at him. "You do care about him after all, don't you? I'm glad. Jaken dedicates his whole life to you. You could never find a more faithful servant." " I know." Sesshoumaru answered. He paused "Let us go back now, we have to begin certain preparations." Rin looked at him quizzically, then understanding dawned on her and she blushed. "You haven't yet told me want we are going to do. I don't now how to prepare."
"You will see." With that Sesshoumaru swept her up in his arms and started running back to the castle. Rin wrapped her arms around Sesshoumaru's neck and watched her beloved's face as he continued towards the castle. How much had he changed since last night! He had opened up to her and spoken to her as an equal, as a loved one. He would never be cold and distant to her again. She knew that he would always be aloof to others, the superior Lord of the Dog Demons, but that was part of what made him the Sesshoumaru that she loved. He was so majestic and royal, a prince among demons.
Sesshoumaru stopped before the castle and gently let Rin down. Rin walked timidly behind Sesshoumaru. He stopped and firmly took her hand, looking down on her said. "Don't worry, there is nothing to fear. I won't let anyone hurt you." Rin smiled. "I know, I promise I won't be nervous." Together they entered the castle.
Many of the servants were gathered together and murmuring in the entrance room. They fell silent when they saw Sesshoumaru. They bowed to him and what seemed to be the appointed leader spoke. "My Lord Sesshoumaru-sama, we are extremely sorry about last night. None of us would dare to cross you, we were only following the Mistresses orders, and we had no idea what she intended. Please forgive us."
Sesshoumaru looked down upon them sternly. "Where is my mother?" The servant trembled "She is gone; we do not know when she left." Sesshoumaru's eyes sparkled. "Wise decision. As for you, my servants, I will not punish you for obeying my mother's orders. Only know that I am the only one who will give orders now. And if any dares to disobey…" Sesshoumaru flexed his claws. The demons trembled, murmuring snatches of "No master" or "We would never disobey."
Jaken suddenly burst through the crowd "Master, Master, Sesshoumaru-sama, we must hurry, Rin is…" He stopped, spotting Rin. "Right here." He finished lamely. "Oh Jaken" Rin rushed to him and gave him a hug. "Thank you so much for saving me, I don't now what I would have done if you hadn't been there." Jaken blushed furiously "It was nothing, nothing. I only did it for Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin laughed, hugging him tighter.
Sesshoumaru watched the two with an amused expression. He turned back to his demon servants. "You all have a new mistress." He gestured for Rin to come forward. "The Lady Rin. You will treat her with respect due to the Mistress of this castle and obey her orders. Understand?" The demons nodded. Jaken stood with his mouth agape. He certainly had missed something. Sesshoumaru pointed to two female demons "You two will take Rin to her quarters and prepare her for the ceremony. The two demons stood and taking Rin by the hands, led her away.
Rin had been relaxing in her quarters while the two servants had been heating her bath. One of them came in now and told her that it was ready. Rin undressed and entered the bath, slowly sinking into the hot water, the steam rising. The lady demon sat nearby, ready to come when she was needed. She soaked in the water, closing her eyes and relaxing. She stayed there for a while and then turned around, searching for the nearby servant. The servant came near her and bowed. "What do you need, my mistress?" Rin looked at her and smiled. "What is your name?" The female servant looked up at her with a surprised expression than quickly ducked her head, "It is Kokiri, my mistress." Rin smiled even more. "Do you want to be friends, Kokiri?" Kokiri looked at the human girl with an aloof expression, "I do not think it is appropriate for a master and her slave to be friends." Rin raised her eyebrows "Or a human and a demon?" Kokiri lowered her gaze and did not respond. Rin rose from the bath and Kokiri wrapped a towel around her. Rin looked at her maidservant and said "We are going to be around each other for a long time, hopefully I will change your mind. But do not think you can underestimate me either. I am not a helpless human, if I do not receive your friendship, I will command your respect." Kokiri bowed "As you say, my mistress." Rin smiled at her sadly and then walked into her chamber.
Entering her room she saw the most exquisite wedding kimono spread out before her. It was made of pale cream silk painted with golden lilies and a myriad of other flowers with a rich gold obi lying on top of it. Rin gasped, her eyes shinning. She slowly approached it and reached out her hand, softly caressing her cheek with the soft material. She closed her eyes and smiled. All her dreams were coming true! She was going to marry Sesshoumaru. She was going to become a princess. She was going to remember these precious moments for the rest of her life. She opened her eyes and looked down at the kimono. She suddenly wished she had someone to share this with. A mother, father, sisters and brothers, a family; a family who could share in her joy. If I had had a mother, I wouldn't have been so confused. She would have told me what I had been feeling for Sesshoumaru-sama; I wouldn't be so naive about what happens between woman and men. Rin thought deeper. I also would know why Sesshoumaru-sama stopped me last night; I would understand what my mistake was. Why is it that what almost happened between me and Sesshoumaru-sama should not be done until after this ceremony? His pride would not let him, he said, until he had done it right. Is it also because he loves me that he wanted to wait?
Rin was interrupted from her musings when Kokiri took some sweet scenting jars and began applying oil all over Rin's body. Rin recognized the delicate scent of Jasmine among other flowers. Kokiri gathered the wedding kimono in her arms and began to dress Rin. Other maid servants came in and began to brush Rin's silky hair. They piled it on top of her head setting it in place with golden combs, artistically sticking flowers between the different layers of her hair. When they were finished Rin stood in front of the mirror. She smiled and hugged herself happily, at the same time carefully trying not to wrinkle her kimono. She looked beautiful, the kimono made her look like a princess. She knew Sesshoumaru-sama would be pleased to see her like this. She was so glad they had waited. This would make it special, she would never forget today. She was walking in a dream, and it was because of Sesshoumaru-sama, she was so glad that she had fallen in love with a person like him.
Kokiri looked at her beautiful mistress and smiled at the radiant expression on her face. Even though the girl was human, her happiness and beauty as a bride transcended all class structures. If the noble Sesshoumaru-sama saw her as worthy of him, then maybe she was. Kokiri approached her mistress and smiled, "You look beautiful, my mistress. It is time for the ceremony. Let us go." Rin turned to face her and gave her a big hug. "Oh I am so happy." Kokiri swiftly disengaged herself from her mistress, half ruffled. "We don't want to be late."
Sesshoumaru was waiting for Rin in the room that had been set aside for demon ceremonies. He had discarded his armor and was wearing a dark blue and gold kimono for the ceremony, his perpetual fur scarf was nowhere to be seen. As the Lord of the castle, he presided over all the ceremonies, and since there was no one of higher rank than he, they would just go through the ceremonies without any one presiding over them. Demon practices were quite different from the human practices when it came to weddings, a demon's oath was more binding so it was not necessary for a Miko or a priest to bless them.
He smelled her even before she entered the room. His Rin, the one who had been able to unfreeze his heart. When she entered he beheld a vision of loveliness and felt his heart speed up and his blood rushing. He still didn't understand how this woman could affect him like this, but from now in he would never have to fight it again.
The ceremony seemed to rush by him. He was conscious only of her. She pervaded all of his senses, her smiling face was before him as he spoke his vows to her, and he felt her fingers brush against him as she passed him his cup of sake. He barely noticed when it was over. He was unconscious of the presence of his servants who observed the ceremony and oblivious to the bawling Jaken in the corner. He only noticed Rin as she cocked her head and smiled, softly touched his shoulder. "Come" he said, grasping her hand, "I have somewhere to take you." Rin looked surprised as first he lead her out of the room and then out of the castle. Then he gathered her in his arms and went at a sprinting pace. Rin relaxed in his arms, quite content with what seemed from now on to be her mode of transportation.
He set her down in a little forest glade. There was a small pond with water lilies drifting amid the clear waters. Deep verdant foliage and thick grass gave off blue-green tones which lulled one to sleep. The forest exuded an aura of peace and tranquility that settled in Rin's heart. She looked up at Sesshoumaru, realizing that this place must be very special to him. He met her glance and said. "I used to come here often when I was young. After my father left my mother I was very angry. I found this place and the peacefulness here calmed my soul. It is here that I found out how to dispel my anger and fill myself with calm. I have many good memories here." He paused and cupped Rin's face with his hand. "And I hope to have many more." Rin felt her face heat up and felt that she was blushing. She tore her gaze away from his, and all of a sudden, feeling shy, slipped off her sandals and sat next to the pond, dipping in her feet.
Sesshoumaru smiled at her confusion and sat beside her, wrapping his arm about her waist and drawing her towards him. He buried his face into her hair, taking in her scent, smelling the jasmine. She reached behind her and wrapping her arm around his neck, twisting herself around to face him. He pressed her closer to himself and their gazes were locked together. Rin felt her heart speed up and was taking faster breathes. Sesshoumaru lowered his gaze and bent forward, breathing against her neck. Rin shivered with the tickling sensation and her hands clutched at his garments as he began to kiss her in that tender spot. Rin felt herself responding and bent her head down as he raised his and captured each other's lips. Their kiss was soft and tender, both slowly taking delight in each other. Sesshoumaru grew more insisting drawing her out, their kisses became more passionate as their hunger for each other grew. They parted suddenly, panting for breath. Sesshoumaru reached forward and pulled the combs out of her hair. Her dark silk hair fell down in cascades and Sesshoumaru twisted stands around his fingers. He bent forward suddenly and caught her up in a fierce and passionate kiss. Rin arched forward deepening her kiss and she tumbled backwards against the ground. Sesshoumaru reached for her kimono and revealed herself to him. Then in the pale moonlight he made her his own.
Their lovemaking had first been intense, then had become soft and gentle until they both fell asleep in each other's arms. Now Sesshoumaru watched his slumbering bride as she lay sleeping beside him. She was so beautiful, and she was all his. The woman who was not afraid of him yet still respected him for who he was. She was the one who had stolen his heart and bridged the gaps between them. She had taught him what was important and made him realize how futile his beliefs were about the distinction between humans and demons. He would protect her always, and protect whatever children they might have. Children he thought Half Breed children. He would love them, they would come from both him and Rin. They will be like Inuyasha,he thought despised by both humans and demons, never belonging. Even he had despised Inuyasha. He would protect his children. They would never suffer the hardships his half-brother had endured, was still enduring. They will become strong and he would watch over them. He finally understood his father. Why he had given Inuyasha the Tessaiga. He had created the sword so that he could protect Inuyasha, save him from his uncontrollable demon blood, and to give him strength rivaling many stronger demons. Sesshoumaru would follow in his father footsteps, he would use the second orb in such a way to empower his Tensaiga that would give the most protection to his first-born son. He would continue his father's legacy. I guess I do have your weakness for humans too, father. Sesshoumaru slowly got up, careful not to disturb Rin. There was something he must do.
Inuyasha was sleeping fitfully up in the branches of a tree. His slumber was broken by a powerful demon aura and a familiar scent. Shit, Inuyasha swore in his mind, what the hell does my fucking brother have to come here for. He silently leapt from the branches, careful not to wake the others. He could handle Sesshoumaru by himself. He swiftly ran to the spot where he could sense Sesshoumaru . The elder demon was standing in the middle of the forest, waiting for him. "Good Evening, little brother" He greeted Inuyasha. "What the fuck do you want" Inuyasha countered, brandishing his sword. Sesshoumaru shook his head. "Tsk, tsk. I see that you are as ill mannered as ever. You should learn to address your betters with more respect."
"Yah, well, I didn't come here to talk."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyebrows. "Well I did."
Inuyasha lowered the Tessaiga in surprise. "You came to what? What kinda fool do ya think I am? You came after this." With that he swung his large sword.
Sesshoumaru shook his head. "One of the reasons I came tonight was to tell you that you never have to worry about me attempting to steal your Tessaiga again."
"Wha.." Inuyasha spluttered. "I knew it, you finally cracked. There ain't no reason why you wouldn't want this Tessaiga anymore. You are just doing this to lower my guard."
"There is a reason. I finally realized why father gave you that sword."
"What's that?"
"He wanted to protect you."
Inuyasha stared at his brother. He stared at him for a long time. He then sheathed his sword. "I don't know if I buy that shit. And I still don't know why that would matter to you. All I can say is that you are acting really weird. I'm tired and I want to go to bed, so get the hell out of here if all you wanted to do was talk." He started to turn away.
"Inuyasha" Inuyasha turned back.
"Are you glad to be alive, or would you rather that you had never been born? Would you truly give up everything to stop being a half-breed?"
"What the hell! What kinda question is that? Who in their right minds would want to be dead? Of course I would give up everything to become a full demon. I have to be strong so that I can defeat powerful demons like you. Not that I can't do that right now" he added, flexing his claws.
"Would you give up the lives of your friends, that strange priestess girl, for instance?
"If you dare lay one finger on Kagome's head, I swear I will chop up your insides and feed them to the ravens." Inuyasha snarled.
"Humans are our weakness, Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru said. "But also our strength."
Inuyasha once again stared at his brother with surprise.
"I have come to realize, Inuyasha, that humans are not the despised creatures I once thought them to be. True many are inferior to higher class demons, but some have qualities that make up for the rest of humankind. I think I have finally understood why our father graced you with his special favor and also left you with the Tessaiga. There were many qualities in humans that he loved. And he knew the harsh reality you would have to face, so he wanted to protect you. That is why I will no longer try to take the Tessaiga from you and why I no longer despise you for being half-demon."
Inuyasha just stood there stuttering. Sesshoumaru continued. "I do not think that we will ever be friends, we will always be rivals at best. But at least I will no longer lay claim to your life. After all, human or demon, you are still low class and have intolerable manners."
"What the HELL. I thought you were trying to make peace. You better get the fuck away from here before I slice you in two."
"Goodbye Inuyasha."
Inuyasha went back to the campsite and was about to jump back into his tree until he saw that Kagome was awake. She got up and the sat next to him beside the tree. "Where did you go?" She whispered. Inuyasha picked her up and jumped into the tree so that they could talk without waking everybody. "It was Sesshoumaru, he was spouting some weird nonsense. He must have cracked. Saying something about not chasing me for the Tessaiga anymore, and even something about humans being our weakness and our strength. I don't get him at all. All I know is that he hates humans. "Hmmmmm" murmured Kagome as she snuggled close to Inuyasha, "That's so sweet."
"What are you talking about Kagome" He said blushing, yet at the same time wrapping his arms around her.
"It is obvious that he has fallen in love with Rin. I was hoping something like that would happen the minute I saw her at the temple. That would explain his change of attitude towards humans."
Inuyasha looked down at her. "And you think that is sweet, I think that is scary. That girl has to be insane to fall for someone like Sesshoumaru."
"Mmmmm, Inuyasha, stop talking, I'm trying to go to sleep." And she snuggled even closer to the half-breed.
Inuyasha looked down at the sleeping girl. I guess it isn't that strange, after all, it is happening to me.
Sesshoumaru went back to the glade and lay back down next to Rin. She stirred and awoke. "Sesshoumaru, where have you been?" She asked.
"I had some unfinished business." He whispered.
"You went to visit Inuyasha, didn't you?" she murmured. Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrows, "How did you know?" Rin smiled and snuggled close to him. "I know you Sesshoumaru-sama, I know how you think. I also know your pride in doing the honorable thing. You felt it your duty to set things straight with your brother now that you have come to terms with your father's memory." Sesshoumaru looked at Rin with amazement. He had been going through this inward struggle alone, without mentioning a word to her and she had known what he was thinking! She was a woman who truly understood him. She was his other-half; he would never have to be alone again. He took her in his arms and fell asleep. The demon lord and the human girl lay asleep in each other's arms.
Finite
Well that was that. I hope you liked my story. Please review and tell me what you think. No matter how long since the last publishing date, I will always like to know that someone enjoyed my fic and stuck with it until the end. And helpful criticism will be appreciated, I will always be on the quest to become a better writer.
There is a possibility that I will write more fics. I was thinking a Sango and Miroku fic. Or maybe a Rurouni Kenshin fic that has been growing in my mind. Maybe I will do both. But I think from now on I will do shorter but more chapters. It will make it easier, and get me more reviews. Hmmmm, I wonder if that is a good ploy. Well, tell me what you think, and I absolutely adore e-mails
ShimmerNymph