*Disclaimer - Takahashi Rumiko is a freaking genius! Who in their right mind would try to claim her work as their own? I know I wouldn't, everyone knows I couldn't come up with anything as great as Inuyasha.*


Sequel to "Theft Through Seduction"
"You may deny your fate, but you cannot escape your destiny."


For Rin: Chapter 6 - Her Innocence

"And here are the names of the new gatekeepers. I must admit Lord Sesshoumaru, changing the guards every six months instead of once a year is a far better idea."

Sesshoumaru said nothing as he glanced over the list, fully knowing that the idea was brilliant. It was not uncommon for some guards to become lazy since there really was no one who would dare bring a threat so close to Sesshoumaru's castle. To fix that, the guards would spend six months actually doing their job, three months in training, and three months relaxing. Many would be grateful, but Sesshoumaru would only be satisfied if they showed their gratefulness by avoiding laziness.

"Is there anything else, Hanabi?"

"The path you requested be built to lead to the hot springs and river is under construction. Everything else regarding the matienance of your castle is running according."

"Jaken, what of the Lord of the Southern Lands?"

"He agreed to come here and discuss the manner of those dreadful bird creatures. He should arrive within six days."

"Hanabi."

"Hai, my Lord. I will see that the guest quarters are prepared right away."

"You have news for me from the villagers regarding these birds again do you not Jaken?"

"Oh, hai Lord Sesshoumaru! Subaru and other village headmasters have been keeping close watch of the area when the incident occurred. Though they have not seen any signs of the birds, they have spotted strange feathers around the clearing."

Jaken rose and retrieved a box he had set away. Then he stood beside Sesshoumaru and held his breath as he opened it. The scent was unmistakable, the birds had returned.

"Burn the feather and the box, I do not want any traces of that disgusting smell."

"Hai, Lord Sesshoumaru. But what will I tell the villagers to do about those birds?"

Sesshoumaru rose and stood in the doorway, gazing out over his castle. "Nothing. We will wait to see how these creatures will retaliate and then this Sesshoumaru shall make sure not one is left."

Hanabi refilled Sesshoumaru's cup, knowing that he and Jaken were dismissed. He stepped through he door and bowed. When he spotted Rin practicing yet again, he smiled and spoke up jokingly.

"Perhaps we should let Rin take care of them, Lord Sesshoumaru. I am sure she will delight in getting revenge for how they hurt her."

Jaken frowned and stared up at both men. "Her skills may be great, but surely she cannot handle those creatures."

"Even if she could, Rin is far to innocent to even know what revenge is." Sesshoumaru turned and walked down the hall. "Summon Rin and have her meet me near the river. Make sure her katana is polished and sharpened before she comes."

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Rin lay on her back across the lush futon, her arms spread out above her head and her legs crossed at the ankle. Sleep had not come easy for a second night. Her mind was restless, constantly dissecting ideas in an attempt to explain what had happened between herself and Sesshoumaru. But it did not seem that Rin would ever understand why and how her body had reacted without outside advice. She obviously could not ask Sesshoumaru or any male for that matter. Naname was the only sensible person to go to.

Naname had noticed her friend acting somewhat distant throughout the day. But Rin had brushed it off as if nothing had happened when after all, nothing had happened. She needed more time to think things over herself and to find a way present her problem clearly before she brought it to Naname.

If only she did not think of how frustrating it was becoming by not having any answers.

So Rin rose to her feet and crept silently to the door. She slid it open and peaked her head out, listening for signs of people moving about. Over the years, there were times when she would sneak out to go stare at the stars. But in the past year, she would see Naname walking around and looking up at the sky, a look of longing in her eyes. Sometimes they would talk or Rin would find a spot where she could be alone. Though it was later than usual, Rin hoped that Naname would still be awake.

She walked down the hall with a silent grace that was the result of years of self-training and two more years of actual training. She reached area in which she sometimes found Naname, but saw that it was empty. Rin frowned and started to turn away, regretting that she would lose more sleep with such an uncomfortable weight on her chest. And then she heard a noise from Naname's room and quickly and quietly went to her door, feeling very hopeful.

Rin slid the door open slightly so not to disturb Naname if she was sleeping and saw the most strange thing.

Naname was on her hands and knees, a figure leaning behind her that she immediately recognized as Uruki for she could not mistake his unusual height, even when he was on his knees. It appeared as though Uruki was using some part of his body to push into Naname's behind. They were both making strange noises that didn't suggest that either one was in pain. Then Uruki stopped, only to crawl between Naname's legs when she lay on her back. And they began the same motion again in their different position.

Rin stared in confusion, trying to comprehend exactly what was going on. What were her mentor's doing to each other and why? But when Uruki bent over to be welcomed in Naname's embrace, Rin thought she began to understand as the two shared a loving kiss. She remembered how her parents had kissed whenever her father went to the fields for the day. Was it then a sign of love and is this what lovers did?

She seemed to answer her question and realized she probably should not be watching. So she quietly slid the door shut and slipped back down the hall in silence.

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"You're awfully quiet again today Rin-chan. Why don't you tell me what has been bothering you these past two days."

Rin turned from her friend, glad they were outside and away from everyone. She had thought long about what she had witnessed, wondered why she received that strange feeling again when she realized the reason for her mentors' actions. And she had a feeling that Naname had all the answers.

"Gomen, Naname-chan. But I saw what you and Uruki were doing last night. I was only hoping to speak with you and when I heard a noise I went to check if you were awake..."

Naname blushed madly. "Rin, how could you!"

"I know it was horrible of me, it's just that I didn't know what you were doing at first so I didn't know I wasn't supposed to be watching. I still do not understand what you were doing..."

"What? You don't know what we were doing?" When Rin only shook her head, Naname blinked in confusion. "But you are eighteen years old, surely someone must have told you...Rin-chan, do you know where babies come from?"

Rin shook her head negatively and sat quietly as Naname explained how and where babies came about.

"So you and Uruki are in love and wish to have a baby?"

"Not yet, especially since both of our parents have expressed doubts about our relationship. You see Rin-chan, many people do not approve of a relationship between a human and a youkai."

"Oh..." Rin looked down. "So I could never be with Sesshoumaru-sama?"

Naname did a face fault, more than a little confused. "Since when do you wish to be with Lord Sesshoumaru in such a way?"

"When I saw you and Uruki mating, I felt something in my stomach just like I had when I was practicing with Sesshoumaru-sama before I left. I did not understand what the feeling was until now. I know it means that I am probably in love with Sesshoumaru-sama and wish to mate with him."

"Oh Rin-chan, you are too innocent to even comprehend your own feelings. Why don't you tell me what happened and I'll help you decide if you are really in love with him or not."

"Alright."

-~Flashback~-

Rin flipped backwards, sending fallen leaves flying into the air. She knew, even before she landed to stand to her feet, that Sesshoumaru would be there waiting. He would strike without giving her a moment to prepare for his next attack. But she had learned to expect the unexpected from Sesshoumaru and not expect any mercy from him. They both wanted her to become stronger, so he would push her only to have Rin push back, wanting to be better than before. So she turned quickly and enjoyed the sounds of clashing swords as she blocked his attack.

She surprised him enough by quickly ducking down and tripping him before he could react. She brought her sword down over his head, smiling challengingly when he blocked it and narrowed his eyes at her. And then he was quickly on his feet, leaving Rin with the only option of blocking his attacks. She recognized the new force behind his swings and brought herself to the next level.

They found themselves deeper within the forest, farther away from the castle, going on longer than Sesshoumaru had intended. But the more one pushed, the more the other pushed back. Sweat soaked Rin's back and forehead, causing her to wonder why she didn't just collapse from the lack of energy she now had. But even when she found that she was close to being trapped against a tree, she fought on, determined to prove how strong she was.

And then they were in a deadlock. Sesshoumaru hovered over Rin as her back was now pressed against a tree, her katana blocking his sword that was dangerously close to her throat. Her chest heaved up and down as she struggled to catch her breath, but she was pleased that for once she could -see- Sesshoumaru breathing. He stared down, daring her to defy him. And she accepted the dare, refusing to allow his sword to come any closer.

But something caused Rin to lock eyes with Sesshoumaru. And as she did, a strange feeling identical to how she felt when he licked her wounds washed over her. She didn't shiver this time but felt it settle in her stomach. Her whole body seemed to heat up as her eyes dropped involuntarily to his lips. She looked back up, saw his eyes change again, and felt the area between her legs go wet as if in attempt to cool down her body.

Confusion filled her head as her body seemed to act on its own accord.

Sesshoumaru recognized the change in Rin's scent and was grateful she was not in heat. For if she had been, he would have given her everything and more her body screamed for. There was no mistaking the desire and lust that was now mingled with Rin's flowery scent. His blood warmed in response, causing him to desire the woman before him. But he resisted, even when her eyes slipped down and locked on his lips. He recognized her confusion as well and was glad that Rin was so innocent.

If she hadn't been, he would have gladly taken her especially if she continued to look at him in such a way. So he stood and returned the sword he used only to practice with Rin in its sheath. When she did the same, he turned and walked away.

"Go to the river and bathe. I will send someone to bring you clothes and wash your kimono."

And then he was gone, leaving Rin to wonder what had just happened.

-~End Flashback~-

"It may be just lust you were feeling Rin-chan and you probably felt it again when you saw Uruki and I."

"But Naname-chan, it is true I felt it again when I saw you and Uruki, but I imagined myself doing the same thing with Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin blushed at the revelation and turned away from her friend.

Naname said nothing for a moment, as if considering and then spoke up. "Have you ever felt this way for anyone else?"

"No one. I love Uruki, as a friend and as a brother. But this love that I have always had for Sesshoumaru-sama is much different. It seems that is has gotten stronger since that day."

Naname let out a sigh and leaned back against a tree, overwhelmed by the turn of events.

Rin looked down at her lap and spoke quietly. "Surely Sesshoumaru-sama sensed the change. You said that youkai and humans are not meant to be together in such a way. What if he is offended by my feelings?"

"Don't be so silly Rin-chan. If Sesshoumaru wishes for you to be his mate, then everyone must accept it. He is, after all, the Lord of the Western Lands. And I don't think he would do anything horrible to you, he has do so many wonderful things for you."

"Then what should I do Naname-chan?"

Grinning, Naname sat up. "The only thing a woman can do. Use her powers to test the feelings of the man she has fallen in love with."

"A woman has powers?"

"Its time I stop teaching you to use that sword and teach you what it really means to be a woman."

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That chapter was a little limey! Don't know how you guys feel about Rin being a hentai for that brief moment, but how else would she find out what it means to mate? Not many people grow up knowing what sex is, especially someone as innocent as Rin. I always hated that about other Sesshy/Rin fics. As if Sesshoumaru or Jaken would tell her what it means to mate or that she would some how just know. HAH! Anyway, say bye-bye to the innocent Rin, it is time for a not so innocent Rin. *.* From this point on, things start to heat up so readers beware!
I hope you all liked the chapter. Please review and let me know if you think the story is heading in a good direction.
-~Rabid Anime Gurl