*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 7 - Good Riddance
Sesshoumaru walked from the gardens to return to his quarters. He could smell the sweet scent of jasmine all around him. Though they grew year round, it was during this time before the cold season that they grew freely. They reminded him of Rin, a beautiful and delicate addition to this world that could survive through anything. And he believed Rin could survive through anything. That was the main reason he decided that she would remain in the village from this day forward.
Rin had become accustomed to living among humans in a way that was hard to tell she grew up under the care of two youkai. She had become friends with her trainer and many of the other women in the village. There were also rumors that men in the village did not mind having her around to look at. He knew it would not be long before many men asked for Rin's hand in marriage. But he believed that they were all unworthy of even breathing in her presence.
She was, to Sesshoumaru, among the most beautiful human females he had ever seen. Her long treses of black hair flowed down to her knees, curling slightly this way and that at the ends. Her chocolate eyes had lightened in color over the years and now stood out against her pale skin, which was in itself a miracle. How was it that her skin had remained as soft as silk and unblemished through two years of constant training? He knew not, but he saw in the way her body curved that the training had served her in other ways. She was built, but still maintained her feminity. Especially with the feminine armour that revealed the perfect shape of her body that every male wanted their women to have. She presented herself as an elegant lady should, but she carried herself as if she were an untouchable Goddess.
He wanted her for himself, but as Sesshoumaru walked farther from the garden to escape the scent of jasmine, he knew that was all part of the plan. The jasmine had reminded him of Asami and her seductive ways. He remembered how she had managed to get beneath his skin and nearly make a place for her in his cold heart. It was true he hadn't minded having her around, so he was glad that they had parted ways before she made her place. Rin however, was a different story and it was only now that he recognized all of her tricks.
It started when they first met. She had tried to take care of him even when she obviously could not take care of herself. And then there was the way she behaved like him, making it almost impossible for him not to approve. How could he not allow her to proove that she was incredible at everything she set her mind to when he himself had done the same? She had cried because she was his weakness, had became stronger for him. She smiled at him as if there was nothing in the world greater than Lord Sesshoumaru.
And she had worked her way into his heart.
Sesshoumaru did not understand why he had not realized what she was doing at a time that would have allowed him to prevent it. But now she was there and many things reminded him of her. The jasmine, the flowers many of the servants wore upon Rin's request, the pond where he found her unbraiding her hair, the very spot she stood in when he tasted her blood, the exact tree she was pressed against when her desire flooded his senses. She had become important to him, he knew not how or why, just that Rin was important.
Still, the sun had nearly completely set and he was more than overdue in picking up Rin. Because he had not arrived before sunset, he believed Rin would have returned to the village thinking only that he would come for her tomorrow. And then one day she would come to understand that he was never coming for her again, that she belonged where she was. So Sesshoumaru stepped into his room, determined to understand it as well.
Then a familair scent in the air caught his attention, causing him to stop and turn in disbelief. It was the unmistakable scent of Rin, racing towards his quarters, her heart beating at a slightly increased pace. He went to the doors of his quarters and stepped out into the hall. And there she stood, her chest heaving slightly, and a smile on her face. Their eyes met, locked, and held until she remembered her manners and bowed to him.
"How did you find your way back to the castle? I never showed you the way."
"Naname-chan told me."
She dismissed herself with a bow and turned to walk to her room. But he followed after her, slightly confused by the revelation. It was very unlikely that Naname had told Rin the way to get to his castle for he knew she did not know the way. Someone had gone for Rin without his persmission. Part of him wanted to tear through the castle and discard of whomever had done so. But it was the other part of him that had him drawing near to her so he could dare her to defy him again. He knew she would, for it was apart of the strong spirit that he was glad she had.
But perhaps his eyes were harder than he intended, causing Rin to back away from him, successfully trapping herself in a corner. Sesshoumaru stood in front of her, looking down at her with golden eyes that would pull the truth from her.
"Rin. How did you get back to the castle?"
Her eyes sparkled slightly with tears and her voice came out in a whisper. "Did you wish for me to stay in the village Sesshoumaru-sama?"
He intended to walk away and leave her question unanswered, but his hand came up and cupped her face. And when his thumb brushed away a single fallen tear, she smiled at him. Before he could stop himself, he leaned down, wanting to take everything that lovely smile had to offer, and pressed his lips to hers.
Rin sank back in suprise and then melted into his arms as they came around her. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss, felt his tongue slide between her soft lips and lost himself to his own wave of desire. She gave to him as best she knew how and he willing took, reveling in her taste. He couldn't fight his need for her or the need to have her in what had been his bed. Like most young males, it was often a fantasy to have a female in their bed, writhing and moaning beneath him.
So Sesshoumaru guided her slowly from the corner and through the door, removing the obi that held her armour in place. When both fell to the floor, he led her to the bedding and gently laid her on her back. She reached for him, telling him he didn't need to ask if she was willing to go on. He leaned down and took her mouth again, his hand trailing down over her chest to part her kimono. He lifted her slightly to pull down the hakama and then broke the kiss to stare at her naked form.
A part of his mind told him something was wrong, but the way her entire body seemed to turn red under his gaze, heated his blood and blocked any rational train of thought. He could only concentrate on removing his armour and clothing without having to take his eyes from the beautiful woman beneath him. His eyes followed each curve of her breast and hips, as if tracing the path his mouth would soon take.
His heart was pounding when he finally removed the last of his clothing. But his mouth was soon everywhere on her body, tasting her soft silky skin. Her body arched against his tongue, urging him to continue. So he used his mouth to follow the path his eyes had made and let his fingers stroke the heat between her legs to make sure she was ready for him.
And then he was inside of her, swallowing her moans as he satisfied both their desires. He stared into her eyes, watched the pleasure that clouded them as she struggled to focus on him. She whispered his name, tangled her fingers in his hair, and he lost control. He lifted her legs and increased his speed until the pressure in his body was released and he collapsed on top of her.
As exaushtion took over him, he swore he heard the faint sound of Rin singing.
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"In the mountain. In the forest. In the wind. In a dream."
Sesshoumaru followed the sweet sound of Rin's singing voice even though he was unsure of if it was truely her voice. He realized the moment he regained his senses that what had happened between he and Rin was nothing more than a dream. A dream brought on by Asami, the Flower Goddess of Seduction. And he was sure that her sister, Yaida, the Flower Goddess of Illusion, had aided her. With their combined powers, Sesshoumaru was sure they could pretend to be Rin and force him to think things he would never have imagined.
"Where are you Sesshoumaru-sama?"
He cleary rememebered Rin's taste and smell, her moans and her touch, all as if he hadn't been dreaming at all. But when he saw the bouquet of green flowers upon her bed, he knew they were an illusion as Rin had been. And when the flowers turned purple, he knew the trademark color belonged to Asami.
"With an ally like Jaken-sama. I will wait alone until you come."
And so he followed the strong scent of jasmine deep into the forest, believing it would lead him to the woman he thought had died. But the scent died off, leaving him to follow the charming melody. Was it then another one of their tricks, or was it truly Rin's voice that echoed in his ears?
"Sesshoumaru-sama, please return for Rin."
Sesshoumaru suddenly found himself approaching the clearing that had been arranged as the departing and meeting point for he and Rin. And their Rin sat, her back against one of the narrow poles and her legs cuddled against her chest. She was staring up at the crescent moon as it beamed down upon her, making his breath catch at her beauty. And then, as if to entrance him more, she sang.
"In the mountain.
In the forest.
In the wind.
In a dream.
Where are you Sesshoumaru-sama?
With an ally like Jaken-sama.
I will wait alone until you come.
Sesshoumaru-sama, please return for Rin."
There was something about the way she used her name to refer to herself that kept him from turning away. Since she had been taught the proper way to refer to herself, he never heard her use her own name again. But perhaps it was because she called for him when she said it that had him reconsidering. Should this Sesshoumaru leave Rin in the village or take her back with me?
Before he could make up his mind, Rin looked over at him as if she had sensed him there. She stared in disbelief for a moment and then quickly got to her feet. Her eyes filled with joy but it was not until then did he sense the sadness she had hidden beneath it. And when she took a few cautious steps toward him, he became of aware of the doubt that all but ordered her movements.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?..."
He said nothing for a long moment, trying to figure out what he should do. But no answers came to mind so he spoke the first words that graced his tongue. "Rin. We're leaving."
She smiled, forgetting all her doubts. "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama. I just need to grab my things."
"Your 'things'?"
"Hai. Uruki and Naname-chan believe that I have compeleted my training and that there is no need for me to return to the village. Many young men brought me parting gifts. They are really quite lovely."
Sesshoumaru stared at the silk fabric and scrolls, not at all approving of the obvious way those males were trying to court Rin. He would see that they were discarded of some how so that Rin would not entertain ideas of becoming a bride for one of them. Only he could decide who was worthy enough to have Rin and this Sesshoumaru knew no one in that village would qualify. Surely there was another village he could leave her in...
"I'm ready Sesshoumaru-sama."
He returned his attention to Rin who was now standing before him, waiting to be swept away upon his cloud. She clung to his arm and buried her face against his tail as they flew off, her happiness washing away any traces of sadness. And when her gifts accidently fell from the cloud, she pressed closer to him and sighed happily.
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Hey guys, glad most of you love how I am keeping Sesshoumaru in character. I of course wouldn't have it any other way because he is absolutely perfect the way he is. I'm playing with ideas right now of how things will turn out. So please be patient if the Rin change moves a bit slowly. I have great hopes for what is to come. Thanks so much for the reviews, hope you liked this chapter.
About the castle thing, I agree with you because when I think castle I think "human". So it hardly fits Sesshoumaru...but I didn't know what else to call it or what they may have called it in old Japanese times so...yeah....Some how it didn't seem important enough to research on, but then again, I am quite lazy.=(
*And a final note, in case anyone was wondering. Rin's song is from episode 77. It sounds muuuuch better in Japanese and I'd like to share it with all of you, but I don't speak Japanese. ^^ Ja ne!
-~Rabid Anime Gurl