~~~With Butterfly Wings~~~

~Act 2~

Rin shuddered when the mage spoke of her. She tried to flee, but when she turned to run away, she slipped on her scarlet kimono, falling to her knees. She cursed under her breath, not noticing that Sesshomaru was right behind her. "Rin…what are you doing down here?" he asked harshly. She looked up, her face a dismal sight. She had no idea what he would do; perhaps even strike her, as she looked up into his lukewarm expression.

He knelt down next to her, taking her chin into his hand. "You don't need to fear, Rin," he said softly. She gave him a gentle smile in reply, her cheeks turning rosy in a light blush. "Your beauty is extraordinary," Kael complimented. Sesshomaru gave a slight growl, and then shot a narrowed glare at the mage. "Silence. You already have part of my land," he hissed. Kael took a cautious step back, but his expression was a mixture of a sinister anger and twisted desire, so much that it, too, made Rin's head ache. With Sesshomaru's helping hand, she stood.

"I'm going to retire, milord. I'm not feeling too well tonight," she said faintly. He nodded as she walked off, and then turned back to Kael. "Dawnfield…how dare you say that," he hissed menacingly. Kael looks slightly surprised. "Oh…so you've claimed that human woman for yourself. My earnest apologies," he said. Of course, what Kael thought and said were two completely different things.

His remark was answered by the sharpest growl he had received yet. Sesshomaru waited until Rin was out of earshot, then spoke to Kael. "I have not claimed her for myself…" he hissed lowly, a tint of red in his eyes. A sarcastic look spread on Kael's face. "So…you would not oppose me taking her back to our lands?" he asked. Sesshomaru looked as though he could leap at the lord and tear his throat out with his teeth. Kael just chuckled. "It seems that I've struck a cord, Lord Sesshomaru," he said, a sadistic smirk on his face.

Sesshomaru growled lowly at him, "Yes, yes you have. I've kept that girl in my castle for nine years and I'm not about to send her off with some shady lord who seeks to steal my land." Kael's smirk grew. "Well…then I guess my having the girl is not an option. May I at least know that pretty little bellflower's name? It was Rin, was it not?" he asked. Sesshomaru simply did not answer, due to his anger. He was furious that someone who was stealing his land to create his own would even dare to ask to have the other lord's ward as a wife. He was enraged…though this wasn't the thing he would typically be enraged about.

"But…Lord Sesshomaru, your lovely pet Rin shows much potential in the arts of a mage. I can feel power coursing through her veins. You have no idea how much your are stunting her by keeping her in a place like this…" Kael spoke icily, his smirk fading away to an unhappy grimace. Sesshomaru snorted at this. "I seriously doubt that, Blood Mage. I even doubt that you're worthy of the title you're given," he hissed. Kael eyed him, resenting the insult. "You dare say that my rank as a Blood Mage is falsified?" he demanded angrily. But the Blood Mage quickly calmed down.

"Please excuse that, Lord Sesshomaru. I meant no insult," Kael said, his sincerity scarce. The other demon lord scoffed, brushing a bit of his steely gray hair away from his molten gold eyes. "I doubt that there is any way we will ever come to an agreement over who will own my lands, Dawnfield--so I suggest you leave now," Sesshomaru rumbled austerely. Kael raised one of his golden eyebrows, his red eyes showing frustration. "You won't even allow a friend to stay in your home for one night? You certainly have a large residence…I don't you'd even notice me," he said.

Kael used the word 'friend' lightly, as he did with his lie of Rin's mage power. Of course, she could sense his evil aura, but it was no feat for a human. The hundreds of priests, monks, and priestesses were capable of this as well, so it was nothing special. But he longed so much for her it was nearly unbearable. His hands balled into fists, to the point that his knuckles began to turn white. But once again, he reverted back to his regal look, though he still looked as though he didn't take Sesshomaru seriously. "If you leave now…you should be able to reach your city by morning," the white-haired demon said.

The Blood Mage glowered at him. Sesshomaru really was telling him to leave. Kael shut his eyes, and then lowered his head, speaking icily to the demon lord before him. "If it is your wish, milord, I shall leave your sanctum." With that, Kael turned, and exited the castle, the cavernous doorway opened by his power. And that was the last Sesshomaru would see of him. Or at least, he thought that way.

~--**--~

Rin lie between the silken sheets of her bed, her fingers tracing over the patterns of the top blanket, the fire that once burned extinguished. Flowers…leaves, branches--an array of things, a giant picture of nature's perfection were embroidered onto the fine silk. But on that night, Rin was feeling no perfection from anything, only a dismal miasma of distrust and fear. That lord was up to something…she could feel it. His power was immense, his evil even more. She still was wearing her kimono and obi, though they had already become quite wrinkled. And finally, after a few more moments of tossing and turning, she sat up, kicked her blankets off, and then got out of bed.

She sat on the edge of her high mattress for a few minutes, looking around the blackened room. The moonlight coming in from her stained glass windows gave the shadows an eerie effect, like noblewomen in colorful gowns, dancing as the curtains blew in the breeze, moving the lights. She shut her eyes, dreaming silently for a moment. But quickly coming back to her senses, she opened her eyes, quickly stepping onto the icy floor. She took a few steps, when once again, the uneasy feeling that Kael gave her swept over her.

Rin froze, and looked around. Of course, there was no one there, no intruders in her room, and certainly not Blood Mage Kael. A bit jostled, she continued walking, until she reached the doors to her balcony, a mix of stained glass patterns, ebony-stained wood, and lead. She paused for a second, once again admiring how the moonlight shimmered through the glass in a conglomeration of colors, each blending perfectly together. She gave a slight sigh, her lips curling into the faintest of smiles. Rin reached up and handled her emerald amulet, her thoughts now straying to Sesshomaru.

She had first realized her feelings for her lord a few years back, when she had turned fourteen. It wasn't really an event in particular that had told her; she had just seen him one morning and realized that she was in love. Rin knew that Sesshomaru returned some kind of feelings, but what those were she was completely unsure of.

Once again shaking herself from her daydream-like thoughts, Rin slowly set her hand on the right door's handle, quickly opened it, and walked outside. It had become much colder then it had earlier, a harsher wind blowing, and Rin was now glad that she had yet to take off her kimono and obi. She now only longed for her slippers, but this problem was minuscule, just as she felt watching the thousands upon thousands of stars in the clear sky above her, as well as the full, Harvest Moon that glowed in the sky as well. Rin took a few steps forward to the edge of the balcony, setting her hands on the icy marble railing.

When a blast of frigid air blew past her, she grabbed her arms and shivered, trying to keep warm. But she shivered from more then just the wind. She had gotten that feeling again…the terrible feeling that Kael gave her. Rin tried to divert her thoughts to other things, things that made her feel safe, Sesshomaru, in particular. But it was to no avail. She felt as though even though the Blood Mage had left, an echo of his power remained, keeping just a step behind her, his lustful gaze stalking her. Then, she heard the loud snap of a branch.

Rin let out a stifled cry and jumped, nearly going right over the railing. But then she heard the branch, belonging to one of the trees potted on her balcony, fall to the marble floor, as well as the noises of a surprised squirrel, sounding as though it was laughing at her. She saw the creature for a moment, but it was already ducking behind something, perhaps one of the stone statues that sat near her door, acting as silent guards. But even knowing that the noise she had heard was only a small, harmless animal; she was still worried by the feeling of Kael's power.

She knew she was feeling much more then simple remnants or traces of the Blood Mage's evil aura. She could feel much more, the same amount she had picked up when she stood before him. And of course, this could only mean one thing: that he was still somewhere near or perhaps even within the stronghold she had called her home for so long. But that was impossible. Rin had felt Kael's power disappear for a time, had seen his companions traveling off into the distance…so how was it that he could still be present in the castle? Even if he was still there, how was it that he was able to keep himself hidden from Sesshomaru, whose amazing sense of hearing and smell would've been enough to detect him hours beforehand? All of these questions puzzled Rin very much…

After a few moments of quiet, Rin heard the sound of birds crowing. She shivered, their sounds giving the chilly autumn night an eerie feeling. Then, she heard a thump, and all went silent. Something had just killed those birds. Rin's eyes darted around, and her breathing quickened. Now she was certain that something was out there.

She quickly released the railing, feeling her heart rate speed up. She took a few steps back, her eyes still moving back and forth. She heard rustling in the trees, and then the thud of something hitting stone. Rin let out a slight whimper, and made a break for her door. Then, she heard footsteps from behind, and she turned. She would've screamed out in terror, but she was too petrified to do so.

Rin saw a man, more of a silhouette, his clothing and cape blowing in the wind. But what frightened her more was his only noticeable feature, his red, glowing eyes. She knew immediately who it was: Kael. As the shadowed figure took a few steps forward, his features came into view, and her suspicions of this man being Blood Mage Kael were proved. She gasped out, but she was still unable to scream out due to the fear she was possessed by.

"Now, now, Rin," he said softly, "You have no need to fear me." Rin continued to shake in fear, but then somehow, defiance flashed in her. "Stay back…I'll call for Lord Sesshomaru," she growled lowly. Kael gave a slight, insulting chuckle. "And then what? Watch as I tear him apart?" he asked sadistically. Rin scowled at him. "Sesshomaru could kill you with one strike!" she hissed back. Kael leered at her lustfully. "And if he could not reach you?"

Rin looked at him strangely. "W-what…are you…t-talking about?" she asked shakily. Kael raised a hand, and it then began to glow a dark red, nearly a shade of maroon. He let out a slight chuckle, then recited an incantation in an archaic language. Then, Rin heard the sound of stone grinding against stone, and she looked back. When she did so, she saw a terrifying sight. The two stone statues, each of a dragon-like creature holding a spear and wearing heavy armor, were glowing the same red as Kael's hand…and moving, as though they were actually living creatures. Then, as Kael dropped his hand, the two statues turned, crossing their spears so that they blocked off the door, Rin's only means of escape.

"What do you want from me?" Rin demanded sharply. Before she could say more, or even flinch, using a spell, Kael appeared before her. And once again, before she could move, he grabbed onto her arms. "It's not what I want from you…but you yourself," he said aggressively, drawing her closer to him. A few tears caused by horror and fear ran down her cheeks as she felt her body pressed against him, Kael's hands fondling her chest. "There's no need to fear me…" he whispered again, trailing off. Rin tried and tried again to force him off, but it was to no avail. Finally, when she got up enough strength, she pulled away and spun around, letting him tear off part of her kimono in the process.

"Kukukuku…feisty little kitten, aren't we?" he chuckled, his tone taunting. She bit her lip, the icy air getting to her now exposed legs. Rin took a few steps back, not stopping until she reached the cold railing once again.

"I know you were sensing my powers, little Rin…I know you could tell that there was something…different about me, that my powers were not of this world…that and your beauty is what intrigued me to the point of forcing myself on you to satisfy my desires. But…for the record, I did ask your Lord Sesshomaru for your hand…if he would've said yes, you wouldn't be being taken by force right now," he laughed, coming closer by the minute. Only a few moments later, he was once again pressed against her, groping her most dishonorably.

"Please…" she begged, "I'll give you anything you want. Anything! Please…just not me!" At this, Kael gave a sadistic chuckle. "My sincere apologies, my fair maiden, but right now, the only thing I want is you…" Hearing these sickening words, Rin clenched her eyes shut, her hand fumbling to her obi. "Then you leave me no other choice…then this!" she shrieked, pulling a small tanto that Sesshomaru had given her from the golden wrap. In one, fluid motion, she slipped the small dagger from its sheathe and quickly stabbed Kael in the gut, though she immediately knew that it was only a flesh wound.

As the Blood Mage staggered backward, Rin shivered, still gripping the bloody tanto like it was her own life; and in this case, it practically was. She was breathing hard, her raven black hair swirling in the wind behind her. Kael growled at her, wiping away a bit of blood that came from his mouth. "So…you like it rough, eh? I'm sure I can show you a good time, then," he hissed. Once again, he used a spell to appear before her, capturing her lips in a rough, certainly unwanted kiss.

Rin continued to try and force him off, and when she raised her dagger to stab him once again, he reached up as well, snatching it from her. He jumped back a little, admiring the way the moonlight fell on his dark blood, which stained the steel blade. "Such a naughty little girl…" he cooed sickly. Kael then leapt into the air, and as he came down, he slashed the small tanto, but he was close enough so that he caused a long, but not serious gash, spanning from Rin's shoulder to her waistline. Rin let out a sharp scream of pain, her voice no longer hindered by her extreme fear. Kael once again used a spell to transport himself right before her.

Kael grabbed onto her arms again, pressing himself against her. Rin winced in pain. "Please…don't," she pleaded. She shuddered as she felt his blood seep into her own wound. Then, something paralyzed her. As Kael's blood entered her bloodstream, her eyes went blank and her body limp. What's happening to me?! She felt so weak…the only thing supporting her was Kael's weight. She wasn't sure if she would rather be fondled further by this disgusting monster or fall over balcony. Rin's world went black, able to feel nothing but pain…searing pain. She felt an awful pain in her teeth…as if her gums were being torn apart.

She felt another burning pain in her neck, like two flaming needles digging into her now pale flesh. As she drifted in and out of awareness, Rin's whimpers and sobs became stifled, and soon she went silent. No…I only hope Lord Sesshomaru is already coming…As soon as these thoughts crossed her mind, she heard the loud sound of steel smashing against stone, and then stone slamming down against her marble balcony. Rin, using all her strength, forced her eyes open, and then she saw Sesshomaru.

Before she could say anything, Rin passed out once again, and as Kael pulled away to fight against Sesshomaru, her limp form fell to the ground. Of course, Kael let out a sinister chuckle. "So…it seems you've finally showed up. But as you can see, I've already gotten what I wanted," the Blood Mage sneered, wiping blood from his mouth. Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he looked down at Rin, lying in a pool of blood, her eyes blank. He gaped a little at the sight, but then shot a ferociously cruel glare at Kael, as if he were a wild animal that had just watched its mate slain.

"Bastard…" he hissed. Kael let out yet another one of his sick chuckles. "Aww…poor little doggy lost his woman…" the mage laughed. Sesshomaru let out a large, savage growl, and then leapt at Kael, slashing his sharp blade, Tokijin. He nearly struck, but Kael leapt back, landing on the railing. "Excuse the hurry…but I must be going. I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome," he said sadistically. With that, he cast a spell, and then disappeared in a flash of dark red smoke.

Sesshomaru sheathed his sword, growling at where Kael had vanished but as soon as the wind carried the scent of Rin's blood toward him, Sesshomaru ran to her and knelt beside her, grabbing her limp form with his one good arm. "Rin…are you alright? Rin, please answer me!" he called. Rin winced, dripping with both hers and Kael's blood. "Rin…I'm so sorry I let this happen to you," Sesshomaru said, his voice full of regret. But miraculously, she opened her eyes, if only half way. "No…it was not your fault, Lord Sesshomaru…not you fault at all…" she said. Her voice was faint, and he could smell death clinging to her.

But…as well as the deathly scent of Kael's blood, she smelled dead as well. Then, as soon as he thought this, she winced in excruciating pain, her eyes slamming shut. Rin gave a loud whimper, nearly a scream, and then, after shaking for a few moments, went limp. "I'm so sorry…" he muttered, brushing a strand of her raven hair away with his clawed hand. She looked like she was in so much pain, so much pain that it caused even Sesshomaru some.

Then, he laid her back down onto the cold marble balcony, trying his best to keep her out of the large amount of blood. She had fought Kael hard, but in the end, it wasn't enough. With this thought, he reached down, and pulled out his other sword, Tenseiga, and was immediately able to see the imps from the next world. But…they stood about a foot away, looking at Rin's body with confusion, as if they were not sure weather she was dead or not. Of course…Sesshomaru wasn't sure if she was dead or not. But without wasting any more time in hesitation, he swung the blade, killing both imps in one swing. They disappeared, and he quickly sheathed his life-giving blade.

As Sesshomaru watched Rin intently, she once again began to breath. But what he had noticed was that the bite mark that Kael had left on her neck had not yet healed. But he didn't put much thought into it. That is…until Rin opened her eyes…

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~~~Review Responses!~~~

Angel64--Thank you for saying so!

Valdimarian--Hmm…I hadn't really noticed that…

Skittles0765--Yea…Kael is rather creepy. Course you can tell that now…