While the morning was sure to be beautiful that day it seemed even more so due to the feelings inside Sesshomaru enhancing everything around him. The morning sun was rising to greet the day and all the inhabitants on the earth, arising them from their slumber. All but one. A maiden slept curled in cooling satin sheets, her brown hair pooled around her head like an angel's halo. To her bedmate she could outrival the dawn's brilliance. Sesshomaru was glad now that he need not sleep because he could sit there still and silent, golden eyes focused solely on the light breathing face of his beloved.
She was the purest thing the god above had created and that he was bestowed with her made his heart sing in the way only Sesshomaru's still very proud heart could. Those that knew him best could tell he was entirely at ease, a contended sigh escaped him as he continued to just look at her. There was nothing more that he wanted to do right now than to keep all his focus on that serene, happy face. He'd not wake her but he did want her to arise so that he may hear that soothing voice and kiss those tender lips. He ached for her touch. He should feel ashamed for letting himself feel that way, as if he depended on her but he was not going to let himself be fooled by his own stubbornness. He needed her, he wanted her, he adored her. She was his everything. At last as the sun touched her face her eyelids fluttered and her eyes opened slowly to the world around her.
Rin awoke to find that her dreams that she had played in her head since she became a woman were a reality. Worshiping her with just his eyes alone was the man she loved more than anything, still bare chested and in the lighting of the sun he looked even more like a god than usual. He was perfect and she considered herself the most blessed woman on earth that he chose her to be his. She tried not to cry again but she was overwhelmed with happiness for this was all her heart had asked for. She smiled delicately at him then touched his chest. He placed his hand on top of hers, brought it to his mouth and kissed it like a true prince. It was enough to make her blush and because she blushed, he did it again. He found he liked to fluster her and it was so very easy to do it too.
"Sleep well?" He asked in a calm even tone, as per usual.
"How could I not? Even when I would sleep on cave floors and uneven terrain I would sleep peacefully as long as I was with you."
"…Rin."
"Sesshomaru," She lovingly whispered before being taken off guard by him kissing her with untamed fire. The blood moon effects were gone since he had at last been sated but that did not stop him from being a man and her from being his woman. This was all him now, the real him. She clung to him tightly, trying in vain to deepen the kiss but alas she was only pressing her lips harder onto his. It seemed not to matter to him as her lips touching his at all would please him greatly. His fingers weaved through her hair as he tilted her head back and did what she was trying to do. He could have gone on forever but their loving kisses were cut short because her stomach had growled.
"I'll have a servant make you something."
"I thought no one was here."
"I sent for them before you woke. What would you like?"
"Oh um… I'm not so hungry. Just something small and simple. Please don't make them do too much for my sake."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. You always give me so much and I never finish it. I don't like to waste food. Growing up in the village food for me was always scarce…I treasure every morsel but I cannot see it go to waste."
"Then I will ask for them to make you less from now on," He told her, kissing her once more before dressing himself and departing. Rin noted that he was not wearing his usual attire but something different entirely. She wondered how many articles of clothing he had that he chose not to wear because he was not a flashy materialistic man. He doused her in finery because he knew no other way to make a woman happy. He was raised in a glittering world of empresses and queens of princesses and high socialites, what else could he think of besides jewels and expensive kimonos for her? It was more than obvious though that Rin was not one for finery, though she loved it so and would wear it she preferred to be able to fly with the wind and soar with the eagles, to get her feet and hands dirty in the soil of the earth, to be free and playful.
Yet inside of her was someone who was beyond this innocent demure carefree lady there was a fighter. Kagome and the others had seen it themselves and that is why Sango and Kohaku would appreciate her on the team. She would make a worthy demon slayer for she had the unique capability to smell things out that no human could and see things that were too quick for most humans to catch. Her aim was nowhere near as accurate as Kagome, she was not proficient with a sword, she had no claws or spiritual energy, but if she had to fight she would and when she did she put her whole soul into protecting those she cared about. She had done things all on her own that no woman her age could attest to doing.
Rin could remember it well the day the village was attacked the first time she was there and she could remember how scared she was in the beginning. She was young at the time and there were bandits ravaging the town, trying to steal the women of the village. That time she almost screamed for Sesshomaru to come get her and take away from this place and no matter how far he was or how busy he would have heard her even from a hundred miles away. He would have come running faster than lightning and crashed right there. He would have, without blinking, killed all the men in his path. That's when she knew she was weak and that's when she asked Kagome and Sango to train her. Sango was not always available because of her job but Kagome made time to show her how to shoot a bow and arrow. Next time Rin was prepared and she did not call out to her lord as before though she did ask for his strength in her head. Shooting down one demon crow was enough validation for her that she was much more than the little girl cowering behind her big dog demon protector. She could hold her own, if only against smaller enemies for now.
Sesshomaru could see that clear as day when he looked in her eyes. She was not human anymore and though he wished that was true in some other way it was true in the not so literal way. She had sharp keen eyes, she was light and fast on her feet often they barely touched the ground, and her senses were heightened. Just looking at her he could tell, she was wilder than most women and her rarity being like a river stream, sometimes tranquil and sometimes a roaring rapid, made him love her even more. He came back to her within a moments time carrying a tray of food, this time, as he had said, a lot less than he usually would give her. If that is what she wanted then he would not deny her.
On the tray was a small pot of tea, two teacups, rice porridge with an egg on top, and a small bowl of slices of fruit. It was the right size for her in her own opinion. Having him serve her breakfast in bed made her smile even if she wished he didn't because she could have gotten it herself. She knew that he wanted to pamper her and she supposed there was no arguing with him over that. Even though he wasn't spoiled by nature he wanted to spoil her, he felt that she deserved it. Rin admired his visage as he walked towards her, he looked dashing in his relaxed clothing, a deep rich eggplant color with golden threads stitched throughout. He certainly looked royal even in this and could command respect no matter what he wore. Rin noted she too was in something different than last night. He must have carefully redressed her in this thin slip of a kimono.
It hung off of her frame somewhat and it made her wonder several things. Who did these belong to for they couldn't all have been made for her? When she first arrived, he had women's clothing already here without realizing she had grown up. Had he been planning this all along? She took her tea pot and poured out two cups of tea, one for herself and one for him then offered the other cup to Sesshomaru. He took it graciously and sipped from it without blowing as if it wasn't boiling hot. She added a little sugar to hers before sipping it. It was tranquil in those moments with just the two of them sitting side by side drinking their tea in peace. She placed the cup down and held her spoon but stood there staring at the wall for a moment, still wondering about who the clothes belonged to.
"Something wrong? You're not eating."
"Just thinking," She complied, taking her spoon and cutting into the egg, letting the yolk bleed onto the rice, "You already had several different kimonos for me when I came but some don't fit me right. Did they belong to someone else?"
"The few that don't fit you were my mother's but she has already stated that she doesn't want them anymore so they were kept here."
"Your…you mean I…? I'm wearing her clothing?! Oh Sesshomaru I don't deserve to be in the same cloth as her ladyship even if I was a princess I wouldn't dream of taking her things and using them as my own."
"It's fine. She said you could. Besides nobody else was going to wear them. What was I to do with them? I wasn't about to sell them and get cheated out of what they are truly worth."
"Oh… yes I suppose that's right. I wouldn't sell them either even if I got the right amount back for them. These are precious, made with the finest hands and materials. It is worthy of a queen surely but not of me."
"Rin don't say that," He remarked with a sincere affectionate tone, not at all harsh or commanding. "You are more than worth it."
Rin's face lit up as if she was told she had won some big prize. His words to her were a prize and she took everything he said and wrapped it up, holding onto those pleasant words for later use when she felt down. He would compliment her if only slightly every now and then and it was enough for her to feel like she was indeed nobility even if she knew she wasn't. She was no more than a poor village girl. How far she had come since those days when she was pulling water from the well in times of drought, when she was gathering straw for her hut, when she was pulling weeds from the ground to make medicine. Anyone who would have seen her would only assume she was just another basic hardworking girl but he saw much more in her.
When he looked at her he indeed did see a princess worthy of a throne and crown and most definitely worth all the clothing a person of that stature would wear. She was more than just plain old Rin to him, she was the sun above, she was the air he breathed, she needed things that he could give her to tell her that since he still wasn't good with using his words. No she was more than a princess, if he was to wed her she would become far more than that. No other woman on this plane deserved to be by his side ruling his realm, to become the lady of the western woods. She was gorgeous, righteous, noble, loyal to the end, brave, honest, open minded unlike he could be, kind to all creatures, understanding and much more. She would make the perfect companion for him throughout his eternity and he would love every waking moment he got to see that face, hear that voice, feel her, kiss her, just to be next to her was bliss.
To hear her tarnish herself like that wounded him. She was already in his way of thinking a true member of the royal court, just as he was and his mother was. He wasn't sure what his mother would think of all this but to be honest he didn't care if she disowned him entirely for his decision. He was a grown man and he would not be told what he was allowed to do or not allowed to do. It was true in terms of power she held more than him and she was far above him in rank but that did not mean he would submit to her desires. Even if he lost his own title he would not care, he would carry on with his dignity intact because he did not need the title all he needed in life was to live with Rin, no matter where they might be.
For some reason he was convinced none of that would happen and that his mother would actually, strangely enough not disapprove of this. She had been worried about him taking Rin during the blood moon and said nothing about hoping he better not because she was human. She just seemed to be concerned it might damage their good standing with each other, that Rin might become afraid of him in that beastly mode he transformed into. He was thinking that as well once it happened, that if he let himself go Rin would no longer want to accompany him or be around him at all because she would be too afraid after he took advantage of her love for him and did the unthinkable.
However thankfully all ended well and he could honestly say that his mother didn't hate Rin but what would she think of having a human in her family tree? It didn't matter in the end what she thought, he didn't need her approval or disapproval. Rin wondered too what would become of her lord's relationship with his only kin but without asking him she was able to read his mind. He honestly didn't care if his mother never spoke to him or saw him again. He would forever love her and if she needed his help he would do so but he would not forget if she chose to say harsh words towards his Rin or chose to break off their family line because of his choices. Rin knew it could all end here, with her, and she felt bad because of that but at the same time she looked up to Sesshomaru for his ability to take things in stride and feel confident in his decisions, be they for the better or not in the eyes of some. Rin finished off her food, eating it slowly as her mind raced about, then her platter was taken from her once it was done by Sesshomaru. He didn't need to take it from her but he wanted to. He was, in all essences, just as much a servant to her as any other in his castle and he didn't even care that's he was. Once he came back Rin cuddled with him and they shared sweet kisses most of the day.
Eventually their touching leaded to Sesshomaru's seemingly unbridled passion to come loose and the two made love again. He couldn't decide what was best, to do it in the glow of the morning or to do it in the dark of the night. Both were wonderful and given his demonage he could see her well in both lights. She looked absolutely lovely with the sun in her hair and making rays of light on her skin. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He stroked one finger down the middle of her chest and stomach causing her to shake and whimper. All it took was once touch and she would unravel and he loved that he could do that to her. They spent most of the day in the bedroom, barely talking just exchanging looks of adulation while caressing, loving, kissing, and holding each other tightly.
When the afternoon started to come Rin wanted to go outside and enjoy the nice weather they were having that day. Of course Sesshomaru obliged and allowed her to do as she wished. He would accompany her as he always did because even if he trusted her alone, he wanted to be near her as often as possible. He chose a new thing for her to wear, a dress he commissioned instead of bought in her size. It was a light jade green kimono, a shade that looked outstanding on her. He let himself look her over about a million times, just enjoying the sight of her in that color. It was the best color on her besides spring colors.
She allowed herself to hold his hand and he held hers right back, boldly in front of everyone in the palace. He was not hiding his relationship at all with her and it left a lot of them gasping or shocked at what they assumed was going on with the two. Their speculations were right but they didn't know for sure. There had to be some reason they were sent away last night but some of the less smart ones couldn't put two and two together. Others who already didn't like her were now hating her and were sick with the thought that their beloved master had betrayed his species and didn't seem at all to care about his own self-respect. They hoped and prayed what they thought wasn't true, that he didn't throw away everything for her or if he did, they could only wish that it was a one night thing. However, the way he was looking at her and holding her hand disproved that right away.
What were they to gather from the information present other than he was with her on a romantic level? They couldn't believe it, how could he do this to them, to himself, to his blood line? Others didn't care as much or at all and some just didn't know yet. Jaken was always following Sesshomaru everywhere and he was one of the first to see the new change in the status quo of their everyday life. He knew if he spoke up about anything, he'd get a beating such as he never had in his life, bludgeoned to the point of death or worse he'd be slit in half by Sesshomaru's mighty blade. He knew better than to say anything but that didn't mean he had no opinion on this. He wasn't sure what to think really. He knew his master valued his principles more than anything and that he hated his half breed brother and to some effect he hated Izayoi.
There was nothing at all he liked about mixing the breeds and so it was a big slap in the face when he saw the two exit from the same room holding hands and gazing with love at each other. It was such a strange look for Sesshomaru who always seemed to have the same face, that indifferent look he always had. He never seemed to care about anything really but that wasn't true, everyone under the sun knew he had a weak spot for Rin but now that spot grew even bigger. Jaken could conclude that the red moon must have had some type of negative effect on Sesshomaru but didn't know the full extent. All he knew now was it appeared Sesshomaru and Rin were a lot closer than before and even Jaken could smell her all over him. It made him turn red thinking about what they must have done to get to this point and he didn't have super hearing but he could have sworn he heard moaning earlier this morning.
The red on his face went darker. It was hard to even fathom but it was true. It had to be true. The man he looked up to and served for years was now coupling with a human, the very thing he had disdained what seemed like mere days ago. What could poor old Jaken do besides just accept it? Now Rin would have to garner more respect from him and he'd have to walk on eggshells with what he said about her. No more loose lips and saying what he pleased for he could be sure to receive more than a whack on the back of the head now. He kept his lips tightly sealed and his mind ran ramped with questions and suggestions and other things but none were negative. He was just confused how it ended up this way when Sesshomaru was so headstrong and purposeful and Rin was well…Rin. Even if she was a full demon, she didn't seem his type but what did he know?
He had no idea what type Sesshomaru would go for he just assumed that she would be blindingly elegant, quiet, standoffish, powerful as could be, calm, even tempered, and of course she would be a beauty to compare to his own mother. To Jaken Rin was standard, nothing that marvelous to look at but she wasn't at all ugly just not even close to being on the same level as her ladyship or some other demonesses he had seen. She looked decent, nice, perhaps even a little pretty but that must not be what Sesshomaru saw. Who would have guessed he liked them homely and pure? The two lovers sat on the grass and enjoyed the day while Jaken stood like a guard over the two even if in terms of strength he was the second weakest out of the three. He now knew it was his duty to make sure nothing bad happened to Rin while he had his eyes on her. Mercy was not a word Sesshomaru was familiar with.
The evening breeze played in the grass freely, it whistled through the trees, and caused Rin and Sesshomaru's hair to blow in it. Their hands were touching as they looked at the splendor around them. Rin had thrown her shoes off and enjoyed the tickle of the grass between her feet. She was leaned back with her eyes closed and sensing everything about herself. She could hear the birds, she could smell the fresh scent of rain water, she could almost taste the honey the bees were buzzing around in one of the trees. Jaken had to admit to himself that it was one of those perfect days where nothing could go wrong. It felt lovely outside with the breeze and the temperature was not too hot. Sesshomaru began to close his eyes too, concentrated on every little flick and flutter. That's when he heard it, hooves stomping through the grass and approaching his direction fast. There was a scent in the wind, a strong one, and he knew it well enough to realize who was coming.
"Rin go inside."
"Huh?" She uttered, eyes open and looking at him with some surprise. What was wrong now? They were having such a good time and now he wanted her away from him? "Why?"
"Now…please."
Rin knew that she had to obey him and she knew he meant well. He would not be sending her away without good reason to do so. So, she got up slowly, brushed herself off, put on her shoes, and went back inside. Before she headed all the way in she looked outside once more. Sesshomaru was standing at attention and his eyes were stuck in one direction, squinting like something he didn't like was coming from that area. Jaken was in the same stance, staff at the ready. Rin hurried on inside but wished she could watch from a safe distance. Something told her that she was not supposed to look outside. She went to her room, avoiding all judgmental stares from some of the servants, and closed the door. She drew in the curtains and hid out of sight just in case. She wasn't sure what was going to happen but she had a feeling like she was going to have to leave again at some point.
She wished she too could smell what or who was coming but despite her very developed, for a human, sense of smell she could only just barely pick up that it was indeed a person, a demon person. Sesshomaru, however, could tell not only what it was but where it came from and who exactly it was. There were layers of scent here, predominantly the spicy heavy smell of perfume which could have easily drowned his nose in it. Underneath that was the smell of raw icicles and snow, the smell of winter. Yet stronger than that was the feminine demonic smell. All of these combined meant only one thing and he did not at all like this one thing. As a toad demon Jaken did not have Sesshomaru's blessing of refined smell but he could tell who it was and he didn't care much for her either.
Coming over the horizon, passing the fields, and stomping all over the flowers Rin usually adored picking was a strange horned beast that looked like both deer and horse. It was a white so pure that it almost shone silver in the sun and it had fierce completely dark blue eyes. Sitting in the chariot whipping the poor thing to death was a coachman and his passenger that he was carrying was none other than Lady Fuyumi, dressed lavishly with iced jewels dousing her form and twinkling about her. She thought herself more precious than the night stars so she desired to look like them, or more so outshine them. Ropes of pearls and diamonds were clinging to her and her outfit was even lined with them making her sparkle so bright that it was nearly blinding. She was swaddled in furs which did not suit the temperate weather they were having and she quite enjoyed the cold but she enjoyed furs more. It was even stranger seeing as her demon form was a fox and they are coveted for their fur by the elite and rich. While Sesshomaru had no right to judge at all on having furs at least he did not kill the animals himself and it was also her wearing fox fur that disturbed him greatly.
Lady Fuyumi's chariot stopped close to him and she dismounted it with nothing but poise and a haughtiness that beat any he knew. She treated her coachman like less than the dirt she would not walk upon, forcing him down so that she did not step in the mud that was on the ground, then trotting upon his back. This was made even more painful by the high footwear she wore, higher than most because she wanted to tower over all as she believed she was above everyone else. She was born short though and to compensate for that she had special high shoes to make herself appear taller. So when she strode up to Sesshomaru, holding up her kimono so it wouldn't drag on the dirt, he had to arch his head some to look up at her, a feat he didn't care to do. To any other weak-minded male she might seem imposing with her height but she was anything but. Without those wooden sandals she had made her head would meet his upper abdomen. Rin was naturally taller than her.
"Your lordship," She purred through dark purple lips that shined like oil. She held out her hand for him for him to kiss but he would rather not but any part of his body near hers especially now. He just looked at her hand like it was an offensive object. "A pleasure I'm sure to be graced with my presence on this fine day. Surely you are curious as to why I'm here. No doubt the question of why such beauty has come to your domain has been plaguing your mind."
"Why are you here?" He asked calmly, no sense of anger or edge despite the fact that he did not like her. She had not done anything to warrant his anger so he talked to her as he would normally, with respect for another royal.
"Well I…ugh. My lord…forgive me for saying so but you smell dreadfully of that human, more so than last time. It's an awful stink," She proclaimed, holding her nose and fanning the scent away from herself. "Where is the little sow anyways and why do you insist on keeping her around? I had no idea you had such a bleeding heart for mortals. It's sad really that you have to babysit her. Can she not fend for herself? Just how young is she that she relies on you for everything and why I must ask don't you just dump her off somewhere or does she always come back like a bad itch?"
"Are you quite finished? I know you did not come just to ask questions."
"Hmm. I sense some agitation in your tone. Could it be you care for this girl even if just a small bit? I find it hard to believe you would have anything but friendship with her and even that's preposterous. I could forgive it though, you should be grateful I do. Most in my station would never speak to you much less spit in your direction if they knew how friendly you were with this…. thing."
"You watch your mouth lady! You have no idea whom you're dealing with! Do not speak to my lord in such a way!" Jaken sternly reprimanded, shaking his staff at her.
She looked over to him and laughed lightly. "You really think you frighten me, little toad? Why don't you hop along somewhere and stay out of our business? This is between me and him, no servant like you should be privy to private information."
"You do not govern me, missy! I am only told what to do by my lord Sesshomaru and no other. I shall not move for the likes of you even if you threaten my very life. No word you say will impact me."
"Jaken, that's enough. I can handle this."
Jaken noted that though his tone was sharp it was not as brutal as it usually was. It was almost, dare he say, nicer. It was like he was telling him thank you in some secret way. Could it be that Rin had some effect on his attitude as well as his heart? Jaken revered Sesshomaru the way that he was but he would be the first to admit that he wasn't opposed to some change in the way he acted toward him. Still even if he wasn't as hostile towards him he was certainly having some sort of edge to his words, anger was sneaking its way into his words because of how this woman talked about Rin. It would be the death of her if she continued on.
"Well now that's better. Now then, you are right on one front, my lord, on that I have not come to make accusations, assumptions, or ask things. I should get right to the point. I know this is unorthodox for a woman to ask a man but I have been thinking of it for some time and you have yet to make a move on me. For the life of me I cannot think why you wouldn't, I mean look at me. I'm well bred, well dressed, filthy rich, and I have good looks too. Honestly you can't do any better than me when it comes to choosing a mate."
Sesshomaru's eyes rounded at those last few words. He almost wanted to laugh but it was far beneath him to do so. Was she seriously trying to ask to be his mate? Even without Rin he would not have chosen her even if she was the last woman on earth. It was preposterous that she was so brazen enough to assume he would want her in any sense. He only dealt with her because she was the ruler of the northern ice, he had to see her and talk with her. If not for that he'd barely make eye contact with her. She thought so much of herself she wondered why he had not taken her already but for him it was simple. She just wasn't the one for him and for a long time he thought he neither wanted nor needed a mate in his life. How wrong he was.
Jaken too found this hilarious and unlike his master he couldn't help but chuckle especially knowing what he knew now. To him Fuyumi was too conceited for his lordship, too full of herself, too narcissistic, and far too cruel even for someone like Sesshomaru. She was nasty, malicious, trifling, gossipy, talkative but only talked about herself and how wonderful she was usually, and not very bright. There was a whole laundry list of things wrong with her not disincluding her looks. Every other demon male bowed before her but to Jaken and to Sesshomaru she was nothing special. Sure she was fine to look at but what did that matter when her real self was so hideous? It was like a fake apple, it looks pretty but once you bite into it you are left with a bad taste in your mouth and it is revealed to you all its beauty is a lie.
"What's so funny? How dare you laugh at me, the great and glorious ruler of the icy north! I should have you beheaded for that or worse. Lord Sesshomaru dispatch this ingrate now or I shall have no choice but to execute him."
"Jaken stays. You're the one who should go."
She halted and scoffed in an aggressive way. "Excuse me?! That is no way to talk to your future queen!"
"You are not nor will ever be my queen. Now, turn around and go back to your home. You are not welcomed on this land now or any other time than for meetings. Come back here again and I shall not be so polite."
"Wh…why you! You insolent, egotistical, pig headed, no good little-"
"I said leave. Now. You're trying my patience," He attested, hand floating near his sword hilt but not grabbing it. He did not want to appear too threatening to her, only for the fact that he did not want to start a fight with Rin still there on the premises. Who knew what would happen if that ensued? She might go and attack Rin and that was still something she could do even with no threat available to her. He was being as level headed as possible with her, more so than she deserved really, but in any other circumstance it would be different. Fuyumi looked stunned to say the least. At first it was upset but then it turned into fury fast, an emotion she got to rather easily as she always had a short fuse.
"This is about that girl isn't it!? I should have known better but how could I possibly expect you of all people whom I knew to care about someone like that so deeply!? Your father had this same weakness and it appears so do you. Both of you sicken me to the core. It was a wonderful day when that scoundrel died and it will be even more so when you go too. I despise human beings and all those who care for them. It's disgusting! You've chosen a mere mortal over your own kind!"
"I won't tell you again. Go."
For everything that was being said he was shockingly placid about his words and movements but this was just to keep his beloved Rin safe and sound until he could figure out something to do. As much as he disdained his father at first, he did not like hearing his name thrown in the dirt and called a scoundrel. He was a first-class warrior and had even saved Fuyumi once in battle. He would think for that at least she would show some respect. That man had been around since the world shook with new life, he deserved to have better treatment of his past than to only be remembered as the man who betrayed his family. Sesshomaru felt he had wronged his father in a million ways and while he could never on whole forgive him for cheating on his mother, he would always venerate him. Always.
To hear his father, his powerful masterful legendary father, and his one love be slandered so usually would not bode well for the person doing that. However due to his current situation he could do nothing but stand there stoically, letting the breeze flow through his hair. Fuyumi was unfurled by his demeanor and how he was not nearly as pissed off as she was right now. She would have thought for the honor of his father he would have at the bare minimum draw his sword at her. There must be some reason he was not on the attack. Then she remembered, the girl was still there. She knew now he was protecting her at all costs. That girl was his weakness. If she could attack her then Fuyumi thought then all would go back to normal. He couldn't love her. Even if for some strange reason he did Fuyumi only wanted to get rid of her more because of it. She already had a desire to eradicate all humans but this one would get the privileged of being her first.
"Mark me, Sesshomaru," she hissed, pointing her elongated black nail towards him and losing proper names, "I will be back, you can count on that, and it will be when you least expect it. I will come riding forth with an army and destroy you both. Imagine that ugly wench's body being slit right in half and any children you might have disturbingly had with her will go right along with her. You will get the high honor of seeing her die first. However, I can be persuaded to let you both live if you join me, become my king."
Sesshomaru said nothing to her, knowing full well if he even had a half mad thought to say yes to that offer she would not do as she said. She would kill Rin without a second thought but do it some time where he might not know. It would kill him quicker than a katana to his heart if she died. He didn't know what he would do if this woman madly murdered the only person he was in love with. He would lose his usually reserved attitude and mind and rip her limb from limb with his bare hands, slowly and cover himself in her blood then… he wasn't sure. What purpose was there to his life without Rin in it? The image of her being killed did filter into his mind and made him wince. The thought of losing her and any child of his made his stomach turn sour and skin turn cold.
Yet even as that happened, he stayed still and looked into Fuyumi's dark eyes with a look so cold that it even froze her, someone that was used to the icy tundra. She had never seen him look at her like that and it frightened her, it truly did. It looked as if in any moment she'd be the one who was dead. She was not an imbecile, she knew she was no match for him on her own, he was too strong and much bigger than she was in his full demon form. He could easily take her in his huge canine jaws and rip her to shreds. What was worse was he'd enjoy doing it too. So instead of saying anything more or making a move she turned around and headed back to her carriage, stepping once more on her coachman's back, making it almost snap with the weight of her, then they all left but Sesshomaru knew it wasn't for good. He stood there for a moment, thinking of what to do now, as he watched her figure fade away into the distance. As he was thinking a familiar orange shape was running towards him. It was Lady Akino who had been watching this whole time from the safety of the forest. She transformed into her full human looking self before turning to him.
"What is it?" He asked her with a drop of gentleness for he was always thankful for her watching out for Rin on times where he couldn't and Jaken was too incompetent.
"I saw and heard everything that just went on. When my sister promises something she makes it true. She keeps to her word, rest assured. She will in fact return and she will make sure that any who stand in her way will be demolished. What will you do, your lordship, with the lady Rin?"
He was a bit surprised to hear her call Rin by a title but those amber brown eyes smiled at him. "I know what she is to you now but that's of no matter to me. I only care about the safety of you both. I have grown to care for the girl….as if she were my own."
"Where are your kits?"
"Don't worry, I have not abandoned them. They are with an old lonely grey fox who they have taken to calling grandmother even if she isn't at all related to me. She takes care of them when I cannot, such as times like this. I can ask her to watch over them should my sister ever come back because I should like to fight by your side."
"It's not necessary."
"You men and your pride. My late husband….he was the same way," She described with sadness weaving into every part of her voice, "Canine breeds are all the same like that. You think you can defeat her entire army all by yourself? It's just not possible. I know you are a worthy opponent in battle but with everyone that she will recruit it will be difficult even for someone as superhuman as yourself. I am not a fighter by nature but I will do all I can."
"I will not stop you but I cannot afford to defend you."
"I do not ask that you do. The only person whom you need to protect is the lady Rin. Where shall she go now? I do not know when my sister will attack but it will be as she says, the last time you expect her to show up. It could even be tomorrow. I would offer my services if I thought it might help but she needs to be with people she trusts and will keep her from harm. What about that village she talks about sometimes? Will they take her in."
"They would without me even commanding them and they would make sure she is safe. However, they are all mostly mortals… they can only do so much."
"Sometimes, your lordship, mortals are more powerful than you give them credit for. Perhaps I am just a softy for humans ever since one rescued me and took me in as a pet when I was young but I have seen their better side, a side most of the demon breed ignore. This is not the time to be relying on the old ways."
"Indeed… the old ways are fading. Still, it is not for arrogance that I do not trust the humans who watched over her. She needs something more than them. I will call upon my mother for assistance and if she cannot be bothered…then I have no choice but to hope the mortals can do this right. I do not care if they all were to die as long as she lives."
"You really love her…I never thought I'd see the day. Though like I said, it is none of mine and I do not care about it. If the lord who guards my dwelling well is pacified then I am as well. I wish you both nothing but bliss and new life. May you reign with her for always."
He nodded to her though it was more of a bow. He usually respected very few people outside of his own close family and Rin but this woman had gained that with her peculiar love of his own chosen mate and deep unwavering admiration for him. She was one notch short of laying down her own life for the girl if not for her own children that mattered much more and needed their mother to take care of them. Of course, she cared very much for Rin but in the end, she cared much more for her own kits, they were still practically babies. They needed her. She would still fight for the woman if need be but if things got too rough, she would have to decide if it was really worth it to die for her.
Sesshomaru couldn't ask for more than that in fact he hadn't asked for any help at all. Truly though, he was secretly deep down in his gut thankful for any assistance in this battle. He could easily with one swipe take down Lady Fuyumi all on her own and she was well aware of this fact. This is why she was gathering up an army because she could not defeat him on his own. It was a cowardly thing to do, hide behind her wall of minions who were just as afraid of him as any should be but under her command would try in vain to kill whoever she asked them to kill. He knew though that it was time to go find his mother and ask for yet another favor. He hoped she was in a good mood today. Before he left, he asked Akino to watch over Rin, he also did the same with Jaken. Together they could do that task at least. Then he was on his way to her lofty palace where he knew Rin's last salvation might be. It was up to her yet again to save Rin's life and this time he wasn't so sure she'd be willing to.
