Chapter 5

Stretching her arms as far as possible in an attempt to reach her toes, Rin basked in the morning sun. Even though she could not train yet as her shin had not been completely healed, the girl tried to, at the very least, keep her body flexible. The paper thin doors of her room were easily penetrated by the cool late autumn breeze and it was clear that the girl's quarters were not at all suited for colder weather. Underneath heavy blankets Rin did not feel the stinging cold, but as soon as she was left bare and the cool air engulfed her body, she shivered.

"When did it get so cold?" She lamented, once again hiding herself under a blanket.

It was still far too early for anyone to disturb her peace and so she was left to enjoy herself for a few more moments of serenity.

But the mansion was not as quiet as Rin had thought. Even though it was still barely dawn, every servant was hustling and bustling: gardeners, cooks, maids and even guards were unusually busy with assigned tasks. If one was to listen carefully, the cacophonous ring of tapping, shuffling and Jaken's squawks would be clearly heard within the halls of the mansion. Even Rin was destined to be included in this commotion, as she heard fast paced footsteps nearing her room.

Two knocks on the wooden frame of the shoji were just for the appearance of civility – Rin didn't even get an opportunity to answer when Mako opened the door.

"Morning, dear," The tall, slit-eyed yokai closed the door behind her as she entered, noticing the much cooler air in the room, "Isn't it a tad too frosty for you?"

"It's not, until I have to leave my futon…" Rin tried to make sense while yawning.

"Hmm, I'll have to ask for a carpenter to tackle that issue. Us demons don't really have any problems with the cold season, for obvious reasons." Mako bantered on, opening up the curtains to let in more light.

"Us humans don't usually deal with frostbites either, as we are more than adequate in architectural aspects of building a decent, heat isolating structure." Rin replied wittily, a smug grin adorning her lips.

"Humans can be so presumptuous sometimes…" The maid frowned, feigning annoyance.

"Mako, I'm the only human you know." The teenager stated, her voice showing amusement. Such conversations always tended to brighten even the gloomiest of days.

"Then I maintain you are the most daring human to set foot in this palace." She scoffed and peeled of the thick blanket covering Rin's body. "In exactly one week, delegates from all over Japan will visit. The whole mansion will most likely be overcrowded with all sorts of individuals. Lady Chizue said she needs to speak with you about certain aspects of your… etiquette."

"Wait, isn't Sesshomaru-sama supposed attend this assembly too?" Rin voiced, clearly dreading the day of their arrival while completely disregarding the light complaint from Mako.

"Of course he will. He has only gone for a few days to fetch someone from one of his northern borders." Mako answered, her chin resting on one hand as if deep in thought. "Now, rise. We don't have all day."

The area was swathed in a chilly mist, but with every passing moment, the landscape was changing more and more and the dewy moisture filled air was becoming clearer, the soil drier and the sun brighter. He could taste the salt in the air, as it started to burn his lungs slightly with every breath. Once Sesshomaru leaped over a mountain ridge, an everlasting sea appeared in the horizon with granite peaks protruding on each side like decaying teeth, which were covered by shrubs, seedlings, moss and pine trees, but just beyond the ridges of these mountainous peaks, yokai life was omnipresent. Sesshomaru let the salt-filled wind ravage his senses for a few minutes before he could pick up the scent of the person he was looking for. And so he continued his quest heading along the guzzling water.

The striking appearance of this dog yokai couldn't fool anyone. Just a single glance at him made it obvious that this man was no simpleton. The markings on his sharp cheekbones and the crescent moon on his brow were his birthright to power. Therefore anyone who dared to cross path of this magnificent demon could not do anything but bow their head from both fear and respect.

Once the guards have 'granted' Sesshomaru access to the large estate (not that they had any other choice), that was precisely how he was greeted when he arrived to the Maizuru castle. Even though this place was to be considered the most northern outpost of the Western lands, it functioned as a completely separate state - It had both a ruler and subordinates but even then they were under Sesshomaru's reign. One glance at the newcomer was enough for all of the inhabitants to bow their heads, but soon enough he heard the voice he has been seeking to find.

"Lord Sesshomaru! What brings you here on this beautiful day?" a soldier clad in armor strode in, his voice resonating from the room's walls. Just before he reached Sesshomaru, he removed the heavy embroidered helmet from his head, revealing his face. This man looked very much like the yokai lord himself – he too had piercing golden eyes and sharp features which, when combined, made him look rather godly. His tall stature and broad shoulders showed off his warrior-like physique. An untrained eye might think that these two demons are at the very least close relatives as the other man only lacked in markings, but in reality, they were as different as fire and water. While Sesshomaru could be described both as stoic and intimidating, the soldier was charismatic and heartwarming.

"Takeo." Sesshomaru said flatly. "Has my messenger not reached Maizuru for I had to take it upon myself to retrieve you?" The intensity of the yokai Lord's glare could burn a hole in Takeo's skull, but the ambitious soldier was familiar with Sesshomaru's imperturbable ways.

"With all due respect, my Lord, but no one has come by with any reports or information from the palace for the past 6 weeks or so." Takeo responded, his voice modulated. "But by all means, my Lord, you must be fatigued from traveling all this way to Maizuru. May you wish to discuss this in the meeting room after repose, I will see to it myself immediately" the soldier gave Sesshomaru an assuring smile.

"I do not wish to waste time in inadequate ways" The yokai lord said lowly. This was really getting on his nerves. Not only did he have to waste his all day traveling here, but also his general seemed to be keen on participating in unnecessary activities.

"Then we go to the meeting room right away, my Lord." Takeo extended his right hand towards the large hallway and slightly bent down his torso.

Sesshomaru didn't even spare a glance at Takeo as he made his way towards the meeting room.

This castle, or more correctly mansion, was far more traditional than the Western palace. The former was smaller, but still spoke of splendor. The wooden flooring, thin, widely ornamented shoji frames and raised wooden engawas were omnipresent in this estate. While the Western palace had most of these architectural characteristics, it clearly portrayed much more luxury and authority. But even so, Maizuru provided a feeling of both security and tranquility. Rin would enjoy this place, Sesshomaru thought to himself.

The meeting room, just like in the Western palace, had a dais and tatami mats placed orderly on the wooden floorboards. Sesshomaru took a seat with finesse on the raised platform, his legs crossed, while Takeo leaned on a wooden pillar not too far from his superior.

"I intend to return to the palace by the end of tomorrow - I expect you to prepare accordingly."

"May I ask what for, Sesshomaru?" Takeo inclined his head curiously. When alone, he often dropped Sesshomaru's honorific – they were away from the public's eye so it was unnecessary. Even though Sesshomaru would never admit to it, Takeo was almost like a friend to him. Only behind closed doors, of course.

"It's regarding the East. On its own the East is barely a threat but I have received new intell that requires a council meeting" Sesshomaru replied rather nonchalantly as he ran his clawed fingers through his silver locks.

"A council meeting? I have heard that they had been searching for allies. I have a feeling we might have a war on our noses…?" Takeo hummed and shifted his position, placing the heavy helmet on a high table to his right.

"War with the East is unlikely. I doubt Seikyo is that senseless"

"But even so, we need to be more cautious." The other yokai nodded and stood up straight, taking his helmet back into his hands. It seemed like he always had this piece of armor with him. "When will the meeting be held?"

"In 7 weeks of time."

It was late afternoon, and as most of the mansion's elite was enjoying the last days of autumn, Ryu was slowly walking down the path of the old library with Tomoko by his side. Even though they were rarely seen together in public, no one questioned their close proximity. It was only natural for them to display some amount of sentiment.

"You are the most audacious woman I have known in my entire existence," the dragon yokai scoffed at Tomoko's attempt to impress him, "Only you would devise something as preposterous as this."

"I'll take that as a compliment." She chirped and gracefully skipped a few steps forward, appearing in front of him and not letting Ryu move forward. "Don't be such a grumpy old man." She spoke softly, her brown eyes looking up at him charmingly.

"Tsk." He rolled his eyes, turning his head away to hide the slight smile making its way onto his lips. Hino Ryu had to admit, sometimes Tomoko could get the best of him. "What am I ever going to do with you…" He said as he curled his arm around her waist, gently leading her toward the wooden patio.

But this interaction was not left unseen by the curious gaze of the newest addition of the Western palace. Rin, as many others, was enjoying the last warm sun rays of the year when she spotted her friend Tomoko with none other than the merciless dragon yokai. Dozens of thoughts and scenarios started springing into mind of the young teenage girl, but the most prominent continuously reappeared in the back of her mind. Is she his mistress? Rin speculated. How could someone as merry as Tomoko ever put up with Ryu's hostility? Unbelievable!

Rin's facial expression clearly showed that she was beyond flabbergasted. But it was not long before she returned to her neutral observant stature. The garden was full of prying eyes: noblemen, high-ranking officials, over-dressed women and servants were all omnipresent. During her time in the palace, the girl often thought about trying to fit in with the general population, but the cold judging gaze of these highborn demons seemed more than unwelcome. Most didn't even spare their time to acknowledge her presence, some looked at her with mild interest, as if she were an exotic animal, and some showed clear disgust, their harsh comments often reaching her human ears. But the girl learned to live with it. Rin kept her head high at all times, which did earn her some respect from a small amount of the castle's elite. And it caught the interest of Kamaye, a young yokai soldier of higher rank.

The man was standing by the large oak tree, securing the perimeter even within the walls while watching the young human woman going about her day. As there was nothing interesting to partake in while on shift besides protecting the estate from the enemy, it was always entertaining to observe the girl.

Rin was just passing through the very same oak tree when Kamaye saw an opportunity to rid of his boredom.

"Kind maiden, may I know your name?" He tried to sound as polite as possible even though everyone in the castle most likely already knew who she was – a human among yokai - how preposterous!

Rin turned around and warily looked up and down at the man in question. He was wearing light armor that had the West's symbols so it was clear to her that he was a guard. His black hair, tied into a high ponytail, amber-colored eyes and pointed ears seemed like the only indicators that he was not human.

"Um… Rin. My name is Rin." She said calmly and slightly bowed her head in greeting. I hope I didn't do anything wrong… Why would a guard approach me? She thought with unease, slightly fidgeting with the sleeve of her kimono.

"It is pleasant to meet you, Rin. I am Kamaye." He smiled warmly at her. "I wanted to ask if you wouldn't mind keeping me company for an hour? I find you rather... peculiar. And I'm in need to be saved from boredom."

"That wasn't something I expected to hear. Especially from a guard." Rin raised her eyebrows and gave him a crooked grin, still unsure of how she should feel about this. Should I? I don't really have much to do this day. He does seem kindhearted… "I am in favor of this idea, Kamaye. What shall we do?" she said as she took a few steps closer to him.

"Maybe take a walk in the garden? They say walking is like discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole." Kamaye hummed and reached out his hand to Rin, inviting her.

She unsurely placed her hand in his palm, only then noticing the sharp claws crowning his fingertips. Just like Lord Sesshomaru's, she mused. "Ah, truly. But forgive me for being curious, what kind of yokai are you?"

"Only the best out there" He puffed out his chest in such a ridiculous way Rin couldn't help but giggle.

"Oh, I wholeheartedly believe you. I bet you're so powerful that you will…" She neared to his pointed ear and whispered, her breath tickling his neck, "…secretly overthrow Sesshomaru's rule."

After such an exchange, they both stopped in their tracks and Kamaye, in all seriousness, turned to face Rin and spoke: "Lady Rin, are you aware that such talk is treason against our Lord?"

But before she could even answer, both of them started chuckling. Rin covered up her mouth with her kimono sleeve, as Chizue had many times advised, while he put on display his sharp fangs, his laughter thick and warm.

The teenager found his company enjoyable, but even so, she felt as if something was lacking. The feeling was distant and vague, but always taunted her.

The sun started to set early as wintertime was approaching soon.

She wished it was like any ordinary day. It was her second week training after the injury and Hino Ryu seemed intent on breaking her. Apparently, according to her instructor, during the recovery process she slacked off too much and now lost the little amount of skill she had. Maybe that was the reason this particular day of combat training was harder than usual? But it hardly looked so.

"I cannot condone your lack of effort. You think this is a game?" He grunted, swiftly appearing behind her and knocking Rin of her feet with his leg. Once again she was on the ground with a dull ache in her backside.

"I am giving effort. I have been, for the past 6 months!" the girl retorted. She looked at him from beneath her lashes, her sulky mood radiating off her body. I think I have found the key to happiness – stay away from assholes, she thought.

"Up." Ryu took a wide stance and crossed his arms over his bare chest. The days were getting colder and coder, but it didn't seem to bother him. He was of fire dragon kin after all – the fire within himwas what made him stronger than most yokai.

"Wait-" the girl barely opened her mouth to protest, but was soon cut off.

"I said up." Ryu ordered once again. His patience was wearing thin by now.

And so she listened. Rin exhaled deeply and stood up. Looking around her surroundings in order to get her orientation in check, she took in the length and width of the field, noted the few larger trees not too far from her – maybe I could use them to my advantage… – then felt the cold wet grass beneath her feet and the crisp air surrounding her. Let's not mess up again, alright? She told herself, trying to calm both her heart and mind.

Rin gave Ryu a nod and took the same wide stance her instructor had. Seeing that the girl once again was ready for another round of debacle, the dragon yokai started slowly circling her, trying to devise a trick he hadn't used on her yet. She seemed to be concentrated on Ryu's graceful and calculated steps and her eyes glistened with determination. He'd never show it, but he had to admit that times like this Rin did manage to get an ounce of respect from him.

In just a split of a second he sprung into action. His face, usually unchanging as if it were covered by a mask, surprised Rin with a malicious grin. Ryu suddenly appeared just a few feet away from her, thanks to his inhuman speed. "Afraid yet?" his smooth husky voice filled the silence.

But as he raised his arm in an attempt to bring Rin down to her knees, she saw an opportunity to dodge. Sliding her body under his raised arm, she appeared behind him, "Are you?" she said, still not daring to celebrate her small victory.

Rin quickly brought one of her hands to his neck and the other reached for his elbow, bending it behind his back, and pushed Ryu down onto his knees. Feeling as if this weren't enough to fix him in place, the girl pressed her knee joint into his spine, making her instructor immobile. Not that bad after all, huh? She smirked, obviously satisfied with herself.

"Not bad. But don't expect your enemy to not retaliate." He said as he swung his head back knocked Rin off of himself. This was enough to hinder Rin for just a few moments. The girl jumped to her feet off of the wet grass and narrowed her eyes at Ryu.

"You're not being fair" she voiced, removing the thin haori her shoulders and dropping it on the ground. Small droplets of sweat covered her bare shoulders and neck – even if the weather was chilly, the physical activity really worked her up.

"Nothing will be fair in a real fight, little girl" he smirked, eyeing Rin's form. Her hakama made her look rather boyish. Not quite the look a woman of her standing should seek for.

Not giving the girl a chance to catch her breath, Ryu dashed towards Rin, completely catching her off-guard. Before she even got the chance to react, she was being held in the same position she had Ryu down in just moments before.

"Now think." He uttered in a whisper near her ear.

Rin's heartbeat started to race just as fast as her mind. I need…to catch… my breath…, she lamented to herself, a few strands of hair falling on her face. Rin wouldn't stoop so low as to use the same tasteless tactic Ryu had so she had only a second to get out of this situation.

Her one hand being completely free, she swung her bent elbow back as hard as she could into the space behind her and luckily managed to hit Ryu's torso. After a low grunt, she felt the locked arm on her throat loosen, and so she took the opportunity to turn around and push him onto the ground. But by doing so, Rin lost her balance and fell on Ryu, straddling his frame, her face just inches away from his.

Ryu stared into the hazel orbs in front of his eyes, noticing the girl's cheeks redden from embarrassment. Seeing as to how he could use this compromising position to his advantage, the dragon yokai simply brought her closer to his chest by pushing her towards himself with his knee.

Wait -what the hell is he doing!? Rin widened her eyes, slight panic settling into her mind. Trying to stand herself up from him, she suddenly felt a kick to her torso as Ryu kicked her off from himself.

Sometime during the training they neared the end of the field where trees were growing like a territory-marking fence. Therefore it wasn't surprising that when Rin was thrown into the distance, she hit a tree bole.

The lack of satisfaction on Ryu's face was an obvious sign that something was wrong. Rin sounded a faint lament and soon her vision started to blur.

The yokai bolted to the large tree, alarmed by the girl's indisposed state. "Rin," he lifted her from the ground and started carrying her further into the field, where tree roots wouldn't hinder him from laying the girl on the much softer grass.

The girl's vision was coming in and out, a slight ringing noise in her ears and a metallic tinge on her taste buds. She could hear Ryu's muffled voice calling to her, but the pain in her side couldn't let her concentrate on anything.

As soon as Ryu placed her on the dewy grass, Rin started coughing, speckles of blood staining her lips. "Rin. Tell me, what's wrong?" As weird as it may be, she had never thought she'd hear Ryu's voice laced with concern.

"I'm… fine" She breathed and hoisted herself off the ground on her elbows. Unfortunately, this change of position induced an overwhelming amount of pain, causing a yelp escape her mouth and a wince to form on her face.

"Fool, you're clearly injured," Hino Ryu barked, running out of patience. Damn this girl!

Seeing how she wasn't doing all that great, Rin decided to comply and hissed through her clenched teeth, "Ribs. My ribs hurt. A lot"

I must've broken her bone, Ryu frowned at his revelations. "Come," he said as he put his arms around her fragile frame. "I need to bring you to the palace".

While being carried in Ryu's arms, the girl's conscience was fading in and out, her thoughts trying to make sense of what was happening to her. Did I really just manage to hurt myself again? My lord will be displeased… Will he see me like this?

Sesshomaru had just reached his Western estate. The whole ordeal was quite annoying, really. Having to go all the way to Maizuru just to fetch Takeo was an inadequate use of his time. Especially when there are much more serious matters awaiting him at the palace.

The sun was illuminating the vast grassy fields of the West which were surrounded by mountains and Sesshomaru stopped in his track for a single moment. Even for someone who has lived for centuries the smell of their own homeland was sentimental. The yokai lord deeply inhaled, the cool air filling his hungry lungs. The scent of the forest, mountain snow and a nearby spring abused his senses. But this was short-lived. His eyes shot open and he looked at the direction of the field that Rin and his general usually occupied during her training sessions. They weren't there. But the minute sickening smell of her blood was unmistakable. Sesshomaru followed the trail of her scent from the field, rather bothered by the fact that Hino Ryu was accompanying her. That sadist definitely had a hand in this, Sesshomaru snarled.

He backtracked his general and the girl to the palace, his anxious mind calmed by the revelation that Rin was in her room joined by a physician. "...Either way… you are... lucky to not have completely broken her ribs, she would've ended up with a punctured lung. " Sesshomaru heard Hama speak as he neared towards the door. A broken rib..? The dog yokai frowned, getting more upset by the second. He swiftly slid the shoji open, the wooden frames of the door loudly snapping into each other.

"Oh, Lord Sesshomaru!" Hama squeaked, her eyes wide. She was leaning over the futon on which Rin was placed when Sesshomaru entered. She hadn't sensed him to be so close by, Tsk! He probably overheard me.

Ryu looked at Sesshomaru from the corner of his eye, barely acknowledging his presence. He seemed to be concentrating on Rin for whatever reason.

"What is this?" His low, monotone voice filled the entire room. He appeared to be calm, but the eerie aura coming off of him made Hama shiver. Fully entering the room, the dog yokai made his way towards Rin.

"…I broke her." Ryu said quietly, not peeling his eyes off the girl.

Sesshomaru looked over the girl, trying to understand what was wrong. Her breathing was shallow, her hair was matted from sweat as she was burning up. The dog demon was not a patient man. But for what he lacked in patience he compensated with control. His inner yokai was begging to be released, but Sesshomaru was still in full control. This time his voice was rough, more demanding, "How?"

" 'Tis does not matter, Lord Sesshomaru. The girl has a fractured rib and damaged lung tissue, hence the blood. She also hit her head pretty hard." Hama tried to turn Sesshomaru's attention to a more serious matter –Rin's health. She really didn't want to be in the epicenter of this up and coming conflict. Ryu is ruined… She sighed, hoping for the best outcome.

"I said. How." Sesshomaru roared, his eyes on the brink of turning crimson, a snarl clear on his face. But then Ryu turned to him and walked up to the yokai lord. "I slung her into a tree." His general said plainly, looking straight into Sesshomaru's burning glare. Simple as that.

"You dare?"

But the hostile atmosphere in the room was soon broken, "…My Lord… Don't…" A fatigued voice caught their attention and Sesshomaru felt a small hand grasping his wrist.

Ryu has never been this… surprised? His face contorted in confusion as he looked at the broken teenager. For someone, who he has treated with disrespect and lack of care, to show forgiveness was unfathomable. He truly despised humans. He mistreated Rin because of her humanity, although the girl was barely at fault for this. But even then she was remissive.

"I think it is best you both leave, Sesshomaru-sama. I need to tend to her injuries." Hama spoke softly, clasping her hands on her obi.

Sesshomaru turned his glare to Hama and then looked back at Hino Ryu. He said lowly, "Leave."

A quiet clink of the wooden doors resonated in the room, making it apparent that Ryu has left.

Understanding this as a way of saying that Sesshomaru will stay, Hama directed all of her attention to the girl on the futon. It seemed like the pain was rather strong as the girl was fading in and out of consciousness. Sesshomaru merely stared at Rin, unknown thoughts clouding his mind.

"Rin, Can you hear me?" The physician said as she leaned over the girl, placing her hand on her forehead.

"..Mmhm." She murmured.

Hama looked back at Sesshomaru, his eyes meeting hers for just a fraction of a second. He struck her as completely calm and emotionless, watching them as if from curiosity. The physician, seeing as to how her Lord will not leave the room whatsoever, simply proceeded to slowly shred the girl's upper garment and bindings, exposing her chest and bruised ribs.

Sesshomaru was NOT expecting that. His mind was telling him to look away, but his eyes stayed locked on Rin, hungrily looking over her exposed body. Her ivory skin around her ribcage had dark purple marks, making Sesshomaru clench his fists as he felt a jab of anger. This, he thought with distaste in his mouth, is what he did to Rin?

The yokai woman still didn't know how she felt about the whole situation of Sesshomaru staying in the room, while she carefully ran her sharp fingernails along the bone, trying to find the fracture. It wasn't her place to suggest him otherwise, so she kept her mind to herself.

The yokai Lord took a step closer, sparing a glance at the girl's face. As she barely opened her eyelids, hazel met molten gold and her body went numb. If her condition allowed it, her cheeks would turn 50 shades of red. Why is he still here?! Her mind screamed, but she was too tired to turn her head. She simply closed her eyes again, trying to force her mind into thinking about something else.

"It's not as bad as I expected," the dark-haired yokai hummed. "She will need pain subduing medicine and bandages. May I excuse myself to fetch them, my Lord?" Hama looked over at Sesshomaru who's eyes still haven't left Rin's face.

"You may."

Once the woman left the premises, Sesshomaru kneeled by Rin. He looked over at her ribs again, disillusioned by her humanity. She is so… fragile. His gaze slowly traveled upward to the soft mounds of flesh atop her chest and he suddenly felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He turned his gaze away in realization. At the corner of her futon was a neatly folded blanket, most likely the one she used for sleeping. He slowly reached over the girl, taking the soft fabric into his arms.

Rin noticed something cover her whole body as the person beside her shifted. Some of the tension left her body and she exhaled. "How are you feeling?" A husky voice that could belong only to one person inquired.

"Could be better." She rasped. A hand reached for her forehead and pushed her bangs out of her face.

"Hn."

They hung in silence till Hama returned. Before she began bandaging Rin up, Sesshomaru excused himself and went to his study. He'll deal with Ryu later.

"Do you have someone to protect? " The words his father had spoken to him centuries ago were taunting him for the twentieth time that day. He was numb. He felt both frozen and on fire. His inner turmoil was manifesting itself in an annoying headache to say the least. I do not walk the path of my father! He seethed in his thoughts and pushed off a stack of scrolls from his desk.

Rin has been plaguing his mind for days on end and just when he had thought it was over, he had to see her get broken yet again. Nonetheless, he saw more than he intended: from the nape of her neck, to the curve of her- No. I will not degrade myself to such lengths. I am not my father. He repeated this phrase like a chant to himself, trying to will his mind into believing as he ran his sharp claws through his silver hair.

This was irritating him to new extremes. Sesshomaru stood up from his chair and went to the balcony of his study room, gazing into the distance. I need to clear my head, he thought as he jumped over the balustrades, not even a least bit concerned about the high drop – the balcony room was 3 stories high! His landing was graceful, almost cat-like and Sesshomaru turned his step towards the nearby forest, his inner yokai seeking for release.

His true form was, to say the least, magnificent. His father had always been known to have been the largest Taiyokai of the millennium, but during the 3 centuries after his death a lot has changed. Sesshomaru, the most powerful daiyokai there was, had surely surpassed his father's power.

His transformation was swift and flowed like liquid, his fangs elongating and jagged lines adorning his jaws. The crescent moon on his brow proved his royal heritage to the world. There he stood, a powerful dog demon with poison dripping from his muzzle.

Once in his true form, Sesshomaru was not bothered by unnecessary and time-consuming thoughts. He only listened to his instinct – hunting. Although he still was able to think properly, his thoughts were more segmented. Therefore a hunt in his yokai form often helped to come to a much needed decision, exerted his inner yokai and his tamed thoughts.

As Sesshomaru drove into the forest, his body bulldozing its way through the thick tree line, his mind still came back to the image of Rin.

Was he to succumb to these desires...

What would it feel like to introduce her to the delightful pleasures of the flesh?

… to taste her... to feel her delicate body writhing beneath him...

A deep growl escaped Sesshomaru's throat, alarming a few flocks of birds in the woods around him. I must not. He cursed the thorns in his heart. He was now running even faster now, the scent of nearby deer catching his attention.

He knew what his soul wanted, what it needed, but his pride could not allow it. And so he cursed his father, he cursed his pride, himself even. He damned Rin's humanity.

He found his prey. A herd of deer was passing by a nearby spring.

Would Rin return his feelings?

He stalked towards the group of animals, careful to not give himself away, his mouth snarling.

He had to admit, he was acting selfish. Only thinking about his own interests proved him to be lacking care.

As he pounced the unsuspecting animal, the ground beneath him trembled from the sheer weight of his large form. He lifted the deer with his strong jaw, clenching it's weak body.

Would she be willing to sacrifice her life to someone who is not capable of aging with her? He was frozen - unmoving and unchanging as time passed by.

Sharp canines of the inuyokai pierced through the flesh of the animal, it's blood seeping through its dying body, staining Sesshomaru's white fur.

Would Rin herself choose a life by him, where she would be looked down upon for the very same reason he is in question of his values?

Another deer fell victim to his unrelenting hunger, it's brittle bones crunching between his sharp teeth.

Would she give herself, her innocence, to a demon? In human eyes there was no turning back after bedding a yokai.

Would he want such a life on her?

The life-force of one more animal has been taken. His thirst was clenched.

With all of this in mind, three things were obvious to him.

One – he desired a human. He desired Rin.

Two - he will not act on it.

And three. This was tearing him apart.

The massive dog raised his head towards the sky, piercing the calm night with his painful howl.

AN: hey guys, I'm back with a new chapter. I know, I'm very inconsistent and ain't gonna make up an excuse. I was dealing with a pretty bad writter's block. Still not sure if anyone is going to be reading this ! :o

Have a good one.