Episode 7 - Departure

She was leaving. The dawn is close, and the royal carriage will come to take her away. Away from her home and away from her one and only love. Rin sat on her bed, gazing at the open, and empty, closet. Her kimonos were all neatly folded in bags, ready to be loaded into the carriage. Her fate was set and sealed. She touched the mark on her neck, the mark that signifies who her owner is – Itachi, Not Sesshomaru-sama. 'Doomed is more like it', she thought miserably.

"Miss Rin" said a voice from behind the closed door. "Come in", said Rin, tired all of a sudden. Into the room entered a cat demon, her red hair tied back in a knot. "They are awaiting you, my lady", said the servant. "Of course, let us depart then", 'forever' she added in her mind.

"She is arriving" said the servant who carried Rin's bags. "Very well" said Sesshomaru in a flat voice, his inner beast going crazy with rage. 'You gave her away!' it accused in a furious tone. 'It was necessary. I will not let my own beast question me. Now be quiet.'

Rin came at that moment, looking glum. "Sesshomaru-sama," she bowed deeply, 'for the last time, my love.' "Rin. Have a safe journey. Remember that you may always find refuge between these walls. The western palace and lands will forever stay your home" said Sesshomaru, emotion evident in his voice, his posture rigid. The constant fight against his inner demon has not ceased. In fact, the reality of the moment has only made him fight harder. "Hai. Thank you my lord." Answered Rin in a soft voice, her eyes staring at her feet, sadness emitting from her in waves. "We will depart now," said Itachi suddenly, breaking the tense moment. "You will always be an honorable guest at our house, lord Sesshomaru-sama," said Itachi after a short pause.

Rin turned, and climbed into the awaiting carriage. Itachi followed her actions, sitting next to her, with their faces towards the direction of movement. The carriage started moving, and the riders on their horses, six in number, assigned to guard the carriage, moved right after.

'Gone.' Was the only thing that rang through Sesshomaru's mind. Like a mantra, gone. Gone. Gone. Never again to hear her laugh rings through the corridors. Never again to see her smiling face at breakfast. Never again to hear her say his name; in joy, in anger, in – in – in love. Never again. The thoughts tore through the Tai-Youkai's mind. His demon roared fiercely, adding his agony to Sesshomaru's spiraling thoughts. Sesshomaru entered his office and sat heavily on the chair, 'This must stop. She is gone and will not return. It is done and over with.' Slowly, so very slowly, the angry growls stopped, and the waterfall of thoughts diminished to a small river. However the agony was still there, deep in his heart.

Sesshomaru rose and headed to the dojo. A few fights, perhaps a dozen or two will quench his need to tear Itachi limb from limb. And maybe, just maybe they will manage to quench his need to bring Rin back this instant.

oOo oOo oOo

Loneliness. The feeling swept over her like a tidal wave. 'I am alone, going towards an unknown place, with a mate I didn't choose nor want. After leaving my only love behind. After HE left me behind! Sold, like a sack of grain. Sold for peace. Yeah right!' The thoughts kept coming, and Rin sank deeper and deeper into her own mind, feeling stupid, and useless, and pathetic. "We are here" said Itachi, penetrating through Rin's haze. "Hai," she said, and went out of the carriage and into the slight breeze of twilight.

A/N

Hellow everyone ^.^ the last year was hard, but I managed. Had a big writers block and no inspiration what so ever. Anyway I really hope that you will like this chapter, even if it's a little bit short :)

Dont forget to review, I like to read them!

Ja Ne,

~§~ Sansho ~§~