Insert generic disclaimer here.
Well; I could not sleep so I decided to type up chapter 5… the things I do for you all! ;p
As I said at the end of chapter 4; this chapter is vital to my story. It holds key details that, in time, will help you understand certain aspects of my story.
Chapter 5- Dreams, Goddesses and Realizations
Flashback- 6 months after Inuyasha and Kagome's wedding (Kaede's Village)
She sat on a cliff overlooking the sea. It was nighttime; the stars twinkling merrily and the waning crescent moon teasing her. Long, delicate fingers brushed gently over the long grass in which she sat; the blades caressing her flesh and awakening Goosebumps on her arms. She smiled softly as she heard familiar footsteps.
A warm chest pressed against her back and lips ghosted over the shell of her ear. She trembled, still smiling, reaching back and cupping the strong jaw that hovered over her shoulder.
"Riiiinnnnnn." The baritone voice growled out. She shivered excitedly; heat sweeping down her spine to settle in her lower extremities. She heard the figure take a long, deep sniff before the chest pressed against her back began to rumble in a pleasured purr.
Just as she was about to turn and greet the creature behind her; the scenery disappeared and so did the warmth of the person's body. She was left standing in a black void with nothing in sight; the ground wasn't even visible so she had no clue what she stood on.
A deep, unearthly chuckle echoed around her. She gasped, swinging her body around to assess her surroundings.
"Who's there?!" she demanded, her voice slightly quavering. The voice chuckled again; though it sounded softer, more friendly than the last.
"Do not fear, child. I mean you no harm." The voice was rich, smooth and utterly masculine. Rin huffed in annoyance.
"I've heard you in my dreams for years now! Why don't you ever show yourself?!" She asked, still peering all around her to catch a glimpse of the person responsible for invading her pleasant dreams.
Another chuckle; this one was full of humor. It bounced through the void making the hairs on the back of Rin's neck stand up.
"It is not yet time for me to introduce myself. Doing so would be counterproductive to my plans. I merely intrude on your dreams to see how you have grown. You have matured into a beautiful woman, Young Rin." The voice complimented. Rin had the decency to give a small blush.
"Every time you interrupt my dreams you always repeat the same words right before I wake up. Why is that?" Rin had always been a curious creature, she was never afraid to question anything and everything that sparked her natural curiosity. The masculine voice gave a booming laugh.
"I'm impressed! I did not expect you to remember upon awakening! You are a rare creature indeed, Young Rin!" The voice chortled. Rin crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing.
"Now, now. Don't flash me that look; you are not Sesshomaru. You are far too beautiful for a scowl to mar that porcelain face!" the voice chided. Rin's eyes widened; her lips going slack in shock.
"How do you know Lord Sesshomaru?!" She demanded, tossing her hair behind her and standing tall. This time; the voice huffed in annoyance.
"Besides your constant dreams about him? I cannot tell you. Though you will soon find out."
Rin went to speak again before the voice cut her off.
"No, no! No more questions; it is time for you to awaken, Young Rin." The voice commanded.
Sure enough; as soon as she heard the words, Rin felt her dream start to go fuzzy as her body gained consciousness. Right before her eyes opened; however, she heard the familiar words echo through her head.
"All you have ever known is false. All that is false will soon be revealed."
Rin's eyes snapped opened before she groaned and threw an arm over them to shield the piercing light flooding through her window. Once they adjusted, she removed her arm to peer out her window from her bed. Piles of fluffy, stark white snow adorned the earth. It was midwinter and Western Japan had been targeted by a plethora of snowstorms and blizzards. Rin grinned happily; she loved the snow, it was just another thing that reminded her of her cold, otherworldly lord. Her grin wavered as a blush stole her cheeks when she recalled her dream before it had been rudely interrupted. It was not the first dream of its kind; and most certainly not the last. Ever since Inuyasha and Kagome's wedding; Rin's thoughts of her lord had taken a slight perverse turn. She scoffed at herself before jumping out of bed; what girl her age could blame her? Her lord was magnificent and very handsome.
Rin walked out to the main area of her and Kaede's hut in her light green yukata; Rin and Kaede kept the fire burning day and night during the winter with the wood Inuyasha had cut them in the fall. The hut was very warm and comfortable. Kaede was busy with breakfast and tea when she heard Rin exit her room. Her wrinkled face pulled up in a smile.
"Good morning, Child." She greeted. Rin sat down next to her on a cushion.
"Good morning, Kaede."
"What will ye be up to today?" Kaede inquired. Rin shrugged, unladylike and uncaring as she watched the embers of the fire glow a brilliant orange.
"Inuyasha mentioned doing some light training out in the field but other than that I'm not sure." Rin said quietly. Inuyasha's training had not stopped just because Rin had excelled as a demon slayer. Instead; he and Kohaku insisted that she train with them often to keep her on her toes and refine her skills. She didn't mind; training made her feel powerful. Females were the weaker sex and often looked down upon by men because of their small stature. Rin had trained furiously after an incident involving a passing-through lord some months ago. The lord had laughed when he spotted Rin dressed in her black, skin-tight slayer outfit and her armor from Lord Sesshomaru. He had remarked that a 'pretty little thing' like her belonged on the back of his horse and in his bed; not on the battlefield. Rin needless to say had knocked said lord off his horse with a jumping, roundhouse kick to the face. When she had walked up to the man lying flabbergasted on the ground; she had simply smiled sweetly and offered to help him back on his horse. The lord had been so embarrassed and infuriated that he ordered his guards to seize her. A very bad idea. Rin had a short temper when it came to idiots.
When his guards had moved to grab her; Rin had thrown her head back and issued a series of barks, yips and howls. The men had looked at each other like she was crazy before their vision was clouded in red with a furious, silver-haired hanyou. Inuyasha had bared his fangs and demanded they leave the village at once or risk losing their hands for threatening his foster daughter. Inuyasha hadn't even finished his threat before the men and their lord had fled from the village.
Rin giggled at the memory while warming her hands with a cup of tea. She sighed softly before standing and bowing to Kaede.
"May I be dismissed?" Receiving a nod of consent; Rin retreated back to her room to retrieve her slayer outfit and armor. Once dressed, she braided her long hair and attached her swords to her hips before picking up Jukei and exiting her and Kaede's hut. She trekked through the thick snow to the border of Kaede's village where the training field was. Halfway there; a shadow crossed overhead and a giant cat landed beside her. Rin smiled and patted Kirara affectionately.
"Hello, Kirara."
Kirara mewled and nudged Rin's arm. Rin giggled and swung up on her back. Gripping the large cat with strong thighs, Rin stroked Kirara's fur.
"Do you need some exercise too, Kirara?" Rin asked. Kirara growled in affirmative; she was still fiercely loyal to Sango and protected Sango's three young children; but, Sango's mother and wifely duties prevented her from giving Kirara the exercise the demon so desperately needed. Rin patted her one last time.
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Kirara roared her approval before running and taking to the skies.
Two hours later; Kirara and Rin touched back down to where a frantic Inuyasha was waiting. As soon as they landed he was at their side; his trademark scowl on his handsome face. He growled lowly at both of them; Rin immediately cocked her head to the side and averted her eyes in submission. A low whimper escaped her throat.
"Why didn't you tell me you were taking off like that!? You may be a good fighter Rin, but you know either me or Kohaku should always be with you! Sesshomaru would have my head if you got hurt!" exasperation evident in his voice. Rin sighed and dismounted Kirara. Still avoiding his eyes; Rin approached Inuyasha before ducking and tucking her head under his chin in apology. Inuyasha's body relaxed before he released a soothing purr and wrapped his arms around the young woman.
"It's alright. Just warn me before you take off next time." He said gruffly. Rin nodded and stepped back. Inuyasha had been very thorough while training her in the ways of Inuyoukai.
During Sesshomaru's brief visit the month before; he had accepted both Inuyasha and Kagome into his pack; also naming Inuyasha as his Beta. The Inu Daiyoukai had not stated his reasoning but had gifted crescent moon pendants for Inuyasha and Kagome to wear around their necks. They were similar to Rin's own necklace; but lacked the kanji charms for both their and Sesshomaru's name.
Inuyasha's mother had been the one to teach him the ways of the inuyoukai. His father; being a well-respected Alpha, had had a lower inuyoukai servant visit and teach Izaiyoi the ways of his clan so that she could appease not only the man but his beast as well. Inuyasha and his own beast had accepted Sesshomaru as their Alpha and now respected him as was expected of him. Inuyasha still had a loud mouth and was often put in his place by Sesshomaru, but the hanyou was learning and that meant he was slowly earning more and more of Sesshomaru's respect. Though the hanyou doubted his Alpha would ever actually like him.
"How's Kagome doing, Inuyasha?" Rin asked suddenly. Inuyasha turned his attention back to Rin; his eyes brightening and a proud smirk taking place on his lips.
"She was feeling just fine when I left. I think the worst is over." He replied, thinking of his mate and her rounding belly. Her and Inuyasha had conceived four months ago and the happy couple were expecting their pup in the next three months. Rin shook her head and smiled.
"I still can't believe your pup will be born in three months!" Rin exclaimed; they started walking towards Inuyasha and Kagome's hut they had built near the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha chuckled.
"I was born in seven months as well; youkai mature quickly in the womb. Seven months is nothing; Sesshomaru was born just five months after he was conceived." Inuyasha said thoughtfully. Rin looked at him with her mouth hanging open. Inuyasha laughed at her; she closed her mouth shaking her head.
"Unbelievable." She muttered. They continued towards Inuyasha's hut to share a small lunch with the pregnant Kagome.
As night fell; Rin and Kaede prepared supper for everyone. Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Kohaku, Sango, Miroku and Kirara all sat gathered around the stove in Kaede and Rin's hut. This was a weekly occurrence; an event to keep the relationship between all of them strong. Sango and Miroku's children were staying with a family who had their own small children; leaving the demon slayer and monk to relax and enjoy a bit of sake. Inuyasha was sitting with his young mate in his lap; his hands protectively rubbing her protruding belly while he nuzzled his mate mark behind her ear. Kohaku and Shippo were playing a card game Kagome's grandfather had taught them while Kirara batted at the stray cards that lay forgotten on the ground next to them.
Dinner was consumed swiftly; Inuyasha, as always, was first to finish. After the meal; the group conversed amongst each other and enjoyed a bit of sake by the roaring fire.
In the middle of his conversation with Miroku; Inuyasha lifted his head and sniffed before rising with his mate in his arms and turning towards the door. He cocked his head to the side and lowered his eyes. Rin saw his gesture and rose; his body language meant only one thing.
"Riiiinnn." The deep, baritone voice rumbled from outside. The door covering was shouldered aside and her lord and Alpha stepped inside the hut; his looming form clad in his traditional kimono and armor.
"Lord Sesshomaru! I was not expecting you!" Rin exclaimed; mimicking Inuyasha's gesture. Sesshomaru gave a soft yip of acknowledgement before the members of his pack relaxed and met his gaze.
"What are you doing here so late, Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked; placing his mate on a cushion next to Sango. The others continued their conversations; it was not unusual for Sesshomaru to simply to show up out of the blue. Sesshomaru glanced at his Beta before answering.
"This Sesshomaru was sweeping his borders when he decided to visit since he was so close to the village." He replied impassively. He turned to the small female that was his ward. His nose twitched and he gave a short growl before flying to her side. Rin jerked a little but otherwise didn't move.
"Rin; this Sesshomaru smells blood. Where are you injured? And why does it smell odd?" He inquired; his eyes sweeping her form for obvious signs of blood. Rin's face flushed a deep red before she scratched the back of her head. Her lord had never been present during one of her monthly cycles; they were very light and very brief. She had forgotten that he wouldn't understand her body's cycles; inuyoukai females bled when they were in heat not when their body had rejected an unfertilized egg. Before she could explain; Kagome came to her rescue.
"Rin is fine, Sesshomaru. She is simply experiencing her monthly cycle. A human woman's body releases an egg once a month to be fertilized by a male. If the egg is not fertilized; her body rejects it and she bleeds for a few days before her body repeats the cycle. Rin's cycles are merely proof that she is now a woman capable of bearing children." Kagome explained from her position on the floor. Sesshomaru's eyebrows rose before he turned back to his small female pack member. Rin was a deep scarlet by this point and wishing the floor would somehow swallow her up.
"Hnn. Very well. Are you in any pain, Rin?" he asked while scenting her for deception. Rin shook her head.
"No, My Lord."
Sensing no lie from her; Sesshomaru opened his arms and drew her small form to him. Rin briefly tucked her head under his chin in submission before nuzzling his collarbone as a sign of welcome. Sesshomaru let out a deep purr and nuzzled his nose in her hair in a small form of praise.
Sesshomaru's beast's head perked up and scented the female in the man's arms before growling.
'Mine.'
Sesshomaru closed his eyes; hiding the fact that they were flashing red. Inuyasha glanced at his Alpha when he felt his demonic aura surge for a moment; the action confused the hanyou for he could not sense what his Alpha was feeling.
Sesshomaru's beast growled at the man before perking its ears and listening to the small female's heartbeat.
'She is ripe. She is to be our mate.' The beast growled. Sesshomaru felt his heart skip a beat. He released Rin and stepped back.
'She is human!' He exclaimed. His beast snarled at him; its thoughts protective of the small female.
'It matters not. She is the only one worthy of my mark and the only one worthy to be our mate. I will accept no other!' the reply came in threatening form of a growl.
Before Sesshomaru could retaliate; the hut was flooded in a bright, white light. He growled before shifting his body in front of Rin's protectively. Inuyasha had moved to do the same with his pupped mate. The others were shielding their eyes from their positions on the floor.
When the light vanished; everyone turned to the figure standing by the door. The beautiful woman was smiling gently at all of them. She was dressed in a pure white kimono of many layers; her hair the color of the sun rippled in curls down to her knees, her eyes an emerald green, lips redder than a rose and her skin as white as the snow outside. She giggled softly at their shocked expression; the sound ringing like soft, gentle chimes.
"Fear not, Children. I am the Goddess Yoko; one of the Kami's several messengers." She said in a sweet voice. All but Sesshomaru and Inuyasha got to their knees and bowed with their foreheads touching the ground in front of them. The goddess laughed.
"Oh my dears; there is no need for that!"
Everyone stood; Miroku spoke first.
"To what do we owe this immense pleasure, Goddess Yoko?" He asked respectively; for once, not a single hint of perverseness coloring his voice.
Another tinkling laugh from the goddess. Both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's hackles were raised and low growls were escaping their throats; the goddess was the very opposite of their nature. The goddess waved her hand at them and scoffed.
"Hush you two. I mean no harm. I have been sent to thank you. Though I am a few years late in doing so." She said.
"Thank us for what, woman?" Sesshomaru asked rudely. The goddess favored him a tiny glare; a small smirk gracing her angelic face when he slightly recoiled. Rin placed a soothing hand on his chest; whimpering softly to gain his attention. Sesshomaru's eyes did not leave the goddess but his arms pulled Rin into his chest; Moko Moko wrapping around them both tightly in attempt to somewhat shield the small female from the goddess's eyes. The goddess laughed again.
"I will never understand demons. Though I have been forced to admit that very few of you are actually good creatures. I have come to thank you all for your role in defeating the half-demon, Naraku." She said, her eyes sweeping over the small group.
"That was almost 8 years ago; Goddess Yoko." Kagome said quietly; clearly in awe of the heavenly being in front of her. The goddess smiled at her tenderly.
"Yes young Kagome. However; the creature was responsible for throwing the earth out of balance for his entire existence. His cruel, sadistic ways and meddlesome traits had shifted the delicate balance of humanity. Something that is unforgivable. Thanks to all of you; that balance has been restored. I have now come because Kami has decided to give you all a gift." She said affectionately; clearly loyal to her master. If that's what Kami was even considered.
All eyebrows raised in her direction.
"Gift?" Shippo asked excitedly. The goddess smiled at him knowingly.
"Yes little fox; a gift. The Kami has decided that all of you and your children and your children's children and so on and so forth; will be granted immortality. Including their significant others." She declared. Everyone stopped breathing. Kaede was first to speak.
"Good goddess; I do not wish to have immortality." The old woman whispered. The goddess touched her cheek tenderly.
"I know, sweet Kaede. Kami has prepared for you to have a special role in the afterlife with your sister Kikyo when you pass on. You will die when your time comes." She said softly; Kaede's good eye poured with tears of happiness and she bowed low again, unable to form words.
The rest of the hut was still speechless.
"Even us demons? I thought the God's had no place for the likes of us?" Inuyasha asked after a few moments. The goddess shifted her gaze to him and sighed softly.
"It is true; the Kami had deliberated for quite some time before reaching his decision. It was decided that you are all important to the future of this world; and that you will all serve a greater purpose with immortality. This is your gift; it is a very precious gift." The goddess said modestly, her hands folding in front of her.
Rin broke free of Sesshomaru's arms; ignoring his warning growl before sinking to her knees. Her wish to remain with Lord Sesshomaru forever had just been granted! Tears flowed down her beautiful face as she bowed to the goddess before her.
"Thank you so much; there are no words for our gratitude." She whispered reverently. The goddess smiled and approached her; daring Sesshomaru with one look to stop her. He didn't move, but watched her every movement closely.
The goddess reached out and urged Rin to stand up so she could look in her eyes.
"You, my sweet and beautiful girl, are a rare creature. This is Kami's gift to you as well as your friends; however, there is still much change in your future. You will soon find out what; but it is not my place to tell you. You are the main reason your lord and Alpha was granted the same gift as you. You are such a selfless person; beautiful in all that you are, pure in every way. The Kami is very proud of you, Daughter." The goddess said with a smile. Rin blushed and smiled through her tears.
The goddess stepped back and looked at each person before bowing before them.
"You have the Kami's thanks and my own. Treasure the gift you have been bestowed and live full and fruitful lives; you have a very long time to do so. The Kami will watch from above." With that; a light flashed through the hut and the goddess was gone.
Everyone turned to each other; every pore in their body still filled with shock.
The previous night's events were still very fresh in everyone's minds the next morning.
Everyone had left to their respected homes; save for Sesshomaru who opted to sleep in Kaede and Rin's hut next to the stove; claiming he would leave in the morning. It had been a long night for the Daiyoukai. Between the visit from the goddess, being granted immortality and his beast howling that he march into Rin's room and mate her; he had one hell of a headache.
He was up early; walking swiftly to Rin's room before entering, knowing he'd most likely regret that decision later. As his eyes located the silhouette on the bed; his beast licked its chops.
'No.' the man said firmly. The beast growled at him.
'She is now immortal; you have no argument and no reason to suggest she is not worthy of being our mate!' it growled menacingly. Sesshomaru nodded his head.
'I'm not disagreeing. However; now is not the time; we will need to properly court her.' The man reasoned. The beast huffed but begrudgingly shook its head in agreement. Its tail thumped as Sesshomaru approached the futon where the young female slept.
Rin lay on her stomach; her head cradled on her pillow with her arms supporting it from underneath. Her left knee was bent and drawn up, nearly level with her stomach. Her full lips were slightly parted and a chunk of her ebony hair obscured her eyes from Sesshomaru. He reached out and gently pushed the hair back; his clawed fingers brushing through her thick locks. Rin smiled in her sleep and gave short, content purr in the back of her throat. Sesshomaru felt his groin tighten and instinctively licked his lips before he shook his head and dismissed the inappropriate thoughts. He shook her shoulder gently.
"Rin." He said clearly. Rin gave a small moan before opening one cinnamon and green flecked eye. She blinked once before jerking to a sitting position.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" She exclaimed sleepily; trying to grasp where she was. A hand pushed her back down.
"Be at ease. This Sesshomaru has simply come to bid you farewell. I must return to my perimeter." He said quietly. Rin nodded slightly, unsure of what to say. Sesshomaru gave her his swift smile.
"I will visit again soon. Until then; behave and keep yourself out of trouble." He commanded. Rin exposed her throat; giving a small yip of agreement. She went to look back at him but was unable to when Sesshomaru pressed his face into the soft skin of her exposed throat. He growled lowly before scenting her. He pulled back; Rin's eyes were wide and her breathing erratic. His beast growled playfully and raised its haunches in the air.
Sesshomaru stood and gestured to her vanity.
"This Sesshomaru has left you a gift." He said before sweeping towards the door. He stopped when he heard her low voice speak.
"Good bye, Alpha."
His beast roared in approval.
Yes. She was to be his mate.
Goodness! I'm exhausted! Time for a nap. I hope this is intriguing a few of you to type in that little box below and leave me a review! :D