Alright this is the final chapter.
Enjoy!
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"Such a brave girl…"
"She's so young! Can't we do something?"
"We should run before the mantis comes for us!"
"No! Someone help the poor dear!"
The terrified villagers talked among themselves as they watched Rin being grasped tighter and tighter by the ferocious demon. Their own screams of fear masked the young girl's, as hers came out in small gasps. As the mantis pulled tighter she'd cry out louder and louder.
Mostly her yelling wasn't out of fear or even so much pain. For her body had become numb and fear was no longer there as she knew her death was not far away. But her cries were for the villagers. She tried screaming to distract the demon from them in hopes they would run to safety elsewhere.
My death won't be in vain if I help them. Please run! All of you!
Still the townsfolk stared at the horrific sight in shock. Gawking, trembling, some trying to find a solution to saving the teenagers. None would help at this point. Deep down they all knew there would be no point in attempting a rescue. For the time they could watch and pray for her safe journey to the netherworld.
Even the elderly woman who had liked Rin so much could simply stare at her dangling body. She gripped her daughter's unconscious figure closer to her as if protecting the endangered mortal. Her weak eyes could still plainly see the expression upon Rin's face. Her eyes shut tightly and mouth opening in small lapses. The woman joined her by closing her sinned eyes and began humming a soft tune to her fellow villagers.
Some went along with the eerie sound and sang with her. Little did they know the mortal in danger wasn't happy about it. She didn't want a sad song going…she wanted them to RUN! Go to a safe place and hide! Find InuYasha or someone that would protect them!
Rin could only think of the half breed as a savior now. Her own lord hadn't even come when she shouted her cry for help. Her fear, pain and desperation seemed to have gone unnoticed. There was no hope for her life so she could only await destiny.
"You just don't give up, do you? Accept death now!" The mantis boomed.
She smiled, "And you don't know how to be quiet, do you?"
It snarled at the snappy pest. She was one determined mortal, that was for sure. Even after knowing her fate was sealed she refused to die. Something was giving her strength and the will to live on. But what? To the demon she was a dumb human. A useless piece of trash, only good for eating. She couldn't possibly have anything precious or loving in her life. She was a stupid human that just wouldn't give up.
"Wench, you will die with no honor!"
It's powerful claw gave a final clench. A loud gasp of disbelieve flooded from the girl's mouth. Her entire body felt weightless, her mind lifted from troubles and an almost peaceful expression came across her face.
For at this point of her life's end she recalled the first time this had happened. The deadly wolf bites covering her body. Blood staining her and screams echoing. Such enormous pain and guilt for not being stronger. For not having a purpose to live ay longer. And then she had left this world to join her family who had also lost their lives.
Her figure surrounded by the tiny spawns of the afterlife. Prodding and poking at her lifeless corpse. Treating her like she had no real reason to survive and that she was better off dead. Her last thought being that she failed her parents. She hadn't carried on their name and now they died in vain.
But just as the demons were preparing her final destination a gleaming light beamed in and saved her. It easily killed the jittery minions as if they had no reason to live. They were able to feel how she felt and in an odd way that made her happy. Payback was served.
Suddenly she could feel her heart blossoming into a steady beat once again. Her mind filling with curiosity and wonder. Her beautiful brown eyes opening up as if for the first time. Seeing him kneeling over her, holding her. His own eyes sharing her curiosity and more so, amazement. They looked into each other's eyes for only an instant before he began walking off. And in that same instant, she knew she couldn't leave his side. All though, through her life she had heard of demons being ever so foul. None of that mattered because for the very first time in a long while, she felt her heart warm and a genuine smile spread on her lips.
Rin had that fond memory flash in an instant. Her eyes blinked once more before she felt a falling sensation. And could faintly hear the amazed gasps from the villagers below.
She squinted and through her blurred vision could see the townspeople all racing to get further away from her. Suddenly the falling feeling stopped as she gently landed on the ground. Carefully her head turned to see what had happened. And her heart nearly stopped when seeing the sight. Her dog lord, shining in all his power had her gently secured with his arm. His Tokijin tightly in his hand's grasp. Small hints of blood dripping from it. It was no mystery where the red liquid came from, for the mantis's claw was limply lying on the ground.
The large demon was staring down upon them. It's eyes trembling along with it's massive body. A sense of rage and stronger aura thickened the air as the mantis planned it's revenge on the dog lord. Yet it would not move from it's post, the shock of loosing it's once power-filled claw held it in a restraint. It could only look down and keep it's anger hidden in it's mind.
Slowly, Rin took her vision away from the demon that had kept her captive. Her eyes turning to the man that still held her firmly. She rested her head on his shoulder as her eyes became watery. Just the sight of his face kept her in a trance. Reminding her further of his heroic efforts from long ago. The heartfelt day when he rescued her from death.
A small smile took their place on her mouth. She even gave a laugh as he looked into her eyes. His gestures were not as cute or caring. More so worried and a bit confused.
"Lord Sesshomaru…You came for me…I'm glad."
A final gasp escaped before her eyes closed. Her bangs gently shading her face as if saying goodbye. The dog's eyes widened in surprise. Was she sleeping? He quickly tuned his ears to her. She had no heartbeat, no pulse, nothing. Sleep would be a virtue but it was not. He hadn't saved her in time, his deepest fear.
Even with his knowledge of her passing he couldn't accept it. He felt clueless and unsure of what to expect or to happen.
Gently he shook her.
"Rin?" He whispered.
Another light nudge.
"Are you okay? Rin?"
The townspeople gathered closer as he began speaking louder. As scared as they were of a demon, they felt a sense of sadness for him. Especially the elderly woman who had grown fond of Rin so quickly. She now knew who the mysterious lord was that the girl had spoken of. The man she looked up to and followed with loyalty. She cradled her own daughter as she watched him.
Finally he ceased effort to awaken the mortal. He must respect the fact that she was gone. He tried but only more rage took over. He snarled as he laid her carefully on the ground. Her limp body softly staying in their burial position.
The demon stood and looked to the frightened villagers. Their eyes making his anger grow. How could they just stand there and look at him so selfishly? They hadn't even tried to help the human which in his way, made him sick.
"Watch her body. If anyone moves her…I'll kill you all." His teeth bared.
They gasped but nodded just as he turned back to the giant mantis. It's blood still spewing from it's claw wound.
"You'll get yours, dog!" It warned.
His eyes merely narrowed as he clutched his sword tighter. His aura grew to a level that even surpassed the giant bug's. The mantis prepared itself, knowing fully well it could not fight such a strong demon in this weak state.
"Die."
In a silver blur, the dog jumped to the mantis's torso. Splitting it down the middle with one swipe of Tokijin. The blood covering the sword as well as the bug's lower body. But for the insect the pain was not over. Swiftly and brutally, Sesshomaru nicked several painful gashes along it's head and eyes. He landed upon it's shoulder and dug the blade deep into the shell, cutting major wounds into the flesh below the surface.
The bug's cries and pleading went unnoticed as he continued to torture the beast. Slicing, cutting, gashing, and beating the insect until it fell to the ground. It was then that he ended it by letting the creature bleed to death.
The sword simply was placed back in his belt as he headed back to the lifeless human. The villagers jumping back as he neared them. All praying he noticed that his girl had gone untouched. After witnessing the pain and punishment he inflicted upon the killer mantis, none were prepared to meet the same fate.
Swiftly, the dog knelt down beside Rin's body. He reached back to his belt and exposed his father's gift to him. Tenseiga. It had done it's job well in the few times he used it. Now it was time for the sword to obey his command and reawaken his lost follower.
A beating sound was heard as the sword pulsed. It showed it's master the familiar spawns of the dead. They annoyed the body of the mortal with their prodding. He focused his eyes on them and quickly sliced them to oblivion. Dust was their only remains as it blew away.
Tenseiga was placed back in it's proper place. Sesshomaru now held the girl and awaited her return. As he had hoped a heartbeat began to echo in his ears. Her face twitching slightly before her brown beauties opened.
She looked up to see a pair of amber gems staring at her. Filling her emptiness and fear as they had done many times. A slight smile came to the end of the dog's mouth. The human opened her mouth as to speak but couldn't find words to tell how happy she was. She could only pull herself up and kiss her lord. She prayed he took it without rage. She got her answer as he pulled her tighter.
Villagers watched this strange and bizarre occurrence. None knowing what to do or what to think. Except one. One that had just woken up. Miza.
She had awoken to find Rin in a passionate lock with a demon. It disgusted her and she wasn't about to hide it.
"Rin! What…"
She was cut off as the townsfolk cupped her mouth and held her down. Holding her kicking legs and flailing arms. It wasn't long before she settled but turned her head away in sickness.
The young woman could barely stand to be there as some villagers began saying how cute it was that demons and humans could live as one. She just blocked all their gibberish out and kept gagging.
Of course Sesshomaru and Rin didn't hear any of it for when they parted they were laughing quietly. Soon they both headed off into the night, leaving behind a village of baffled and confused onlookers.
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"Everything is good, now?"
He elderly woman and young teen continued their herbs gathering. Conversation was much more enjoyable and open since the incident a few night ago.
"Yes very. Lord Sesshomaru told me that just because he's angry doesn't mean I caused it. I apologized anyway for yelling in his ears." She plucked the deep root.
"I'm happy for you. You have a well mannered….but somewhat violent lord. It took us a long time to get the mantis's blood off."
The two laughed.
"Mother! What are you doing? You should be in bed!" Miza limped up to the two, her makeshift bandages covering many portions of her body.
"Miza, dear. You should be the one resting. After all last time you came outside you were nearly killed." She teased.
"Be quiet, Mother!" She stomped her foot with frustration.
"No you really should be resting up." Rin placed another herb in her basket.
The woman glared at her, "What are you doing here, Demon Lover?"
She blushed, "I was just plucking herbs….And my lord did save us all so please don't be rash."
"SAVE? He did not! We were doing just fine until he showed up!" She lied.
"Oh hush, dear."
"Quiet Mother!"
Her attention shot back to Rin, "You shouldn't be here. If you're trying to hide from that hungry dog of yours than go somewhere else. We don't need trouble from a world crosser like you."
She sighed and shook her head. Some people would never learn. Maybe because Miza never got the chance to know a demon as great as Lord Sesshomaru. Or maybe some lived in their world where demons and humans don't cross…
Rin looked up at the sky and remembered what her and the dog had talked about only a few hours ago.
'"Rin, demons and humans are different. But that doesn't mean anything…Never leave me even if someone tells you it's wrong to be with me." He had stared deeply in her eyes as she did with his. "I'll protect you and love you like no mortal can."'
Rin looked to Miza, "Maybe you should cross worlds so you can see how wrong you are."
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The end!
Yay!
Alright there's yet another story finished. But I HAVE decided to write a small sequel to 'First Kiss' but this one will center more around Sesshomaru. Hehehe. You'll have to wait and see what's it's all about.
Please review!