Chapter 3
Four nights went by and still Rin ran into his chambers sobbing and saying it was the nightmares causing her to run to him. Sesshomaru wondered why she kept having them and how can he stop them. Sesshomaru called Sara into his study one afternoon. "Hai Ouji-sama?" She asked with a bow. "I am concerned about these nightmares Rin continues to have. I have no idea why they haven't subsided yet?" He said holding back his true emotions. He kept his cold composure. "If I may speak my opinion?" She asked. "You may." He said. "It seems she only has these dreams when she is not with you. Has she had them when she traveled with you?" She asked. "Yes she had nightmares for the first few nights she was with me, but they went away." He answered. "Were you there to comfort her?" She asked boldly asking him about his emotions, when no one dared to ask him. "I would simply tell her she was safe with me and no one will dare harm her while under my protection." He answered. She slightly nodded. "It could be because she is in a new environment and it's causing the nightmares." She explained. "I'm not informed in the ways how humans develop." She added. "Yes I know. Well send in Yuri. She may help us in this matter." He ordered. Zara nodded and took her leave. She returned shortly afterwards with the human woman.
"Ouji-sama, you have called for me?" Yuri asked as she went down to the floor to bow at his feet.
"Stand." He ordered. Yuri did as he said and stood up but never looked him in the eye.
"I need advice on a matter that involves my ward." He stated.
"And what would that matter be? Ouji-sama?" She asked.
"Rin is having nightmares every night since I have brought her hear to live with me. I was hoping you would know why this is." He answered.
"Ouji-sama from what you have told me about the young girl it seems appropriate for her to have these types of dreams. She is very young and young human children need to feel safety and comfort." She explained.
"I have already told her she is safe and I do comfort her after the dreams." He said.
"Yes, but when she is scared what does she do?" She asked.
"Come to me of course." He answers
"Do you ever comfort her when she's in her room?" She asked.
"No she comes to me."
"Well you are feeding her fear by allowing her to sleep in your chambers. Try comforting her in her bed chambers it might help." She said Sesshomaru nodded and dismissed her.
Later that night he heard her coming down the hall again like she has done every night since she came to live with him. He opened his chamber doors to find the child crying in front of him. He lifted her up in his arms and carried her back to the nursery. He sat her down on the bed. "Rin you alright. No one will dare hurt you while under my protection." He said as he stood by her bed. He had no idea what exactly what he was doing. He never really experienced nightmares and his mother was a cold woman and was more about herself then her son. His father was usually away at war with other demons who threatened to take over the Inu-Youkai's territory. He was raised as a worrier not a parent.
"The wolves will come into my room and eat me." She croaked. "No Rin they will not. You are surrounded by three hundred Inu-Youkai solders. The wolves will never break through their watch. Everyone is too afraid to dare attack and harm you. I will always protect you as long as you live nothing will ever harm you. You have my word." He answered. She stared up at the great dog demon with watery eyes. She knew she was the safest little in the world to have a very powerful demon looking after her, but she still feared the wolves, which had killed her and when she wasn't with him she felt unsafe. She nodded and lay back down. He pulled the covers up to her chin and turned away. "Good night Rin." He simply said. He walked back to his chambers and turned in for the night.
Three hours before the sun rose he heard Rin screaming and then running towards his chambers. He opened the doors and she instantly clung to his leg. He sighed and gave in. He lifted her up and comforted her till she stopped crying. He let her sleep with him.
The rest of the day went s scheduled and later that night he waited for Rin to come running to his chambers crying. But nothing happened. The whole night was uneventful for the first time since he brought her there. He walked out of his chambers and walked into her nursery. He went into the bed chambers and found Rin sleeping peacefully. He looked closely and noticed she was holding the yellow sash he usually wore was tightly in her grip. "Ouji-sama" He heard Zara whisper when she noticed his presence. "Why is this here?" He asked as he pointed to the. "I asked for it from your servants. I thought it would help her sleep better if she had your scent. That always helps young Youkai when they are frightened they become less frightened when they hold something with the scent of a parent." She explained. "It seems to be working." She added proudly. "Very well then." He simply said. In reality he liked it when she would sleep with him, but he knew it wasn't healthy for her relationship with him. He knew she would need to detach herself emotionally when she has to part from him when she is fully grown. He wanted to keep her like this forever. He wanted her to stay his little girl who never aged and would eventually leave him.
Days afterwards, the sash worked will as it kept her from having those violent dreams and running into his chambers. He managed to get more done since he didn't need to rest as much as she did. He could go a month without sleep and still function. He was a demon and his kind didn't age the same as humans. He could live to be his father's age and still look young. He himself was considered to be a young demon even though he is five hundred years. He became of full grown age at hundred. Even then he looked to be the age of thirteen rather than a hundred. To humans he would seem to be around the age of twenty.
Jaken returned with the news Sesshomaru was hoping for and ordered the servants to prepare for traveling. He wanted to travel to the human lord's palace to introduce Rin into their society. He heard they were allied with the demon dogs and heard he had a young son to be around Rin's age. He wanted to find a suitor that was around Rin's age so they could grow together and become better equated. The next day he told Zara the plan and ordered her to prepare Rin for traveling.
"O'hime it is time to wake up. Ouji-sama ordered me to prepare you for traveling. We are in companying him to meet the human lord that lives at the base of the mountain." She said as she pulled open the drapes and let the sunlight in. Rin opened her eyes slowly and sat up groggily. "Why?" Rin asked still sleepy. "He wants to introduce you into human nobility and gain trust in them." Zara answered, holding back what his true intentions were. He had told her not to say a word about Rin being courtship and to arrange a marriage to the human lord's son.
"But I don't want to go." Rin said as she sat up in her bed. "I am sorry O'hime I have to do what Ouji-sama orders me to do. If he says you have to go than I must follow his demand." She said as she pulled out a white kimono. "No I don't want to go." Rin said. "You have too. Ouji-sama wants you to socialize with your own kind so you won't be fearful of them. No all humans are bad." Zara explained "Rin" She heard Sesshomaru's deep voice. She turned to find him standing in her doorway. She looked at him in fear. "Rin you are to join me to Yotou-sama's home. No arguments, understood?" He said in a stern and cold voice."Yes Sesshomaru-outosan-sama" She answered in a wounded voice, she knew better then to protest him. Sesshomaru turned and walked out of the room.
Zara helped her out of bed and helped her with her morning routine. Rin sighed while Zara dressed her into the most elegant white kimonos that was made especially for this occasion. "You can take a few dolls with you." Zara suggested. Rin grinned and grabbed her three favorite dolls. The cloth doll, the baby china doll, and the china doll that resembled her. After Rin had her morning meal they went to wait in the great hall. Sesshomaru looked Rin over and was pleased to see her in a bright white kimono which had sapphire blue butterflies painted on the kimono. Her hair was pulled back to the back of her head and a jeweled comb. The comb had a butterfly shape at the top and jeweled with blue sapphires in the wings and diamonds made up the body of the butterfly. She was also starting to lose her sun-kissed skin tone. He was hoping to raise her up into a lady and change her skin to fair so she would resemble a young lad rather than an orphaned girl who had a farmer for a father and a farmer's wife, but for now he would just let her be a child awhile longer and not let her grow up to fast as she already has when she lost her family and was abused by the villagers.
"Rin there is nothing to be afraid of. I will not allow anyone to hurt you. I would never place you in danger. Yotou-sama is an ally and he will not harm you. You need to understand that not all of your kind are cruel or bad. There are good in your kind just like Youkai. There are evil Youkai like Naraku and then there are good Youkai who protect the weak, like the Inu-Youkai." He said as he notice fear growing in her eyes. She simply nodded. "Very well we must be on our way." He said as he turned and walked towards the doors. He was followed by Rin and the palace servants followed them all out. There on the landing of the giant staircase was a carriage made of red wood and gold. There were sheer drapes on all four sides. Inside were giant cushions. "This is yours." Sesshomaru said as he pointed to the carriage and two dog demon guards opened the drapes for her. Sesshomaru lifted her up and placed her in side. Zara handed the three dolls for her to take before the guards close the drapes. The carriage was drawn by a white horse. Sesshomaru led the twenty dog demon guards as he rode Uh-Un. Ten guards walked in front of the carriage and ten behind. Zara walked next to the carriage as did Mai and ten other servants. It looked like a fairytale as they traveled down the staircase. It was like elves walking down the mountain. Not only was Sesshomaru was a beautiful dog demon his whole kind was as elegant and graceful as he. The guards were much uniformed not a single one out of place as they walked down the mountain.
They arrived to their destination in two hours time. The gate opened up to the lord's castle. They were greeted with ten guards and escorted through the gate. They were met up by a samurai who led them into the doors of the castle. Zara helped Rin out of her carriage and followed her as she rushed over to Sesshomaru's side she grabbed his pant leg and all the servants followed Sesshomaru in. All of except two guards stayed outside. "Sesshomaru-Ouji-sama Ouji of the Inu-Youkai and Sama of the West." The samurai introduced. "Kenichi-sama and Sierra-Mina-Sama" the samurai said introducing his lord and lady. "Kenichi-sama I am pleased you have accepted my invite to your palace." Sesshomaru said in his cold voice. He hated calling humans lords and ladies as he believed him to be superior to all humans. The lord bowed his head at Sesshomaru in respect. "I would like to present you my ward, Rin o'hime." Sesshomaru introduced Rin to him. Rin hid behind Sesshomaru's left leg as she shied away from the human lord. "It is an honor to meet you Ouji of the Inu-Youkai Sama of the west. It is nice to meet you Rin o'hime. I present to you my musuko Kai-sama." Lord Kenichi said as he motioned his hand for his son to walk over to them.
The boy wasn't much older than Rin, he was two years older than her, which was what Sesshomaru wanted. He wanted Rin to grow up with her suitor. The boy had dark brown hair that was cut short. His eyes were a soft brown. He had a boyish charm to him that Rin thought was interesting. He had a small smile but yet fear was in his eyes. He eyed the great dog demon as he walked over to his father. "Welcome Sesshomaru-ouji-sama. Welcome Rin-o'hime." He said and bowed his head. "Rin say hello." Sesshomaru demanded. Rin walked around from behind his leg and stood next to him, with her hand clinched in his pant leg. She looked up at the dog demon for a split second then looked at the boy. "H-hi" She stuttered in a shy voice. "Forgive her. She has a fear if her own kind due to bad experiences." Sesshomaru explained. "You poor thing. You have nothing to fear here. You will be safe during your stay here." Sierra spoke from where she was sitting. Her voice was soft and like a bird chirping. She was lovely with her long ebony hair. Her face was pale and delicate features. She wore a lavish kimono. It was white with a golden tiger painted on it.
"Shall we talk business?" Sesshomaru asked. "Of course right this way." Lord Kenichi answered and led him to his study. Once inside, Kenichi sat down behind his stationary. "I am pleased you have accepted my proposal for my musume's hand in marriage to your musuko." Sesshomaru stated. "Yes, it is an honor. My family have been allied with your kind many generations. Your outosan was a great ally to my four fathers." Kenichi answered. "Now back to business. When should they marry?" Kenichi asked. "My terms on this arrangement is that I will present Rin in marriage to your musuko two years after her maiden blood begins, so she can develop more into maturity." He explained. "I understand and those arrangements is acceptable. I ask that Rin and Kai to meet every year to better acquaint them before their marriage. I ask that Kai stay two weeks at your palace every other summer and Rin stay here in return." Kenichi added his terms. "That sounds acceptable as long as Rin has her hand maid with her at all times. And two of my warriors to accompany her at all times for protection." Sesshomaru stated. "That is understandable." Kenichi answered. "Zara, her hand maid, must be at her side at all times. Rin had grown attached to the inu-youkai shimobe and finds comfort with her. My ward has been through much terrible things in her young life. Her family was killed by bandits and the village she lived were cruel to her. She found me and befriended me. She was nearly killed by wolves when I saved her life she had followed me since then. She has grown attached to me and I tend to take care of her as if she were my own." Sesshomaru explained. "I understand, and I hope this match will help her overcome her fear of her own kind." Kenichi stated.
They walked out of the study and went to the great hall where they found it to be empty. Except for Mai who was waiting for her lord. "Mai where is Rin?" He asked with his normal emotionless tone. "They have all gone into the gardens Ouji-Sama." She said as she bowed her head looking down at the floor in respect, knowing her place next to Sesshomaru. "Zara and the guards accompanied them knowing that is your wish for O'hime to be with them." She added. "Very well." He answered.
"It is alright O'hime." Zara whispered in Rin's ear when she noticed her shying away from the boy who was standing in front of her. His hand extended towards hers. Rin took in a deep breath and took his hand. He led her to the koi ponds. Rin looked into the water and watched the koi fish in amazement. She loved to watch the fish swim around each other. It looked like they were dancing. "How old are you?" Kai asked. "I think six. How old are you?" She answered. "Eight. What happened to your parents?" He asked. "They were killed by bandits along with my brothers." She answered. "How did you end up with Sesshomaru-Ouji-Sama?" He asked in curiosity. "I found him in the forest by the village. He was wounded and I tried to help him. He saved me after wolves nearly killed me. I have been by his side since then." She answered.
Kai looked at her for a long minute as he processed her story. "Well you want to play a game?" He asked. "Oh yes that would be fun!" Rin answered excitedly. "Okay, well you go hide and I will look for you." He said with a smile. Rin nodded and waited till he turned around and she went running looking for a place to hide in the large garden. She picked a tree where the roots lifted high above the ground forming an archway. There was moss hanging over it making a nice curtain. She giggled and went inside and sat there with her hand clamped around her mouth to keep quiet so to not be found. Ten minutes passed by when she heard footsteps coming her way. She swallowed down a giggle. She watched him walk away. She waited again for him to find her but minutes went by then an hour. She debated either to announce her presence or wait till he found her. She heard the familiar footsteps and then the moss curtain pulled open she stared up at his golden orbs and smiled. "There you are." He said indifferent. "Yes Sesshomaru-outosan you found me." She laughed. "Come Rin." He commanded. She stood up and followed the great dog demon prince.
"Where were you?" Kai asked exasperated. "Under a tree" She laughed when she came closer to him. "I couldn't find you and so I told the Inu-Youkai Sesshomaru-Ouji-Sama that I couldn't find you after an hour searching. He didn't hesitate finding you quickly." He explained. "I guess I'm too good at this game." She laughed. "Guess so!" He laughed too. "Well we won't play that game anymore." He said after laughing. They went to his nursery followed by Zara. He showed her all of his things in his room. Like is new hunting equipment since he is now old enough to hunt and train to fight. She listened as best she could but she wasn't very interested in any of it.
The next day Rin and Sesshomaru along with their traveling party returned to the palace. "Rin, do you like Kai?" He asked while standing by her bedside. "Yes, he's nice." She answered. "I'm pleased you like him. He will be joining us during the summer for you two to better acquaint each other." He replied. "Why?" She asked cocking her head to the side. "I want you two to become friends so you can interact with humans instead of Youkai all the time. You need to learn not all humans are violent and that you can trust them." He explained. She sighed. "Okay Sesshomaru-outosan-sama I will try." She replied. "Very well, well I fair you goodnight." He said then turned to walk out of her chambers. Rin smiled and burrowed further down in the bed.
A week went by since they went to lord Kenichi and the palace was in full swing humming with servants as they prepared the palace for the big event. Sesshomaru spent his time in his study as he went over the two hundred years of unsettled business that was supposed to be his job after his father's death and instead chose to ignore his birthright during that time. The door suddenly burst open. "Mai what is it?" He asked with his normal manner but with a bit of anger added to it. "O'hime is here and is requested to…" She answered. "Ahh my musuko" The Dog demoness walked in past Mai. Mai dropped to the floor at her feet. "Okaasan" Sesshomaru greeted as he stood up. "Please say it isn't true?" She started. "What isn't it true okaasan?" He asked. "That you have brought that young ningen girl to live here with you. I heard as well that you plan to marry her." She answered as she sat down on a straight back chair. "No okaasan it isn't all true. I do not plan to marry her. I have already made preparations for her to marry a human Sama in the ningen village that is in my lands." He answered. "I have brought her here to live with me till she is of age to marry. I have also decided to formally make her my musume." He explained as he sat back down. "What you're going to make me abaasan too a ningen girl" She said in pure disgust. "I also noticed you gave her my old chambers." She added in disgust. "You haven't lived here since I was old enough to train to be a warrior." He replied. "Yes I know but it still hurts your poor okaasan." She said overly dramatic. "Well no matter. I will reside in the other chambers till this ridiculous event is over with. Oh before I make my leave, your Ojiisan told me to inform you that if you choose to marry a human you will be banished and stripped of your titles. He is already still upset with you outosan for marrying a human hime and producing a hanyou. He also wants you to find a mate and produce an heir." She added. She stood up and walked out the door. "Abasan-O'hime Mae" Zokai bowed his head as he passed by her. "Oisan" She greeted back.
"I didn't expect to see her" Zokai said in astonishment. "Yes me either. She came to inform me that Ojiisan is not pleased with me having a human living here let alone a human girl. He believes I will be like my outosan and marry her. I told Okaasan I have already made preparations for her to marry a human Sama. He also wants me to find a mate and produce an heir so I have decided to propose to marry either a Tora-youkai maiden or a Niko-youkai. Let's see if he well approve of that." He informs his cousin. Zokai scuffed at his cousin's expense. "He'll most likely rip you apart but then again you are the only heir so maybe you are safe there." Zokai laughed. "Yes, back to business. Has my hanyou otouto responded yet?" He asked. "I wouldn't know." Zokai answered. Sesshomaru nodded.
Later that day they held a feast in the dining hall for the O'hime of the Inu-Youkai's return. Zokai found it amusing watching his aunt glaring at the poor human girl child. Rin stood closely beside Sesshomaru hiding herself behind him a bit. She only met his mother once and she feared her then as well. Mae sighed and stopped glaring at her when her son glowered at her. She placed a comforting smile at the girl. "Come here child." She said sweetly. Rin looked up at Sesshomaru frightened. "You are safe." He said in response. Rin nodded and walked slowly towards the demoness. She looked at the beautiful dog demoness and was in amazement at her beauty. "You're very beautiful o'hime!" Rin said shyly. "Yes I know." Mae said in vain.
Her vanity and her lack of feeling was one of the many reasons Sesshomaru's father left her. Their marriage was an arranged marriage and there was no love between them. Once Sesshomaru was born Mae moved into what is now Rin's nursery. After Sesshomaru was capable to sustain on his own she left the palace and left him under the control of nurse maids and his father. She lives in her own palace that once belonged to her mother's family.
"Zara, take Rin to bed." Sesshomaru ordered when he noticed Rin nodding her head as she fought sleep. Zara went over to the child and lifted her up in her arms. Rin didn't resist. Zara began to walk away when Rin lifted her head up wide eyed. "Wait I must tell Outosan-sama good night." She said. Zara smiled and took her over to the demon lord. "Good night." Rin said as she hugged his neck. "Good night Rin." Sesshomaru answered.
"Morning O'Hime" A servent bowed as Mae sat up in her bed the next morning. "Has my musuko awaken yet?" She asked as the servent laid out food for her. "Yes O'Hime the Ouji-sama has been over seeing preparations for young Rin O'Hime's coming out." The servent answered. "Very well." Mae waved her hand to dismiss the servent. The servent bowed and exited the chambers.
Zara readied Rin for the day "Must I do my lessons?" Rin groaned. "Yes O'hime. Ouji-sama believes it to be important for you to get an education." Zara answered. "But I want to see them prpare for my coming out." She whined. "You will see them later." Zara replied. "Alright!" Rin sighed. "You morning meal is waiting for you in the next room." Zara said.
Rin nodded still holding a scowl on her face. She walked out of her sleeping chambers, moping and pouting as she goes. She grumbled about why it was so important o have an education. After her morning meal Zara led her to the Sensei's chambers. Rin sighed as she sat down at the low table that had a few scrowls on it. Yokou looked at the child and noticed how figit in her sit. "Rin, pay attention." he scorned. Rin sighed and sat still.
Finally her lessons were over with for the day. Rin instantly jumped up and nearly ran to the main hall, where the preporations were being made. Rin squealed with excitement. She was disappointed when Zara forced her back to the nusary for her evening meal.
"Ouji-Sama." Mai knocked at the study doors. "What is it Mai?" He asked. "InuYasha-Sama has arrived Ouji-Sama." She answered. "Send him in." He ordered. The door opened and InuYasha walked in slowly. "Why did you call for me Sesshomaru?" InuYasha asked a bit annoyed. Sesshomaru looked up from his work and stared back at his half brother. He noticed a change in InuYasha's face. He held a sadness expression in his amber eyes. He was very much unamused to be there. "I wanted to explain to you I have embressed my birth right and therefore declaring you as second heir to Outosan's lands. I am the Ouji of the Inu-Youkai and therefore I will become emperor of the Inu-Youkai once my Ojiisan, the emperor, passes on or ritires from the throne. Once that happens you will become Sama of he western lands." Sesshomaru explained.
InuYasha stared back at him wide eyed. He never expected this outcome. "Wait, you letting me be Sama?" He asked in disbelief. "Yes. You are Outosan's second heir." Sesshomaru reminded him. InuYasha stared back at his half brother for a long minute as he digested this new information. "Does this mean you are admitting that I am your brother?" He asked. "Yes I am." Sesshomaru answered with a bit of disgust in his tone. He hated to admit that he is related to a half breed, the worst part for him is that they share a father.
"Well do you except this title?" He asked. "I have no choice. Of course I do." InuYasha answered. "Very well. I have also made you Sama of the InuYasha Forst since that was once your Okaasan's family's territory. Therefore that villege is now under your protection." Sesshomaru ecplained. InuYasha simply nodded. "I will announce your new status tomorrow night at Rin's coming out." Sesshomaru explained. InuYasha nodded.
Zokai walked in a few minutes later with announcements of the guest. "InuYasha, this is our Itouko, Zokai. Zokai this is InuYasha." Sessomaru introduced. "InuYasha-Sama It is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to court." Zokai bowed his head at InuYasha. InuYasha sttod there for a minute. "Err yeah ah I guess." InuYasha replied unsure what to do. "Zokai is my personal advisor. His Outosan was our Oji. Outosan's Otouto." Sesshomaru explained Zokai's status. "So how does all this court stuff work?" InuYasha asked since he was never part of such things and no one treated him with a title before well except for Myouga, who calls him master.
"You are Sama of the InuYasha Forest and heir to the western lands. You are also an Ouji as well since your Okaasan was a Hime. Your title is a bit difficult since your Okaasan's family's territory has long been taken over by a new Sama." Sesshomaru tried to explain. InuYasha just stood there in the study in front of Sesshomaru while Sesshomaru tried to sort throught InuYasha's title. "For now on you will be addressed as InuYasha-Sama." he finally said after a minute of thinking. Inuyasha nodded. "What ever." He sighed. "Can I go now?" InuYasha groaned. "Not yet." Sesshomaru answered. InuYasha sighed. "Okay well at least can I leave this room?" He asked. "Not yet I need to show you our territory and who are our allies." Sesshomaru answered. InuYasha nodded and let Sesshomaru explain everything to him. Things that his father would have told him and taught him.
The day finally came and Rin was overly excited as Zara bathed her. Rin stepped out of the tub and allowed Zara to dry her off. She helped Rin into her under clothes and led her into the dressing screen. Zara brought out her new kimono that was a gift from Sesshomaru just for the occasion. It had dark blue edges fading into light blue as it went closer towards the middle. There were blue sparrows flying accross the back. "It's beeautiful." Rin said excitedly. It was made from the finest silk. Zara dressed her in the Kimono and did up her hair. She did different braids and held it in place with a decorative comb that had a saphires incrested in the top shaped as a lily flower.
"You look beautiful." Zara said smiling at her. "Do I get to wear make-up?" Rin asked hopefulness in her eyes. "I'm sorry, but no. Ouji-Sama believes you are too young for such a thing." She answered. Rin frowned a bit with disappointment.
"Rin are you presentable?" She heard Sesshomaru asked from the door. "Yes outosan-sama." She answered. Zara opened the door as she sat on her knees and bowed her head down touching the floor as Rin passed by to enter the nursary.
Rin smiled up at Sesshomaru, who was wearing an elgent white kimono and his yellow sash that held his two sowords. He wasn't wearing his armor this time since it was a formal event. "You look beatiful Rin." He complimented her. "Thank you!" She said blushing a bit. "Rin, I have a gift for you." He stated after a minute. Sesshomaru stepped aside to reveal the miniature replica of the palace sitting in the middle of the nursary.
Rin ran up to it and clapped her hands with a squeal of excitement as she studied the structure. Rin found the clutch and opened it. She gasped with amazment when she saw that each room was exactly like the palace. There were three little figures carved from wood. One was a man, the second a woman, and the third was a child that looked a llot like her. Each room had miniaturized furniture in each of the rooms. "Oh Outosan-sama it's wonderful." She said with excitement. "I am pleased you like it." Sesshomaru replied. Rin ran up to him and hugged him. "Thank you!" She said when she released her hug.
"Are you ready?" He asked. "Yes Outo-Sama." She said with a bit of nervousness in her voice. "Rin you have no need to be afraid. I'll be by your side the whole time." He said to help calm her nerves. Rin nodded and followed after him. They met up Mae and InuYasha outside the door that led to the great hall. InuYasha was all polished and clean. He even wore boots, since it was inappropriate for him to be bare foot. He was all fidgety. His long silver hair was silky and shiny. His ears twitching a bit in aggravation.
Mae wore an elegant dark pink and white kimono with her fur drapped over her shoulder. Rin was memorized at her beauty as she marvelled at the dog demaness.
"All bow to O'Hime Mae of the Inu-Yakai." The gaurd announced as Mae entered through the door and entered to the great hall. she took her place on the left and sat on the large cushions at the top of the grand stairs.
"All bow to InuYasha-Sama of the InuYasha forest and second heir to the Western Lands." InuYasha walked out through the doors and paused at the sight of all of the great and powerful demons of all of Japan and they were bowed down to him, a half breed. He walked and took his place on the right and sat on the large cushion, folding his legs. He folded his arms across his chest placing his hands in the sleeves of hos robe of the fire rat, holding Tessiaga.
"All bow to Sesshomaru Ouji of the Inu-Yokai Sama of the Western Lands" The gaurd announced. Sesshomaru walked out and took his place between his mother and half brother.
"Now we present to you the Ouji-Sama's Musume. Rin O'hime of the Western Lands." The gaurd announced. Rin took a deep breath and stepped out into the great hall. she took her place at Sesshomaru's feet. She sat down folding her legs underneath her.
"All Hail to your new Hime of the West. O'Hime Rin musume to Ouji of the Inu-Yokai, Sama of the West." The gaurd announced. The crowed rose up and shouted hail to the new Hime.
The rest of the night provided entertainment and a great feist and more entertainment. At the end of the night Rin was bout to pass out from exhaustion. Sesshomaru lifted the child up from her spot at his feet and carried her towards the nursary. Mae watchd with curiosity as she watched her once cold hearted son carry this small child towards her chambers. 'He has changed so much. Otto-sama you would be proud of our Musuko.' She thought as he disappeared out of the room. No one else paid much attention to Sesshomaru's actions as they were to occupied with the entertainment.
"I'm not tired." Rin protested groggly as she fought sleep. "I want to see the pretty dancers." She said slurring her words a bit. "It's late and you need too sleep. when your older you can stay up longer." He replied. Zara was five paces behind them. Zara went around them and opened the door for him. She opened the second door and went to get Rin's night dress. Sesshomaru watched as Zara undressed the child and undid her hair and dressed her in her night dress.
Sesshomaru walked over to the bed to fair Rin good night. "Outosan, thank you for what you have done for me." She said in her half sleep state. He stared at her for a moment and slightly smiled at her. Her eyes fluttered closed as she finally gave into her exhaustion. "Good night Rin, my musume." he whispered once Zara left to let them alone. Sesshomaru brushed some of Rin's hair off her cheek and took his leave.
Rin woke up late the next day with a big yawn. "Good morning o'hime." Zara greeted when she saw Rin stir. "Morning Zara." Rin greeted. "Lets get dressed so you can eat your morning meal." Zara said as she helped Rin out of bed. "Kai and Kiara have been waiting for you to get up and play with you." Zara informed. "Really?" Rin asked excitedly. "Yes." Zara answered. Rin nearly jumped off her bed and Zara quickly dressed her and had to remind her not to inhale her food. After she was finished eating Zara led her out to the gardens where Kiara and Kai were waiting.
"Rin, you're finally awake." Kiara said excitedly and ran up to hug her. Kai walked over to them. "O'Hime." he bowed and took her hand and lightly kissed it. Rin blushed a bit. "Lets play hide-n-seek." Kiara said excitedlly. They both agreed. Zara sat at the edge of the garden next to Kiara and Kai's nurses as they watched the children play.
Sesshomaru let InuYasha leave that next morning after the coming out party, since he was so eager to leave. Sesshomaru went towards the gardens where he could hear Rin squealing and laughing with delight as she played with the human boy and demon girl. Mae spied him staring out at the gardens with contentment written on his face.
"Mai send forth Zokai for me and send him to the study. I'll be wiating." Mae ordered the servent dog demon, who was standing five paces behind her lord-prince. Mai turned and walked away. Once inside she shut the door behind her. Mai soon entered the room wih Zokai behind her. "Leave us." Mae waved her hand. Mai bowed and took her leave.
"Zokai, have you noticed a change in my Musuko?" Mae asked. "Yes I have Abasn." Zokai answered. Mae nodded.
"My musuko has changed a lot since I last saw him. And even before that. He was so cold hearted and bent on being the most powerful youkai in the land and was determined to be more powerful than his outosan. Me and my Otto noticed this when he was still young and tried to teach him compassion, that is why his Outosan intrusted him with the tenssiaga to teach him compassion. But since he has come across this human child did he finally learned compassion. Tell me, do you know why and where he met this child?" She said.
"I have too noticed it as well, he has changed. He explained to me how he found this child and how her family were killed by bandits. The villege she lived in beat her and abused her. She had found him injured in the woods near her villege. She tried to offer him food. When she was attacked and killed by ookamis, he revived her and she has followed him since." Zokai explained what Sesshomaru told him.
"I tried to get the story from the imp but got nothing. I am glad he has finally gained compassion." She said. Zokai nodded in agreement.
Days turned into months and weeks turned into months. It was mid winter and Rin was getting antsy and cabin fever from all the snow. She couldn't go outside for a week since there was a heavey blizzurd going on outside and she disperatly wanted to be outside. She had no playments which made it even worse for her. She sat in Yokou's chambers sigh every so often with boredem. "Rin, pay attention. Now tell me what these characters mean?" He repeated what he asked her earlier. "Uhh tora. Kitsun. And this one is ahh fukumurou I think?" She answered unsure. "No It's Ookami" He corrected. "I hate Ookami." She muttered. "Why?" He asked. Rin looked up at him. "They attacked me and killed me. Outoan-sama saved me." She answered. He gave the young girl a solemn look in his eye. "Okay enough with the identifying the dobutsu. lets move on to Mathmatics." He said. Rin sighed and complied.
After her lessions were complete she went back to the nursary and played with her favorite dolls and the Miniature Palace. Zara walked in carrying her midday meal. "Zara will you play with me?" Rin asked after she was done eating. "Of course O'Hime. I would love to play with you." Zara answered. Rin smiled and handed her a few dolls.
Rin laughed and played mother with the dolls and Zara pretended to be the baby for her. Rin loved it when she had someone to play with. It made the time go by quicker.
"O'Hime, Ouji-Sama would like to speak with you in the study." Mai said interupting her playing. Rin stood up and followed Mai towards the study with Zara following as she usually did. Rin stepped into the study with Zara behind her. Mai shut the door behind them.
"Rin, I must leave for a few weeks. I was summoned to my Ojiisan's palace and I must go. While I am gone you are to listen to Zara and Mai. You are to continue with your I return and learn you have not done what I instructed you will be punished. Is that clear?" He explained. "Yes Outosan-sama." Rin answered with a sadden expression. "Must you leave me?" SHe asked in a small voice. "Yes. You will be safe here. No one will hurt you. They know the consequences if they hurt you in anyway." He answered. She nodded and sniffled a little bit. She ran up to him arms spread wide and hugged him.
"Please don't leave me." She cried which turned into sobbing. "Rin, it won't be for long. You will be alright." He tried soothing her. "Can't I go with you?" SHe asked after she calmed down a bit. "No You must stay here like a good girl." He answered. She nodded and hugged him again. He lifted her up into his arms and held her as she cried. Finally after half an hour she finally calmed herself down. "I'll be a good girl and wait for your return as I have before." She said after she took in a shaky breath. "It'll be okay I will be home in a two weeks." He said. She nodded and he let her down.
The next morning Sesshomaru said his good bye to Rin and gave his orders to the servants of the palace. Rin mopped through out her lessons. SHe screamed and cried at night from her nightmares. Zara felt so sorry for the human child as she tried to cheer her up. "I want Sesshomaru-sama." She cried when she woke from her sleep after a nightmare. "Shh, o'hime he will be home soon." She soothed. Rin just cried herself back to sleep.
"O'Hime how about we go outside and play in the snow?" Zara said three days after Sesshomaru's departure. "Oh yes I would love too." Rin said excitedly. Zara dressed her for the cold and they spent the whole morning outside. Building snowmen and snowball fights.
Sesshomaru finally arrived at his grandfather's palace. it was a four day journey to the palace. The gaurds led him up to the palace doors and led him to his grandfather. He followed the gaurd all the way to two large wooden doors. The gaurd opened it and bowed as Sesshomaru passed them by and entered the room.
"Ah Magomusuko, welcome." The tall dog demon emperor said as he watched Sesshomaru walk in. The emperor was tall like Sesshomaru with long floor langth silver hair. He had two purple strips on each side of his face with the matching crusent shaped purple moon that signified that he is royalty.
"Ojiisan, you sent for me?" Sesshomaru bowed.
"Yes. Yes I did. I hear you want to marry a Tora-Youkai or a Fukumurou-Youkai?" He replied.
"No Ojiisan." Sesshomaru answered.
"Good. For a minute there I thought you have may lost your mind. I also hear you have made a ningen child your musume?" he asked.
"Yes that is true I have." Sesshomaru answered
"Do you plan to marry this ningen?"
"No Ojiisan I do not. I have already arranged for her to marry a ningen sama in the nearby villege that is under the protection of my outosan's lands."
"Very well. I have arranged for you to marry Your second itouko on your okaasan's side. She will be here by the day after tomorrow. You will marry her and bare an heir or I will strip away your title and lands. Do you understand?" The emperor stated.
"Yes ojiisan I understand." Sesshomaru answered in his cold tone. He was dissmissed and sent to his state room. There he found his mother sitting in the sitting room. "I told you Outosan is not pleased with you." She said with a grin.
"Yes Okaasan you told me." He replied as he stood and stared at his mother with cold eyes.
"Ahh don't look at your Okaasan like that. I did you a favor. My itouko is a beautiful Youkai and she is no way near like me. She actually cares about living creatures such as ningen unlike you and me, well not you anymore, who could care less about those weaklings. I picked her out myself since I knew you wouldn't chose any female. She will accept you ward as you want her to be viewed." She explained.
"Do I know her?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Yes from when you were a child you played together."
"What is her name?"
"Sara of the Eastern lands. Her Outosan is Sama of the east. He is my Okaasan's nii-san. She is a lady in waiting in my court." Mae explained. Sesshomaru nodded. "Well I will see you in a day or two." Mae said as she stood up and left him be.
The day came to meet his betrothel. He walked towards the throne room and found Mae and the emperor sitting in their thrones. His grandfather motioned him closer. "Sit!" He demanded. Sesshomaru sat on his left facing the doors. The doors opened and three gaurds walked in leading in three dog demons. "InuTaisho of the East." The gaurd announced. He large dog demon bowed his head. "My Ouji-Sama I present to you my only musume Sara O'Hime of the East." The dog demon said as he stepped aside.
A young demoness walked around the demon and bowed her head towards them. Her long silver hair was partly put up in breads and held back with an elgant comb. she wore a sea green kimono with lotus flowers covering it. Her fur flowed over her left shoulder. her face had a purple streak on each cheek. her amber eyes shining bright. she was feminine in every sinse of the word. She walked with such graze it made Sesshomaru look clumsy and sloppy.
"Sara O'Hime I present to you my only heir. My magomusuko Sesshomaru Ouji of the Inu-Youkai Sama of the West." The emperor introduced Sesshomaru to the demoness. "Ouji-sama." She said as she bowed. "O'hime" He replied with a nod.
Over the next two weeks Sesshomaru was forced to court with Sara and get to know her better. The emperor later announced they shall be married late spring. Sesshomaru had no say in these affairs. He maybe a powerful demon but even he had to obey the emperor.
He returned four days after the announcement. "Where is Rin?" he asked when he arrived home. "With the sensei." Mai answered. "Send her to me." he ordered. "Yes Ouji-Sama." Mai bowed and went to fetch Rin. Rin ran up too Sesshomaru and hugged him tightly. "I missed you so much Otousan-Sama." She sang. "Rin, how did you fair?" He asked after she released him. "I was very good while you were gone. I did my lessons as instructed and I behaved myself." She answered proudly. "Very well. I must descuss something with you. I will soon be married. She will be living here with us till she has given me an heir. Is that clear?" He explained. "Yes Outosan-sama." She replied. "The wedding will take place in late spring." He explained further. Rin nodded. "Any questions?" He asked knowing the child would have a billion.
"What is her name?" She asked.
"Sara of the East."
"Is she a Inu-Youkai as well?"
"Yes. She is my kin."
"Is she beautiful?"
"Yes I suppose."
"Oh I can't wait to meet her." Rin clapped her hands with excitement. Sesshomaru dismissed her and ordered a staff meeting.
"I will be married in late spring therefore there will be a new O'Hime of the house. You will do as she demands and treat as such. I want all of you to prepare for her arrival. You all dismissed." He ordered
Winter started to drag on and on as blizzard after blizzard hit the mountian. Rin was so restless as the storm raged on outside. Finally the storm let up and she eagerly got ready to go out in the gardens and play in the snow. Zara showed her how to skate on the icey pond which made her even more eager to get outside.
Zara and Rin skated around the Koi pond for a while. Rin skated further away from Zara when suddenly the ice gave way and Rin fell throught the ice. Zara ran and jumped into the thin ice swimming towards the child as Rin sank to the bottom due to her heavey layers of clothing. Zara reached her and pushed off the extra clothing off of the child and swam out of the pond. She laid Rin down on the thick part of the ice. Zara patted her back extracting the water from Rin's lungs. Rin coughed up the water And shivered violently.
"It's okay o'hime." She assured her and carried her back into the Palace. She carried her to the nursary and hurriedly changed her into dry clothes. Sesshomaru was in there half a second later. "What happened." He demanded as he looked Rin over. Rin shivered violently as she tried to get warm. "We were skating and she fell throught thin ice." Zara answered as she put another layer of blanket on the young child.
"Rin, are you alright?" He asked. "Y-y-y-ye-yes-s-s-s-s!" She shivered. He nodded and ordered them to build up the fire in the fire place. Which they obeyed. "I will check on you later." He said and took his leave. Rin nodded and closed her eyes as her body still shivered.
Zara watched over her throughout the rest of the day. That night was when she realised there was something wrong. Rin vomitted after an hour after she ate her evening meal and she developed a fever. Zara placed a wet rag on Rin's forehead and went to find Sesshomaru. She exited the nursary and grabbed a servant that was walking down the hall. "Go and find Mai. Tell her the O'Hime is ill." She instucted. The servant nodded and went to find Mai.
Mai burst into Sesshomaru's chambers. "Ouji-Sama." She said with ergancy. "What is it Mai?" He asked as he looked back at her. "It's O'Hime. She is ill." She answered. He dropped his scroll and ran towards the nursary. Bursting through the doors not waiting for the servants to open them for him. He was by Rin's side less than a second. "Rin!" he said as he felt her head. She was very warm. "Go and fetch the healer." he barked at Mai. She nodded and found two gaurds and they left to find the local healer.
An hour later an old woman walked into the nursary. "Ouji-Sama I'm not fit to take care of a young youkai." She said. "She is not a youkai she is ningen." He said. She nodded and went to Rin's side. She looked her over and asked questions. She nodded to their answers and she sent for some medicinal erbs and distributed them to Rin. She spread a paste along her forehead for the fever and made a brew for her to drink.
"Send for me in the morning and I will check on her." The old woman said. Sesshomaru let her go.
Sesshomaru stayed by Rin's side throughout the rest of the night and the next day as Rin fought off fever. She began coughing violently by mid afternoon which worried the great dog demon. He demanded the healer to do more, but she was doing as best she could. He worried if Rin died he would lose her forever since tensseiga will not bring her back twice. He remained by her side while she was sick.
"Sesshomaru-Sama?" Rin called out the next day.
"Yes Rin I am here." He answered as he held her tiny hand in his large one. She turned to look at him. She gave him a weak smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"A little better. My head hurts." She answered. She started coughing violently. She sat up as she gasped for air as she continued to cough. Sesshomaru felt helpless as he watched the littl girl cough. The healer walked in after she heard her coughing. Sesshomaru demanded her to stay at the palace till Rin was better.
The old woman walked up to her with a bawl of a foul smelling concoction. "Drink this dear. It will help with the coughing." She said as she pressed the bawl to the child's mouth. Rin took a sip and made a face in disgust. "I know it smells and tast bad, but it'll help you feel better." The old woman said. Rin made a face and took another sip. "One my sip." She said. Rin made a face, but did as she was told.
"Her now drink this. This will help you sleep and I promise it won't taste bad." She said as she lifted a cup with comelmel tae with honey to sooth her throut. Rin laid back against the pillows and fell asleep. "She'll be better in a few days." The old woman said. "Give her this broth twice a day and follow it with this tae to help her sleep. Call on me if she becomes worse." She said as she walked out the room Sesshomaru nodded and ordered two of his gaurds to escort her back to her home.
Sesshomaru refused to leave Rin's side till she was better. Zara did as the old woman said and gave Rin the medicine daily twice a day. A week went by and Rin was still bed ridden. Her fever broke finally three days earlier which caused the Great Dog Demon to relax a he still stayed by her side. The servants were astonished at the sight of their master sitting by the human child's side.
Finally Rin grew stranger and overcame her illness. Sesshomaru was releaved to see her smile again. After he knew for sure she'll be fine he left her side for the first time in two weeks.