/

The sun was setting and even as the human soldiers scrambled to get torches, the red wolf Youkais still continued fighting; their sense of smell and sight alone guiding them in the growing darkness.

Rin was starting to feel the strain of battle – the taking of lives so unnatural to her that it stole a part of her essence, draining her more than the physical strain of fighting.

The hyenas had burst through the sewerage tunnels as anticipated but their numbers were beyond their estimation. If not for Masaru, Rin was sure that she would have been dead at least on five occasions.

He was a very good leader and despite the young, inexperienced core of soldiers under his wing, all of them were still alive and currently, taking refuge in a closed off segment of the sewage tunnels.

Masaru had assured them that the pungent smell would mask their human scent long enough for him to come up with an escape plan.

That however, didn't take too long.

"My Lord!"

Rin ducked behind some of the men, hoping she wouldn't be singled out. What was Lord Adam doing here?

"Where is she?" he demanded. Rin retreated further into the shadows behind her comrades.

"My apologies my Lord, but I do not understand." Masaru stepped in front of his soldiers, almost protecting them.

From the view she could see of the scene before them, Rin understood how the human Lord had found her.

"Find her Miria."

There was no point hiding now. Pushing gently past the men, she finally came to the fore, bowing low before Lord Adam.

"Rin, you displease me."

"My Lady! What… why are you dressed like this?" gasped Miria, tugging her close to inspect her for wounds.

Rin dared a sideward glance towards Masaru and gulped when she saw the anger in his eyes.

"I beg forgiveness my Lord," she whispered. "But it was the only way I could protect you and your people."

"By lying?" interrupted the red wolf Youkai. "You could have gotten yourself and all of us killed – my Lady."

"I can hold my own sword." Stubborn chin held up to stare back at him. "What good would that be if I am trapped beneath the castle, hiding in fear!"

"Enough. What matters is that you are safe. Miria, as discussed. Leave now."

Leave? No one was leaving Seurri alive. Not with the sheer number of hyenas storming through their walls as they speak!

Rin caught Lord Adam's blue eyes searching hers before he looked away; the unspoken truth hanging in silence between them.

"We either stay and fight or we die fleeing, "she insisted, looking at Lord Adam solemnly. "You know I'm right."

Even as she stubbornly stared at the aged king, Rin knew she was wasting time. The sewers have to be blown up to shut further access into the city.

"I'm sorry to spoil this reunion but we must go now," said Masaru, lifting Rin up and flinging her over his shoulder. "You, princess are worth so much trouble."

"Let me down!" hissed Rin, banging her fists helplessly on Masaru's broad back. "Miria!"

The Daiyoukai however was staring at Masaru in what looked like pure fascination. Instead of paying heed to Rin's low cries, she focused her attention on helping the young soldiers down the sewers, away from the prying eyes and scent of the hyenas.

Masaru's ears had perked up suddenly; his neck craning backwards as he spotted the shadows of their enemies just round the bend.

"I can hold them off for only a few seconds at a time," whispered Miria turning to Masaru then to Lord Adam. "Get as far down this path as you can. I will join you once I can."

Knee deep in the water, Miria brought her hands upwards; pushing the water to form a barrier of sorts between the oncoming hyenas and the escaping humans. That wasn't going to hold them back for long.

"Masaru, you can run faster if you let me down!" demanded Rin, wincing as her stomach bounced off his shoulder. "It would be better to carry Lord Adam instead."

For some reason, the red wolf found that extremely amusing for he ground her stomach down harder against his shoulder armour, causing her to let out a strong hiss. Then, to her amazement, he ran slightly forward and scooped up the human king onto his other shoulder.

Rin narrowed her eyes at Lord Adam even as they were both manhandled by the burly wolf as he ran in the darkness, ahead of the others.

"Rin…you must leave before Inu no Jiro catches a whiff of your presence," said Lord Adam, his sentence breaking up with each bounce.

"Inu no Jiro? Why would he…" Rin wasn't leaving. Just what in the world was going on?

Bait. She was bait for…

Sesshoumaru.

But before she could protest, they heard Miria's shouts from behind as she caught up with them.

"Run, run, run!" she ordered, grabbing one of the torches from a soldier and tossing it behind her.

BOOM!

A wave of smelly water came crashing over them; the strong current pushing them forward down the tunnel. Rin barely had time to turn around when she saw the flames and the stone walls crashing down behind them. From the look of it, they might be caved in if they don't escape now!

"Let me go!" she screamed, thumping her fists uselessly on Masaru.

The red wolf only snarled at her before tossing her aside –oh thank god –only to be caught by Miria who immediately clutched her onto her back.

"Trust me my Lady. I can run faster than you," she retorted even before Rin could argue otherwise.

Keeping her lips shut, Rin resigned her fate to the Youkai. Whatever it was, staying alive for as long as possible for the priority. Sesshoumaru would come for her. He always would.

/

They made it to the surface by crawling up an unused waste chute at the far end of the castle. Rin almost cried with joy at the smell of fresh air. She didn't even want to think about how she smelled right now.

"The hyenas have taken over the northern wall," said Miria, looking up into the horizon. "The soldiers will not hold them for long."

"Then we must head to the dungeons quickly!" ordered Lord Adam. "At least there is a chance of escape to the mountains…"

Rin knew he was trying to be positive for the young soldiers but she had seen the truth. There is no escape. But if she could barter for their survival – even at the cost of her life, then she would do so.

"My Lord, please go with them." Rin laid a gentle hand on the human king. "I know what Inu no Jiro wants… so please, let me go to him. Be with your people and leave to safety."

"I do not wish for you to be a pawn in this senseless political game. If he wants my throne, then he can have it. Sesshoumaru will never forgive me if anything were to happen to you."

"Neither will I if something does happen to you." Turning to Masaru, she gave a small bow. "Take the king to safety and do not let him out of your sight."

Tugging at her hair, she allowed the tresses to fall free before rubbing her face with her sleeve as best as she could to get the dirt and mud off.

"Goodbye my Lord. Till we meet again on the other side." Gesturing to Miria, she nodded. "Let's go."

/

"Rin… I hope you know what you're doing. Once you go inside, I won't be of a match for him."

Rin had shaken off her armour and was dying for a change of clothes but time was of the essence. In all honesty, she wasn't sure of what she was about to do but there was one thing she was certain of. Sesshoumaru would come for her, as he always would and that was what she was counting on. She just needed to survive till then.

Stepping through the majestic doors of the great hall, Rin almost had to rub her eyes when she saw the Daiyoukai seated at the throne.

Lord Inu no Taisho? He looked exactly like that in the picture, but then she came closer and saw his eyes and knew, this was not him.

Where Inu no Taisho had kind eyes, this Youkai had a soul so hard, his golden eyes were almost dark and impassive slate grey. So this was his twin.

"Finally! It is such a pleasure to meet you, Rin." Flicking his eyes to Miria, he raised a hand and by some invisible force, slammed her hard against an adjacent wall.

"Miria!" cried Rin as she watched her friend's body drooping down lifelessly to the floor.

"Don't mind her Rin. It is me you should be concerned with." The Daiyoukai bowed somewhat awkwardly as he reached out for her hand. But as he brought her fingers to his lips, Rin saw that he was trying his best not to cringe.

"I do hope your current… state of dress is not a norm. Otherwise, I can see why my nephew is enchanted by you. If you were a Youkai, perhaps I would be tempted too."

He trailed a sharp claw down her jaw, drawing blood before putting it to his lips. As her last thoughts filled his mind, Inu no Jiro's eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh, but of course! I am not like my brother. I have no kindness, especially not for humans." Inu no Jiro looked up almost contemplatively. "I always thought Sesshoumaru was more like me… but it seems, I stand corrected."

Closing the gap between them, he whipped her around so quickly, Rin barely felt her feet lift the ground before her body was propped against his – her back to his chest; a sharp dagger at her throat.

"You know what to do Rin. Scream for him. Scream for your mate."

Her mate?

"You are very much mistaken," she seethed, feeling the slight prick of the dagger on her neck. "Lord Sesshoumaru has already made his choice. He is marrying Chiyoko. I am staying here with the humans where I belong."

"Oh… I promise you Rin," he whispered back, nuzzling his nose at the crook of her neck. "I can scent Sesshoumaru so strongly on you, there is no denying it. Come on my lovely, scream for me."

Breathing was already difficult for her due to his tight grip on her chest but to scream? Her own larynx would expand right into the tip of the blade, effectively rendering her mute.

"Scream!" Inu no Jiro shook her; one hand grabbing fistful of her hair and yanking it back. "Now human filth."

Rin closed her eyes as the blade pressed closer to her throat. It was now or never.

But before her voice left her, Rin felt a sharp pain searing through her body; a fire eating her from within as her body started bleeding from the inside –

The wetness dripping between her legs; warm and sticky.

Sesshoumaru…

/

The sun cast its final rays; a nonchalant farewell upon the death that happened under its watch.

Sesshoumaru knew that in the cover of the night, the city of Seurri –if not already lost –would perish. He didn't know if he could hold on any longer. The barrier held by Tenseiga was slowly starting to crack with every sword, ax and arrow aimed at its bubble.

"Those still healing, regroup in the middle. The others, be on your guard," ordered Sesshoumaru as he felt the encircling cocoon slowly disintegrating around them.

The oncoming attacks were merciless –hyenas, hungry for the taste of blood, previously denied to them, aimed ruthlessly at his soldiers. Weary from the long battles, some of the younger inexperienced Nobles fell back, leaving a wide open path towards his wounded.

Brandishing Bakusaiga down on the five vermins who were bold enough to challenge him, Sesshoumaru then leaped into the air to land within the inner circle of his formation. His blade sliced effortlessly through the flesh of his enemies, holding them off as long as he could.

"My Lord! There's just too many!" The princess, though still healing, was already on the offensive – the hyenas scenting a treat in her royal blood. One had even dared to venture a bite on her calves, drawing blood even as she brought her sword down through his neck.

Sesshoumaru had to make a decision. The city walls were not far but he would not make it by nightfall as he wanted. Already he had lost a third of his men while the hyenas seemed to only multiply by the minute.

Rin would have to wait a little longer.

Fall back. Retreat towards the ocean.

His Nobles wasted no time gathering their wounded. The wolves, though not privy to the mental commands of the Daiyoukai, understood the fall back formation and followed the Nobles, backing as a unit.

Even as they retreated, the hyenas continued to come at them.

That was when Sesshoumaru felt him.

The flurry of bright lights above them was nothing compared to the single golden streak leading the Daiyoukais in the sky, his aura alone casting a blinding light that turned the dusk into day.

Sesshoumaru didn't need to see him up close to remember his face –a single jagged gash on each side of the cheek and one down the middle of his forehead. And eyes of pure gold with hair so white it flowed like snow in the wind.

As the swarm of reinforcement came brutally down on the hyenas, Sesshoumaru released the breath he hadn't realised he was holding. Before him was a Daiyoukai that had lived for so long that his skin was almost translucent; wings no longer of fire but that of white ash spread across skin.

An Ancient.

His body acquiesced under the great power before him, forcing him into a bow. Chiyoko had sent help as he had requested and had, through some power of hers summoned her grandfather –an Ancient thought to be buried so deep in the mountains, no one had seen him for centuries until now.

Junichi returned the bow with a curt nod but said nothing as he turned his attention to an oncoming battalion of hyenas as he leapt into the sky.

Following his lead, Sesshoumaru too chose to be airborne; his mokomoko trailing behind him.

"Princess, take the wounded to safety," was his last command before going straight to battle, head on into the darkness. Sesshoumaru felt a renewed surge of power from within, no doubt fed from the Daiyoukais around him with an Ancient by his side.

At speeds so fast they were but a blur of light, the Daiyoukai army swept through the hyenas; swords mercifully killing what was necessary to get pass the hurdles leading up to the gates of Seurri.

That was when he heard her –her scent calling out to him, her scream piercing his concentration.

Slashing his sword done for a final time, Sesshoumaru then sheathed it behind him before leaping into the air once more; only one thing on his mind as he raced towards the Southern castle –Rin. She had cried for him; a sudden pain causing her to bleed. It didn't matter how he knew but just sensing her pain had stopped him mid battle to rush to her side.

Sesshoumaru had sensed the aura of the Ancient trailing not far behind, as though he too was affected by the sudden change in the air. It took all his pride to quell the shame of being at the mercy of a woman; a human.

It troubled him somewhat to be this weak at the thought of losing her –the intensity of his feelings so alien other than that of hate and disgust which was familiar to him. Was this her plan all along? To render him so completely vulnerable that she could then trap him as Izayoi had done to his father?

Sesshoumaru knew he was not that stupid to fall for such pitiful tactics and yet as he burst through the windows of the Southern hall, her scent was an invisible twist in the pits of his stomach -the soft spice of her essence intermingled with something raw and surprisingly… of him.

Death it seemed, stared him for the first time in the face at the sight of his mate on the floor.

Junichi stopped mid-step on his left, the gold of his eyes flicking towards him, then her; the look of disappointment clearly plastered on his face. He too had understood the mortality that had enveloped his grandnephew.

It mattered not to him what the Ancient thought. All that mattered was the frail being currently in his arms. But before he could tend to her, the crackling voice of his uncle sneaked its way into his consciousness.

"Oh look at this. A family reunion. How lovely."

"Inu no Jiro, what is the meaning of this?" the words of the Ancient bore no heat, nor ice –a demand disguised as a statement. Junichi stood tall; his golden eyes blazed affixed on his nephew.

But Sesshoumaru didn't wait for his uncle to reply. Propping Rin against the wall, he charged forward with his claws out and aimed for Inu no Jiro's throat.

"You do not deserve to live." The controlled voice betrayed nothing of the anger brewing inside him at the moment. But his uncle simply grinned, his eyes rolling backwards in amusement even as Sesshoumaru clamped the life out of him. How dare he felt his right to touch Rin, to threaten her life when she belonged to him?

"Sesshoumaru. Enough."

Something came between them – a stream of light –wedging Sesshoumaru and his uncle apart. Anger still fuelling his rage, Sesshoumaru fought against the barrier, his hands reaching for his sword as his uncle laughed down on him.

"Enough!"

Finding himself thrown backwards by an intangible presence, Sesshoumaru looked up to see Inu no Jiro wrapped in a cage of light – similar to that of his own.

Seeming satisfied that Sesshoumaru would not interrupt, Junichi turned to his nephew; his face serene as he looked down at the trapped Daiyoukai.

"Tell me young Inu no Jiro, why this elaborate ruse?"

Sesshoumaru could see that his uncle had his lips sealed; an amused grin plastered on his face. Did he think the Ancient before him so stupid not to know his plans?

"You will return to your palace Inu no Jiro. I believe this war is over –for now."

Look after the human.

Those were the last words he heard before Junichi was gone in the blink of an eye; his uncle disappearing together with the Ancient.

No! Inu no Jiro deserved to die! Why had the Ancient chosen to allow his uncle to escape? Why?

Even as the prison of light disintegrated around him, Sesshoumaru felt himself falling to his knees. He had been too late.

"My Lord… what… happened?" Miria too had suffered greatly; her body twisted even as she tried to get up to help him.

"It's over. Heal yourself and get the Lord and his people to suitable shelter. I will be with you in a while."

Lifting Rin in his arms, he carried her up to the room that bore her scent. It had displeased him greatly to find her dressed in a soldier's uniform, her hair and face dirtied like a commoner.

By the looks of it, Adam had seen to it that Rin had everything she needed; her room in the Southern palace almost rivalling that of her room back in his castle. Then why did she deem it necessary to dress like this? Whose Youkai scent was this that clung to her?

Sesshoumaru hated it. It irked him enough that he tore the cheap cotton from her body, tossing it aside until she smelled only of Rin and of him.

Wrapping her in a blanket, he then laid her down on the mattress while he searched for a basin to wash her.

It was so unnatural for him to be cleaning someone –much less a human but he put the thought aside as he used the wet towel to clean her face. Even with the cold water, Rin was still unconscious.

For once, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the West, was unsure of what to do. She had bled and called for him and yet he could hear her heartbeat –strong and not alone.

It was just not… possible. To have her bear the thing he hated the most –a hanyou –Sesshoumaru didn't think he could live with it. And if his mother were to find out about the child, she would surely kill it.

Wiping her down as best as he could, Sesshoumaru then brought the blanket up under her chin.

The hanyou would be dealt with later. Rin was safe for now.

While he, had other more pressing matters to attend to.

/

He hunted the human Lord down first; fury in his every being at the thought of his mate being left alone to face his uncle. Had that human bartered Rin in exchange for his safety?

Surely he did for he and his weak brethren were cowering with fright deep below the castle – a stupid move, considering that a Daiyoukai such as him would scent them in an instant.

It took him less than a heartbeat to find Adam.

"Sesshoumaru…"

"I found her." Wasting no words, he closed his claws over Adam's throat –just a warning should he give an unsatisfactory answer.

"I told her to leave. I have lived a long life Sesshoumaru, I did not wish for her to die."

"You lie!" Fingers tightening over wrinkled flesh.

"She insisted! I would never trade an innocent for anything in the world." The human Lord closed his eyes, almost trying to hold back his tears. When he opened them, Adam looked up into his own golden eyes; his voice a bare whisper meant only for his ears, "And not when she resembles the woman I love."

Sesshoumaru immediately released him. How dare he compare Rin to that home breaker!

"I will be taking her home at first light." He turned around, disgusted.

"Sesshoumaru, wait!" The soft hands of the old human clutched at his sleeves. "Let her stay here. Please."

Eyes of gold flashed angrily at Adam. First he placed her in danger, now he wishes to keep her? Did he not know that Rin belonged to him?

"Her place is in the Western Castle."

This time, Adam tugged his sleeve insistently. "As what? Your servant?"

"You know not what you speak of," he replied, pulling his robes away from the human. To his surprise, Adam grabbed hold of his arm and pulled himself closer to look up at him.

"Do not speak to me as if I am senile – no I am not yet! Why are you being so cruel to her when you have already selected your Daiyoukai mate? We both know your crowning ceremony is inevitable. "

Sesshoumaru wished that it was bright enough for Adam to see the fangs he was baring for his benefit.

"It is nothing of your concern. Enough. We will leave tonight." He would carry her in his arms all the way back to the West if he had to.

"If you would not do this for this dying man and his wish, then at least do it for her. She is with child is she not?"

Sesshoumaru paused mid-stride. How did Adam know?

A quick look around, he spotted Miria; her eyes cast down to the ground. Right there was treason and she knew it. She had kept the knowledge of the hanyou from her Lord and for that; she would be banished from his lands, as was Rin should she wish to keep it.

"Do as you please with her. I am not my father."

/

Sesshoumaru refused to accept that Rin was having his child. Even if he had accepted her as his mate, it didn't mean that he would accept a hanyou in the equation. There was no way a half-Youkai be allowed to contend with his true heir when he sires one. That was the only condition should she wish to continue staying with him in the Western castle.

With that thought in mind, Sesshoumaru returned to her chambers only to find that she wasn't there.

"Rin!"

A quick check down the mating bond told him that she was fine – in fact, more than fine actually for the minute heartbeat he felt earlier had intensified almost ten-fold.

What a strong boy…

Sesshoumaru paused for a minute, simply listening to the soft pounding hearts of both mother and child. He only had to follow the sound to find her standing in front of a full length mirror, admiring herself.

"Sesshoumaru?" Catching his reflection, she turned and jumped at him. "I… I don't seem to remember what happened. Apart from … that I really needed a bath."

He nodded approvingly. Gone were the stench of the sewers and the cloying scent of blood and sweat. This was all Rin.

Curling his hands under her, Sesshoumaru found himself lifting his mate in his arms and carrying her back to bed. What was she thinking being up on her feet?

"I am capable of walking," said the woman in question.

"Humour me," he insisted, carrying her out of the dressing room into her bed chambers. "I will have Adam bring everything you need up here. If you are distressed for whatever reason, call for me and I will come immediately."

"Are you leaving again?" she whispered, curving a palm gently on his cheek. "But you just arrived."

"Would you rather be with me all the time?"

Her thumb traced his lips in lieu of an answer.

"I just want you safe," he murmured against her hands. How long exactly do humans take to realise this when Youkais can scent it almost immediately?

"Mmmhmm…" Her head rested on his chest. "I've missed you."

He felt her clutching the lapels of his kimono, her soft heat warming up his chest. "Then I will wait for you, as I always do," she whispered, brown eyes looking up at his golden ones. "Because I love you."

Sesshoumaru didn't know how he was going to find the strength to tell her about the child. That was the second time she said those words – even if he was too stubborn to confess anything of that sort. To love was to die.

But he did –her and their child.

"Rin…"

"Yes?"

"You will stay here with Lord Adam."

Her eyes immediately flared open as she pushed away from him. "No… you're not leaving me here forever are you?"

There was no need for emotions. This had to be done.

"There is no place for you in the Western Castle anymore. I will marry Chiyoko, as you have willed. Stay here and be among your kind."

/

NB: What a depressing ending! In case any of you were wondering, it was implantation bleeding. Since Rin is bearing a Youkai child, everything has to be intensified. So it seems that Sesshoumaru is allowing his hanyou child to grow but at the cost of banishing Rin to the Eastern lands. *sigh*

So review if you've enjoyed it and tell me what you think! I'm always a giggling mess when I read your reviews :D