Hi everyone! So here is the final (long) installation of Taming an Immortal. Am almost sad that it has come to an end but thank you all for your PMs and reviews. I love reading them!
So here's a list of character names just in case. Have fun reading!
Junichi –Ancient Daiyoukai; Grandfather of Chiyoko and Granduncle of Sesshoumaru
Chiyoko – Sesshoumaru's cousin; current Lady of the West
Keane – Majordormo Daiyoukai of the West
Jaken – Loyal Youkai of the West,
Ulrich – Youkai Wolf Lord of the East
Emiko – Youkai Wolf Princess of the East
Takahiro – Youkai Wolf Prince of the East
Kenta-Mamoru –Rin and Sesshoumaru's son
/-/-/-/
The next morning, Sesshoumaru had summoned Chiyoko, Keane and Jaken into his study; a serious frown set on his face.
"I am leaving for a few days with Chiyoko. In my absence, Keane, you are to take charge of the household," he paused, lowering his eyes lest the servant saw the gentleness in them. "And, if you will, prepare a basket of –appropriate gifts for the Prince's birth."
The Daiyoukai majordormo merely bowed; his pleasure evident by the broad smile on his face.
"And me, Master?" asked Jaken; one hand raised timidly.
"You will come with me."
The toad imp beamed; his eyes glowing bright with pride.
"You are dismissed."
While the two younger Youkais left, Keane remained, his head bowing low.
"If I may speak freely my Lord."
"At will."
"I speak not just for myself… but for every one of us in this castle." Keane lifted his head, looking straight at him. "If it is not too much to ask my Lord, your humble servants would ask that you lift her banishment from these lands.
And if I may be so bold to add my Lord? It would bring us great pleasure if… if Lady Rin and the prince be allowed to visit."
Sesshoumaru met the gaze of the loyal majordormo unblinkingly, aware that in the times past, he would never have dared to make such a blatant suggestion and expected to live.
"We only wish for your happiness my Lord."
Sesshoumaru did not care for happiness. Flicking his hand away, he dismissed his steward; his silence the only reply Keane would get.
When he was finally alone, Sesshoumaru stood by the window and took a deep breath. As the Lord of the West, would he not appear fickle to retract the banishment he had placed over Rin and Miria from these lands? However, that child…
His son will always have safe passage in his lands.
Rubbing his palms down his face, Sesshoumaru let out a long sigh. Was he becoming soft? The thought of his flesh and blood walking down these castle walls, admiring the richness of his lands made him beam slightly with pride and anticipation.
He would teach the boy all there was to know about the bloodlines, read him the chronicles of his father and the fathers before him; the power and strength that coursed through his veins as an Inuyoukai.
Yes. And he would teach his son how to hold a sword – one forged from his own fang of course, a twin to his mother's perhaps? A sword that would cut much better than his own and heal and protect just as precisely as his.
He would be – perfect.
"Sesshoumaru?"
He made no move to turn towards her voice, simply grunting his permission for Chiyoko to approach him.
"Are you sure about this?"
Journeying deep into the central mountains to request an audience with an Ancient? Absolutely.
"Do you doubt my conviction?"
Beside him, he could sense her paling. "No of course not! It's just… you have to be sure. My grandfather does not take visits lightly. He would seek to kill you first before questioning your purpose."
At her words, Sesshoumaru turned to face his cousin. "Are you sure this has nothing to do with entering the territory of the wolf Youkais?" His lips thinned into a half smile. "Afraid I'd be challenged in a senseless dominance battle with a certain wolf?"
The genuine worry in her eyes hardened into cold annoyance. "Fine. Get your hide striped for all I care. See you in an hour."
God, Chiyoko was so easy to read. It was a shame truly that he could not feel anything more for her than what he always had as her cousin. He would care for her and provide what she needed in his home but he could never love her.
If he could, he would release her from this trap of silver binding both of them. As the Lord of the West, it should be his prerogative to alter the laws and yet here he was, bound by old traditions that made their union akin to slavery.
Which was why this trip was important. Sesshoumaru needed answers and where his father could no longer provide those, the next alternative would have to do.
/-/-/-/
Sesshoumaru, Jaken and Chiyoko flew East towards the Central Mountains for three days straight; trekking through the deciduous forest up to Qlyhm Peaks where it was rumoured that Junichi kept a small dojo.
However, when they arrived at the foot of the mountain, Sesshoumaru could barely make out the outline of the dojo for a storm of clouds had gathered above them; the first flurry of snow and ice threatening to blanket their presence. A snowstorm at this altitude was unheard of – no doubt a manipulation by the Ancient wishing not to be disturbed by their petty affairs.
"The only way in is to fly," said Chiyoko, squinting as she looked up at the jutting slopes of them mountain.
That however was going to be impossible. At the rate that they were going, neither Chiyoko nor Jaken would make it out alive from the growing snowstorm approaching them from the peaks.
"We must find shelter Sesshoumaru," whispered Chiyoko, clutching her own yukata closer to fend the cold front. With a slight shiver, she lifted a finger. "Those caves."
Following her line of sight, he nodded in resignation. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to bring them with him. Judging by the icy welcome, Sesshoumaru doubted that Junichi could be swayed just because his granddaughter was in the midst.
Looking up once more upon the snowy sky, Sesshoumaru held back his impatience and kept his eyes on Chiyoko instead. Even if she wasn't the Lady of the West, he would still ensure she was safe and cared for. It was the only thing he could do in exchange for the sacrifice she had done for him.
As though sensing his thoughts, Chiyoko turned her head and smiled softly at him before resuming her march towards the cave. Catching up, they walked side by side until they were almost at the cave entrance.
"Wait," he whispered; one hand held out to stop his companions from stepping further. The fact that the wolf youkais had not shown themselves was suspicious. "Thread carefully. There are traps."
"Master, I do not think these grounds are capable of aaaa –"
Sesshoumaru looked up at the dangling toad imp clipped at his ankle by a clever vine trap.
"Get yourself down Jaken. We have no time for breaks." He proceeded forward; eyes watching everything.
"Master! You are mean!" shrieked Jaken.
"Quiet!" hissed Chiyoko, taking out a dagger to cut down the vine. "The wolves aren't deaf."
Leaping across a fern covered trench, Sesshoumaru came to a small clearing and immediately noticed the grooved markings on the trees; the lightly trampled undergrowth and the unmistakable warning scent. Someone had built a nest here.
"Chiyoko, run now," he shouted. But it was too late.
A pair of wolves had circled her and Jaken; their eyes burning ember at the unwelcomed guests.
"We wish no harm to your pups," said Sesshoumaru, putting both hands in front as an offer of peace. "The Lord of the West and his companions request safe passage through your home."
Immediately, one of the wolves shimmered in their usual change of form – a man standing before them a while later, his eyes roaming with curiosity.
"And what business does my Lord have passing through these woods? You can fly can't you?"
On a normal circumstance, such speech would have earned the Youkai a slap across the face. But this was his home and his turf. A nesting Youkai wouldn't hesitate to kill to protect its family.
Sesshoumaru resonated with that.
"Another snowstorm is upon us. Flight is impossible."
The wolf Youkai looked up into the sky with his tongue out as though tasting the wind. From the slight jerk at his neck, Sesshoumaru knew he could tell that it was going to be a big one. That didn't mean that the wolf was about to back down.
Sesshoumaru had stepped into his territory and his presence clearly was a threat. The stalemate that brewed between them would not last. The wolf was going to strike. Just a matter of when.
Chiyoko, take Jaken and fly the second you have an opening. Do not wait for me.
To her credit, his cousin kept still, revealing nothing. Like hell I would.
Naturally, he thought; which only made the situation trickier. Sesshoumaru might be able to disarm papa wolf here just long enough to get to Chiyoko and Jaken but there was no telling the retaliation they would face. Though he could not see them, the Western Lord had scented the approaching wolves; his presence clearly causing the males to huddle like the pack they were.
As discreetly as he could, Sesshoumaru shifted; his fingers reaching slowly for Bakusaiga. This was why he hated the wolves – reasoning never made priority in tense situations. And in that moment, the male wolf Youkai was back in his beastly form; lips peeled to reveal sharp carnivorous fangs, the intent in them clear.
Three. Two. One…
"Just what is the meaning of this?"
Sesshoumaru had already advanced forth, his sword swinging a full circle, aimed low at the wolf's head. But before he could complete the thrust, the metal met resistance with the clang of another's sword.
Damn it! He refused to look up. To be saved by a female…
Instead, he straightened his back, aware that the wolf before him was flat on his belly; his paws placed right next to his snout. Absolute surrender. Not to him of course.
"To what do I owe this pleasure my Lord?" Eyes of blue rimmed with gold – just like her father's –stared deep into his, demanding a response.
"Princess." He returned her gentle bow with a nod. "We were merely passing by."
Emiko flicked her pale blonde hair back and folded her arms in front of her chest. Her eyes raked his face expectantly.
"I will ask one more time. Why are you in these lands of which you have no business in?"
"We are visiting my grandfather up the mountains." Sesshoumaru let out a hiss at Chiyoko's crisp reply. He wasn't planning on divulging that little detail – at all.
But Emiko seemed more bothered about the speaker than the fact that an Ancient ghosted in her lands. Turning her head cautiously, she narrowed her gaze on Chiyoko; recognition registering in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru thought he caught a flicker of surprise in them but in a heartbeat, the usual haughty expression of the Princess returned and she turned her attention to him.
"Are you saying we have an Inu Daiyoukai residing here? Interesting." Her eyes trailed all the way up to the peak before pouting. "But then again, no wolf can survive up there, so we wouldn't know now would we?"
No longer interested in what either of her guests had to say, Emiko turned to the wolf still on the ground. She brought both her feet right in front of him, forcing the less dominant wolf to look up in quiet respect.
"Be at ease. The Lord of the West has young of his own and will not harm yours." Emiko's voice was firm but soothing enough that the wolf got to its feet and pandered off towards his family. Only then did she angle her head and whistle towards the sky as though calling off an impending attack.
"Come. There is an unoccupied cave up ahead. The storm is upon us."
Her invitation sounded more like an order but Sesshoumaru bit back his words in favour of keeping Chiyoko and Jaken protected from the elements, especially since the oncoming chill was looking unbearable for the toad imp.
Not a second later, Jaken announced that he would collect whatever wood he could find for a fire, earning a grunt of approval from Sesshoumaru. He had no need for much warmth but for a lesser Youkai, it could tip the balance between life and death.
With his back against the cave wall and one leg bent at the knee, Sesshoumaru looked over to where Chiyoko sat; her posture next to him calm even in the pitch darkness. Motioning her close, Sesshoumaru wrapped his mokomoko around her neck to shield her from the wind.
The gesture did not go unnoticed by the wolf Princess.
"My brother Takahiro lives a half day journey away. If my Lord wishes, he may provide the necessities you need." She sent a disapproving glance down Chiyoko's thin yukata. "It would be unseemly to not extend such courtesies to the Lord and Lady of the West."
Even in the dark he could sense his cousin stiffening; no doubt the cold being harsher than any of them expected. Though this break had already cost them precious time, Sesshoumaru didn't want either Chiyoko or Jaken to return home as icicles.
"If he would have us –"
"No!" Chiyoko interjected, tightening the fur around her neck. "I am fine. We will journey up with no further distractions."
If her hand hadn't been up against his face, Sesshoumaru might have raised his concerns over her stubbornness. It was unlike her to be this… impolite to another female of stature. Surely he did not need to remind her that Emiko was the daughter of Ulrich?
But from the looks of it, the Princess wasn't planning on being that cordial towards her either for she stopped addressing Chiyoko completely, focusing only on Sesshoumaru.
"When did you last visit this relation of yours?" she asked.
"Not in a long time." And that was the honest answer. He was sure that when Chiyoko sent the falcons for Junichi, there was no telling if he would respond. Her only assurance was their common knowledge that he was still alive. His death, should it come would have left a gaping psychic shift in the power balance amongst the remaining Inu Daiyoukais. And that was something every one of them could feel; no matter how far they were from each other.
Sesshoumaru was saved from explaining this to her for Jaken sauntered in with a handful of firewood. He suddenly felt it necessary to aid the Youkai, leaving the two females to throw silent daggers at each other.
/-/-/-/
Emiko glanced sideways at the female still wrapped in the pelt of the Western Lord. She wouldn't lie to herself but Emiko was surprised and damn right pissed to find out the identity of the Lady of the West. Sesshoumaru had abandoned his pregnant mate for this?
Indeed, all Youkai women were bastards. Her father had taught her that right from the start which was why he never married any of them. And like all the Daiyoukai women he had lain with, this one was no different.
For all the calm and gentle exterior the female Daiyoukai tried to portray, only Emiko knew the wickedness that lay claim in that woman's heart. Takahiro was now a shadow of his former self; simply existing but not living because she had trapped him, used him and discarded him like the unworthy trash he wasn't.
Emiko could kill her for that alone.
And then she would kill her for putting the sadness in Rin's eyes. God, Emiko liked that human! She had given Masaru and his men a home and asked for nothing in return – not even when her father had offered to take her as his wife! What an honour that should have been. But Rin needed no more of that.
To Emiko, a woman raising a child without a man deserved a class of honours of her own. Especially when it was obvious that carrying a half Youkai child was robbing the human of her strength and life.
Looking across at Sesshoumaru, she wondered if he knew that or if he ever cared at all.
"These mountains have become more dangerous recently. We've been having unexpected guests…" Emiko didn't know why she offered that information but it got Sesshoumaru's immediate attention.
"That's why the wolves were edgy." Sesshoumaru nodded at her silence. "What sort of guests?"
"Dead bodies – floating down the river, flung on trees…" Emiko closed her eyes to will the images away. "Children… all of them."
Sesshoumaru had a hard set frown on his face, the gold in his eyes going slightly red as he processed her words.
"Scent and tracks?" Too many.
Emiko raised her eyes to meet his. "You know whose. And I can assure you that Father is looking into it. That's why I'm here." Indeed, the hyenas had never been a problem before, always adhering to the strict segregation rules enforced by their Youkai Lord of the East. But all that had changed the moment the hyenas sought refuge underground.
Emiko herself didn't know that beneath them lay a labyrinth of caves and channels that were massive enough to house an entire army of hyena Youkais. From the vast number of soldiers who attacked Seurri, their underground base was the only logical place to accommodate all those thousands.
Right under their noses.
If she didn't know better, Emiko had the feeling that her father had offered his hand to Rin as punishment for allowing the hyenas to proliferate and attack the South. Her father was never one to chain himself so willingly to a woman.
"We will visit your brother once this storm passes. And I will help you track the hyenas." His decision sounded absolute, much to the dismay of the female Daiyoukai beside him. It went without saying that he had every intention of leaving her behind while he scouted. Even through the soft glow of the campfire, Emiko had caught her face paling.
"And what of your relation up the peaks?" she asked softly, watching as the female turned away from them.
"He has lived for thousands of years. A few more days wouldn't matter."
/-/-/-/
The storm stopped too soon in Chiyoko's opinion – almost as though it was dying to put Sesshoumaru's decision into action. Why of all the wolves, they had to meet her?
And if Sesshoumaru hadn't known earlier about her past, he surely would now as they were welcomed with wide outstretched arms by the master of the castle himself. God, he even looked the same as the last time she saw him: the same leather strips criss-crossing waist down until his knees to the mess of iridescent gold curls trailing down his back.
But his upper torso which was always bare was truly for her benefit. The shameless wolf wore her mark like it was a medallion across his skin –literally. Skin deep, the ink spelled out her name in the wolf tongue and displayed for all to see on the side of his neck like a choker.
Though he couldn't read wolf script, Sesshoumaru knew the basic alphabets. He might not voice it but she knew that he was roaring with laughter on the inside. Idiot!
"Sister mine, how fare thee?" Chiyoko watched Takahiro kiss Emiko's cheeks twice and yet his eyes fixated only on her. "And to what do I owe this pleasure?"
He all but purred.
"Brother, this is Lord Sesshoumaru of the West and –"
"This is Chiyoko, cousin of mine," supplied Sesshoumaru saving both women from unwanted embarrassment. "I thank you for your kind welcome Prince Takahiro. But this is not a social call."
Chiyoko watched as Sesshoumaru hustled the siblings into an adjoining chamber, leaving her and Jaken alone. But the reprieve was not for long.
When they reappeared, Emiko had a nasty scowl on her face while her brother was positively brimming with delight – his face almost an exact copy of his father's when he grinned. That said a lot, considering that the Eastern Lord was a classic cassanova.
However, that was nothing compared to the look on Sesshoumaru's face. Despite the stoic front he was clearly putting up, Chiyoko caught the amusement in his eyes and worst – the laughter in his head!
"Come Princess, we must make haste," he announced, nodding at Jaken to follow. "Chiyoko, I will return for you. Be well cousin."
He didn't even give her a chance to say goodbye, simply disappearing before she could protest.
That of course left her trapped with the wolf prince whom the concept of personal space meant nothing. He had closed the gap between them in a heartbeat, the towering form of his crowding all available breathing space around her.
"You do not look pleased to be in my company." Soft hands played with a stray strand of her hair.
"Perhaps you should show me to my room," she replied sharply without turning towards him. "I do not wish to burden you any longer with my presence."
"Oh, but of course," he replied, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. "You know the way to my room."
/-/-/-/
Today, like any of the other days in the past month, was spent horizontal on her bed; feet propped on top of a pillow and her head resting on another fluffy one plumped against the headboard.
However, unlike the other days of compulsory bed rest – as ordered by her physician and Inuyasha – Rin didn't have her usual breathing difficulties. In fact, the tightness in her chest seemed to have been lifted… only to be replaced by this constant urge to relief herself in the bathroom.
Groaning, Rin rolled to the side and got into a seating position for the third time that hour – a feat, considering that she was carrying a whale. And now, the baby whale was resting comfortably on her bladder which meant a torturous ritual of getting up, finding her balance and then feeling her way to the bathroom.
She could do this. One step at a time.
With a hand grabbing the headboard, she pushed herself into a standing position and then took tentative steps forward, all the while keeping a hand on the adjacent wall. From her estimation, she had at least ten more steps to the bathroom but the pressure down below was too much. If she could only hold on…
The light gush of liquid trickled down her leg.
Under usual circumstances, she would have simply bent over and clean herself up but seeing that she couldn't even see her toes, that was going to be a problem. So she did the next best thing by dragging herself back to bed.
Seated, she ran a dry towel between her thighs, hoping to get herself in order before her morning check up with the human physician. It was bad enough that another woman checked her from time to time down there, but having Inuyasha around as well always made her wish she could just shrivel up and disappear. It wasn't his fault really. He was no midwife. But it didn't stop him or Kagome from staying by her side throughout the daily checks – much to her frustration.
Lying back, Rin closed her eyes and prayed that her baby would come soon. She couldn't wait to meet him and it seemed that both mother and child were equally restless, if not impatient that there was still a lot of waiting to –
The splintering pain came to her in such a rush that Rin had to grip the edges of her bed to stop her body from buckling upwards. But when the next surge of agony came, Rin all but screamed before everything turned a hazy cloud of darkness.
From a far, she heard doors slamming – or maybe it came unhinged. A male and female rushed in. Hands, so many hands touching, caressing, assessing…
"Damn it, when did her water break?" said the female voice. Rin didn't think she broke any glasses –but she'd right that once this seizure comes to pass….
Someone was holding her hand, squeezing it hard. A male, calling her name over and over and over…
More exchange of words. Insistent, important.
"Forty-eight hours." "Labour." "Lord Sesshoumaru."
"No…" she managed to croak. "No Sessh –"
With the remaining strength she had, Rin clamped her eyes shut and willed all thoughts of him away from her mind; her pain an effective block shoved down her mating bond, piling the entrance until she was sure nothing could pass through.
Then she stepped willingly into the darkness, shutting out everything around her.
/-/-/-/
Something in the air made Sesshoumaru snap his head up suddenly; his nose wrinkling as he tried to scent the change in the atmosphere.
"My Lord? Is something the matter? Is it the hyenas?"
It didn't smell like it… but he was sure that he scented a shift of power somewhat just seconds ago but now it was gone.
"No, we move on," he forced himself to say. If indeed it were the hyenas, then the pair better move fast before they lose track of their scents.
"Watch where you step," warned Emiko as they continued their search. "The soil is soft down the edges. You don't want to end up in the ravine."
It wouldn't have mattered to him for he was capable of flight but just as a precaution, Sesshoumaru kept his eyes to the ground, watching the way even the leaves bunched away from the edge of the cliff.
In front of him, Emiko was clearly in her element – hopping from one rock to another, clambering over tree roots and fallen logs. Despite her insistence that he wore something warmer, she was barely covered except for the pleated leathers wrapping her body where necessary. It made shifting into her animal form easier he supposed.
"These hyenas, their scents are so strange," said Emiko, stopping for a minute to stand on top a rock. When he caught up with her, Sesshoumaru saw the deep valley she was staring at and knew instantly that hyenas used to live there.
The land was completely barren, as though death itself had consumed everything in its path. Cracked soil, parched from lack of rain stretched on for miles and miles.
And the huts left behind were a memory of a once peaceful pack of hyena families, likely gathering around a campfire with their communal carcasses.
"What happened here?" He had to ask.
"The neighbouring wolf packs have moved further out into the forests. Human settlements up ahead," she replied, as though that in itself was explanation enough. "The wolves had always shared their kill and with them gone, the hyenas were forced to search for other… means."
Sesshoumaru didn't need to be reminded. What he didn't understand was why only take the young? And if it was for sustenance, why then did they return some of the dead above ground?
"Come. The last time I tracked them was at the base of Qlyhm peaks itself. We always knew there were caves but wolf Youkais never make homes in them so we assumed they were left empty all these while…"
But there were clearly signs of life – and death in those caves. Though he sensed no hyenas, Sesshoumaru didn't want to take his chances. Holding out the light higher for both of them, they ventured deeper into the caves.
"It's been abandoned," whispered Emiko, pointing out the haphazard pile of weapons strewn all over the ground. "Like they were clearing out."
Indeed. Something must have happened between the battle of Seurri and the return here with his uncle and granduncle. Had the Ancient wiped out all the hyenas?
Picking up one of the swords by his feet, Sesshoumaru examined the craftsmanship. Flawless. It wouldn't make sense to simply leave behind all these weapons even if they were planning to disappear.
"Where do these tunnels lead to?" he asked, knowing full well that nothing surrounded the mountains except more forests and open plains.
"That's what I hope to find out," she replied. "There is no way an entire mass of hyenas migrated without any of the wolves noticing. They have to surface at least once for these caves are not continuous."
Nodding, he followed her as they walked further into the darkness, stepping over more weapons, cooking utensils, bedding, even bones…
"Oh Sesshoumaru!"
Emiko was no longer in the immediate glow of his torch but he saw her as clear as day. Both hands were covering her mouth; her shoulders hunched up and her eyes roaming wildly at her feet – at the lifeless body of a child.
Stepping closer, he passed her the torch and crouched down.
At one glance, it looked like the child was sleeping, his long eyelashes merely sweeping the top of his cheeks. But at a touch, his skin was icy and his heartbeat long gone. Decomposition had taken its time down here for the cold had seemed to preserve the body somewhat.
Turning the boy, Sesshoumaru tried to look for any signs of injury but found none. Not even a bite mark or a lashing. Nothing. An estimate put the child at about two years old so his death was likely from natural causes. Perhaps.
"Can you tell what type of Youkai he is?" asked Sesshoumaru, looking up at the stricken expression of the princess. If the child had been alive, he would have sniffed out the scent fairly easily. But in death, there were no identifying markers for him to trace.
Emiko however could recognise just fine but her body was still frozen in place and only her eyes dared to swivel to look at him.
"It… it is not…" she stammered as she lowered herself shakily to her knees. "It's impossible."
He waited for her to continue, silently watching as she brought the child's head onto her lap. It had to be a wolf from the looks of it. Did she know the child?
"Hair course and slightly spotted," she whispered, fingering the strands so he could see what she meant. Indeed, the dark brown spots on black were so faint, he hadn't realised it at first. Hyena then.
"But…" Emiko raised her eyes to him; the gold in them shimmering with tears. "See here."
Impossible!
Sesshoumaru would recognise that set of dog canines anywhere and they surely did not belong to the hyenaYoukai type.
"Nature claimed him," said Sesshoumaru, getting to his feet. It was unnatural for the two species to have mated, much less produced an offspring that survived pregnancy and infancy; the two dominant genes often crossed out each other's, unlike that between a human and a Youkai.
It was therefore not surprising when they found more hybrids at various stages of infancy lying cold and abandoned, just like the weapons. This part of the caves must have been some sort of nursery and that only meant that someone was trying to breed them and failed.
"That's why they took the wolf children…" Sesshoumaru knew without a doubt the father of all these young. Had Junichi known about it? Was that why he had taken all these innocent lives before they could suffer more in their adolescence?
"Emiko, we must leave now. Come back again with a bigger scout team and take these bodies for a proper burial."
He didn't wait for her to respond; simply scooping his hand under her back and carrying her out where they came from. Like a doll, she flopped lifelessly in his arms and for the first time, Sesshoumaru truly understood the Youkai's reverence for the young.
All births were celebrated regardless of whether they were pure of half breed Youkais – their mothers well treated and their offspring cherished. Ulrich himself had probably sired enough children to make his own army and the mandate was clearly shared amongst his kind.
So to see so much death of innocents must have ripped her heart right out – even if the children were that of another Youkai kind.
How truly selfless to love something that defied laws and nature.
Like his son.
/-/-/-/
Only when they stepped into the light at the end of the cave entrance did he put her back on her feet. A quick look to the sky told him that a snow storm was brewing. It might still be safe to travel at lower grounds but any higher, only a Daiyoukai could likely survive the altitude.
"My Lord? Is… is the princess alright?" asked his loyal Youkai, getting quickly to his feet.
"Jaken, you may wish to return with Emiko to her brother's. I will journey hence forth on my own."
"But my Lord! I can make it all the way. It is just this air that is too difficult…"
"You suffocate in this low oxygen," he replied, looking further up to where Junichi's dojo lay barely hidden by clouds. "Return to Prince Takahiro's now and do not follow me," a final look at them both. "That's an order."
He had seen what he needed to and now he must have the talk with the Ancient. Sesshoumaru flew against the howling winds, aware that a miasma of cloud and haze were fast approaching, enveloping him in a cocoon.
It dawned on him that the snow storm was merely a cover – perhaps a test of his strength and determination to go beyond the clouds and up to where most would never dare venture. But as he gave another determined push, Sesshoumaru crossed the belt of clouds into a calm serenity where the sun shone from all corners, illuminating the compound crowning the tip of the mountain peak.
With his chest heaving, Sesshoumaru allowed himself to land quietly at the edge of the dojo's fence; his feet resting on the precarious wooden railings.
"Granduncle, it is I, Sesshoumaru, son of Inu no Taisho of the Western Lands. I have come to seek your wisdom."
He didn't see nor hear anything at first but then from a shimmer in the air before him, the Ancient materialised, dressed in white with his hair flowing like snow in the wind.
Junichi was as he remembered –his face bearing a single jagged gash on each side of the cheek and one down the middle of his forehead.
"I know why you are here." He moved so fast, Sesshoumaru felt himself tipping backwards in shock when the Ancient's face lay inches from his. "I have no interest in your concerns."
A light push. A slipped foot.
And Sesshoumaru felt himself falling head down into the snowy emptiness down below…
/-/-/-/
Rin was breathing in and out, in and out – following a rhythm taught to her by the midwife.
"That's it Rin, just breathe in with me." Inuyasha was holding one of her hands while Kagome dabbed a cool cloth over her forehead.
"I'm dying aren't I?" Her voice came out like a squeak as the next wave of contractions hit her hard.
"No, be calm Rin. This is normal," soothed Kagome, pushing back a strand of Rin's fringe from her face. "All we have to do is wait. Seems like our baby boy's not ready to come out yet. Why don't you lie back and we'll talk to him softly?"
Oh god. She's been like this for hours now! Rin could barely even breathe, what more to talk?
"Come on Mamoru, I named you to be a protector and guardian to your mother. Surely you wouldn't want to cause her more pain now?" Inuyasha was whispering to her belly, his warm hands caressing awkwardly. "Ah, of course, you're stubborn like your father, naturally."
Rin managed to lift a finger to jab in his face. "Don't you dare Inuyasha." She was going to deliver this baby without Sesshoumaru even if it killed her.
"Rin," said Inuyasha coming back up to sit beside her. "I know what you're doing and it is not helping. You're causing the baby distress. He needs to know his father is there even if he is not physically here. Don't shut him out for the sake of your son."
"No!"
If he wanted to be here, he should have been here a long time ago. Six months ago, a year ago, hell five, seven years ago! He should never have left her in that human village in the first place!
Now it was too late. Sesshoumaru had everything and if he took even this one thing that was truly hers…
Then Rin wouldn't have anything to live for anymore.
/-/-/-/
His body remained airborne instinctively, sweeping upwards and against the downward wind currents. Sesshoumaru knew he had not fallen by much, but the ascend felt much longer; his granduncle appearing smaller and smaller by the second.
If only he was faster…
Ignoring the ache on his back, he struggled harder, pushing relentlessly against the incoming blizzard. Junichi was sending a flurry of ice rushing down towards him; every drop razor thin and designed to kill.
Does he wish me to fight him?
Sesshoumaru felt his fangs elongating at the challenge; eyes burning red as he drew his swords. A wide open sweep from Bakusaiga sent a blast of embers upwards, melting the ice into raindrops on his face. Thrusting his body forward, Sesshoumaru gave another blast of fire –this time as hard as he could; aiming the flames at the Ancient standing watch from his fortress.
"You dare to attack me in my own home?" bellowed the Ancient.
Sesshoumaru would do whatever it took to get the answers he needed. With the dispersing cloud, he took his chance, giving that final push, leaping up and over the ruby-eyed Ancient; swords at the ready. He didn't know why, but instead of his dominant hand, he wielded his left hand – Tenseiga completing a figure eight descending like a clasp around Junichi.
But the capture lasted less than a second.
Breaking apart his invisible chain, the Ancient somersaulted over Sesshoumaru, his double-ended sword slashing down, goring a deep wound down Sesshoumaru's chest into his stomach. Blood spurted like a geyser but Sesshoumaru kept his focus on the Ancient, choosing to charge straight ahead instead of retreating.
Throwing Bakusaiga backwards, he freed his claws for a forward thrust–
"Why you…" Junichi looked down at his abdomen, the bloom of red staining his white kimono. Lifting his head slowly, his lips curled as he loosened his grip on his sword. "It seems… we are even."
Sesshoumaru held back his breath as Junichi dislodged the blade currently wedged through his stomach. Pulling away, the two Daiyoukais stared at each other; eyes locked in a deathly match.
Breathing hard, Sesshoumaru held a hand over his stomach, channelling healing power to close the wound. From the corner of his eyes, he could see that Junichi was doing the same; his healing, faster naturally.
When he removed his hands, Sesshoumaru jumped backwards in anticipation of another attack. But the Ancient merely spat to his side, breaking eye contact.
"Is this the gratitude that I deserve for all that I've fought for?" Eyes of red –a permanent feature of an Ancient –glared down at him. "Would you be this privileged if not for your bloodline?"
There was no answer to that.
"I come here out of deep respect for you Granduncle," said Sesshoumaru, his head bowed low enough not to be rude but high enough to have his cautious eyes on the Ancient.
"And yet you disrespect my granddaughter with your presence. She is but a fitting mate is she not? A queen who loves these lands and her people."
Sesshoumaru would not dispute that. But Junichi was not blind. He knew. Haven't the last six months proved what a failure their marriage had been?
"Do you not love Chiyoko?" asked Sesshoumaru.
"No more than you… But –I do not wish to be disappointed," said Junichi quietly.
"Times are changing Granduncle… These lands are no longer only ours. Humans are fast expanding beyond their territories. Will we someday be like the Youkais? Driven to the mountains for preservation sake?" He paused to look up at the Ancient. Junichi was as expressive as a blank wall but he could tell that he was affected by his words.
"Keep your human on the side if you wish," was his reply. "When she dies, perhaps then you could do justice to my granddaughter."
Sesshoumaru didn't wish for it to be that way. His father had done what was expected of him, gaining no pleasure out of it –and in the end, he had left everything behind like it all mattered not anymore.
"And if I choose to defy you?"
Junichi had his eyebrows raised in high arches. "Then you, like your father will die a mortal death – are you ready for that?"
Was he? To die without leaving a proper heir? Then the throne would be passed on to…
No. Not Inu no Jiro.
"I am to have a son. If a mortal death is what it takes, then I am ready for that."
Something passed across the Ancient's face – a shadow of sadness perhaps, or disgust. Sesshoumaru had no doubt he knew about the birth of his brother. So surely the idea of a Hanyou was not something new. Especially since…
"He brought him here didn't he? To seek your acceptance?"
When the Ancient remained silent, Sesshoumaru pressed on. "But you said no didn't you. You told him to choose."
The Ancient simply gazed down at him; eyes devoid of emotions. "I've said what I need to. Till we meet again young Sesshoumaru…"
Junichi gave him a final glance; his head turned slightly backwards, revealing the single gash on his left cheek.
Sesshoumaru would not be so lucky to ever be in his presence again.
Do you have someone to protect, my son? – Yes.
"Should anything happen to me, and if my son is not allowed to be an heir, then Inu no Jiro plans to marry my mother and claim the throne." Sesshoumaru lifted his eyes to the Ancient in open confrontation. "With his hyena army, you know it's a matter of time."
Everything around them suddenly stilled.
Fiery wings of the Ancient snapped open –four flaps blazing with blinding luminance.
Towering over him, the Ancient roared as he scaled twice his human size; red eyes going pure white; his hair standing on ends like a caped dragon.
Sesshoumaru had to shield his eyes, stepping backwards to avoid being burnt by the Ancient's wrath.
"HE DARES DEFY THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS?"
The voice boomed inside Sesshoumaru's mind – a thundering roar filled with malice and betrayal. Rightly so. Only the firstborn had the right of throne. It was the only reason why an Ancient as powerful as Junichi held no claim even after his own cousin, Akihiko was slain by Ulrich of the East.
"DOES HE THINK HIMSELF MORE RIGHTFUL THAN I?"
Sesshoumaru got to his knees, head bowed low. He had opened a can of worms and nothing he would say now would matter to the Ancient.
"A DISGRACE ALL OF YOU."
A blast of cold fire swept down and through his body but Sesshoumaru remained still. Just one wrong move and Junichi could potentially burn him alive.
The Ancient brought his face closer to Sesshoumaru's; hot air breathed out from his porous nostrils. Sesshoumaru had to cover his face with his sleeves in an effort to shield himself from the flames.
"YOU WILL PRODUCE AN HEIR WITH CHIYOKO. OR I WILL PERSONALLY WIPE CLEAN YOUR ENTIRE BLOODLINE."
There was no chance for defiance now. When he reopened his eyes – the Ancient was gone.
"No! Wait please Granduncle, I have to –"
Whatever he wanted to say died on his lips as the shrill scream of his mate pierced through his consciousness; the force of her suffering ripping through his body rendering him almost breathless.
/-/-/-/
Bereft of moonlight, the sky appeared empty as the littered stars above were hidden by dark clouds carrying the threat of rainstorms.
But in her room, Rin had all the light she needed; the warmth glowing from inside her as she held on to the edges of her bed, nails digging into the sheets at the next wave of pain criss-crossed through her body.
As her screams ripped through the silence, Rin grabbed the hand stretched out for support and clamped her own around it. She didn't care if bones were broken. Inuyasha wasn't wincing one bit even when his body no longer had its inhumanly strength tonight.
His silvery hair had made way for the dark tresses so opposite to his brother's; eyes of gold turning black like the dimness around them. Like at the start of every new moon, the Youkai half of him gave way to the takeover of his human side, rendering him powerless and almost kind.
And yet – it was the dispassionate eyes of her Daiyoukai that she sought in the darkness; her anchor to reality. As her body gave its first push, Rin closed her lids and recalled the golden eyes of her love. The same eyes that she dreamed of constantly in those long years when she was alone in the human village as a child, longing for the male she could never have.
"That's it Rin, another push and oh… I can see the head!" The midwife cried.
Rin tightened her grip over Inuyasha's hand, hearing the crack of his bones when she gave her next push. Encouraged by the midwife's account of seeing her baby's face then shoulders and his torso, Rin screamed into the night as she gave her final push – her body ready to collapse and shut down on itself.
/-/-/-/
The only sound interrupting his thoughts was the whirring of the wind as his body propelled its way through the night in a blur of movement and anxiety.
The pain that had shot down through their mating bond had almost crippled him; his body unconsciously giving up as he fell to his knees, shuddering in pain. Why had he not been informed that she was in labour?
Sesshoumaru wouldn't have hesitated to be by her side at all times, if she had only asked. And yet, it had taken that final soul ripping pain for the truth to pierce through the layers of white noise blocking her side of their mating bond. Rin had done it on purpose and the realisation was more punishing than anything he had experienced before.
She wasn't going to make it.
The little human girl he had saved, raised and then loved all his life was going to die tonight. He could smell it; taste her end in the air. And nothing he could do would save her because he would be too late…
Seurri was just too far.
If he could only just be faster, move faster….
Another blood curdling scream nearly sent him spiralling downwards into the caverns; his body losing all nervous control as her pain shot down his spine and twisted his body.
"Damn it Rin… I'm coming. Don't you dare die on me…" he groaned, flying harder as he resumed being airborne. The image of her twisting in her own pool of blood made him bare his teeth in frustration. Sesshoumaru was going to reach her side before that happened, even if it meant pushing himself to the limits of death and exhaustion!
He didn't know how much time had passed – maybe hours, maybe a day – but as he crashed through the glass window of his beloved's room, Sesshoumaru could only recall the pale tiles on the floor as his body crumbled downwards without grace.
"Sesshoumaru! What are you doing here?" He felt his body being pulled up by a male – his scent so strong and familiar like that of his own… or perhaps it was of his father's. But underneath that, was the cloying scent of death.
"Rin. Baby." His eyelids peeled back forcibly as he tried to re-orientate himself. Using the human before him as an anchor, Sesshoumaru pushed himself back onto his feet and snapped his attention back to the room.
"Where are they?" he croaked, studying the cautious face of his half-brother. From the looks of it, Inuyasha was battling with himself as to whether he should let him through or not.
"That is my son... and my mate." Sesshoumaru bared his fangs in a show of possession but Inuyasha looked neither threatened nor worried.
Instead, his brother looked almost sad as he shook his head. "Not to her Sesshoumaru… not to her." And with that, he stepped aside, allowing him to pass through.
"She's past the door behind me," he relented. But before Sesshoumaru could push past him, Inuyasha gripped his hand and held the other palm down on his chest. "You do not so much touch her without her permission nor hold the child unless I say so. Are we clear?"
Whatever his promise was, it was thrown out the window as soon as he stepped into the chamber. Sesshoumaru didn't know the exact moment he lost control of his body but the sight of her sprawled on the bed, her head tilted to one side and staring unblinkingly made him slam onto his knees.
"No… no!"
Her face, once rosy and fair was now tinged with blue; veins creeping up her neck and cheeks like tendrils, robbing her of her breath. On her chest lay a bloodied bundle of limbs, the innocent child clearly unaware of the life his mother sacrificed to bring him to the world.
"Take him… please…" he begged to no one in particular. As a flurry of hands came and took the baby away, Sesshoumaru crawled towards the bed, reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips. God, she was so cold…
He had thought the bit of blood she had drawn from him so many months ago would be enough to tide her through this birth but apparently not. She had passed everything – her strength and the bit of immortality in his blood down to their son, leaving her an empty vessel.
"Rin… please," he whimpered into her cold unmoving hand, not caring that he was begging, on his knees, and at the mercy of the human before him. With his forehead resting on her hand, Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and counted the hours he had left with her, wishing for once that he wasn't blessed with the ability to scent the impending death. Was this how father had felt when Izayoi was at her death bed?
Truly, Sesshoumaru didn't see the lure of living beyond this moment without Rin – even if she despised him, refused to speak or look at him again. He would accept all that just so she could take another breath.
"Leave us!" he roared, keeping his body stiff and commanding until he was sure every soul had vacated the room.
Only then did he climb onto the bed, curling his body around hers; willing his own heat to warm her as much as he could. For a moment he caught the faint smile on her lips but then her eyes –those beautiful baby browns – closed their doors to her soul. And he knew it was too late. He was too late – there was no way to tie her life now to his as his father had done with Izayoi.
"I'm so sorry Rin…" he murmured into her hair. "I would do anything now to hear your voice… that singing of yours. Did you remember how I hated when you sang?"
Sesshoumaru didn't know where he found the energy to laugh but he did. It seemed almost disrespectful but he didn't know how else to express his emotions.
"Never… stopped me…" Barely audible, her whisper sent him stiffening; his body keeping still as though he was afraid any sudden movement might rob him of a precious second of her life.
"You… you made me happy," he croaked. "I wish I had never sent you to Kaede…"
He couldn't trust himself to continue. Something stung in his eyes and his throat felt parched all of a sudden.
"Where's… baby…"
"He's safe." His reply was instantaneous. She didn't need worry about the child. He would see to it that it had everything he needed.
"Kenta…" Her eyes fluttered open slowly. "Please…"
Sesshoumaru didn't want to leave her. What if he turned and she was gone? How could he live knowing he missed those last seconds with her? But his heart couldn't bear to see the pained longing in her eyes. She needed to say… goodbye.
Walking heels first, he kept his front towards her, his eyes on hers even as he inched towards the door. When he opened it, Sesshoumaru only barked his command for a second –no longer –before returning his attention to his dying mate.
"Let me in brother."
Sesshoumaru stole another glance away just as the tiny body of his son was thrusted into his arms. His growl was erased the moment he looked down and saw the child for the first time.
Human.
"He will look just like you tomorrow okay? Don't get depressed and all."
Looking up at the voice of Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru bared his teeth. Was his brother trying to comfort him? He, Lord Sesshoumaru need no pity from a hanyou. But for now, all that mattered was returning to Rin's side with their baby in her arms. Leaving the door open, Sesshoumaru didn't care what his half-brother wished to do.
"Rin, my love… he has the most beautiful eyes…" He nestled the baby in the crook of her arms, careful not to let the weight rest on her chest. Again, she could only manage a faint smile but her limbs could not move to hold the child as he knew she wanted to. So he did what felt right at that moment.
He climbed onto the bed again, cocooning the baby in between them; his hand reaching across to hers and drawing it gently on top of Kenta.
They stayed that way for god knows how long – him staring at her face, their baby wriggling every now and then to look up at him and then sometimes at his mother. He didn't know how the baby remained so quiet and uncrying for his heart was breaking just lying like this with them.
But as time went by and the first inkling of sunrise peeked on the horizon, Sesshoumaru found himself snapping awake; his eyes looking first at the sleeping infant and then to his mate…
No…
"Sesshoumaru…" A strong hand clasped over his shoulder; a second before the baby was scooped away from the bed. It was probably the best move for he had flung himself onto the floor, dragging Rin's limp body into his arms.
Muttering words he remembered of a long time past – words perhaps his father had whispered when he too lost his love –he rocked back and forth, blocking out every sound, every sight and every scent that circled them.
/-/-/-/
Chiyoko felt as if her brain was frozen after the lightning speed at which Junichi had dragged her across the country. There had been no words when he came for her, his arms simply grabbing her as he mounted his wings and flew –no, rocketed southwards towards Seurri.
And in this moment, as they stepped into the royal chambers of the reigning Lady, Chiyoko didn't need to ask why anymore.
The scent of death hung like drapes, cloaking the room in darkness…
Or perhaps it was just the sorrow radiating from Sesshoumaru in waves, his aura of mourning making the air in the room impenetrable.
"Grandfather… we shouldn't," she started, reaching out to touch the Ancient. But Junichi simply pulled her along and into the room, his eyes studying every other being in the room before settling on one human in particular.
"How long ago, grand-nephew of mine?"
If he was surprised at being addressed as such, Inuyasha made no show of it. With the sun framing his silvery hair and golden eyes, it was impossible to sometimes think he was only half a demon. And yet in his arms slept the child, a hanyou too, who was a mirror image of his father…
The Lord of the West was crumpled on the floor, rocking his lifeless mate silently in his arms. Oh Sesshoumaru…
He finally had everything he wanted – an heir, the throne… and a wife. Except, she wasn't truly the one he wanted. Sesshoumaru would have gone into death with his true mate, if not for the fact that Chiyoko was tying him here in reality.
"A quarter of an hour my Lord," replied Inuyasha, eyes cast down as his body bent slightly into a bow.
The Ancient merely nodded as he marched towards the side of the bed and stood right behind Sesshoumaru; his shadow looming over the two entwined bodies. Chiyoko thought he was about to smack his nephew for daring to appear so weak but her grandfather simply remained rooted with his eyes angling down.
"Chiyoko, is there something that you wish to say?"
Chiyoko looked up at her grandfather and saw her sadness reflected in his eyes. He knew.
"I… I release you Sesshoumaru… from these binds of matrimony," she whispered, looking down sadly at her silver bangle, knowing it will never turn gold until the day she died. "Ease your soul and be with your love."
The moment those words were spoken; Chiyoko felt her body sagging as though a tremendous burden had been lifted and the weight of her actions pummelling down her shoulders. There would be repercussions – anarchy, mutiny, unrest.
But at this moment, she didn't care anymore. Sesshoumaru was no longer of this world, his heart wanting to follow Rin into the next. How cruel of her to chain him into a lifeless commitment because of this pretentious bond they have?
Chiyoko loved her cousin. So much, she would rather him die blissfully than suffer eternity with her.
/-/-/-/
Sesshoumaru didn't know where he was. One moment he was in Rin's chambers and the next, there was only emptiness around him. Strange how he had always imagined purgatory to be all white and sterile but where he was now felt like being inside a vacuum.
He could neither see nor hear, speak or smell. And when he tried to reach in front of him, there was nothing – not that his fingers felt real. He couldn't even comprehend if indeed he had lifted his hand at all.
Everything was a blank.
Sesshoumaru.
He didn't hear it – more like thought it. Yes, that was his name, at least that he could remember.
I have already lost your father. I will not lose you too.
Something snapped – a tension of some sort released somewhere behind him, propelling him forward in a continuous roll…
Where… where am I? His head was spinning. He tried to will his body to stop but here in this emptiness, he had no control of himself.
The bloodline is pure and will always reside with the first born.
Sesshoumaru didn't give a damn at the moment. He just wanted to stop this tumbling feeling – not that he was sure if his body was even moving. If he couldn't feel or sense anything, then who was to say if this was real?
Inu no Jiro… he is beyond control. But I cannot do it. He looks too much like your father.
Sesshoumaru wanted to lift his head and look at whoever it was that was shoving the thoughts into his head. Maybe even give the bastard a punch.
Where is Rin?
Will you stop Inu no Jiro?
That's right… Rin, his beautiful Rin was dead. What did it matter if he stopped his uncle or not? There would never be another moment of watching her smile or scowl at him. Ever.
If I give Rin her life back… will you stop him?
What? How? Youkais do not give life.
Sesshoumaru? Rin for your word.
Yes.
Air. Air was gushing into his lungs. His body ached. His limbs feeling like ants were crawling all over him as they regained sensation once more.
"Sesshoumaru."
Raising his face towards the voice, Sesshoumaru slowly peeled back his eyelids and winced at the sudden glare above him. At first he thought it was the sun but as his eyes adjusted, he saw that the glow was coming from the same Daiyoukai he had sought mere hours ago.
"This is my gift to you, the son of my beloved nephew. May you secure your lives to each other always – this human heart beating as long as yours."
"I don't understand…" God his head was pounding but he forced himself to open his eyes and watch as his granduncle knelt before him, a bloodied wrist reaching down and moving towards…
"No!" He didn't know what he was objecting to but somehow Sesshoumaru knew the trade was something he could not sanction. "You will die."
The Ancient merely smiled. "And so I shall." He didn't stop this time as he pressed the life blood over Rin's lips while his other hand rested on her chest; the glow spreading from the points of contact until it consumed them both.
/-/-/-/
Epilogue
9 months later
Rin woke up with the usual ache in her body. She was told that coming back from the dead was like jump starting the body from infancy all over again. It had taken a few months for her to learn how to walk, eat and even speak again but it had all been worth it. Especially if she woke up to the glorious sight of the naked male beside her – long lines of lean muscles, silvery soft hair and a smile that belonged only in this bedroom, for her.
"Have I told you that I love you?" he purred, reaching out to caress her cheeks.
She nodded. Mere hours ago, he had whispered those words to her as he emptied himself inside her; claiming her body, her heart, her soul.
"Just in case, then let me remind you…"
His kiss was soft as his body eased itself on top of her, his thighs pushing her legs apart. Rin still ached slightly from last night and yet she found herself slick and ready for him once more; her pelvis arching upwards in a soft demand.
"God, I love every inch of you Rin," he whispered against her mouth before dragging his lips down to trail kisses down the column of her neck to the valley between her breasts and lower until reaching his final destination at the apex of her thighs.
"Open for me Rin. Let me taste you."
Her thighs parted willingly, offering herself to him. Rin snaked her fingers in his fine hair, gripping the strands as his tongue dipped into her wet folds, stroking the fire within her until she strained against him. But when she felt the light rasp of his teeth against her sensitive flesh, Rin couldn't hold back anymore. Arching her back, she screamed her release; the waves of pleasure robbing her temporarily of her senses.
When she reopened her eyes, Sesshoumaru was propped his elbows by her side, staring down at her.
"Good morning my beautiful."
She curled her fingers around his face, wanting to bring him closer for a kiss but Sesshoumaru shook his head.
"Wait for it." He tapped her nose once, twice and…
"Aaaaaaaaaaa."
"He's hungry." Rin tried to crawl out of bed but her limbs didn't seem to be cooperative.
"I'll bring him here," whispered Sesshoumaru, dropping a kiss on her forehead before he left to the adjoining nursery.
When he reappeared a moment later, Rin couldn't help but smile at the look of pure love on his face. Little Kenta was laughing; his tiny palm reaching upwards to catch strands of his father's hair and bringing it to his mouth.
"I think he's really hungry," he said, carefully placing the baby into her arms.
"I would too if I cry so loud like that." Rin brought a nipple closer to her baby's mouth and waited for nature to take its course. As Kenta suckled, both she and Sesshoumaru remained quiet, simply listening to the tender sounds their son was making.
"Do you think his hair will grow as white as yours?" asked Rin, stroking the dark tuft of silver hair on the child's head.
"Perhaps," he replied, looking down at her. "But I think the black hair of his mother's that comes every new moon is the most beautiful of all."
She watched her mate smile before his lips descended on hers gently.
"I don't love him less when he doesn't look like me. In fact, perhaps I love him more when he looks like you," he whispered, dropping another kiss on her lips before he got up from the bed. "I shall leave you two to your moment. Come find me in the drawing room when you're ready. I have something for you."
Later, after she managed to take a bath and dressed both herself and her little prince, Rin put him back to sleep in his cot before heading downstairs to the drawing room. Pushing past the wooden door, Rin stepped inside and smiled at the sight of the Daiyoukai standing at the porch.
He was truly magnificent. Dressed in his usual white kimono with his armour and swords in place, Sesshoumaru looked every inch the Lord of the West that he was. Even his hair was perfectly straight, flying backwards slightly when teased by the wind.
When he sensed her, he turned, opening his arms wide to welcome her embrace.
"I'm sorry that took so long," she started only to have his finger upon her lips. She watched as his other hand slipped into the folds of his kimono and took out an old possession of hers – the silver comb. The one he had bought for her when he first came to take her home from Kaede's village.
Reaching forward, he swept the comb and fixed it at the side of her head, just behind her ear.
"Sesshoumaru, where ever did you find –" Again, his finger pressed on her lips in an attempt to silence her. When his hand reached into his kimono again, her eyes widened. "Oh Sesshoumaru…"
"Lady Rin of the South, would you accept?"
Rin could only nod, bringing her wrist up into his palms as the silvery thread wound itself around her flesh and hardened into a bangle of silver.
"And I, Lord Sesshoumaru of the West, accept."
Her fingers trembled as she clasped the other silver thread around his wrist. When it too turned into a band of silver, Sesshoumaru let out a long breath.
Holding her face in his palms, he brought his lips down on hers; the gold sheen of their bangles a silent witness to their promise of eternity together.
END
/-/-/-/
A/N: It's hard to keep Sesshoumaru in character towards the end but I did my best. Also, yes! There is a sequel planned for this but the main hero/heroine will not be Rin and Sesshoumaru although the story will still be about them and their children. As such, I don't know if I should put it up here. (As this is supposed to be fanfiction.)
I will however, have it on Wattpad and Literotica (not for those below 18!) under the same penname. But let me know what you want! Since you are the readers after all