~Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters (including Sesshomaru and Rin), I do own Shiawase,Onryō, Fushoujiki and Persephone who is loosely based based in the poem by Algernon Charles Swinburne The Garden of Proserpine.
My special thanks for the reviews on Chapter 4 to :SynthroKei534,icegirljenni ,SesshomarusPegasus and mustacheman19. Thank You so much as a writer it really means a lot to me.
Thank You all that have added my Fan Fiction to the story alert it truly inspires me to writer more.
This chapter is the beginning of the change in the character of Rin from damsel in distress to a stronger character.
~Hoshi No Hikari~ Revenge
"Lord Sesshomaru with all due respect I am not not asking for your permission, I have come here to inform you that I am leaving", said Rin looking at Sesshomaru in the eyes.
Sesshomaru was in a complete outrage,"Who does this girl think she is!","Giving commands to ME the Lord of the West!","This ungrateful girl needs to be reminded that if I say no it's NO!", Rin goes away from Lord Sesshomaru's study,"I need to make my own choices, yes I will change ,I have to be strong".
Sesshomaru was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice when Rin left,"UGGH THAT DISRESPECTFUL BRAT!", screams Jaken while jumping frustrated, this action is noticed by the enraged demon who quickly presses down the angry imp with his shoe in a ferocious manner leaving Jaken flat on the floor.
Sesshomaru leaves his study and marches through the hallway following Rin's scent,already decided that he would make Rin listen by force if necessary.
Rin was engaged, profoundly succumbed in her maddening thoughts and wasn't paying attention to her surroundings,"But this frustrates me so much, he didn't say a thing to STOP ME!, it's like he doesn't care about my feelings and he said NO!, Does he think I am His property?".
Rin was storming down the hallway in direction to her room, her normally happy and calm demeanor was contorted in an ever consuming anger, her eyes flashing and closing into slits, her mouth quivering and slurring incomprehensible words that came spewing into the space releasing her pent up emotions.
The servants who were cleaning in the hallway suddenly felt a turbulent atmosphere, "Hey don't you feel something weird?","Yes..." the servant sees the figure with seething eyes rampaging through the hallway,"IIIIIIIIIIIIICK!", the other servant looks behind her and sees the presence with the soul piercing stare who is mumbling unintelligible words, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!".
The servants quickly scaterred away in fear like flies about to be squashed and ran up the hallway hoping to survive the wrath of the angry figure that was marching forward.
Sesshomaru could feel that Rin was near and inhaled deeply,thinking wisely of the words he would choose with Rin, "Rin is very fragile , she must be crying right now..., yes she will accept what I say and seize this childish behavior once and for all!".
"L-ord Sesshomaru!", one of the servants was behind the stoic demon trembling in fear. Sesshomaru looks curiously at the servant,"My Lord, everybody in the palace is hiding away because of a terrible presence up in the hallway, why I heard that it was quite fearsome indeed with a soul piercing stare...".
"could it be RIN?, no it can't be ...but I feel her near", after hearing these words Sesshomaru advanced up the hall and there she was about to enter her room. "Rin", that word was the only thing necessary to make Rin stop.
With her left hand closed into a fist, Rin switched her gaze slowly towards Sesshomaru,"Rin now be strong", Rin looked at Sesshomaru directly into his eyes, with piercing flaming eyes.
The look Rin gave him sent chills down his spine although Rin didn't notice, "Now I understand why the servants were hiding in fear,she doesn't look a thing like the usual Rin,why if it weren't for her smell I would think this is an outraged demoness",thought the surprised demon lord."Rin you haven't let me explain what has happened" said Sesshomaru calmly.
"Just tell me this, is it true that you were planning to send me with Kagome and Inuyasha while you found me a suitor?", Rin asked coldly always looking directly into his eyes.
"Yes", Sesshomaru answered sternly.
"Rin, I understand that these news are uncomfortable for you because of what has happened that is why you WILL stay here until you fully heal and get over your fear, then we can talk about suitors and you will be able to choose the one you desire", this time Sesshomaru spoke these words with authority but also understanding.
For Rin, Sesshomaru's words were kind of comforting until he reached THEN,this infuriated Rin even more and she couldn't maintain her composure any longer. "WHAT ABOUT MY FEELINGS!", Rin shouted to Sesshomaru," DID MY FEELINGS FOR YOU MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU!".
Sesshomaru was taken aback by this sudden outburst," Rin you don't seem to understand that we are different species, I am sure that one day you will want a family of your own and you will age eventually that is why it is better for you to be with your own kind".
These were the words that bestowed the ultimate blow and broke Rin's heart into fragments,"ENOUGH! I am leaving and you have no say in my future, I don't want to see you AGAIN!", Rin shouted starring at Sesshomaru with tears in her eyes but also daring him to repeat once more those wretched words and with one last look as if silently saying goodbye Rin entered her room.
"Rin these feelings that I feel for you have to stop, this desire to erase your fears is breaking me perhaps this is for the best", with that thought Sesshomaru went towards his study.
~HNH~
Rin fell in her bed starring at the ceiling just to be haunted by memories that now can only fill her with sorrow.
One Year Ago
Fushoujiki had invited Rin to the river near the village, he had said that it was a surprise.
When Rin arrives to the river there was Fushoujiki with a singled red flower in hand, he was smiling brightly, his light brown eyes shone with the reflection of the sun. When noticed Rin arriving he smiled affectionately, "Rin", said Fushoujiki with a voice that could have warmed the coldest heart.
"Fushoujiki, what happened?", asked Rin with a hint of shyness in her voice.
"Rin, I have thought about this but first I wanted to tell you that I think you are the most beautiful woman in this village and also the kindest".
Rin stared up at him curiously with slightly pink cheecks and when she was about to speak Fushoujiki asked.
"Rin will you marry me?".
Rin was shocked and didn't know what to say, "Fushoujiki...well I feel glad that you think of me so pleasing and you have always defended me when people insult me in this village", Fushoujiki didn't let Rin finish,"Rin that's why you have to marry me, if you marry me the people will stop calling you those horrible names and I will defend you, so...Rin what do you say".
Fushoujiki quickly closed the space between Rin and was about to kiss her, "NO Fushoujiki! I-I don't love you!", her voice was faltering,"Rin what do you mean you don't love me!, No you love that demon don't you!", Fushoujiki upset grabbed Rin forcefully by her shoulders and kissed her. Rin broke the kiss and without thinking slapped Fushoujiki with all her might thus leaving him startled and went running towards the hill, "Rin I PROMISE YOU WILL REGRET choosing him OVER ME!".
In the highest hill in Inuyasha's Forest was Rin sobbing silently reclining on a tree and shielding her eyes with her hands from the tormenting embarrassment that was harshly manipulating her thoughts, "It was my first kiss, the kiss that was meant for...".
Rin heard a branch break and a set of footsteps approaching, she quickly grabbed the nearest stone and threw it towards the source of the noise.
"Lord Sesshomaru!", Rin saw Sesshomaru with a shocked expression in her face.
Sesshomaru's hands quickly pulverised the threat in his hands, with a gaze that could break the strongest armor he looked at Rin as if trying to disintegrate any lying thoughts that he knew his precious ward was planning.
"Rin, tell me what has happened", it was not a question but a demand that was accompanied by a threatening stare. Rin couldn't hold back, she knew that she couldn't lie to him specially when he was like this.
"It was stolen from me...", Rin answered in a whisper,"My first kiss was stolen from me".
Rin didn't notice that at the sound of those words Sesshomaru's eyes glowed with a speck of red which were swiftly replaced by compassion. In a move that human eyes could not perceive Sesshomaru quickly embraced Rin.
"Rin", it was a tone so soft that Rin couldn't beleive that it came from her Lord, Rin moving away softly from his embrace looked directly into his eyes and Sesshomaru not leaving time for Rin to talk, caught her lips and gently kissed her while embracing her protectively.
"I will be the one to kiss your lips", it was a whisper that made her heart melt, like a dream that she didn't want to wake up from and with no more fear in her heart she answered,"I love you".
For Sesshomaru it was the first time he had ever heard such words but he couldn't help but succumb to the sound of those words that felt like sweet ecstacy to his sensitive ears,his demon blood surged in an unnatural accelerated rhythm and at that moment he realized "I want MORE!", yes she had bewitched him, he wanted to be the only one to be rewarded with her sweet smile, dazzling eyes that followed him with adoration.
Yet these feelings from the indomitable lord were unknown to Rin.
"Yes at that moment I was hoping that he was also in love with me".
A knock on the door brought her back to reality "Rin, are you ready?,Can I come in?".
"Yes, come in Kagome".
"Rin, Inuyasha said that we are leaving shortly".
Rin got up from her bed and approached the hallway walking similar to a prisoner marching towards her execution.
"Wait! Rin are you going to leave everything!" , Kagome was responded with silence and with this she followed Rin to the entrance of the domain.
Inuyasha when he received the girls at the entrance noticed that Rin was not carrying anything , he switched a glance with Kagome and as if she had answered his questions telepathically he solemnly nodded.
As Rin reached the clearing she saw Jaken with Ah-Un and looked apologetically at the two. Just when she was about to advance forwards she felt a pair of strong arms hold her from her waist protectively and without time to react she felt the tip of piercing fangs slightly in her right ear, "My sweet Rin", his tone was seductive yet it felt possessive ,she felt his breath in her neck , "I will let you have your way for now..."
Sesshomaru softly turned Rin to face him and was proud to see that the daring girl from before was now completely stiff, gently he moved her chin to face him.
Rin shocked with what was happening couldn't find the resolve to move or say anything, when he lifted her chin and she saw his golden eyes she felt a shiver down her spine, he was looking at her with desire. She had stopped breathing and was absolutely petrified, to these reactions the demon lord smirked playfully and closing the gaps between them only leaving a few inches from their lips he softly said, "Breathe... my precious Rin".
With those words Sesshomaru left towards his castle leaving behind a catatonic Rin, an unconscious Jaken, Inuyasha's fingers were squished so tightly by an excited Kagome that had turned purple and yet Inuyasha hadn't notice. Shiawase who had arrived with some things from Rin was left in catatonic state when she saw Sesshomaru's lips alarmingly close to Rins.
Rin and Shiawase mounted Ah-Un while Kagome was being carried by Inuyasha, Rin before Sesshomaru's beautiful palace was lost in the distance stole one last glance, "Sesshomaru is in a war of his own, a blood where the only blood that is spilled is called pride", "But I have to be strong".
Rin decisively looked to the horizon and thought carefully of Persephone's words.
"When will you stop letting others tell you what to do, That is why your friends and people trample on you, stop others from telling you what to do, decide for yourself it is your choice... What will it be?", shouted Persephone which made Rin halt and think.
Rin seeing the dreadful truth behind Persephone's words answered almost like a whisper,"I accept".
"Very well, understand that this power you can call at will and will provide you with the strength of a youkai, however you will remain looking as a human and your scent will be that of a human,when you use your newfound strength your scent will be masked by magic thus no one will be able to perceive you".
Rin couldn't beleive what she was doing but it was her chance to prove herself, to seize being weak. "How will I know how to use this new strength?"
"I will train you and of course I will also teach you how to use your new weapon".
Persephone opens her arms and in her hands appear a bright white light, Rin was shocked "What is it?".
"This light is known as Hoshi No Hikari it will follow your will in other words it will turn into whatever weapon you desire ".
"Its so bright!", Rin said looking at it enthusiastically.
"This weapon will allow you to be here without your body suffering any damage so I will be able to teach you how to use it". Persephone handed the light to Rin and once in her hands the light vanished. The light in contact with Rin's hands felt warm and once it disappeared she could feel that warmth inside her.
"Persephone what is that favor you asked?".
Persephone turned her back to Rin and walked towards the stream, "That weapon has a sister Rin that is its complete opposite, I will show you how to defeat it ...in time".
The group could already see Sango's village in the distance because of the high speed on which they were traveling. Inuyasha glanced to Ah-Un and noticed the hollow look in Rin's eyes "Keh- Sesshomaru is such a bastard and even his servants, Kagome could you beleive that they were hiding saying that an evil spirit was roaming the palace really you would expect demons to be a bit braver!". Rin didn't seem to pay attention to what was said but instead she was lost in her thoughts, Kagome and Shiawase were just looking at the village, Inuyasha understood the silence from his mate and focused up ahead.
~HNH~
Meeting at Sesshomaru's Domain
The bright moon had already made its presence in the Western Lands and the Lords of the Northern and Eastern Lands were reunited in a round table along with Lord Sesshomaru discussing the dire circumstances that had bestowed the Southern Lands.
"Lord Sesshomaru, we have lost all communication with the South and the soldiers that were sent never returned, we must discuss a plan of action!" said the Lord of the North clearly distressed.
"What about Lord Akihito from the South, what are the news of him?", said Lord Sesshomaru in a monotone tone.
"After the slaughter in that village near the Western Borders I had asked Lord Akihito for his plan about the situation but he never answered and there is more my Lord, Lady Zen seems to have also vanished", said worried the Lord of the East.
The Lords were expecting for Sesshomaru to show some concern for the news of who was going to be his future mate but were rewarded with the usual stoic demeanor.
"Very well we shall send more soldiers and I will personally pay a visit to the palace of Lord Akihito", said Lord Sesshomaru calmly as he got up from the table giving the meeting for finished.
"But My Lord what about Lady Zen?", asked worried the Eartern Lord.
"What about her?, I will find news of her after visiting the Southern Palace, if something happened at the domain of Lord Akihito then clearly the situation would have also affected Lady Zen", with those last words the Western Lord made his leave.
~HNH~
When Inuyasha with the group had arrived at Sango's Village it was already dark but everyone was awake due to a calebration in the village. Kagome was very excited about the commotion and with bright eyes looked at Rin and Shiawase, "Rin, Shiwase this is a wonderful time for you both to relax and enjoy yourselves from the disaster of the village". Shiawase was glad to have some time to finally have some fun but Rin on the other simply nodded.
The group first arrived at Sango's hut and found Sango, Miroku and their kids along with Kohaku eagerly waiting for them to arrive.
Sango as soon as she saw Rin went to hug her carefully as to not injure her broken arm more and then proceeded to Shiawase.
"Rin!", screamed Kohaku, when he saw Rin he was blushing furiously then he approached her with tears in his eyes,"I am so glad that they didn't manage to harm you, they approached with their plan so fast that when I found out I didn't manage to warm you guys on time, I AM SO SORRY RIN!". Kohaku saw Inuyasha and Kagome warning him making signs to shut up with their hands but Kohaku didn't understand.
"Kohaku what do you mean by plan?", at that moment Kohaku understood that he Rin wasn't yet aware of the situation.
"Rin, we hadn't explained to you some things yet", said Kagome softly while approaching Rin,"But we will tell you everything but now is not the right time, let's enjoy the celebration nd I promise that we will tell you".
Rin looked at the group who were staring at her as if she could explode at any moment,"Great more secrets and possibly more lies", taking a deep breath, "It's ok Kohaku and Kagome you are right I have through too much we should all enjoy the celebration", answered Rin with her best smile.
All the girls assembled in a group leaving the guys to their own, "What should we do first!", asked Sango quite happy.
"Girls, how about you have fun and I would like to have some fresh air by myself for a while".
"Sure Rin", said Kagome.
Rin walked against the vast amount of people,the atmosphere was overwhelming, the smell of alcohol was intoxicating , the noise of the chattering people, the fire in torches that were illuminating the village brought fear to her, drunken males staggering and slurring, some woman were giggling and flirting with other males . Rin pressed her left hand harshly to her left ear the noise was giving her a headache.
Rin ran ignoring the strange looks of the people directed towards her until she arrived to a clearing near an abandoned hut almost in the forest ,she felt relieved until she witnessed a couple kissing passionately, touching in places Rin couldn't beleive,the man retired his lips from her mouth and started to kiss her neck,"Onryō you are so naughty!", the woman said gasping for air.
When Rin saw a bit closer the face of the man she recognized him quickly, it was Onryō from the village. She was shocked and couldn't beleive that he was in the same village as she, pressing her hand against her mouth as to not make a sound Rin retreated slowly.
"Onryō!", Rin's heart skipped a beat it was Fushoujiki's voice Rin ran inside the hut and knelt down hoping not to be seen by them.
"We will finish this some other time".
"Awe Onryō, ok", the woman said.
"Onryō, we had enough fun let's get moving in two days we should be in that village".
"Fushoujiki are you sure about this , really killing another old lady!, this one won't be as easy as Kaede".
"Baka, we need to do it right this time, I don't think he will be as merciful this time".
"They killed Kaede, no it can't be it was her heart!", Rin's heart was beating fiercely, she felt faint, "Kaede was like a mother to me yet I couldn't do anything to save her".
When Rin heard their footsteps banishing she stayed down in the ground for a few seconds to get over her shock and catch her breath. At the time Rin got out of the hut she was shivering too many things were happening at once.
" Ah It is my lucky day an angeeeeel just for mee", said a drunk man while approaching Rin. Rin gave him a disgusted look as she mave her move to get away from him but felt her hair being pulled down roughly.
"Where are you goiiing?, we are going to have some fun girl", said the drunk man pulling her hair harder and toring with force part of the thin fabric of her kimono with his free hand thus leaving her right shoulder for his eyes to admire. "No this won't happen this cannot happen, I can't be the weak Rin forever, I have power now...I can't". The drunk man felt Rin's skin in her shoulders unnaturally warm,"Hey gir-rl".
Rin without thinking had turned towards the man in a fast enough move that the drunk man couldn't process and stricken him in his stomach with an intensely bright white blade that had materialized in her hands.
Now the man was on the ground and looking fearfully at the girl wielding a bright blade in her hand, with his hands covering the bloody wound until he collapsed dead on the ground.
Rin stared with hate at the now dead figure laying on the ground until she fully processed the situation, "I- I- I killed a man", the blood was slowly covering the ground around the man. "The people here are going to think of me a witch again...No...No, this cannot happen again". The blade in Rin's hand disappeared.
Crying and panting Rin made a run through to the forest she couldn't be with Inuyasha and the rest , she had killed a man , "It was in defense he wanted to...", gulping loudly she kept running until she noticed that her running was faster than usual. "I am using that power, GOOD this way Inuyasha or anyone will not be able to track me, I need to find Persephone,I will avenge Kaede and myself". Running fast Rin vanished into the vast blackness of the forest something she used to fear when she was alone but not anymore.
Authors Note: Please review and feel free to ask me questions about the story. Reviews inspire me to write faster! I Beleive this chapter will answer most of the questions from my readers Thank You so much!