I do not own Inuyasha.
Where to now?
Rin was well accustomed to demons, but the sheer number of them in the city was overwhelming even for her. The number of dog demons surprised Rin as well. She had not met many besides Lord Sesshomaru, but here there were many. Some stared at her, others at Sesshomaru as they passed by. Rin could hear them whisper amongst themselves. When she had gone before with Sesshomaru to the castle where his mother lived, they had flown above, not walked through the city.
Her heart jumped when a street vendor loudly offered to cook Rin for Sesshomaru at a reasonable price. Sesshomaru's hand found hers as he declined, and she soon found herself being dragged along at a more insistent rate.
The castle loomed ahead, daunting and cold in appearance, with expansive stone walkways and pillars. Rin let out an involuntary gasp when she saw Sesshomaru's mother approach. She barely remembered the woman, but she felt a tremor of fear run through her, despite the knowledge that it had been his mother who had restored Rin's life the second time she died. Rin also knew that she had been responsible for her death in the first place.
"I had not been expecting you, Sesshomaru." The woman stated without a trace of warmth.
Her eyes fixed on Rin.
"I see that your pet has grown up. Humans do mature so quickly."
"I have returned to claim my title, as is my right to do. You have ruled since father's death, but it is time that I succeed him." Sesshomaru's replied tensely.
His mother sighed. "My own son has come to overthrow me then, has he? I did expect you would desire the title someday, but you are hardly prepared for it. You have spent centuries wandering the countryside, attempting to gain power, with never a consideration as to the responsibilities you would face leading."
Sesshomaru's mouth tightened into a hard line. "The decision is not yours. If I must kill you, I will."
"How ungrateful you are! Well, I would not willingly give up my position without being certain that you were capable."
Sesshomaru's claws lengthened.
"That said," she continued, "Perhaps I might be convinced, were you to pass the trials…" Her eyes moved toward Rin. "Of course, if that is not acceptable, we can always fight. But, I know your weaknesses, and you know none of mine. The disadvantage would be to you, my son."
Sesshomaru gritted his teeth. The trials his mother spoke of were not to be taken lightly. "Very well. You shall have your trials. They will stand as a testament to my power."
Sesshomaru's mother smiled slightly and shook her head. "The tests will not be of your power. They will try your mind and spirit. If you do not succeed, it will break you."
"I am ready."
Rin stared at Sesshomaru, a bit entranced by his confident, cool demeanor. She was worried for him, but if anyone could handle this, he could. Secretly she hoped to witness the trials, whatever they entailed. Her hand reached forward and took his, Sesshomaru's fingers interlinking with Rin's. He squeezed her hand firmly.
Rin had never had anyone wait on her before, so it felt strange to be presented with a handmaiden. The girl was a fox demon, and rather small at that. Her face remained passive during their introduction, only breaking into an expression of overt curiosity when she and Rin were left alone. She reminded Rin a little of Shippo, only somewhat taller.
The room Rin was to stay in was another matter altogether. A rather foreign and imposing bed lay to the center of the space, and large balcony windows opened facing the courtyard. A separate washroom accompanied the expansive bedroom as well. The walls were decorated with calligraphy and other paintings. Although, Rin was not sure what to make of it; she was, at the same time, curious to explore, and afraid to touch anything.
The fox demon crinkled her nose at Rin, examining her. "My lady, you must bathe, and I will find more suitable dress for you. You look like a common human peasant in these rags."
Rin blushed in embarrassment.
"I haven't offended you have I? I was selected by your Lord to attend you. I was told that you would approve of my service, even if I do speak my mind. Some of the other ladies don't care for it, or the idea of a small fox demon attending them. But, I have never waited on a human before. They must be ready to dismiss me!"
Rin giggled. "I like you, alright. And I have a friend who is a fox demon too. Maybe you can help me look better for Lord Sesshomaru. What is your name?"
The demon's face lit up in a smile. "Emi."
"Alright Emi, make me pretty!"
Sesshomaru watched as the large chamber was prepared for the ritual. The first draught was set at the center of the room and prepared for his taking. The concoction would be fatal to another, he knew. But, his own blood could resist that outcome. It would be a passage of the mind alone. When everything had been prepared, Sesshomaru stepped forward.
Initially there was only a feeling of numbness in his extremities, then the wall before him shifted and changed. He was younger now, standing at the edge of a battle, watching his father fight. The Dog General's true form flew through the air, twisting and slashing at a large dragon. He wanted to help his father, but one of the soldiers grabbed his arm, holding him back.
"Your father has ordered you to stay, Sesshomaru. You are only to observe." He growled.
The dragon twisted in the air and lunged forward, taking his father's neck in its jaws. Sesshomaru could hear the crunch as the dragon tore into his father's neck, spilling his blood. Inu no Taisho's body fell to the ground, motionless, and Sesshomaru found himself crying out in anguish. The soldier grabbed him roughly and yelled that they must retreat. Fear filled Sesshomaru, then anger.
"No."
"Young Lord, you are your father's only heir, you must leave now with your life!"
Sesshomaru's claws and teeth extended as he shifted form. Compared to his father, he seemed no more than a puppy. The dragon laughed.
"So you want to fight me as well?" The dragon taunted. "I will enjoy tearing you apart."
Sesshomaru leaped at the dragon searching for a weak spot. He could not let it hit him either. The dragon's scales were like armor, but Sesshomaru had no such protection.
Rin looked at her reflection, amazed. She had never considered herself beautiful before, but the woman who gazed back at her did not look like a common, orphan. Her kimono mixed green and blue embroidery over white fabric. Elegantly, it draped her form.
"Wow" Rin murmured, breathless.
"This is much better!" Emi exclaimed, placing a large flower in Rin's hair as a finishing touch. "Even the demons will be jealous."
"I want to show Lord Sesshomaru." Rin said, then saw the look on Emi's face.
Emi shook her head. "You can't, not now. He's undergoing the trials."
"Where is Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin demanded.
Emi shifted uncomfortably, then told her.
Jaken found himself knocked to the ground when the door to Rin's chamber burst open suddenly. He felt a sudden grip of panic as he watched her run down the hallway. If Rin was going where he thought she was, she would surely be in danger. He picked himself up and ran after her.