A/N: Hello dear readers. Thank you for the interest in this odd little story. I thought it would be fun. I have read sess/rin stories where Rin is always the little mermaid so I decided to play around with the trope and make Sesshomaru one instead. Tell me what you think in the reviews. I love feedback. Thanks again.
Enjoy.
At first Rin had thought it had been a dream that she had gone down in the middle of the night to the shore. Rubbing her toes together under her blankets, however she felt the sand that stuck between them and knew it had been real, that Sesshomaru was real. Cracking open her lids she turned to see her curtains shut and sat up rubbing at her face.
Soon Kyoko would be in to bring her breakfast and get her ready for the announcement ceremony for her engagement. Glancing at the corner of the room where her gown was hanging, she sighed. At least this one wouldn't make her suffocate. Throwing her covers off she made her way over to her wash basin to wipe her face and wash her feet. Licking her lips as they were dry, she tasted the salt on them from the ocean and went to the window with her cloth still in hand.
Opening one side of her curtains partly she looked out to the open water and thought how lovely it must be for Sesshomaru to live in their depths, that must be a freedom she would never experience in her lifetime. Still, he had said his father was a lord so he must have obligations as any lord but she did wonder what those entailed for a merman, or even a lady being a mermaid.
Were the lives of the folks who lived under the sea so different from her people? Deciding to ask Sesshomaru when she saw him next she turned quickly as the door opened with Kyoko bringing in a tray of tea and porridge with hard boiled eggs.
"Good morning Lady Rin." She greeted. "I am surprised you are awake already."
"Good morning Kyoko." She said making her way to the small table for her to kneel at to take her breakfast. "You will not believe what happened last night."
"Oh?" Kyoko questioned as she poured her tea into the fine ceramic cup. "What might that be?"
"I went down to the beach and I saw Sesshomaru. He was worried about me, what my fate had been, and had come to check upon me." Rin said.
"Is that so?" Her hand maiden smirked clearly amused.
"Yes. I did." Rin nodded her head once with conviction. "He said he is a merman, a lord of all things to a region of the ocean."
"That sounds like a lovely dream."
"It was not a dream. See for yourself, the sand in my bed sheets. I did go down to the shore and I did meet with Sesshomaru." Watching as the other woman went over to her bed and tossed the heavy comforter aside Rin stirred her tea taking a sip.
"Why would you go down there in the middle of the night unaccompanied?" Kyoko asked turning sharply on her heel.
"I wanted to see if Sesshomaru was down there." Rin replied innocently.
"Lady Rin, it is not safe for you to go out without an escort, let alone in the middle of the night." She chastised.
"Kyoko, don't worry so much…"
"I will not have you going out chasing after a dream when you are about to get on with your life and marry an actual lord." Kyoko continued.
"Why don't you believe me?" Rin asked placing her cup down and meeting the others eye.
"There are no such things as people who live in the water my lady. You are far too old to believe such nonsense. Anything that comes out of there is no good, do you understand me?" Kyoko demanded.
"Why do you say that? Have you seen things…in the ocean?" Rin tried having Kyoko turn her back to her.
"My sister, Izayoi, was lost to the sea. She was always enamored with the water, wishing she could live in it. One day she vanished and all we found of her, washed up on the southern shores was her sleeping gown." Kyoko explained.
"Oh. I am sorry Kyoko. I had no idea." Rin said softly. Taking a breath Kyoko turned back around.
"Promise me that you will not go down there unattended."
"Alright, the next time I visit with Sesshomaru you can come with me."
"Really?" Kyoko queried seeming unimpressed by her insistence.
"Yes. I already told him you know of him so I am sure he won't mind meeting with you."
"Very well my lady. If that is what it will take, then I will." She relented.
"Thank you."
"Now, finish up so you can wash and dress. Your father has decided that your engagement announcement will come before noon." Sighing heavily, Rin dipped her spoon in her bowl wondering how she would get to the next moon phase to see Sesshomaru.
"Your moves are sloppy Sesshomaru." His father chastised as they spared. Berating himself he had tried more than once to put his mind to practicing with his sword but it was to no avail. As it seemed to be lately Rin had taken up most of his thoughts. Her smile was always there, her laugh, her eyes…shaking his head he righted himself taking on a defensive stance.
"Apologies father. It will not happen again." He said determined.
"What is on your mind son?" His father pressed going into a more relaxed stance. Shaking his head Sesshomaru followed suit.
"Nothing." He replied.
"I see. Very well then, if there is nothing wrong, let us commence." Toga announced raising his weapon once again. As Sesshomaru watched him before charging forward in a great flurry of bubbles that followed the powerful, sudden movement of his tail, he clashed swords with his fathers. As strong as his poison blade, Bakusaiga was, it was no match against the Tessaiga, the sword that could fell a hundred opponents in one swing.
Feeling his fathers strength push against him in a jolt he was knocked back against the hard wall. Catching himself by stabbing his sword into the ground he heard the innocent voice of his most annoying cheerleader.
"Wow brother, you're not doing so good today against father." Inuyasha commented eyeing him. "You should let me try." Reaching for the hilt of Sesshomarus sword he quickly flinched back as his older brother glared daggers at him.
"Back off." Sesshomaru practically growled out as he straightened himself out.
"No fair. I wanna spar." Inuyasha whined balling his hands in to fists and pouting.
"Patience Inuyasha. You will get your turn." Toga called to him readying himself again.
"Not with a real sword, like Sesshomarus. All I have is the stupid stone one for practice." He mumbled under his breath.
"Your brother earned that sword in battle using his own power. It was forged from his own body through his strength and resolve." Toga reprimanded slightly making Inuyasha tense somewhat at being heard. "In time I am certain you will find the blade that resides within you as well."
"Then, did the Tessaiga appear for you father?" He asked curiously.
"This old thing? No. Totosai forged it for me from my own fang."
"Then why can't old man make me one?" Inuyasha continued going towards their father. As they spoke Sesshomaru looked on disinterested. His younger brother was more alike to their father than he would ever be, not only in demeanor but appearance as well. Sesshomaru took after his mother, a fact that she loved to bring up in company any chance she got.
Sheathing the Bakusaiga he supposed that sparring was over for the day, to which he was more than happy to retreat to his study to go over his stone tablets and read. As he settled in his chair he found his mind wandering again back to Rin. It was quite unsettling as he had always had a keen focus, not letting small distractions deter him from the task at hand.
"What is it about the human that has affected me so?" He wondered to himself. "Perhaps she is an enchantress."
"What was that?" Inuyasha asked as he clearly invaded Sesshomarus space without a care in the world. Whipping his head towards the entrance he raised his hackles.
"Must you follow me around everywhere I go like a lost guppy?" Sesshomaru snapped embarrassed he had spoken aloud and been caught.
"Lady mother wants to see you." Inuyasha said quickly.
"Fantastic." He groaned placing his tablet in the wall shelf. As Inuyasha trailed behind him he went closer to his mothers chambers finding her sitting regally as ever upon her throne with Izayoi standing beside her dutifully.
"Sesshomaru." She said blandly but perked somewhat seeing Inuyasha. "And my little sea sprout."
"Hello Lady mother." Inuyasha greeted smiling widely at both Nishi and his own mother. "Hello mama."
"Hello dear." Izayoi greeted. "Lord Sesshomaru." Bowing slightly in respect to him he felt in no mood for some ridiculous game or gossip his mother had planned.
"You summoned me?" He questioned his tone unimpressed and bored.
"Why yes, I did. How else will I get you to come and viist with me? Always with your nose buried in literature or sparring with your father. What is a mother to do when her only son neglects her?" She lamented bringing a hand to her forehead to feign distress.
"Aw. I can come see you my lady." Inuyasha said, still young and innocent to her ways.
"Don't encourage her." Sesshomaru stated turning somewhat to his little brother. "Mother, I do not have time for this."
"Oh? What were you doing that was so important? Perhaps, sneaking to the north again?" She queried bringing her hand to her cheek to rest it on.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Sesshomaru replied.
"Oh come, come now Sesshomaru. No need to lie. I am your mother after all and you know I have eyes everywhere." She smirked at him as she spoke. "There is nothing you can do and nowhere you can go that I will not know about."
Tensing he set his jaw remaining composed outwardly but inwards he was fuming with anger and embarrassment at his stupid decision to sneak out expecting him not to be seen. "Now, I am willing to look past this slight if you make a promise not to do it again."
"I…cannot do that." He managed out.
"Sesshomaru, my son, whatever has brought upon this affliction concerning the human female is honestly beyond me. If you like we can procure one for you to keep on the land, if that is your fancy, within our own territory." Nishi suggested.
"No." He stated feeling a disgusting, squirming feeling within his gut rise to his throat.
"Alright. If you will not head a suggestion then it will be a decree. Sesshomaru, under no circumstances are you allowed back to the northern border, do I make myself clear?" His mother ordered. Feeling his sudden sickness turn to a determination he turned around nearly hitting Inuyasha with the back end of his tail.
"Hey, Sesshomaru." Inuyasha called after him. "Did you go see the human again?"
"That is no one's business except my own." Sesshomaru retorted.
"I wanna go and meet her. That's not fair." Inuyasha sighed out.
"Enough…wait a minute." Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks glancing down at his brother, maybe he could be useful. If he went out with Inuyasha on patrol training, he could make an excuse as to why they went closer to the border and even crossed it. He was chasing after and minding his brother.
Making his way back to his study he lowered himself to meet Inuyasha at eye level. "You may come with me the next time I go, on one condition."
"Sure, anything." Inuyasha said eagerly.
"When we are questioned as to why we were there you take the blame for it."
"What? No. That's not a good idea Sesshomaru, that makes me the bad guy."
"Do you want to meet Lady Rin?"
"Yeah."
"Then do it."
"Fine." Inuyasha relented. "When are we going?"
"At the start of the new moon, that is when we will depart."
"That's so long." Inyuyasha bemoaned throwing himself back dramatically to land on a hand carved rock shaped like a chair. Sesshomaru silently agreed.
"Lady Rin. You look stunning." Lord Tomoya complimented as he stood with his parents in her father's great hall.
"Son, it is rude to speak out of turn." His mother chastised.
"It is quite alright, my lady." Rin said softly placing her gloved hands to her waist and bending down to bow and curtsy. "I am honored to meet you Lord Hishahito, Lady Kei."
"Lady Rin, I must agree with my son in saying that you are stunning." Hishahito said receiving a side eye from his wife.
"Thank you my lord. Your words compliment me." Rin said straightening herself out. Moving to stand beside Tomoya he took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. As it had been rehearsed Rins parents, Lord Osamu and Lady Homura walked out onto the large balcony situated in the front of their manor that overlooked their land.
The entire village as well as most of Tomoyas people had come to hear the announcement that at last their young lord was to marry. Following behind them Lord Hishahito and Lady Kei exited playing their roles standing off to the other side of the balcony which would allow Rin and Tomoya to make their first official appearance together.
"I am very nervous." Rin admitted wringing her hands together.
"Promise me you will not faint again?" Tomoya joked.
"I make no promises my lord." Rin grinned at him feeling more at ease. Lacing her arm through his as he offered it she placed her hand on his as they were announced and walked out smiling and waving to their subjects as was expected of them.
Seeing past the throng of people Rin saw many ships in the harbor with others dotting the horizon to come in. She wondered what Sesshomaru were doing at that moment and worried that all the sudden influx of travelers would disrupt the mer-people that lived in her own territory. Continuing on with her train of thought her attention suddenly snapped to focus on hearing her fathers words.
"The wedding will be in two new moons time and held in Lord Hishahitos land of Leonne." Feeling her stomach drop at his words she felt saddened suddenly. She thought she would have more time to meet with Sesshomaru but unfortunately, she feared, that their next meeting would be their last. She would have to tell him she was betrothed and going to live in her husband's lands.
Swallowing hard she kept her smile plastered to her face and continued to wave appearing the symbol of serenity and happiness while inside she felt her heart become heavy.
As the weeks dragged on Inuyasha became more annoying and more than once Sesshomaru would have to clamp his hand over his little brothers' mouth to stifle him from saying too much, which was rewarded by getting a sharp fang bite to his palm. He felt his own anticipation growing as the night approached that he would meet up with Rin once again.
Deciding to head out early he attempted to maintain his composure as he announced that he and Inuyasha would patrol and spend the day away from the grovel. As they went a different route than before he made sure to keep Inuyasha beside him and not go too fast worried his brother would turn tail and report back home to their father, or worse his own mother.
Coming to the border he made sure to check first, ensuring no one else was around before turning to his brother.
"Inuyasha, swim ahead of me in that direction and break for the surface." Sesshomaru instructed.
"The surface?" Inuyasha gulped down sounding wary.
"Yes. Where did you expect us to go?"
"I know but…I have never been to the surface before Sesshomaru." He said fearfully.
"I will be right behind you." He encouraged rethinking his plan on bringing the younger boy. Nodding his head Inuyasha turned towards the direction he had indicated and steeled his resolve. In a flash he took off with his small tail propelling him forward and his arms treading the water. Waiting a few moments Sesshomaru followed him.
"Lady Rin?" Kyoko asked as she watched her pace nervously about her chambers.
"Kyoko, how am I going to tell Sesshomaru that I cannot see him anymore?" Rin questioned back distressed. Sighing out Kyoko stood.
"If your water lord appears then be honest, that is all you can do." She offered still entirely certain it was some silly game that Rin was playing to hang on to the last vestiges of her innocence.
"Yes, honesty is best." Rin agreed. "Are you ready? The sun is going down and I doubt we will have an easy time leaving once it does."
"I am ready when you are my lady." Kyoko said following Rin out of her room towards the main hall that would lead them outside.
As Inuyasha came to the surface he held his breath feeling for the first time the breeze hit his face. Closing his eyes he gasped hearing his brother come up along beside him.
"It's so bright up here." He said opening his eyes to see Sesshomaru moving ahead of him towards the shore. "Hey. Wait up brother."
Rin and Kyoko made their way to the shore where she shielded her eyes to see towards the horizon.
"The water seems so peaceful today." Kyoko commented as Rin searched for any sign of Sesshomaru. "And empty."
"Lord Sesshomaru will be here. It is still early. The last time we met it was already fairly late in the evening." Rin said with a small sigh. "He will come. I know he will."
"Whatever you say my lady."
Diving in and breaking out of the small waves that led them to shore Sesshomaru drew closer to the rocks he had first left Rin at stopping and pulling Inuyasha towards him to hide.
"Which one is Lady Rin?" He asked as Sesshomaru felt unnerved that she had brought someone with her.
"We should go." He said not liking the situation at all. Rin had said she had told her hand maiden about him, and he assumed that that was whom was with her, but he wasn't about to show himself to anyone other than Rin.
"What? We came all this way and you promised me I could meet with her." Inuyasha slumped against the rocks with his arms crossed.
"It is not a good idea to show ourselves to too many humans." Sesshomaru countered.
"But you said Lady Rin is nice so her friend should be nice too." Inuyasha tried looking up at him with a hopeful demeanor.
"No. We are leaving." Sesshomaru insisted making his way to turn to submerge only to have Inuyasha swim off away from him. "Inuyasha." He hissed out watching as his younger brother timidly swam towards them.
"There." Rin pointed out as she thought she saw a glimmer of white hair amidst a wave. Taking off her shoes quickly she couldn't help the smile that erupted across her face as she hitched up her skirt to wade in.
"What are you doing?" Kyoko asked seizing her by the arm.
"He can't come on the land so we meet part ways." Rin said as she glanced back at her and pulled her arm out of her grip. "Come on Kyoko. You said it yourself; the water is peaceful right now."
As she went into the cool water she dug her toes in the sand to steady herself and waded to her upper thighs. Kyoko followed her in and shivered at the contact of the cool ocean.
"Lady Rin, there is no one here." Kyoko said hoping that finally she would give up on the farce when a face suddenly popped up out of the water.
"Hello." A young boy emerged with a large smile showing off sharp fangs.
"Ah." Screaming Kyoko gathered Rin to her as she stared with wide eyes.
"Oh. Hello. Are you with Sesshomaru?" Rin asked taking in the boys common features such as his white hair and striking golden eyes.
"Yeah. He's hiding behind the rocks because you brought someone with you. He says it's not a good idea for too many humans to see us. So, are you Lady Rin?" Inuyasha asked curiously.
"I am but you can call me Rin."
"My name's Inuyasha but you can call me Yasha." He replied.
"This is a trick." Kyoko said softly staring at the boy and shaking her head.
"What do you mean?" Inuyasha questioned.
"My friend, Kyoko, didn't believe me that I had met with Sesshomaru."
"Oh. Then is it a secret for you too that you're down here Rin?"
"Yes, it is."
"Okay. I already promised my brother that I wouldn't tell anyone but now I really won't tell anyone to keep your secret."
"Thank you, Yasha." Rin said with a small smile. Looking towards the rocks she didn't see anyone and decided to call out to him. "Lord Sesshomaru, please come here. I have been waiting and waiting to meet with you again. I apologize for bringing Kyoko with me but she wouldn't let me come otherwise."
Hearing her call out to him pulled on his heartstrings and he felt compelled to go to her. Moving under the water he swam as far as he could until he had to emerge doing so beside Inuyasha.
"What?' Kyoko breathed out with her jaw slackened.
"Lord Sesshomaru this is my friend that I told you about, Kyoko." Rin introduced. Nodding his head in her direction Kyoko sucked in her breath.
"It is…an honor to…to meet with you Lord Sesshomaru." She said hesitantly. Feeling somewhat disheartened that they had company he looked to Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha take Lady Kyoko more into the surf to show her the reef just under the water." He instructed.
"Sure." Inuyasha obliged. "Come on my lady, it is very pretty and you don't have to put your head all the way under." Reaching for her with a clawed hand she stared at him for a moment feeling some sort of familiarity towards the odd little creature.
"Oh, okay." She timidly agreed taking his hand in hers as he led her away from Rin and Sesshomaru.
"Your little brother is cute." Rin said with a small giggle.
"Inuyasha is annoying." Sesshomaru replied flatly receiving another small laugh from her that warmed him from the inside and spread throughout his extremities.
"I wish I had a younger brother or sister, but I am an only child. I suppose the only time I will have a little one is when I have one of my own." Rin sighed out her gazing suddenly turning downwards. "Lord Sesshomaru, there is something that I have to tell you."
"What is it Rin?" He asked as he took in her sudden unhappy expression.
"By the next moon phase I am to be wed and live in my betrothed lands." Rin said. "I agreed to it right before I fell into the water and met you. Lord Tomoya is not a bad person, he is very nice and I am under no obligations to him once we are married…"
"Rin, what you do with your life is no business of mine." Sesshomaru said.
"I feel as if it is though my lord. I cannot stop thinking about you, just the thought of you…it keeps me up at night and distracted during the day. I do not understand why. I have never been this way before." She responded.
"I understand." Sesshomaru admitted. "Similarly, I have thought of you quite often as well and cannot control my own mind from wandering."
"Really?" Rin asked raising her eyes to look at him. Nodding his head once Rin took a breath and smiled. "That makes me happy, that Lord Sesshomaru has been thinking of Rin."
"Where is this land that you will be disembarking for?" Feeling upset that he may never see Rin again after that night but determined to find a way to her by any means necessary.
"Lord Tomoyas family lives in the west on the coastline along with several other smaller houses." Rin said. Blinking at her Sesshomaru couldn't believe his good fortune.
"The west?" He questioned for confirmation. Receiving a nod he realized she had maybe forgotten where he was from.
"Rin…"
"Wait…oh, I have been so distracted and upset that I had not been thinking straight at all. Lord Sesshomaru, you are a lord of the western sea."
"Yes."
"Then, we can see one another as often as we like." Rin exclaimed excitedly throwing her arms around his shoulders catching him off guard.
"Yes." Sesshomaru breathed out as her hair tickled his face and skin. Bringing one of his arms up he wrapped it around her waist breathing in her scent and memorizing it. Letting her loose Rin was all smiles and happy giggles at the prospect that her marriage wouldn't keep them apart but would bring them closer together.
