Hello dear readers. A month went by fast and I'm glad I was able to get this chapter out. At the request of 05csomoragnes11 I have provided chapter breaks between scenes. Hopefully this will make easier to read.
Enjoy!
With every mile they passed Sesshomaru felt the bond with Rin strengthen as he drew closer to her. Securely tucked away were the two vials Kikyo had given him as his payment for assisting her.
"I am surprised that you were able to revive Lady Chika. Hopefully she will be able to successfully birth her brood." Izayoi said sitting across from him at the small table they sat at in the cabin quarters they shared.
"The Tensaiga is an interesting sword." Sesshomaru replied. "It spoke to me and willed me to do its bidding."
"From my understanding the Tensaiga is imbued with the souls of helpful and restful spirits, only wanting to lend aid wherever it is needed." Izayoi commented. "Lady Kikyo was never able to use it in the way you did, it must have connected with you on a deeper level than she was ever able to access."
"We will be approaching land soon." Sesshomaru stated. "Get your affairs in order so we can depart without hesitation."
"Of course my lord." Izayoi nodded her head. "I know that you are eager to see Lady Rin." Standing she began to sort through her bag and arranging things. "Personally I am eager to return home and see Inuyasha. Hopefully he has not caused Lady Nishi too much trouble."
"Izayoi…" Sesshomaru said bringing his gaze to her. "Thank you."
"You are welcome Sesshomaru." Putting her bag aside she turned to him meeting his eyes. "I'm not blind to your feelings towards me, in your position I would not like the female who mothered a half sibling either but I am here to help you in any way I can. Especially under these circumstances."
"Again, thank you." Sesshomaru said gratefully.
Rin was restless. She hated waiting and had begun to worry over her condition. The fact that she had been bleeding while pregnant were great cause for concern for her. She wanted to go to the healer to be checked on but decided to wait for Sesshomaru and Izayoi.
Given that Izayoi was a human who also lived as a mermaid and had mothered a child as one she hoped the woman could offer some insight to her situation and perhaps have some advice or a solution.
Sitting in the metal tub in her chamber she rested her hand against her stomach.
"Are you alright in there little one?" She questioned softly. "Your father will return soon. I know that Lord Sesshomaru will be so happy to know you exist and his quest wasn't in vain."
Jumping slightly as the door opened Kiyoko entered with fresh towels and laid out her clothes for her. "Kiyoko, your sister will be here soon."
"How do you know?" Kiyoko asked looking up at her from her task.
"I can feel Lord Sesshomaru getting closer. Their ship is only a few miles off from my estimate." She replied.
"What do you mean, you can feel him getting closer?" Kiyoko questioned.
"There is a red string that connects us together. When he is far from me it feels loose and slack. When we are near to one another it becomes tight as if drawing him to me." Rin explained.
"That sounds like a red string of fate." Kiyoko commented.
"Red string of fate?" Rin asked curiously.
"Yes. The strings of our souls that connect us to the people we are meant to be with." Kiyoko said.
"Lord Sesshomaru says it means we are bonded to one another. With his people it indicates that that person is your mate." Rin thought out.
"In stories it is much deeper than that. Finding yourself connected to another ties you to them not just in this life but the next and perhaps the last." Kiyoko walked closer to Rin opening a towel for her to step out of the tub.
Wrapping it around her Rin looked towards her large window and smiled widely.
"Then we are meant to be together and it would explain why this relationship is moving along so quickly." Rin spoke before thinking.
"Is it?" Kikyo queried raising a brow at her.
"I simply was referring to wanting to see one another and our deep affections for the other." Rin stumbled over her words.
"You slept with him." Kiyoko sighed out.
"No, we didn't sleep together. It was actually pretty fast…"
"After I told you not to." Kikyo interrupted.
"I spent a lot longer with Tomoya when we consummated our marriage than I did with Lord Sesshomaru to initiate our mating." Rin said.
"You are asking for trouble." Kiyoko shook her head and tsk'd at her.
"You are the one who told me I could find a male consort, and I have." Rin defended.
"Yes, a human man as a consort." Kiyoko interjected. "Lady Rin, I don't think that this will end well."
"It seems to have worked for Lady Izayoi." Rin offered.
"Please do not bring her into this." Kiyoko said firmly beginning to assist Rin with getting dressed. "Izayoi…I don't even know."
"You'll get to speak with her soon." Rin soothed. "Then you can have some peace with your shared past, I hope."
"Time will tell I suppose." Kiyoko said softly.
Once dressed with her hair done Rin insisted on going to the docks to greet Sesshomaru and Izayoi. With Tomoya still away she made sure the house was ready to receive guests ensuring that Sesshomaru would feel welcome and comfortable.
A guard accompanied them through the village and they waited patiently close to the boardwalk where the ships docked. As one drew closer Rin closed her eyes feeling Sesshomaru around her.
Letting out a small gasp she opened her eyes quickly and smiled.
"That is the ship." She said pointing to it. Resisting the urge to jump up and down with delight she crossed her hands over her front staying still. As it docked and the gangway was lowered Rin held her breath.
Her heart beat loudly in her chest as she scanned the passengers coming off before seeing them both. "Lord Sesshomaru! Lady Izayoi!" She called out raising her hand up and waving excitedly.
Looking in her direction Sesshomaru quickened his step making considerable strides to reach her. His heart raced as he laid eyes on Rin. Her happiness and excitement washed over him in warm, comforting waves.
"Lord Sesshomaru." Rin breathed out as he approached her.
"Lady Rin." He greeted. "Are you well?"
"Oh yes my lord. Now more so knowing you have both arrived safely." She answered. "How was your journey?"
"Eventful." Sesshomaru replied as Izayoi caught up to him and settled her gaze on Kiyoko.
"We have prepared the house for your arrival. I do hope you both will stay on at least for the night. Regrettably Lord Tomoya will not be joining us as he has been dispatched on other business." Rin explained.
"Thank you Lady Rin." Izayoi bowed respectfully to her. "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated after our voyage."
"You are most welcome. Please, this way." Wanting to skip back towards the estate she was elated when Sesshomaru offered her his arm. "Thank you my lord." Nodding at her she caught the glimmer in his piercing golden orbs and smiled at him.
Waking back home she couldn't wait until they were in private and they could hold a more intimate conversation. For the time being she knew they both had to be proper. Although Tomoya had given his blessing for Sesshomaru to be in her presence there were still social etiquette they had to adhere to.
Their relationship could never be known to the public nor anyone that could not be implicitly trusted. The thought made Rin a bit downtrodden but she shook it off as they entered the front doors to the large hall.
"Kiyoko, please escort Lady Izayoi to her chamber." Rin instructed. "I will show Lord Sesshomaru to his."
"Yes my lady." Kiyoko bowed. "This way." Walking down the hall Izayoi followed her towards a staircase. Climbing to reach another hallway she opened a door inviting Izayoi in. "I hope your accommodations are acceptable."
"They are." Izayoi placed her bag down and turned to her sister. "It certainly is a far cry from our parents hut."
"It is." Kiyoko agreed closing the door behind her. "Did you know I was here?"
"No. I had no idea. Seeing you again has brought up many emotions." Izayoi said.
"Yes it has." Kikyo nodded. Silence ensued between them for a few moments, its presence taking on its own persona. "Are you happy?"
"I am." Izayoi responded.
"I met Inuyasha. There was something about him that I couldn't place, a familiarity to me. When I found out he was your son it made sense to me. His curiosity, his smile; they're the same as yours." Kiyoko spoke.
"A curiosity that I was punished for." Izayoi breathed out. "That you berated me for."
"Izayoi, I am so sorry." Kiyoko whispered out as her throat constricted. "I am sorry I treated you as if you were sick and weak in the head. I'm sorry that I was so ashamed to call you my sister and I'm sorry that I didn't try to understand you."
"I'm not angry. It was not an easy thing to leave all of you behind and start a new life with other people but I felt as if I had no other choice." Izayoi replied. "I reasoned it would be easier on all of us, our parents, to think I had died in a fit of mania than to return and be treated like an idiot child; locked away out of shame."
"So, what is your life like now?" Kiyoko asked.
"I am the lady in waiting to Lady Nishi of the western sea. For a short time I was consort to Lord Toga, Inuyasha being the result." Izayoi answered. "I go back and forth between the sea and the land as need be."
"You are very busy." Kiyoko smirked slightly.
"What about you? What has your life been like?" Izayoi questioned.
"The winter after we had thought you were dead was a bad one. Sickness came through the village. Mother was already weakened by losing you and she succumbed. Shortly after father did as well. I found employment at the main house and become a nanny to Lady Rin. I am now her lady in waiting." Kiyoko smirked sadly. "She helped to fill a void in my heart that was left."
"I should have come back." Izayoi said softly. "To help you with our parents. I'm sorry Kiyoko. I am sorry for abandoning you and making you think I was dead. It was a cruel thing to do."
"It's in the past. I never thought I would see you again let alone talk with you. I am so glad to be able to." Kiyoko stated. Sighing Izayoi nodded in agreement.
"My sister, I have missed you." Closing the gap Izayoi embraced Kiyoko to her tightly.
"I missed you too sister." Wrapping her arms around Izayoi they stayed that way for some time.
The quarters that Rin had decided for Sesshomaru were spacious and comfortable with a large post bed and the window facing the water. Walking in ahead of him she opened the curtains while he shut the door.
"I hope you find your chamber comfortable. It seemed like a good fit for you my lord." She said turning to him. Carefully putting his bag down on a chest at the end of the bed he closed the gap between them pulling her close to him.
"Rin." Breathing in her scent she cuddled against him humming contently.
"I missed you terribly Lord Sesshomaru." She said.
"I missed you as well but the trip was worth the information I have obtained." Sesshomaru nuzzled the top of her head as she looked up at him.
"What did Kikyo say?" Rin asked expectantly.
"I was given two vials, if they are needed." He replied.
"They will be." Rin smiled as she spoke. "I am carrying your child."
"You can tell so soon?"
"No. Your mother paid me a visit when I was by the water. She told me I am. She also requested you go home, to the sea. She wishes to speak with you." Watching as the color drained from his face Rin wrapped her arms around him. "She didn't seem cross, in fact she offered assistance to me if need be."
"She knows about us." He said simply.
"Yes. No one else knows and even when it is found out everyone will assume it's Tomoyas. It will give us enough time to figure things out."
"I am wondering what her idea of helping may be." Sesshomaru sighed out. "We will worry on that later."
"Agreed. I have to say, this form suits you my lord." Rin replied. "And I would like to explore it more, if I am allowed."
"Is there any place you are needed for some time?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"No." Shaking her head she let out a small squeak as he lifted her up under her rear to support her weight and bring her to his eye level.
"Good." Catching her lips with his she wound her arms around his shoulders loosening his hair that he had tied back. Running her fingers through it as he kissed her she breathed heavily tasting him with the tip of her tongue.
Taking the opportunity Sesshomaru sucked her tongue into his mouth entangling it with his own.
"Ah." Rin moaned into him tightening her grip around him before parting her lips from his slightly. "Take me to the bed."
Doing as he was bid Sesshomaru placed her down and helped her untie the ribbons on the back of her dress. Shaking off the garment he leaned down kissing the back of her neck and nibbling on her ear.
Giggling Rin broke away from him for a moment to shed her undergarments quickly. Turning around to face him she untied the vest he wore and unbuttoned the shirt exposing his torso to her. Running her hands down his pecs and abs she sighed.
Taking down his trousers he stepped out of them to allow Rin to take him in.
"I do miss your tail my lord." Rin said as she scanned his body with her eyes. "And your pointed ears."
"Come with me to the sea and you can admire my true form as much as you wish." He smirked at her as he spoke.
"I want to. I wonder what colors my tail would be, as a mermaid." Rin let out a small laugh at the idea.
"Exquisite colors, of that I am certain." Sesshomaru nearly growled out, imagining Rin as one of his kind would make her incredibly more attractive in a physical sense.
Taking his hand she guided him to the bed and climbed on it. Placing his hand down he tested it before moving next to her. The bedding was soft and lacked the support he was used to sitting on stone or lying in a hammock woven from strong sea grass.
Adjusting himself uncomfortably on it Rin saw as he tried to hide a small grimace of disapproval
"We do not have to be on the bed Lord Sesshomaru. We can move to the floor." Rin suggested.
"That doesn't seem proper." Sesshomaru answered. "Are you comfortable?"
"Quite." Rin nodded. "I want you to be comfortable as well Lord Sesshomaru."
"I will make due. Besides, I don't intend on merely lying here." He quipped back, his voice low. Running his hand down her side with his fingertips Rin squirmed slightly under his touch.
Reaching up she traced where his markings usually were, missing the stripes and crescent moon that adorned his features so well. He appeared to be any other human man with the only exotic feature left being his eyes.
Losing herself in his orbs she leaned up laying soft kisses against his chin and jaw. Moving his head along with her administrations he let out a soft purring sound from his chest that rumbled out.
"Do you like that?" She whispered close to his ear.
"I do." He answered just as softly as she had asked. Kissing down to his lips she hungrily devoured him taking his tongue into her mouth, sucking on it gently. "Mmm."
"Mhmm." Rin mused through their kiss. Pressing her body closer to his she wiggled her hips feeling the pressure of her arousal begin to persist in her nether region.
Gasping as he broke their kiss Sesshomaru nuzzled against her neck and throat sniffing as the scent of her pervaded his nostrils. His erection became harder prompting him to wrap his arm around her waist and pull her flush against his body.
Rin opened her legs to allow his cock to rub against her slit.
"Oh, oh yes." She moaned out feeling his swollen head hit her clit. "Lord Sesshomaru. Right there, just that way."
Grunting as he slowly stroked himself against her he lowered his head taking one of her breasts to suckle on her pert nipple. Moving against him Rin tossed her head back wrapping her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his waist.
Positioning to mount her he sheathed himself in her body and let out a sigh of relief. She was warm, wet, and tight around him that relaxed his muscles and excited him to no end.
Propping himself up on his elbows he pulled himself out and thrust in again but found it awkward in their position. He was accustomed to being weightless in the water and having its support but now he felt heavy and clumsy.
"Would you lie on your back Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin requested biting her lower lip. Stopping in his movements he did as she asked feeling out of place suddenly in unfamiliar surroundings.
He knew Rin felt his discomfort and thought she was deciding to end their mating prematurely, which would be a severe blow to his ego but one he wouldn't blame her for.
Instead she straddled his hips as she climbed on top of him taking his shaft in her hand. As she stroked him his doubts soon left and he closed his eyes reveling in her hand gripping his length.
"Oh Rin." He exhaled. Feeling her move he opened his eyes as she continued to rub him against her. Moaning as she rocked her hips over his cock he shuddered licking his lips at the sight of her enjoying his body, using him to pleasure herself.
Gripping her hips with his hands he moved with her, timing his pelvis to hers and slipping his cock further down her slit to tease her entrance with the tip.
"Ah! Sess…Sessh…" She bit down on her lip hard as she let go of her grip on him to grab onto his wrists as he slipped and slid on her slick that had accumulated, dripping out of her to coat him with her arousal.
"Rin, let go." He said. Loosening her grip on him he flipped her over gripping her thigh to rest on his hip as he drove himself deep into her body.
"Oh! Oh!" Rin exclaimed in ecstasy rubbing against his groin to still provide contact to her swollen bud that was close to bursting.
Withdrawing before thrusting again Rin gasped as he let out a soft growl.
"My mate." Sesshomaru ground out picking up his pace and developing a steady rhythm. "My dearest, most precious…"
"My love! Yes! Oh my god!" Rin shouted out loudly through her orgasm. Pressing her head against the bed she moaned and shouted as he hit her in all the correct spots within her.
Her toes curled and her hands found themselves entwined in his hair when she pulled him closer to her. With their bodies against one another she smelled the sweat and arousal of his own body mingling with her own scent driving her mad.
Beyond being able to speak Sesshomaru growled louder than he had been before as the tension of being in such a state released moving out of his scrotum as he came flooding Rin with his seed.
Grunting he pushed deeper in her holding himself in place before he was satisfied that they had at last mated and consummated their bond properly.
Nearly collapsing on top of her he caught himself. Rin was underneath him, her previously immaculate hair a mess beneath her with odd pieces sticking out and static overtaking most he couldn't help but smile at her.
Flushed cheeks with red tinging the bridge of her nose, her brown orbs hazy and glazed from the afterglow of sex, and the small satisfied smirk that was plastered across her lips.
Moving off of her he sighed staring at the ceiling. His body felt tired and sluggish, his injuries and battle having taken a toll on him. Feeling as if he had expelled the last of his energy he needed to rest.
Feeling Rin drape her arm over his middle he smirked to himself when she cuddled against him. Picking up his arm she laid her head on his chest while he held her to him.
"When will you be going back to see your mother?" Rin asked.
"I don't know." He replied not wanting to break the happy haze he was in. "I am not particularly interested in seeing her."
"I can go with you, can't I?" Rin brought her attention to his face as she began to draw small circles against his stomach.
"Yes. You will be able to. There are a couple of ways that I've found to give you the ability to do so." He assured.
"Is that alright? To go with you?" Rin questioned further. Turning his head Sesshomaru kissed her forehead.
"I want you to live with me in the sea, to always be with me in my home." He said gently. "However for now, especially given your condition, that may not be in your best interest."
"Why not?" Rin wondered.
"Transforming you will have no effect on our child while you are carrying it. The vials that Kikyo gave me will ensure that it can live once it's born either on the land or the sea, if it is not viable for either." Sesshomaru informed.
"I see." Rin said in understanding. "It would be best to remain on land, especially when I am closer to giving birth, in an environment I am accustomed to."
"The decision ultimately will be yours, if you want our child to be a human or one of the merfolk." He continued. "Whatever decision you make I will be by your side."
"Even if I decide to stay as a human on the land?" Rin asked furrowing her brow.
"Absolutely." Sesshomaru ensured.
"That is a very heavy decision to make. Regardless if you stayed with me on land or I joined you in the sea, I know I would be homesick and wish for our child to see the world as I know it." Rin said. "I imagine you would feel the same."
"You are not wrong but we don't have to make that decision now. There is still time." Sesshomaru concluded.
"Yes, there is, and right now I am very much enjoying this moment with you mate." Rin smiled to herself enjoying the warmth and comfort he provided.
"As am I." Sesshomaru agreed content as she settled more against him. A sudden knock at the door came which caused Rin to bolt upright and jump off the bed.
"Who is it?" She called out nervously grabbing her robe and tossing another to Sesshomaru to cover him.
"Lady Rin; Lord Tomoya has returned and is requesting your presence as well as an audience with Lord Sesshomaru." Kiyoko called from the other side.
"Oh! Have you been unable to find him?"
"No, but I do have an idea where he may be. I trust you can make yourself ready, my lady?"
"Yes, thank you Kiyoko." Rin blew out her cheeks flustered and threw herself back down on the bed. "That was stressful."
"Ashamed of me?" Sesshomaru queried with a small hint of amusement in his voice. Sitting up Rin crawled to him.
"No. Of course not. We just need to keep this somewhat a secret." She responded.
"I know. I am teasing you." Lifting his head up off the bed he kissed her long and slow.
