The Road Less Traveled

by Justanotherreader1215

Rin has not seen or heard from Lord Sesshomaru in 12 years. Frustrated with having to yet take her own path in life she makes the decision to leave Edo. Will she finally be able to make her own mark in the world or is she doomed to a life where others continue to make the choice for her? ***I do not own any of the characters in Inuyasha*** also on AO3

1. The Beginning

Prologue

She waited quietly for the usual signs that her village was finally asleep. Over the past 12 years she's gotten in tune with the routine of everyone in Edo. The soft glows of fires in the neighboring huts were greeted by the low chirps of crickets in the grass. Once she heard the mild snores of granny Kaede coming from the futon across from her she knew it was all clear for her to venture out. Rin casually made her way to the spot in the meadow that she has frolicked since her childhood. It was also where she last saw him.

Flashback

I don't understand she cried. I don't want to stay in this human village. You always told me I had a choice and now… she trailed. Rin stopped herself from saying anything further as large tears cascaded their way down her puffy cheeks. As much as she hated the reality that she will be separated from Lord Sessuhmaru she understood. She was a burden. One that was not his to bear. He said nothing to the crying child in front of him. A silence that young Rin took as a final sign of rejection. If only she knew how much it hurt for her Lord to leave her behind in Edo.

Present

No longer the child she once was Rin couldn't help but wonder how her Lord would react if he saw her now. Although she wasn't self absorbed Rin was very aware of her beauty. Her once wild hair was now raven black, tamed, and waist length, and thanks to the hair care tips from Kagome and Sango it shined in the moonlight and sun. Her brown eyes sparkled and filled with warmth. She was taller than most of the women in her village and her once straight and boyish figure was now hour glassed. Rin sighed as she laid under the trees. Taking in a deep breath and embracing the chill of the summer breeze that surrounded her a subtle reminder that Autumn was coming. As she looked up she saw a shooting star dance its way across the night sky. While she watched it fade away she was reminded of the wishes she would make as a child. "I wish to stay forever with Lord Sesshomaru". Rin couldn't help but reflect on the sad magic of the moment. Logically she knew that she should give up on her dream to be reunited with him. It's been 12 years. With the last of the light from the star disappearing from view; Rin decided that it was now her time to move on. Confident in her decision, Rin inhaled the cool night air once more before she made her way back to the sleeping village.