Taken from You | By : Burton_Wanna_Be Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Rin > Sessh?maru/Rin Views: 7435 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I write for fun and make no money off my stories. |
AN-Just a little story I wrote while obsessing over Inuyasha. Basic long fluff that I didn't see the need to break up. Fair warning, Sesshomaru is a little OC but that is how I view the changes he's had throughout the years. Rin is about 17-18 in this story. Enjoy and please review! Taken from You The sun was bright in the clear midmorning sky of the warm early spring day. Last night had been full of joy and, as the sun rose that morning, it seemed this day would carry that joy with it. The villagers of the small village just on the outskirts of Inuyasha’s forest were all a buzz, smiling and whistling as they went about their daily business. Nothing seemed to ruin the mood of this happy town. Until one was to look to the forest edge, on the path that disappeared into its mysterious depths, where a small group stood. Where a young woman was losing everything she’d ever cared for. “Why?” Rin cried fighting the hands that held her from running forward. Her brown eyes leaked her tears of confusion and pain. She didn’t understand. It was supposed to be her choice! “Rin…” Kagome tried to sooth her, cautiously stepping closer. “No!” The younger woman shook her head not bothering to look at the miko, her long black hair becoming lose from its bonds. “It’s my choice! You promised!” She screamed at the man walking away from them. The tall man with long silver hair paused, the only sign that he’d heard her yelling protests. That was enough to give Rin hope. She twisted out of the hanyō and monk’s hold to take a few steps closer to the man. “You promised me that I could choose.” She repeated. “Does your word mean nothing, Sesshomaru-sama?” That caused him to stiffen slightly, telling her she was pushing her luck. But she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. He would never harm her. He turned his head so that he could look at her over his shoulder, golden gaze meeting brown. Nothing, she saw nothing in his eyes. “You are a mere human.” He spoke in such a smooth, deep voice void of any emotion it actually scared her. “I would not waste time on such insignificant creatures. My word has no bounds to you.” She froze, hand over her heart and eyes wide. Slowly she reached out a shaky hand to grab his sleeve. “S-Sesshomaru…-sama?” He fully turned, swinging his arm out to knock her back. She gave a cry of alarm as she fell to the hard ground before him. Behind her she heard the others gasp and Inuyasha curse but she didn’t look away from the yōkai in front of her. She couldn’t understand what was happening. Even his servant, Jaken, was at a loss, staring at them with a gaping mouth. Never had Sesshomaru pushed Rin away. “You will not touch this Sesshomaru, human.” The inu daiyōkai growled, glaring down at her, eyes betraying nothing but disgust. Disgust for her? “W-why?” She managed, still sprawled on the ground with tears running down her face. His eyes narrowed on her before he answered, his voice colder than ice. “This Sesshomaru is tired of this game. You are of no use to me and are but a waste of time.” She gasped at his words as they pierced straight to her heart. “I…I…” He growled louder, eyes heating with anger as he nearly yelled. “You are not this Sesshomaru’s problem anymore.” With that he spun on the balls of his feet and walked away. Jaken looked from his lord to the young woman still on the ground for a few moments before following Sesshomaru, casting a backwards sorrowful glance as the others knelt next to her. Rin stared at Sesshomaru’s retreating back, unaware of the others coming to her or of the tears creating streams her cheeks. She was a problem to him? He didn’t want her anymore? As his words finally sank in her heart broke completely, she cried out at the pain and let all her tears go. Her arms wrapped around her stomach as she bent over, letting her pain consume her. Kagome and Sango each put their arms around her, doing their best to comfort her while Miroku knelt before her with Shippō, both not knowing what to do. None in that group looked away from the sobbing woman to the man who’d just crushed her, too focused on soothing her. All except Inuyasha, who debated rushing up to his brother and pounding him for hurting Rin. But as the hanyō did look up from the woman and to the retreating back of his brother he saw the slight flinch the daiyōkai gave as Rin cried out. And had he been in front of the male, no doubt he would have seen true pain and sadness and regret etched over the stoic daiyōkai’s face. For that reason alone Inuyasha let his brother walk away, knowing all too well why Sesshomaru had done what he’d done. Rin walked down the path by the river near the edge of the village with baby Hiroto on her hip. He was half a year old and full of energy. It amazed her how Kagome and Inuyasha could keep up with their son now that he was beginning to crawl. The poor miko had been at her wits end when Rin had stopped by to pick up some medicine for some of the towns folk that morning. Giggling as they watched Inuyasha try to curb the squirmy child Rin offered to take care of Hiroto and give the two of them a brake. Both had gladly accepted. Now that she was done with her deliveries, she’d decided to take the baby to the river. Hiroto let out a cooing giggle and pointed at something, slapping his other hand gently against her shoulder. She smiled at the baby and followed his chubby finger to see a butterfly flutter past them. It was strange how the simplest things amazed him. One of his inu ears twitched on top of his silver head and instantly he looked away from the butterfly to the streaming water, excitement shinning in his eyes. “Yep, we’re going to play in the water for a bit.” She chuckled when he began screeching softly. “Rin-oba!” The sound of two young girls caught her attention as she headed for the water. Turning, she saw Akina and Mai, Sango and Miroku’s twins, running up to her. Their four year old brother Kisho was behind them, trying to keep up while dragging a perplexed Kōhaku with him. “Oi,” she called waving at them. “Where are you four going?” “We wanna swim!” Akina exclaimed. “Before it gets too cold!” Mai added. “Oh?” Rin blinked at them then looked up at Kōhaku who was rubbing the back of his head. “Did they drag you along?” “Yeah, Sango didn’t trust them by themselves. She had stuff she needed to do and Miroku won’t be back until later so she asked me to take them.” He shrugged and leaned in to pat Hiroto’s head. “Seems like you got babysitter duty as well.” “Not really.” Rin giggled and began to walk down to the river again. “Poor Inuyasha-sama and Kagome-chan really needed a break so I took Hiroto with me for a bit. I figured he might like to play in the water for a bit before he went home.” “Well…mind if we join you?” “Not at all.” The small group walked down to the water together and while Kōhaku got the two boys together Rin helped the girls. Once the twins were ready Rin lifted the edges of her kimono, mindful of how high she pulled them, and tucked them into her obi. She took Hiroto from Kōhaku and helped hold him in the water so he could play. Kōhaku looked at Rin from the corner of his eye, worried for his friend. While he did not live in the village, only visiting often, he considered Rin one of his closest friends and knew she felt the same. He cared for her as more than as a friend but he also knew she was still in pain, so he kept his feelings to himself. It was hard to believe that it had only been six months since that incident and still Rin wasn’t the same. She smiled and laughed like she used to but…it was different and he knew she still cried at night though she kept it to herself. He was worried for her. Rin knew Kōhaku was watching her. He always seemed to be keeping an eye on her whenever he was around. Everyone seemed to be like that no matter how many times she told them she was alright. But, then again, she guessed she wasn’t a very good liar. Sometimes it was just too much to hide her pain even though she knew she had to let go. Sesshomaru wasn’t coming back for her. He’d made it clear when he’d left her on the ground sobbing without a glance back. Again the all too familiar pain flashed in her chest and she had to force herself not to wince. At least it was becoming somewhat bearable. Hiroto stopped his splashing and looked up at Rin, his dark golden eyes blinking in confusion. She knew he’d sensed her sudden mood change and beat back the sadness so she could smile at him. He returned with one of his opened mouthed grins but then looked over her shoulder with a frown. Frowning in turn she looked to Kōhaku to see that he and the others had stopped their playing to look at the same thing Hiroto had focused on. The sound of an approaching horse had her lifting her head to look up at the path. Seated atop a beautiful black stallion was a man of far greater beauty. And of wealth and status. His clothing reminding her of that of a general’s or high ranking army official. When he stopped and stared down at the small group Rin was easily able to make out his features. Smooth, tanned skin that told of days in the sun with a proud nose, high cheek bones, and a full mouth. The man’s eyes were a strange dark green while his long hair that was held in a ponytail was as black as the night. To any woman he was beyond handsome. For some reason an image of Sesshomaru appeared beside the man and Rin didn’t fail to notice the complete differences. While she would agree this man was pleasant on the eyes he was not in the same category as her lord. Her ex-lord, she corrected with a gentle sigh. She really had to stop comparing everyone to Sesshomaru. “Who’s that?” Mai whispered, drawing Rin out of her mental lecturing. “Don’t know.” She answered, lifting Hiroto into her arms and looking away from the man. “Probably a soldier passing through.” “Should we tell Inu-oji? I don’t like the way he feels.” Akina shivered and moved to stand behind Rin. The poor girl had inherited her father’s ability to sense auras better than her sister had. “I’m sure Inuyasha-sama already knows he’s here.” Kōhaku assured. Suddenly both of the twins’ stomachs began to growl, causing them all to laugh. “It’s getting late we should get going, I’m sure oneesan will have dinner about ready.” The kids agreed, jumping out of the water to dry off and pull on their clothing. As Rin released her kimono and helped Hiroto back into his clothing she could still feel the man’s eyes on her. Next to her Kōhaku was tense, obviously feeling the man’s attention as well. It wasn’t long before all of them were ready and heading back up the slop to the path, mindful of the man and heading in the opposite direction. Just as she was sure they were a good distance away the man spoke. “Onna.” He called in a smooth tone, not deep but not high pitched either. Rin paused and half turned to look at him, well aware of Kōhaku tensing even more next to her. Why was he so on edge because of this man? “Hai?” The man gracefully slid from his horse and took two steps closer before stopping. “What is your name?” “My name?” She blinked. “Why do you wish to know?” “I have a sense I have met you before. Your name…please?” He pressed while still sounding pleasant. “I assure you that, unless you’ve been through this village before, we have never met.” She bowed her head slightly and offered a kind smile. “But, because you asked nicely, I am Rin.” “Rin.” He whispered as if testing the name. A gentle breeze blew by then, coming from behind her. As the breeze touched the man he stiffened slightly and Rin swore she almost saw his eyes turn red. But she chalked it off as a trick of her eye since the sun partially blinded her. Hitching Hiroto a little higher on her hip she bowed her head to the stranger and began heading into the village again. She may not like something about the man but she wasn’t going to worry about it, hoping he would just walk away without any problems. She wished she could just walk away. Away from the village. Away from her past. Away from her heart. Away from him. Ranmaru burst into his study, hands planting on his desk as he gasped for breath. He couldn’t believe he’d found her! And she was beautiful. At first, when he’d seen her in the river with that boy and the children, he wasn’t sure but then he’d heard her voice. Now slightly deeper and more melodious there was no mistake it was hers. Then she’d given her name. Rin…the same name. And when the breeze had carried her delicious scent he knew, without a doubt, the woman was the very same. Ten years, almost, since he’d seen her in his Lady’s palace. She’d been a young girl then but when he’d caught her scent he couldn’t help but notice how wonderful it was. A child should not have smelled that good, it was almost too much for him to keep himself in check. Thankfully the Lady’s son had been preoccupied to even notice him watching his young ward. Never had he seen Sesshomaru react in such an…affectionate way to anything. And that had made the girl more of a prize. She was his chance at out doing that bastard protégé son as well as obtaining a new toy. Too bad the Lady had taken a liking to the girl and offered her protection. He had not been allowed to touch her but he did vow to find her and take her for himself, no matter that she was human. He wanted her. And just his luck to find her as he passed through the bastard’s half-brother’s village, playing in the water. At first when he’d seen the silver haired child he’d believed she’d been taken by the daiyōkai but then he noticed she had no claim on her, yōkai or human. She was free and he was not letting such a beautiful catch go. Chuckling to himself he lifted his head, digging his claws into the desk’s wooden surface. Tonight he would prove himself stronger then that bastard by taking the woman the daiyōkai cherished above anything. Then, when she carried his pup, he would kill him. “Just wait, Sesshomaru,” Ranmaru growled. “Tonight I take her for myself. I will have your precious Rin.” Rin rolled onto her back with a soft sigh. It looked like tonight she wasn’t going to be sleeping…again. Rarely had she slept decently since that day, her nightmares waking her up constantly. All of them the same. All of them revolving around him. Another sigh escaped her as she sat up, looking over to the sleeping older woman. Keade was still fast asleep, as she should be. The poor woman was nearing her seventieth birthday, a miracle she was still alive and able to continue her miko duties. As quietly as possible Rin stood and left the hut, not caring if she was still in her sleeping yukita and barefoot. The cool night air caused her to shiver but she just smiled and began walking towards the river. For a moment she debated if she should wake Kōhaku since neither he nor Inuyasha, nor the others actually, liked her walking alone. Especially at night. But at that moment she didn’t care, she wanted to be alone. It didn’t take long to find her way down to the river bank and perch herself on a soft spot of grass a good distance from the village, just on the edge of the forest. Sighing again she looked up at the stars and let her mind wander. And once again she found herself trying to understand what had happened to make Sesshomaru say those things. Closing her eyes she focused on the memories. Rin hummed to herself as she picked the wildflowers in the clearing. Their scent should help relax Kagome as well as serve as a remedy once they had dried out. As she continued to hum a bush nearby rustled and the wind changed direction. Frowning she stood and looked to the bush, raising an eyebrow. When it didn’t move again she just assumed it was a rabbit and went back to her collecting. When she heard the rustling again she decided to investigate. Upon nearing the bush though something rammed into her head on, causing her to scream as she fell to the ground, two heads nuzzling against her. “A-Un!” She gasped out, laughing as she pushed the twin heads back and sat up. Still laughing she pulled the two headed dragon yōkai’s heads in for a hug. “I’ve missed you.” “Oi, you great beast.” An annoyed voice called before Jaken emerged from where A-Un had been. “Why did you run off?” Then the green imp looked up and stumbled back in shock. “Oh! Rin, it’s you.” “Hello, Jaken-sama.” Rin giggled and picked up the short demon, hugging him close. “I’ve missed you too.” “Ah!” Jaken gasped and struggled against her, blushing like mad. “Y-you silly girl, p-put me down.” Smiling and giggling slightly the young woman set the imp down. She laughed when he stumbled back and fell, A-Un tilting his heads at the imp. There wasn’t even a rustle yet Rin sensed another presence enter the clearing behind her. Her smile grew, eye becoming brighter as she turned to face her lord. As always he stood there beyond any words to describe him, with his face expressionless. Yet she knew he was happy. Somehow she just knew he was glad to see her. “Sesshomaru-sama.” She said giving her best bow before straightening to look up at him. “Rin.” It was all he had to say, all the acknowledgement she needed. His mouth tilted ever so slightly in a frown before he spoke again. “Why are you out here by yourself?” “Huh?” She tilted her head, confused for a moment before remembering what was happening back at the village. “Agh!” She exclaimed and began rushing to pick up the flowers she had dropped when A-Un attacked her. “I needed to get these to the village.” “Uh…” Jaken frowned at her, his turn to be confused. “Why do you need these flowers?” “Oh, right.” She chuckled, snagging the last flower and standing. “Kagome-chan began to feel the labor pains last night.” “Labor pains?” “Uh-huh.” She nodded. “The baby is due any moment. These flowers will help relax her.” “It’s early.” Sesshomaru commented. “Keade-sama said that a month early is typical so long as everything seems healthy.”She shrugged. “And that’s the reason why I’m here alone. Inuyasha-sama refuses to leave Kagome-chan’s side and Miroku-sama isn’t in town. Besides I was just on my way back.” “Do they know you came here?” “Yep, I made sure to tell them.” She nodded then frowned. “I’m happy that you came but I’m sad that you came now.” When he frowned she continued. “I have to assist Keade-sama with the birthing…I want to assist. And you are only here for the day.” “Hn.” Was his only response as he began the walk to the village. Rin frowned after him before her smile retuned and she rushed after him, Jaken and A-Un following. He was going to stay! The birth had, for all the pain, been relatively smooth. It had been a good thing Sesshomaru had returned with her because it seemed he was the only one able to handle Inuyasha. Each scream from the laboring miko sent the hanyō closer and closer into his demonic form, feeling the need to protect his mate. Eventually a child’s cry came and a sort of calm settled into the early evening around the village as everyone, including the passing villagers looked to the hut of their protector and miko. Rin had held open the mat covering the door and ushered the shaking new father inside to meet his son. She would always remember the way Inuyasha sank to his knees beside his exhausted wife, wrapping his arms around both her and the now quiet child. It was a heartwarming sight. It didn’t take long to help clean up and assist Keade back to her own hut. She returned to check on the family, offering to take the child while Inuyasha helped Kagome bathe. Swaddling the sleeping baby she stepped out into the warm spring night and found her lord resting not far from the small hut. With a gentle smile she approached the daiyōkai, holding the bundle close to her chest. She paused a few feet from him and simply watched him for a moment. His eyes were closed though he was not asleep, mere thinking it seemed. “You have a nephew, Sesshomaru-sama.” She spoke softly. His eyes slowly opened at her words and looked up at her, seemingly uncaring. She smiled at him before taking a seat next to him, mindful of the baby she held. “They named him Hiroto.” “Hiroto.” He spoke as if trying out the name and his eye drifted to the pale, wrinkly face that could be seen through the blanket. As if sensing the eyes on him, the baby blinked his own open and stared at Sesshomaru for a moment before falling asleep again. He turned his head, revealing a tiny dog ear identical to his fathers. Rin watched as her lord raised a hand and hesitantly touched the baby’s cheek with two fingers. “Would you like to hold him?” Rin asked as he withdrew his hand. For the first time in her entire time with the daiyōkai, she saw a moment of fear flash through his eyes yet he didn’t say anything. She shifted and gently held out the child, placing it into Sesshomaru’s hands. After a moment she watched when he very gently shifted his grip until the baby rested in the crook of his arm, face turned towards his Mokomoko. A tiny hand freed itself from the blanket to grip the fur. They sat in silence for a moment, simply watching the sleeping baby. “Do you desire children, Rin?” Sesshomaru asked suddenly, surprising the young woman. “W-well…I suppose…” She paused, sitting back on her hunches. “Yes, some day I would like children. But only like Inuyasha-sama and Kagome-chan.” Sesshomaru looked up her with an eyebrow raised in question. She smiled at his confusion and leaned closer to stroke the baby’s head. “They have a child because they love each other more than anything. Kagome-chan is Inuyasha’s life and he is hers. If Rin were to have a child she would desire one with the man she could love with everything she had and he would love her the same way. Someday Rin may have that family…” She smiled fondly at the baby before looking up at Sesshomaru and grinning. “But for now if she wants a child she merely has to ask and borrow one.” After her answer they’d resumed their silence before Hiroto began to fuss. She’d taken him from Sesshomaru and back to Inuyasha and Kagome so the baby could feed. When that task finished he made sure she was safe inside Kaede’s hut before say his good-bye. Something had seemed to be bothering him but she knew better then to ask. The next day he’d told her he was leaving and she wasn’t allowed to go. He’d told her he wasn’t going to take her with him, that she had to stay where she was. Rin shook her head at the memories, refusing to let that day rise again and bring with it the pain and tears. What had she said or done that lead to this? Another sigh escaped her lips as she hugged her knees to her chest. Again her eyes lifted to the clear sky. “Why, Sesshomaru-sama?” She whispered, a single tear leaking from the corner of her eye. She didn’t know how long she sat there but when the moon was directly overhead she decided it was time to return. With another defeated sigh she stood and began her trek up the slop. Once she reached the top a strange orange glow in the direction of the village caught her attention. Then she heard the screams. Quickly she ran to the village, horror pushing her forward until she came to the edge. Yōkai were everywhere and attacking everything. Few of the buildings on the farthest end of the village had been set on fire. Her eyes caught something flash in her periphery and she turned…in time to see a yōkai was almost on top of her. She didn’t have time to scream before it was sliced in half and a red back stood before her. “Inuyasha-sama.” She gasped. “Go find Kagome, Rin.” The hanyō said, striking down another demon. Rin nodded and rushed to find the miko. A glowing arrow flashed before her, slicing through a group of demons, telling her where Kagome was. But just as she was about to reach the older woman a group of screams caught her attention. Akina and Mai were huddled near their hut, holding their brother, as a large yōkai prowled up to them. Sango was close by but was pinned back by another yōkai, desperately trying to get to her children. Without thinking Rin grabbed a discarded spear and ran at the demon cornering the children. With as much strength as she could muster she thrust the spear into the creature’s eye, causing it to howl in pain and pull back. Quickly she jumped in front of the children, the spear aimed at the demon. “You bitch!” The thing yelled, growling at her. “You’ll pay for that.” “You’ll have to catch me.” Rin challenged and ran, drawing the demon away. She dodged the fighting around her while managing to catch a few other yōkai’s attention. No plan in her head she ran from the village and to the forest, the yōkai following her. She didn’t stop until her foot caught an uplifted root and sent her crashing to the ground. She barely had time to jump to her feet before the yōkai were surrounding her. Fear gripped her but she refused to go down without a fight. One demon lunged at her and she slashed it with her spear. She continued to strike at them as they attacked but her energy was waning. Just when she thought she was done for, when the demon she’d stabbed in the eye pounced, a wave of power struck, tearing through all the yōkai. Panting and confused and scared Rin turned in the direction of the power, holding her spear in front of her. From the dark shadows cast by the trees in the moonlight, what appeared to be a tall man emerged. Hope, for the briefest of moments, flared in her chest that it might be her Sesshomaru-sama. But she realized the man was not tall enough nor did he carry a large amount of fur over his right shoulder. The man continued approaching her until he stepped into the moonlight. It was the man from that afternoon. “Hello Rin.” He smiled, something seemingly wrong with it. “What are you doing here?” She asked, feeling very afraid all of the sudden. Desperately she wished Inuyasha would find her or Kōhaku or Sango…Or, better than them all, she wished Sesshomaru would appear. “That’s some thank you for saving your life.” The man’s smile turned into a sly grin. “Thank you.” She managed, taking a step back. “Who are you?” “I’m glad you asked.” His grin now revealed his teeth. His sharp, pointy teeth. “I am Ranmaru, commander in the Lady Mother’s army.” ‘Lady…Mother?’ She thought. ‘As in…Sesshomaru’s ‘Lady Mother’?’ Does that mean he’s an inu yōkai?’ “What are you doing here?” Now he looked like an all out predator who’d just cornered his prey and was toying with it. “I’m here for you, Rin.” He chuckled then lunged at her. Rin managed a gasp before striking out with her spear, catching him on the cheek. That didn’t stop him. With speed she’d only seen Sesshomaru use the dark haired yōkai was behind her, one arm around her stomach and the other holding her spear. A strong yank had her only weapon torn from her grasp and thrown away. Roughly he turned her so she faced him. “Sleep.” He commanded, slamming his lips against hers. Rin screamed against his mouth, trying to fight him. But not a second later her body became heavy and her eyelids dropped. She sagged in his arms, fighting the sleep that wanted to take her. Eventually he pulled back, scooping her into his arms and left the clearing. Her final thought before blackness took her was that this time there was no Sesshomaru-sama to save her. Again his thoughts were wondering back to that moment many months ago. Back to the broken, pain filled face of the young woman he’d turned his back on. Her sorrow and tear filled brown eyes haunted him even when his eyes were open. That desperate, heart tearing cry still echoed through his keen ears. Why could he not forget? Sesshomaru moved through the forest as if he were no more than a spirit. His tall fame touched nothing, booted feet left no trace of him. He didn’t care if he left a trail behind, he would have welcomed a fight to distract his mind from the painful path it wandered. Barely, he sensed Jaken and A-Un trailing a distance behind him, the imp quieter than usual, as he’d been for the past few months. Though he’d tried to understand his lord’s reason for leaving the girl, Jaken could not get an answer. It was one thing for Sesshomaru-sama to leave Rin, he’d done it many times over the years, but to…sever their connection? What had happened? Jaken still remember that once they’d traveled a good distance away from the village his lord had disappeared for a month only to return looking, for better words, older. Not physically but, with one look into his golden eyes Jaken knew that what he’d done, both with leaving Rin and during that month, had changed his lord. Now, the group of three travelled from the palace with no destination, simply wandering. The little imp believed, but would not voice, that this was a way for Sesshomaru-sama to become lost. To escape whatever ails his mind. Today, however, such a task seemed too far out of reach as they roamed the familiar forest. Suddenly A-Un lifted his heads, sniffing, and whined. He tugged on the ropes Jaken held, trying to change their direction. A startled cry left Jaken when the dragon tugged him away from Sesshomaru. The imp began to curse the creature as he was bumped into foliage and dragged across the dirt. Finally A-Un stopped in clearing filled with many wild flowers and demonic remains. “W-what’s going on?” Jaken looked at the remains that seemed to form a circle around a clear spot. Something about this clearing tugged at his mind. Curiously he picked one of the yellow flowers, releasing A-Un’s reigns. “Jaken?” Sesshomaru emerged from the brush, frowning at the imp. “Forgive me, My Lord.” The imp bowed, still holding the flower. “But that creature just seemed to run off.” Sesshomaru focused on the flower in the three fingered hand, his frown intensified. Then he swung his gaze over to the two headed dragon. The beast had lowered itself onto his belly, his heads nudging something while he whined slightly. Approaching the dragon a scent seemed to wrap around Sesshomaru, a scent he thought he’d never have the pleasure of smelling again. ‘Rin.’ His yōkai mind growled. Stopping by the dragon, the daiyōkai looked at what he’d been nudging. It was a spear…and it clearly carried Rin’s scent. But there was no way this weapon could have taken on these fallen demons nor was there any trace of his hanyō half-brother or any other. What had happened here? “Sesshomaru-sama!” Jaken called, drawing his attention. He turned in time to see the imp running towards him through a bushed he’d disappeared behind. “T-the village was attacked! Inuyasha’s village was attacked.” Every nerve in Sesshomaru’s body froze. Somehow he’d wandered back to the same place he’d been avoiding. Now he find’s Rin’s scent in the middle of the woods with no other’s and the village he’d left her in was attacked. The wind decided to move through the clearing then, carrying to him a subtle scent that caused him to see red. Without another thought he sped away from the clearing to where the forest ended, taking in the partially destroyed village. People were moving around, tending the injured and rebuilding. A flash of red caught his attention and he charged it. His clawed hand closed around a smooth throat as he slammed the man into a stone wall. “S-Sesshomaru.” Inuyasha gasped. “Where is she?” The yōkai growled, squeezing tighter. His eyes were red and his teeth were fangs, his control was slipping but he didn’t care. “Le-let g-go.” Inuyasha gasped, wrapping his hands around the one holding his throat. Sesshomaru merely growled as a response, tightening his grip even more. “Sesshomaru, put him down!” Kagome screamed, running up to the brothers. Others were behind her, ready for another fight. Sesshomaru turned his red eyes on the miko, not surprised when she didn’t show a single ounce of fear. “Where is she?” “We don’t know. Please let him go.” Tears began to gather in her blue eyes as she touched his arm. “Please.” It took him a long moment before he slowly released his grip and dropped his brother. Kagome was at the hanyō’s side in an instant, helping him sit up as he tried to catch his breath. Inuyasha’s golden gaze fixed on Sesshomaru, not filled with as much anger as the yōkai expected. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Inuyasha managed to rasp as Kagome helped him stand. “What happened?” Sesshomaru didn’t look away, doing his best to keep control of his emotions. Inuyasha growled but paused, as if sensing the turmoil raging inside his brother, and sighed. “It was an ambush. For some reason I couldn’t sense them until it was almost too late.” “Someone or something was masking their aura.” Kagome added. “None of us knew what was happening.” The attack had been planned out? Whatever had masked the demons was powerful enough to go undetected by not only Inuyasha but two mikos. Something wasn’t right. “Where’s Rin?” Silence met his question as the two looked at each other, sadness dampening their scent. That only fueled his anger until he nearly shouted. “Where is she?” “Taken.” It was the monk who answered him. The man stood behind him, an arm around his injured wife and his children holding onto his legs. “We believe the demons were a diversion so that whoever staged this could take her.” Ice…his blood turned to ice as his suspicion was confirmed. Again his anger rose, sending his energy out of his body. Vaguely he heard a part of his mind laugh. ‘Why do you care so much? You’re the one that left her, remember.’ He hadn’t wanted this for her. He’d wanted her safe. “Listen.” Inuyasha snapped, pushing Kagome behind him. “We can find her.” “Her scent had been erased beyond the clearing.” Sesshomaru snarled, remembering the other scent that had reached him. “But I can track her.” Kagome pleaded. “She wears a charm, all the villagers do, that I’m able to find.” When the daiyōkai looked at her in confusion she continued. “It was a way to train my power. The charms work like a Shikon Jewel shards.” “Are you sure you can find her?” “One way to try. Take me to where her scent disappeared.” Kagome’s eyes flashed with determination. A few minutes later Sesshomaru stood with Inuyasha in the clearing while Kagome sent out her senses, trying to pick up on the young woman. Gilt, like he’d never felt before, twisted inside Sesshomaru. He had always regretted his choice but now that regret grew and he wasn’t used to these feelings. “Why was she out here?” He asked. “She probably couldn’t sleep last night again so, I’m guessin’ she went for a walk. Damn girl knows not to go alone. We warned her so many times.” Inuyasha growled. Sesshomaru knew that the hanyō wasn’t just referring to the yōkai that might have sought Rin but of the men too. He remembered the numerous accounts of Inuyasha mentioning to him that a villager or traveler had come seeking the young woman’s hand in marriage since her fourteenth year. Passing noble men had even been perplexed by her beauty, desiring the supposed peasant girl for themselves. Sesshomaru was not blind to the changes of her body, no longer did she possess young child’s body but the full soft, curves of a woman. She had allowed her ebony hair to reach past her bottom and her skin to be tinted ever so slightly by the sun. The smile that seemed forever upon her luscious lips brightened her light brown eyes until they sparkled. Yet it wasn’t just her appearance that drew them in, but her heart. She still possessed a kind, loving, carefree spirit that had even reached the depths of his frozen heart. And yet when faced with the prospect of each suitor for his ward, Sesshomaru would merely shrug and dismiss the idea. He left the solely decision up to her, though he would make sure the male of her choice was good enough for her had she decided. Now he could acknowledge that deep down he didn’t want to give her his blessing in finding a husband, he didn’t want her to choose, because that would mean he would lose his Rin to another. “Anyways,” Inuyasha’s huff brought the daiyōkai out of his thoughts and back to the current situation. “When she came back the fighting had already started and I told her to go to Kagome. But, from what Sango told me, Rin saw a demon corner her kids and Sango was pinned, unable to get to them. Rin stabbed its eye before running, apparently trying to draw the thing away from the kids. It looks like more followed her here but I don’t know what happened.” “Another yōkai came.” Kagome spoke up. “A powerful one at that. He’s the one that masked the others’ aura.” “You sure.” “Positive, the energy is the same even though there’s only a trace.” “Where you able to find her?” Sesshomaru did his best to hide his hope. “It’s very, very faint but it’s her.” Kagome smiled, picking up her bow and pointing in one direction. “She was taken that way, hours ago.” “Then let’s go.” Inuyasha crouched so she could get on his back and immediately ran in the direction she told him. Usually Sesshomaru would never have followed the hanyō but right now all he cared about was saving Rin. Before he lost her. For good. Slowly Rin’s consciousness returned to her, though her body remained heavy as she tried to move. With a groan she blinked open her eyes and found herself staring up at a fabric covered canopy. Beneath her palms a soft futon curved as she struggled to lift her body. Through the sheer curtain around her she could make out a few women moving about. “Um…hello?” Rin called softly, pulling back the curtain. The women turned to look at her and quickly went into a bow. “We did not realize you had awaken, My Lady.” The woman with long black hair spoke as she raised her head. She turned to the red head next to her. “Jun, go inform the Lord she has awakened.” Jun nodded and quickly left the room. The short haired woman then turned to the blue haired girl. “Yuka, prepare the bath. We must have the Lady ready.” “Hai, Mizu-san.” Yuka nodded and left. “Now, we must get you ready.” Mizu said with a kind smile as she reached for Rin and began pulling her from the futon. “Wait!” Rin exclaimed. “What is going on?” “We must get you ready for your marriage.” “Marriage?” Rin gasped and tugged her arm free from the other woman’s. “What marriage?” “Your marriage to our Lord, of course.” Mizu turned and looked at Rin fully. Rin gasped at what her eyes met. Mizu’s eyes were as red as a yōkai’s. Was she a yōkai or merely a human being possessed. But before she could say anything the door to the room opened and in stepped the man who’d kidnapped her. His green eyes focused on her. “Mizu, leave us.” He spoke, not looking away. “Yes, My Lord.” Mizu bowed and left the room. Silence passed between Rin and the man, Ranmaru…no he was no man. He was a yōkai. A powerful yōkai at that. Fear began to pump through her and she took a step back until she hit the futon. Her hand caught the curtain, stopping her from falling onto the bedding. Ranmaru approached her, a smirk formed on his mouth. Once he was in front of her he stopped and took hold of her chin. “You are truly beautiful.” He whispered. “Why am I here?” She asked, doing her best not to shrink away from him. “What do you want from me?” “I want you.” He chuckled, running his fingers down her cheek. “You will become my bride as you were destined to.” “Y-your bride?” She stammered, eyes widening. “I…I don’t know you! I don’t want to be your bride!” Ranmaru released a dark growl, eyes narrowing as they began to turn red. His hand moved back to her chin and gripped her hard, forcing her to look at him. “You will be my bride. You will become mine.” She flinched as he squeezed her jaw. “No.” His growl deepened as he lowered his face closer. “Yes. You are mine and you will do as you are told.” His mouth claimed hers, hard and bruising. Rin tried to scream and fight his hold. She slammed her fist against his chest but it did nothing. And like back in the clearing her body became weak, causing her to sag against him. He pulled back a moment later, lowering her so she sat on the bed. Groggily she looked up at him. “You will do everything I say.” His touch was gentle as he stroked her face. “These females will prepare you and you will not fight them. Then you will meet me before the priest and you will say yes. Do you understand me?” Rin wasn’t able to comprehend much of what he was telling her. “You will do as I say or I will go back to that village and slaughter every single one of them.” His eyes hardened as they stared into hers. “And I’ll start with the newborn half-breed. Understand?” That clicked in her mind and she felt her head nodded. She was not going risk Hiroto’s life, nor the others. “Good.” He smirked, patting her head. “Then those pathetic villagers will be safe.” He turned and walked to the door. “However,” he paused with his hand on the door’s edge. “The same cannot be said for that bastard daiyōkai.” “Dai…yōkai?” She mumbled. Ranmaru’s smile was pure evil. “The inu daiyōkai, Sesshomaru. Because of you I will now be able to kill him.” With that he left the room as she slid off the futon and crumpled to the floor. Tears fell from her eyes as she stared after him. “Anything, Kagome?” Inuyasha questioned as the group paused near the base of a mountain. Kagome looked around, biting her lower lip. “Yes!” She exclaimed. “There. It’s a lot stronger. As if…as if whatever was blocking it before was lifted.” Sesshomaru suddenly stiffened and turned in the direction she was pointing. He could smell Rin now, faintly but it was her. Along with the stronger scent of the bastard that took her. A scent he remembered. It was the bastard from his mother’s court, the one who’d always tried to best Sesshomaru. Without a word he sped off in the direction, not caring if the others followed him. In minutes he came to the entrance of a cave protected by a strong barrier. “Inuyasha.” He stepped aside to allow the other man to step up. “Keh, easy.” Inuyasha smirked while drawing Tetsusaiga. The blade quickly turned red and with a simple swing it cut through the barrier. Once the obstacle was gone the group hurried into the cave. It was dank and dark with low ceilings making it hard for Sesshomaru to fly. Strange fragrances began to drift through the stone walls the further they went, distorting Rin’s scent and forcing them to rely on Kagome. Thankfully the presence of the charm was clear to the miko and she led them with confidence to a set of large stone doors deep within the mountain. “Looks like we’re goin’ through.” Inuyasha commented, flexing his fingers. The door fell in seconds under the combined strength of the brothers and reveled what appeared to be a palace. Not stopping the three burst into the large home. Yōkai gauds seemed to be waiting for them, eagerly engaging with the inu brothers. A gentle chiming sounded, reaching through the sounds of fighting to brush the daiyōkai’s sensitive ears. He beheaded the demon attacking him and turned to the sound. It came from further inside the palace along with a sweet scented incent. Concentrating he heard voices, primarily a single man’s, but was unable to discern what was being said. Until he heard two words as clear as if they’d been spoken before him. ‘Marry Rin…’ Anger and fear spiked through him. He used those emotions to slice his way through the hoard of demons in one stroke. Not waiting for confirmation from the miko for what he already knew. Rin was where the sound and scents came from. If not, then the asshole that thought he could take his Rin away was. He was going to slowly shred the yōkai apart piece by piece. Rin tried to stop her body as Ranmaru led her up the steps to the altar. She felt the weight of her kimono on her body and his hand at the base of her spine but she couldn’t make her body move the way she wanted. The bath that the female yōkai made her take and Ranmaru’s kiss took away all her control and left her mind fuzzy. It was a task to merely focus on a single thing. She felt her body stop and Ranmaru remove his hands from her back and arm. Her hands moved so that they were folded in front of her and she turned to face an overly dressed man she recognized as a priest. Fear began to spike through her, chasing away the fog the drugs had caused yet not enough to allow her to move. Words were exchanged between Ranmaru and the priest before she was pulled down to her knees. The ceremony began. ‘No!’ She screamed as she looked up at the priest with hooded eyes. ‘I don’t want this. Please!’ Why wouldn’t her mouth move? Desperately she began trying to move her hand, twitch her finger…anything. Nothing happened. She still couldn’t move and was helpless as Ranmaru pulled her to her feet. “Ranmaru-sama, Commander of the Lady Mother’s army, as long as you live do swear to cherish this woman with all your being?” The priest offered with a sickening smile. Ranmaru turned his own frightful smile on Rin, holding her hands in his. “With everything I am.” ‘No!’ She tried to look away but couldn’t. “Then, as your sacred priest, I bind you two together. Forever as husband and wife. Seal your bond.” The priest bowed. ‘What? No...I-I didn’t agree!’ Desperately she tried to move her body as Ranmaru leaned closer. The most she could do was widen her eyes in terror before squeezing them shut. ‘NO! Sesshomaru-sama!’ Suddenly the doors to the large chamber blew open. The sudden noise and shaking seemed to be what was needed to snap her body free and back under her control. She tore her hands from Ranmaru and turned to face the smoke. Heart suddenly a hundred times lighter at what met her eyes. Her scent was getting stronger, he was almost there. Sesshomaru rounded the corner and came to another set of large doors, these ones guarded by ten demons. He growled and reached for Bakusaiga but Inuyasha’s shout stopped him. “Move!” The hanyō demanded and his brother did just that. Sesshomaru changed course in midair just as Inuyasha brought Tetsusaiga down. The Wind Scar tore through the demons and demolished the doors. When his feet touched a solid surface Sesshomaru instantly pushed off, sending himself soaring through the smoke and debris. With grace he slid to a stop mere feet within a grand room decorated in silks and candles. His angry golden gaze lifted to the platform on the other side of the room and he froze. He didn’t even notice when Inuyasha and Kagome followed in behind him. There on the platform she stood, his Rin, seemingly safe and unharmed. For a moment he allowed his breath to catch as he stared at her. She was dressed in beautiful white bridal kimono, with half her hair twisted high on her head, decorated with a crown and ornaments, the rest flowing down her back. A light dusting of make-up on her angelic features added in making her look…beyond his grasp. And then she smiled brightly at him, his heart began pounding into overdrive. Sesshomaru took a step closer to the young woman, forgetting about the fighting around him and where they were. Her smile grew as she moved to step towards him. However the yōkai beside her released a deep growl and snagged her arm. With a hard yank he pulled Rin against his chest and claimed her mouth. Rin’s eyes grew wide in shock before their lids slowly drooped. A roar tore its way through Sesshomaru’s chest before he lunged forward. Five burly yōkai tackled into him, knocking him back a few feet though he still stood. Others went after the other two behind him. His fangs began to elongate while his eyes turned red, a deep rumbling growl vibrating through him and into the surrounding area as he fought the demons holding him, his eyes on Rin. Ranmaru lifted his face from Rin’s and smirked, running a claw down her cheek. The woman merely looked up at him with hooded eyes. His smirk widened as he dipped his head again. Sesshomaru’s growl grew louder, causing the entire room to shake and the fighting to pause as the others looked to him. The black haired yōkai chuckled and turned Rin so she was facing Sesshomaru and pulled her back flush against his front. Ranmaru snaked an arm around her waist while the other began to stroke her hair and cheek. Sesshomaru tried to lunge at him again but the other yōkai held strong, keeping him almost immobilized. “Release her.” The words themselves were a growl and nearly indistinguishable. “Now why would I want to do that, Sesshomaru-sama?” Ranmaru laughed, lowering his mouth to the junction of Rin’s neck and shoulder. Right at the spot where a mating mark would go. Sesshomaru fought against the demons holding him, nearly throwing them off. The one who held his neck stabbed a blade deep into his shoulder, forcing him to pause his movements and almost hiss at the pain. His eyes never left Ranmaru or Rin, allowing him to see the slow blink she gave as the scent of his blood filled the air. Ranmaru laughed again, kissing her bare neck. “For as powerful as you claim to be you’re still too weak to save one human. I do see why you kept her with you for so long. She is…delectable. She will bare me beautiful, powerful pups.” Sesshomaru’s growl began again, the sound abruptly loud and trembling. Rin blinked again, confusion flashing in her eyes. He struggled again, trying to get to her. “You know,” Ranmaru began stroking her hair again, his nails dragging along her cheek and neck to the spot on her chest where her kimono folds met. Slowly, deliberately, he began to part the material so he could pull it aside to reveal the pale skin of her shoulder. With malicious green eyes locked onto Sesshomaru’s, he bared his elongating teeth. “I should just mark her now.” “You bastard!” Inuyasha yelled, jumping after the man but was knocked back by a barrier. The yōkai chuckled again, running his tongue over Rin’s flesh. Hope flared in Sesshomaru when he saw Rin’s brows draw down and her subtle flinch. That hope and his rage at Ranmaru gave him extra strength, allowing him to throw off the demons that held him. But before he could move closer more tackled him to the ground. “Sesshomaru!” Kagome called as Ranmaru laughed again. “You are pathetic, Sesshomaru.” Ranmaru continued to laugh. “Can’t even handle these demons. Fear not, oh Lord, I won’t mark her just yet. It’s no fun if I can’t hear her scream as I take her.” He dipped his face into her neck again and breathed deep. “Virgins are always the sweetest.” “No.” He called, struggling to free himself. He had to save her. He had to save his Rin. Somehow he managed to get one of his arms free but before he could do anything it was pinned down again. With frustration and rage he threw back his head and bellowed, “Rin!” At the loud roar of her name Rin blinked then blinked again, clearing her vision and her fogged mind. Frowning as her vision cleared she took in her surroundings and gasped. Kagome was across the large room from her, firing her arrows at the demons coming at her. Inuyasha was currently breaking free from a group of demons that had been holding him down. And her Lord Sesshomaru was pinned to the ground by no less than ten of the bulkiest human shaped yōkai she’d ever seen, trying to break free. “Sesshomaru-sama!” She cried and tried to move to him but found herself trapped by a thick arm. Looking up she saw Ranmaru glaring down at her. Fighting her fear she looked back out at her Lord. At the clear sound of Rin’s voice Sesshomaru shot his head up so he could look into her light brown eyes. She was awake. He watched as she looked up at Ranmaru and pale before looking back at him, eyes wide with fear. He began to struggle more against the demons holding him, his yōki energy growing, while he never looked away from Rin. Rin followed his lead and began to fight the yōkai holding her. She twisted and bucked, but his hold would not break. “Let me go!” “You are mine, bitch.” Ranmaru growled in her ear. “No, I’m not!” She screamed and threw her head back, smacking the back of her skull into his nose. When he grunted and pulled back slightly she stomped on his foot and thrust her elbow into his gut. His grip on her fell and she ran, managing to push him back a bit. “That’s my girl!” Kagome called with a laugh, even happier now that she and Sango had taught Rin some self-defense. Sesshomaru stared in shock as he watched his Rin strike against Ranmaru and break free. A smile formed on his mouth as he watched her lift her bridal kimono and run down the steps of the altar. With a burst of his yōki energy he threw the demons holding him and drew Bakusaiga. With one stroke the demons exploded. As the last of the demon pieces fell he turned back to Rin, who’d just reached the bottom of the stairs and was running at him. Before she could get three feet from the altar, Ranmaru appeared behind her, his nose bleeding slightly. She screamed as his arm wrapped around waist and he lifted her over his shoulder. In an instant he was back on the altar. Sesshomaru lunged for him but the yōkai thrust out his hand, sending a whirlwind of energy at him and sending the inu daiyōkai flying into the far wall near where Kagome was. “Sesshomaru!” Rin screamed, not bothering with the ‘sama’ part. “Like I said, she’s mine and I’m going to make it so.” Ranmaru laughed as Sesshomaru fell to the ground with a grunt. Kagome was at his side, helping him up, while Inuyasha joined them. Sesshomaru raised his head, baring his teeth but seemingly alright. At Rin’s sigh of relief Ranmaru looked back at her in anger before looking at the others. “While I have my fun, I leave you with some entertainment.” He snapped his fingers and a loud rumbling sounded, the altar beginning to shake. The entire front of the platform began to part, revealing an army of demonic soldiers. Each one was large and bulky and enslaved. They would not stop until their opponent was dead. Inuyasha began to curse while Kagome bit her lip. Sesshomaru didn’t even look at the army, his eyes focused solely on Ranmaru and Rin. The dark haired inu yōkai began to laugh again. “Have fun.” He called and raced off, Rin’s scream fading as they disappeared. “Rin!” Sesshomaru called and moved to give chase only to have to swerve back as one of the soldiers swung at him. With Bakusaiga he struck, taking out a few of them. But as soon as they fell new ones took their place. He did it again but for each one he took out, two took its place. “I thought anything struck by Bakusaiga couldn’t regenerate.” Kagome called, shooting an arrow as the army advanced on them. “They aren’t.” He grunted, eyes continuing to shoot to the altar and the hallway in which Ranmaru took Rin. ‘Hold on Rin.’ He dodged an attack and struck again. As that soldier fell he saw that the two beside it began to split. “They’re multiplying!” Kagome gasped, shooting her spiritual arrow through a good portion of the army only to have it replaced a few second later. “This isn’t working.” Inuyasha growled, jumping in front of Kagome. “At this rate who knows what that bastard is going to end up doing.” Sesshomaru growled dangerously and shot his half-brother a look that would have killed a lesser being. Too bad the hanyō had a point. If two replaced every fallen soldier faster than they were able to kill them, they would never be able to save Rin before Ranmaru took her. Before that yōkai marked her. With anger as his strength he swung Bakusaiga again, sending out his energy straight through the army until there was a clear path nearly all the way through. Too bad the army swarmed the area in seconds, faster than when Kagome’s arrow pierced through. “That’s it!” Kagome called. The brothers looked to her in confusion. “Explain, Kagome.” Inuyasha grunted, cutting down another. “Use the Wind Scar when I tell you.” She told him. “After I fire, use Bakusaiga.” She turned to Sesshomaru before drawing her arrow. “With the three combined we should clear a path to the altar.” “Not for long.” Inuyasha pointed out. “But long enough for Sesshomaru to make it through.” She smiled at him. “You’re going to have to bring her back.” Sesshomaru snorted and lifted his blade. “That’s what I plan on doing.” “Do you plan on leaving her again, too?” Inuyasha grunted as a soldier knocked into him. The daiyōkai stiffened at his brother’s words and didn’t respond. Kagome shot him a knowing look before drawing back her bow. “Let’s do this. Inuyasha!” The hanyō kicked the soldier away and swung. As the Wind Scar began to slice through the soldiers Kagome fired. A second later the green energy from Bakusaiga joined the pure blue of Kagome’s arrow and the yellow of the Wind Scar. Once his stroke had followed through Sesshomaru was off, following the combined energies until he was able to reach the top of the altar. Once there he paused to look back at his brother and the hanyō’s mate. “Go!” Inuyasha called. The army’s ranks growing. “We’ve got this.” “Save Rin!” Kagome added. He gave a nod and hurried through the passageway, following Rin’s scent. A scent that was forever engraved into him. Never in his life had something smelled so wonderful, even amongst the death and evil. Her scent was still wholly hers, what it had always been: a relaxant when he was troubled, a distraction from the harshness around him, a reminder of happy times, and recently… a building aphrodisiac. Her wonderful scent was just a part of her that showed who she really was…and what she really meant to him. As he turned a corner the muffled, distant sound of her voice reached his ears and his speed increased. He wanted to hear her voice again as she talked about nothing and everything. He wanted to see her smiling up at him again for merely having him say her name. He wanted things back the way they had been yet he knew that he couldn’t always have what he wanted. But could he really leave her again after all this? The sound of Rin’s scream had him pushing those thoughts aside. He would think about them but not now. Now he was going to save the only being that had cared about him from the beginning. The only one to show him there was light within the dark. Rin bounced as Ranmaru tossed her onto the large futon she’d woken up on when she’d first arrived, minus the curtains. Once she stopped bouncing she quickly scooted to the far edge of the bed, looking around for some weapon to use. There was nothing aside from a few soft pillows. What could she do with them? Fluff him to death. Still she refused to be scared and glared at the black haired inu yōkai staring at her. “You still have some fire in your spirit.” Ranmaru smirked wiping the last bit of blood from nose. Rin smirked back but continued to glare at him. “I don’t like being kidnapped. Now let me go.” “Or what?” Ranmaru chuckled, slowly crawling onto the bed. “Your precious Sesshomaru-sama will kill me? Not likely, kitten.” ‘Kitten?’ She blinked at the name before growling. “He’s here so he will come. And don’t ever call me kitten.” Ranmaru just chuckled and reached for the strands of hair that had fallen from the intricate twist on her head. “You are not…tough enough to be considered any form of dog. Yet you fight and, in a way, have claws. Therefore you are like a kitten, so I will call you kitten if I deem.” Roughly he yanked on her hair, causing her to cry out. “And as for your Lord he’ll have his hands full for a long while now. He may defeat my soldiers but by that time comes there’s nothing he’ll be able to do to save you.” “Wh-what do you plan on doing?” She gasped, staring up at him with wide eyes. “Simple, you are my mate and I will make it known.” Ranmaru’s hand snaked its way down to her calf where he pulled sharply, knocking her onto her back. Smirking widely he settled over her, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand and using his legs to ensure she couldn’t lift her legs. Rin began to panic as she felt his body press into hers. Desperately she tried to throw him off her and break his strong grip on her wrist. But when he made a point to groan and press his pelvis against hers, she froze. She could easily feel his desire for her and it caused her to shake with fear. “W-why me?” She whispered, refusing to look at him. Roughly he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. “Because I have always wanted you, since I first saw you in the Lady’s palace all those years ago. You were so young and innocent and now you’re perfect.” He claimed her mouth again in a bruising kiss, this one not drugging. Rin gasped at the feel of his mouth on hers and tried to buck against him again. When he simply chuckled and thrust his tongue into her mouth she bit down. He yanked his head away before she could draw blood and she took her chance to scream. The painful sensation of the back of his hand striking her cheek stunned her into silence. “You stupid bitch.” Ranmaru growled, eyes fading from green to red as he bared his teeth again. “You…belong…to….me!” At the last word he ripped through her obi, tearing it off her. She gasped and tried to scream again but his large hand closed around her throat and his mouth covered hers again. When his mouth finally released hers he began to kiss her neck, biting into the tender flesh. Rin cried out each time his teeth bit, tears beginning to form in her eyes. Growling he pulled back and tore her kimono open to reveal her upper body before him. A lecherous smile curved his mouth before he began to kiss her exposed chest. Rin began to fight against him harder, screaming and trying to kick him. Ranmaru just laughed at her feeble attempts and continued his way to her breast. He paused before reaching the mounds and pulled back to grin at her. “Your body is magnificent and you taste so good.” He made a show of licking his lips and flashing his fangs. “I wonder how your blood would taste if I drank it off your breast.” Rin screamed again as he lowered his head back to her breast, his mouth open to reveal his fangs. Before the tips of his teeth could even touch her flesh there was a loud crashing sound, as if something had broken through the door, and then Ranmaru was torn off her. Rin blinked in shock at the sudden loss of the yōkai and turned her head slightly, eyes tearing up in happiness. Sesshomaru stood beside her, slightly hunched and growling at Ranmaru, who’d been tossed into the wall next to the door. As the dark haired inu yōkai fell to the floor Sesshomaru glance down at Rin and nearly exploded. Her kimono had been torn open to reveal her chest, which was covered in red bite marks all the way up her neck. Her cheek was red as if she’d been slapped and her lips look slightly bruised. Her light brown eyes were wide as they stared up at him, hope shinning through them as tears collected on her lashes. She looked so vulnerable. “S-Sesshomaru…” She whispered, her lower lip trembling a bit. His chest squeezed at the fear in her voice. With a surprisingly steady hand he pulled the sheet up, trying to give her back her modesty. “You’re safe Rin.” “Don’t you touch her.” Ranmaru hissed, slowly rising. The two turned to see that he was back on his feet, wiping at the blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He spit some more blood out and growled. “She is mine. I claimed her.” Sesshomaru thrust his arm in front of Rin to shield her from Ranmaru’s eyes and allowed his yōki to rise and defend what was his to protect. He felt Rin shift on the bed and scoot back, not out of fear of him but for wanting to get out of his way. With a surprisingly steady voice he spoke. “Rin is not claimed.” “We preformed the ceremony, you cannot interfere now.” Ranmaru smirked and straightened his spine. “Before a priest we were wed and as my right I get to claim my bride.” Sesshomaru’s eye widened and his head whipped around to look at Rin. Her mouth was parted in shock as she stared at him, her hands holding the sheet over her chest and bridal kimono. Had he been too late? If so then he couldn’t… “Rin?” He whispered, drawing her attention. “Did you wed him?” “I…I…” she stammered, staring up at him with terrified eyes. “I don’t know. I heard a priest speaking but I…oh Kami…I didn’t know what was happening.” She dropped her head into her hands as her shoulders shook, the scent of her tears drifting to his nose. She didn’t know what was happening? Relief blossomed in his chest and, forgetting about Ranmaru, he knelt next to the bed, gently touching her arm. Rin shot her head up and looked into his now golden eyes. With a steady, calm voice he asked, “Did you say yes?” “Wh-what?” “Did you answer the priest?” He rephrased, daring to hope. Rin frowned and searched through her mind. Everything since her kidnapping seemed like a foggy dream but she focused hard on what happened just before Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Kagome burst into the room. With a steady release of the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding she shook her head. “No…I said nothing. I did nothing.” At Sesshomaru’s sigh of relief she stared at him in question. “What does that mean?” “It means…” He smirked and stood, facing Ranmaru again, his yōki rising again. “This Sesshomaru wasn’t too late.” With that he lunged for Ranmaru, Bakusaiga drawn and ready to cleave the yōkai’s head off. Unfortunately he was able to dodge and draw his own blade. Metal against metal sounded throughout the room as the inu yōkai clashed. Their energy began to grow and swirl around the room, tearing into the walls and floor. One tendril came to close to Rin causing her to cry out and jump to the side. With a mental curse Sesshomaru broke away from Ranmaru and jumped to Rin’s side. “Hold this.” He handed her Tensaiga. “Don’t move.” Rin took the sword and nodded. She shifted so she was on her knees and holding the sword in front of her. “How precious,” Ranmaru chuckled. “Trying to protect my mate. You still think you have a claim on her.” “You are not her mate. Rin did not choose you.” Sesshomaru replied, stepping away from Rin and raising Bakusaiga. “And you did not ask for this Sesshomaru’s permission.” He swung his sword, sending out its energy. Ranmaru quickly jumped to the side, watching as the energy struck the wall behind him causing it to crack and begin to crumble. With a smirk he faced the daiyōkai again. “A little touchy aren’t we? Or, perhaps, the great Sesshomaru-sama is jealous.” Rage filled Sesshomaru and he engaged Ranmaru again, their blades clashing. “I do not feel jealousy. Such a useless emotion.” Ranmaru began to laugh at his words. Sesshomaru growled, baring his fangs. ‘First he takes what belongs to this Sesshomaru and now he laughs. He will die.’ “You really are pathetic, Sesshomaru.” Ranmaru managed when he was able to calm down a little. “You can’t even acknowledge your emotions.” With a grunt he pushed into Sesshomaru, forcing the silver haired yōkai to break the connection. “Hn,” the daiyōkai narrowed his eyes, his face becoming expressionless again. “What would I have to become jealous about, Ranmaru? You are weak and hold no standing in the demon world. Nothing but a pawn. A tool to serve those with power.” This time Ranmaru attacked Sesshomaru, anger fueling him. Their blades clashed again and again until they were at a standstill, Ranmaru snarling inches from Sesshomaru. Rin watched as the two slowly circled, never breaking apart. She also realized that no matter where they moved Sesshomaru blocked her from Ranmaru’s gaze. But his gaze did lock on Rin and his snarl turned into an evil smirk. Again he pushed and the two broke apart. “You envy me Sesshomaru because…I took what you wanted!” Ranmaru laughed and, with a sudden increase of strength, began hacking at Sesshomaru and forcing the silver haired yōkai to defend himself. “I have the one thing you really desired. And once you’re dead,” He backed Sesshomaru into a wall and, with their blades between them, he leaned in, lowering his voice just enough for the other yōkai to hear. “I’m going to fuck her until she bares my pup. Then I might share her.” Sesshomaru only saw red after that. With a deafening roar his yōki burst from him, sending Ranmaru through the far wall. Vaguely he heard Rin scream but knew she was safe because of Tensaiga’s barrier. Eyes now a blood red and teeth turned into sharp fangs he leaped after Ranmaru. The dark haired yōkai was just barely on his feet when Sesshomaru tackled into him, sending them through another wall, this one stone. Gripping Ranmaru by the front of his kimono, Sesshomaru began to punch him over and over again, his blade forgotten. He didn’t want to use his nails, he was going to make the bastard suffer. Too bad he couldn’t really feel what he was doing, the anger was too great. “Mine.” He heard himself growl as he continued to slam his fist into Ranmaru’s face. “She is mine. You will never touch her.” Still he pounded the unconscious yōkai, uncaring of the blood that was seeping into the edges of his kimono sleeves. He didn’t feel the bruises on his knuckles. He did feel the gentle touch on his arm as he was ready to hit the man again. He froze as the hand curled around his bicep and another hand touched his face. With heavy breathing he stared into Rin’s light brown gaze. Her gentle, kind, caring eyes that were pleading with him. “Sesshomaru…” She whispered cupping his cheek. “Come back, Sesshomaru-sama.” Slowly his breathing calmed and his eyes faded back to their golden color. Deftly he released Ranmaru and let Rin pull him away from the carnage. He looked down to see she was still wearing the torn bridal kimono, the front gaping open to show him a portion of her pale chest and the bite marks. Without thinking he pulled the woman into his arms, hugging her to his chest. It just hit him how afraid he was for her. He’d been so scared he was going to be too late and that she was going to be lost to him forever. He couldn’t let that happen, his heart wouldn’t survive. Do you plan on leaving her again? Inuyasha’s words echoed through his skull and he knew his answer. “Sesshomaru-sama?” Rin whispered as he pulled back. He didn’t answer. He shrugged out of his outer kimono and handed it to her. “Put this on. It’ll be big but you’ll be able to move easier in it.” “O-ok.” She nodded, taking the clothing and handing him back Tensaiga. Once he turned around she quickly put on the kimono. To keep it from getting caught or causing her to trip she wrapped it up tight behind her body. She also released her tied up hair, letting it all flow down her back. “I-I’m ready.” Sesshomaru turned after retrieving Bakusaiga and felt his breath catch in his lungs again. How could she look so beautiful in the mist of this place? Reaching out he gently tucked a few strands of her ebony hair behind her ear, his hand resting on her cheek, eyes captured by her loving gaze. He couldn’t look away…or maybe he didn’t want to, it didn’t matter. Right now she was safe and smiling before him. That was all that mattered. Rin continued to stare up at her Lord, not wanting to see what was around them. All she wanted to do was take that step and close the distance between them again so she could bury her face in his chest and hold him. She wanted to take his face in her hands and kiss his mouth, let him see how much she loved him. How much she still loved him. She didn’t want him to leave her again. Vaguely she became aware of their faces inching closer together. Not wanting to discourage what may happen she covered the hand still on her cheek with her own and touched his shoulder with her free hand. Her heart was pumping so loud it was all she could hear. The lids of her eyes lowered of their own accord and she was pleased to see that his eye became hooded as well. A few more inches and… “NO!” The sudden scream tore them apart and had them both turning to face Ranmaru. Sesshomaru grabbed Rin and jumped away just in time to dodge the energy sent at them. With a snarl he faced Ranmaru just as the other yōkai was standing. “I will have her!” He roared and lunged for Sesshomaru, who pushed Rin aside and drew Bakusaiga again. Their blades clashed as their energies swirled around them. Ranmaru was growling at Sesshomaru, eyes wild and feral with blood dripping off his face. With another roar he began to strike at Sesshomaru, putting the daiyōkai back on the defensive. “I will have her! She is mine!” Ranmaru yelled, continuing to back Sesshomaru away from Rin. “I will never be yours!” Rin yelled from her place a distance away from the two yōkai. Ranmaru paused his actions and looked back at her. His eyes grew larger when he saw she no longer wore the bridal kimono but Sesshomaru’s kimono top. Rage swirled in his eyes and he jumped the distance between them, gripping her arm hard enough to make her cry out. “You slut! Remove that foul cloth.” He went to rip the kimono off her but Sesshomaru grabbed his wrist, squeezing it until the bones began to bend. “Release her.” The silver haired inu yōkai spoke in a strangely calm voice that belied the anger sparking in his red eyes. “How dare you!” Ranmaru yelled. He released Rin so he could thrust his shoulder into Sesshomaru’s chest and knock him to the ground. The dark haired yōkai jumped back with a growl. “Sesshomaru.” Rin gasped and went to take a step closer but stopped when he held out his hand and stood. Ranmaru looked back at her then at Sesshomaru, realizing that he couldn’t win. He held his sword up again but rather than aim at the other yōkai, he turned to Rin. She gasped and stepped back, realizing what he was going to do. “You should have chosen me.” Ranmaru growled. “But now, if I can’t have you, he can’t have you!” With a yell he swung his sword again, sending out his energy strait at her. Rin couldn’t move as the wall of energy came out her. If only she had held onto Tensaiga, the healing sword’s barrier might have protected her. Just as that thought had formed in her mind the light from Ranmaru’s attack was blocked and Sesshomaru was standing in front of her. She cried out at the yōki energies clashed and went off in different directions. One portion sliced deep into Sesshomaru’s wounded shoulder but he didn’t back down. When the energies calmed down Sesshomaru held up his blade, growling. “She is mine. And you will not harm this Sesshomaru’s Rin.” With one hard stroke he brought down Bakusaiga. The green energies from the blade struck Ranmaru dead center. He screamed as the energies consumed him, destroying his body and sending his soul into the deepest pits of hell. As the power subsided, an eerie silence filled the room, leaving both occupants wondering if it was over for good. Sudden pain struck Sesshomaru and he dropped to his knee, digging Bakusaiga into the ground to help support him. “Sesshomaru-sama,” Rin gasped and rushed around him so she could see what was wrong. His only true wound was the one on his shoulder. She grabbed the discarded kimono and tore a large piece free to hold against his wound. “Rin,” Sesshomaru spoke after a moment, surprised by her action. “That is unnecessary.” Tears gathered in her eyes but she refused to let them fall. Slowly she shook her head, staring at his wound. “It is my fault.” Gently he covered her hands with his, causing her to look up at him. Keeping her hands on his shoulder and looking into her eyes, he focused his will and healed the minor wound. She gasped at the slight warmth under her hand and looked to the gash. Lifting the bloody cloth she saw that it was healed. “Unnecessary.” He repeated in a whisper. “Huh…” she looked back at him, eyes becoming hooded again as she focused on his mouth. Before he could stop himself his hand moved to cup her cheek and his thumb stroked over her lower lip. Golden eyes shot up to meet light brown and the desire and yearning revealed in their depths was his weakness. In a flash he closed the distance between their lips, holding her in place. He swallowed her surprised gasp and had to stifle his growl of approval when she began to return his kiss a moment later. Her soft lips molding against his. Rin didn’t know what to do…to think. Sesshomaru was kissing her! And he had initiated the kiss! A large part of her brain told her she was dreaming but the other part…the other part was demanding she take the chance while she had it. So she returned his kiss, her hands lifting to cup his face. When his tongue ran along the seam of her lips, asking entrance, she opened her mouth with a moan and arched, pressing closer to him. She felt his growl as his free hand wrapped around her waist, holding her tight against his hard body, his tongue seeking hers. Too bad her lungs began to burn at that moment. Sesshomaru pulled back after a few more seconds, sensing that she needed air as much as he did. Panting and trying to corral his desires, he looked at the woman in his arms and nearly lost his battle. She was looking up at him with those lidded, desire filled eyes with her mouth slightly parted as she panted and a light blush staining her cheeks. She seemed to be glowing. “Rin…” In truth he didn’t know what he was going to say but before he could get another word out the entire place began to rumble. Rin gave a soft cry as she was knocked off her feet and further into his arms. “What’s happening?” “Either the cave was rigged to collapse at Ranmaru’s defeat or Inuyasha hit a pressure point.” He answered as he stood. “Doesn’t matter the situation, I’m ready to leave.” She shivered slightly as her eyes landed on the dusty remains of her kidnapper. Sesshomaru followed her gaze and held back his growl. The man was gone, he wasn’t hurting her anymore. Without a second thought he swept her up into his arms and began the flight back to the entrance. She gave a squeak and wrapped her arms around his neck for a moment. When she dropped her arms he felt the loss deep inside, as if she’d rejected him. But instead of pulling away completely she put her hands on his shoulder, remembering that he didn’t like to be close to anyone. They flew through the rumbling cave building at record speeds. A few close calls almost hit them when boulders and beams fell but they made it through. In minutes they had made it back out onto the altar where Sesshomaru put her down. They watched as Inuyasha used his Meido Zangetsuha to absorb the last of the soldiers before they could multiply. “Oi!” The hanyō called as the portals closed. “Took ya long enough.” Before either could reply the building began to rumble louder, larger pieced of the roof falling around them. “Is this because of a spell?” Rin asked, running down the altar to meet Kagome and Inuyasha. “Sorry, this is my fault.” Inuyasha shrugged. “My Meido Zangetsuha struck the foundation stone.” “Baka.” Sesshomaru sighed. “All the same, I’m glad this place is being destroyed.” Rin whispered, wrapping her arms around herself, eyes becoming distant. “I agree but let’s get out so we can enjoy that fact.” Kagome suggested just as a particularly large boulder began to descend upon the group. Inuyasha grabbed his mate while Sesshomaru snagged Rin, both jumping away. The brothers looked at each other, a nod of understanding passing through them. Kagome saw the exchange and quickly wrapped her arms around Inuyasha’s neck before he began to run through the crumbling building. Sesshomaru followed close behind, not wanting to risk flying in such a low ceiling passageway. When he was forced to dodge another boulder, his grip on Rin slipped. Fear had him stopping to make sure that he wasn’t going to drop her. “Sesshomaru-sama?” She stared up at him with confusion, not a single drop of fear in her gaze. She trusted him completely. “Wrap your arms around my neck.” He instructed, not looking down at her. “You will need to hold on.” “Ok,” she nodded and looped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer. Then he was off at such a speed that she had to tighten her grip. His powerful legs ate up the distance between them and Inuyasha, easily dodging the falling debris. In no time he was right back behind his brother and a few minutes later they were bursting from the cave’s entrance, dust and debris following behind them. The two brothers paused a good distance away to watch the cave entrance to the stone palace collapse in on itself. “Thank Kami that’s over.” Kagome sighed, nuzzling into her mate’s neck before putting her feet on the ground. “Yeah…” Rin stared at the remains, her hand coming up to her neck. Sesshomaru looked down at her, well aware that he was still holding her close and that he didn’t want to let her go. His eyes landed on the bite marks she was trying to cover and he remembered clearly where else those marks were. This time he let his growl rumble through his chest, causing the others to look at him. “S-Sesshomaru-sama?” Rin whispered, pulling back slightly and suddenly very aware that she was still in his arms. “We need to talk.” Was all he could manage before taking flight again. She gave a startled cry and clung to him tighter. Over his shoulder she could see Inuyasha and Kagome staring after them but they were already too far away for her to hear what was being said. Unsure what to do she simply held on tightly to the daiyōkai flying through the sky. Despite the angry look on his handsome face and what had happened, she wasn’t scared, merely tired. So she laid her cheek against his Mokomoko and waited for him to end this sudden journey. Finally Sesshomaru descended, gently touching his feet to the soft green grass of his little paradise. In his arms Rin blinked and looked around, eyes widening and mouth parting as she took in the beautiful scenery. He set her feet down so that she could feel the softness of the grass and inspect the area. He’d found it many years ago during one of his many visits to see her. The little oasis was higher up on the mountain then what was easy to get to for a human so it was relatively untouched and unknown. Hidden by trees this little area housed a small waterfall that flowed into a stream, the waters crystal clear blue and pure. A few feet from the waterfall there was a small pool, just big enough for two people. And littered around were many different kinds of flowers, ranging in all colors. This place had reminded him so much of her. “This place is…amazing.” Rin spoke in an awed whisper, wide eyes trying to take in everything at once. “How did you find it?” “The flowers.” He nodded at the large number of flowers. “Their scents drew me.” Rin walked to a cluster and knelt, taking in the flowers’ wonderful fragrances, for a moment forgetting what she had been through. She gave a light chuckle and turned to face him. Her smile droop when she realized he’d moved to sit on a large rock and was staring at her with a strange look in his golden eyes. Taking a deep breath she walked up to him, stopping a few feet away. “Sesshomaru-sama?” She called softly and waited for him to acknowledge her before continuing. “What did you leave Rin?” “To protect you and give you a human life.” He spoke without hesitation, face seemingly emotionless. There was no point in hiding the truth from her. That confession caused Rin’s heart to lift a little. He hadn’t been angry or tired of her. She took another step closer and spoke. “Why did Sesshomaru-sama go after Rin when she was taken?” He took a deep breath before answering. “Because this Sesshomaru promised to always protect Rin…despite what he said.” She closed her eyes and sighed before stepping closer again, almost touching him. “Why did Sesshomaru-sama call this Rin his?” This time his eyes widened. He hadn’t thought she’d heard him. He hadn’t even been aware of what he was saying. “I…because you belong to this Sesshomaru. Rin is his to protect and to give away.” He looked away, trying to keep the heat from staining his cheeks. Rin tilted her head slightly, regarding his features. To anyone other than her his action and expression could be passed off as him not caring. But she knew there was something else to his words, though they were true. Sesshomaru didn’t lie, not to her. So this time she summoned all her courage, while beating back her shyness, and closed the distance between them. Lifting up the edges of the kimono she wore, she placed herself on his lap with her legs straddling his hips. His head snapped around and up slightly to face her, golden eyes wide with shock as she placed her hands delicately on his shoulders. Though she was in an intimate position with him she made sure that her hands were the only part of her body that touched him. Rin lowered her face closer to his, keeping a few inches between them. Drawing in a breath to help calm her nerves and, without success, steady her heart a little. With a steady exhale she asked the one thing that had been buzzing in her mind. “Why did Sesshomaru kiss Rin?” Every muscle in his body froze at her question. He didn’t know how to answer since he wasn’t even sure he knew why. But looking into her innocent, pleading eyes he found he wanted to do it again. That he wanted to kiss her until all she knew was his taste then he wanted to erase Ranmaru’s touch with his own. He wanted to claim every part of her that he could. Slowly his hands lifted until they rested on her waist. She jumped slightly but didn’t move away or give any indication of wanting to leave. Her hands actually moved until they were loosely wrapped around his neck. But they simply continued to stare at each other for a long moment. “Why, Sesshomaru?” She whispered, leaning closer. “Because…” he finally spoke, eyes turning into melted honey due to the desire shinning in them. “…this Sesshomaru wanted to.” With that he raised his head and closed the distance between them. She moaned the instant his lips touched hers and leaned into him, unable to hold back her feelings any more. Her fingers drifted up the back of his neck and skull to delve into his luscious silver hair and press him closer. When his tongue sought entrance into her mouth she didn’t hesitate to open it, her tongue moving meeting his. As his tongue dueled with hers, Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly to deepen the kiss and drifted his hands down her sides to her hips. He felt her hands tighten into fist in his hair as he squeezed her hips a little. He smirked into the kiss and continued moving his hands until he was cupping her firm butt. With a growl he squeezed and pulled her flush against his body, his growl intensifying when her heated core pressed against his throbbing, aching manhood. Rin tore her mouth away from his to gasp at the sudden full body contact and at the sensations the hardness against her feminine core caused. Pleasure like she never knew shot up and down her spine, heat pooling in her lower belly. Before she could say anything Sesshomaru began to attack her neck; kissing, sucking, and nipping. But unlike when Ranmaru had his mouth on her, Sesshomaru’s touch caused more heat to pool within her and elicited pleasured moans from her instead of terrified screams. Unable to do anything else she hugged his head to her neck and let her head roll back. Her eyes drifted shut at the pleasure he was giving her, allowing her to simply feel more. Even louder moans tore from her throat, every once in a while accompanied by a growl on his part. She tasted so good and he knew he would never get enough. He wanted to taste every single inch of her body and hear every sound of pleasure she could make. Growling again he nipped and sucked on a mark left behind by Ranmaru until he was satisfied that his mark was the only thing left behind. Before he was done he would erase that bastard’s touch and make his Rin burn from him. She would not even remember another’s name aside from his. As his mouth finished with the junction of her neck and shoulder and continued to the marks on her exposed chest, a part of him told him to pull back before it became too late. Licking at a particularly large mark he realized that part of him was right, he should pull back and remove her from his lap, put distance between them. But then she gave a slight cry of pleasure and arched, pressing her chest into his mouth telling him she didn’t want him to stop. And, in truth, he didn’t think he could pull away now that he’d had a taste and she wasn’t stopping him. For him to stop she had to say so. Then and only then would he be able to pull away. It was her call. “Sesshomaru…” she moaned his name and clung to him tighter as he sucked harder on the top on her breast. She arched again when he growled and nipped her skin before licking the sting away. Her movement caused her to rub her heated core against his still hardening member. “Rin…” her name left his mouth as a pure, sensual growl. Slowly he trailed his hands up her back until he came to the tie she’d made from the sleeves. One yank and he’d have full access to the body that haunted him. He’d have her. With a pained groan he began to kiss his way back up to her mouth. He paused to nibble on her earlobe, smirking when she gasped and dug the nails of one hand into the back of his neck. One last nip and he began to place kisses along her jaw until he came to her parted mouth. One hand left her back to get tangled in her long black hair as his mouth claimed hers again. He swallowed her moan, enjoying it when she tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Eventually he pulled back, both desperate for air, and rested his forehead against hers. There was a light flush across her cheeks while her lips were swollen and slightly parted. Her light brown eyes locked on his golden ones as she panted for the breath he’d taken from her. The bright depths were shinning at him with desire and…happiness? Hope? Love? When she gave him a small smile he knew it was love that was shinning the brightest in her eyes. His heart squeezed in his chest and he closed his eyes, shaking his head slightly. “Sesshomaru?” She whispered, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. He turned to kiss her palm before opening his eyes to look up at her. Lust and desire pulsed through him when their eyes locked again. For all the pride he had in his self-control, it was useless with the clearly aroused woman in his lap. “Tell me no.” He finally spoke, his usually smooth voice sounding husky and rough even to him. “W-what?” She pulled back so she could look at him fully. The movement once again caused her core to rub against him. Sesshomaru growled, eyes shut again at the sensations rippling through him. His hands snapped back to her hips and held her in place. “Tell this Sesshomaru no or Rin will regret what will happen.” Rin blinked down at him, not fully understanding his words. Then she felt the subtle buck of his hips and the gentle press of his manhood against her womanhood. Her mouth dropped open to form an “O” as she understood. He wanted her but would force himself away if she said no. But…did she want to send him away? Her mind began to replay the last six months, from when he turned his back on her to what they had been doing just minutes before. Those months without him had nearly killed her, her heart had been so broken. Then when Ranmaru had kidnapped her and tried to marry her, the only thoughts she’d had were about Sesshomaru and if she was going to see him again. Then he’d shown up, her silver haired hero, and he’d even called her his. Now they sat together as only lovers should sit and she found that she couldn’t be happier. Why shouldn’t they have this one evening and night together? Both clearly wanted it and Rin felt as if she needed to be with him. If only once. She knew the differences between them, what he thought, and what would most likely happen when the sun rose tomorrow. But should she let that stop her? Would she regret it if she let things continue or would she regret things even more if she didn’t let them start? Looking down at him she knew her answer. She could never regret giving him her body or her heart, not really. But she would hate herself if she stopped this moment and sent him out to find another to assist in something that was, in a way, her fault. Shifting slightly, she framed his face with her hands and placed her lips against his. Running her tongue across his lower lip, it was her turn to fully initiate a deep kiss. For a moment he didn’t move, but eventually he opened his mouth and let her tongue in. This kiss continued until air was required and Rin pulled back just far enough to look into his eyes. She shook her head slowly, never taking her eyes off his so he could see the desire, the determination, and the love she felt. “Rin says yes.” Sesshomaru’s breath caught at her words and her eyes. There was no point in arguing or pressing the issue, not that he could. Rin wanted him as much as he wanted her and she didn’t care for the consequences. She was giving herself to him and he was desperate enough...no, greedy and selfish enough to take her. Without another thought he lunged at her, his mouth taking hers. He swallowed her surprised gasp and growled when she moaned. His kiss was rough and hard, demanding everything from her. But when he bit her lower lip a little too hard, causing her to wince, he pulled back his desire a bit. This was her first time and he was going to be gentle…or as gentle as his lust and desire driven mind would allow. So he pulled back to see if she still wanted this. When he saw no doubt in her eyes he smiled and quickly removed his armor before kissing her again. Rin sighed this time when his lips met hers. She would never tire of kissing him that was for sure. When his mouth broke away from hers to trail down her neck she took the opportunity to feel the daiyōkai under her. Through the thin material of his juban she could feel his hard, lean muscles. Wanting her hands on his bare skin she parted the juban and dove her hands beneath, marveling at the smooth warmth they met. Sesshomaru growled against Rin’s neck when her hands touched his heated skin. Finding that it was only fair, he took hold of the tie she’d made and pulled. His kimono instantly parted and became loose around her. The only reason it had not pooled in his lap was because she was inadvertently holding it up with her arms. With another impatient growl he yanked the fabric so that it was freed, leaving her bare to his gaze. Rin felt the gentle evening breeze brush across her back and shivered, loving the contrast to Sesshomaru’s warmth pressed against her front. When his mouth left her skin she looked down at him in curiosity. Without a word he removed his Mokomoko, placing it beside them on the rock, but when he went too shrug his juban off she stopped him. Smiling shyly she lowered her head until she was able to kiss the pale skin of his neck. To her delight he released a long moan, his hands moving back to grip her butt. Following his example from earlier, Rin began to kiss, lick, nip, and suck at his neck and downward. When she encountered the edge of the juban she pushed is aside and tasted the newly exposed skin. When his nipple was exposed she flicked her tongue over it, causing him to groan and tighten his hold on her. All too soon she had one side of the juban removed so she started over on the other side. Everything she did on the first side she repeated. Except when she came to his nipple where she dragged her teeth gently across it. This time he released a low hiss and lifted his hips, causing them both to moan. Pleased at her boldness and his reaction, Rin continued her tasting until the other half of his juban was removed then pulled back to look at him. To her amazement his eyes were hooded, his cheeks were flushed ever so slightly, and his mouth was parted as he panted. His hands on her butt seemed to be shaking as they gripped her yet he wasn’t hurting her. She realized that he was on the edge of his control because of her. There was no stopping the small prideful grin from forming on her mouth. He watched the corners of her mouth tilt up in a smug grin and growled. She’d had her fun, now it was his turn. Releasing her bottom for a moment he shrugged his arms the rest of the way out of his juban. This time when his hands touched her he pulled her flush against him, smirking at her shocked gasp. “My turn.” He growled, taking her mouth in his again. With one hand pressed firmly against her back he used his other to throw his kimono that she’d been wearing on the ground before them. Once that was done he moved that hand to cup her breast. Rin broke the kiss to gasp at the sudden sensation of his hand on her bare breast. As he squeezed and toyed with her breast and nipple his mouth began its decent down her neck to the other side. Gripping his shoulders tightly, she watched him as he pulled back slightly and looked up at her. Still smirking he flicked his tongue over her taunt nipple, causing her to give a soft cry. He chuckled before closing his mouth completely around the peak and sucking, her hands diving into his silver hair. “Sesshomaru.” She moaned as he continued to toy and play with her breasts. His fingers tweaked and pulled on one nipple while his teeth copied the movements on the other. Instinctively her hips began to grind against his to each suck and pull he gave. After a few minutes Sesshomaru switched the attention of his mouth to her other breast and brought the hand at her back around to knead the breast he’d just left. When he was sure she was holding on tight to his shoulders he began to drift his free hand down her flat, firm stomach. He paused with his hand flat against her lower belly, a longing tugging at him, but he pushed it a side in search of his ultimate goal. The soft, fine curls brushing his fingers told him when he’d found it and he gave the mound in his mouth a gentle bite, licking the sting away when she gave a cry. Pausing his hand’s decent again he took her nipple back in his mouth and looked up at her again. Her eyes were closed as her mouth was parted and her head tossed back slightly. The rosy flush across her body seemed to make her glow in the very last rays of sun light. She truly was beautiful. Inside and out. Keeping his eyes locked on her face he released her nipple and waited for her to look at him. When she finally opened her eyes and locked on his he began to move his hand again. He cupped her core and gently began to rub. Rin moaned loudly, her eyelids drifting down but not closing completely. Good, he wanted her to watch him and he wanted to see her. As his hand continued to rub against her, her slick juices beginning to coat his palm, he looped his other arm around her back to hold her. Then he ran a finger between her neither lips, groaning at how wet she was already. She gasped this time and bucked, seeking more of what he did. Still keeping his eyes locked with hers he dipped his middle finger inside her. Rin moaned at the feeling of his finger penetrating her and tried to keep her eyes open but when he began to move it she couldn’t. She tossed her head back and bucked her hips against his hand, pleasure coursing through her. Sesshomaru smirked at her reaction, enjoying the feel of her grinding against his hand to seek her release. With a growl he took her nipple back in his mouth and added his forefinger. She cried out again and looped her arms around his neck as she arched, his arm around her back the only thing keeping her from falling backwards. With a quickened pace he pumped his fingers inside her, wanting to feel her climax. “Se…Sesshomaru…” She groaned, dropping her head to his shoulder and bucking harder against him. The fire and pressure were becoming too much. He pulled back with a long suck and tug. She was so close. Leaning forward he nipped at her earlobe, licking the spot just behind it. She shivered and her breath caught, hips pressing harder. He increased his pace, adding a third finger. She moaned into the skin of his shoulder before kissing it then his neck. Almost there, she just needed another push. “Let go, Rin.” He whispered huskily and bit her neck. Rin tossed her head back and screamed as the pleasure and fire washed all through her. Her back arched into him as his fingers continued to move inside her, slowly and leisurely. As the waves of pleasure dimmed she lowered her head to his shoulder again, panting to catch her breath. When he chuckled and began to kiss her shoulder she pulled back in question. His golden eyes sparked while a smirk formed on his mouth. “Beautiful.” Was all he said before claiming her mouth again. She could only moan as he kissed her, the fire and pressure beginning to build again. His fingers removed themselves from her core and she couldn’t help her moan at their loss. He smiled into the kiss and she suddenly had the sensation of falling but didn’t care. Then her heated back was being pressed into a cool cloth. His kimono, she realized when he pulled back to stare down at her. With curious eyes she watched as he trailed a hand down her stomach, something wet being left behind. A dark blush spread over her cheeks when she realized that the liquid had come from her…from where his fingers had been. She watched as that hand lifted up from her navel to his perfect mouth. Her blush only darkened when his tongue snaked out to lick at the liquid on his fingers. Sesshomaru nearly groaned at the pure taste of her. Ambrosia, that’s what she tasted like to him. Sweet, clean, and all his. Keeping his eyes on her he cleaned his fingers then lowered himself over her so he could lap up the trail he’d left on her stomach. She moaned and arched under him, her hands fisting on his kimono. Once all of her juices had been cleaned up, he rose over her to claim her lips again, wanting her to taste what he did. She groaned and wrapped her arms around his neck again. The taste of her ecstasy mixed with the taste of his mouth had her desire spiking higher. He pulled back from her mouth and scooted down her body, pausing to lick and nip at her breasts and her navel. With his hands on her thighs he parted her legs further and settled between them. The pure concentrated scent of her arousal hit him harder then he would have expected. The growl that escaped him was the only warning he gave before he attacked. Rin cried out at the sudden attack on her core, at the mouth sucking on her. When she felt his tongue stroke her she arched, crying out again. He growled into her flesh, devouring her as he thrust his tongue in and out of her. In no time he had her on the verge of climax again, her hips bucking into his face while her hands dug into his hair. He growled again, the vibrations sending her over with a scream. Sesshomaru continued to lap at her core, drawing out her release. When it became too much for him he gave one last lap and pulled back. She was panting as she stared up at him, amazement and love in her eyes. Again he kept his eyes locked on hers, drawing strength on her love, needing to know she was letting him do this because she loved him. His hands found the tie to his hakamas, tugging it free. He rose to his feet and removed all of his clothing, wanting to be able to feel all of her bare skin on his. Rin took in the sight of him, just as naked as she was. All his lean muscles bare to her gaze and she greedily absorbed the sight. When her eyes landed on his swollen member she felt a moment of fear that quickly melted into anticipation. She rose up onto her elbows as he lowered to his knees between her legs. Their lips met in a passionate kiss and her arm found its way around his neck again. Using her hold on his neck to help keep her up, she trailed her free hand down his chest, ranking her nails along the hard plains. When the inside of her wrist brushed the head of his manhood, Sesshomaru let out a throaty moan and pushed her back onto his kimono. Curious at what he would feel like she reached out and stroked the long shaft, earning a shuttering moan from him. Feeling braver she curled her hand around him, her fingers nowhere near touching, his length too thick. Was he going to fit? As that thought passed through her skull she gently squeezed and dragged her hand up. The primal growl Sesshomaru gave as he pulled back and grabbed her wrist, removing her hand, actually had her freezing. She looked up and gasped when light brown eyes met red. “I can’t…” he tried to speak. “…hold back.” Slowly he rocked his hips, rubbing his erection against her heat. Rin gasped and bit her lip, her head tilting back as she bucked her hips slightly. He growled as the head of his member pressed ever so slightly into her. “Yes…” she hissed and wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers threading in his hair. The needy, huskiness of her voice shredded the last of his control. He dipped down and took her mouth again. With one hard, sure thrust he buried himself to the hilt and broke through the last remains of her maidenhood. That sensation followed by the gasp of pain and the nails digging into his back reminded him that she needed to adjust. She was giving herself to him and he would be considerate, he would hold back until she was ready. Rin couldn’t hold in her gasp of pain as he filled her, stretching her to a near breaking point. He was big and it hurt but she refused to let her tears fall. The pain would fade, Kagome and Sango had told her so, and she was thankful that he wasn’t moving. Slowly she released her death grip on his back and realized how rigid he was. He was trying not to hurt her, holding back while he wanted nothing more than to thrust into her. At that realization she let her tears fall. Sesshomaru pulled back from the kiss as he smelled the salt of her tears. She was looking up at him with pure love in her brown eyes, no regret or pain, only love. His heart stalled, unable to understand how she could look at him like that after everything he’d done, everything she’d seen him do. And why did he feel as if he needed her to look at him like that? Why did this feel…right? “Ses…shomaru.” She whispered, tilting her hips slightly to relieve some of the lingering pain. He hissed at the sensation, forcing his body not to move. “Please…” Her hand cupped his cheek, her thumb tracing the marks on the side of his face. “You can…move.” To prove her point she lifted her hips to meet his, both gasping at the sensation. He stared at her for a few more heartbeats before he pulled out slowly. She was so tight around him, squeezing him without effort. With only the tip of his member still inside her he kept his eyes locked on hers and thrust back in. She cried out again, arching under him and he became lost to his desire and passion. Slow at first to allow her to adjust, he pumped into her. In, out, in, out. Over and over, until the pace just wasn’t enough for him. As he increased his speed and strength he took one nipple into his mouth, toying with the hardened peak. The sounds Rin made as he thrust into her and sucked her breast drove him mad. And her scent wasn’t helping, swirling around him and invading his senses until all he knew was the woman beneath him. Her scent, her touch, her taste, her sounds…everything. Rin arched under her Lord again as he continued to increase the strength and speed in which he entered her. The pure sensation of pleasure was overloading her but she wanted more. She wanted more of him. Without thought, since it seemed she was incapable of thinking at the moment, she linked her legs around his waist and met his thrusts, finding the rhythm he’d set. When he growled at her action she began to kiss his shoulder. Both became desperate to find completion, each just out of reach. Sesshomaru gripped her hips tightly and began to thrust at an inhuman speed, his release so close and he knew hers was even closer. As his thrust rocked her whole body, she tried to hold in her cries and moans, burying her face in his neck. When one hard, deep thrust hit that one spot she couldn’t hold it in any more. She bit deep into his shoulder and dug her nails into his back to keep from screaming but it was too much. She tossed her head back and let loose her scream as her release overtook her. Sesshomaru stiffened the instant her teeth sank into his shoulder, his yōkai raising and turning his eyes red. When she screamed her release, her walls tightening around him, he moved faster. In a few short thrust he sent her into another climax and he dropped his head to the juncture of her neck and shoulder. As his release slammed through him he gave the most animalistic growl he’d ever made and sank his elongated teeth into her flesh, causing her to arch her body even more and cry out again, clinging to him as if her life depended on him. Wave after wave of pleasure rocked through him, into her and back. It was so intense that it became difficult to tell where one wave ended and the other began. White light blinded her as she clung to him. Distantly she felt him lick at her neck as his body gently and slowly rocked into hers, ridding out the waves of ecstasy. The euphoric high slowly faded after what felt like forever and yet only seconds. He held himself above the panting woman on, to his surprise, shaking arms. Never before had his release been so…powerful, so strong that it shook him. And looking down at Rin, he knew she’d felt the same way though she’d never had experience before him. That thought practically made him purr as he lowered his head back to the mark on her shoulder. With all his years of honing his control and his discipline, he never believed he’d lose it all because of her. He would never have believed that his yōkai would really truly desire her, an ordinary human, yet the proof was there. Though, Rin was anything but ordinary to him. She gave a soft, satisfied moan as he continued to lick at the mark on her. Her hands gently combed through his silver tresses. The rise and fall of her chest slowly began to even out as her breathing returned to normal. That delicious scent of hers, now mixed with his, still permeated the air strongly. It was a scent he would never tire of. “Sesshomaru?” She called softly when she heard him growl softly, unsure if she should add the honorific to his name or not. He pulled back from the mark and looked into her satisfied yet worried gaze. Gently he took her mouth in his for another breathless kiss before pulling out of her core and rolling to the side. Once flat on his back he pulled her until she lay half on him, his chest her pillow. “You will not go back to that village.” He announced after a long moment of silence. Rin frowned and sat up to she could look at him. “What? Why? I thought-” “You will come with this Sesshomaru. There is much you will need to learn.” His face held no emotion as he stared at her though the gentle stroking over her bare back told her something. “You want me with you?” She frowned not understanding him. “Why and what do I need to learn?” A smile graced his lips as he lifted his other hand up to trace the mark on her shoulder. Rin’s frown intensified as her hand reached up to feel the slight ridges of the bite mark. Why did he keep going back to this mark? Then she remembered the way Inuyasha would nuzzle against Kagome’s neck and nip her in the exact spot where the mark was on Rin. She remembered seeing the teeth marks and the blush on the miko’s face when she’d asked about it. It was Inuyasha’s mating mark. Which meant that Sesshomaru had… “This Sesshomaru will keep his mate close.” He finally answered when he knew she’d figured it out. “You will learn to be this daiyōkai’s mate and care for his home and lands. You will stay by this Sesshomaru.” Rin blinked at him, trying to comprehend what was happening. “What if I wish to return to Kaede-sama and Kagome-chan and Inuyasha-sama? What if I want to stay with them?” He narrowed his eyes and growled, fingers tightening in her hair. “Do you wish to stay? To leave this Sesshomaru?” She blinked slowly and lowered herself until she was propping her chin up on her forearm on his chest. “I merely ask what if. They are kind to me and my friends. I should like to see them, especially the children.” “Then you may visit but you will live with this Sesshomaru and want for nothing.” His fingers released her hair and began to stroke the soft locks. She gave a happy smile and laid her head back on his chest. “This Rin already wants nothing aside from a life with her lord.” “And a longer life Rin will have.” He murmured, smiling to himself. She was now his mate therefore her life span would match his. His Rin would not age nor become ill nor fade from him. She was his forever now and that thought made him…happy. “Sesshomaru?” She called softly, fatigue evident in her voice. “Rin?” He answered, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her up his body so her head rested against his shoulder. Next he grabbed his Mokomoko and wrapped it around their heads to be used as a pillow before he pulled his juban over them. She gave a small yawn before continuing. “Why did Sesshomaru-sama mark this Rin?” He looked down at the top of her head, a small frown on his face. Did she doubt him? Taking her chin in his hand he tilted her head back until he could look into her eyes. “Because Rin is the one who marked this Sesshomaru. She is the one who stole his heart and gave him kindness while never fearing him.” Gently he kissed her lips. “Because Rin is the only one this Sesshomaru needs.” Tears glittered behind her eyes at his words. Rising slightly, she did the one thing she’d always wanted to do. She kissed his forehead, right over the crescent moon mark. Then she gave him a sweet, loving kiss on the lips before settling back against his shoulder. Sleep decided to take her then, allowing her to whisper one more thing before she entered the land of dreams. “I love you, Sesshomaru.” He stared down at her as her breathing became deeper, sleep fully taking her. Holding her tightly to his chest he looked up at the clear night sky and smiled again. For once in his life he was truly content. Truly happy. All because of the sleeping woman in his arms. One day he would be able to tell her. To confess what she made him feel. But right now he couldn’t say it to her conscious mind. So he simply held her tighter, nuzzling his face into her hair and whispered, “I love you, my Rin." So what do you think of part one? Originally was written as a long one-shot but decided to post another part. Juban- a traditional under shirt when wearing a kimono. -obi -used asAunt -oji - used as Uncle
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