Changing

The ground was steaming, the air was full of dust and dirt, the stench was horrible and the land mass was burnt. It was a scene too horrific to be one made by nature. The area was silent, though moments before it was full of battle cries and explosions, echoes from the fight had already died on the wind. And the battle had been long, and hard, full of sweat and tears of blood. It had been a miracle that the battle had come to an end for the events had seemed to be never ending, something no one had wanted, for the longer the battle continued the more chances that there would be casualties.

Now that battle had ended, it was much too late for wishes and hopes. There had been casualties. In the heat of battle the unthinkable happened. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha had teamed together for the first time in their last effort to destroy Naraku. Kagome shot the arrow that purified the Shikon no Tama within Naraku, realizing that arrow had been filled with the spirit of Kikyo, and then the two inu brothers combined their sword attacks to create a most powerful move that was far beyond the power of just one of them. But Naraku had already attacked, even as he was dying, his attack ripped through both inu brothers.

Sango, cradling her now dead brother, Kohaku, his shard been ripped from his body by Naraku to complete the Shikon no Tama to gain strength against them during the fight moments before, had watched on. Miroku laid unconscious behind her, having sucked in enough poison with his Kazana to have killed him, to have furthered his the deadly poisoned vein to his heart. Shippo and Kirara both at their last ounce of power could only watch on, as well as the stricken Kagome.

Rin and Jaken had also watched on from far behind, but as the blast from Naraku’s attack sliced through Sesshoumaru, the little girl of nine, ran towards him, calling his name in desperate hope that he may be alright. Jaken had no choice but to follow along after her, his own fears causing him to cry out as well.

And now only the weeps from two young girls could be heard on the wind. As the their most precious friends started to breath their last breathes, preparing for the afterlife, they sat beside them, clutching their hands or their clothes, trying to hold on to them, trying to keep them here with them.

Rin was holding fast to Sesshoumaru’s giant furred tassel, tears pouring from her eyes, her face red and set in a frown that could break any cold heart. Jaken could only stand behind her and cover his eyes as he knew his Lord would be passing on soon. Sesshoumaru weakly turned his head towards Rin, blood slowly dripping from his mouth. He looked at her and for the first time in his life, smiled, or tried to smile as gently as he could. He reached up slowly and cupped her cheek.

“Rin…”

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

“Always…do what you want.”

“Sesshoumaru-sama, please don’t die, please don’t leave me and Jaken-sama!!!”

“Rin, it is too late. It will happen.”

“Sessh…,” Her voice was cut off by her sobs, but she tried to finish, but it came out as a broken whisper, “-sama.”

He said his last sentence as he turned his face upward, ready for death. And it wasn’t long before death took him, but not before he heard the sudden loud cries of the odd Miko, Kagome. His brother had just died…it seemed fitting almost. To die with his brother, ending the linage of his father, it was almost too appropriate. He then passed on, ready for whatever the next life had to offer, his hand falling from Rin’s cheek.

Rin cried out loudly to match that of Kagome’s, her head suddenly buried in her arms on her dear Sesshoumaru‘s furred tassel. It didn’t seem fair that all the people she loved died. Her parents, her brothers, Kohaku, and now Sesshoumaru. Was she cursed? Rin continued to cry. It was unfair that Tenseiga hadn’t protected it’s master. It had protected him before but not now? It had saved her life but not Sesshoumaru‘s? Rin didn’t know what to think, she only knew her pain at the moment. The area was filled with grief and loss, it turned away the sunshine, and turned away any silent prays for a different ending.

Rin could only think of her lost Sesshoumaru. Jaken could only do the same. But slowly her tears and cries slowed. Soon she quieted down. It was as if something was calling her. Tenseiga was a holy sword, it brought her back from life. And now it’s wielder was dead. But that didn’t mean it couldn’t bring him back to life. He had protected her, cherished her, and showed her so much compassion over the time she had been with him it was unbearable to think she would go on without him. It was the least she could, she had to try. She raised her head and saw everyone in tears, no one was paying any attention to her, not even Jaken. No one noticed her tears were drying.

Rin’s face was then set in determination. She grabbed the sword from ground beside her and held it up. It was too big for her, she could hardly lift it as it was too heavy for her, but it didn’t deter her from her hope. She didn’t know how to use it, she didn’t know if she could even use it, but she wasn’t going to give up. So she thought hard about Sesshoumaru, This is for Sesshoumaru-sama! For Sesshoumaru-sama!!! Rin opened her eyes, hoping that this would work, but as she opened her eyes, she saw that nothing was different. She sighed, but then the tears came back to her eyes. She fought with them. But her young body could only withstand so much until she cried out once again. Closing her eyes, stilling holding on to the Tenseiga, though she was beginning to feel it slip from her hold, she raised her head to the sky and yelled.

“SESSHOUMARU-SAMA!!!” Rin’s heart had went into her cry, her whole being had felt it like a great dam had been opened. She was starting to shake. But as her head went back to look at her fallen friend and companion, she saw youkai around him with chains. They looked so evil and menacing, like they wanted to take him away. She didn’t want them near him, she didn’t want them to take him away!

“Get away from Sesshoumaru-sama!!” Rin yelled, and this time Jaken saw her and what she was doing. Before he could berate her for trying to use the Tenseiga, the unimaginable happened.

Rin closed her eyes and swung Tenseiga at the imp like youkai around Sesshoumaru. As she swung she became unbalanced and fell, dropping the sword. Her ungraceful swing didn’t look like it had done anything, just slash at air, but as Rin looked back to where those imps had been standing, they had vanished. Rubbing her behind she stood and looked at the body before her. She had failed. She had tried and she had failed!!! Rin could not hold back the tears again, rubbing her eyes with her arm, she wept for the person she loved most in all the world.

It was an odd feeling, a moment before he felt his life drain from him, but now he was staring at the sky once again. He breathed in deeply then slowly sat up. Wide eyed, Sesshoumaru looked at Rin and the sword fallen beside her. Her wails broke his heart and the shocked look on Jaken’s face confirmed for him what he suspected as soon as he awoke from death.

“S-Sesshoumaru….sa-m-ma??” Jaken was too taken away for words, only voicing his question in his tone.

Immediately Rin looked back up. Her eyes had to register was she saw. And as soon as they did, a smile as bright as the sun spread across her face. She couldn’t hold back, yelling his name, she ran forward, her arms wide, to hug him.

Kagome and the others then looked on from Inuyasha’s body to the now alive Sesshoumaru. Too surprised for words they looked on in astonishment. Sesshoumaru just looked at Rin as she held on to him. After all his worries about her, his silent hopes that she would always be safe, that it was her that eventually saved him from the grips of death, that a small human girl had the strength of heart to use Tenseiga, even without youki, was almost too heavy for him to even contemplate. And now? What would he do? Looking at the faces around him, he knew what he had to do. What he wanted to do.

“Rin.” Sesshoumaru used the lowest voice he could use, looking at her with a face almost devoid of emotion except for his caring eyes. His tone was clear to her.

Rin stepped back from him, releasing her hold of him. Continuing to look at him with stars in her eyes, she couldn’t feel her body, it was numb from happiness, from pure glee.

“I’m so happy Sesshoumaru-sama! You’re alive!!”

Sesshoumaru glanced at her as he stood. His own thoughts on humans would have to re-examined. She had saved him, even when she could not have hoped for any real chance of reviving him. Rin, he precious little ward, in the midst of her grief found the strength to do the impossible. Sighing, he realized he was about to do something he would never have imagined himself doing, just as Rin saved him, he would save his younger brother. Somehow he could not bring himself just to walk away, over the last year or so he had slowly started to accept his younger brother as family. It wasn’t something that happened over night and he wasn’t about to declare this to anyone, but the less he thought ill of humans, the more he found himself seeing Inuyasha as the brother he was. Sesshoumaru knew it had to do with Rin. At first he didn’t even quite think of her as human, but over the wide expanse of time, he saw her as human, and his platonic love he had for her made its way towards other humans. Hanyou’s were looking better to him by the day, as they seem to have a collection of strength and emotion that was both appealing and different. Slowly and casually, after picking up his sword, his walked towards the lifeless body of Inuyasha. Kagome sat frozen beside him, keeping her unbelieving eyes on Sesshoumaru.

“Move.” Was all Sesshoumaru said and Kagome backed away from Inuyasha as fast as her grieving body would allow her.

He stood for a moment, watching over the body of his dead brother. It took only a moment, before he saw the pallbearers of the afterlife hovering over Inuyasha’s body greedily, ready to haul his soul into the void beyond. Lifting his sword with his only hand, he quickly slashed the air, cutting into the images of the pallbearers. He then seethed his sword into it’s saya, waiting patiently for the eyes of his brother to open.

Slowly, almost as if they were unsure, Inuyasha’s eyes opened once more. He blinked a few time before sitting up. Looking at his hands, he was amazed to be alive as well. The tall figure of his brother, his half-brother, his full yokai brother, loomed over him silently for a moment. Understanding dawned on Inuyasha as he looked up to the emotionless face of Sesshoumaru. Looking like the world had been turned upside down, Inuyasha was at a lost for words.

“You…” Inuyasha could not bring himself to say anything more.

Turning to walk back to his Rin and Jaken, Sesshoumaru paused for a moment. “Remember, it is I who will kill you, little brother…” He then walked away as his younger, half yokai, half-brother, watched him.

They had killed Naraku and there were no more enemies left to fight. Kagome rushed to hold Inuyasha, who, stopped her with a kiss, one that he had regretted never giving her until now. Sango smiled and sighed in relief as she heard Miroku slowly awaken, he wouldn’t die after all. As soon the Kazana disappeared after Naraku was dead, the poison did as well. Kohaku, though dead, looked happy, like he was finally at peace. And before them all the Shikon No Tama, whole and complete at last, shined brightly.

Walking up to Rin and Jaken, he looked at them both for a long moment, in silence. But what wasn’t said was clearly understood by both of them. And it wasn’t long before Sesshoumaru started walking. His steps seemed lighter, by the fact that he knew the happiness of his small family had been illuminated by the chance for a second life for him. He would continue on his search for power, to become as strong as his father or stronger, but this time it would be to protect the ones he held dear. His father wanted him to know this, this odd feeling of power that came only when he wanted to protect something he held so utterly dear.

“Come, we are leaving.” Sesshoumaru said evenly. And both Rin and Jaken began to once again follow along.

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The seasons went on, the years passed on. Inuyasha and the Shikon No Tama disappeared from rumor and the wind. No one knew what had happened to either. Youkai and humans alike soon forgot about the power of the Shikon No Tama and everything associated with it. And Sesshoumaru knew it was better that way. Sesshoumaru had always believed that power should be obtained from within, never using anything artificial. That kind of power only comes from the object, not the person. And he had spent the better part of his life trying to gain power from within. For that the last eleven years, he had continued on that journey, but for different reasons then before. For all his three hundred years of life, never did he feel so powerful as he did for the last decade. And for that reason alone did his views change, his outward actions and attitude did not change much, but for those who knew him best, it was clear to them that he was different.

His went on after the fall of Naraku. He sought out better weapons, stronger youkai to battle and defeat, and lastly ways to improve his already powerful array of skills. Traveling around Japan, Sesshoumaru noticed that the Youkai numbers were diminishing, and the humans were slowly gaining hold over the land. He knew within the next hundred years that the era of youkai and humans would be coming to an end and the age of humans would begin. That of course did not concern him. Power was what concerned him. He did not think of continuing his legacy with a son, nor did he think about romantic love, lust or wealth. Sesshoumaru wanted power, to continue to be able to protect Rin. His compassion for her and his growing compassion for many different life forms continued to grow as his strength multiplied. Rin was the only thing he could admit to himself he cared for, and his compassion for her knew no bounds.

Sesshoumaru wasn’t stupid nor dim, he knew Rin was getting older. He did not see her as a woman though. He did realize she was past the age for a human to marry and start a family, but he let her do what she wanted. If she wanted that, she would leave and find it. Though he could not see her as a mother and wife. Sesshoumaru still saw her as a girl, young and innocent of those things. He did not see her for what she had become either. He only saw that she was his precious Rin and always needed to be protected.

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Rin was now about twenty, her mother had died at twenty-six, having given birth to her first at seventeen. Rin wasn’t stupid either, she knew she was past that age for marriage, that even if she tried to leave and find a husband, it would hard for her, she was too old. But Rin didn’t think of those things. She didn’t think of love, though it had crossed her mind. She didn’t think of a lovers embrace, or a tender kiss. Rin thought of Sesshoumaru. She thought how she could make him happy, where her part in his empire would be and how she could be as helpful where ever it was possible.

Sometimes she felt it was her place to make Sesshoumaru forget about his worries and concerns, though sometimes the look in his eyes would tell her it was not enough. Rin knew though that her place was just following along after Sesshoumaru, picking and arranging flowers or finding herbs for her food and just enjoying the moving scenery. As long as she was following the foot steps of Sesshoumaru-sama, she was happy.

Jaken was Rin’s sole partner in their journeys. He was like a brother or father to her, though short as he was. And Rin knew he loved her as she loved him. They would exchange stories at night or Jaken would berate during the day for giving away her flower arrangement to some unsuspecting victim who had been in their path. Rin had come to the conclusion he was quite fond of her ability to arrange flowers and he thought it was a waste to give them to a possum in the bush on the road. It would always make her laugh at his concern for her flowers. She had given her flower arrangements to a few youkai and humans alike on their continuing journey. And she had given many to graves, always remembering the fact she was human, and that her days would be numbered, but Sesshoumaru and Jaken would continue on without her.

And Rin’s human status was always clear to them. When she was sick, they would either rest for a few days or she would rest on top of Ah-Un as they continued. During her cycles they would keep a distance from her, or stop for a few days and Sesshoumaru would disappear. And every once and awhile her human interpretation would cause them to raise an eyebrow or two. It wasn’t something she was shamed about, nor anything she dwelled on too much. And Sesshoumaru never said anything about any of it. Jaken would complain, but Sesshoumaru never even seemed to care. In fact when she was sick, he looked concerned, and sometimes the things she said made him laugh, of course his laugh would be a simple ’he’ within a smirk, but it delighted her none the less.

When he got her a new kimono made from some youkai dragon scale, said to be impervious to weapons, Rin felt special, and grateful since she had grown out of her old one. When he got her a wakizashi from Totosai, a wakizashi made from the wings of some Chinese Youkai, she was speechless, and finally when he got her a small braided tassel for her hair made from spider youkai silk, she was surprised. The only thing that was common, was her apron that covered her lower part of her kimono and sandals. Rin couldn’t think of any other reason for the gifts expect as a way to say thank you, though she still didn’t understand for what. Jaken had been jealous at each gift Sesshoumaru gave her, causing her much laughter from his complaints. Jaken’s Nintojo was much more powerful then her wakizashi and the others things had been necessary, after Rin pointed that out he had dropped the argument. Even after Jaken’s voice had died down, and the days continued to grow, Rin still wondered about her gifts. A regular kimono would have been enough and they all knew she would never use such a weapon. But like always, she would soon she put it in the back of her mind. As long as they were all happy, the reasons behind Sesshoumaru’s actions were worth leaving unspoken.

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It was night, and the stars showered the sky. The camp fire was warm and welcoming. Rin, Jaken, and Ah-un sat around the flames, content with the days journey. No youkai had sought out a fight today, no human army or monk group attacked them and no suitors came by either. It was rare but when Rin would pass out her flowers, she sometimes passed them out to young men or male youkai, who then seek her out later and ask for her hand in marriage. She would always turn them down. But it was funny to talk about around the fire.

Rin was becoming something becoming something of a herbalist. And she often used her herbs to pick on Jaken in good humor.

“Jaken-sama?” she said with a soft smile.

“What?” Jaken only looked at her.

“Watch the fire, I want to show you something.”

He glared at her, “Your planning something, aren’t you foolish girl!”

“Please Jaken-sama, it won’t hurt!” She asked with her hands clasped in front of her.

“Hmm, fine. But hurry up.” He said reluctantly.

Immediately she threw in a herb mixture that caused the fire to roar with life and vitality. It was something she had been getting good at, though mostly from boredom. During the years at night she would throw in odds and ends of things, remembering what the fire reacted to. And this time the reaction was something she had never gotten before. Jaken had jumped back and ended up falling on his rump. Rin just laughed. As soon as Jaken stood up again, he started berating her.

From the up above the trees, some distance away, Sesshoumaru watched them, and more specifically, Rin. Her smile would cause a stir in his emotions, and the warmth of those emotions left him feeling comfortable with the night. He would just seek out her smile every night, it was his only thing that would bring him pleasure. It let him know everything was alright, everything was normal. Though he would soon be taking them across the ocean to China in order to find stronger foes. And days like these would be harder to find, her smile might be harder to find then as well. Closing his eyes then slowly opening them once again, he looked toward the moon. It would only be a fortnight till they would reach the shore.

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It was a foggy morning for summer. The wet mist was clinging to their clothes, leaving them all slightly in a bad mood. Rin’s senses were not as keen as those of her youkai companions and she trusted them to be going the right way, because she couldn’t see hardly in front of her. Sesshoumaru of course knew that the fog was not natural, it was too dense and foul smelling. A youkai was behind it. And he knew it was most likely Enraenra, the fog youkai. Sesshoumaru had been hoping to run in to him on the way to the shore, it was a battle he had been yearning for, a way to test his sense of smell. The scent was too obvious to be any other. And that meant he was opting for battle, not trying to hide his scent, Enraenra wanted to fight. Stopping, he barely turned his head to the three behind him.

“Jaken, take Rin and find a safe place to hide behind me.” Sesshoumaru said calmly.

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!” Turning to Rin, Jaken said with his voice full of urgency, “Hurry Rin, follow me.” And the two ran out of sight.

Sesshoumaru prepared to fight, but something felt odd suddenly, a slit shift in both fog and smell causes him to pause. He began to pick up the youki of another youkai and the harsh smell of a group of humans emitting from the area Jaken and Rin ran off to. He turned around to go after them, when Enraenra finally decided to show and attack Sesshoumaru from behind in a swift motion. Sesshoumaru jumped out of the way in the nick on time, barely holding his temper in check. As he descended from his jump, he turned to face his opponent. The fog had formed an outline of human with his flowing kimono stretching into the fog all around him. Enraenra seemed to smile, his features in the fog too feminine for him to be male.

“Kukukuku, Sesshoumaru, you surly have been getting weak to have fallen into my trap. I thought your powerful nose would have let you know better.” Enraenra was obviously tempting fate by scorning the Dai-inu-youkai.

Sesshoumaru knew quite well about the trap, though he wasn’t sure if their had been another trap set for Rin. But the thought of a trap set for him from a weak youkai had not bothered him in the lest, rather it excited him in the small challenge. “Your impudence is rather amusing.”

Enraenra lost his frown and attacked again, forming his fog into many claws, attacking Sesshoumaru in all directions. Sesshoumaru just jumped from one area to the next, using his own claws to slash at the fog. But the fog quickly reformed. Furrowing his brows, Sesshoumaru, continue to dodge then slash. Realizing that Enraenra was stalling him, he tried to pick on Rin’s scent, but quickly found out that her scent was missing. The fog was masking scents. Collecting himself for a moment, Sesshoumaru coolly looked back Enraenra, his features set into a smile once again.

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Jaken and Rin were running from the battle as fast as they could. Running was one of their specialties since they have been practicing running from Sesshoumaru’s battles for years. Their heavy breathes echoed in their ears, they knew they had run a good distance away from Sesshoumaru when the fog thinned and almost completely disappeared ahead of them. Ah-Un flew above them suddenly and landed in their path. Both abruptly stopped.

With his arms in the air, Jaken berated Ah-Un like he would Rin, “What are you doing you stupid dragon, get out of the way!”

Ah-Un then gave Jaken a hostile expression, jerking his two head back and forth. Ah-Un’s mouth guards were still firmly in place and it was obvious what he wanted. Rin, unsure as to why she was feeling in danger, started to back away from both her friends. She didn’t go far when she bumped into a rather warm, hard but not as hard as a tree, tree. Realizing it wasn’t a tree, she tried to turn around, only to have an arm wrap around her neck, keeping her from running or hardly even breathing at that. Rin could barely scream out her fear. Jaken’s surprise was apparent when he turned to find Rin in the clutches of a rather mean looking, large youkai.

“You! What are you doing? DO you realize who we are? Who the girl you have in you arms is??” Jaken spouted in an attempt to help Rin.

The youkai laughed sinfully. “Ya, ya. I know, I know. Won’t Sesshoumaru be upset! HA! She’ll be chopped up and I’ll be gone before he gets here!”

“Why are you doing this?” Jaken said mainly out of curiosity.

“Revenge? No wait, food? Just shut it ya little imp.”

Jaken, whose facial expression was now a mask of anger, held this staff towards the youkai who had Rin in his arms. “All right then, you’ll have to face me, you will suffer the wrath of Ninjoto unless you release Rin!”

“You’ll fry her too, ya know. Anyway you can’t do nothing’ to me, look behind you, ya fool!”

Jaken looked behind him, Ah-Un was missing, but in his stead was five armed humans, clearly thugs, aiming their weapons at Jaken. Jaken’s face quickly changed into one of apprehension. Why was humans co-operating with a youkai? Jaken didn’t get the chance to ask when one of the humans yelled back to the large youkai, still keeping his eyes on the little green kappa.

“Yo, bro, can we enjoy the woman? I think Enraenra will take his time with that inu-youkai.”

The youkai thought for a moment, squeezing Rin just a little harder. “Ya, I think we can do that before we chop her up, but we gotta decide who gets first dibs.”

Another human called to the youkai, his voice filled with curiosity. “You think that inu-youkai already had her or do you think she a virgin?”

A third human spoke up, “Yeah, I would think she‘s been used.”

The first human who spoke decided to speak again, “But doesn’t he hate humans, I think she a virgin. So first go gets the best. We gotta decide based on seniority.”

As the humans and youkai argued about her fate, Rin watched them, sweat beginning to form on her forehead. It was hard to hear them speak of her as an item, though she didn’t want to dwell on that. Knowing her little weapon was still behind her, hoping that she could come up with a plan, she reached for her wakizashi. She was careful so none of them saw her. Grabbing the small katana from her back, she hoped that she could get loose or at least distract them enough for Ah-Un or Jaken to make a move. It took a moment for Rin to gather her guts, she had never hurt anyone, never needing to, as Sesshoumaru would always come to her rescue. She had a feeling Sesshoumaru-sama wasn’t coming for her anytime soon. After closing her eyes and clutching the hilt, Rin then quickly stabbed backwards, hoping that her blade hit a target. She felt a pinching pain in her arm and heard the youkai behind her scream. Faintly did she smell the burning of flesh. The youkai stepped back and clutched his wound, releasing Rin from his grip. As soon as she realized she was free and as fast as she could, she ran into the fog, still holding onto her little wakizashi.

“THAT little….” The youkai watched her run, then turned around to tell his men, who had stopped arguing to look at injured youkai, to go after her, but soon they were being attacked by a two headed dragon and the little kappa. Instead of helping his quickly dieing men, the youkai ran after Rin.

Jaken had made sure the last human was crisp before deciding to fight the larger youkai. But when he looked backed to where the horrible creature was, he was gone. Panic rose in Jaken, knowing that if anything happened to Rin not only would Sesshoumaru kill him but Jaken wouldn’t be able to forgive himself, he liked the girl too much. Jumping on Ah-Un, Jaken and the flying dragon raced after Rin, hoping of course they were going the right way.

Rin on the other hand was running for dear life, her arm was badly burned and she was growing tired. The fear was slowly getting to her, causing her joints to lock up at times, slowing her down. It had been a long time when she felt as helpless as this, as scared as this. Her years of running was failing her. Sadly she could hear the sound of the Youkai’s voice calling for her, getting closer and closer. Rin hoped that Sesshoumaru would come soon, like he always did. She could only rely on him, she had no other choice, she wasn‘t strong enough. Hopefully she was running towards her protector, not away from him. At last though, as if it was bound to happen, she tripped on tree root, falling down face first, her weapon falling a few inches too far away from her. It wasn’t long before the youkai was literally on top of her, with lust written all over his face. Trepidation engrossed her heart for a moment before she let out a blood curdling scream.

“SESSHOUMARU-SAMA!!!!!!!!!”

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Sesshoumaru quickly dodged another claw attack from the fog youkai. He wasn’t getting tired, just annoyed and impatient. The fog youkai, Enraenra was rather weak and unoriginal. The attacks were slow and pathetic. It was very obvious to him that this youkai was stalling him and he was very much aware that Rin was in danger. He wanted to end this battle now. Sesshoumaru knew he couldn’t hurt the fog, he had to get to the heart of the youkai, which was mostly likely inside Enraenra’s human shaped form. The fog around him quickly turned into a whip like vine, though as large as him. It swung at him, but Sesshoumaru dodged, but the impact promptly destroyed a few trees that had been nearby. Another fog vine, appeared from up above and Sesshoumaru barely missed it collide with the ground. His thoughts of course were on Rin. He was worried and distracted.

“What’s wrong Enraenra, this the best you can do against this Sesshoumaru?” Sesshoumaru taunted, trying to get information.

“Oh, talking now are we? I am rather surprised, rumor has it you don’t talk much.”

“Fools only listen to rumor.” Sesshoumaru said as he quickly jumped out of the way of both fog vines and claws.

“Do you talk to that human much?” Enraenra’s voice was like acid when he said the word ‘human’. Sesshoumaru understood from just that one word. Enraenra was one of the youkai who thought of him, the Dai-youkai of the Inu clan, traveling with a human, as traitorous. Rin was indeed in danger and he was unable to sniff her out. He ended it now!

“Meidou Zangetsu-ha!” Sesshoumaru said as he slashed through the fog, aiming his attack at what he believed to be the area Enraenra was currently, the fog youkai had disappeared as soon as he had begun his attacks. Quickly a large, full circle as dark as the night sky opened up and sliced through most of the landscape and fog, then disappeared almost as swiftly as it came. But the fog still remained. It hadn’t killed him! He could smell Rin’s blood now and something snapped within him. Anger poured out from him, his eyes reddened, his fangs grew larger and the growl that emitted from him was low and deadly.

“That attack was weak! I expect much more from you, Sesshoumaru!” Enraenra voice was raspy and tired. Most likely he did partially get the fog demon, and now he was surely barely alive. One more attack would kill him.

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. He didn’t want to be merciful to this scum. But he could think of no other attack that would utter destroy the fog. To purify and kill him was too undeserving of someone who would think to hurt his Rin! Lifting his sword towards the sun, he waited until a glint of the sun touched tenseiga, then slashed forward. “Zentaiyo-ha!” Immediately a large burst of flame shot forth from the sword and circled Sesshoumaru, then expanded in a wave of heat. The fog dried from the wind and Enraenra’s scream was barely heard as his body and heart was slowly incinerated. Sesshoumaru didn’t even stay to hear his final cries and insults, he quickly followed Rin’s scent.

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Rin was struggling as hard she could to get free. The large youkai was pressing down hard on her, causing her to feel her body slightly numb. His lustful glare only reminded her of the danger she was in. She had always keep those type of feelings to herself, forgotten. She knew he was going to kill her, but before that, he would do something to her that was only something she knew about, never experienced. Rin didn’t want to experience it like this. He had grabbed both her wrists, but she still moved like snake, trying desperately to get free and safe away from him.

“Hold still, ya little bitch!” When she spat in his face, the youkai pulled out his weapon, holding it over her with a smile on his face, her spit slowly dripping off his skin. “Maybe this will hold ya still!” And with a stab, he thrust the weapon into her shoulder.

Rin had closed her eyes, hoping that the pain wouldn’t be too unbearable. When she only felt a small poke, she opened her eyes to see the weapon unable to pierce her kimono. She gave a silent thanks to Sesshoumaru as the Youkai starred blankly at her. Thankfully the youkai let go of one of her wrists to hold his weapon and his surprise at the ineffectiveness of his weapon left him vulnerable for just a moment. But that moment was all she needed. Her wakizashi was only an arm reach away and she lunged for it.

“Where ya think yur going?” the youkai caught her as she made her attempt to escape, but the moment had been enough. She held her weapon in her hand. Unfortunately for the youkai, that went unnoticed. “I think this kimono needs ta go!”

Struggling once again as he held her down, he quickly pulled the kimono down, revealing her breasts. She screamed at the fear and embarrassment of the moment, no one had seen her before. Rin was hoping now for a moment to use the weapon she held secretly in her hand. The fog had suddenly disappeared, realizing this the youkai stopped his torments to look about him, lifting himself up far enough for her to move. Realizing this was the best time to make her move, she quickly raised her arm and slashed him as best she could. To her surprise her little sword sprout flames, cutting the youkai in two. Her eyes went wide, she had killed someone! She had never done anything of the like before today, even her stabbing the youkai only moments before had brought her guilt. To have killed, to have taken another’s life, seemed to be something she was incapable of, until today. Overwhelmed by the act, she dropped the wakizashi, and fainted.

-----------------

That was how Sesshoumaru had come upon Rin, unconscious and half naked. He looked down at her and the youkai that was perfectly in two, his wounds perfectly burnt. The Wakizashi Of Suzaku, Hikotou, was a weapon to use flames to slice enemies open. It was a clean weapon, it left no blood stains, as it burns the flesh on contact, sealing the wound while inflicting it. It did not surprise him that she would be able to release the flames of Suzaku, or kill when she was in danger, though he thought she would have no use for the weapon. But what did surprise him was that he had been too late, if Rin had not killed him when she did, Rin would have been the one dead here on the ground.

And what caused him a stir of confusion in his emotions was looking upon her half naked body. She was of course, a woman, and had been for a few years now, in human terms. But to see it for himself, the bodily transformation, made him realize she wasn’t the young child from before. The thought of what this dead youkai would have done to her before he killed her caused his veins to boil. Kneeling beside her, he gently covered her back up and held her to him, waiting for her to wake. In the distance he could hear the sound of Jaken calling. Rin was too big for him to carry with only one arm now, he wasn’t going to leave her here either. He would wait for Rin to wake, before going to the little kappa and calming his nerves. It only took a moment before she woke, but the time holding her felt oddly different, oddly pleasurable. She was so much different. She looked up at him, a tired smile forming on her now womanly face, a face that had been a child’s to him only a day before.

“Rin, it’s all right now.” he repeated the words he had used with her many times before.

“I know now that you are here, yes, everything is all right now.” She said weakly as she sat up. Sesshoumaru stood up and backed away from her as soon as she seemed well enough.

Jaken soon found them, and saw Rin adjusting her kimono while Sesshoumaru looked on with a deadly protective glare. His concern for her took over his proper senses.

“Foolish girl! Were you hurt by that weak youkai? How could-” Sesshoumaru cut him off with a sharp glance, but Rin just smiled at him.

“I’m all right Jaken, he didn’t hurt me.” Rin lifted her arm to fix her hair and revealed a nasty burn to her forearm.

“Ah! What’s that?” Jaken called and rushed over to her, grabbing her arm and inspecting it.

Rin looked at it then tried to laugh it off, “I did that by mistake trying to get away, I’m clumsy with a sword.”

“We have to treat it, you weak humans get the worst kind of sickness’ from wounds!” Jaken was livid, seeing her hurt caused him to feel guilty that he wasn’t stronger.

“Jaken, leave her be, the wound is fine.” Sesshoumaru said a little too sharply. When he saw the wound on her arm, his foul mood multiplied. He had mixed feelings about that wakizashi now. When he had gotten it from Totosai, as a gift for helping destroy Naraku, he had said it had been for Rin, and thought it wouldn’t hurt for her to look somewhat less vulnerable. But for her to have actually used it and hurt herself left him feeling less satisfied with his original idea. Though in the end, it had saved her. The wound would heal, though he doubted his new concerns would.

----------------

The trip after Eneraenra was uneventful, which brought a small sense of relief to both Jaken and Rin. Jaken had been overly concerned and had insisted Rin wrap her wound up with some cloth. It was just beginning to heal when they realized how close to the sea they were. In another two days they would arrive at the shore closest to land to the west, China. Sesshoumaru had been there only once before, mainly by accident. He had wanted to travel and went too far, since at the time, he didn’t care to stop, but the trip had been rewarding for him.

Now the night had come upon them and he was thankful for the small rest. Since the incident with the fog youkai, he had noticed himself acting rather oddly with Rin. When she had tripped on the road the other day, he went out of his way to back track and help her up. Two days ago when the hill was too steep for her to walk steadily, he went back and scooped her up with his one arm and glided down the hill, leaving Jaken rather dumbstruck. And more and more he was looking at her. And she would always catch him, look back and smile brightly.

Knowing all too well where his heart was running off to, he sighed. He hadn’t acknowledged her before because somehow, he knew, this would be the end result. The little girl, who for no reason wanted to save him, time and time again, had grown up. Her devotion, freely given, had claimed his heart over the years.

But she was human. She was of low birth, though it didn’t count much to him the status among humans. However he had come to realize he didn‘t care, she was just Rin. She understood him, even when he didn‘t say anything. She knew more about him than even Jaken, every gesture or look. No, he didn’t care what she was, all her love, smiles, and loyalty was just Rin.

He was becoming like his father. He loved a human. It seemed it was fated for him. To be like his father, was it an honor or a disgrace? Even to this day, youkai and humans alike talk about the greatness that was his father. Would loving Rin allow him that same greatness?

Sitting on rock not too far from camp, Sesshoumaru looked up to the moon like he always did to ponder whatever was on his mind. He wouldn’t look at Rin now, afraid of what his eyes might tell her. Pride? Was his pride, his declaration of hate towards humans, leaving him to deny what he wanted? At the same time he had let her stay with him all these years, already most who knew about her thought she was his human lover. It wouldn’t be hard either, he could probably just have Rin if he wanted, her feeling were obvious to him. But to do that would change so much. And he was changing as well. He was just so different from before, would he embrace his change by taking Rin to be by his side, to be his wife?

And children? They would be hanyou, like his brother. Weaker then full blooded offspring, though Inuyasha had grown very strong. And Rin’s life was short, he would continue to live for another five hundred years or so, he could always get full youkai children after her death. Though would his hanyou children and full blooded children bicker like he and Inuyasha? And, more importantly, could he continue on without Rin?

Sesshoumaru’s concentration was broken by a familiar scent and sound. She had come to him, though late as it was. Rin had sat beside him, silently looking at the moon with him.

“You’ll make the right choice Sesshoumaru-sama.”

Sesshoumaru looked at her, questioning her ability to read him so well. “Is that so?”

“Well, I don’t know what you were thinking, but you had that look you always do when deciding on something.” Her carefree sigh and stretch echoed in his ear, “Are we going to the sea?”

After a moment, he decided to answer her, “Yes.”

“I can smell it from here, I love the sea.” Rin the looked at him and their eyes locked for a moment before she went back to looking at the moon, he could tell she was nervous. Times such as this was rare. “The sea reminds me of Sesshoumaru-sama. It’s powerful and it seems it could go on forever.”

He looked at her more deeply then, trying to figure out what she was really saying. “I am more powerful than the sea.”

“Even so, it still reminds me of Sesshoumaru-sama.” Her voice then held a hint of sadness. “Humans are like the mountains, they journey to the peak, then slowly fall to their deaths on the other side,” her voice then rose slightly, as if her next statement brought her hope, “but the mountains, the land, and sea blend. This place we live, isn’t whole without either.”

Rin grew quiet then, letting the wind blow about them. She didn’t look at Sesshoumaru, but he continued to look at her, watching the tear form then dry in her eyes. The wind blew again, stronger this time. It reminded him deeply of Kagura. How, at a time, he thought slightly high of her, perhaps he even loved her at a time. Kagura was free now, and happy. Was both Rin and Kagura telling him some secret that he could not decipher? Impossible, he could decipher any hidden meaning…His thoughts grew silent as he peeled his eyes away from Rin and looked back to the moon.

----------------

The long trip had ended and what lay before them at their feet was the immense body of water that separated them from the shores of China, the waves of the sea dancing on the horizon. No sooner then they stepped onto the sands did Rin take off in a hurry into the water. She held her kimono in her hands as she walked through the water, laughing and enjoying the cool feel of it thru her toes. Rin had kept her carefree attitude even as she grew, she wanted to live life to the fullest. That was why Sesshoumaru let he have her time, but Jaken of course yelled after her. It was only a moment later that she stepped out of the water and walked back up to the youkai, having her fill of fun. Sesshoumaru knew she knew that they had others things to attend to, and she would not hold them up. Ah-Un slowly walked up to Jaken, knowingly waiting for his master to give the order to fly.

“Rin, Jaken, get onto Ah-Un, we are going.” As soon as Sesshoumaru finished his last word did he start to allow his furred tassel to grow and multiply, allowing him to fly.

“Ah, Sesshoumaru-sama, you’re not thinking of going across the ocean??” Jaken was starting to panic, he hated the idea of going to a different country. “Are sure that would be a wise idea?” As soon as he saw Sesshoumaru continuing to flying forward, he knew his words were going unheeded. “Ah, wait for me Seshoumaru-sam~a!” As soon as Jaken started to panic he felt Rin grab him from Ah-Un’s saddle, as the dragon jumped into the air.

“Silly girl, put me down!” Jaken was not too happy at her stunt.

Rin of course just grinned, “But Jaken-sama, if I do that, you’ll fall and get hurt.”

Looking down the Kappa realized how far up they had traveled in such a short period. “Ah, don’t let go, I’ll die!!” he started yelling to her, but she just laughed and placed him on the saddle in front of her.

Rin, loved teasing Jaken in good humor, though her thoughts quickly turned to the beautiful sea below them. The colors changed, the waves grew in size and strength, and the sun danced on the horizon. She had never seen anything like this in her whole life, but immediately she felt reminded of Sesshoumaru. So beautiful, yet so deadly, it’s vastness made her feel so small and insignificant. Looking at Sesshoumaru from Ah-Un, she realized again how lucky she was, to be able to be in his presence. She could never think of being anywhere else but by his side. To always have the sea with you was a comfort no person could replace.

Sesshoumaru looked at Rin for only a moment, their eyes meeting once again. He could see her love for him so clearly, so why did he hesitate? What was he missing? Looking back to his direction, he let the thoughts on her fade with the sun.

----------------

It didn’t take them long to reach the opposing shore, though they could all tell by the landscape that they had arrived at the right destination; China. It was a barren shore, with little plant life. The air was slightly drier and the breeze was more refreshing. They all stayed the night near the shore, resting from the long trek across the ocean. Before he fell into a light slumber, Sesshoumaru looked at the sleeping Rin. This arm is only meant to hold a sword…his words from a time long ago rang in his mind. Unsure of how to categorize his emotions, he put is aside for now, thinking only of what he sought here.

They left the next morning refreshed and ready for the day. The weather had proved favorable for them as well. So they continued to walk from place to place in as much day time that was allowed, noticing the youkai in this part of the world seemed more controlled. And more respected. Walking close to a village, the humans there, seeing Sesshoumaru, bowed before him and more then once did he see a human and youkai talking to each other almost too casually. It wasn’t everywhere but it was obvious to all of them, the air about the place was different. Youkai and humans seemed more relaxed with each other.

After a somber week, Sesshoumaru finally found what he was looking for, however it came to him rather abruptly during the middle of a peaceful afternoon. He ordered the rest of his group to stay behind as he continued forward. He had felt the presence of another Dai-youkai, perhaps the strongest youkai he had ever come across. Perhaps it was his battle he had always been searching for. Sesshoumaru quickly went on ahead and following the youki that was beginning to disperse. When he felt he was a safe distance away he drew his sword, ready for a fight from many foes. He wasn’t disappointed either when suddenly eight very powerful youkai appeared to challenge him, though they were not near as powerful as what he detected before. Taking them all on wasn’t very hard, but he was getting déjà vu. The battle felt like another Enraenra. Unexpectedly he felt the great youki once again, but this time it came from where he had left Rin. Not caring about the eight other youkai, he quickly back tracked.

----------------

Rin was enjoying the change in scenery, but the flowers were rather few and far in-between. The herbs were too foreign to be able to correctly pick them out. She looked to Jaken, who was on the look out, then looked across from her to a small patch of grass. She decided the best thing to cure her of her boredom would be to investigate the little patch of greenery.

Jaken looked at her and with a low voice said, “Don’t go too far!”

Rin smiled at him, “I won’t Jaken-sama.”

Abruptly the wind picked up, Rin’s hair danced wildly as Jaken covered his eyes to shield them from the intense wind. Both of the unsuspecting foreigners looked up. The sky had darkened, leaving patches of lighting to form within the depths of the clouds. A silhouette of a great flying serpent formed silently in the wind, slowly coming towards the ground. It wasn’t long before the silhouette turned gracefully smaller, more condensed, and much more human. And it wasn’t long before a dai-youkai, with scaled armor, stood before Rin. He had blue flame like markings on the side of his face, and his nails were painted blue. His appearance was quite breathtaking, as his aura was filled with not evil but rather a calm and soothing grace. The male dai-youkai was looking at Rin, who had fallen on her backside, trying to crawl away. He soon kneeled beside her. Jaken then rushed in front of him, trying to protect Rin.

“W-what are you trying to do? Go away!” Jaken said trembling. The dai-youkai simply pushed Jaken out of the way and snapped his fingers, freezing the kappa in place.

“You are such a pretty female…would you like to be my bride…I won’t hurt you or eat you. Please young lady, come and I give you all you desire.” The dai-youkai said with such a low and seductive voice, Rin wasn’t sure if she should be afraid.

Not knowing if he would understand her speech or why she understood him, she answered anyway. “I don’t want to leave Sesshoumaru-sama!”

Smiling, cupped her cheek, caressing her face with his finger. Rin felt his soft skin and for a moment, felt calm. “Ah, the Dai-youkai from the land to the East? I suppose you can’t make a proper choice if I haven’t showed you the proper rewards for a favorable answer.”

Feeling fear bottle up within her again, Rin wasn’t sure she would like what would happen next. But fortunately she wouldn’t have know, for the Dai-youkai waved his hand over her face and she fell sweetly into a rich and relaxing slumber.

----------------

Sesshoumaru arrived just as the Dai-youkai was lifting off into the sky with Rin in his arms. Immediately he attacked him, but the Dai-youkai simply put up a barrier, reflecting his attacks. Sesshoumaru went to follow him as soon as he realized his attacks were inefficient, though his attempts were again futile as a greater barrier and ball of cold blue flames struck him, pushing him to the ground. As soon as Sesshoumaru looked back up to the sky, it was once again clear and normal. The scent of the Dai-youkai was gone, though he could very vaguely sniff out Rin’s scent. It would be difficult to track her down, but he would. He would bring her back and let no one stop him. Walking over to Jaken, and correctly guessing the little green youkai’s problem, hit him over the head with the heel of his foot. Immediately Jaken blinked and looked up at Sesshoumaru.

“Ah, w-w-what…AH, Sesshoumaru-sama! Rin is…Rin is…”

“Be silent Jaken.”

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!”

After a moment of worrying and pondering her fate, Jaken raised his voice only slightly to question his master, “Is Rin alive?”

“Don’t be foolish, of course she is alive.”

“What are we going to do?”

Before Sesshoumaru answered the eight lesser youkai jumped out from the bush, ready to attack. Sesshoumaru was amply ready to dispatch them. Jaken of course helped. It wasn’t long before pieces of the youkai littered the ground, or darken spots crusted the earth. Neither of the foreign youkai were pleased. After the fight Sesshoumaru stood and looked to the sky. After a long silent nervous moment, he started walking.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, are we going to rescue Rin?”

“No, I’m going to find the fool who sent those eight weaklings to me.”

“What about Rin, we leaving her??” Jaken was slightly surprised, after all the girl was apart of their group.

“This Sesshoumaru doesn’t rescue humans.” Of course, he didn’t mean it. He was going right to Rin, he just couldn’t bring himself to say it…

----------------

Rin woke in the most comfortable bed she had ever slept in. She felt warm and slight out of herself, her head slightly aching from the deep sleep. Looking down, she noticed her clothes were different as well and very, very soft, too comfortable to be common cotton. It was most likely silk, she had heard of it before, and that it mostly came from China. The colors were certainly not common either. She was obviously in a place of wealth.

Looking about her she saw she was in a very strange, bright room, with marble and wooden screens depicting beautiful art, and tables made of rich red wood. She slowly stood up, wondering what had happen between the field and now. Before she could take another step, the Dai-youkai from before came into the room. She froze in place, watching him slowly approach her. He stopped only a few inched away from her.

“Hello again, lady. I hope you slept rather well.” His voice was sweet as sugar.

“Hello,” was all Rin could muster for a moment, “I slept too much I think.”

He just smiled at her then lead her over to the table. He then snapped his fingers and in a blur of cloth and sleeves, servants rushed in, bringing exotic food that smelled heavenly before her, placing everything softly on the table. He motioned for her sit, then for the servants to leave, then he sat as well.

“Don’t be scared to eat it, it will not poison you.” He said looking at her obviously freighted and confused face.

“I do not think I can eat all this.” Rin finally said after coming to the conclusion it was better for her to talk then not to.

“You do not have to eat all of it.” After a silent moment, when she finally started to taste the items before her, the Dai-youkai spoke again, “I have not introduced myself, my name is Ao-shilong, the Great Dragon Ruler of China. And whom might you be?”

“My name is Rin.” Her voice had begun to feel confident again, realizing she may not need to be afraid of this youkai.

“Pretty Rin, you may wonder why I brought you here. Let me assure you I will not harm you, those you seek you out, yes…but not you.”

Rin looked at him slightly surprised. She didn‘t like the idea of someone try to harm Sesshoumaru, though she doubted he could do any harm. “Why?”

“I want you to be my concubine.”

Rin dropped the food that was in her hands, “But I do not wish that.”

“I know, now you do not wish for me, but over time, you will come to love me.”

“But why me?” She asked again.

“When I came out my palace because of the presence of that foreign youkai, I saw you and knew in my heart you had to belong to me.”

“But I’m human, wouldn’t you prefer a youkai woman?” She said as her voice began to shake again.

“I do have a youkai wife, she bore my first offspring and my heir. I do of course love human women, they are very passionate…you would be my third human concubine.”

“I do not think I would live up to you expectations.” Rin’s mind was a hectic swirl of confusion. Never had she thought a youkai as powerful as he obviously was would ever look to a human for love and marriage. She didn’t know what to say, but she knew she wanted to be back with Sesshoumaru.

“Nonsense, all my human concubines have always lived up to what I desired, they have even given me half children that have become powerful nobles in their own right.”

“Ao-Shilong-sama, please return me to Sesshoumaru-sama!” She could no longer hold it in. But suddenly her vision changed, blue smoke clouded her eyes and her mind became blank. When both her eyes and mind cleared, she was on the bed, with Ao-Shilong on top of her. He was gentle, and did not press down hard. Too shocked to do anything she stared at him with wide eyes. He slowly closed his eyes and softly kissed her lips. But he did not linger. In a second he was beside her.

“You will come to love me, and if your Sesshoumaru-sama comes I am afraid I will have to kill him.”

When he was gone, she still heard his words echo in her mind. Surely Sesshoumaru would kill him instead.

----------------

Rin’s stay at the palace had become slightly un-nerving. She wasn’t allowed out of her small chambers, but many people came to visit her. Surprising she could understand them. It didn’t take her long to figure out that there must have been a ward to allow interaction between languages, translating the words that left the mouth and entered the ear. Having been around youkai almost all her life, she knew of the things they could do.

Rin had counted the days she stayed there, and figured she had been away from Sesshoumaru for about four days now. She was beginning to wonder if he was going to come for her. Or perhaps he couldn’t find her. She didn’t want to worry, so she spent most days chatting with the people who stopped by to visit her.

Ao-Shilong stopped by everyday as well, giving her gifts and much to her dislike, attention. She didn’t want to give the Dai-youkai any hopes that she would ever love him. But he came and caressed her face, or held her hand, and even sung her poetry. She had been very faltered, in fact at times, she felt embarrassed at things he would do for her. At times when he held her, and gently kissed her, was the time she felt the most tense. But he never went farther then that, and those action were usually too swift for her to back away from them.

That day he came to see her, he sat next to her near the window, holding her hand, caressing her arm, and kissing her shoulder. He had brought her old things, saying that she could wear them if she liked.

“I want you to know, that dress is made from my brethren from your land. If you wear it, I will know you do not accept me…”

Rin had tried so hard to push him away, but he had been too assertive, and kept coming closer. Knowing her attempt to keep a distance from him was pointless, she let him touch her gently, as long as he kept his hands away from certain areas of her body. She mused though, his actions were having the opposite effect on her; she was disliking him more by the moment. Becoming too nervous, Rin resorted back to her old habit.

“Ao-Shilong-sama, will you always keep me here against my will?”

“It will be your will soon enough.”

“How long have you lived for?”

“Over a thousand years…I am sorry but I have lost count.”

“Then why have a human wife that dies after sixty, maybe seventy years?”

“Why stare at a dieing flame? Humans hypnotize me just as flames can hypnotize you.”

“How can you ever truly love someone dear if you always go for another?”

“My wives understand me. They know I cherish them all.”

The youkai was stubborn. Rin knew she had to escape soon. Sliding away from him, she looked at him sternly.

“Stay away please, I love Sesshoumaru-sama, and only him!”

“Dear me, I have yet to break that unrequited love? I know of youkai from your land, he doesn’t love you.” Ao-Shilong didn’t try to come close to her again, instead he looked her in the eyes.

“He cares about me, that is enough for me, I am happy with that.”

“Accept me, I will give you love and happiness…” After a moment of silence and her un-breaking resolve, he continued, “But if it comes down to it, I will not kill your Sesshoumaru if you choose me instead of him.”

“You can’t hurt Sesshoumaru-sama, he is very powerful!”

Ao-Shilong stood, and looked at her more intensely then, his power rising to surround his body with a blue aura. “We shall see…”

He left as soon as he spoke. Rin felt fear again. Remembering the despair she felt when Sesshoumaru died in the fight with Naraku and how he could not be saved again by Tenseiga, she felt tears form in her eyes. She believed in Sesshoumaru-sama, she knew he would be alright…but she would be ready to put her life on the line.

-----------------

The next day she dressed in her old clothes, fumbling with her wakizashi that Ao-Shilong had graciously given back to her. No one had come to visit that day, instead she grew lonely. She missed Jaken and his bickering. She missed Ah-un’s sturdy stride as he carried her. She missed the cool voice of Sesshoumaru. She didn’t think too badly of Ao-Shilong, but she did think there was more to him and his womanizing then he would admit. Something about his eyes, about his love of humans that made her think something had happened to him years ago. But she was unsure. Pity was the proper term she felt for him. It seemed something was missing from him.

Rin was startled when Ao-Shilong stormed in, breaking the door. He grabbed her arm and violently lead her outside. What awaited them was fate.

-----------------

Sesshoumaru had quietly pursued Rin’s scent, never stopping in the five days it took him to finally get to her. The whole time his thoughts ran wild, thinking of all the things this youkai could be doing to her, the danger she was in, and all because he took her to China to find yet another way to make him more powerful. But the journey, his journey, was for power to protect her, to be able to save her! And now, time and again, she was put into danger. How many times did she jump in front of him when things had looked bad and how many times, did he purposely take a hit to keep her safe? He had to resist turning into his true form, lest it get the better of him and he destroy everything in this land, including Rin.

Jaken had followed him, hardly talking, knowing his master wasn’t in a good mood in the least. Both of them had been very worried about the human female. They both cared for Rin, she was apart of them. With her missing it felt like they were all incomplete.

Arriving at a large castle in the sky, Sessoumaru let himself in, destroying the entrance while at it. He continued to walk forward, following Rin’s scent, killing all who dare approach him with his whip of divine light, his strongest light whip. Sesshoumaru knew he had gotten the attention of the owner of the castle when the sky darkened and a deep growl of blue lighting and thunder struck the sky. Sesshoumaru stopped when the Dai-youkai appeared before him, dragging Rin behind him. The two strong youkai looked at each other, their eyes set on the other, ready to kill.

“You dare destroy my home and hurt my people? You do not seem very bright Sesshoumaru.”

“Sesshoumaru-sama!” Rin cried at last, thankful to see him once again.

“Do you dare to tempt me further, infidel?” Sesshoumaru took out his Tenseiga, ready to clash with dragon.

“So, I do suppose you have some feelings for this woman, fine…we shall see who comes away with the prize.” Ao-Shilong drew his own, large and incredibly long sword, letting down his barriers, ready to fight on equal ground.

“This Sesshoumaru has no such feelings.” Sesshoumaru’s voice was hard when he said those words, but he began his attack right after, rushing forward to clash swords with the dragon youkai. Immediately Rin rushed away and watched in horror the most harshest battle since Naraku she had seen, ignoring the words that had just been spoken by Seshoumaru.

Ao-Shilong pushed Sesshoumaru back, then jumped into the sky and slashed down at the inu youkai. Sesshoumaru jumped to the side, missing the slash by mere inches. Ao-Shilong rushed towards him again, swinging his swords fervently. Blocking again, Seshoumaru looked coolly at Ao-Shilong. He didn’t take long before Sesshoumaru was pushed back yet again. Quickly Sesshoumaru turned his sword, before the dragon youkai was on him again he casually released his attack.

“Meidou Kibaha~!” Slashing with tenseiga, he opened the meidou, catching the attention of Ao-Shilong. The darkness within soon began to move. It began to form together and suddenly a hell dog jumped out after the dragon youkai. With fangs of death, it tried to chomp down on the powerful foe. Ao-Shilong flashed out of sight, then formed from blue smoke behind the large black dog. He then threw his sword, splitting the dog in two. The Hell Dog quickly disappeared. Sesshoumaru didn’t miss his chance. As soon as Ao-Shilong threw his sword, Sesshoumaru came from behind, attacking him with his claws, having put away his sword. His acid claws were a hundred times stronger then his normal poison ones. Ao-Shilong turned just as fast, blocking the attack with his forearm. Soon the blue gauntlets the dragon was wearing melted.

Jumping back, the dragon youkai realized this inu youkai wasn’t as weak or dumb as he had previously thought. Ao-Shilong then lunged for his sword and grabbed it before Sesshoumaru could even move. “We shall end this soon, dog.”

“It was amusing, but I agree. Let us end this.” Knowing that he was at a disadvantage with such a powerful foe such as this dragon youkai, Sesshoumaru would even the odds. Attacking quickly, he lunged himself at the dragon youkai with his sword ready. Fighting so close to each other, they could only come up with short slashes. Jerking to his right, Sesshoumaru allowed Ao-Shilong’s blade to graze him. As the opponents blade cut his skin, he dropped his sword and slashed with his claws. His sharp nails tore cleanly thru Ao-Shilong’s left arm. He screamed in pain, then fazed out. Sesshoumaru ducked a swing from above, then slid low to pick up Tenseiga.

Holding onto his now armless left shoulder, Ao-shilong looked at Sesshoumaru as hate poured from his pupils. It was first time anyone had every hurt him, the only time he could ever think of someone making him bleed. Rage burned under his skin, he would end this right now! Letting his blue aura surround him and devour him, his head contoured into a long snout and horns. His body grew larger and longer.

Seeing his transformation, Sesshoumaru felt he had to do the same. He felt his furred tassel grow and surround him, devouring him much like the blue aura had taken over the dragon youkai. Allowing himself to fully be transformed.

Before Rin, Jaken and all of the people of the castle, a great serpent Dragon and large white Dog hovered in the air, facing the other with malice and distain. It wasn’t long before Sesshoumaru jumped onto Ao-Shilong, using both claw and fang to tear at the dragon. Ao-Shilong used his great fangs and powerful tail to continue his attacks on the dog. The castle rumbled as the dog was flung downward, injured. That didn’t deter Sesshoumaru, both continued their attacks, gnawing and chewing, whipping and snapping. When finally Sesshoumaru saw an opening he bit the dragon deeply, not allowing himself to let go. The dragon roared in pain, his tail swinging wildly about. Slowly the fight made its way onto the castle. Gradually the two reformed back into their human shapes, both injured and weary.

Realizing the danger Sesshoumaru was in, Rin quickly ran towards the battle field. Her thoughts were scattered. She only wanted Sesshoumaru to be safe. Thinking about Ao-Shilong’s offer to not kill Sesshoumaru if she accepted his offer of marriage she began to loosen her kimono.

I wish to be with Sesshoumaru-sama forever…Rin, do what want. The voices from herself and Sesshoumaru surfaced from within her heart. He was fighting for her, trying so hard, she had believed in him all these years. She still believed in him. Tightening her kimono back up, she ran into the battle field, ready to do whatever it took, knowing she probably would only be in the way. Rin wanted to show Sesshoumaru her support.

“Sesshoumaru-sama! I’ll be upset at you if you lose!” She yelled.

Sesshoumaru looked at Rin, half turning, his eyes set calmly on her. “Do not be foolish, this Sesshoumaru will not lose!”

Rin only dropped to the floor, unable to stand any longer and with a worried expression, she continued to watch the battle. Not knowing what else she could do to help her Sesshoumaru-sama, she clutched her wakizashi.

Ao-shilong picked up his sword once again and lunged for Sesshoumaru, who had turned to look at Rin. Now the dog Inu-Dai-youkai could only block. Being pushed back, Sesshoumaru could only plan his next move, hoping for an opening. He was badly injured, but he would not stop. Rin was the one at stake, their journey together, her smiles, her devotion, her spirit, her soft touch, and caring eyes would be forever lost if he did not win. And then it hit him. What was he missing, his love for her…he did not feel he could properly love her. He was of power and knew power, never love. But she was love, the love that was missing from him. Softly he heard a part of a song from his memory, a song that he didn’t necessarily remember ever hearing.

Father told me a demon's hand was a guardian
Mother told me a human's hand was there to nurture

It was at that moment he saw an opening for an attack, moving back as quickly as he could, he raised his sword.

“Meidou-” But before he could finish, he saw his folly, the opening was a farce, leaving him completely vulnerable. He had been thinking about Rin, his own emotional turmoil about the woman he loved caused him to loose at a battle that was the most important in his life. No…this Sesshoumaru does have those feelings…, he thought bitterly, knowing now he may never have the chance to express them to her.

Seeing that the dog youkai had fallen for his trap, and rather easily too, he lunged again his sword pointing forward, towards the doomed dog youkai. Victory would be his, Rin would be his.

The air stilled. Ao-Shilong stopped. Feeling himself frozen, pain cursed his right shoulder now, his power was draining from his arm. He looked at his shoulder to find a small blade imbedded within in his flesh, the wounds burnt. And behind him stood a shaking Rin.

“Why Ao-Shilong-sama…” Her voice trembled like her hands.

“Because you looked like Aimei…” was all he said before Sesshoumaru cut him in two with his claws, not risking harming Rin. Not resisting, almost as if he wanted this, Ao-Shilong’s body disappeared. Blue smoke emitted from his armor, looking like it was desperately reaching for the clearing sky.

Rin had fallen to the ground again, holding the wakizashi in her hand. Sesshoumaru could only look at her for a moment before turning his attentions to the arm Ao-Shilong left behind. This arm was only made to hold a sword…Jaken raced to face him, but when he saw the look in Sesshoumaru’s eyes, he ran to Rin instead, calling out to her with worry and anger. Sesshoumaru walked to the arm and picked up the limb. He only thought for a moment. This arm wanted to love Rin. This arm was made for love. Pulling down his kimono from his left shoulder, he reopened the wound from a long time ago. He then let the arm attach itself on him. Now he did something he never done before with any arm he had come a cross. Lifting the Tenseiga, he cut his arm vertically, but instead of infecting a wound it healed and blended his shoulder with the arm, allowing his flesh to merge with this new limb. Soon his blood would mix with the arm and it would be permanently attached. Sesshoumaru only gave this arm the privilege to be attached to him like this because the Ryu-Dai-youkai was powerful enough to deserve some respect.

He also knew the ugly blue colored nails would also fade with his blood.

Turning back to Rin and Jaken, and the hovering Ah-Un, he knew what he had to do now that the strongest enemy in this land had been defeated, knowing that it was best for the well being of his group.

They would return home.

----------------

The trip home was difficult. Upon arriving at the Chinese Shore, with his new healing left arm, Sesshoumaru picked up Rin, much to her surprise, informing them all he would take her back home and Jaken would fly back on Ah-Un alone. In the sky the silence was loudly uncomfortable. Rin didn’t say a word. She was tired from her rough time with the Ryu-Dai-youkai and within his arms he felt her doze from time to time. Though her humming would let him know she was alright, it was better for him to know she was upset. Holding her with two arms felt good, but he was unable to think of how he wanted to show his affections. Though he felt she should eventually understand what he felt and come to him, something in him wanted not to wait for her. He felt Rin shiver and held her closer. She looked up to him, then rested her head on his chest, not knowing when she would get the chance to do it again.

Back in Japan, after flying peaceful for a whole day and night, when he finally let her down from his arms, she looked at him and smiled.

“I’m fine now Sesshoumaru-sama. Thank you for coming for me.” She then turned to go visit Jaken when she felt her hand tugged from behind. Sesshoumaru held onto her hand, looking at her deeply. Her obvious ignorance to his actions left him feeling somewhat hurt. She smiled as she bowed to him slightly, “Thank you for carrying me as well.” Then she turned and walked away to see if Jaken was alright.

Their first night back was uncomfortable and dark. It had been cold and windy, even deep within the bamboo forest, leaving fire not an option. The time spent in China had left all of them slightly less then thrilled, their moods amplified by their emotionless faces.. While Sesshoumaru had come to the conclusion he wanted Rin, got a new arm, and had defeated a powerful foe, he did not yet feel satisfied.

When Rin saw Jaken shivering, she told him to lay next to her for warmth. Rin, Jaken, and Ah-Un soon fell asleep, curled about each other around the fire. Sesshoumaru was awake the entire time, watching Rin, as she slept soundly, her deep breaths falling and rising. He was tired, but he didn’t want to take eyes away from her sleeping form. And for the entire night he let himself think of Rin as a woman.

----------------

The clear and beautiful morning came effortless by the sun, the light filtering thru the bamboo leaves, raining luminance on those sleeping within the forest of green. Rin awoke early, having felt something stir her heart. She was stiff, but was used to sleeping on the ground. Rubbing her eyes she looked about her surroundings. Her eyes quickly came upon Sesshoumaru, standing, watching her silently. After a moment he turned and walked away. His form quickly disappeared. Rin didn’t hesitate, she went after him, understanding that he wanted her to follow him and her legs seemed to want to carry her to him. He continued to walk with Rin following behind him. The forest was eerily beautiful at this time in the morning, allowing warmth and security in. And the wind let the leaves of the bamboo sing and guide those who were lost.

When he stopped deep within the forest glad, she did as well, leaving a few feet between them. She waited for him to make the first move, not knowing what he plan to do or say. A long moment later, he turned. And their eyes locked. She gazed at him, trying to read the words emitting from his eyes, taken back by the things that were slowly being said to her. Sesshoumaru looked at Rin with the intensity of his power, his eyes saying so much to her. And one thing was clear, he was restraining himself from her. The depth of his eyes burned into her soul and she tried to speak to him as well using the same voiceless speech. She wanted to tell him, that she too, loved him with all her being and that she did understand him in the way he believed. She would be happy with any decision he made.

So they stayed like that, letting time pass softly, letting the wind carry and connect the harmony of two souls who had been gifted with love. Steadily, meticulously Sesshoumaru walked towards Rin, never taking his eyes off her, never breaking their connection, never silencing their exchange in affection. Slowly, softly he lifted his new left hand and pulled her to him, embracing her delicately. Surprised she stared at him, her cheeks slightly turning red. Gradually he tilted his head down, closing his eyes, he said,

“If you don’t want this, tell me now.”

And then he kissed her, tenderly, preciously, allowing his lips to linger for as long as the morning’s tune held them. Rin never said a word, but her heart had sung her happiness.

----------------

The next night Jaken awoke cold. Only a few hours before, when he first fell asleep, did he do so laying next to Rin, her body heat warming him to a pleasurable degree. But now he was cold and Rin was missing. Looking around the camp, he found only Ah-Un. Knowing if Sesshoumaru found out he wasn’t watching over Rin properly, could cost him a great deal of punishment. Walking back into the forest they had just left, he heard a noise. It sounded like soft mumbling. Continuing towards the sound, he wondered if he was being smart about venturing off to find Rin alone when Sesshoumaru was probably looking after her. But he found he answer after a moment. He had found Rin and more importantly Sesshoumaru. His armor and most of his clothes were, along with most of her clothing, scattered about. They both only wore their under kimono, open, standing very close to each other, very intimately. A kiss was exchanged and then another. Jaken turned to stone. Unsure of what just happened, he decided to walk back to camp and back to sleep.

And as the months continued on blissfully, and Rin’s belly rounded, Jaken had no idea what was going on. Neither of them said a thing about it, and Rin keep disappearing at night. Jaken didn’t try to find her anymore, instead he would sleep alone, thinking that it was his imagination. Not sure if all this was a dream or not, he cautiously approached Sesshoumaru when the time was right, away from Rin who was sitting happily on Ah-Un.

“Ah, well, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

“What is it?”

“Well Rin’s condition, is well, would she be-”

“Pregnant. Yes.” Sesshouamru’s voice was very even, leaving Jaken slightly more confused.

“And how, uh, um, who’s-”

“It’s my child.” Was all Sesshoumaru said as he continued to walk, leaving a rather pale kappa frozen in place. When Rin jolted slightly from her sit, Jaken came back to life.

“You foolish, Foolish GIRL! Sesshoumaru’s child is within you, be more careful!”

“Jaken, leave her be.” Sesshoumaru’s voice continued to be still and even, like nothing was different.

“Ah, um yes.”

“See Jaken-sama, you’ve gotten odd all of a sudden, that’s why we didn’t say anything.” Rin said almost as if she was the one berating him now.

“Ah, um, I see.” Jaken half repeated, still slightly feeling as if he was in a different world. Sesshoumaru having hanyou children, having a human as his wife?? Even if the human was Rin, this was all too much for him.

“Rin, call him Jaken.” Sesshoumaru said again as he continued walking.

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!” Rin said with a smile, knowing it would irritate Jaken.

“Ah, wha…um, huh??” Jaken couldn’t form another word, until his mind finally caught up. He yelled toward Sesshoumaru, asking him question after question regarding Rin and the future. His concern for Rin and Sesshoumaru was very clear to all who heard him. Listening to Jaken, Rin was overcome by happiness. This was her family, now and forever.

They continued on their never ending journey, visiting places of Rin’s choosing, visiting old places, seeing old faces. They would stop for a few weeks at a time when it became too much for Rin in her condition. And a few months later, Rin gave birth to a baby boy, who would continue to journey on with them. The birth was celebrated by the group, whom all felt elation over the symbolism the child brought to the powerful Dai-youkai. The boy was named Kaishoumaru, mostly after his father, but also for the change that had taken place in the depths of his father’s soul.

La Fin

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. (taken from sample)

This story is kind of void after the canon ending, please take this story as if it was ending right after chapter 471 of Inuyasha.

Hello everyone, thank you for reading my little fanfic. For those who see things similar to other fics and/or Doujinshi, please be aware that some ideas were inspired by them, but have been used in different context. For those who are wondering I didn’t use the name Mokomoko-sama for Sesshoumaru’s fluffy because it sounds too silly for this fic. Also I would like to expand on the names I used in this fic.

Enraenra is really the name of a fog demon from Japanese Mythos.

Zentaiyoha is a move I created, which is the opposite of Mediou Zangetsuha. Not sure on Kanji pronunciation, I named it after Zen (meditation) and taiyo meaning sun. It purifies the soul of the victim, allowing their soul to prepare for heaven and then incinerating them.

Meidou Kibaha is basically Meidou fang-ha. Kiba means fang.

Hikotou is another name a thought of, Hi meaning flame Ko meaning shining and Tou meaning blade.

Ao-Shilong came from a Chinese name converter, steaming from dragon, claw, evil and what not.

Aimei is an actual Chinese name that sounded good to me for this story.

Kaishoumaru was very hard for me to come up with, though it ended up fitting the story rather well. I wanted a name for Fluffy’s son to be similar but different, keeping the life in his name. After Kyousshoumaru (Strong life circle), and Kousshoumaru (shining life circle) , I stuck with Kaishoumaru (Changing life circle). I was trying to decide between just Kaishou or adding the extra maru, evidentially having to ask someone’s advice. All in all I liked the name because it was different like his father’s but at the same time strong and symbolizing the change within fluffy. I do picture Kaishoumaru with Inuyasha ears, perhaps slightly lower and two magenta stripes, one on each cheek as well as a whitish kimono and Suikan no hakama. I see him wearing more human like armor and no fluffy. I’ll probably draw him when I get the chance.

Inu means dog

I had a fun time writing this story, giving me a break from my AU Bulma/Vegeta epic story. It was rather difficult too.