InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A new beginning, a new hope ❯ Joining of two hearts ( Chapter 27 )

Rin dropped her violin case on the soft grass beneath her feet and raced forward in full force the minute she sighted that old familiar short stumpy silhouette.

 

“Jaken-sama! I'm so happy to see you!” The girl yelled aloud, simultaneously grabbing the toad demon tightly into a hug against his will.

 

“Arhhh… Get off me, you irritating little….” In the midst of his struggles, he couldn't deny that he had caught a glimpse of his master's not too pleased expression at his choice of words.

 

The green toad suddenly remembered himself. Yes, the girl is soon to become his master's bride, though till now, he couldn't quite fathom why the queer decision. Hasn't his master been detesting humans all his life? Well the toad knew also that Rin was somewhat different from the rest right from the beginning. Sesshoumaru had been extremely protective toward the girl since she was a child. But to formally wed her??!??!?

 

The little demon heaved an unease sigh. He'd better watch his steps in the future, and words for that matter. If not, he might end up short changing his life by at least five centuries. He took a glance at the daintily featured girl who had just released him from her overly animated grip. He must admit… If not human, she was actually a fine match for the youkai lord.

 

Rin's eyes lit up as a two-headed shadowed drew nearer and nearer by the second together with its sonorous thumping of four paws.

 

“Aun!” The two-headed dragon would have hopped and landed on the girl if not tamed by Sesshoumaru's presence. Nonetheless, Aun circled its two necks round the girl avidly while licking and slurping her and Rin was chuckling. “I miss you too.”

 

Sesshoumaru stood and observed in silent contentment this little cheery reunion. Everything was back to how they used to be, at long last. Soon, all that had happened during the past five years, all the pain and heartaches, would gradually fade into nothing more than just a bad dream. He was determined to ensure that Rin would never shed another tear from this day forth. That was a promise he swore to himself.

 

“Jaken, how are the preparations?” The toad demon jumped at the deep voice directed at him.

 

“All are ready for the ceremony tonight.” Jaken bowed so low his head was sweeping the grass. “If it pleases you, I will be resuming the role of the Nakodo, matchmaker and…”

 

“Jaken,” Before he could finish, the youkai lord had already stopped him. “Bring the girl's belongings to our chamber. After which, you're to situate yourself here in the garden till I call for you. I should not be seeing you before that.”

 

“Here in the garden my lord? But wouldn't you need assistance for the ceremony… and … and…” Sesshoumaru's heinous stare shut him up instantly. After having spent more than a century with his master, he had learnt not to be too intrusive or over step his boundaries.

 

“Hai, my lord, I'll do as you have commanded.” Jaken retreated with Rin's luggage into the house after giving another respectful bow.

 

“Rin, ikuzo,” Sesshoumaru beckoned in an endearing tone as he took over the weight of the violin case.

 

Rin watched as the youkai paced ceremoniously into the house. He appeared to be somewhat disengaging and deep in thought.

 

Perhaps he's pondering over the issue on the Shikon-no-tama, Rin concluded inwardly. She had communicated to him all that had been said between the miko and herself. What would his decision be then? The girl knew that it was best for her to grant him some space at this point. She proceeded behind the youkai, straining to lighten her footsteps so as not to disturb him.

 

Her silence was brought to a halt by her gleeful gasp as she stared into the lavishly re-furnished chamber. The room had been decorated for the ceremony that night. There wasn't a doubt about that. The huge bed was lined with many layers of elaborated silk sheets and pillows. On the mattresses lay two sets of wedding kimonos. The one on the left was the shiro-maku, a traditional white dress, embroided with several images of the youkai's true form. On the right was a black montsuki with a short haori overcoat bearing again Sesshoumaru's family crest in white and a pair of pleated hakama pants. Rin let her fingers brush through the exquisite needlework in rapt fascination.

 

“These had been passed down for generations. Chichiue and Hahaue wore them when they wedded.” He moved to stand next to her at the bed. “I've gotten it altered to your size.”

 

Rin turned and smiled appreciatively at him. “It's too beautiful… too much…” She whispered, nearly too stunned for words.

 

“Have a rest,” He noted that the girl had tire out after the lengthy journey home. “Jaken had prepared a bath. I'll join you in a while.”

 

Rin nodded.

 

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In the dimly lit chamber, the tiny glimmer of lights in the lanterns flickered as a breeze danced through them. At the same time, the silken screen flapped and ruffled rhythmically. But Sesshoumaru paid it no attention. His sole focus was dedicated to admiring the lovely image before him, his bride, his Rin.

 

Seated opposite him at the table, the girl was not returning his exploring gaze but had chosen to direct hers to the ground bashfully. She was however fully aware that her whole form was been thoroughly inspected.

 

The snow white kimono matched flawlessly with her porcelain complexion and the red embroidery only serves to enhance the youthful glow on her rosebud cheeks. He ought to commend Jaken for having done a wonderful job in the adjustments done on the gown. The youkai mused.

 

Her hair was neatly pinned at the nape with a long velvet ribbon. She wore no other ornaments on her head though the demon lord had provided her a myriad of selections.

 

She has chosen to be herself, Sesshoumaru grinned internally, knowing the girl too well. Those heavy weighted and extravagant combs and pearls would fall entirely out of place. Besides, she couldn't be any more perfect than she already was.

 

Being self conscious, Rin only dared to give little peeks at the youkai. She had never seen him in anything other than his usual white but now, he was richly dressed in full black. It was such a contrast with his pale skin and silvery hair, but still, undeniably elegant and handsome.

 

As he always has been, she finished in her mind.

 

“You do not mind that there're no guests?” Rin jumped slightly, not expecting Sesshoumaru to speak.

 

She looked up to his level and shook her head unreservedly.

 

“I like it this way,” she replied in a soft muffled voice. “Just the two of us.”

 

“Would you like something to drink?” The youkai reached for the flask of sake and steadily filled a cup full.

 

After taking a sip, he passed it to the girl.

 

“Don't worry; you can have as much as you wish this time.” He intoned jokingly. “I'll be here.”

 

A swift blush made its way to Rin's face again as a particular scene from the past flashed through her mind. She unquestionably did not want to be dead drunk tonight. However, she too recognized that it is part of the ceremony that they shared this cup of rice wine together as a symbol that they have joined as one.

 

“You're teasing me again,” Rin took a sip at the cup.

 

She took out the Shikon-no-tama and held it up so that it was visible to both.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” She spoke rather solemnly this time, “Do you wish me to be demon like you?”

 

There was a brief moment of stillness.

 

Then, Sesshoumaru shook his head, much to Rin's surprise.

 

“But why? Haven't you always desired….” She was interrupted.

 

“You may do what you wish. But if you seek my opinion, my answer is no.” The youkai affirmed. “I love you the way you are now.”

 

Rin was almost moved to tears. Sesshoumaru actually gave up the only one chance to have it all?

 

He said he loves me as I am. That was probably the sweetest statement that she had ever heard.

 

In less than a second, she made a decision.

 

“Shikon-no-tama, please grant me the gift to stay by him as any faithful mate would, to breathe as he breathes. And on the day he ceases, it shall also be my last.”

 

The radiant glow almost blinding them shone from the jewel and it dispersed a ball of light landing on the girl as she felt a tingling sensation cruise through her whole being. In the next moment, it was over. The jewel broke into two halves, looking as lifeless as any normal stone.

 

This time, it was Sesshoumaru's turn to be intensely touched. By the immense powers of the Shikon-no-tama, the girl could even live way beyond him. But she had chosen….

 

Rin noted Sesshoumaru had risen from his seat. Picking up her hand, he gestured her to stand with him as he led her to the bed side where both sat down. Rin watched as he retrieved a wooden box from under one of the pillows. He unfastened it and in lay a pair of bangles crafted tastefully with refinement.

 

“These are our family heirlooms, passed down only from one lady to another.” He placed them in Rin's palm. “Do not think that they're just normal jewelry. They're made from fangs of my ancient ancestors, much like the Tetsusaiga and the Tenseiga. They're almost unbreakable and can be used as a shield against the most powerful weapons.”

 

Rin examined the pair of delicate bangles with immense awe. These lovely looking things are protective in nature? She found that aspect rather unbelievable.

 

“They're both for me?” Rin scanned through the identical items, intrigued.

 

“No. Are you disappointed?” He tested her jokingly again but he only took a moment to realize it was rather insensitive on his part. Still, he just couldn't help it. He really enjoyed seeing her getting flustered so charmingly by such situations.

 

True enough, Rin's face was flooded with a deepened red as she sheepishly wanted to return them into the box. Sesshoumaru stopped her immediately.

 

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased you.” Forcing down his chuckle, he placed one bangle through Rin's right wrist.

 

“Then, this one….” Rin had recovered enough to raise her query.

 

“This one is….” Sesshoumaru's voice had suddenly turned so hushed that Rin had to move close to catch what he was saying. “This one is for Kagome.”

 

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Hi,

 

I've got the wedding part done. Could have gone on with the lemony parts but…. I think I'll do a better job with some sleep.

 

I'll do it tomorrow…

 

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. I really appreciated them…. They're a great motivation….

 

But…. just a word of caution…. I've planned for some erm… unnatural human/animal lemons in the upcoming chapters. I guess you know who they would be. It's to go along with how the story unfolds.

 

So… *taking a deep breath* , don't throw rotten eggs at me okay? I promise it won't be the grotesque kind and it won't be on their wedding night…

 

Further warnings will be given…

 

See ya….zzzzzzzzz