InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rescued by Fate ❯ Preparations ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: Sigh. I keep putting Sesshomaru on my Christmas list, but I don't think Santa is getting my letters…

 

 

A/N: I know what you all are thinking. Oh my god I thought she died. Ha no I'm still alive, barely. I went through so much crap and drama this summer that if I typed it all out this author's note would probably be 2-3 pages, not even kidding. But, thankfully that's all behind me now so I can move on and get my life back. Anyway I'm extremely sorry for the horrendously long update. Here's chapter 8. Enjoy!

 

**My beta is deciding to take her time in editing this so I've decided to put the unedited version up in the mean time. I figured you guys have waited long enough.

 

`Thought'

*Flashback*

*^*^*^Change in POV*^*^*^

 

 

 

Rescued by Fate

 

 

Chapter Eight- Preparations

 

 

 

Rin immediately took off at a steady run toward the beautiful sight that lay before her. She was almost home. She couldn't believe it. As she entered the meadow she was surrounded by the wonderful smells of all the fully bloomed flowers and she suddenly felt like a child again. She giggled in merriment as the flowers tickled her when she passed them. She flung her arms out to the side and held them there as she ran, making her look like an airplane

 

Crushed petals lay on the dirt floor of the meadow where they had fallen and made soft cushions for her feet as she padded over them. Others drifted up into the breeze as she knocked them from their stems. They drifted around her in celebration of her return and brushed against her face in a flowery kiss. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the warm summer air and the sweet scent of the flowers fill her entire being. She felt so peaceful, so relaxed. She felt free. Free of all her problems, all her suffering. She wished this feeling would never end.

 

Movement beside her caught her attention and she looked to her right to see Ichigo running with her. She gave him a gentle smile and in return his face brightened. `Well it's about time,' she mused as she watched all of his stress literally disappear from his form. She was glad he was back to his old self again because she was getting tired of the silent, boring Ichigo he had turned into.

 

She quickened her pace as her mouth curled up into a wicked grin. Ichigo took the hint and quickened his pace as well, silently accepting her challenge to a race. They sped along through the meadow and Rin started to pull ahead, but Ichigo's male pride wouldn't let him lose. He swiftly passed her and took the lead, glancing back at her to give her a cocky smirk.

 

This only pushed her further. She was already running as fast as she could, but seeing that smirk triggered something in her that enabled her to run even faster. She was gaining on him now and she was going so fast she feared she might trip over her own feet. Suddenly, in front of her, Ichigo came to a swift halt, his entire body going eerily still. Rin tried to stop, but she was running too fast and Ichigo looked back at her just in time to see her body collide with his.

 

It all happened in slow motion. Rin saw the drop off. Saw the steep hill slanting down to the rest of the meadow. She felt their bodies tipping over, making their inevitable descent towards the hard earth below. She saw the panic in Ichigo's eyes, felt him pull her closer. She grabbed onto him as tight as she could; trusting him to protect her. She felt the gravity pull her down, causing her to become trapped underneath him.

 

She was going to hit the ground first and then Ichigo would fall on her. She braced herself for the breath stealing impact. But at the last second, before her back met the dirt, she felt Ichigo spin them around so that he would take the full force of the fall and she would land on his soft body instead of the hard ground.

 

Time sped back up as she crashed onto Ichigo; hearing him grunt in pain from the harsh landing. However, gravity was not done with them yet. This hill was steep and because of the momentum they had coming down, they didn't stop when they landed. Rin and Ichigo rolled over and over as they cascaded down, the pull of gravity causing them to roll even faster than before.

 

Rin was becoming dizzy and each time she hit the ground she felt like she was being punched in the face. She knew her body would have scrapes and bruises on it from the fall and she just wished that they would soon come to a stop. Rin was rolled around yet again and this time as she made contact with the hill she felt something sharp strike her head.

 

Ichigo tried to protect Rin as best he could, but it was hard when they were rolling. The whole way down she had made small noises of pain when she was flung around to meet the solid earth. He didn't notice when the noises stopped. Finally they slowed and came to a rest as the hill leveled out into a flat sea of flowers. Rin had landed on top of Ichigo, her head resting on his chest and his arm wrapped securely around her waist.

 

Ichigo lay there panting as he fought to catch his breath, but Rin appeared to be sleeping. “Rin. Rin wake up,” he tried rousing her. Nothing. He started shaking her and still she did not move. Finally he lifted her up by her shoulders and gasped in shock at what he saw. Rin's eyes were closed, but one was swollen and streams of blood were sliding down the left side of her face from her hair, across her swollen eye, down her cheek to her chin.

 

Rin was unconscious.

 

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Lightning struck outside the window as the rain continued to pour down in thick sheets. He sat in his study looking over some old scrolls. The sounds of the rain and the roaring thunder keeping him company. He glanced up from his scroll to look into the blazing fire on the opposite side of the room. It flickered and crackled, speaking to him in a language only his kind could understand. He looked to the door. `Someone's coming.' He heard hurried footsteps rushing down the corridor and then he saw two silhouettes through the paper door. One was small and slim with long hair tied back at the shoulders, a woman, and a servant. The other was taller and well built with short hair that stood straight up, a man, and a noble.

 

He watched the young girl bow and attempt to open the door for the guest, but the male backhanded her and told her to move. She made a small squeak as she fell to the ground and then she lay still as stone. He frowned at this and watched as the guest flung open the door, nearly knocking it off its track and rushed in with a hurried greeting.

 

He couldn't believe how rash and ignorant his younger brother could be at times. There's no excuse for entering a castle the way he just did. Such disrespect for his home and him made him furious. Had it been anyone else, he would've killed them immediately. However, since it was his brother, he would let it slide. He held up a clawed hand to silence the babbling demon in front of him.

 

The young demon immediately stopped talking and looked straight into his older brother's cold blue eyes.

 

“Makoto,” came his smooth, low voice. “Explain to me why you are here.”

 

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Rin woke to the feel of a cold cloth being pressed against her forehead. Her whole body ached, but the pain was starting to subside. The smell of medicinal herbs was all around her and behind her eyelids she could see a flickering light. She could feel someone sitting next to her. She could feel them watching her. Her eyes opened slowly as she muttered, “Where am I?” She tried to sit up, but the whole room spun around her and threatened to make her sick so she lay back down with a moan.

 

She could hear someone next to her telling her it was best not to move. She looked towards the direction of the voice to the body sitting beside her. “Ichigo?” she rasped quietly. He moved closer to her so she could see his face. “What happened?”

 

Ichigo looked at her for a moment then asked her in a calm soothing voice, “What do you remember?”

 

She thought back to what she had been doing before she woke up here. She remembered being in the meadow and racing with Ichigo. She remembered crashing into him and falling down the hill. Then nothing as everything went black.

 

“I remember racing with you and falling down the hill, but what happened after that?”

 

“You hit your head on a rock and passed out. It gave you a pretty nasty cut, but I think it will be ok. It also gave you a black eye, but these medicinal herbs were able to reduce the swelling. It should be fully healed in a day or two. The rest is just minor cuts and bruises, but they too should heal soon.”

 

He reached his hand up to touch the bandage on her head. His eyes were distant as he was deep in thought. “Lord Sesshomaru was pretty worried about you, he whispered. He's the one who brought you here. Then he brought his best healer to tend to you personally.” He dropped his hand and looked away. “He cares about you a lot,” he said quietly.

 

Rin smiled at him and reached a hand up to touch his face, turning it to face her. “You care about me too, Ichi. After all you're the one who's sitting here with me now.” She looked around the room, but it was empty except for them. The one person she wanted to see when she woke up; wasn't there. “I don't see Lord Sesshomaru here,” she spoke in an angry tone. She almost felt betrayed by his absence. Anger welled up inside her as the hurt put a painful strain on her heart. She could feel her eyes burning. “If he cares about me so much; then where is he?” she nearly shouted at him. “You're the one who's here for me, not him!” Her angry eyes glistened as they bore into his. `Why doesn't he love me anymore?'

 

A tear slipped from her eye and rolled down her cheek. Ichigo pulled her into his arms, holding her in a tight embrace. She beat his chest with her fists. “Where is he, Ichigo? Why isn't he here?” she sobbed.

 

Ichigo held her and rubbed her back, trying to calm her down. “Rin as much as I would like to take credit for your recovery, I can't. Lord Sesshomaru brought you here, had his best healer tend to you, and he's been with you, here, by your side this entire time. He was called away just before you woke. Rin it was Lord Sesshomaru who'd been watching over you, not me. I wanted to, but he had things around the castle that needed to be taken care of and he refused to leave you; so I did them. He knew you would wake soon and that'd you'd be alright so he called me in here to watch you while he went to take care of something.”

 

He looked at Rin and expected her to be happy knowing Lord Sesshomaru had been here, but she wasn't. Her face was expressionless and her eyes lost. “So he didn't want me to know he was here,” she said quietly.

 

Ichigo wondered if she was going to be ok. “Rin?”

 

She lay back down and rolled over to her side. “Please leave, Ichigo. I want to be alone.”

 

He nodded. “Alright,” he said in understanding. “I'll be just outside the door if you need me.” With that he got up and left, leaving Rin to hide in her solitude.

 

More tears flowed freely down her face and she didn't even try to hide her cries. Outside Ichigo listened to the sobbing girl and felt his heart break for her. He wished there was something he could do. Rin cried until sleep clouded her thoughts and she fell into a nice, deep slumber.

 

A room above her, a tall figure listened to her breathing even out. The room was pitch black and all that could be seen was a pair of bright amber eyes. He closed them and sighed. “Goodnight, Rin.”

 

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Sesshomaru walked over and lit a couple of lamps, flooding the room with light. Then he walked over to another wall and pulled various scrolls from their shelves. There was so much that needed to be done and not a whole lot of time. He set the scrolls on his desk and immediately got to work.

 

After a couple of hours Sesshomaru was interrupted by the sound of crying and someone screaming for help. He looked up at the door just as Ichigo came bursting in. “Please come quick, my Lord. It's Rin. She's having another nightmare.”

 

Sesshomaru was up in a flash and immediately ran down to her room. He told Ichigo to wait outside as he went in. What he saw was hard to look at. Rin had gotten herself tangled up in her sheets and was struggling with them, shouting at them to stop and to leave her alone. One of the larger cuts she had on her arm had opened up and was bleeding. Her shrill cries were hurting his ears. He felt her pain tight in his chest.

 

He quickly crossed the room and crouched down beside her, trying to get her untangled. Once he got the sheets off she proceeded to fight him. She smacked and clawed at him every chance she got so he pinned her arms to her side. She arched her back and tried to free herself, but it was no use. Sesshomaru was stronger. He tried calling her out of her nightmare.

 

“Rin.”

 

Her eyes snapped open, but she didn't stop struggling. And the eyes staring back at him…weren't hers. They were a cold, dark red. She screamed in agony.

 

Sesshomaru didn't know what to do. “Rin,” he tried again with more force. Her eyes flashed brown for a second then bled back to red.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, Help Me,” she whimpered. He couldn't think of anything else to do. He reached his face down to hers and kissed her with everything he had. She was burning, her skin was on fire, but as he continued to kiss her he felt the heat leaving her body in waves of steam as her body cooled. Finally her eyes changed back to chocolate brown and he felt all conflict leave her body as sleep overtook her once more.

 

He pulled away from her and looked at her sleeping face. Her brow was soaked with sweat. He reached out and pulled a stray strand of hair from her eyes. She looked peaceful now. He was glad, but he wanted to get to the bottom of this.

 

 

He ordered Ichigo to retrieve the healer so her arm could be bandaged and her bed could be changed. Then he ordered him to guard her all night. He told Ichigo if anything else happened, he was to come get him immediately.

 

Sesshomaru, meanwhile, went back up to his study. He started pulling scroll after scroll from the shelves. Sesshomaru was no fool. He knew what that was; he knew the level of power and audacity needed to even attempt it. That type of sorcery was forbidden for most demons. So who would dare use it?

 

`Makoto.' That was the name of Rin's captor. He was a fire demon. If he was powerful enough he could be able to perform that spell. `Makoto.' Why did that name sound so familiar?

 

Sesshomaru looked over scrolls all night, but none were helping him. Finally he decided to leave this matter until after he'd finished the plans for the big event coming up. Sesshomaru worked all night and by some stroke of luck finished everything by dawn. He called Jaken to his study and told him of his intentions.

 

He gave Jaken clear instructions and then told him to leave. Sesshomaru too had to leave for awhile. He needed to patrol his lands and get them ready. Very soon he would have guests arriving and he didn't want them to have to deal with any nuisances on his lands. Also, he needed to visit his brother.

 

Sesshomaru informed Ichigo of where he was going and when he would be back. Then he told him to tell Rin goodbye for him as he could not wait till she woke up. And with that he was gone, leaving his precious ward in the hands of another. He hoped Ichigo could manage.

 

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Rin woke up to rays of light pouring down on her face. The bright light was harsh to her sleepy eyes and the sun was heating up the room to the point where she felt she would suffocate if she stayed in the burning sauna.

 

She found a green and yellow summer yukata laying by her bed and quickly put it on. Then she tied her long hair in a pony tail at the base of her neck and swiftly left the room. The hallway was cooler and she was grateful for it. She felt like she was burning up. She decided she needed something cool to drink so she headed for the kitchens. It had been a long time since she'd been here, but she thought she remembered the way.

 

She walked down hallway after hallway until finally; she came to the doors she was looking for. She slid them open to reveal a slightly bemused Ichigo sitting down at the table and eating breakfast. He stood up the moment she entered. Gasping and mumbling about how she shouldn't be out of bed. She just ignored him with a casual wave of her hand and walked over to one of the maids.

 

“Excuse me; may I please have something to drink? I'm really thirsty.” The maid bowed and told her “of course mi lady” then scampered off to the back room. Rin felt weird being called a lady, but didn't question it. This was her home after all. Why shouldn't she be treated like a lady?

 

The maid returned within a few seconds and handed Rin the glass. She gulped down the delicious fresh water and asked for another. The maid scurried off in the same direction to refill her glass.

 

Meanwhile, Rin walked back over to Ichigo, who had resumed his seat at the table and gazed down at the bowl in front of him. “What are you eating?” she asked hungrily.

 

“It's the cook's specialty. A secret recipe that only he knows. And it's delicious!” he told her enthusiastically, continuing to stuff his face. The maid reappeared behind her and handed her the refilled glass. Rin decided to drink this one a little slower, savoring the glorious fulfillment that only fresh, ice cold water can bring. She decided to take a seat next to Ichigo, plopping down beside him.

 

He gave her a questionable look at her un-lady-like plop, but didn't say anything about it. Just chuckled and shook his head. She returned the look with her I-could-care-less-about-the-way-I-sit-around-you gaze and then proceeded to sip her water. Her stomach started growling as she sat there watching him eat and realized she was starving. She watched him take another bite and then grabbed the bowl from his hands, taking a bite herself.

 

“Hey give that back!” he yelled at her and tried to reclaim it, but she was too quick for him and moved out of the way just in time, taking another delicious bite. However the next time, she wasn't as quick to move and he grabbed the bowl out of her hands and held it above his head. She whined at him to let her have it as she jumped up and down trying to reach it. Ichigo just smirked and said “You can have it if you can reach it.”

 

Rin tried jumping higher, but it was no use. Ichigo was tall and had long arms. Not a good combination for her at the moment. Rin glanced down and saw the table there. She decided to use it to her advantage. She placed one foot on it and stood up, now leaning over Ichigo to get the bowl. He held it out to the side as the other hand held onto her for support.

 

Rin had one foot on the table, the other in midair between the table and Ichigo, one hand on his face, and the other stretched out as far as it could go towards the wonderful prize in the bowl. The newcomer chuckled at the childish spectacle and both Ichigo and Rin froze in embarrassment.

 

This only made him laugh harder. “Now Miss Rin, you know if you want something to eat all you have to do is ask,” he said in his rough low voice. His eyes were shining in merriment.

 

Rin tilted her head to the side to look at him. She knew that voice. When her eyes finally landed on him she gasped in shock and screamed in joy. “Meshi!” She immediately jumped down from the table and ran to the cook, embracing him in a warm, tight hug. He smiled and returned the hug, kissing the top of her head. “This place sure has been empty without you, Miss Rin. It's good to have you back.”

 

“It's good to be back,” she sighed as she nuzzled her face warmly in his chest. Meshi was a badger demon. He was big due to both his height and weight. But he wasn't fat, he was just very muscular. Rin liked to think of him as cuddly. Since that's what she did when she was little.

 

On the nights when Sesshomaru was away and she felt scared she would find Meshi and snuggle up next to him, instantly falling asleep. He was very tan and had white and black hair that he kept in a high pony tail.

 

His eyes were very round, but completely black and he had two thick black stripes that ran from his hair, over his eyes, and down the rest of his face to his chin. He was very handsome for his age. Meshi had been the cook here since before Sesshomaru was even born and Rin loved to here all the stories that Meshi had to tell. He was by far one of the most kind hearted demons she'd ever met and she loved him.

 

He released her from the hug and put his hands on her shoulders. “Well, you may have changed a lot in appearance, but your personality hasn't. Underneath this beautiful young woman you're still the sweet adorable child you once were. You're still Rin. I'm glad,” he said with a warm smile.

 

Ichigo just sat there and gaped at them, looking back and forth from the cook to Rin. He was really feeling left out these days. He was confused at how she could be friends with the cook, but then he remembered that this was Rin. She would be friends with everyone if she could. He smiled at the thought. She truly was one of a kind.

 

Meshi brought his giant hands up from Rin's shoulders and clapped them together. “Now Miss Rin, what would you like for breakfast?” He stared down at her knowingly, but all the same expected an answer. Rin's gaze drifted back over to wear Ichigo sat with the amazing food still in his hands. She pointed to the bowl as her mouth began to water. “That,” she said in wonder.

 

Meshi chuckled at her answer and told her he'd bring it right out, then disappeared into the back of the kitchen. Rin walked over to Ichigo and again sat down beside him, but this time she did it with as much grace as she possibly could. Over exaggerating to the point where Ichigo couldn't look at her without laughing. Rin's eyebrows rose as she gave him a “was that better?” look. Ichigo just continued to laugh and Rin smiled. Things were finally back to normal. Well…almost.

 

There was still one person missing.

 

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Sesshomaru's eyes looked out over his lands. The half dead demon beside him gurgled something incoherent as blood began to pool in his throat. Sesshomaru ignored him and walked on. That was the last demon he sensed nearby. He'd been killing them nonstop all morning and now…nothing. It was strange. `Perhaps the others ran away in fear,' he thought to himself.

 

He sighed. `Well I suppose if there aren't any more nuisances to take care of then it's time.' He muttered something about having to go out of his way for a lowly half breed and then transformed into a ball of light and sped off in the direction of his brother's village.

 

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The relentless rain continued its assault as the two brothers faced each other. Lightening struck again and illuminated the room with its piercing white flash. Thunder followed soon after, cracking like a whip in the distance. And still, not a word was spoken. Arctic blue met flaming crimson as they continued to stare at one another.

 

Finally Makoto broke the silence. “Will you help me or not?” he said in a hard yet quiet voice. The older demon just continued to stare at him, silently wondering if he should get involved. “So let me get this straight,” he said after an eternity. “Your human mate ran off with one of your servants and you want my help in getting her back?” His voice sounded amused. His eyes had a slight twinkle to them as he waited for his brother's response.

 

Makoto looked humiliated and his eyes gazed at the floor as he answered “yes, that's right.”

 

`My how pathetic you've become, Makoto.'

 

His icy blue eyes drifted to the fire in the room once more. “Is she marked?” he asked in his cool voice.

 

“No,” Makoto answered swiftly.

 

His eyes shot back to the younger demon, piercing him with their intensity. “Why not?” he asked suspiciously. Makoto cowered at his brother's tone. He regained his composure and flashed his fiery eyes up to his brother. Makoto's voice was livid as he spoke. “Because she was taken from me on the night we mated. I was waiting until we were completely finished to mark her. But I never got the chance.”

 

“You're such a fool, Makoto. How could you let this happen?” he asked harshly. Makoto seemed to recoil a bit and then looked down at the table between them.

 

“What would you do brother,” he started quietly. His eyes shot up and he nearly shouted “if one of your servants took Rei and ran off with her!? Wouldn't you do whatever you could to get her back!? Well!? Wouldn't you!? Yake-” he was cut off by the older demon's hand slamming down on the table.

 

“Enough, Makoto,” he said coldly. They stared each other down.

 

He regarded Makoto seriously for a moment, knowing that he was right. If someone ever dared to take his mate from him he would be willing to go to the pits of Hell to get her back. He stared into the face of his angry brother, his icy eyes melting a bit. He closed them and sighed. “Alright, Makoto I'll help you,” he said quietly.

 

Makoto's lips spread into a wicked grin. “Thank you brother.” He nodded once in acknowledgement. Makoto's face visibly brightened as he began inquiring about what they could do. “Brother,” he asked curiously. “What do you know of flame possession?”

 

He raised an elegant eyebrow. “Do you wish to torture the girl?” he said smoothly with a hint of suspicion. Makoto shrugged and shook his head. “I merely wish for her to know I'm still looking for her,” he said casually.

 

The answer did not convince him, but he had told Makoto he'd help him and so he would. “There's a scroll about it in the library. I suggest you look there.”

 

Makoto rose and walked to the door. He began to open it and stopped when he heard his brother's liquid voice. “What's her name?” he asked quietly. Makoto closed his eyes. “Rin,” he answered. “Her name is Rin.” He opened his eyes and left the room, sliding the door shut behind him and walked off in the direction of the library.

 

The icy demon stared once more at the flickering flames, wondering what Makoto was up to.

 

`Rin.' He thought silently. `Why does that name sound so familiar?'

 

His thoughts were interrupted by a light tapping on the door. “What is it?” he asked.

 

A light and feathery high pitched voiced answered. “My Lord, you have a visitor. He says his name is Jaken.”

 

He looked at the door. “Send him in.”

 

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Rin walked along the stone path in the garden. It'd been awhile since she'd been here. She looked around at all the beautiful Sakura trees and various flowers and plants that lay everywhere. It was just as she remembered, overflowing with beauty. She continued to walk along the path, picking various flowers as she went, until she came to the small pond that sat in the middle of the garden. She walked over to the bench that was just in front of it and sat down.

 

She gazed down into the clear blue water and watched as the fish swam in circles around it. This had always been her absolute favorite place in the castle. She began working with the flowers in her hands, weaving them together in a circle. She twisted the stems together in a familiar yet ancient pattern until at long last she held the finished product in her hands. It was a flower crown. She used to make them all the time.

 

She lifted it up and placed it on her head. A perfect fit. Rin's eyes fell once again to the pond as she recalled a memory from the distant past.

 

*Flashback*

 

“Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru! Look what Rin made!” she yelled as she ran across the garden path. Sesshomaru was standing by the pond gazing at the water in silent thought. She skidded to a halt in front of him and his eyes flicked to her. Rin beamed up at him and held out her creation. It was a small ring of flowers. “See!”

 

Sesshomaru looked at it for a moment and then carefully picked it up with one elegant hand. It was tiny, just big enough to be a bracelet, but he could tell that she had worked very hard on it. “Rin,” he said softly. “Hold out your arm.” She did as she was told and watched in wonder as Sesshomaru delicately slipped it around her hand and on to her wrist. It was just the right size.

 

She looked up at him in confusion. She had made this for him so why was he giving it back? Sesshomaru brought a clawed hand up and softly stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. “I want you to wear it, Rin,” he spoke quietly. She looked again at the flowers on her wrist and then back up to Sesshomaru and smiled. “Alright then,” she said proudly. “If Lord Sesshomaru wants Rin to wear his gift then Rin will wear it.”

 

The corners of Sesshomaru's lips twitched as if to smile and his eyes twinkled in amusement. “Rin.”

 

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?” She looked up at him in question.

 

“Go and pick all of your favorite flowers and bring them to me,” he told her smoothly. Then he walked over to the bench and sat down as he waited for her to do as she was told. Rin looked at him for a moment and then smiled as she ran off to fulfill her order. She picked all of her absolute favorites and piled them into her lap. She lifted the hem of her orange and yellow checkered kimono and carried the bundle back to where her lord was waiting.

 

She put all the flowers on the bench beside her lord and then went to sit next to him on the other side. She watched in silent amazement as one by one Sesshomaru braided the flowers together. When he was finished he held it out for her. It was a perfect circle of her favorite flowers. Rin clapped her hands together and smiled. “It's beautiful my Lord,” she cheered. Sesshomaru lifted it up and placed it on her head. A perfect fit. “It's a flower crown, Rin. And it's for you.”

 

She reached up and felt the delicate flowers around her head. “Rin loves it, Lord Sesshomaru,” she cried. “Thank you.” Sesshomaru nodded at her and stood. Rin stood up too and together they walked back to the castle. Halfway there Rin said quietly “wearing this flower crown makes me feel like a princess, Lord Sesshomaru.” Sesshomaru actually smiled this time and said “you are a princess, Rin.” Rin's smile grew even more as they walked inside. That was the first time she ever felt truly special in her entire life.

 

*End of Flashback*

 

A single tear slipped down Rin's cheek at the memory. Sesshomaru had always been so kind to her. Now she barely ever saw him. He even left without telling her. She had to find out from Ichigo. He told Ichigo and not her. She felt so betrayed. She wanted to know what was wrong with her. Why was he avoiding her like this? What did she do wrong?

 

She thought back to what had happened two nights ago. Makoto was inside her, causing her agonizing pain. And Lord Sesshomaru was there too, in the distance. He was trying to call her back, but Makoto wouldn't let her go. She begged her lord to help her, to save her from the pain. And then his lips were on hers. His perfect smooth lips were kissing her and that's what brought her back to him. She felt all the pain leave her body as it was replaced with new feelings. And then his lips left hers and everything went black.

 

Sesshomaru had kissed her. Why? If he was so repulsed by her then why would he do such a thing? `It was pity' said a small voice inside her head. `He felt bad for you cause you were in pain so he decided to give you what you wanted even though he hated every minute of it.' Rin shook her head. No. No, he wouldn't do that. Would he? `Yes. He would.' Rin put her head in her hands and cried in silent pain. Why was he doing this to her? How could he be so cruel as to pretend he cares?

 

Her crown fell to the side of her head as she continued to sob. After a few minutes she wiped her tears away and stood up, once again staring into the clear blue water of the pond. Her reflection stared back at her, the lopsided crown catching her eye. As she turned to walk away she felt it slide of her head and drift down into the cool water where it floated on the surface. The days when she was a princess, were over.

 

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Sesshomaru stopped just outside his brother's hut and transformed back to his normal form. He only took a single step before the half demon burst out of the hut and pointed a clawed finger at him. “I thought I smelled you,” he said in a rough voice. “What the hell are you doing here, Sesshomaru?”

 

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. “I simply came to see you, Inuyasha,” he said smoothly. “Isn't that enough?” Inuyasha snorted and crossed his arms. “Well who says I wanna see you,” he muttered.

 

“Inuyasha! Sit!” yelled an angry voice. Inuyasha immediately met dirt as he was flung to the ground. Kagome stood in the doorway of the hut with her hands on her hips glaring at the half demon. Inuyasha sat up from his crater and yelled at her. “What the hell was that for!?” Kagome crossed her arms and stuck her nose up in the air. “You were being rude. Sesshomaru came all this way to see you and you act like that. I thought you two were friends now? Honestly, Inuyasha grow up.”

 

Inuyasha growled as he crossed his arms and legs and imitated her by sticking his nose up in the air. “I was just kidding, Kagome. Jeeze. Lighten up.”

 

Sesshomaru watched this whole spectacle and didn't think a thing of it. He'd seen it too many times. So instead of asking questions he simply just walked forward toward the hut. When he passed Inuyasha he muttered, “at least she has a brain.”

 

Kagome giggled and Inuyasha growled, snapping his head up to Sesshomaru and yelling, “what was that!?”

 

Sesshomaru just ignored Inuyasha and walked up to Kagome. She smiled at him. “It's nice to see you Sesshomaru. Is there anything we can do for you?” she asked politely.

 

Sesshomaru nodded. “Yes there is, but I want to talk to you about something first,” he said. Kagome nodded her head in understanding. “Alright, come on inside and I'll make us some tea, then we can talk.” Sesshomaru nodded once in agreement and walked inside the hut. Kagome followed in after him.

 

Once inside they heard Inuyasha's muffled yells. “Hey, Sesshomaru! I thought you came to see me!? What do you need to talk to her for!? Hey! I'm talking here! Fine! Just ignore me! Pretend I'm not here! Dammit you guys get back here!”

 

Kagome finally had enough and stuck her head out the door and yelled, “Instead of carrying on out there why don't you just come in here!?”

 

Inuyasha growled and yelled, “Shut up! I knew that! I was going to anyway!”

 

Kagome softened a bit. “You know instead of sitting out there acting like a tough guy, why don't you just come inside,” she said in her normal voice. Inuyasha glared at her for a moment and then stood. “Keh. Fine I will.” Kagome smiled and held the tatami mat open for him. Inuyasha walked in and took a seat at the small table. Kagome then went back to making the tea.

 

After awhile Sesshomaru noticed something was off. This hut was normally a lot noisier and crowded. He immediately realized what was different. He looked across the table to his brother. “Where are your pups, Inuyasha? I don't see them anywhere.”

 

“They're all over at Miroku and Sango's today,” Inuyasha said in a bored tone. “They usually all hang out here, but me and Kagome needed a break. Sango was more than happy to have them over. She's been wanting to teach them the art of demon slaying.” Inuyasha's eyes flashed over to Sesshomaru. “Keh. Kind of ironic don't you think. But Shouji and Akina have really taken a liking to it. Heh I always knew the twins would be the fighters. They're too much like me.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded, silently agreeing with him. “And what of your youngest pup, how's he fairing?” Sesshomaru asked in an interested voice. Inuyasha chuckled lightly and looked back over to his brother. “He thinks it's a pain and a waste of time to learn. `Course he also has absolutely no talent for it, which is why he gets frustrated.” He leaned in closer to Sesshomaru, out of Kagome's hearing and added, “he's too much like his mother.”

 

Sesshomaru looked up at the woman in question and couldn't decide whether it was a good or bad thing that Kiyoshi was like her. She was soft, naïve, and breakable yes. But, she was also intelligent, strong spirited, open minded, loyal, and incredibly kind. What she lacked in physical strength she surely made up for in spiritual. He wondered if Kiyoshi was perhaps even capable of producing spiritual powers. If he could, then he would turn out to be quite the abled fighter, maybe even more so then the twins.

 

Kagome finished making the tea and brought it over to the small table. She took a seat next to Inuyasha and looked over to Sesshomaru. “So what did you want to talk about?” she asked him in a cheery tone. Sesshomaru decided to get straight to the point. He took a sip of tea and then began. “The first matter I wish to discuss is Rin.” Kagome and Inuyasha glanced at each other. They had known of Rin's disappearance from day one and had even helped Sesshomaru with many searches, but all had turned up empty.

 

“I've found her,” Sesshomaru said calmly.

 

Inuyasha's mouth dropped and Kagome's eyes widened in shock. “You found her?” she whispered.

 

“Yes,” he answered quietly.

 

Kagome's face immediately broke out in a radiating smile. “That's wonderful!” she nearly yelled. “I'm so happy you were able to find her!” “Where was she at?” she asked curiously. Inuyasha, who had been in a state of shock through all of this, finally closed his gaping mouth and looked interestedly at his older brother.

 

“I found her traveling in a remote forest,” he answered in his usual monotone. “She and her companion were under attack when I came across them. I defeated the demons and then found out that it was Rin who I had saved. She had escaped with another demon named Ichigo and they were on the run. The ones who were attacking them were their captors.”

 

“So who the hell were they anyway?” Inuyasha asked angrily.

 

“Fire demons,” he answered with loathing. Inuyasha wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Was she hurt,” he asked quietly, closing his eyes in fear of the answer.

 

“Yes,” Sesshomaru answered in a tormented whisper. She had been molested, beaten, and brutally raped before she was able to leave,” he added quietly, his voice laced with pain. Inuyasha opened his eyes, they were burning gold with fury and sadness. Kagome looked like she was going to be sick and her eyes were swimming with tears for Rin. Sesshomaru continued, “Her wounds had been healed by a demon named Kai who watched over her there. He was the one who helped her escape and he's also Ichigo's father.”

 

“I'm glad she got out of there,” Kagome said in her soft, caring voice.

 

“So what about this Ichigo kid? Do you trust him?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“I do,” Sesshomaru answered honestly. “He seems to care a lot for Rin and he's protected her many times.” Inuyasha and Kagome nodded, silently processing all this new information. Sesshomaru straightened up and looked at the two of them. “Rin is now home in the safety of my castle,” he said in a business-like tone. “Which brings me to the second matter…” He had Inuyasha and Kagome's undivided attention.

 

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Rin walked through the many corridors of the castle, not really going anywhere, just wandering around. It was dark outside and the halls were lit with many flickering candles. Her shadow danced on the walls in time with the flames as she continued her slow, leisure pace forward. As she glanced at the flickering flames she was once again reminded of her lord's absence.

 

`He's been gone a whole week now. I wonder if he'll even come back.' She couldn't help but feel like it was all her fault. That she had caused him to leave because he couldn't stand to be around her, because her love for him was repulsing. She felt so empty inside when she thought about it, about how her pathetic human feelings disgusted him. She felt abandoned. Like she was here all alone and no one cared for her.

 

She stopped when she realized where she'd ended up. She was staring blanking at the thin paper doors that led out to the garden. She felt some fresh air would help clear her head and so she slid the doors open and stepped out into the cool night.

 

The garden was still breathtakingly beautiful, even now when it was shrouded in darkness. The full moon lit up the stone path and fireflies danced around everywhere. She walked along the familiar path again, feeling the cool, smooth stones beneath her feet. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, sighing at the pure serenity of this wonderful place.

 

She opened her eyes as the path wound around to the small pond and stopped when she saw someone else was already there. Ichigo was standing near the pond's edge, looking down into the rippling water as the fish swam back and forth. He seemed to be deep in thought about something. His eyes had a determined look to them as if he'd made up his mind about something and was trying to figure out how to act on it.

 

He looked up as he heard her softly approach. His violet eyes were glowing in the moonlight and the way he looked at her made her heart rate pick up just ever so slightly. All her previous thoughts, about no one caring for her, immediately vanished when she looked at him. Of course Ichigo cared for her. He'd cared for her before they'd even met. He was her best and closest friend and she felt so stupid for doubting him. How could she have been so blind?

 

Ichigo looked away from her and back to the pond. “Nice night,” he said quietly. She nodded and looked up into the sky. “Beautiful,” she whispered. Ichigo snorted and looked back to her. “My thoughts exactly,” he said in a calm, soothing voice that made chills run down her spine. She blushed slightly and looked down at the ground.

 

Ichigo walked over to her, taking slow, measured steps and stopped in front of her. He lifted her chin with one long, clawed finger and gazed into her eyes. Her heart rate picked up again and began to beat loudly against her chest. She could clearly see the lust in his eyes, but there was something else there as well. It wasn't greedy, but more pure. She could see his love for her in them and it made her heart melt and her head spin.

 

His face was slowly getting closer to hers and her heart was beating faster by the second. His eyes drifted close and hers did the same as their lips finally met in a soft, tender kiss. He brought his hand up to her face and brushed her cheek with his thumb. Rin couldn't make sense of anything that was happening. Her mind was a complete blur. This kiss felt so right because she did love Ichigo and she knew he loved her too. But at the same time it also felt terribly wrong. Like the kiss was a lie, that she shouldn't be doing this.

 

They slowly broke apart and looked into each other's eyes. His violet eyes were burning with pure love for her and it only made her feel even more confused. Did she like Ichigo like that? Could she be with him forever? She knew the answer at once. Yes she did and yes she could. She knew that she loved him, that she could stay with him forever and be perfectly content. But at the same time, her heart longed for someone else, someone she loved even more. `Someone I can never have,' she thought sourly.

 

The sound of running footsteps interrupted their thoughts and they glanced in the direction it was coming from. One of the maids was running toward them. She stopped just in front of them and bowed. “Pardon my intrusion mi lady, but Lord Sesshomaru has just returned and is asking for you,” she said in a high, smooth voice. Rin felt joy and warmth spread throughout her body. “Where is he?” she asked.

 

“In his study,” she answered, she then proceeded to take Rin's hand. “Come,” she spoke hurriedly, “I will show you the way.” And the two of them set off at a quick pace back toward the castle, leaving Ichigo and all of her confused emotions behind her.

 

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Sesshomaru watched as the maid left his study and walked over to look out the window. The meadow was alive with fireflies and the soft wind gently tossed the flowers this way and that. He found the image relaxing and peaceful. His peace was short lived when he heard rapping at the door and a whiny squawk he surely did not miss. “Excuse me Lord Sesshomaru. May I come in?”

 

Sesshomaru closed his eyes for a second and then opened them again. “Yes Jaken,” he said calmly, “you may enter.” His study door slid open and then closed shut with a snap as Jaken made his entrance. He wobbled over to the front of the desk and stood there attentively with several small scrolls in his hands. Sesshomaru glided over to his desk and took a seat on the opposite side. Jaken laid the scrolls neatly on the table for his lord to inspect.

 

Sesshomaru picked up each scroll one by one and examined them closely. After he was finished he picked them up and put them away accordingly. “Well done, Jaken,” he said smoothly. “I am very pleased with your work.”

 

The little toad bowed and stuttered. “Th…th…thank you, Lord Sesshomaru. It was the least I could do for you.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded. “That is all, Jaken. You may leave.”

 

“Oh of course my lord,” he said dutifully. “I shall leave at once.” He wobbled back over to the door and exited the way he entered with the same snap of the door. Sesshomaru rubbed his temples at his vassal's stupidity and then rose to pull a very large scroll from its shelf and placed it on his desk.

 

He looked over the scroll for awhile until he heard a faint tapping on the door. “Come in,” he said in his monotone voice. The door softly slid open and he heard a small figure quietly slip in and then softly slide the door closed. He looked up to see the most beautiful creature standing before him. Rin. She was dressed in a beautiful silk yukata that was the purest white and had light pink designs on it accompanied with a matching pink obi. Her hair was intricately braided into a pony tail of soft curls and her cheeks were slightly flushed from running here.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru,” she spoke in her soft, feathery voice that only an angel could have. “You asked to see me.”

 

Sesshomaru's thoughts quickly went back to the matter at hand. “Yes, Rin I did,” he said quietly. “There is something I wish to discuss with you. Please, have a seat.” He gestured to the cushion in front of his desk. Rin walked over and took a seat while Sesshomaru pulled a small scroll from behind him and laid it out in front of her.

 

He looked up at her and spoke, “we're going to be hosting a feast soon, Rin, in honor of your return.” He watched as a light blush spread over her cheeks, making her even more beautiful. “I would like for you to be the hostess,” he said in his calm, rich voice, Rin's eyes widened in surprise. “Will you accept that responsibility?”

 

She could only nod. Then she spoke quietly, “of course. I will do anything my lord asks of me.” Sesshomaru felt pride swell in his chest at her loyalty. He handed her the scroll. “This is a list of all that you will be in charge of. And next to that is a list of all the names of the guests who are attending.” She scanned the scroll and nodded. He could see the determination in her eyes and it pleased him greatly.

 

“The feast will be in exactly one month. That's how long you have to prepare.” She nodded again and rolled up scroll. “I will do my best, my lord.”

 

He nodded to her. “That is all I needed. You may leave.” She stood up and bowed. “Welcome home, Lord Sesshomaru,” she whispered. “I missed you.” She cast her eyes to the floor and then turned swiftly to leave, rushing to the door and leaving the room. Sesshomaru stared after as her scent drifted to him. She smelled absolutely wonderful, but there was something else there too, the scent of another.

 

`Ichigo.' His scent on her was strong, so strong it could've only come from contact. The thought of that made his blood boil in jealous rage. One thing he knew for sure, no matter how much she liked him and enjoyed his company, Sesshomaru did not like the scent of that demon on his Rin.

 

To be continued…

 

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A/N: Ok so this story has really been writing itself, but now I actually have a plan set out for it and I know where I'm going. So hopefully that'll help with the writer's block, which by the way really sucks, and also I'll be able to get the chapters typed faster so I can update sooner. Yay lol. Well I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please Review!