InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rescued by Fate ❯ Raw Emotions ( Chapter 7 )

 

 

Disclaimer: Sadly enough I don't own Inuyasha. I wish I did but I don't. Cries. Life is cruel.

 

 

A/N: I know what you all are thinking. Oh My God she updated it's a miracle! Well sorry for the delay. A lot of crap just kind of hit me at once and then I haven't been feeling well and the stupid doctors don't know what's wrong. Maybe I'm going crazy. Ugh I don't know it's just been hectic. Anyway I apologize for taking so long. Alright the beginning of this chapter is from Sesshomaru's POV and then the POV's will alternate. I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Enjoy!

 

**Dream**

`Thought'

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

 

 

 

Rescued by Fate

 

 

Chapter Seven- Raw Emotions

 

 

 

The question rang in his ears: “Lord Sesshomaru, where were you?”

 

………….`What…… What did she just say?'

 

Sesshomaru was stunned. He didn't understand what was going on, didn't know what to do. Just who was this girl latched to him? How did she know his name? And why did she ask him where he had been? Sesshomaru was very confused and confusion was not something the prestigious demon lord was used to. He despised it. It made him feel weak; beneath others for not understanding the situation.

 

Sesshomaru could smell her tears, could smell her scent. She'd lain with a fire demon not too long ago. He glanced over at the other male, who just gawked at them in silence with wide eyes. His scent, however, was different from the one coating the girl's skin. And she wasn't marked. How disgusting. This girl was nothing more than a whore and she was clinging to him with her sullied hands. He wanted her off.

 

“Release me from your grip, girl or I shall remove your arms,” he threatened quietly.

 

Her grip tightened.

 

`Persistent wench!' He brought his hands up to her shoulders and lightly dug into her skin with his sharp claws. She cried out as they pierced her flesh and blood trickled down his hands. Sesshomaru froze.

 

………………`That scent!'

 

………………`That blood!'

 

………………`Her blood!'

 

`Rin.'

 

Suddenly, the fire demon accompanying her sprang forward and pushed him back. He swept Rin into his arms and whispered words of assurance to her. Sesshomaru stumbled back and stared at her in shock. `That girl…that woman …is Rin.' His Rin. The one he'd been searching for all this time. The one being he cherished and cared for above all others, the one whom he had still believed to be a child. `It's been eight years…of course she would've grown. Humans age much faster than demons. She's an adult now.'

 

Rin's scent drifted toward him and he was reminded of just how grown up she was. Fury rose under his taut breast fueled by the fact that she had been taken by another, but soothed himself by remembering she wasn't marked.

 

His eyes drifted to the male…holding her…comforting her. Anger started bubbling up inside him once again, but when he caught sight of Rin's tear streaked face and blood covered arms his heart sank. He looked down at his pale hands. His claws were stained in her blood. He had hurt her. The only person in his life he'd ever truly cared for and he hurt her. Mortified, he looked to the ground in shame.

 

“Please forgive me…Rin.” His voice would've sounded steady and emotionless to a stranger, but Rin knew better. Even after being separated from him for eight terribly long years, she could still sense the despair and shame in it. She could see he was devastated by the realization of what he'd done in the way he lowered his head and gazed inertly at the ground. Quick to forgive, her heart ached for him.

 

She cried his name and ran to him once more wrapping her arms around his waist, pulling him closer to her. Sesshomaru cradled her to him with one arm supporting the back of her head and the other wrapping around her tiny waist. He held her there, pressed tight against him. At last, he'd found her. This time he wouldn't let go; he was never going to lose her again. Never.

 

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Ichigo was not happy. This demon, the one she called her lord. The one she missed dearly, the one she cared for, and the one she loved had hurt her. He had drawn her blood with his own hands. The same hands he had wrapped around her now. How dare he hurt her? How dare he touch her? How dare he pretend to care?

 

Ichigo didn't realize it, but he was growling and Sesshomaru instantly picked up on the threat. He pushed Rin behind him and told her to stay back, his hand going to straight to Tokijin. The two demons glared at each other intently, each ready for battle.

 

But something held them at bay; a little treasure in the form of a young woman who ran out from behind Sesshomaru and stood between them. She looked long and hard at one demon and then the other.

 

Then she turned to face Ichigo and spoke to him in a clear, strong voice. “It's ok, Ichigo,” she persuaded. “He won't hurt me. This is Lord Sesshomaru; he was my lord before I was brought to the castle. He saved me a long time ago when I was attacked by wolves and I owe him my life. He has always cared for me and protected me. He proved that by showing up here tonight.” She paused. “This… is my family, Ichigo. This is where I belong. Please, Ichigo, I just want to go home. Please, let me go home.” She begged him to understand.

 

Her eyes were glazed over with unshed tears and the pleading look on her face was making his heart break in two. It was she who didn't understand. He just wanted her to be happy, to be safe.

 

“Rin, I would never stop you from doing what you wanted. I would never try to keep you away from your family.” He looked away; his countenance grim. “But I have no family, Rin. All I have now is you. I care for you, too, Rin.” He looked back at her with burning eyes. “Please, if you must go, then please let me come with you. I beg of you, Rin. Don't leave me alone.”

 

His head sunk down with his confession. He felt ashamed for being so weak. For admitting his need to have her around, his need for her friendship and her love. He was about to turn around and walk away when he felt two slender arms wrap around him and pull him into a warm hug. She breathed into his chest, “Of course you can come, Ichigo.”

 

He hugged her tighter and buried his nose in her neck, breathing in her sweet comforting scent. `Maybe, this will all work out after all.' She raised her head up to him. Chocolate brown locked with shimmering violet, a mutual understanding passing between them. She smiled at him and took his hand in hers. “Come on, Ichigo,” she said brightly. “Let's go home.”

 

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Sesshomaru was silently seething. Inside he was on fire, but outside he was cool as ice. His eyes remained steadily locked on the two in front of him. And if you looked carefully, you could almost see a tiny flicker of emotion swimming within the amber depths.

 

Seeing them tenderly standing there together brought on an emotion he rarely ever felt. He remembered feeling it every time he saw Inuyasha with Tetsusaiga. Jealousy. Yet, he wondered why he was feeling it now. Why was he jealous? Was it because Rin was in another's arms? Was it because of the intimate contact between them? He couldn't pinpoint the reason, but just knew he wanted this wretched demon gone.

 

“Come on, Ichigo. Let's go home,” she had said.

 

`What! Who said he gets to come? What makes her think I will allow this demon to accompany us?'

 

Rin was smiling as she walked over to Sesshomaru holding Ichigo's hand, but her smile fell when she saw that tiniest flicker deep within those amber eyes. Sesshomaru's eyes were unreadable, but she could see straight through them into his soul. She had the ability to read him like a book, she always did.

 

She bowed her head as she stopped in front of her lord. “Forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru. I invited Ichigo without your permission.” She spoke quietly. “He has been very kind to me and has saved me many times, even from myself. I'm very grateful to him. He has come to be a very close friend.” Her head snapped up and she shot Sesshomaru her most desperate plea. “Please, Lord Sesshomaru; he has nowhere else to go. Please show him kindness as you showed me and allow him to go home with us.” She looked at him with those pitiful, pleading doe eyes.

 

“Rin! How dare you ask our lord to do such a thing! As if the great Lord Sesshomaru would take in a stray demon.” Jaken who had seemingly disappeared before finally spoke up. Dancing around in front of them and pointing at them with his staff, he quipped, “Be gone you pest! Leave at once!”

 

“Jaken!” The imp looked upon him with fearful eyes. “Be silent.”

 

Jaken quivered in response, “Y -Yes, milord.”

 

Sesshomaru returned his attention back to Rin, catching again the pleading look in her beautiful brown eyes. `Damn her.' Sesshomaru knew he could not resist those eyes. “He may come, Rin,” he stated simply. “If that's what you wish.” Rin's face brightened and her smile stretched from ear to ear. Kami, he loved it when she smiled. She ran to him and gave him another hug, beaming up at him. “Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

The feeling of jealousy quickly dissipated as he held Rin close to him. He looked over at Ichigo and was surprised to see the demon bowing before him. “Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru. I am truly grateful.” With those kind words he rose, looking straight at Sesshomaru with honest, grateful eyes. `Hmmm…perhaps this demon isn't so bad after all.' Still, Sesshomaru was far from letting his guard down around him. He would have to watch this demon very closely, and he planned on doing just that.

 

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Rin watched Ichigo thank her master and admired him for it. Then, she turned her attention on Jaken. She hadn't seen him in so long and even though he was already berating her like a child, she couldn't help but feel glad to see him. She walked over to the irksome toad and pulled him into a tight hug. “I missed you, master Jaken.”

 

Jaken returned the hug for a moment. He couldn't deny he'd missed the girl, and her hug filled him with warmth he had long forgotten. However, he immediately returned to his normal self and told her to get away.

 

Rin didn't mind. She knew he'd missed her. He couldn't fool her; he never could. Suddenly, she realized something. Someone was missing. She turned to face her lord. “Lord Sesshomaru. Where is AhUn?”

 

Sesshomaru looked at Jaken and ordered him to go retrieve the dragon. He ran off towards the trees and returned a moment later with the two headed beast. “AhUn!” she shouted as she ran to him. She hugged each head tenderly and gave each a kiss. Ah and Un were so happy to see Rin. Each of them nuzzled her warmly and their tail went bezerk. They even returned the kisses, licking her face like crazy.

 

She laughed in obvious joy. The first real laugh she'd had in years. “Rin missed you guys! Did you miss Rin?” Both heads nodded and licked her again, showing her just how much she was missed. She patted both of their heads fondly; a genuine smile on her face. Then, she picked up their reins and turned to face her lord. “Lord Sesshomaru, it's getting late. Should we search for a place to camp?”

 

Simply stating “yes,” he started walking in the direction of the forest's hidden path, everyone following behind him. Rin found herself giggling at the lack of change in her lord. `He's never been one to say much. I guess some things just don't change.' Especially not Sesshomaru. Despite this, she did notice one thing; something very important. Sesshomaru had regained his left arm. Throughout the entire time she'd been with him he'd only ever had the one. Now he had his left arm as well.

 

Rin was ecstatic for her lord, but she didn't mention it because she knew his arm was a sensitive subject. She blamed his bruised ego and hurt pride. But, he should not feel shame. Inuyasha is a strong opponent and was protecting someone he cared for. Something they now knew gave you incredible strength. Still, she knew he felt shame, so she refrained from showing her excitement.

 

The more Rin thought over the matter of her lord's arm, the more she thought about his brother. `Inuyasha. I wonder how he and Kagome have been.' Rin thought back to the last time she'd seen them and the news they'd shared. They were engaged and soon to be married. `It's been eight years. They probably have children now.' Rin wondered when she'd be able to see them, and not only them, but Miroku and Sango as well.

 

The more she thought about her old life, the more she realized just how much she'd missed over the past eight years. She suddenly despised Makoto even more, if such a thing was possible!

 

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Sesshomaru watched Rin out of the corner of his eye. She seemed to be deep in thought about something. He watched emotions play across her features. He saw happiness, then sadness, then anger. He wondered who the anger was aimed at. `Her captor perhaps,' but didn't think much on it. He was just glad to have her back in his life, spreading warmth with her beautiful, cheerful and youthful innocence. Even if she was a little less innocent than before.

 

Sesshomaru quickly switched his thoughts to the task at hand. They needed to find a suitable place to rest for the night and he wouldn't settle for just anywhere. But he didn't have to search, as the perfect place soon came into view. It was a small, secluded clearing amidst trees, and next to it was a steamy, hot spring surrounded by smooth rocks. This was exactly what they all needed.

 

Rin must have noticed the rising steam because now she had a calm smile on her face and her pace quickened a step. He knew that she would demand to go first, so he stepped into the clearing and took a seat against a wide tree. Ichigo sat down at a tree opposite of him, but Rin and Jaken remained standing.

 

The girl and the imp exchanged looks; goofy smiles crept onto their faces as they remembered the ways of the past. A friendly competition once again took over as they fought to best please their lord. “I'll get some firewood and start a fire,” said Jaken as he wobbled off into the forest. “I'll find something for us to eat,” piped Rin as she ran after Jaken.

 

This left Sesshomaru and Ichigo. All alone. Together. In the same small clearing. Sitting there. Staring at each other. This was going to be interesting.

 

Sesshomaru spoke first. “How did you and Rin come to know each other?” He stared at Ichigo, waiting for the answer. He only hoped it was an answer he liked. It wasn't.

 

Ichigo thought it over for a moment, then took a deep breath and began.

 

“I'd first heard tell of Rin from my father, Kai. He was her guard at the castle. All I knew then was that she was a new slave who had been bought recently. She was to be used for cleaning and other such chores around the castle. My father just looked after her, made sure she didn't do anything she wasn't supposed to and also watched out for her. Later he even became a sort of father figure to her and to him she was a daughter.

 

I know they loved each other very much.

 

My father would tell me stories about her, about her cute little attitude or her enormous strength and bravery despite being young, a human, and a girl. He would tell how she could make everyone smile and brighten everyone's day. Every time he told a story about her or talked about her he always had a sad smile on his face.” Ichigo paused for a second, thinking about what he should say next.

 

Sesshomaru sat there listening, patiently waiting for the young demon boy to explain further. It took a moment, but at last he continued.

 

“The first time I met her I had been in a somewhat secluded part of the castle. My mother had been a servant of the castle and others were not allowed to mate with them. My parents kept my birth a secret and kept me well hidden, but there were times when I would go out walking for fresh air or a change of scenery.

 

I was walking down the hallway when I heard a girl screaming and crying for help. The screams had come from one of the rooms up ahead. I knew it had to be Rin; she was the only one who cleaned the lower floors. I started running down the hall till I reached the room. And what I saw shocked even me. Yokoshima, who was one of the guards, had Rin pinned beneath him. Her kimono lay shredded on the ground next to her. Yokoshima had pulled down his hakama and was about to…………”

 

Ichigo's claws were digging into the earth as he recalled the awful memory and Sesshomaru's eyes had a tint of red to them.

 

“But he didn't, I got there in time. I beat Yokoshima until he was unconscious and then I covered Rin up in my haori. I wanted to stay there with her, to tell her who I was, but there were people coming and I couldn't let them see me. I ran to my room and waited for my father to come back and tell me Yokoshima was dead. He had been tortured to death overnight by the lord of our castle, Makoto.” He hissed the name as he said it and the adept Sesshomaru noticed this.

 

“If Makoto was the lord of your castle and he punished the one who tried to harm Rin, then why do you say his name with such malice and dislike?”

 

Sesshomaru wanted to know what this lord did to make the young demon hate him so. He hoped this answer would be better than the last one he got. It wasn't.

 

Ichigo sat there for awhile, very still. He sat in silence, carefully contemplating over how best to tell the demon lord what had happened to Rin.

 

This answer… was going to be harder to give than the last. But still, he gave it anyway.

 

“I hate him…because of what he did to Rin.” Ichigo's voice was barely above a whisper. If it weren't for Sesshomaru's excellent hearing, he wouldn't have heard him at all.

 

Sesshomaru was listening intently now. `Did this Makoto hurt Rin? What did he do?'

 

Ichigo answered his unvoiced question. “When Rin was first brought to the castle, Makoto had no real interest in her. She was still very young so Makoto just used her for work around the castle. Other than that he paid no mind.

 

But as she started getting older and growing more beautiful by the day, Makoto started taking more and more interest in her. He told my father…that one day she was to be his…mate.” Ichigo spat the word out in disgust. Oh how he despised Makoto.

 

Sesshomaru was no fool. He quickly caught the meaning and fought to remain calm with little success as crimson was quickly flooding his vision.

 

Ichigo continued, “He watched her from then on, silently waiting to make his move and when he found out about Yokoshima he was furious. She wasn't to be touched by anyone in the castle except for him. That's why he tortured and killed him. If it had been any other maid he would've just ignored it, but nobody was allowed to touch Rin. A few years went by and Rin managed to become even more beautiful, if that were possible. Makoto could no longer hold back his lust for her.

 

My father and Rin had gotten into an argument earlier in the day and he was carrying her back to her room when Makoto spotted them in the hall. He made my father hand Rin to him and then took her back to his private quarters.”

 

Ichigo's eyes now had a vivid amethyst color to them and the ground beneath him had deep holes in it from his claws. Sesshomaru just sat there. Still. Waiting for the answer he did not want to hear, but knew he had to.

 

When Ichigo started talking again there was pain in his voice. And sadness.

 

“My father planned our escape and went to retrieve Rin from Makoto's room, but…he was too late. When he brought her into our room she was covered in blood and sweat. The reek of recent mating combined with pain and her blood was enough to make me leave the room. What Makoto did to Rin was unforgivable.

 

We managed to get her cleaned up and then we fled. We've been on the run ever since. She has nightmares every night.” Ichigo finished and looked down. He hated knowing that she was in pain, but he did what he could to help her. He had to remember that.

 

Sesshomaru's eyes were now blood red and his claws had lengthened a little. They dripped their green toxic poison onto the ground and melted the earth, creating deep puddles of acid.

 

Sesshomaru was feeling many things at this moment, but the one emotion he was feeling the most…was guilt. Guilt for not being there, for not protecting her, for thinking she was a…

 

But she wasn't. She was nothing more than an innocent little girl who had her most prized possession painfully stolen from her by a greedy demon. Sesshomaru vowed revenge for Rin, for her honor. That bastard raped her.

 

“He shall die.”

 

Ichigo shook his head in agreement.

 

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Rin returned to see that Jaken had started the fire and both Sesshomaru and Ichigo were gazing despondently into it. Rin looked over at Ichigo and saw the churned earth beneath his hands. She looked at Sesshomaru and saw the green puddles beneath his. `What have they been doing?'

 

She walked over to the fire and began cooking dinner. Nobody spoke.

 

Jaken took a hint from his Lord (more so the acid puddles) that it wasn't wise to speak at the moment, so they all ate dinner in silence. -Or in Sesshomaru's case, didn't eat, in silence.

 

Rin was beginning to get depressed. She hated the silence. Her eyes drifted over to the rising columns of steam. `A bath would be nice.' With that conclusion, she decided to do so. She stood and walked toward the warm inviting water, muttering she was getting in. She walked over to a hidden spot and took off her kimono.

 

She tested the water first with her toes, then sank the rest of the way in, sighing in pleasure. The hot water was so soothing to her sore muscles and it put her mind at ease. She rested her head against the rock behind her and let herself drift away, allowing the serene peacefulness of the area to consume her.

 

She sank in lower, going beneath the surface. She scrubbed her head and then came back up, breathing in the cool night air. She scrubbed the rest of her body with stones from the bottom of the spring and after doing so, once again rested against the rock. She looked up into the starry sky. The crescent moon was right above her. `Lord Sesshomaru' The thought of having her lord with her once more made her feel complete. She relished in the glorious feeling.

 

Rin was so consumed in thoughts of her lord, that she did not hear the branch behind her snap and the soft footsteps approach. She didn't notice the other being until she felt its hot breath down the back of her neck.

 

Rin's eyes snapped open and she whipped around, instantly pulling her kimono to her to cover her modesty. She backed further into the water as the being stepped closer. The light revealed it. It was a boar demon. And it wanted her. Rin was too scared to scream. She didn't know what to do.

 

The boar demon slashed out at her with its claws, shredding her kimono before her eyes. She tried to duck into the water, but the boar grabbed her arm, digging into her flesh. The healing wounds Sesshomaru had given her earlier bled anew and then blackness spotted her vision.

 

The boar released her and ran off as something chased it. Then, the blackness enveloped her completely.

 

When she started to come around again, she realized she was in someone's arms. She opened her eyes. Ichigo's handsome face swam into view. They were back at the camp. The fire danced around the center, casting its flickering light on them. She looked around, but Sesshomaru and Jaken were gone. She turned back to Ichigo, intent on asking him where they were, but stopped as she once again saw his face. She noticed he wasn't wearing his haori. It was wrapped tightly around her, leaving Rin to gaze at his smooth muscled chest.

 

He had his strong bare arms wrapped around her, making her feel warm and secure. However, it was his eyes that truly held her attention. They were burning with the most intense violet she'd ever seen, and the firelight made them look like liquid stars. She could see him staring at her through those eyes. His intense gaze made her cheeks burn and her heart beat faster. `Ichigo'

 

His face began to descend, coming closer and closer to her in an agonizingly slow motion. His eyes began to drift shut and she was left to stare at his smooth, soft lips that were getting dangerously closer with every second. Her eyes fluttered shut as at last his lips brushed hers and then kissed them gently.

 

She felt herself floating away as he kissed her. All her worries were gone and nothing else mattered except for them. It abruptly ended when he suddenly pulled away from her. Her eyes opened again and she was left in a dazed state just staring at him and him staring at her.

 

A movement by the fire caught their attention. They turned their heads just in time to see Lord Sesshomaru had returned and Jaken too. Rin felt the heat rise to her cheeks once more and she scrambled to get out of Ichigo's arms. She quickly ran over to him and thanked him for saving her. Then, she went to the bag her and Ichigo carried and took out one of her spare kimonos. She thought it best if she were in her own clothes. And then she ran into the forest to change, leaving everyone else to stare after her.

 

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Sesshomaru had successfully gone after and killed the boar demon. When he returned he expected Rin to come running into his arms, thanking him for saving her. But, what he found was completely unexpected. He stepped into the clearing and froze.

 

Rin was aroused. The fire demon was kissing her and she was enjoying it. Sesshomaru felt his heart shatter at the sight and his anger and jealously bubble up to the surface. But he controlled his emotions. `Fine. If she wants the damn fire demon she can have him.' He walked over to a nearby tree and sat down, Jaken silently doing the same. The toad was being unusually wise today…must be an off day for him.

 

He looked up to see Rin running towards him. Her cheeks had a bright blush to them. She came up to him and thanked him for saving her and then she ran off to change her attire. Good thing too because he didn't know if he could stand smelling the fire demon on her. Speaking of the boy…

 

Sesshomaru looked at Ichigo intensely, shooting daggers at him with his unreadable eyes. Ichigo feigned innocence and even lay down to go to sleep, but there was a small smile on his lips in which he could not hide.

 

He was so smug it was annoying. Sesshomaru wanted nothing more than to strangle the demon while he fought for air, but doing so would upset Rin, so he decided to just accept it. For now, that is.

 

Rin came back a few moments later and laid the folded haori next to Ichigo. Then she went over to Ah and Un (who had oh so secretly been spying on everyone this whole time) and told them goodnight by patting them fondly on their heads and giving them each a kiss. She walked over to the tree between Sesshomaru and Ichigo and lay down. She got herself situated and then she stilled, her breathing becoming slow and even.

 

“Goodnight, Lord Sesshomaru,” she whispered.

 

“Goodnight, Rin,” he said softly.

 

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** Eyes. A smile. Hands. Touching. Claws. Fangs. Pain. Monster.

 

She screamed. She screamed for him, but he didn't come. She ran. She ran as fast as she could, but it wasn't fast enough. He caught up. He snatched her into his grip and pinned her beneath him, causing her sooo much pain.

 

She saw the wolves chasing after her, biting her, killing her. She saw the bandits, killing everyone she loved. Her parents. Her brothers. Her friends. Everyone.

 

She saw him above her. Panting. Grinning.

 

She screamed out all her pain.

 

“Rin.”

 

That voice. That deep authoritative voice demanded she obey. Demanded her to be strong. Demanded her to fight. She knew she could not disobey that voice. Whatever it asked of her, she would do. So, she complied.

 

Something shiny lying next to her caught her attention. It was a white lacquered tanto with red flowers on it. On the side of it, in red curvy writing, was her name. She quickly picked up the mysterious weapon and unsheathed it, pointing it directly at Makoto's throat and, without warning, she shoved it as hard as she could into his neck, spilling his blood on her face.

 

It burned as it touched her skin and she watched as the fire in Makoto's eyes died out into ashy embers. Finished, he fell on her. Dead. The weight of him disappeared, as did the pain, until she was left feeling extremely warm and secure. More warm than she felt when she was lying in Ichigo's arms; more secure than she'd ever felt in her entire life. **

 

She opened her eyes to find the source of her comfort. `Lord Sesshomaru.' He was holding her tightly in his arms and looking at her with such a soft, kind expression that it made her heart melt. He brushed her hair out of her face and caressed her cheek with the backside of his fingers. Rin leaned into his touch, grateful for his calming and soothing presence.

 

Ichigo was there too, but she hardly noticed him. He asked if she was alright and she told him she was, there was no need to worry. She told him he could go back to sleep and that she would be fine. She told him all this without once taking her eyes off of Sesshomaru.

 

His eyes were so beautiful they made her want to cry just looking at them. Sesshomaru's eyes outmatched even Ichigo's. They were the most beautiful eyes she'd ever seen. The firelight made them look like molten gold, but it was the emotion she saw deep within them that truly set her heart on fire.

 

Ichigo left them and went back to his tree to sleep, but Sesshomaru stayed by Rin. Holding her gently and lulling her back to sleep. Rin leaned into his chest and closed her eyes, taking firm hold of his haori. She whispered to him “please don't leave me,” and then she too fell back into slumber. Sesshomaru held her in his arms all night. They both slept peacefully. This was the first real night Sesshomaru had slept and he found he liked the idea of having her sleep next to him in the future.

 

But why? She was a mortal and his ward. He shouldn't be feeling this way. Taking care of her was one thing but wanting to…mate with her…he shouldn't be feeling this way. He shouldn't be getting jealous when she shows affection to another male. He shouldn't enjoy holding her so much. He shouldn't want her. But he did.

 

He decided it would be better for all of them if he distanced himself from her. At least until he got this all straightened out, but, for tonight, he was content on having her near him. With that thought, he promptly fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

 

Rin woke up to the smell of something absolutely delicious. She sat up and looked around, but Sesshomaru was nowhere to be found. It was only Ichigo, Jaken, and herself. `He must have taken AhUn with him.' She looked over at the fire and saw a rather large creature roasting over it. Rin's mouth watered.

 

Jaken caught her staring. “Lord Sesshomaru caught it; isn't it wonderful!?” He was dancing around it in anticipation for the moment he would devour it.

 

Rin just continued to stare. `Lord Sesshomaru caught this…for me?' She smiled at how thoughtful he was. She saw Ichigo sitting by himself so she walked over and sat next to him. “Isn't Lord Sesshomaru the greatest?” she asked Ichigo, motioning towards the meat. Ichigo looked at it, clearly unimpressed. “Sure,” he said in a monotone, not really agreeing. Rin looked at him, catching the tone. `What's with him?' It seemed like Ichigo was brooding about something, but she didn't have time to figure out what as Jaken started shouting: “It's ready! It's ready!”

 

Everyone ate till they were full and then they started packing up. Sesshomaru came back right as they finished packing and told them they were leaving. Then, he simply walked away while everyone else quickly followed suit. Jaken grabbed AhUn's reigns and led the beast after Sesshomaru. Rin and Ichigo walked behind Sesshomaru, but in front of Jaken and AhUn.

 

They all walked in silence until Rin asked Sesshomaru how long it would take to reach the palace. He told her it would take about five days and said no more. Rin tried talking to Ichigo, but he didn't feel like having a conversation either. So, finally, she decided to ride on AhUn and watch all the creatures in the forest. Thus began the very silent and lonely journey back to the palace.

 

This went on for four days. They traveled, ate, and camped in silence. At night when they would rest, Sesshomaru always seemed to disappear and Ichigo would hardly talk to her. She began to get extremely lonely.

 

Now was the last night they would be camping. Sesshomaru told them they should reach the castle by midday tomorrow. They had once again camped at a place near a solitary hot spring. Rin was able to relax and clear her head on the frustrating attitudes of her companions. When she came back she found Sesshomaru was once again missing, Ichigo had gone to sleep and Jaken was snoring on his back by the fire. How boring everything had gotten.

 

`Maybe things will get better once we reach the castle.' She hoped they would. For now though, she decided a good night's rest was in order. She lay down by the fire and watched the burning flames. The red, orange, and yellow danced together and sparks flew out the top as it crackled. It was soothing to listen to.

 

Rin wondered if she would have another nightmare. She hadn't stopped having them, but they seemed to be getting better. Every time she had one it always eventually changed in her favor and she was always calmed by a warm presence. She always felt safe and secure, like she was in someone's arms. But the feeling would disappear early in the morning and when she woke up Lord Sesshomaru would always be gone.

 

She let the fire lull her to sleep and eventually drifted off, allowing her busy mind to rest at ease.

** She was walking through a castle, going down many hallways. Trying to find the room she was looking for. She kept walking till at last she came to it…the master bedroom where the lord of the castle slept.

 

She slid open the door and quietly slipped in… tiptoeing across the room to the large bed on the far side. She reached it and looked down onto the sleeping face of the person who slept there. He looked so serene, so beautiful. She reached out a hand to trace the markings on his delicate features. The two stripes on each cheek. The crescent moon on his forehead. Her finger lowered to brush against his delicate lips, then up to trace around the tip of his pointed ears.

 

A clawed hand tightly grabbed hold of her wrist. She gasped and tried to pull it back, but the grip was too strong. He started pulling her down, closer to him, till their faces were inches apart. She stared into those blazing amber eyes and suddenly all feelings of fear left her. They were replaced by a new emotion. A stronger emotion. One she did not recognize.

 

“What are you doing here, Rin?” he asked her in his smooth, deep voice. She quivered under his heated gaze. “I…I…” she stuttered. Her voice lowered to a whisper and her eyes dropped to the floor. “I wanted to be with you.”

 

She felt a clawed finger under her chin lift her face up. She expected to see anger etched into his features, but she did not. She saw…something else. Something she couldn't quite put a finger on. His grip on her wrist loosened some, but he did not release her. Instead he began slowly pulling her onto the bed. He rolled her around so she was under him and then he lightly brushed her lips with his. Then his mouth went to her ear and whispered seductively “if that's what you wish.”

 

Splash!

 

……………………… ;…? `What was that?'

 

Splash! **

 

Rin's eyes shot open and she sat up. She looked around her. The fire had long died out and Ichigo, Jaken, and AhUn were all asleep, but where was Sesshomaru?

 

Splash!

 

She looked towards the misty steam between the trees. Someone was in the hot spring. Curiosity got the better of her and she decided to go find out who was in there. She stood up and began slowly walking towards the direction the spring was in. She walked through the trees and once again heard the trickling sounds of the water. She walked to the bank and froze dead in her tracks. Her heart racing. Her eyes wide.

 

Standing in the middle of the spring, completely naked, was Lord Sesshomaru. He sensed her there and turned around. She wanted to run, but she was glued to the spot. Her feet refused to move and her heart refused to still. Her eyes roamed his body. His soaked silver hair stuck to his glistening skin. The water droplets rolled down his well muscled chest and arms. She eyed the magenta markings on his hips that stuck out just above the waist deep water, pointing down to…

 

She felt heat rise to her cheeks and felt wet between her legs. She wanted him to come out of the water. She wanted him to come to her. She wanted him.

 

As if he had heard her silent wishes, Sesshomaru slowly began walking to the bank where Rin stood. His eyes had taken on a dark amber shade and they were glazed over with lust. At last he reached her and walked out of the water. Rin's eyes went straight to the place between his legs and she started getting nervous. Sesshomaru sensed her nervousness, so he reached down beside her and grabbed his hakama. He put them on and tied his obi securely around them with the special knot he used.

 

Sesshomaru then walked toward Rin and pulled her to him. She looked up at him, not sure what to do, but then he took her face gently in his hand and kissed her. Rin felt a jolt shoot through her and she returned the kiss. Sesshomaru trailed his tongue across her lips and she gladly opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. This was different than any other time she'd been kissed. Before, it was awful, but this…this was amazing. He tasted like heaven.

 

Sesshomaru broke the kiss and stared into her eyes. He'd tried to ignore his feelings for her. He'd tried to stay away, but he couldn't. He wanted her. He needed her. The thought of being without her made him angry. The thought of him needing her made him angry. Sesshomaru was frustrated by the conflict going on within him. He needed to think things over. He pushed Rin away and disappeared, leaving her standing there alone and confused.

 

She sank to the ground as a single tear rolled down her cheek. `I must've made him angry.' She snuck up on him while he was taking a bath and because of her feelings he kissed her. Now he regrets it and he's mad. It was all her fault. She felt ashamed.

 

She stayed there for a while longer and then returned to camp to sleep. That night she had no nightmares, but she also didn't have that soothing warmth. She felt cold and alone.

 

The next day started out the same as all the others. Nobody talked. Nobody made a sound. It was complete silence. They ate and packed and then they left for the palace. She hoped they would get there soon. She was so depressed she needed something to cheer her up.

 

They continued walking until at last a large meadow filled with flowers came into view and there, across the meadow and sitting against the mountains, was the Western Palace. Rin's eyes brightened and her spirit soared at the beautiful sight.

 

`I'm home.'

 

 

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A/N: Oh my oh my what is going on here!? It's a love triangle yay! Lol we all know we love those. So this chapter was a little steamy and I must say most fun to write. But what on Earth is gonna happen next? Whatever my crazy mind comes up with that's what! Lol I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please Review!

 

Review Responses: Thanks to everyone who reviewed. You guys make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 

HeartStar: I'm sorry it took so long to update. I'll try to update a lot faster next time. Thanks for your review and I hope you liked this chapter.

 

Sailor Draca: Lol I am mean but I had to do it. At least this chapter makes up for it with the steam. Well I think it does. Let's hope it does :)

 

Inu inu luvluv: Thanks for your review. I'm glad you like my story and that your anticipation is at its highest lol. And a lot of people just don't review because they're lazy and mean. Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it. I'll just continue to write and hope people like it. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.