InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Returning to the Path of Sesshoumaru's Eyes ❯ Castle on a Cloud ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Castle on a Cloud

“There is a castle on a cloud; I like to go there in my sleep…”

Rin slept to the rocking, steady rhythm as Ah-Un's beating wings flew over the feudal lands of Japan. Feeling rocked into a comforting slumber, her mind's eyes opened to her dreams…

She stood in front of a mirror, wearing the brilliant kimono she tried on just hours before. She smiled at her reflection as she brushed her long, flaxen, raven locks. The sun's last rays played out the scene of sakura blossoms in flight on her kimono, matching her moist, pink lips and blushing cheeks. The last of the sunlight surrendered to the clear and evanescent full moon. In the darkness behind her, two gold eyes appeared, and he stepped out of the shadows.

“Sesshoumaru-sama….”

“Rin.”

The metallic crescent moons on her obi sparkled and shone, but not as much to outshine the light in Rin's eyes. Sesshoumaru came forward to wrap his arm his arm around her, pulling her closer. His nose nuzzled gently against the softest spot on the side of her neck. Rin felt her breath catch in her throat and she leaned back into his embrace. Her pulse quickened, and she leaned her head back into his shoulder. The minute his lips touched the juncture of her neck, a jolt of raw, powerful energy surged through her veins.

The room glowed brightly, and Rin felt herself falling, falling deeper, and deeper in a trancelike state of ecstasy…

“Rin…”

“Sesshoumaru-sama…”

“Rin!”

“Sesshoumaru-“

“RIN!”

Rin jolted awake, and realized she was free falling back to the earth. “Lord Sesshoumaru!!!” She almost hit the earth when she felt a strong arm grab her and pull her up. “Lord Sesshoumaru, thank you for saving me!” exclaimed Rin. He pulled her up back onto Ah-Un wordlessly as Jaken squabbled at her for falling asleep. He turned away and moved ahead of the mid-air once more.

That was strange. Normally Sesshoumaru is silent, but in this situation he didn't say anything to me. He didn't even look at me. Is everything alright? Have I displeased my lord?

Sesshoumaru stayed well ahead for a reason. He smelled the girl's desire, and heard her call out his name. She was falling for him. No Rin, I can't have you get attached. Demon and ningen cannot be together without tragedy. You are foolish to look at me in such a light. However, I will still hold you in high esteem. I will keep you in comfort and near me always.

Earlier in the day, he noticed her eyes following him as he ran through some stances to stretch his muscles. She would avert her eyes whenever he looked back in her general direction, plucking another flower from the meadow. After gathering a sizable pile, she braided the flowers and dressed Ah-Un in them for their arrival at his castle. She made a crown and braided her hair in flowers, placing one over her left ear signifying her maiden status. She then brought the last crown of white, blood red, and purples. She spent the most of the time finding just the right shades to match his markings and his hakama. It was perfect, and he would be sure to notice it.

She took small, shy steps to him, and sat under the tree nearest him. There, she watched him while the sun traveled through the sky. When he was done, she got up and bowed in respect whilst holding out her gift. He stepped forward and eyed her slender, bowed form. After a long moment, he took the crown, and through it up in the air and struck it with his poison claw. Rin looked up with alarm as the petals floated down on them. “My Lord?”

He was looking down at her with his stoic expression, yet there was something in his eyes trying to say more. “Rin, you don't need to create these for me anymore. You never had to. I always feel you.”

“Is there anything I can do to please my Lord?”

Sesshoumaru leaned forward when the flowers gave them momentary cover from the rest of the world. Rin leaned forward to hear him whisper his confession, and smiled.

The castle was gleaming in the light of the moon. The moonlight shone on Rin face and she smiled with home in sight. They landed at the front gate, and Rin dismounted Ah-Un.

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Rin was well received into the castle despite her humanity, and she was promptly shown to her room. It was bright and cherry, with a soft futon in the corner and a canopy of protective and soft netting from the ceiling to the floor. A servant brushed her hair and cut it into the princess-hime style, with straight bangs, and side bangs braided with ribbons weaved in. The rest of her mane was treated with a light application of beeswax which was combed through, and scented oils to protect and style her hair. A bit of rouge was applied to her cheeks, and she drained the ink of berries to color her lips with. Then there was a soft knock at the door.

“Come in, please” Rin called out calmly. Jaken entered, and looked heavily distracted. “Rin, it pleases the great Lord Sesshoumaru to leave you this strange package. He wishes you to put it to use immediately. Once ready, you will be escorted to his study.”

Rin smiled when she opened the package. It contained the kimono she had dreamed about. Her first formal kimono! So he is finally acknowledging me as a woman- thank you so much my Lord! The servant helped her dress and tie her obi. When Rin eyed her reflection, she barely recognized herself. I look like a hime.

Her thoughts continued to wander as she was brought to his study. She passed by great tapestries lining the halls that almost came to life by the light of the torches. Great beasts were battling a huge, white, Omni pent dog demon. Is that Lord Sesshoumaru? Or is that his father, the great InuTaisho?

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Lord Sesshoumaru looked up as Rin was announced and brought into the room. The elegant kimono and her new tresses gave her a royal, ethereal glow. Lord Sesshoumaru found himself smiling before he could even stop himself.

He's smiling at me! Oh Kami is this true; the Sesshoumaru-sama sees me in an attractive light?

She's beautiful. She's a lady.

“Rin. I arrived to find a message from Inuyasha waiting. The Battle of Naraku is ready in a fortnight. I will stay here for that time, then leave to fight the battle. I will leave my estate under your guidance while I am gone. I also am instructing you to continue your studies in alchemy and spiritual powers. When I come back, you will state whether you wish to stay to manage my estate, or if you would prefer to accept a proposal from a suitable youth and leave the estate. Either way, you are no longer a child, and I wish to secure the means for the next part of your life.”

Rin smiled at him serenely and quietly said, “My Lord, I have no wish to ever leave your side. If I must stay here I will accept the task with great dignity. But I know I will never wish to be married off or leave your domain.”

Sesshoumaru was surprised. Since when did Rin learn how to speak so well and diplomatically? With a wave, he dismissed the remaining subjects in the room, and bade her to sit on the mat in front of him.

“Speak with me Rin.”

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Every night for a week, Rin and Sesshoumaru spoke after the last meal of the day. At this time she would also comb his hair, a favorite pastime they both were not ready to let go. For Rin, these were the most intimate moments she ever encountered with her lord. They would speak of politics, and Sesshoumaru felt confident leaving for the final battle with Rin in charge of his lands. Her skills had improved, and on the last night, she had promised him a demonstration of her skills.

Rin wore her simple, all white haori and hakama set that she used strictly during alchemy. She brought in her herbs and materials to his study and bowed. “Good evening, My Lord Sesshoumaru.” He nodded, signaling her to be seated. He finished his kanji, and set it aside.

“I discovered another healing potion, and it can bring back what was lost much quicker. I don't know how much it can do, but I can demonstrate. Use your Toukijin, and cut off my hair.”

Sesshoumaru's eyebrows went up. “Are you sure, Rin?” He watched as she lay back, fanning her hair out on the mat. Sesshoumaru looked down into her eyes, and unsheathed his sword. With a small nod from Rin, he brought his sword down in a thin, straight line through her hair.

Rin got up and looked levelly into his eyes. “There's a purpose for this Lord Sesshoumaru.” She leaned over, brushing her slender arm against his strong hand. Reaching a little further she grasped the vial she had prepared. Pouring the oil from the vial into her hands, she chanted a quick prayer as she ran her hands through her hair, past where her locks now ended. Wisps of moonlight flowed through her hair, and darkened into her hair once more. Her body shimmered and her hair flowed in the wind of the spell.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, if I can master this spell, it might be possible I can have your arm return to you. This would most certainly aid you in the great battle ahead.”

“You have done well, Rin. You have passed my expectations.” Sesshoumaru smiled wistfully, liking the less formal way she had addressed him. He reached out to touch her hair, and to verify that it had been no illusion, and that her hair was indeed back. “Rin, from now on, please only call me by my given name when we are in private. There is no need for formalities.”

Rin smiled back at him, and together they sat for several hours into the night, watching the moon travel through the sky and in silent comfort.

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Later that night, a message was delivered to the Great Lord of the West. Upon opening it and scrolling through the kanji, he sighed discontently. His mate was now of age, and was expected to arrive in the morning. Her name was the crown hime of the Northern Lands, Aikou-Akan.

AN: The next chapter will be a bit more lighthearted. You will probably get another update from me in a couple of days. However, since there are so few reviews I'm doubting on whether I should continue this story at all even thought I like writing it.