InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Returning to the Path of Sesshoumaru's Eyes ❯ Pleasures and Pangs ( Chapter 6 )

Pleasures and Pangs

 

 

 

The air was warm and silent. She stood there, quietly awaiting his word. He lay on his bed, admiring his ward one last time. Finally, she shifted from one foot to the other and spoke.

 

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama? It is morning.”

 

“Rin, it is unlike you to be late.”

 

“I am sorry, Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Rin. Sit beside me.”

 

Rin quietly trodded over with his tea tray and poured a cup for him. She handed it to him, bowing low. He took the cup from her hands and sipped it. Rin sat down next to him, leaning into his arm slightly while simply Sesshoumaru stared ahead.

 

“Sesshoumaru, is this goodbye? When do you expect to return?”

 

“The path I take is the way of the Supreme Conquest. I must journey to the netherworld and collect the sword of my father, Sounga. I will most likely die if Tenseiga melts during my time there. I seek to perfect Inu no Taisho's technique and become greater than he was. After that I shall resume my hunt for the vile Naraku. “

 

Rin pinched her lips together tersely before speaking. “Sesshoumaru, I should warn you. While your arm is still in the Netherworld, it will most likely be of no use to you. Its last energies have moved on away from the world of the living. But I will continue to search for a way to return your arm so you may regain some of your lost strength.”

 

“This Sesshoumaru do not need aid from a ningen. I will rely on my own strengths to overcome any obstacles I come across.”

 

The both finished their tea in silence. Rin got up and picked up the tray, returning it to its proper place front behind the screen and onto the table on the other side. There she mixed the jasmine perfume, frankincense oil and water together. Suddenly, she froze, tears dropping down from her long, dark lashes. Her reflection rippled in the bowl as the drop impacted her image. Oh Sesshoumaru-sama…is there really no room in this life for us? Am I just a ningen to you? Her mind went back to that warm morning they shared in the garden, while it was only just days ago, it felt like another lifetime.

 

“You ningen focus on love entirely too much. What about duty?”

 

Rin looked at him perplexed, “What do you mean? You mean to say my mother shouldn't have abandoned her priestess-hood?”

 

“I mean that fulfilling your duties in life should be of utmost concern, whether you care for them or not. Your Kami shall grant you rewards in the after-life, ningen.”

 

 

The tears came to a stop, and Rin drew in a long breath. Perhaps the next life I will be rewarded for the struggles in this one. Sesshoumaru is right- to be placing our faith in Kami to make everything alright. Her sniffles ceased, and she continued mixing the bowl's contents, the picked up the comb with her other hand. Bringing the bowl, she bowed again and moved to seat herself behind Sesshoumaru. She sat the bowl down and poured a few drops inside her palm, rubbing her hands together and running her fingers through his locks. Suddenly, she felt a strong, warm hand clasp her right wrist.

 

“Do not cry, Rin. We are still connected. What did I tell you?”

 

Rin shifted uncomfortably, and murmured, “Sesshoumaru, do you mean what you told me the day I turned sixteen?”

 

“Precisely.”

 

“But I thought you have changed your mind. You have taken a mate.”

 

Sesshoumaru scowled inwardly, and ran the side of his index finger under her wrist back and forth. “My honor and duty disguises my true thoughts and emotions. Just because I take a mate does not mean I lied to you that day.”

 

Rin shuddered, his growl was intoxicating. His hand was still around her wrist, no doubt he cold feel her pulse racing. The small movement ticked at her sensitive flesh. She tried to think through the pleasure that was racing through her body. She might never get a chance to ask him. “Sesshoumaru, with great respect towards you, I feel that you deny me because you are scared. I-I think you- are scared of becoming someone. “

 

She felt herself be whipped around and her back land onto the mat, startled to see her lord's amber, angry eyes above her. He grit his teeth together and growled out savagely, “Answer, NIGNEN, you are on DANGEROUS ground!” Rin yelped, and tried to squirm away but she was pinned down with his powerful legs at her hips. It was then she realized that her lord was still very naked. Rin knew she had to answer, until then her lord would be very angry. She drew in a deep breath.

 

“Sesshoumaru! Are you trapped by this `honor' and `duty'? Why don't you just live? -Or are you scared of becoming your father-“

 

Rin was cut off from any more. At first she though she had died, hearing a roar and the wind rustling throughout the room, then she realized Sesshoumaru's lips were on hers. At first she was too terrified to move, and then her body licked with fire as she brought her trembling hands up to his bare, muscular shoulders. Trails of tears slid down her cheeks and onto the floor. His lips melded into hers roughly as their bodies pressed against each others' passionately. His hips ground into hers as she responded hungrily by running her fingernails down his back. Rin's head swirled dizzily as she thought with wonder,

 

“Sesshoumaru is kissing me”.

 

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Aikou-Akan was bored. She wanted to do something, anything. She finally decided to go take a ride through the skies. However, she didn't even feel like making the effort to become airborne. Perhaps Lord Sesshoumaru has something I can ride.

 

This morning she had felt ill when she woke up, and some fresh air was desperately wanted. The tea she drank did little to settle her stomach. She summoned a servant who she bade to dress her and then she was guided to the stables. Aikou-Akan tried to commit the path to memory, but the grounds were extensive. When they reached the opening in which the small pasture and stables were, Aikou-Akan stopped abruptly.

 

“You may take your leave.” The servant bowed and scurried off. Aikou-Akan's eyes searched for any other signs of life. She spotted a simple two headed dragon, and she narrowed her eyes at it. It looks innocent enough. She straightened her posture, cleared her throat, and in a commanding voice, addressed the creature.

 

“You, take me to the skies.”

 

The creature yawned, and followed that with a snort.

 

“How dare you! Your insolence will not go ignored! I command you to take me into flight, BAKA!”

 

The dragon shifted, turned around, and sat down facing opposite her, its' behind twitching.

 

“How DARE you ignore ME, the new Lady of the West! The Great Lord Sesshoumaru's MATE! To defy me is to commit treason, which is no less a treason against your master! I should skin you alive fo-“, Aikou-Akan stopped, hearing a hearty laughter. Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits, and she turned to find her audience.

 

There was a handsome, well-tanned man with long black hair, and an orange and red hakama and no shirt. He wore a black sleeveless kimono vest with a simple yellow braided obi wrapped around his waist. The hakama was short and ended at his knees, exposing his muscular legs, and his vest showed off his sculpted chest. His eyes were a brilliant and striking red with black pupils, his jaw masculine and square. His long black hair hung down his back, with the tips of his locks turning into a shocking red.

 

“Well, hello handsome”, she thought as she eyes him up and down. Shaking her head slightly, she snapped out of her daze and sauntered over to him. “So what do you find so funny?” She didn't understand why, but something about this man tugged at her.

 

“Oh, I'm so sorry to be rude. My name is Damasu, stable master of these grounds. My family is originally from the south. It is….” his eyes roved up and down her form, and Aikou-Akan could feel him undressing her with his eyes. “-a pleasure to meet you. How may I help you?” He knelt down on one knee, extended his hand forward to grasp hers, and kissed it lightly.

 

She blushed furiously. So we have another airborne from my lands? “Well, I am ill and wish to take to the skies for some fresh air. Yet this impudent dragon has disobeyed my orders!” She felt a sharp tug and in one moment, she was sitting on his knee, his face inches from hers and his strong arms wrapped around hers.

 

“My lady, I apologized for being rude, but you have yet to tell me your name. This offence shall not go unpunished…say, what shall you offer as a peace offering? Hrm?” His eyes focused on her chest, one hand moving up to stroke her shoulder and slowly moving down. His eyes moved up to meet hers and he grinned.

 

Aikou-Akan felt cemented into place, his eyes holding her into a deep trance. Even when he brought the back of his hand lightly over her left breast, she felt unable to move from the spot. She felt her lips betray her as a moan escaped from them. Her body shuddered in pleasure as he kneaded the soft mound, his thumb gently flicking over the nipple through her kimono. His other arm supported her back as he brought her forward to press her to his body.

 

Can you feel it? We are both dragons. You can deny it now, but it won't last for long. You are mine. Besides, our lord would rather have you gone and off his hands, anyways…

 

The trance broke, and she glared at him. “How dare you attempt to read my thoughts!” She shoved him away, and he snickered. “I command you to stay away from me!” She stormed out of the stable and back into the castle, his laughter following her ears wherever she went.

 

“You can run if you want, you pretty little red-head! But sooner or later I want to find out if the carpet matches the drapes!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sesshoumaru jerked upright. “YOU see now? I am not afraid to do what I want! I will NOT become my father! But I have dishonored my mate enough, locking lips with a mere ningen baka.” His voice was bitter, and harsh.

 

Rin couldn't believe her ears. She just experienced her first kiss, and from the man she loved no less! Was everything that she had done shameful to him? She stood up at him, strode over and slapped him. “I am -NOT- just another ningen! How dare you remind me of that every chance you get! I ran into danger years ago to save Tenseiga for you, not because you needed it for strength, but because it was a keepsake from your father! Don't you remember that? I will prove to you one day that I am different! Just you see! Then you'll be sorry for calling me that! You raised me and protected me, why? Why, if I mean nothing to you?

 

Sesshoumaru's mouth gaped open. His Rin had actually slapped him? Intolerable, after everything he had done for her. She was clothed, protected, fed. He showed her emotion he showed none other. He watched as Rin searched his face for any sign of emotion, and as she bitterly spat, “Just go and fight, I hope you never come back!” She cried, her voice high with tension and cracking. Sesshoumaru gripped her arms tightly, trying to shove her away.

 

“I wish I could hate you, Sesshoumaru!”Sesshoumaru froze upon hearing her words. He released her, and turned away.

 

“I wish you could, too. That would be for the best”. Sesshoumaru said with his voice clear of emotion. He brought the scabbards of his swords up, and hooked them onto his obi. Why did I do that? Is my father living here, or am I? Curses to you, father. I refuse to become you.

 

Sesshoumaru strode over to the balcony without pomp or ceremony, opened the doors, and rose off the ground. He turned his face slightly to address his ward.

 

“Rin, I know not if I shall return. But if I do, I expect you to still be here.”

 

Rin felt too proud. She knew she should've told him she loved him, but she chickened out, and then her hurt pride held her back. Part of her wanted to call out, run to the window and scream it into the skies hoping he would hear. But she didn't. She stayed there on the floor, bitter, angry, and hurt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It had been many months since Sesshoumaru had left. Each night, the castle's inhabitants slept restlessly. The moon hid her face behind the clouds for the path its master had chosen to take. Life was hell.

 

 

Aikou-Akan sipped the sake furiously, like every night for the past seven months. She had attempted again to fly, but found herself incapable of it. Her wings would not be summoned. All because of this stupid child I must bear. Her body would not allow her to harm the child by the dangers of flight. Then I should at least be allowed to have some other fun. Her mind went back to that other dragon demon in the stables. He was very handsome, but she refused to call on him. His name didn't sit right with her, and she didn't like how easily she fell under his influence. He seemed to know too much.

 

She thought of master's servant girl, Rin. She seemed to strike the wrong chord in her, for a ningen she also seemed to see right through her. Aikou-Akan didn't like anyone who thought they knew her at a first glance. It gave her mild amusement to bring up her lord's name in her presence, and watch the girl stiffen. However, the girl herself didn't give her any discomfort either way or another.

 

Indeed, it seemed nothing was entertaining or pleasing about this castle. So instead she spent most of her time learning the inside of it, or drinking within her quarters. Many times, she left her room with a half-empty bottle of sake, and her kimono in disarray. Her hair was tousled and barely staying up, most of her locks in her face or shimmering down her back. A few times, she ran into Damasu, having a passionate encounter in hallways, secret chambers, or outside. They always ended with Aikou-Akan running away before it went too far, angry with his confident demeanor.

 

“You know you want this…you can feel it, hrm?” He sauntered over you her, his eyes penetrating hers. She found herself unable to move as his hand reached out for her hair. “My, don't we look a little intoxicating today….or intoxicated? Hrm?” He brought his hand down her neck, lightly over her breasts, and around her waist. He pulled her against him and pressed her against the wall, rubbing his erection through their clothing. She moaned in pleasure and she rubbed her body against his, hating the clothing in between them. Something down the hall shuffled, and they broke apart.

 

“A-hem”, coughed Rin, staring at the couple with wide eyes. Aikou-Akan hated those eyes that knew everything. Insolent girl. So she slapped Damasu, cursed him her putting her under a trance, and scurried off.

 

 

Aikou-Akan groaned. The girl was alright enough, but those eyes. They bothered her. She got up from her seat, and felt her abdomen wince. She drew in a sharp breath before the screams emitted from her throat. She gripped the sake jar so hard; it shattered all over the room. Her legs gave away, and her body came crashing to the floor. Blood trickled from her cut hands, and from in between her legs.

 

The last thing she remembered was the sound of her screams fading.

 

 

 

 

“What should we do with the child?”

 

“I do not know. This is a heavy burden to bear.”

 

“I agree, Lord Sesshoumaru will be most upset.”

 

“Let us call on Rin. She will manage this.”

 

 

The room was spinning when Aikou-Akan opened her eyes. Oh Kami not another blasted hangover. I really should start to lay off the sake.

 

“She's awake.” She heard footsteps as two servants rushed to the bed. “My lady, how do you feel?” Two blurry faces hung above her.

 

“I feel like hell. What was in that sake?”

 

The two faces turned to each other, and nodded. “My lady, you went into labor last night. The child was born dead.”

 

Aikou-Akan shot into a sitting up position. “What? Was I poisoned?”

 

The two servants jumped back from fear. “No my lady…it is believed you drank too much. It killed the child.”

 

She narrowed her eyes. “Sake can do that? Why didn't anyone tell me sake would kill it? My lord will have my head!” Her mind scrambled to find a solution. “Unless….he never finds out. You two will never speak of this. Dispose of the child's body and claim a child has been borne, but until it has been weaned refrain from its gender. If you dare tell anyone otherwise, I will not hesitate to kill you.”

 

The two servants gulped, and looked at each other. The tallest spoke up. “My Lady…you are asking us to commit to treason.”

 

She scowled, and spoke as it was a simple choice. “Treason or death. Pick now.”

 

 

 

 

 

Rin sighed, and gave up. The garden had started withering ever since Sesshoumaru left. Nothing she attempted to do would correct this misfourtune. She shook her head, and grasped the vial within her hands, chanting her bidding over and over again. Before her lay a crow, half dead with a wing shorn off. Rin awoke this morning to find the poor creature on her floor by the balcony.

 

She completed her chant, and opened the small vial to pour the mixture she prepared onto the stump where the crow's wing had once been. A new wing sprouted in its place, healthy and vibrant with shining indigo feathers. Rin smiled, and then watched as the animal suddenly died. She nodded sadly. Too little, too late. At least I tried. I'm getting better.

 

She heard footsteps resonate nearby, and got up to see who was approaching. She jumped back when she felt a hand hit the other side of the wall looking for an opening.

 

I have to hide- no one is supposed to know about this place, or my studies except Sesshoumaru. She stumbled back, picking up her tray of vials and hiding them behind the rose bushes. She picked up a clear vial with seemingly nothing in it, and dosed herself in the fluid. This should render me invisible for a couple of minutes. I guess what better time than now to test it…

 

“Here! I found it! The old abandoned garden. See how all the half-dead plants? No one even knows about this place.” The servant rushed in with her sister, who was carrying a small bundle. They moved to the middle of the garden, and then stopped. “Well? Should we bury it?”

 

The sister scoffed. “What's the point? If the child is buried the scent will stay longer. Just set it down and let's leave it. Besides, if we get caught, Aikou-Akan will kill us.”

 

They nodded, and gently brought the child down. The first servant shook her head. “It's a shame. He looks so much like him.”

 

They turned to each other, and strode out of the garden. Rin waited until she knew they were gone, and then ran to the bundle. “Oh Kami- it's his child! The Child is dead.” She brought a hand to her face, her tears landing on the infants' blanket. She brought her other hand towards the small blanket, lifting the corner and exposing the child. There were two stripes on each cheek, and a crescent moon on its forehead. In the middle of the crescent was a small flame. On its face was a peaceful expression.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru's child is dead.” She brought the child into her arms and cried for its' father. “How dare that woman take everything away from me, AND kill his child! This is too much!” There were great pangs in her heart for not only everything Sesshoumaru, and herself and lost, but for this child as well.

 

Rin had never felt so cold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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