InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight's Embrace ❯ The North ( Chapter 5 )

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

Chapter 5 – The North

The stars and the moon are shining so bright and look so beautiful tonight.Rin thought while observing the night sky. Indeed, it was a beautiful sight. There were countless stars and it seemed as if the Milky Way galaxy was closer to them than it should be.
A gust of wind made her shiver.
"Are you cold?" Sesshomaru asked, his golden eyes scrutinizing her small form.
Rin lounged lazily next to his sitting form, his back leaning on a tree as he rested. She nestled on his mokomoko, loving its soft and fluffy texture. The small fire in front of them and his fluffy weren't enough to keep Rin comfortably warm though.
She smiled up at him guiltily. "A little bit my Lord."
Sesshomaru leaned closer to her and started rubbing her arm with his magenta striped hand. They were getting closer to the mountains of the North, and as a result the temperature was gradually declining.
She sighed contentedly in his arms and nuzzled closer to him. Unconsciously he rested his chin on her head and inhaled her scent.
"Sesshomaru-sama?"
"Hn?"
"Why did you send Master Jaken ahead of us for tonight?" After Jaken prepared the camp for them, Sesshomaru commanded him to take Ah-Un and move along. The poor imp looked heartbroken, wanting to spend the night with them and not just with the dragon.
He gazed at her momentarily. "So I could do this." And with that he claimed her lips. Rin automatically locked her arms around his neck and kissed him back with much enthusiasm. Then when Rin pulled away, she started giggling. Sesshomaru's amber eyes were tinted red from restrained passion.
He hissed slightly. "I did not give you permission to end the kiss, Rin."
"I'm sorry, my Lord. I needed to breathe or else I might faint." She blushed and giggled once again.
He regarded his childish future mate thoughtfully. It seemed to him that her innocence will be forever a part of her. He was not going to complain; helovedthat trait about her. He observed her and felt nothing but adulation at this beautiful woman.
"Do you still hate Inuyasha?"
Her random question brought him out of his reverie. His eyes narrowed at the mention of his half-brother. "Why do you bring-up a conversation about that uselesshalf-breed?"
She visibly flinched and looked away.
Sesshomaru's eyebrows furrowed.What now?
"Rin. Talk to this Sesshomaru."
She looked at him, her eyes filled with doubt. And she was pouting. Sesshomaru wanted to know what was going on in her head.
"Because…" She started, then bit her lip.
He shook her shoulders lightly. "I am listening."
"Because if we're going to be together, then sometime in the future we're going to have children. And… and I can only give youhalf-breeds." Her eyes started to water feeling ashamed that she could not give him the child that he wanted. She couldn't bear the thought of him hating their child.
Sesshomaru was visibly surprised. Then his eyes softened. He held her face and loathed the unshed tears threatening to spill. Her pain was his pain. "Then I would welcome each and every half-breeds you bless me with. I will only feel devotion and pride for my pups, since they are mine."
Rin was awestruck. She couldn't help but gloat and smile at the beautiful demon who gave her a promising future. She had nothing to fear with him.
Her spirits soared. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru! But I will never give up! I shall give you puppies again and again until I bequeath you a full demon child. As long as you promise to love all of our children equally though." Her head was tilted and her face was thoughtful.
That did it. Sesshomaru was helpless to contain himself as he burst out laughing.
She looked at him curiously. She loved the sound of his laughter; it was something that rarely happened. She was glad to be the only one who can bring out this side of him, yet, she had no idea what he was laughing about.
"Uhm, my Lord?"
Finally, his laughter subsided. Sesshomaru couldn't hold back because the chance of having a full-fledged demon child with a human mate is one in a million. But Rin was also stubborn and dedicated… he knew if there was a chance, she wouldn't give up. And he liked that very much… the idea of trying for pups again and again. His mind was suddenly filled with inappropriate thoughts.
"Hellooooo?" Rin waved a hand in front of Sesshomaru's face to catch his attention. He seemed to be preoccupied.
His eyes flashed as he roughly pinned a very startled Rin on the ground. He buried his face on her soft bosom and listened to her precious heartbeat.
"Erm." She turned red.
"Be mine tonight, Rin." He purred. He wanted to mark her and officially make her his mateNOW. He wanted to permanently leave his scent on her, creating an unbreakable bond that will connect them for as long as both lives.
He sent delicious shivers down her spine. But her forehead creased at his question. "Aren't I already yours?"
He stifled another laugh. So innocent. "I want to claim you."
"Here?" She grinned. Then frowned. "I don't know how." She blurted out.
He nuzzled his nose on her neck, and it gave her goosebumps. "I shall be your teacher. Only if you're willing to learn."
When he let go of her pinned arms, she wrapped it around his waist. "I- Okay." She breathed. It was getting harder to think with Sesshomaru running his hands everywhere. Her skin tingled. He smelled her arousal intermingling with his, and he growled lightly. He knew there was no turning back.
The thought of waiting for a more appropriate place and time no longer occurred to him, unable to grasp the control he usually had.
Sesshomaru was showering her face with soft kisses, but even though distracted, Rin felt her obi being pulled. Seconds later he watched her Lord threw it aside.
She scowled, and she was nervous as hell. “Are you sure?!” She squeaked.
“Hn.” He unclasped his armor and set it aside.
Rin felt self-conscious. After all, she was inexperienced. What if she made a mistake and he becomes extremely disappointed? What if she wasn’t… good enough?
He sensed her apprehension and sudden fear. It unnerved him and made him feel insecure… maybe she wasn’t ready.
Nonsense. In no time I can make her beg for me. With this mental challenge he smirked.
She saw his somewhat haughty smile and it made her curious. She didn’t have time to dwell on one thought though as he distracted her once again with his lazy explorations. He pulled the hem of her kimono upwards while languidly tracing the delicate skin on her thighs eliciting a thrilled gasp from her. The Taiyoukai also pulled her Kimono slightly from her shoulders, revealing some of the smooth skin on her chest and stomach. His eyes were graced by the tempting valley between her breasts.
Gods. The way he was looking at her…Rin’s heart thundered. He was making him feel things she had never felt before.
Sesshomaru’s head dipped forward and she felt his tongue trace lines between her breasts down to her stomach. She shivered and moaned helplessly, but she cut off the noise, embarrassed by the sound she made. Her hands tangled in his silver hair.
The Demon Lord heard her attempt to rob him of her delicious reactions to his advances, and he looked up at her. His hand reached for her face. “Do not hold anything back from me.” He murmured heatedly against her skin.
She whimpered, as Sesshomaru’s fiery kisses followed a path to her jaw. He nibbled the lobe of her ears lightly. Rin arched against him, his sinful lips wreaking havoc in her body and mind.
Oh Kami. She thought in haze.
She pulled away and kissed him sweetly but the Daiyoukai responded roughly. He kissed her with vehemence, his hand pressed against the nape of her neck. His other hand slipped inside the revealing kimono and cupped her breast while plundering her mouth with his tongue.
Rin’s eyes flew open at the new assault, her breaths uneven. The new sensation flared up some unfamiliar wanting… feeling a strange longing in the pit of her stomach. A sudden heat and wetness pooled between her legs and she wondered if it was a normal reaction.
Rin was unconsciously holding on to his obi, and her other hand hooked on his shoulder while he kissed her deeply. Sesshomaru picked up his head and gazed intensely at her brown eyes. He placed a hand on hers that was clutching his obi, and guided her shaking hand to remove it. She stared at him with lips partly open.
He could feel her nervousness and desire warring with each other. He chuckled lightly. Maybe he should have offered her to drink sake for her poor nerves… but he’d rather have her sober and this was something he did not want her to forget.
She pulled on his kimono and Sesshomaru complied, removing it in one fluid motion, leaving only his hakama. Rin stared at his perfectly chiseled body under the moonlight in awe. The muscles on his stomach and arms rippled with his strength, and inquisitively, she raised her hands to run over his masculine body. She heard his sharp intake of breath, and she decided she was probably doing something right.
Rin rose slightly, almost sitting and kissed the demonic markings on his face. Sesshomaru accepted her soft kisses, enjoying the way it felt. Then her marauding hands grew increasingly bold, as it lowered on his stomach. He suddenly held both of her hands and pushed her onto the ground. He pinned her wrists above her head with one hand.
“You are playing with fire, Rin.” He whispered throatily. He was barely holding on to his control. If he had it his own way, he would’ve ripped that annoying thing off of her minutes ago and taken what he wanted to relieve his own strain. But she wasn’t like those other demoness he took only for his pleasure… She was his Rin who he actually cared for… and she was different. A loving and delicate human.
“What?” She asked, innocent. Her wide eyes blinked at him questioningly.
He shrugged his shoulders and while he pinned her wrists above her head, the other travelled smoothly from her stomach, then between her thighs. She gasped and closed her legs instinctively.
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes at her response. She was so timid. With his knees, he nudged her legs apart easily.
“Sesshomaru-sama…” Her lovely face was flushed red.
“Be at ease. I promise you this Sesshomaru only wants to please you.” He purred seductively. His hand lowered into her most private regions while nibbling lightly at her jaw, then he felt a strange cloth. His forehead crinkled and he looked down in astonishment, staring at the black, lacy fabric.
Rin laughed nervously, face still red. “I believe it’s called a… panty. Present from the future from Kagome. I love wearing them.”
His face was unreadable once again. He had never seen it before yet the petite lacy thing looked so good on her. Sexy... And yet he tore it with a claw and threw it aside. Rin gaped at him. “That was my favorite one!”
He ignored her protests and kissed her while he kneaded her tense stomach muscles gently, then moved it between her thighs. He rubbed her wet and sensitive core with a finger and felt her jerk in shock. He held her down while his lips continued to trail kisses on her chest, then his hot lips closed over her nipple.
She groaned in pleasure whispering his name. “How…how can you make this Rin feel like this…” Rin crooned, her toes curling in pleasure. Her nails were unconsciously scraping at his back, aware only of the sensation her Lord was making her feel. Every nerve in her body felt as if it was on fire. She bit her lip, restraining a slowly rising intensity building within her.
Sesshomaru continued his ministrations in pleasuring her body, reveling at his effect on her. He slipped a finger in her and she shuddered, burying her face in his neck. She was so wet and her scent with the small inviting noises she made… was torturing him slowly. He deftly inserted another long finger, feeling her tightness. He knew she was virgin, and at the back of his mind he was worried how to make the coupling less painful for her.
Her head tossed wantonly, uttering his name. He kissed her parted mouth, nibbling at her pink bottom lip while busily rubbing her swollen core. Her body arched against him, a hand pulling at his hair. She gasped and pressed into his hips by accident, and the Demon Lord growled in desire. Rin shut her eyes tightly, drowned in pleasure, and suddenly she felt something explode deeply inside of her. She saw spots of lights behind her eyelids and Rin was lost in the midst of wonderful sensations.
Rin returned to herself breathing heavily few minutes later, looking up at him adoringly. “I-…” She started, but she didn’t know what to say. He lifted his soaked fingers and stared at it. Rin watched wide-eyed as he brought it into his mouth and licked it sensually. The erotic image made her want him… but want him how?
“That… was amazing.” She whispered, rubbing his arm shyly.
He gazed at her half-dazed eyes and smiled conceitedly. Rin blushed. “I want to make you feel as good as you did me.” She declared.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. “You do know what you are getting yourself into?”
“Well… actually no. But… but you said you’ll teach me right?” She traced the magenta stripes on his body and arms, and felt him shiver.
“It will hurt… since you are untouched. With that in mind, do you still want to please this Sesshomaru?” He whispered in her ears while rubbing himself against her. She gulped.
“Yes.” She responded, wrapping her arms around him.
“Then say it.” He beguilingly commanded her. His hands pressed into her sensitive spots, and she moaned as her need for his touches rose once again. He teased her with his lips, scraping his fangs across her breast and nipping at her pink areola.
“I want you.” She murmured in his hair. He continued his torturous assault on her body and she sought his lips. He moved his head away and refused to give her what she longed for, and watched the look of disappointment on her face.
“Please?” She pleaded, helpless to the feelings he stirred in her once again.
He smirked. Yes. Beg for me.
She thrust her hips forward, and he was caught by surprise. He purred in his chest when she grinded against him while she kissed his neck and collarbone.
“You brought this to yourself.” He warned, and casually lowered and kicked off his hakama. He pulled at her Kimono, leaving her completely open to him. She was… perfect.
She turned red and watched him kneel, but her eyes were glued at another part of his anatomy between his thighs… something she was unfamiliar with it. It was huge and stiff.
“Wha…” She stared at it in embarrassment and surprise.
He scrutinized her shocked expression carefully, concluding that she was more curious than frightened. Thank God.
“It’s harmless.” Sort of. He stated plainly.
“Can I touch it?” She asked, intrigued.
He stifled the urge to laugh. No one had ever asked him that. Normally the women he had were experienced and excited to please him. This one however… was innocent, mesmerizing and extremely arousing.
He nodded, and watched her wrapped a small hand around his sensitive member. He inhaled sharply at her sweet touch… her hand tightened around it.
“Did I hurt you?” She asked, concerned.
“No.”
She smiled up at him and glided her hand on his stiff organ. He suddenly moaned, and hearing the submissive noise coming from him made her shiver in delight.
“Riiiinnn.” He growled and grabbed her hand away from him. His eyes were almost blood red in color, and he was breathing erratically. He kissed her fervently, and he loved the way her tongue wrestled with his. He gently pushed her until she lay beneath him again, and kneeled between her legs.
Even with his mind blowing kiss, she was very aware of his rigid member rubbing against her hips. Then she felt it stop at her entrance.
He leaned his forehead against her so he could gauge her reaction. He pushed in her slowly, but felt her virgin resistance right away. Sesshomaru watched her cringe at the sudden pressure.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered endearingly. Her body was so wonderfully tight, and he couldn’t stop now even if he tried. He pushed himself forward roughly and took all of her in one, intense thrust.
Rin would’ve been shocked about the fact that her Master apologized for the first time, if not for the sudden searing pain that froze her whole body. She yelped and tried to get away from the source of the burning pain.
His mouth covered hers to silence her cries, his ears deaf to her sudden pleas to stop. The Lord held her down, and kissed away the salty tears that formed in her eyes. “No more pain.” Sesshomaru promised while stroking her cheeks. He continued to whisper calming words to soothe her, immobilized, and allowed her to adjust to his size. When she relaxed against him once again, he experimentally moved out of her only to enter her slowly once again. The way her insides squeezed him fully was staggering. She felt even better than he imagined she would.
The pain suddenly felt like a long forgotten dream to Rin when it was replaced by an intense and wonderful sensation. No one else mattered but Sesshomaru and the pleasure he made her feel. “M-My Lord…” She panted. She felt his grip on her tightening, and she knew he was fighting for control when he stopped moving. His face was buried between her neck and shoulders. Feeling rather impatient, she moved her hips. She instantly heard him groan but both of his hands moved on her hips, stilling her movement.
“Don’t.” He told her gruffly, his voice slightly frenzied. He couldn’t believe it; he felt like a virgin boy tasting a woman’s body for the first time. Not even a minute into the intimacy and he already felt ready to explode. How disgraceful… he was an accomplished lover yet when it comes to Rin, his control was thin.
The girl felt his distress. She immediately thought it was her fault. “Sesshomaru-sama… did Rin do anything wrong?”
He shook his head against her neck. He just needs a few seconds to calm himself…
Rin stroke his hair waiting patiently. Then she felt his hand on the nape of her neck and the other resting on the ground next to her head. Sesshomaru picked up his head and leaned his forehead against her, giving Rin a piercing and longing stare. “Mine.” He uttered as he thrusted again, drawing out a passionate cry from her. He was slow at first, but he couldn’t help his own aggression and need as he increased the pace and power.
Rin wrapped her arms around him firmly, tightly, trusting him. The way he was making her feel was too much. She cried out unintelligibly and felt that now familiar force slowly building inside of her.
“Gods… you are so…” He managed to ground out as he moved ardently and felt her arch against him. Nothing else mattered but her and their intimate contact. When Sesshomaru heard her cry out his name as she shuddered sweetly against him, he instinctively buried his face in her neck and bit her.
Strangely Rin felt no pain as he marked her his, lost in the sweet bliss again. Her Lord stiffened above her and she heard a pleasant growl from him. His hands were holding her arms tightly as he shuddered, softly calling her name. Rin felt something warm inside of her.
Few minutes later he shifted his weight and rested his head on his propped arm. Rin was staring up at him adoringly and gave him a heart-stopping smile.
“You never cease to amaze this Sesshomaru.” He told her quietly.
“Likewise.” She grinned widely and threw her arms around his neck. “Again! I love how you make me feel.”
“You want me again?”
“Yes.”
He laughed at her lack of humility, but he also wanted… more. He would not complain.
o-o-o-o-o
[The Eastern Lands]
The Panther-demon was hiding behind a tree while chewing on a catnip leaf. He stole furtive glances at the mansion on an island, in the middle of a huge lake. The thick mist was slightly obscuring the building. He contemplated getting closer, but decided against it.
He sighed, bored. He's been waiting in that same spot for five hours but nothing has happened. He was supposed to return to the West a week ago but was held back since he finally started making progress about the foreign blood sucking demons.
It was hard for Kuruhyouga to get information out from the villages in the Eastern Lands. He was a demon resembling a giant cat, so he couldn't just go in the villages and interrogate the villagers. They would run away from him first. The only way he was able to work around this problem was to wait until he lost his powers as a full demon, and transform into a vulnerable human for a whole day and night. He used this to his advantage to mingle with the people, and asked them the questions he desired.
What he heard from them didn't offer much, but it was enough to know that they were dealing with strange beings.
The first person he asked about the new Lord of the East and the foreign demons occupying the Eastern Mansion was an old farmer.
The farmer cleared his throat, observing the young man in front of him. "Most of the people from the villages, when they approach the mansion and forest, would end up meeting an extremely beautiful human dressed in strange clothing. And that's about the only thing they remember. Next thing they know, they would wake up in the forest without any memories of what transpired between them. I'm curious of course, I wanted to see the beautiful humans for myself, but they might be demons from the mansion so I am frightened, lad."
He continued asking the villagers, and even spoke with a few that was able to experience meeting the beautiful "humans" and the memory loss for themselves. Apparently they also feel dizzy and weak the moment they awaken.
Becoming food for a demon without their knowledge. How sad.He thought. Although the blood-sucking demons' strange behavior made him conclude that they would rather erase their victim's memory than kill them. For that, he respected them a bit.
Here he was now, stuck observing the mansion hoping for something to happen. He didn't want to go back carrying such useless information. He needed something that would satisfy Sesshomaru. And impress Lady Shirahime of course. He grinned.
He continued chewing on the catnip and planned to approach the mansion closer. He supposed he had nothing to fear, since the Lord of the East and most of the formidable demons of their kind were headed to the North for the Noble Gathering.
Just as he was about to leave the tree where he hid himself, he saw a cloaked figure appear from the mist. It was walking towards the forest.
The panther smiled in satisfaction. He had no need to go closer to the mansion after all.
The figure was getting closer and closer, then it suddenly stopped. Kuruhyouga jumped at the figure, his clawed, giant paws poised to pin the figure.
He was able to grasp the cloak, but the figure avoided him. It now stood far away.
He threw the cloak to the side. His slanted eyes widened. The figure was a beautiful woman dressed in some strange… kimono? Her flowing black hair blew behind her. She would've looked completely human, aside from the fact that the pupils of her eyes were glowing red and she was baring her fangs at him. Her angry demonic aura gave her away too.
"Who the hell are you?" The woman screeched.
His furry ears twitched. Her voice was sugary sweet and high pitched. No doubt humans would find her more than attractive.
"Just someone passing by. If you give me what I want then I wouldn't have to destroy that pretty face of yours." The panther crouched, preparing for another assault.
She hissed. "Don't underestimate a vampire you lowly meiji, demon!"
He laughed. With a burst of speed he was in front of her. The female demon was shocked and attempted to evade him, but Kuruhyouga was too fast for her. In an instant she was pinned on the ground with his weight. She snarled.
"Maybe I'll just chop off your head." He placed his double-edged axe on her neck, which she didn't even see him draw.
The creature before him swallowed. "What do you want?"
"Information. I have some questions. Answer them and I won't hurt you."
"Fine." The vampire sighed. Her glowing red eyes vanished and were replaced by a soft hue of golden-brown. She also retracted her fangs and claws. He couldn't help but gawk in wonder at the sudden transformation. Now she looked absolutely human.
She gazed at the panther solemnly. "Ask me, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."
o-o-o-o-o
Rin was humming to herself while pulling Ah-Un's reins. They ran into Jaken and the dragon just a few hours of walking on foot after sunrise. Sesshomaru had to kick Jaken awake, because the fool had overslept. When he woke up he begged to travel with them again, not wanting to be ahead or behind. Sesshomaru obliged to her surprise.
As they walked through a path, Sesshomaru suddenly stopped walking in front of them. Rin and Jaken stared at him.
"Rin. There is a hot spring not too far from my right. I give you permission to do as you like." He announced without looking back to them.
She smiled widely. The news delighted her. "Yes! Thank you my Lord!" Rin grabbed some things from Ah-Un's saddle and started running towards it, then stopped. "Er, Sesshomaru-sama? Would you like to join me?"
Jaken started coughing and spluttering on the ground.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened. It was a very tempting offer, to soak with her in the hot spring and… possibly do some other things. But he fought against it. Healmostregretted last night when they woke up this morning, and saw that she had some bruises forming on her body. It made him feel guilty and was reminded of how fragile Rin is. She comforted him and let him know that last night was the best of her life and that she did not hurt. He knew better about the latter.
"No. I would prefer it if you enjoy your privacy."
She blinked then shrugged her shoulders. "Okay!" She turned around and ran.
He sighed inwardly.Next time.
She saw the mist first, and ran towards it. Sure enough the hot spring emerged, and Rin wasted no time as she stripped and waded into the hot water.
"Ah! This feels amazing!" She giggled and submerged her body in the water. She stretched her arms and leaned on a huge rock. Rin rubbed the tender bite mark on her neck and thought about how melancholy Sesshomaru seemed to be that morning. He was a quiet person, and to others it would seem that nothing was bothering him, but of course she knew him better than anyone else.
She examined her arms and poked at a bruise the size of his hand. He held her tighter than he should have. She didn't care. She doesn't even remember feeling any pain last night! Clearly her Lord had nothing to feel guilty about. She wished he didn't decline her offer about the hot spring so she could comfort him.
~o~
Few minutes later while Rin relaxed in the water, she heard male voices nearby. She froze and carefully scanned the area.
The tall bushes started rustling, and out came three bickering males. The two were dragging someone in the middle with them.
"I told you Koga! See! A hot spring!" A male with a white hair mohawk announced.
"And I told you I DON'T CARE!" He pulled his arms away from their grip.
They all turned to look, and gawked in surprised at the naked lady in the water.
She also stared at them for a moment.
"AAAHHHHHHH!" Rin screamed on top of her lungs covering herself.
The three males blushed and scrambled about.
"SORRY! Didn't mean to! Hakkaku you IDIOT!"
"Shut up, Ginta! You're the one who wanted to…"
"YOU MORONS! MOVE! MOOOVE!" Koga exclaimed, blushing furiously.
Rin swam towards her garments so that she could cover herself, when she spotted a swift white ball of light zoomed by towards the three wolf demon.
Next thing she saw was an angry Sesshomaru, his hand wrapped around Koga's neck lifting him off the ground. His other hand was poised to strike, the claws dripping with green, luminescence poison. Koga struggled helplessly in his grip.
Hakkaku and Ginta fell on the ground shaking.
"Sesshomaru! It's... it's you again!" Ginta was staring at him in horror. He could never forget the frightening demon, Inuyasha's older brother.
Hakkaku felt like he was going to piss in his wolf kilt. "We didn't mean to barge in here we swear! Let Koga go!"
"…pleassee." He added shakily when the dog demon glared at him.
Rin quickly covered herself with the kimono. She remembered them from before…
"My Lord! It.. it was an accident! I heard them coming and they didn't know I was here!"
His eyes moved to glance at her for a short moment.
Few seconds passed. Sesshomaru watched the wolf demon struggle in his hand then he released him to fall on the ground. Koga held his neck and coughed violently.
"What the hell was that for?" He managed to cough out.
Ginta and Hakkaku were alarmed and shoved their hands in Koga's mouth.
"Don't anger him anymore!" They both whispered.
Koga slapped both of them. "You IDIOTS! This is all your faults!"
Sesshomaru only watched them, his face expressionless. Rin found her way beside him and clutched his arm closely while peeking at the commotion on the ground.
Koga stared at her and his eyebrows rose. "You were that kid back then." He stood up and straightened himself.Yea it was the same little girl, except she's all grown up now.It was the girl his wolves killed before he met Kagome, and the same girl he saved from the worm demon (the day he first encountered Sesshomaru). His followers were the same idiots they were back then, as they triednotmake Koga and Sesshomaru cross paths, assuming that he would pick a fight with Inuyasha's older brother. [Ep. 99]
Rin gazed at him curiously.
Sesshomaru turned on his heels to leave without a word.
"Hey, wait!" Koga called. Sesshomaru paid no attention to him.
Hakkaku grabbed his arm. "Nevermind and let him leave! We should… start heading for the northern mountains already!"
"LET GO OF ME!"
Rin stopped on her tracks. "Oh, so you guys are going there too?"
The wolf demons stared at her.
"Uh, yes!" Ginta stammered.
"Come to think of it, isn't Sesshomaru one of the demon Lords of the Lands? Then of course he'd be heading there at the Northern Castle in the Mountains!" Hakkaku exclaimed.
Rin smiled widely at Koga. "Why are you going there? Are you also a Lord?"
Koga scoffed. "No I am not, and I will never be. I don't care what my wife says."
She looked at him, confused.
He sighed.What a curious woman. "My wife Ayame, is the daughter of the Lord and Lady of the North. Theydemanded-"he grimaced "-that I am present in the gathering. They think that things like this will convince me to agree and take the Lord's place one day. Personally, I want nothing of it. I married Ayame and I would rather have us live and rule MY small pack of demon wolves near the south where I grew up, than be a Lord and rule some lands I don't even give a damn about."
"Yea, and it's not Koga's thing. He's the furthest thing from the word "NOBLE" " Ginta added.
Koga gave the wolf demon a large bump on his head.
"Koga has to go to the gathering anyway, because Ayame went ahead of us and she's already waiting at the Northern Castle. She'll get real mad if Koga doesn't show up." Hakkaku told her.
"Oh." An idea struck her mind. "Since we're both heading at the same place, why don't we ALL travel together!"
Koga, Ginta and Hakkaku gawked at her, mouth open.Was she serious? Travel with that scary Lord demon of hers?
o-o-o-o-o
"I refuse to travel with this stinking wolves, my Lord!" Jaken screeched.
"What did you say?" Hakkaku was preparing himself to strike the toad.
"Sesshomaru-sama, there's no point in NOT travelling together because after all, we'll all meet in the same place! Right?" Rin was tugging on his sleeves, her eyes beseeching.
He looked at her silently. He didn't care about the wolves but he wanted to keep Rin happy.
Sesshomaru turned to look at the wolves, his eyes narrowed. "Follow us if you wish. But if anyone of you gets in my way, I will not hesitate to kill." He warned before he resumed walking ahead of them.
Ginta and Hakkaku embraced each other in fear.Maybe this isn't such a great idea after all.
Koga couldn't help but glare at the Demon Lord's back. He hated the fear that crawled in his spine when Sesshomaru lifted him off the ground earlier. His eyes were merciless and he was almost positive that he would be dead already if it isn't for the girl.Sesshomaru makes Inuyasha look like an angel compared to him.He thought in disgust.
"Let's go Koga-kun!" Rin smiled up at him then started walking as well.
The wolf demons followed them. Hakkaku was having a verbal fight with Jaken, while Ginta was walking next to the dragon Ah-Un and admiring it. Koga was walking behind Rin and he quietly observed her.She certainly turned out to be a gorgeous woman.But he noticed that she reeked strongly of Sesshomaru. Then he saw the faint mark on her neck.
His eyebrows rose. Koga dimly remembered wondering back then why Sesshomaru let a child travel with him. He had no idea he was saving the girl for later. He smirked.Dog demons sure are weird.
"Hey." Koga decided to walk beside Rin, curious.
"Yes?" Rin glanced at him with a smile.
He looked away. "I was wondering, you lived with Kagome and Inuyasha for a while right?"
"Yes I did."
"Well… I just want to know if they are doing well. Kagome, at least. Couldn't care less about that stinking dog turd." He scratched his nose.
Rin stifled a laugh. "They are well. They have a two years old daughter named Aiko. She looked a lot like Kagome except for the eyes… and the dog ears."
Koga wrinkled his nose. "Only a daughter? After eight years? What, is that dog a saint or something? I have a dozen children already!" He bragged loudly.
The wolf was the same as always, competitive.
She blinked at him. "I… guess?"
"How about you? No kid yourself yet?"
Rin blushed. "Er, no."
"I see. But you are going with him to the Gathering because you're his mate, right?"
"I-yeah." Rin reddened. She never had to talk to anyone about her relationship with Sesshomaru.
"You're probably going to be the only human there, but you know what? I'll try to keep an eye on you when I can, since you saved my ass today. Don't want you ending up for demon dinner." He winked at her.
She beamed up at him. "I appreciate that. Thanks, Koga-kun!"
o-o-o-o-o
They reached the base of the Northern Mountains before dusk. Rin stared at the huge, seemingly endless wide span of boulders.
"Whoaa." She looked up and was awed with the height. "Er… I hope we're not going to scale the mountains?" She climbed a ravine once long ago to get the berries of the Thousand Years flowers for Jaken. It wasn't really a good experience for her.
"Nah! That cave should be here somewhere…" Koga started hugging the rocks, his left ear pressed onto it.
Sesshomaru however drew his sword. The group turned to look at him.
"What are you going to do sire?" Jaken asked.
He swung his sword on a boulder creating an X mark.
After a few seconds, they all watched as the rocks shattered, revealing a cave opening.
Just then, three white wolves appeared behind them. "Koga look!" Hakkaku pointed at the wolves.
Koga watched as the wolves entered the cave. "Yea, northern wolves alright. They're supposed to guide us through the cave. I heard it's a labyrinth inside, so without a guide we might end up getting lost."
After Jaken prepared a torch and grabbing Ah-Un's reins, Sesshomaru lead the way and entered the cave without a second glance to his travelling companions.
o-o-o
"Sure is scary in here." Hakkaku whispered. The only source of light that they had was Jaken's torch. They had been following the white wolves for a while now, but there's no sign of the exit yet.
"Yep." Ginta was shivering.
"WOULD YOU TWO CUT IT OUT!" Koga exclaimed as he pulled his arms away, since his companions were clutching him in fear. "Act like MEN!"
"Heh. Cowardly wolves." Jaken muttered.
"Shut up, toad! I'll eat you for lunch!" Ginta yelled.
Rin on the other hand was hugging herself. The cave scared her also but she must be brave. She didn't want to look like a pathetic, terrified mortal in front of the group, especially Sesshomaru.
The Lord sensed her distress and was more than willing to hold her as they walk to ease her fear. He was about to offer, when suddenly he heard a loud crunching noise.
Rin looked down and she found herself staring at a crushed human skull she stepped on.
"EEEKKKKKKK!" She threw herself at Sesshomaru in terror. Sesshomaru easily caught and maneuvered her so she doesn't hurt herself on his armor.
Jaken laughed raucously. "Stupid Rin! There's nothing to be scared about!"
Sesshomaru sent him one of his deadly glares. Jaken stepped back in fright.
"It's alright Rin. There's nothing to fear. I'm here." He whispered tenderly in her ears.
Her cinnamon doe eyes were filled with shame as they met his amber ones. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." He set her down and held her around her waist. "Walk with me. You'll be fine."
She nodded and bit her lip still feeling embarrassed. "Thank you my Lord."
The party behind Sesshomaru and Rin were gawking at them with wide eyes.
"So he has a soft side after all." Ginta whispered.
They just reminded me of Kagome and Inuyasha.Koga thought to himself.
~o~
When they saw the light at the end of the tunnel, Rin ran towards it.
Her eyes were closed as she inhaled deeply. "Finally! Fresh air!" She hated the damp, stagnant smell of the cave. When she opened her eyes, she squealed in delight.
She stood in a wide valley between two huge mountains, and everything was covered in snow. There were a few white trees scattered about, and stray winter flowers blooming. She noticed a path leading to a huge, elegant door embedded on the mountain side.
"It's so beautiful!" She had the sudden urge to run around like a little child once again, but fought against it. Rin remembered Lady Shirahime's teachings…act like a lady.She sighed.
"Whew finally! I was starting to think we got lost in there." Koga wiped the sweat of his forehead. Hakkaku and Ginta stretched happily.
"Koga!" While the group was adjusting to the new scenery, a red haired wolf-demoness approached them.
"Ayame-chan!" Ginta and Hakkaku waved at her.
"Hey boys!" She smiled widely. Koga lifted her in the air and kissed her lightly.
"Miss me?" Koga grinned.
The girl named Ayame blushed and giggled. "Of course!" She turned to look at a smiling Rin, then to an uninterested Sesshomaru.
She gasped. "Oh my! You travelled with the Lord of the West?" She squealed at Koga. She swiftly curtsied in front of the estranged group.
"Welcome to the North! My name is Ayame, daughter of the Lord and Lady of the North. Come! I'm supposed to lead you to the castle. You all must be tired after your journey."
Ayame lead them to the door by the mountain which opened widely at her command. A wolf servant took Ah-Un to the stables. When they stepped inside the mansion, Rin was once again in awe. The castle was built within the mountains! The hallway was lined up with ornate torches, and several paintings and decorations were hanging. The floor and the walls were not made of wood… it was marble. It was as if the castle wascarvedfrom the inside of the mountains.
Koga started heading out on his own. "I guess this is where we must part. See you later, Inuyasha's brother!" Hakkaku and Ginta quickly followed him.
"It's LORD SESSHOMARU, you dimwits!" Jaken yelled after them.
Ayame laughed nervously. "Please excuse Koga's rudeness. Come and follow, I'll show you to your chambers."
They followed Ayame into a huge circular room. It was splendid, with the same marble features. It was well decorated but simple.
"I hope it is alright." She smiled.
"No this is amazing! Thanks, Ayame-chan!" Rin grinned at the wolf demoness.
She smiled. "I'm glad! Go ahead and rest, I will take my leave now." Ayame stared at the green imp. "Come follow me and I'll show you to the servant's quarters."
Jaken bowed to Sesshomaru before he followed Ayame and left the two. Rin closed the door behind them.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin sat on a cushion to rest.
"What is it?"
"How come Ayame didn't think I was a servant like Jaken?" She asked curiously.
Sesshomaru walked to Rin and kneeled on one knee in front of her. He held her face lightly. "Because I marked you the other night." He caressed the fading mark on her neck with his finger. "…There is a bond between us that only demons can detect. You are my mate now."
She was astounded. "And you didn't tell me about this before you marked me because…?"
He smirked. "There is no point in telling you."
She rolled her eyes and sighed in defeat. It was the same as when he proposed; no question whatsoever.
Sesshomaru stood up. "I need to attend to some matters first. Rin, stay here and do NOT leave this room. Do you understand? I will be back." His golden eyes blazed.
She nodded in agreement. "Okay." Well, that cancelled her recently-made plan to explore the castle. She decided to take a nap instead.
o-o-o-o-o
Night had fallen. After much pleasantries mostly from the old wolf-demon Lord, he let Sesshomaru leave the hall. The Lord of the West was relieved as he was not forced into a long conversation. It was enough that he found out he was the second demon lord to arrive. Jaken was trotting behind his Lord faithfully.
Sesshomaru suddenly stopped walking. As a result, Jaken bumped on his leg. "I'm sorry milord!"
"…Er, is something wrong Sesshomaru-sama?" Jaken stared up at his master in confusion.
"Hn." Sesshomaru was staring ahead.
Jaken followed his Master's gaze, and was astonished when a man came walking down from the other end of the hallway.
The man took notice of Sesshomaru, and he too stopped walking. He stood a good distance from the Lord.
Jaken scrutinized the man. He wore strange clothing, but he couldn't help but admire him. He had a ruffled shoulder length, light brown hair. His deep, chocolate colored eyes were wide as he observed Jaken's small form and his Lord Sesshomaru. And his height… Jaken noticed, matches the tall stature of the Western Lord.Sesshomaru-sama cannot literally look down upon the tall man. He thought carelessly.
Another figure emerged behind the strange man, and it was a short, attractive female with the color of the golden sun on her hair, and piercing blue eyes. She too, was dressed strangely.
"You are Kaname." Sesshomaru stated in his uncaring tone.
Kaname placed his hands inside the pockets of his unbuttoned trench coat. He smiled lightly. "Yes, I am. I presume, if I am not mistaken… that you are Sesshomaru of the West?"
Jaken's mouth fell open. He was the Lord of the East that he overheard about back at the castle! Normally, he would throw insults at this… strange Kaname person but he found out that hecouldn't.
Sesshomaru didn't answer. He was only staring at the man coldly.
The girl next to Kaname fidgeted in discomfort.
"I will take that as a yes then. You're not much of a talker, are you?" The Eastern Lord tilted his head thoughtfully.
"I only speak when deemed necessary." The dog demon retorted.
Kaname raised an eyebrow. "I see." In an effort to get the Lord talking, he knowingly brought a topic that he knew would piss off the Western Lord. "How is Rin?"
Jaken started walking backwards trying to gain distance. His tiny heart was pounding on his chest. To his surprise, he noticed that the woman next to Kaname was doing the same. She wore a worried look on her face.
"She is well, though, she is NONE of your business. What I want to know is your motive behind your furtive friendshipwith my mate." Sesshomaru's voice was smooth and controlled.
"I have nomotive. I only have the same intention as you, with all due respect. Her happiness."
Sesshomaru's eyebrows knit together. "You expect me believe that? I do not trust you, after you made Rinlieto me to conceal your relationship with her."
"Oh. That. Well, it was necessary on my part." Kaname answered thoughtfully.
"And why is that?"
The Eastern Lord smiled reticently. "I think… that it is my business andnone of your concern."
The air around them was getting heavier and tense. Jaken could almost taste it. He was sweating profusely, and he did not notice that his short legs were shaking uncontrollably.
Sesshomaru was reining in his temper. It took all of his power not to draw Bakusaiga and cut the arrogant bastard in half.
Kaname chuckled. "I wouldn't try it if I were you. Rin wouldn't be too happy if you start cutting her friends in half."
Sesshomaru was shocked, but did not show it.The demon just… read his mind!
"And also, you don't have to be so guarded about showing your emotions around me. It is futile, I can read you like an open book even with my eyes closed." He declared haughtily.
"Stay out of myheadand stay away fromRin." Sesshomaru growled warningly. He felt absolutely insulted. The last person who made him feel this way was Naraku. And the worthless hanyou got what he deserved in the end.
"And if I don't?" Kaname challenged. His warm, brown eyes abruptly turned cold, matching the lethal glare that Sesshomaru was giving him.
"Master. 'Tis not the time." The woman whispered to Kaname worriedly.
"I will kill you." Sesshomaru smiled.
Jaken was horrified.There it is!deadly smile. He cowered in fear.
"I suggest that you throw your threats to people who would… actually get frightened, Lord Sesshomaru." Kaname smirked.
There was a moment of short silence as the light on a nearby torch flickered.
Sesshomaru coolly rushed in a blinding speed towards the proud vampire, his claws dripping with poison.
Suddenly the hall was filled with a fierce and pure, demonic aura. The demon dog froze mid action in surprise at the unfamiliar ambiance. Kaname easily avoided his attack, and now stood behind the Western Lord, his back facing Sesshomaru's back. His hands remained inside his pockets, and his demeanor was as calm as the Lord of the West. Sesshomaru straightened up.
The impressive aura was emanating from Kaname, and Sesshomaru could feel it close behind him.
"I accept your challenge, but I'm afraid I can't take you up on it right now. Rest assured though, when the time and place is right,I won't hold back." Kaname started walking away. "…Yumi. Let's go." The woman quickly followed him, glancing agitatedly at Sesshomaru once before they vanished in the shadows.
Jaken shook his head violently to pull himself together. "Sesshomaru… sama?" He noticed the calm anger on his face, and it terrified the poor imp.
"I will be looking forward to it." Sesshomaru whispered as he walked away. He will make that Kaname pay for his disrespect. Jaken followed him silently.Sesshomaru-sama finally met his match. Naraku was worthless compared to that Kaname.The toad thought while remembering the disturbing demonic aura the foreign demon released.Rin what have you done you crazy child.