Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

***

The sky was dark and smoky, the land seemed to be shaking as the result of the great war between human clan and demon clan. Led by a Great Dog Demon, Inu no Taisho from the demon side, they fought it out. Unfortunately, at this time, Taisho was not in perfect condition after his battle against Ryūkotsusei, the powerful dragon daiyōkai a few days before this war and he had got fatally wounded after fighting that dragon. However, he continued to lead this fight against the human clan which led by a great general who really hated demons, General Takemaru. With thousands of the army and a brilliant strategy, the human clan could fight comparably against the demons. This war took place in three days and nights after both of their leaders lost in their fierce battle and ended in a draw.

"Hold on, Taisho. Tenseiga will heal you" Hyoga, his trusted friend and also his advisor muttered next to him as he supported his body with his arm above his thigh.

"I-It ... can't" Taisho groaned in pain.

" What did you mean?" Hyoga asked wondering.

"Master Taisho was right, Master Hyoga. Tenseiga cannot heal Master Taisho anymore. It only works once and master had used it before" Myoga, Toga’s trusted servant chimed in.

"It’s alright. I felt that my end is near. Hyoga, I-I need you to promise me something" Taisho begged.

Hyoga nodded in response while holding Toga’s hand.

"Take care of my son and my kingdom. Be there for him so he can take the throne when he grows up. I trust you, Hyoga"

He nodded again and gave his answer to his leader, "As you wish, my king. It’s an honor to serve you and the kingdom and I promise you that I will take care of your son with all my life"

" And you, Myoga. Take my Tenseiga to Totosai in the Forge Volcanic Mountain. Ask him to keep it until my heir deserve it" He asked while coughing in blood.

"H-Hai, Master" Myoga nodded.

Then with a deep inhale he breathed his last. The Great Dog Demon King of Western Lands died at the age of forty in his human age but as a demon he was over 3000 years old. Shortly after the battle took place, there was an agreement between both allies. They carried out a ceasefire under the leadership of Lord Hyoga from demon clan and General Ashikaga Takauji from human clan. They finally agreed to divide the land into two territories. The entire demon clan only occupied the western area and the human clan in the east. These two areas were divided by The Deep Forest which stretched from north to south and served as a border.

 ***

"That's how the history of this land, Rin" Myoga told the girl next to him.

"Ahhhh ... I see. That was a great story, Master Myoga" Rin replied.

"But why we never know that demon was real. Most of people in my village including me believe that demon was just a story tale, until I came here" She asked.

"Of course because that was happened about 500 years ago and you know that all kind of demons are living in Western Lands and we keep the border safe. No demons can leave this land as well as human, they cannot enter this land. Those who break the law will die as the punishment" Myoga explained.

"So that's why demons become human’s story tale?"

"If that's what they think, then so be it" Myoga replied.

"Yeah, I didn't believe about demons before because I never seen it with my own eyes but I believed that the forest was haunted" She said while pointed out where the deep forest was.

Myoga gave a soft laugh and added “They are not ghost, Rin, but demons”

"So that's the reason why people who entered the forest will never come back?" She mumbled.

"Yes" Myoga responded.

"But, why Lord Sesshomaru didn't kill me when he found me at first in the forest?"

"We don't know, maybe because you were a child and you want to join us” He shrugged

“We never dare to question Master Sesshomaru's decisions" He added.

"Then, I was so lucky back then" She smiled.

"Maybe. And one more thing, Rin. You can't tell this story to anybody. Some of them only me and Lord Hyoga who knew it" Myoga asked.

"Dont worry, Master Myoga. You can trust me" She winked while smiling to the old flea demon.

"Anyway, what happened to Lord Sesshomaru's mother? I never heard about her" She asked again.

"She died. We demons are different from human. Well, basically demons have a long live, but once demon mated to their partner, they will create an inseparable bond"

"What did you mean by inseperable, Master Myoga?" She wondered.

"If one of them died, their partner will follow after"

"Hmmm….that was a wonderful bond then" She replied in amazement.

“In-seperable” She whispered then lost in her own thought.

“Mmmm….excuse me, Lady Rin” A voice came suddenly and made them turning their gaze towards the woman who came, bowing.

"Yes, Ayumi. What’s the matter?” Rin asked to the woman who was her trusted servant and also her friend.

“Lord Sesshomaru requires you to join the dinner tonight with him if you have finished with Master Myoga” Ayumi said.

“Alright, Ayumi. Tell him I will join soon after bathing” She replied.

Ayumi nodded then leave them under the cherry blossom.

“Thank you, Master Myoga for the lesson today” Rin said while turned to look at the old man who sat on the stone next to her.

Since Rin had lived in Western Lands, Sesshomaru assigned Myoga to give her an education especially about the history of Western Lands. She became his ward after the day he found her when she was about eight years old. She lived in the palace since then with Sesshomaru and now she had become a fine 17 years old human girl.

Rin had beautiful features with a smooth long black jet hair. Her eyes were sparkling brown, filled with confidence and no fear. It was so much different from when she first set her feet in this land. Her moist full lips looked so tempting in her natural pink color. As a human, she had a magnificent beauty.

“I’m happy to serve you too, Lady Rin” Myoga answered.

“What did I say to call me just “Rin”, Master Myoga. We’re not with Lord Sesshomaru” She grumbled.

“Alright, girl. Whatever you say” He agreed while giving a soft chuckle.

“Then I should leave you, Master Myoga. My lord has been waiting for me” She said while showing a pinky blush in the corner of her cheeks.

“Of course, Rin” Myoga nodded to her and Rin left the old man sitting under the cherry blossom, alone.

While looking at the young girl walked towards the palace in her bright purple kimono, Myoga mumbled to himself, You must be proud of your son, Master Taisho. Master Sesshomaru had changed since that young girl came into his life. Not only make him stronger but she had slightly changed him from a cold-blooded demon into a better soul.

“Destiny never cease to amaze me” The old flea demon sighed.

Chapter Text

In the private dining room, Sesshomaru sat peacefully on the soft dark green zabuton. The night atmosphere was so comfortable as he could see the moonlight reflected through the fish pond outside the room. His private dining room was quite large as the windows slide opened to a natural view. The melody of the night creatures could be heard slightly from where he sat on. There was a low-long wooden table in the middle and some zabutons above the tatami were set up nicely around the table. A unique wooden-latern hanged upon and illuminated the room with a soft light giving serenity. Now, since Rin presented into his life, there will always a flower decoration in the corner of the room which was arranged beautifully on a white pottery. He knew that his beautiful ward always loves the flowers, especially cherry blossom. Sometimes, he wondered himself of how he treated her. Slowly, she has changed him.

Suddenly, a sound of shoji opened from behind disrupting his silence. Rin stepped forward towards her lord who was sitting behind the table.

“You haven’t eaten yet, Lord Sesshomaru?” Rin asked while taking a seat next to him.

“I wait for you, Rin”

“I’m flattered to hear that, my Lord” Rin smiled then looked at the delicious foods on the table.

“Then, Itadakimasu, Lord Sesshomaru” Rin cheered to him but he only gave her a nod before following her to eat the food.

While eating, Rin excitedly told Sesshomaru what she had done for the day. Nine years of living closed to Sesshomaru had made her feeling accustomed with him. However, Rin still respected him by knowing the limits where she must speak freely with her Lord and that was when they were alone. She never imagined that she would live happily here which was far from her homeland.

***

After her parents and brother died of robbery many years ago, she had to live by her own and rely solely by the compassion of the surrounding villagers. But not all villagers were nice to her, some of them ever tortured her because she had caught stealing fish in their ponds. And the last time she got was the worst. She did this not because she was a bad girl but she had starved for two days without food. She got some bruises on her face even she had to lose one of her teeth in that incident. Afterward, Rin decided to leave the village. She felt like being cast outside, living in her own land.

Rin walked as long as where the road was going to bring her without knowing where to go. Luckily, there were several trees bearing fruit that she could found, so that it helped her hunger. It had been three days she wandered aimlessly. Leaning against a maple tree, she sat taking some rest and then the breeze drifted her in a deep slumber. In her sleep, she dreamed of meeting her family and that was the happiest moment for her after her parents passed away. Unfortunately, the dream went away quickly when she suddenly woke up after hearing the screams of people from afar. They screamed in fear after a pack of wolves attacked and chased them then they headed into her direction. Rin stood up then ran in panic but unconsciously, she headed towards a dense forest, The Deep Forest.

Rin tried to run as fast as she could. She didn't care about the cuts on her body from the bush. She kept running until she realized where she was. Tall and large trees loomed around, the eerie sound of perching crows was getting close. Oh no…this is a forbidden forest, she mumbled in her heart worriedly. Mother, helped me please, her heart screamed in fear as she walked forward though her vision was a little faint in the darkness. Suddenly, she was shocked when the wolf barked and it sounded so close to her. She tried to move faster but she was late. She fell down, tripped by a crossed root in front of her and then darkness hit her. That was the last worst memories that she could remember. But after terrible things in her life of what had happened to her, she finally could find some light, the light of blissfulness.

In the dark forest when the night creatures seemed surrounding the place, Rin finally opened her eyes. The darkness had gone and was replaced by a creature with a beautiful and radiant features before her. She blinked one more time to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming and No, it was real, her mind told herself. She then realized that the creature before her was a man with long white hair and his face showed a magnificent beauty that she never seen before. Rin rose up from his lap and stood silent before him feeling an awe towards his features. The man in front of her didn’t speak any words but just turned away and leaved her standing there. That was only gave her a curiosity and then she decided to follow this beautiful creature who might had saved her, didn’t care whether he’s good or bad.

***

Rin smiled while taking a gyoza with her chopsticks into her mouth, still lingered in those moments. She had felt so lucky meeting him on that day and since then she could get back her happiness and her life became brighter. She liked her Lord with all her heart.

“Rin….” Sesshomaru called her name disrupting her reverie.

“Are you alright? You seem lost” He added.

“Ahh…sorry, Lord Sesshomaru. Did…you say something before?”

“Yes. I called you twice but you didn’t response. What’s bothering your thought?”

“No worries, my Lord. It just some old memories. Then, what did you want to say to me, Lord Sesshomaru?”

“There is something that I need to discuss with you. You know Hyoga, right?” Sesshomaru asked.

“Ahh…Lord Hyoga…Yes I knew him, my lord. I’ve met him once when he visited here 4 years ago. Where is he now?”

“The old man stayed in the northern territory with other councils since his position as the head general of the West was replaced by his son, Menomaru. However, he will always be my trusted man and the one I respect the most after my father” Sesshomaru explained.

“So he is Lord Menomaru’s father? I just knew that, my Lord” Rin said.

“Yes. But that’s not what I want to discuss about, Rin”

“Actually, Hyoga just visited me two days ago and he insisted to me to find a bride since some of the council also had said that it’s the time for me to find a mate and gave an heir to Western Lands” He added.

“A bride” Rin responded in wonder.

“W-who is she, my Lord?” She asked.

“Hyoga had invited some of fine ladies in my territory to meet with, most of them are daughters of the leader from respected demon’s tribe and there will be a gathering here in two weeks. I need to choose one of them” Sesshomaru explained.

Listening to what her lord had said, suddenly a heavy feeling stuck in her heart. She didn’t know how to response. She would be happy if Western Lands finally would have a Lady and he could finally find his mate but she felt unwilling to share his lord’s attention with other women. The man whom she cherished the most and willing to give him anything even her own life, soon he would share his love, his attention, his care towards other women but her. What’s this? Am I jealous? But why? Should I be happy when the man I cherish the most finally could be happy?, Why I feel so sad about this?, Rin argued with her feeling.

“Rin…” Sesshomaru called while looking at her gloomy face.

“Are you sure, you are alright?” He added with a worried feeling.

“Ah..Yes Lord Sesshomaru, I’m alright. And why did you tell me this?” Rin asked.

“Because I need you to help me”

“Help you?? I don’t understand, my Lord”

“Yes. I need you to help me to choose one of them”

“Me..?? Why?? It’s your cho-"

“No. I want you to choose one of them because this Sesshomaru will be happy if Rin is also happy. So, your choice will be the most important to this Sesshomaru. Are we clear?” He said cutting her words.

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. Rin will do as you say and thank you for asking me to decide your future” She replied.

“I have finished my foods. May I leave now, my Lord?” Rin suddenly asked.

Sesshomaru gave her a nod agreeing her request but something had crossed his mind regarding Rin’s behaviour. Something was bothered her mind and he assured of that. He must find out what had happened to her. How she permitted herself to leave sounded so cold and she never done that to him. He could see her face turned into bad mood and it proved by no smile that she gave to him before leaving the room. What’s wrong with her? Sesshomaru kept thinking about it then he realized when her face turned into sorrowful after…..“after she heard about the news”, he whispered in his low tone.

Chapter Text

One fine morning, the world woke up to a rapture-blue sky. It was high and bright, a continuum of delight that salved both spirit and soul. The grass became wonderland-green with squillions of glint-silver dewdrops were sprinkled in the meadow like stardust. Cherry blossoms were manicured with bliss-pink petals and it was magnificent to its see. It had been a week since their last conversation in his private dining room. Sesshomaru had been away from the palace due to his duty as a Lord of Western Lands to maintain and attend some diplomatic events between some kind of demons. Walking down to the garden, he decided to go to where Rin usually trained by her master. This morning was her schedule with Master Nakamoto.

Wearing his white yukata which adorned by the pink cherry blossoms portrait that was engraved in red hexagon and converged into three parts like a triangle, he felt content of the view in his surroundings. His long white hair hung below to his thighs, flowing down like a soft satin. His amber eyes were sharp and vibrant which etched into his feature. Two magenta stripes lined perfectly in his porcelain skin under his eyes and on both of his wrists. On his forehead could be seen a purple crescent moon was so captivatingly hidden behind his bangs. As usual, Sesshomaru didn't show any expression, it was flat and showed no weakness. But, who knows the inside? In his mind a flash of her dazzling smile was captured since he was away. Thinking about it only made him pull his moist lips back into a small grin. Yes! He had missed her, his beautiful ward, Rin.

“Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru” Nakamoto greeted while bowing down.

Sesshomaru nodded to him while wondering, “It looks like you didn’t train her today? Where is Rin?”

“Yes, my Lord. My apologize about that”

“Lady Rin informed me two days ago that she couldn’t join this martial art for the next three days” Nakamoto explained.

“Why?” He frowned.

“Lady Rin said that she wasn’t feeling well, my Lord”

“Hm” With a short respond, Sesshomaru then turned his back and leaving Nakamoto in his station. He walked in little rush towards Rin’s chamber, feeling worried.

_______

“Jaken…” Sesshomaru called his toad servant who was enjoying the morning tea in the garden.

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru” He came immediately upon hearing the call from his master and blocked his way.

“Why didn’t you tell me that Rin was feeling unwell?”

“I am sorry, my Lord. I-I forgot about that. I was busy with—” Jaken was about to explain to his lord but cut off by a sinister sigh from him. Sesshomaru then continued his step, leaving his fool servant.

“Lord Sesshomaru….” Jaken tried to call him back but only being ignored.

“I-I was busy handling my duty as a minister, Lord Sesshomaru” Jaken whispered while bowing his head down then sighed “Why you never understand me, my Lord”

_______

Curling up inside her soft blanket, Rin glanced up at the ceiling. The sun had gone up, but she was still lazy to get up from her futon. Still in her under garments, she blinked her eyes and exhaled deeply. It had been a week that she couldn’t sleep well. Her mind kept thinking about her Lord who was going to seek for a bride, a woman who will take his heart away from her. She had tried to forget that matter but never worked well. Three days ago, when she was trying to help her servant to cook some dinner, she ended up injuring her own wrist from daydreaming. She wondered to herself of why she couldn’t let go of this feeling, a feeling of jealousy. She whispered to her mind, Was is true?

“Rin…” Sesshomaru’s voice startled her from the outside.

“May I come in?” He asked behind the door.

“Wait a moment, Lord Sesshomaru” She shouted while rushing up to her closet.

Since when he arrived at the palace, why there is no one telling me about this, Rin mumbled to herself while putting on her bright yellow kimono and a dark purple obi tied perfectly on it.

“Now you may in, my Lord” Rin said while combing her thick hair.

Sliding the door, Sesshomaru entered the room while showing his clueless face as usual but calmed after seeing his ward in a good condition “Rin…”

“Yes, my Lord” She replied while bowing down.

“I heard you’re not feeling well. I checked to Nakamoto and he said you missed his training for two days”

“Yes, my Lord but you don’t have to worry since I am healing soon it’s just…a little bruise”

“I will join Master Nakamoto session tomorrow, my Lord. I promise” She added.

“What did happen?”

“Huh?”

“Your bruise”

“Show me” He asked stepping closer to her.

Pulling out her hands from her sleeves, she showed him her left wrist that still burned of her carelessness in the kitchen.

“I was helping Ayumi to make some dinner when I spilled a hot water on my wrist”

“I am sorry, my Lord. I should be more careful next time” She tried to explain.

Sesshomaru just stood silent looking at her burning wrist with concerning eyes. He then walked passing her and sat in his cross-legged on her futon.

“Come here” He said while patting her soft futon next to him.

Still wondering about what he was going to do, Rin nervously sat next to him following his command while lowering her head. She suddenly startled when Sesshomaru grabbed her left hand. He examined closely towards her burning wrist without any words left out from his mouth. He then put his soft tongue onto it, licking it evenly with his saliva. A pleasure suddenly penetrated into her veins, something heavenly good burned inside her body and as it made little butterflies flew up from her its lower belly. She inhaled heavily feeling his moist tongue on her wrist feeling passionately bliss inside.

“L-Lord Sesshomaru” Rin called his name tried to stop him before she couldn’t control her desire anymore.

Hearing her hoarse voice, Sesshomaru stopped his action realizing that what he had done to her was too much. Her scent was intoxicating. It tasted good and smelled as sweet as lavender which was both ravishing and addicting. She felt different from the girl that he had saved nine years ago. Without many explanations of what he had done, he just stood while fixing his yukata then walked towards the door.

Stopping his pace, he looked at her through his left shoulder. She was silent and only gave him an empty stare, “That will heal your wrist faster, Rin. Now, you may continue your rest”. He slid the door and then left the room, leaving her with wondering thought.

_______

Who knows when love begins

Who knows what makes it start

One day it's simply there

Alive inside your heart

It slips into your thoughts

It infiltrates your soul

It takes you by surprise

Then seizes full control

Try to deny it

And try to protest

But love won't let you go

Once you've been possessed…

“How lovely, my Lady” Myoga commented standing behind her.

“Master Myoga. I didn’t notice you were here” She surprised towards the little old demon.

“Your voice is so beautiful, Rin”

“Thank you, Master Myoga” She replied then turned her attention towards a tree who blossomed a beautiful cherry.

Sitting next to her, Myoga cleared his throat, “May I know to whom you are devoting that song, Rin?” but Rin didn’t answered his question, silencing her mouth and exhaled a deep breath.

“I know that was your feeling, girl” He smiled while enjoying the view of the green grass in front of him.

“But…what I am going to tell you now is that you must tell him, tell him the truth of your heart” He said then looked at her.

“Master Myoga but….h-he’s---”

“Rin….just tell what your heart desire. I know he casted aside your kind but do not lose hope before you tried. I do believe that he has the same feeling towards you, my child. The way he looked at you, tells everything” Myoga said.

“Y—You know him?” Rin shuddered biting her lower lip.

“Of course I know, dear. I’ve lived with you since the first day you walked into this palace” Myoga gave her a soft chuckled.

“But what if he rejects me, he told me that he will find a bride through the gathering that it will held soon. He wants a demoness not a human girl like me” She said lowering her head.

“But he wants you to choose for him isn’t it?” Rin nodded in agreement then Myoga continued and smiled, “That means he cares of your happiness, Rin”

“Now, please put back your smile, dear. Your beautiful face looks ugly with that mourn”

“Thank you, Master Myoga” She smiled to him then enjoyed the view of her surroundings while remembering how Ayumi had said to convince her feeling a few days ago.

“You fell in love, my Lady. The way you blushed when he was near you, a bunch of happiness came into you when you’re with him and a jealousy if there’s a woman close to him. There is no mistaken that you are falling in love with Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Rin”

“Love?”

“Yes, It’s love, my Lady because I've felt the same way as you do years ago” Ayumi smiled to her.

“Where is he now?”

“Died…in the battle” She answered.

“I am sorry, Ayumi”

“It’s alright my Lady. I’ve let him go in peace but just one thing that I still regret is I didn't have a chance to say that I love him before he’s gone”

Listening to what her maid had said, Rin suddenly embraced her to comfort her feeling “Thank you, Lady Rin”

“Now, I suggest you, my Lady. Go tell him, tell Lord Sesshomaru about your feeling. I believe he would be happy to have a beautiful woman like you” She said while pulling her away.

Smiling, Rin mumbled to herself “I will, Ayumi”

“Sorry, what did you just say?” Myoga asked.

“Nothing Master Myoga, just my old thought” Rin smiled to the old demon.

He sighed while smiling without any words to respond. Deep in his heart, he would be glad if Rin could conquer this cold-hearted demon, Sesshomaru because he believed that she was the one who could change him into a better soul.