Getting into the gist of writing again! ^_^ Please forgive any spelling and grammatical errors I may have made. They will be fixed at a later date.

Caught

"Everyone is a little bitter. We're born bitter. The personality itself is really just a very complex defense mechanism. A reaction to the first time someone said, "No you can't."

― Marc Maron, Attempting Normal

Day III

"Lady Rin, you need to focus. This is a serious matter - life or death, even! You must defeat me, your greatest enemy, in a battle of wits! If you lose, you not only lose your soul, but the souls of your dear comrades! Please mi'lady - do you not want to save Ah-Un-sama?!"

Rin stared down at the board before her in disinterest. Never had she thought she would succumb to this - choosing to play boring board games in the afternoon rather than roll around in the flowers out back. If it weren't for the dark cloud that'd been following her all morning, she long would have gotten the motivation to make that long trek outback.

Too bad that bothersome yet charming Prince was on her mind.

After a moment of unattentive observation, Rin lazily flicked over a piece on the board and glanced over at the demoness, who gazed down at the board with wide eyes.

"I-I can't believe it...L-Lady Rin! You beat me!", the demoness choked. "No one...no one has ever beaten me."

Rin sighed. "You mean a ningen has never beaten you?", she inquired, causing the demoness to stare up at her with a guilt-ridden expression. "Just because I don't play doesn't mean I don't know how to. Contrary to belief, Mi'lord and I have played this game on several occasions during our travels across the Western Lands. And besides, I'm milord's ward afterall. I had to win."

There was no doubt about it, Rin was smart - and she knew it, but that meant nothing if she couldn't keep up with Lord Sesshomaru. Lord Sesshomaru… The thought of him reminded her of what happened the night before. She found the dark cloud seeping back atop her head.

"I'm sorry for underestimating you, milady.", the demoness sputtered as she gathered the pieces and board. "I'll prepare something nice for your ...unexpected victory."

Rin narrowed her eyes at the demon who began picking out pots and pans. Demons around here are such sore losers… "That won't be necessary. I'm going to the gardens - "

"Oh no you won't. You have to eat something first, Lady Rin.", the maid reprimanded, much to Rin's dismay. "Prince Ritoshi wants the hearty girl that he's smitten by - not a frail little thing."

Another sigh escaped the girl's lips as she plopped back down in the chair. "Only a complete moron would still be out there fighting for me. If he's gained any wisdom upon his journey, he would know that sacrificing everything he's loved and has earned for a ningen he hardly even knows is preposterous." Rin put her forehead on the table. "The odds of me ever hearing from him again are slim to none. I think everyone on these grounds knows that."

Lord Sesshomaru probably knows that as well ..

Rin heard the demoness snort from across the kitchen. "You're such a weak-willed and inconsiderate girl. The Prince would be distraught to know that the girl he's fighting for has given up any hope of his return. Did he not tell you he would come?"

Rin sighed and leaned against her palm; there was nothing she could say that would convince her. Demons around here are also too hopeful... "I'm a ningen."

The demoness frowned. "You're a human, Rin. That has never made you any less special in Lord Sesshomaru's eyes nor in anyone elses. You're just as smart and pretty as any demoness out there. If he doesn't come for you, it'll be his loss."

Rin blinked doelly. "T-Thank you. I didn't know you were so passionate."

"You're worth fighting for. You just have to believe and accept it."

It was hard to believe that. Her world revolved around demons and their beauty, their strength, their loyalty. All she'd seen and ever known was how deceitful humans were compared to these beautiful creatures. Sometimes in the middle of the night, she would go back to her early childhood to where she was in the village amongst the humans, the very children her age who thought of her as odd. The very women who found her pitiful and unladylike. The very men who chased her away from fields with pitchforks and rocks.

Was a human, an insincere and mortal being like her, worth fighting for? Could someone possibly love someone as flawed as her?

Rin quirked a small smile. "I hope you are right." She got up once again and started towards the door, not waiting for the woman's answer.

The demoness smiled as well. "If things don't go well with the Prince, just know that there are plenty of demons flying about in the sky..."

Rin blew a curl from her face as she slid open the door. "Yeah right, as if I'd be interested in any other demon. I think I will stick to my own kind, though that seems impossible here." She started to close the door.

"Like Lord Sesshomaru.", a voice sounded in the kitchen.

Rin to open the door and stare at the woman. "What did you say?", she deadpanned.

The maid tilted her head, that devious smile still plastered on her lips. "I said, 'You should really eat your stew'." She gestured towards the steaming bowl on the table.

Rin narrowed her eyes.

.

.

"Lady Mio won't be teaching us anymore."

Rin quirked a brow in the direction of the conversation, steadying her work on weaving a basket.

One of the demonesses in the grass gasped. "Really? Did mi'lord banish her because of her sass towards one of the high-rank Generals?"

"Oh no, none of that! Actually, Lady Mio is going to be wed!"

Who would want to be marry that old dog? Rin grimaced and continued her work on the basket. At least she'll be out of my way. Demon village, here I come...

"Who is she going to marry?"

"No one knows, but almost everyone says he's a general under milord, though I doubt it."

"Maybe the one she told a piece of her mind to?"

"I highly doubt that - no man of that caliber would want a loud, abrasive woman!"

"But someone's marrying her…"

"Oh...it seems that I've forgotten already.

Rin pushed her hands deeper into the river. "You do know that now that the cat's out of the bag that I do not have to wash your kimonos anymore, right?" She threw a glanced towards Inuyasha and the others, who played with some of the demon children running about.

Inuyasha ignored the girl, excitedly waving towards the children. "I'm the demon! I'm the demon!"

Kagome playfully gasped, bending down beside a little girl. "Oh no! We have to run away before the scary demon gets us!"

"Run!", Sango yelled, starting off the chase.

Rin watched jealously as Inuyasha chased after the little demons, causing abundant laughter and screams. "But I want to play too…"

"Perhaps you would like some help, Lady Rin?", Miroku sat down beside her before grabbing one of the silks from the woven basket.

Rin smiled gratefully at the monk. "You don't have to be so formal with me, Miroku."

"It would be rude not to address the Lady of the house as so.", he stated, pulling up his sleeves.

"I know...but when you say it, it sounds kind of lecherous.", Rin deadpanned.

Miroku sheepishly laughed. "Those days are far behind me, Rin. Please, let's not bring up the past.'

Typical Miroku...She rolled her eyes playfully as she went back to her task, the monk following her movements simultaneously.

"How are the children?"

Miroku grabbed another fabric. "Well the baby isn't much of a baby anymore, and the twins already have potential suitors in mind, one of them being Inuyasha."

Rin giggled. "Uh oh Kagome. And Lady Kaede?"

"Still as alive as ever, thought it is obvious that she misses your company. The villagers ask about you all the time, always talking about how beautiful you will be once you get older."

Rin sighed and stared up at the sky. "I really need plan a visit there. It'd be good to be with Kaede and the others again. Even better to get out of the palace for a change…"

Miroku gave her a look. "You've had your fair share of visits outside the palace. Remember?"

Rin pouted. "You're reprimanding me too, Miroku?!"

"Don't you think you deserve it?"

She did - it was overdue. But it still didn't make her feel any better about what she'd done.

"Sesshomaru is going easy on you. Anyone else and he would've banished them a long time ago.", Miroku explained, taking the silk from her frozen hands. "It's obvious that he is letting his feelings get in the way of things, so I ask that you please not take advantage of this. I don't think he'd let it slip by a second time, Rin."

Letting his feelings get in the way… The girl looked down into the river at her reflection that forlornly stared back. "I am foolish and unworthy of his kindness…"

The monk gave her a pat on the back. "Don't be so down on yourself. You're young, you're going to things that are looked down upon. That doesn't mean that you are worthless. It just proves you're human - "

"And that is the problem.", Rin said, standing and dusting off her clothes. She looked over towards the others where they'd stopped to take a break, all demon children piled atop the hanyou.

Kagome laughed along with Sango.

Rin bit. "How would it have been if I'd just stayed in the village? Would I be happier?"

Miroku leaned against his staff as he got up, staring at the girl. "Who knows." The monk turned his eyes towards the blue sky. "Maybe you would've been married by now."

Rin sighed drearily. "Maybe…"

"He's coming...He's not coming…He's coming…He's not coming...He's coming...He's not coming...He's co - "

"Erin, will you cut that out?!", Rin screamed from her position on the hill.

Erin glared over at the girl before picking at another petal. "He's coming...he's not...he's coming - he's coming!", she gasped, looking over at the girl. "Did you hear me, Rin? Your Prince Charming is coming!"

"I didn't say I was looking for him!" The young girl turned her dull glare to the eccentric blonde before sighing and turning away. "He's not going to come, so how about you stop with your little antics already..."

Umi rolled her eyes, pulling a finger through her curly, red hair. "If you know he isn't coming, then why are we on this God-forsaken hill? You do know that Erin and I can clearly see that big-ass gate in the distance, so you may as well admit it already - you're waiting for him."

Rin glared, her pride being attacked. "I am not holding either one of you captive. You're free to leave whenever the hell you want."

"We're not going to leave you here alone.", Erin smiled and put her hand on the sulking girl's shoulder. "Friends stick with each other through thick and thin, right? Isn't that what the humans say?"

"Do whatever you want...", Rin sighed, looking towards the darkening sky.

"You're just a silly girl. I thought humans were supposed to be the hopeful ones." The red-haired demoness yawned before leaning back, looking towards the sky as well. "If we aren't going to do anything, can't we do something more productive rather than sit here like a knot on a log?"

Erin raised a brow. "You have something in mind?"

Umi smirked and looked over at Rin, a spark in her bright eyes. "Want to sneak out just one more time?"

Rin stiffened, feeling the adrenaline run through her. "Sneak out...again?" She bit her lip. That was tempting.

"We haven't done it in a while and, ", Erin looked peered down the hill before smiling. "There aren't any guards snooping around. Not for miles anyway, so we can definitely get a clean break."

"And it's still quite early. Supper won't be for another two hours.", Umi smirked. "We can get a drink, just a little though so that it can wear off."

Drinking again? Lord Sesshomaru had already caught her once - there was no doubt that he would be skeptical of her.

The girl shook her head. "L-Let's not drink tonight. Let's...let's go to the barns! I have to go visit Ah-Un anyway!"

Umi rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Rin. Stop being such a wussy. Its just a teenie weenie bit. No one will notice, and if Erin or I smell it, we'll suck it out."

Rin grimaced. "That sounds stupid. You can't do that."

"You can't do that. We're demons, remember?", Erin smiled.

"I'm not going and that is final!"

Erin and Umi threw each other a look.

.

.

"Why the hell can't I see anything?! Where are you two taking me?", she paused. "You two aren't going to kill me, right?", Rin sputtered as she tried to tug at the obi around her eyes, only for her hand to be slapped away.

She heard Erin giggle. "You're so cute when you're flustered, Rin!"

"It's a secret place! You can't see it 'till we get there!" Umi chimed.

They'd been walking for minutes now, and Rin could feel her impatience growing. She hated to admit this, but she hated the darkness. And the temperature was dropping, which meant that it was already dark outside. And these two were dragging her far into a forest from what she could tell - the leaves beneath her feet made her uneasy. It was frightening her.

"A-Are we there yet? The darkness is making me mad - ", she froze when she felt coldness hit her stomach. "What the hell was that?"

A light gasp went into the air. "Dammit. Sorry, my fault.", she heard Umi whisper. Her kimono felt wet, and more heavy than it already was. "I kicked a bit of mud up on you...here - let's switch!"

Rin took step back, flabbergasted by the redhead's sudden kindness. "Oh, you don't have to- UMI!", she yelled, feeling her kimono being ripped off of her. "I didn't tell you to - "

"Gosh, Rin, calm down. It's not like I haven't seen you naked before."

The shivering girl blushed. "That's not what I was talking about.", she muttered. "Take this obi off me - "

Erin spoke."Don't worry, I'll dress you! I'm much faster!" Before the girl had a chance to say anything, the demoness' hands were already on her body, dragging up the cloth and already wrapping the obi around.

"Something's not right with you two - you guys are being too - h-hey." Rin rubbed her arms once the kimono was on. "You were wearing silk, Umi? This feels so nice. Just where did you get this? You didn't steal this, did you?", she smelled herself and smiled.

Umi scoffed. "Just because I'm a servant doesn't mean I don't get the finest - all have you know most of my kimonos cost an arm and a leg, sometimes quite literally. Don't try me."

"Cut it out. We're here.", Erin noted. "You can give me my obi back now, Rin. I wouldn't want you getting it more dirty than it already is."

"How nice of you to offer it to me…"Rin rolled her eyes at the blonde's brash behavior before obliging and untying the sash.

Her brow twitched when she found herself before the large double doors of the palace. "You two have to be joking."Rin slowly turned to the smirking demons with seething brown eyes. "You mean to tell me we spent all afternoon in the woods, in the dark might I add, just to come back to the palace." Her eyes narrowed. "I don't have time for games."

Erin rolled her eyes playfully while Umi's smirk widened, their eyes pointedly upon her frame.

"Notice anything different, Rin?"

Rin frowned. "Yes. I've noticed that the two that I've trusted the most have found trickery to be...Umi, why are you still in your kimono, I thought…" She looked down at her kimono. "What the...?"

Her kimono was as white as a summer day's cloud. Rin lifted up the long sleeve. The white silk… Her eyes softened. "It's…"

"Beautiful?" Erin offered.

"Stunning?" Umi offered as well.

Rin trailed her fingers across the golden fabric of her obi. The gold shinned, even in the darkness. Her eyes softened. "You guys, this is beautiful. I don't know what to say…"

"Hopefully you the cat won't have your tongue when speaking to mi'lord.", said Erin.

She watched as the two went towards the large, elaborate doors, each grabbing a hand of their own.

"Seijin Shiki", Umi stated as she bowed, her blond tresses touching the ground.

Erin bowed as well, her red tresses also touching the stone stairs. "A Coming of Age for our Lady."

Slowly, the two pulled open the doors, revealing what was there.

Rin gasped, putting a hand over her heart.

The room was filled with demons from the village as well as from lands and provinces far away. Their beautiful smiles and claps filled Rin with something she couldn't explain. Everyone was dressed with the finest silks - the women adorned with colorful flower crowns while the men matched along with their own, their kimonos bright and flamboyant. Rin marveled over towards little human children that stood along with the demon littluns, clapping in excitement. Inuyasha and the others stood close by, all looking up at her from the balcony. Kagome and Sango smiled joyfully as they stood by their husbands, who also sported a joyous look. And then there was -

"Kohaku?", Rin's smiled appeared when she spotted the familiar face. He smiled down at her from beside his sister and sent her a wink. She blushed and grinned wider. "Anyone mind telling me what's going on?"

A round of laughter came as the words 'charming' and 'funny' were thrown around. She gave a nervous laugh. "Really - I'm serious! Can anyone tell me - "

Her eyes went to the middle of the room where the clapping crowd started to part, one by one.

"Mi'lord." Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Lord Sesshomaru, his youthful face impassive as he walked forward, his bright eyes boring into her own.

She blushed as she quickly bowed in embarrassment. The amount of eyes staring at such intimate moments just sent her into a frenzy.

He paused in the middle of the room, briefly glancing at her before turning his gaze over towards a small child, who held a satin cloth. A pristine white lily flower crown sat upon it.

"Now's not the time to get cold feet - go on down, Rin!", Erin whispered from behind her as she gently pushed the girl from behind.

Rin nodded before picking up the length of the kimono and stepping down the steps, her bare-feet taking one step at time. A Coming of Age? It's not my birthday yet... She couldn't shake the odd feeling she was getting. She couldn't fathom a reason as to why people were still crying if it was supposed to be a good thing. It was as if she was about to move far away. Or die.

What's going on?

Rin took her last step off the staircase and started towards her lord, whose eyes still hadn't moved. She bowed towards the crowded circle her and mustered up the courage to look into those honey eyes. His gaze seemed vaguely different.

Jaken sniffed and wiped away some of his tears from his wide eyes. "...The years have certainly flew by. I can still remember the day quite vividly when mi'lord announced that Rin would be his ward - I remember thinking it preposterous - Lord Sesshomaru, letting a young ningen girl journey with us in times of battle and war!", the imp announced to the silent room as he looked towards the girl, who looked towards him with wide eyes as she placed a hand to her heart. The imp sniffed as a smile came to his face. "I speak for both Lord Sesshomaru and myself when I say that we've experienced the best moments of our lives with you, Rin."

"Master Jaken..." Rin muttered, not believing that this was actually the true words of the toad.

"You've taught me to appreciate the value of life, no matter how many years may be promised to me", the imp continued. "You've been a joy to us all." Jaken turned towards the room of people, a stern look upon his face. "Feast your eyes upon this moment and watch as our Lady transitions from childhood into adulthood by our true and noble Lord Sesshomaru!"He stepped beside his lord, his beady eyes solely on Rin.

Womanhood?

The little boy bowed beside the demon lord and lifted up his satin cloth, the flower crowning seeming to shine. Rin bit her lip and looked up at Sesshomaru.

A woman? Now?

Sesshomaru gently grabbed the crown from the cloth and looked towards her. She hesitated for a moment, but quickly bowed before him. Her heart beat fast in her chest. Me becoming a woman? Why now? I'm only fifteen!

She closed her eyes, her bubbles forming in her stomach. It felt like some fairy tale dream she was having - she could have sworn that just last night Sesshomaru had been upset with her. But from standing right there before him, she could feel no such anger. In fact, he seemed pleasant.

Is he...happy to see me growing up? Does he forgive me for all the things I've done? Is he proud of me? Will I still be his ward? These series of questions bombarded in her head as she waited.

Rin let out a breath when she felt the crown being gently placed upon her head.

The applause started once again, even louder than before.

She lightly touched her crown. "Lord Sesshomaru.", she uttered, her voice getting caught in her throat at his stare. "What does this all mean?"

Flowers started to fall from the air, showering everyone in the room with cherry blossom petals. She stilled when she felt him cup her face, his narrowed eyes peering into her soul.

"You are now my equal."

Rin took in a breath.

Petals started falling around them. It was breathtakingly magical.

Me? His equal?

A smile tore through her lips as she stared up at the tall demon. She couldn't help herself; she grabbed onto him tightly in an embrace. How could she possibly be his equal? This strong, suppressing being - so much more than her. His equal. His equal.

Rin looked up at him with wide eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru, I do not understand. How could I possibly be equal to you? I've done so many disgraceful things - "

"That does not matter."

She looked down, a small smile peeking at the corner of her lips. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru. I am forever grateful."

Sesshomaru looked down at the girl. "Let us hope that you are true to those words."

She didn't know what he meant by those words exactly, but they still managed to hit her heart.

"Lord Sesshomaru - "

"Mi'lord, there's something important that I need to discuss with you.", Lady Mio cut in, briefly giving Rin one of her wicked smiles. "You don't mind if I take Lord Sesshomaru away from a moment, do you child?"

That wicked smile. Rin's eyes widened.

"Lady Rin, why don't you come here! You have to open your gifts!"

"Open mine, Lady Rin!"

"You must see what I've given you, mi'lady!"

"You've grown to be such a lovely woman, mi'lady! My son would absolutely adore you!"

They pushed her further and further away into the crowd of guests, flattering her with gifts of compliments and blessings for the future.

Rin looked back towards Lord Sesshomaru. He stood there, staring gallantly after her. Lady Mio stared after her as well, her long slender arms around Sesshomaru's arm. It was the left one. Rin couldn't stop the glare.

It couldn't be. She'd be damned - it could not be.

Could the wench really be mi'lord's intended?...

"Lady Mio and Lord Sesshomaru...it does not even sound right.", Rin said, staring over at the two from afar as she sat at one of the tables, slightly stirring the glass of water. "Why couldn't I see this happening? She was always so innocent when it came to mi'lord."

Kohaku smiled nimbly. "You shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. They haven't announced any engagement whatsoever."

"What if it's soon? What will I do then?", Rin sighed, turning back towards the couple. "If Lord Sesshomaru and that wretched wench get together, then there won't be any need for me."

That was her biggest fear - not being wanted by Lord Sesshomaru anymore. Would she still be special in his eyes as everyone claims she is?

"Just what quarrel do you have against Lady Mio?", Kohaku asked, glancing over at the pair. "She seems like a stand up woman to me - "

"She's old!"

He laughed. "You do realize that Sesshomaru is over 200 years in age?"

Rin faltered for a moment before folding her arms stubbornly. "Well she hates my very existence! I've been mistreated by her ever since I stepped foot on this land!"

"You sure you are not exaggerating, Lady Rin?"

She glared at the name. "You do know that I hate it when you call me that, right?"

He shrugged innocently. "I am just trying to lighten the situation."

Rin looked at his glass that was filled to the brim with wine. "Give me some of your wine."

Kohaku shook his head, moving the glass from her."You have water for a reason. I was already informed by Sesshomaru."

Rin pouted before putting her head down on the table, sufficiently knocking some water out onto the table.

The demon slayer chuckled as he buried his hand in her hair. "This is a celebration in your name. You shouldn't be mooping." Kohaku put his head down beside hers. "Besides, I'm here. You wouldn't want to waste a visit of mine's - only heaven knows how long it'd be when I'll be able to get another chance to visit you again. Especially with all the commotion going on."

Rin raised her head. "Between the Northern and Eastern Lands, right?"

Kohaku smiled. "Ever the informed I see."

Rin pushed her head back and pushed her nose into the air. "I'm Lord Sesshomaru's ward - I'm always informed."

"You have a point there.", he agreed. "Let's not stress this conversation with battle strategies and such - how about you tell me about all the suitors that came to visit you these past few years?"

"That's hardly the case.", Rin blew some hair from her face as she looked down at her glass. Water is so bland. Nonetheless, she began to take a sip.

"So you are not interested in the Prince of the Northern Lands?"

Rin spat out her water, quickly covering her mouth. "Y-You were already informed?"

Kohaku grinned. "Actually, I already knew. Word may travel fast among humans, but among demons it's a wildfire."

She gave him a blank look.

"Rin, I'm a demon slayer. I'm always informed."

She thought for a moment before nodding. "Touche."

Kohaku held out his hand. "Dance with me?"

Rin jumped up as quick as the words came out, grabbing the man's silk sleeve. "Hope you can keep up!" Before he could utter another word, the girl had him out on the floor, dancing among the demons. She laughed at his flustered look, teasingly spinning him and leading him closer towards the center.

"You really know how to party, Rin!", Kohaku laughed, finally catching up with her beat.

How many times had she heard that. "Please, do not mention it!" She spun once again, pulling Kohaku closer. "Did you get all the messages I sent you? Jaken said he sent every one of them, but you know how forgetful he is."

"I did, and I am surprised at how well your penmanship has grown.", he spun her around, earning a giggle from her. "I'm sorry I couldn't write to you more! It's pretty hard to find messengers who travel towards the west often!"

They parted for a moment, each latched onto another significant one before finding each other again amongst the crowd. Rin grinned as she found herself trying to keep up with Kohaku. "You dance very well for someone who just slays demons! You must've gotten some kind of practice!"

"Only from you, Rin.", he said putting a hand on her waist as he lead her throughout the crowd. "I would've probably gotten more experience if I'd just stayed with you in the village. Sometimes I wish that I'd stayed with you and the others."

"Why is that?"

"Isn't it obvious? You're a joy to be around!", he said.

Rin laughed. "We would have gotten married to each other, Kohaku!"

He raised an eyebrow in amusement. "You really think so?"

"It's quite obvious, actually." They would've been married; Kohaku was the first suitor she had in mind when she lived in the village.

How time changes people.

"And maybe then you'd trust me enough to tell me what's on your heart. Why didn't you tell me that you were courting already?"

Rin sighed, putting her hands on his broad shoulders. "I'm not courting anyone - well, I'm trying to I guess - I don't know! It's undecided right now."

They split apart to spin before coming back together, hands intertwined with each others.

"It can't be all that hard."

"Lord Sesshomaru's not your guardian. He can be quite the brute when it comes to me seeing potential suitors. Some of my friends have already seen five men in the past few months, all wealthy generals under mi'lord."

Kohaku smiled. "Lord Sesshomaru really values you. You should be more understanding."

"Perhaps I should…", she said, looking away for a moment. "He says that I'm his equal now that I've transitioned into womanhood."

Kohaku paused, stilling Rin in her steps. "If that isn't a proposal already, I don't know what is, Rin."

She blinked. "What?"

"Lord Sesshomaru doesn't even consider Inuyasha to be his equal, no less a human!", he pulled her closer. "It's a possibility, but I think that Lord Sesshomaru may have feelings for you."

It stilled her insides, his words. Her eyes moved over to Sesshomaru, where he stood talking with the leaders of the lands, Lady Mio by his side. But to Rin, they didn't look as close now. Lady Mio stood off to the side, giving her lord considerable amount of space like any normal servant. Her eyes slid over to Inuyasha, who stood by his older brother, eyes pointedly staring at Rin wit that smirk. That knowing smirk.

That can't be true. Everything made sense now. The required trials Ritoshi had to go through, the questions he'd asked about Ritoshi, the talk they'd had last night, and now this ceremony where everything was covered in white. Rin looked down at her kimono; the silk had been for her all along. All of this. For her. But it can't be true...Mi'lord would never…

But this was Kohaku - he'd never lie to her. He was the most honest and wisest person she'd known. For him to say this, for him to actually suggest such a thing into existence...

" He never says things without reason. Perhaps this is his motive for bringing everyone here. You just have to talk to him."

She could feel her heart in her ears. "W-What do I say - "

"Just ask him. That's all you'll have to do."

"But what if that isn't case? Mi'lord would never look at me the same." He'd just gotten over her sneaking out and drinking. Rin didn't know if he would let this accusation slide. "H-How about you ask him?"

Kohaku pushed her in the direction of the demon. "It's better that he hears it from the horse's mouth.", he said. "You're the only person I know who has the gall to talk back to Lord Sesshomaru and get away unscathed!"

She gasped, looking back at him. "Who told you about that? It was that dog Inuyasha, wasn't it?!"

"That isn't the point, Rin." He ushered her forward again. "Just talk to him."

Rin gulped, turning her gaze towards the dog demon, who stared at her. The blush came as quickly as it did any other time; her cheeks were so hot that she had to cover them with her palms. What the hell is going on with me?

It didn't help that Lord Sesshomaru was headed her way, his eyes bright. Her eyes widened as she took in his appearance. His tall, sculpted build. His long, silvery hair. His beautiful marks. Those eyes.

Sesshomaru stared down at her in question. "Is there something you wish to discuss, Rin?

She neared him, grabbing onto the sleeve of his kimono. Her mouth moved before she could think. "Are you in love with me?"

"MI'LORD!", a scream sounded out from atop the stairs, causing everything and everyone to stop.

Rin and Sesshomaru snapped their gaze toward the top of the stairs, where a maid stood, clutching her skirts, her hair all about her head and her eyes wide in what Rin could call fear.

Sesshomaru growled, startling the girl into backing away. Before she could react, Sesshomaru was out the door, Inuyasha in tow.

That's when crowds started following after, leaving Rin in the middle of the ballroom. Her mind had gone blank as the voices around her intensified.

"It can't be."

"He's here."

"Keep quiet! Lady Rin is still near!"

Can it be...

Rin quickly picked up the ends of her skirt and ran, ignoring how the maids and servants called for her to come back.

It can't be, it simply cannot be…

Rin pushed open the front doors - a gust of wind went past her, cold and stiff. She looked into the air, spotting rolling clouds of grey in the dark sky. The gray and black armor caught her eyes as well as that symbol she knew all too well. There were men, an entire army of them lined up, straight and broad. She could see Sesshomaru and Inuyasha stalking towards them towards the army of men, their hair gently blowing in the breezy air, their hands reaching for the hilts of their swords…

No...Rin thought, her heart dropping. Lord Sesshomaru wouldn't do it, would he?

Kohaku grabbed her arm. "Rin, you have to stay back!"

"And watch as they slaughter him, Kohaku?! Are you mad?!"

"The question is are you?! You can't defy Sesshomaru now! This is his land!"

"Watch me!", she yelled, snatching her arm away from the man and high tailing it towards the gates, pushing past the crowds of demons that littered near. The cobblestone under her barefeet didn't stop her from running, nor did the flower crown that fell off her head in the process.

A large and elaborate carriage stood in the middle of the army, bright in the dark night. She felt tears spring in her eyes. He came!

Sesshomaru pulled out his sword and lifted it.

Rin ran faster, her eyes widening in desperation as her lord pulled out his sword and lifted it. She ran even faster, which made her feet unceremoniously catch a deep trench in the ground, throwing her off balance. She reached out her hands in panic, trying to straighten her balance. Her hands caught onto the silky strands of Sesshomaru's long, silvery hair...

She mistakenly yanked it.

Everyone gasped.

Inuyasha looked back at her, an incredulous expression on his face.

Rin noticed her mistake as fast as anyone else. She sucked in a breath as she slowly looked up to see his golden orbs glaring down at her.

She blinked and looked back down at the hair still in her hands before looking back at him. His gaze narrowed.

Rin hastily let go before quickly bowing, her face turning red. "I'm so sorry, mi'lord! Please, forgive me! I didn't mean to grab at your mane, I was simply just trying to stop you from doing something unhonorable - not to say that you're not honorable, mi'lord, I just don't want you to slaughter any men tonight - !"

"Silence, Rin."

Rin put her hands over her mouth.

Sesshomaru gave her one more look before slowly sheathing his sword.

One of the bulky men took off his helmet as he came forward. When he made it towards the trio, he bowed deeply, before looking forward."Please forgive us for intruding, your greatness.", he said. "We've come to report that Lord Ritoshi has defeated his father Lord Riton and has settled the dispute in the Eastern Lands."

Rin and Inuyasha shared a look. Lord Ritoshi? He was no longer a prince.

"It appears that your tasks had great meaning . Our former Lord of the North was actually the primary cause of the dispute brewing. He was using witchery to cause conflict so that he would be able to take over the land and soon after this one, though I doubt he would've been able to do so, your greatness. We give you our biggest gratitude and appreciation. You are truly a magnificent Lord."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the man. "Shouldn't your new ruler be thanking me?"

The demon rubbed his helmet sheepishly. "That is the problem right now, your greatness. Lord Ritoshi is currently...well, you could say incapacitated from the duel with his father.", he coughed, looking to the left. "We were... hoping that maybe you could help us with the situation, your greatness, for we are quite the dumb brutes when it comes to topics involving witchery..."

Sesshomaru's glare intensified. "This Sesshomaru is no wizard, you simpleton."

The demon gulped. "O-Of course, your greatness!"

"Is he severely hurt?", Rin asked, stepping from behind the dog demon. She could never forgive herself if she'd caused him that much pain.

The general's face brightened at the sight of her. "Lady Rin! What a lovely sight to see after three whole days of battle!", he greeted but was silenced by Sesshomaru's intimidating glare.

"Enough of the chit-chat, bring forth your Lord, simpleton!", Inuyasha bellowed, mirroring Sesshomaru.

A voice rung out in the distance. "Inuyasha! Sit boy!"

Rin sighed helplessly as Inuyasha slammed to the ground before her, muttering out curses and the miko's name. "I must go to him.", she stepped past the guard and toward the army of men, ignoring their nerve-wricken greetings and noticing how the men nervously stepped out of her way as if she was a force to be reckoned with.

Rin glanced back at them in confusion, but kept on towards the red carriage. She came face to face with a dark curtain that blocked all but the little light streaming through the seams from what looked to be a lamp. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for how brutal the damage could be. With paced fingers, she slowly moved back the curtain.

Rin stared for a moment before retracting from the curtain, blinking her eyes rapidly.

Inuyasha raised a brow at her actions as he dusted himself off. "Well? Is it bad?"

She glanced over at the hanyou before putting her head back in the curtains. This is definitely the doing of a wizard, or some unearthly being. She didn't know what to think or even say.

One of the men gave her an apologetic gaze as he bowed. "I'm so very sorry, Lady Rin."

Rin nodded towards him before looking back at the man in the carriage. "Ritoshi..." She reached out towards him, only for him to pull back, a saddened look in his blue eyes as he turned away from her. That's how she knew it was him - those sky blue eyes of his.

This wasn't the Ritoshi she knew, but she would accept him for who he was.

Rin held out her hand towards him, patiently waiting. "I will not doubt that it's you, Ritoshi. Do not be ashamed for you fought well and kept your promise."

He stared at her, big blue eyes wide, but his stiff body went back to normal, giving her consent to touch him. Rin smiled meekly as she grabbed onto him.

Sesshomaru watched the girl's every move.

Rin helped him out of the carriage and down onto the cobblestone.

Everyone gasped for the second time that night.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly

Inuyasha's mouth hung agape. "What the - "

Jaken pushed through the crowd, his yellow eyes wide. "He's a !"

"A bear!", a little demon girl cried, grabbing onto her mother's gown.

"Look at that monstrosity! He's simply adorable", a demon yelled, causing the crowd to go into an uproar of laughter.

"We asked for your lord, not your pet, you brutes!"

The General scowled. "You dare to insult our lord?!"

"It looks to us that you don't have one!", one demon joked, causing the crowd to laugh even harder.

"How can you rule the land with a mere bear?!"

"Take him out now, Lord Sesshomaru!"

"Off with his head!"

Rin threw the demons a look before staring down at the black-haired cub, who looked down with sad eyes. He went through those trials, only to be laughed at and taunted. Rin glanced over at Sesshomaru, noticing that he and Inuyasha held similar smirks. She found herself growing angry.

Was this all a game to him? Why didn't he put them in their place?

She pointed towards the boisterous crowd. "Do you all dare to disrespect this new Lord?! Would you not feel fury if it were your own?!" The jeering crowd went silent. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's smirk dropped. "We will treat every guest on this land equally, regardless of stature and power. Are my words heeded?"

Jaken squealed. "R-Rin - ", he started to reprimand.

"Are they heeded, Master Jaken?!", she snapped, causing the imp to go quiet. After a moment of silence passed, she glared at the quiet crowd. "I still have not received an answer."

Mutters of 'Yes, mi'lady' went through the crowd, pleasing Rin in the process. She sighed before throwing a look towards Sesshomaru, earning her another squeak from Jaken.

Soon, she gestured towards Ritoshi. "Yes, Lord Ritoshi is a bear..", she silently corrected. "But he is not just a bear. He is a bear cub. A bear cub who is the Lord of the Northern lands. We will treat him as such", she looked over at the General, who gave her a thankful smile. "Would you care to explain what happened?"

"Yes, mi'lady! Our former lord put a curse on Lord Ritoshi. We need someone to lead our lands, but Lord Ritoshi isn't able to do such a thing in this state. We run a risk of being a target among the lands!", he looked towards Sesshomaru. "Please, we need some assistance in this situation. We need our Lord changed back!", he begged. The other men nodding in agreement.

Rin bit her lip. Ritoshi made a forlorn sound.

He's ashamed...

Rin dropped to her knees and pulled the small bear to her chest. "You gave up everything for me and in the end lost the ability to protect your people. And here I was thinking that you would not come for me. I should have known better.", she whispered, rubbing her face into his soft fur. "Forgive me, Ritoshi."

A soft sound from him confirmed that she'd been forgiven.

"I'll make it up to you.", Rin softly stated before giving him a comforting smile. "I'll find a way to change you back, not matter what it takes. You have my word."

Suddenly the crowd parted as a tall figure came through. In the moonlight, Rin recognized the demon as one of the councilmen beside Lord Sesshomaru. This can't be good…

"It's over!", the demon said, looking towards Ritoshi in disgust. "Even though Lord Ritoshi completed the tasks, he didn't ultimately defeat his father. He was placed under a curse!"

Rin frowned and clutched Ritoshi harder. "What are you going on about?! Lord Ritoshi isn't dead!"

"He's right, Rin!", Jaken pipped up, slamming down his staff. "Because Lord Ritoshi didn't complete the required tasks that Lord Sesshomaru has appointed to him, he will not be able to court Rin...",he yelled to the crowd.

"That is a load of shit and you know it!", she found herself yelling.

"Rin! You shouldn't use such foul language!", Jaken reprimanded.

Rin ignored him. "He's went through all these trials just to be denied his request! That is not fair! I won't stand for it!"

"Rin!", Sesshomaru snapped, silencing the crowd as well as the girl.

She felt fear when she saw that the sclera of his eyes were red. He was going to transform into his true form at a time like this?

Then the rain came, showering everyone unexpectedly.

Rin used her hair as a shield for the cub, uncaring of how her white kimono was being ruined. "It's okay.", Rin whispered to the cub at the sound of his whine and squirm. She glared up at Sesshomaru, but was unable to match his hateful expression. "It is not fair, and I am not going to back down, mi'lord. Banish me if you will."

The hitched breaths only made her nervous, but the sound of the rain helped ease her beating heart.

"You dare to defy me again, Rin?", he asked, face forming into an unreadable expression.

She held the cub closer. "If I am truly your equal, you will take my words into consideration. It. Is. Not. Fair."

Sesshomaru snapped his gaze towards the shaking imp. "Jaken.", he commanded.

"Y-Yes, mi'lord!", Jaken pulled out a scroll and jitteryly opened it, still shaking.

Rin narrowed her eyes.

"Since Lord Ritoshi was incapable of completing all tasks correctly and orderly, the request of courtship is rejected…"

She tried so desperately to hold her tongue.

"And replaced with the betrothal of Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Rin!", Jaken added quite loudly.

"WHAT?!", Rin snapped towards the imp, almost smothering Ritoshi in the process. "Master Jaken!"

What the hell?

The crowd went wild, hoots of victory and achievement went through the crowd of demons.

"Applaud the future Lady of the Western Lands!", someone in the crowd shouted.

Rin looked at the cheering people and down at the blue eyes of a black bear cub that was supposed to be Ritoshi. She then looked over at Sesshomaru, who stared at her with those eyes again. She was begging for him to step in and say something.

His face remained impassive. He didn't say anything.

Lord Sesshomaru...

Rin fainted from the sheer shock and mild insanity of the situation. Ritoshi grunted as she fell on his small stature.

The rain came down harder and nosily.

Inuyasha winced. "That's gotta hurt like hell for the little guy, both figuratively and literally."

Jaken looked towards him. "Didn't know a hanyou had such a vast vocabulary!"

The imp squeaked as he was kicked off to the side.

Ah, I just love the confusing phase of a teenage girl. That's the funniest part of being a teenager - you just don't know what is happening or what you want. I absolutely love Rin in this story - bratty, sweet, rebellious, caring, and strong all in one.

Reviews=Love We all need love