AN: A big thank you to any who are currently following the little series I have in progress circling around my version Sess/Rin. To any new readers that happened to come across this story first I'd like you to know that there is no cause for having to go back and read any of my previous fanfics. This plot is a first for my series, and any development that I have made to the characters or special details I've added in other stories will be briefly explained in this one if needed. Particularly, Sesshomaru; if he comes off a tad OOC please note his shift in romanticism is where I would want it to be at this point in my series. Overall, I'd like to still keep his core personality intact, and have no intention of damaging his character.

This is the first story I've posted anew since I began writing again. The storyline is more fantasy/adventurous than what I'm used to creating, and I hope the years spent having the plot constantly playing out in my head comes out as well as I imagined. Guess I'll have to see how I do. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own none of the Inuyasha characters.

Prologue:

Let the Gamble Begin

"Lord Sesshomaru!" bellowed a scratchy voice atop a rigid, stone staircase, "It's here milord; the treasure that you've been seeking it's just as Bokuseno said!"

A tiny body clad in traveler's apparel exerted a giddy laugh upon seeing the end of their quest in sight. Their journey was short, but the dangers that loomed around every corner shortened the poor imp's life with every heart-pacing scream of frightful outburst that had his lungs rise like dough in his chest. The servant's eyes followed his master's steady pace up the last few steps, and basked in the relief that the trip wasn't for nothing. He knew better than anyone of his lord's illusive irritation when his search bared no reward-the agonizingly long pursuit for his father's heirloom sword swiftly passed through Jaken's mind.

"That so," a deep voice replied as a dusty boot made the final step until rich, golden eyes set their sights on a high and mighty pedestal offering a mysterious treasure known only to the old and wise. Not so mysterious anymore, the dog-demon assumed, especially now that its contents were discovered.

The concentration of his gaze fell on an old antiquity.

For the past few days he's made it his personal mission to seek out this cryptic entity. His expedition had taken him through dense forests, chaotic waters, and finally through an underground cavern that housed every sort of mindless creature one could imagine. Normally, he wouldn't venture out for something so meaningless when all the treasure he needed rested comfortably at his hip, and (most recently) around his neck. However, given what he's witnessed the past moon cycle perhaps some aided magic was in order; magic beyond even his own capabilities.

He took the few steps forward until the relic was within his reach; it leaned against glistening stone and beckoned him to its unknown powers. Its shape was smaller than he initially imagined, and presented itself as a perfect circle. The circumference appeared no bigger than the length and width of his torso, and he leaned further to see areas of jaded stone appear beneath layers of matted vines and heavy shades of dust. Its entire appearance was incrusted with dirt, but that didn't dissuade the pads of his fingers coming into contact with its grimy surface. The temperature was cool to the touch seeing as it had been who knows how long since it absorbed the sun's warmth. He let his hand drop and his fingers wiped four clean streaks down to the base; the result of his touch revealed a clear image of himself through its reflective surface, and he immediately recognized it as more than just an unknown artifact.

It was a mirror.

The object reflected his apathetic expression, and he let slip a small huff. "How typical," Sesshomaru bluntly critiqued. Though he heard it dwindled in comparison to the Sacred Jewel the prize he discovered still held value to both the human and demon world. He was given the lead by his old acquaintance Bokuseno, who could only describe its unknown abilities to "grant the bearer ultimate happiness."

At the time the old magnolia's words sounded promising, but Sesshomaru knew better than to allow himself to fall under such tempting portrayals. Relying on his own power had been an unwanted lesson he had little choice in learning upon discovering Bakuseiga, and he could recite countless warnings about the risks of entangling one's life with unidentified magic. Everything about where he was had been practically drawn out for him. His father's old friend pinpointed the podium he stood on to be situated in a mysterious opening that cracked against the rugged walls within an old cavern. The direction was pointed out by one of the old tree's many long roots, and before he set off he was informed of all the smells as well as all the vegetation to look out for to know he was heading in the right path. He spent half the trip walking around, and the rest beating the senses out of whoever stood in his way.

Quite honestly, Sesshomaru noted how it was almost too easy of an item to find, and pondered over the reasoning behind its continuous burial. Be it that, as well as the fact that he was ill-informed of its powers, and Sesshomaru found a rational reason to consider leaving the mirror where it was. After all, no matter the hardships his Rin had to face he wouldn't dare bestow such a dangerous relic simply to see the look of happiness spread across her face again…

Would he?

Sadness…torment…pain. These feelings clung to the air like a clear mist of miasma; the clouds had turned dark to signal the approach of rain and the distant cries of women and children grew with every passing second. The Great Dog-Demon had grown unwittingly familiar to the area that surrounded such a particular village, and until a few seasons ago he sought every reason to hold no sentimental attachment to it.

Nearly half a year had passed since he stopped with the excuses, and admitted to himself just how important one particular villager meant to him. He damned his pride in order to keep a certain woman connected to his life, and under a moonlit sky they wove a vow to each other that would signify the bond they had ultimately acknowledged. From that moment on Rin was forever that one attachment that he swore never to let go of.

They grew closer as the spring season continued, and made multiple memories together amidst the heated, summer spell. Now they had progressed into the colorful, autumn period; half a year had passed since that fateful night. A full year since he returned from war to find her grown, and impossible to disconnect from.

…

Sesshomaru, having sensed her suffering long before his foot even made contact with human territory, needed no explanation for the large crowd of people gathering at the village shrine. A funeral was taking place and as to be expected Rin was there; her unsettling silences was a clear indication of her grief. Within moments he found himself perched on a tall, structural beam overlooking the ceremony. By the looks not a single soul had detected him, not even Inuyasha or his comrades. With Jaken being long forgotten who knows where in the forest the demon lord's only focus now was the young woman in the crowd who he noticed was gently cradling a small bundle in her arms.

He watched as the ritual continued. The monk had done most of the talking along with a grief-stricken Kagome while the women hid their tears beneath their sleeves, and men clasped their hands together in gentle prayer. Rin stood near the front, taking comfort in Inuyasha's hand while it firmly grasped her shoulders from time to time. Normally, it was the type of tactic Sesshomaru felt he'd be more suitable to perform, but given the excessive crowd he felt at ease knowing she had someone else to lean on in that moment. Specifically, someone like Inuyasha, whose eyes could only reflect back absolute innocence when regarding any female who wasn't his priestess.

With keen observation he watched as Rin gently placed the bundle of what he presumed to be bones within the earthy soil while Inuyasha and Miroku finished the process by covering up the white fabric with layers of dirt. The ashes were gently placed on their respected pedestal by Kagome and Shippo, while the slayer siblings finished organizing the incense sticks. He heard meaningless talk and comfort being shared, yet all he could focus on was Rin, who had yet to move herself from overlooking the small shrine.

Time passed, and soon even the sky began to shed tears. A light sprinkle of water had begun to pour, and while there was no sign of thunder in some strange way the soft pitter patter against the trees seemed tranquil to Sesshomaru's ears. Perhaps not to his damp hair, but at least to his ears. The fear of catching fever soon drew more and more people back to their huts leaving but a few recognizable individuals left in the rain.

Was it some sort of sign from heaven, he wouldn't know; either way it cleared the crowd. All that remained was the half-breed and his crew, along with the Kohaku and Rin. All were devastated, but each expressed it in their own discrete way. Sesshomaru comprehended their pain; it was the heartache that left him with the sense of being separated from their world. No matter his understanding he'll always be an outsider to their house of emotion.

The rain continued, yet all efforts to coax the youngest member away from the grave ended in failure.

"Let's just give her some time," Kagome whispered, finding it hard to not follow the same pattern herself. "We'll be at Sango's place when you're ready," she told the unresponsive girl.

"Don't go getting sick on us, you hear," Inuyasha suddenly warned.

"Inuyasha," Kagome quietly chided, "Can't you be a little more sensitive."

"What, I'm just saying she shouldn't get sick over this whole damn thing," the half-demon rebuked with a wounded frown; the situation proved tough on him as well.

It came as a surprise to all when a slight nod was given in response, and it was all the push they needed to know she was at the very least still intact with reality. With that the party of seven soon withered down to one; Kohaku being the last of the group to regrettable leave Rin where she stood, and once out of sight Sesshomaru felt it was now his time to approach the situation. His choice of words though…he was at a loss for. Even after many months developing their bond she once again had managed to render him speechless.

He leaped from his position above and landed near the shrine with a gentle tap; the swelling puddle below his boot reflected a rippled scene through its soiled water. With steady strides forward, his footing came to a passive halt leaving a modest distance between the pair. The air around them was secluded, and due to her lack of movement Sesshomaru intended to keep it that way. For a few minutes all was quiet; all except for the soothing sound of rain splashing against the earth, and then he heard it.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she spoke, and his brows lifted at the sudden call of his name, "You've returned."

Rin's neutral tone was not alike the expected despair he thought he'd hear drip from her voice. Though no glance was made she said all she needed to signify his presence was acknowledged. Normally, a joyous smile would form on her glowing face, and from there a humble conversation would start and continue on until her tongue could talk no more (which often lasted till dusk). Her attempt at maintaining a strong frontage demonstrated little success when the person behind her knew the workings of her heart better than anyone. No smile was bestowed to him now, not even a perky glance his way. Instead all he laid witness to was a mournful woman who tried so desperately to mask the tears that threatened to spill.

"It was silly," her voice resonated within the cascade of droplets, "So silly of me to think she wasn't going to die…I-I thought that maybe-just maybe-if I worked hard enough I'd come across a remedy that would…save her." Rin's hand rubbed a friction of warmth over her opposite arm as she sniffled before continuing. "She was suffering…it almost felt as if she was gone long before her body stopped breathing."

Her speech was as clear as the stream of liquid that ran down the metallic surface of his armor, but her tone was buried beneath waves of sadness. "She's not suffering anymore…but…"

A swarm of nonchalant replies lingered on the edge of his tongue, but none surfaced passed his lips. Instead, he bequeathed a very casual silence as she continued to hide her face from his view. She then lowered herself until the curve of her knees fell at the base of the shrine; insensible to the muddy stains that soiled the black robe Kagome had convinced her to wear for the ceremonial procedure.

"My father…and…my mother are both dead…"

Once within reach she inattentively buried her fingers within the saturated ground below, and it took more strength than he cared to admit to abandon the effort in stopping her wet knuckles from rubbing against the dirt. In the few short years that he's known her it was abnormally rare to hear talk of her deceased family. He took the hint that she was without parents in the days following her travels with him, and during that time her childhood nightmares sparked a quiet revelation to him of the trauma she was forced to endure. It was only in the recent months spent within the comfort of each other's company that she elaborated to him how a little girl became an orphan overnight due to the murderous intentions of greedy brigands.

"I just…I didn't…"

No matter her efforts Rin could not defy the grieving process, and her bottle of accumulated emotions began to spill. Her fists tightened as she slowly beat the ground till the pain that coursed through her bones served as an outlet to forget all that's recently happened. To see such a side to her; a desolated part of her that only surfaced when she could no longer maintain the unimaginable ache that pounded against her chest. His concern over the potential outcome of her blood mixing with the soggy soil finally made him step in, and kneel down to her level. He reached for her wrists causing her whole body to shudder beneath his grasp.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she half-heartedly struggled. Her reaction to his touch came as a surprise as her arms begged to move within the grip he held them in. The sight of her knuckles wasn't as concerning as he initially imagined; a scratch or two-nothing more. However, the mere thought of Rin not caring enough to stop beforehand was all the more reason to tighten his hold on her tense muscles. "Please," she begged, her eyes never once looking into his. Her gaze was still sheltered within the hollow area of her bangs, and her bottom lips found its way between her gritting teeth.

"Enough of this Rin," he sternly commanded; the first that he's talked to her since stepping foot on holy grounds. At his statement her eyes suddenly sprung forth into view, a view that had his stomach feeling weak. Her cheeks were stained with dirt from having her face so close to the ground, and above all she was sprouting tears near the corner of her eyes that put the size of the raindrops to shame. Her distant gaze was wide with denial, and her heart was freshly wounded with disbelief as Sesshomaru cursed the reality that there was nothing he can do to help her. He stiffened a sigh; at least when he was the cause of her sorrow the answer to healing what he had unintentionally damaged lay dormant within his heart. There were no answers for him in this situation.

His head turned to the freshly dug grave next to them; the old woman was the cause of this. She was regarded by Rin as a parental substitute in the absences of her birth mother, and grew up with the old woman by her side every step of the way. Even Sesshomaru considered her death an honorable, yet unfortunate ordeal-albeit- he was well aware that the priestess's health had been deteriorating for quite some time. She now lived in a world without pain, and her monumental shrine was built alongside Kikyo's-insinuating the two sisters could finally unite in the afterlife at long last.

"Kaede," he heard her mumble, her gaze averted from his frame to instead stare at the shrine, and it was then that he felt her hands shiver in his grasp. "This wasn't supposed to happen," he heard her declare while his gaze watched powerlessly as her tears finally fell one after the other like a contrary image of the woman that first spoke to him upon arrival.

"I was supposed to help her I-I just…I didn't-" Her voice trailed off again before the sudden jerk of her arms had her once again struggling within his grasp; her breath was shaky and her eyes reverted back to their seclusion within the shadows of her hair.

"I didn't want anyone else to die!" she abruptly cried.

Within that instant Sesshomaru felt a sudden weight push against his chest, and to his surprise his head tilted down to gaze at matted wet hair spilling along his clothes, and the face that buried itself within the area below his collarbone. Had she been any slower he would have better adjusted himself for her plunge, but the spikes of armor on his chest seemed of little concern to her. The grip on her wrists was instantly released when he felt her boldly push herself into his embrace, as was any distress over her physical well-being. So long as she was in his arms she was safe, and it was then he made it his personal task that he would do anything and everything in his power to bring back that smiling face.

In due time he heard, "I'm sorry," whispered against the lining of his kimono; an apology that he felt was in no way necessary given the sudden loss in her life.

"I know everybody has to die, one day," Rin took a steady breath while Sesshomaru felt her shift beneath the cover of his long sleeves until her face was a breath away from his; the rain made it especially confusing to know whether or not she was still crying, and Buddha knows how she's made a habit of fighting it.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she met the softened veneer that formed within his gaze, and the exhaustion that had gathered the past few days formed within the dusky circles below her eyes. Her fatigue was eminent in her voice, and projected an innocence in her words he hadn't heard in quit a number of years. "Promise me you won't die," she whispered.

Golden eyes became half-lidded as he allowed the drapes around his heart to be tugged by her eccentric requirement. Had it been nearly a year ago he would have had to consider a more reserved alternative to giving her comfort. Now, given all that's transpired between them in the past few months, he gave into her shivering frame. His forehead moved forward to gently touch hers as he provided the next best tactic he could think of to comfort her minor concerns over his mysterious lifespan.

The bangs that hung from her forehead like the messy smears of an inkbrush welcomed the sliver threads of silk that surrounded them. The dark setting in her eyes drifted to a close at the intimate contact, and the glowing sun that lost its way in the rainy sky shinned brightly through his remote stare as the demon lord soon responded in the same manner. As the pressure of raindrops disbanded the last of her tears went with it once she heard his answer.

"Don't say such silly things."

"We're going."

Jaken turned his head upon hearing his Lord's command echo off the cave walls, and the servant's reaction portrayed his initial skepticism. His tongue was laced with every doubtful response he could think of, but not a single word left his beak when he heard the distressful sounds of stone crumbling. Jaken lifted a guarded brow before his fears were confirmed when he plummeted to the ground after having a mirror-the size of his little body-thrown atop of him.

"We're taking this thing with us?!" Jaken urgently had to confirm passed his squished-up beak; as if objects being thrown at him weren't indication enough, but he knew first hand that a dog-demon's humor was a fickle matter and Sesshomaru liked to tease. Sesshomaru ignored his retainer's jibber jabber, and instead offered him a piece of leather that he kept hidden away within the grooves of his armor. The thin strip of hid was provided for coverage because the Great Dog-Demon was in no mood to see what would happen if even a single shard from that mirror broke off, and Jaken was well aware that whatever void would come from it he'd be the first one tossed in.

"Please, tell me you know what this does Master Sesshomaru?" Jaken reaffirmed once he gently began wrapping the leather firmly around the mirror's circular shape. The wordless response was typically all Jaken needed to hear to get his answer, and once tightened to his satisfaction Sesshomaru stepped in to grab the makeshift handle of leather to lift the mirror over his shoulder. The simple fact that he suddenly made it his responsibility to carry further exemplified the demon lord's doubt in coming into contact with something he knew hardly nothing about.

Even if he knew nothing of it now he'll make it a priority to find out all he can. However, before planning his next course of action a quick visit was in order, and Sesshomaru managed to hide his curiosity over Rin's behavior during his absence.

"My Lord?" Jaken scurried next to him, the palpable expression his master wore was the last he saw before Sesshomaru began descending the stairway; the darkness of the cave engulfed his steel-clad frame, and concealed a deadly hand that lifted to dip beneath the lining of his clothes to trace the pendent woven around his neck.

"Let's go, Jaken."

End of Prologue

AN: I hope it was a decent start, and sparks interest to anyone thinking of following this story. Also, quick mention, I was intending to post this chapter a few weeks ago. The hurricane that passed through Texas hit over the area where I live, and aiding in the clean-up took a toll on my time. I'm grateful to have received only minor damage to my house, but if a kind thought or a prayer (whichever your preference) could go to those families who are less fortunate it would be much appreciated because nobody should have to return to a home that's no longer there. I have a lot on my plate due to this, but the next chapter is in progress and I hope to post it by next week.

A big thank you to any who took the time to read this, and a bigger thank you to any who leave a review. Till next time!