At Your Command, Sesshomaru-sama

© Salome Wilde, 2008

At Your Command, Sesshomaru-sama

Chapter 3

Rin obeyed Kikyo and sat again across the fire from her. She lowered her head; a familiar feeling of being chastened and reduced to childhood flowed through her.

Kikyo seemed to sense this. “I will not call you ‘child’ again, Rin. Forgive me. You are rash, but that is not always a product of youth. Inuyasha has always been one to act before he thinks, and he has lived far too long to be called a child. But at least he has matured some in recent years. The same cannot be said of his one-time companion, the fox demon Shippo. Do you recall this kitsune who once traveled with him?”

Rin nodded, remembering the silly little creature, with his enormous fluffy tail and his boastful, squeaky voice. Sesshomaru would never have permitted such a child to travel with him. She felt pride in her meekness and how it had served her master. And she longed for the chance to serve him better, in combat against the one who had harmed him and in his immortal embrace. She would not trust Kikyo until she was certain it was not the priestess who was guilty of shooting that toxic arrow.

“Listen to me, Rin. I bring up Shippo for a purpose: I believe it is he who shot Sesshomaru.”

Rin scoffed, so incongruous was it to imagine that little kitsune planning so foolish and dangerous a venture.

Kikyo ignored Rin’s reaction and continued. “Last spring, Shippo came to me, now grown and with a family of his own, and asked if I could help him create a poison to bring down a powerful animal yokai. He said he wanted to repay a debt to someone who had saved his life on several occasions by defeating this demon, whom he feared would attempt to destroy the newborn hanyo daughter.”

“Sesshomaru?” Rin queried, in disbelief. “Shippo thought Sesshomaru would murder Inuyasha and Kagome’s daughter? How dare he insult the noble Sesshomaru with such dishonorable thoughts! He is no killer of children!”

“I did not know it was Sesshomaru he meant, though perhaps I should have guessed. But it makes perfect sense to me now. I felt it was my duty to help the distraught kitsune, for it caused me terrible pain to think of any tragedy befalling Inuyasha’s child. They named the girl Eien, did you know? It means ‘eternity.’ And though the hanyo cannot live forever, I wish her as many years as she can have. In another life, she might have been mine.” Kikyo’s eyes glistened in the firelight. “Without asking for more information, I provided the foolish Shippo with a recipe for a poison that can wound many forms of animal yokai.” She sighed and poured herself and Rin another cup of tea. “But he took not only the poison on his journey for battle; he took my identity. I am sure he thought it would protect his family from retribution. I, of course, have none to protect. I now understand why reports came to me from my soul catchers of an individual who had my appearance but was not me, traveling across the land to do battle with yokai. It was Shippo, in my form, hunting Sesshomaru.”

“If this is so,” asked Rin, “then why has Shippo never attacked after that sole battle?”

“I cannot answer that with certainty, but I would guess that it is because he and his family are now living again with Inuyasha, Kagome, and Eien, and he feels he can protect Eien best by staying near her.”

Rin pondered. It made sense. It also meant she might have to confront Shippo someday. But right now it meant most that she did not have to fight Priestess Kikyo.

“If you are satisfied on that score, Rin, then perhaps we can talk of other things.”

Rin blushed, terribly embarrassed that she had divulged the secret of her love for Sesshomaru to this woman but also excited to have a confidant—especially one who was not guilty of any harm toward her master. She bowed her head and spoke softly and hesitantly. “Kikyo-sama, can you…can you make me worthy of…his affection?”

Kikyo rose and came to sit beside Rin. She tipped her face up with two graceful fingers. “Rin, you are already worthy of far more than just his affection. You are humble, devoted, faithful, and pure of heart.” She stroked Rin’s soft cheek. “Perhaps, little vassal, you must consider whether the question is one of your worth or of his ability to recognize it.”

Rin opened her mouth to speak, but Kikyo silenced her with a finger across her lips. “No, please. Do not misunderstand me. I mean no disrespect, Rin. I know enough of loving a child of the Great Dog Demon to speak wisely. And if Sesshomaru is ever to truly value you the way you seek, it will be because you value yourself. He will see it in you, see the adult woman in you, and, if he can be drawn to it, he will.”

Rin’s heart swelled. She found hope in the words, and promise. “You speak so wisely, Kikyo-sama. Just as I knew you would.” Swept up in the moment, Rin brought her lips to Kikyo’s and kissed her.

At first, Kikyo was a feminine mirror of Sesshomaru when she had kissed him. Kikyo held still and, it seemed, allowed herself to be kissed. And, like Sesshomaru’s, her lips were cool, inhumanly so. But soon it was different. Very different. Kikyo reached a hand up to twine in Rin’s long, luxurious tresses and pulled her in more closely. She parted her lips, and Rin deepened the kiss eagerly. Their soft tongues touched, explored, danced. The feeling sent electric rushes through Rin’s body and she thrilled at this. She felt the familiar pulse begin between her legs as she reached her hand up to touch Kikyo’s pale skin. Cool to the touch for reasons quite different from Sesshomaru’s but equally lovely to contrast with the warmth of Rin’s hand.

“You are so lovely, and so alive,” breathed Kikyo, breaking the kiss and sitting back on her heels. “I had almost forgotten what an amorous touch feels like. It has been so long. Thank you, sweet Rin, for sharing this gift with me.”

Rin marveled at these words, and leaned in for another kiss. Kikyo laughed and returned the embrace, and both enjoyed an intimacy that asked little and gave much. When Kikyo again separated herself from Rin—for Rin might never have stopped, it was all so new and exciting to her—it was to offer something else.

“Rin, of myself, I have far too little to give one as full of life and energy as you are. And it is Sesshomaru, not me, who is in your heart. I share his distance from a life of mortal flesh, but I have also known a mortal life, love, and desire. Will you, instead, allow me to be your guide? Let me teach you to know your body and its yearnings as an adult woman should. It is this gift I can give you, and you, in turn, can share with Sesshomaru, if he chooses to observe and appreciate it.”

Rin immediately fell to a submissive posture before Kikyo. Never had anyone offered her so much and so selflessly. She spoke from beneath her curtain of hair. “Thank you, Kikyo-sama, thank you. I will learn anything you wish to teach me, and I will be grateful for your generosity—always.”

“Rise, then, Rin, and let me be an elder sister to you. It is a role I have adopted with other women in the various villages I have lived in the past few years. Since being brought back to life in this form, I have had opportunity to observe that girls are often forced to marry before they know themselves, that they are bartered like livestock. Others simply surrender themselves to a man’s will, making him responsible for their pleasure and happiness. It gives me pleasure teach and serve these young women as a guide, just as it gives me pleasure to heal or help birth their children. All of this is about making the most of one’s life, something I failed to do when alive, and now I make amends in this form.” Kikyo fell silent and sipped her cooling tea. Then, she looked up earnestly at the young woman before her and made a promise for this night: “Rin, I will lead you with affection and show you new pleasures that you may keep with you forever…regardless of Sesshomaru’s response.”

Though she did not like that last phrase, Rin accepted it as part of Kikyo’s teachings. She would listen well and learn quickly over the remaining hours of darkness, for she must return before Jaken awoke, and they would no doubt leave this vicinity when Sesshomaru returned. Who knew how long it would be before she could come back for another lesson.

Kikyo rose and moved to the area where she slept. Her humble sleeping mat was there, but also several cushions. She sat back comfortably in them and motioned Rin to her. “Come stand before me now, and show me your body.”

Rin opened her mouth to protest, but at the kind and encouraging look in Kikyo’s eyes, she closed it again and began to obey. Kikyo watched her, and Rin could tell she was pleasantly surprised at her willingness. When she slipped her shoulders from the sleeves of the gown and stood, bare-breasted, in the firelight, Rin felt within herself a thrill of self-awareness. Kikyo spoke. “Shall I tell you what I see, Rin? I see beauty and the perfection of youth. I see a raven-haired young woman with a blush in her cheeks, shining almond eyes, and maturing breasts with pale pink nipples. Reach your hands up and touch them.”

More shock for Rin, who had, of course, felt her breasts’ slight roundedness against her palms once or twice, always wishing they were more luxurious and full like the village women she caught glimpses of, washing their clothes and leaning forward to expose their lushness without knowing it. She deemed her chest one of the many reasons Sesshomaru did not consider her worthy of his sexual attention. Rin looked into Kikyo’s eyes and wished that she would touch her. Kikyo, too, was small-chested, and no one would say she was not beautiful. She would let the priestess do anything she wished with her body tonight. Rin dropped her head forward.

“Very well,” Kikyo replied. “It is always easier to be touched than to touch ourselves…at first.”

Rin did not dare move. If she looked up now she would have to see Kikyo approach. She could not bear to have her see the fiery flush in her cheeks. When the touch came, after a soft rustling of Kikyo’s robes that made Rin’s flesh prickle and her breath quicken, Rin found she was more completely unprepared that she thought it possible to be. First, Kikyo released her sash and let her robe drop to the floor. Kikyo’s hands cupped both of her breasts, pressing them gently, then she left only her palms there and began to move them in tiny circles. Rin’s nipples tingled and the tingle rapidly became an ache. Kikyo seemed to know the effects she was causing, and began to gently rub her left nipple with her thumb. As that gesture became a rhythmic stroking, Rin suddenly felt Kikyo’s hand touch her sex. She nimbly slipped fingers down to part Rin’s lips. Rin gasped and jumped back, tripping over her gown at her feet, and fell on her backside.

Kikyo made her own little gasp, and came to help her up. Rin was so embarrassed that as she scrambled to get back to her feet, all she managed to do was become more entangled in her clothing. Without grace or patience, she finally kicked free of the garment and ran for the door. Heaven only knew where her brains had gone to, but Kikyo still had hers. “Stop!” she commanded as Rin put her hand on the hanging mat, ready to push it aside and flee.

Rin turned and looked at Kikyo, whose face was a mask of anxious concern. Only when mirrored in the priestess’ eyes did Rin realize that she was about to walk out into the night, completely undressed. She rushed back to her robe and hastily tried to dress, wishing Kikyo would stop watching her. Kikyo came over quietly and put her hand on Rin’s bare shoulder. Rin felt the rush of arousal again and tried to move out of Kikyo’s reach without being obvious.
“Rin,” Kikyo said, grasping her more firmly by both shoulders and turning her around. She kissed Rin, sweetly and firmly, and it both stirred and calmed her. Then she spoke again. “Do not be afraid.”

“Forgive me—” Rin began, wanting to stop Kikyo from saying something that would embarrass her further.

But Kikyo shook her head and continued, her voice rich as honey. “No, Rin, it is I who seek your forgiveness. I acted too hastily. I assumed you had already been touched there. If you will trust me, I would like to try something different. Let us seek pleasures we can give ourselves at our own hand…together.”

Rin did not know exactly what Kikyo meant, but she looked into the beautiful priestess’ eyes and knew she would not flee from her again. Kikyo took her hand and guided her to the cushions. Loosening and removing her robes, Kikyo’s perfect small breasts and slender arms appeared. She was magnificent, a pale goddess. She motioned for Rin to lean back on a cushion, and in that darkened world of fire-shadowed warmth, she revealed herself. Each new inch of flesh was a revelation to Rin, who had never truly looked at a naked woman before, and she grew from anxious to eager until, finally, Kikyo stood before her, a glittering creature of fantasy, lithe and slim-hipped. Like Rin, she seemed neither fully woman nor yet a child, an androgynous being of unearthly beauty.

When she at last slipped down to sit, Rin could scarcely breathe. Her seated body was a mirror of Rin’s, back straight, legs folded, face to face. She leaned back a bit, propping herself up on one elbow. Rin watched. Kikyo nodded her head, bidding her silently to do the same. Rin followed suit.

Kikyo placed two fingers in her mouth and sucked softly on them. Rin watched, puzzled yet aroused at the sight. Kikyo nodded again, and Rin came to understand that she was to do exactly what Kikyo did. Rin slipped two fingers into her mouth. And when Kikyo then took her wet digits from between her lips and reached them down between her thighs, Rin knew she must do this, too. Rin felt dizzy and unsure, but she obeyed.

Kikyo spoke then: “Before you can enjoy the touch of others, Rin, you must enjoy your own touch. A woman’s body is a garden of pleasure. Our mouths are ripe, fleshy fruit; both fruit and tight bud are our breasts; a full bloom is our sex. Part the petals, Rin, and explore the dewy warmth of your blossoming flower.” Kikyo’s eyes drifted shut as she coaxed herself apart with first finger and pinky, then brought her two middle fingers to open her glistening inner lips. Rin saw between them a tiny bud, which she massaged in little circles, alternating with occasional dips into her core, where her fingers were wetted. She stretched her legs and spread them wide, and Rin tingled where Kikyo’s thighs brushed up against hers.

As she watched, Rin began to stroke herself. She did not look down, afraid to miss a moment of Kikyo’s beautiful self-pleasuring. She moaned softly as she watched the silent priestess bloom and swell, the flesh of her sex darkening to a ripe blush. Suddenly, Kikyo gasped, her muscles locked and her teeth bit into her bottom lip. She stroked furiously then lay back fully and brought her other hand to move fingers in and out of her opening. Her body began to shake, then arched hard, and Rin sensed a sudden bursting within her. Rin marveled at her movements and heavy breathing, wondering what she must be feeling.

Her trembling lessened and her fingers stopped thrusting, and Rin could not help but go to her and place her head in the priestess’ lap. She wanted to give comfort, though she knew Kikyo was not in distress. She reached out her arms and clung to her. Kikyo patiently accepted the tribute, stroking Rin’s hair as her body rocked with tiny spasms. “Did that give you pleasure to watch?”

Rin nodded, sheepishly, into her lap. Kikyo stretched her lithe frame and bade her sit up. “Now it is your turn to fly,” she said softly.

Rin lifted herself but shook her head. “Kikyo-sama, I cannot….”

“Of course you can,” she replied, putting a finger to Rin’s lips. “You can please yourself better than anyone else. In future, you will no doubt enjoy the touch of others—perhaps even Lord Sesshomaru’s—but for now, give this gift to yourself. It will help you to become the adult you so long to be.” Gently, she took Rin’s hand in hers and brought it back between Rin’s legs. “Just touch yourself, and see what pleases you.” She removed her hand but kept her eyes on Rin. “Go on, Rin: soon you will find your way.”

Rin closed her eyes and pressed her hand to cup her sex. Rin worried she would not be able to do as Kikyo had done. In fact, she was certain she could not achieve that bliss that Kikyo had found and that she, miraculously, had been able to give to Sesshomaru with her mouth those long months ago. Rin worried Kikyo would grow displeased or, worse, disinterested. She took a deep breath and sighed it out. She steeled her courage. She would meet this challenge for Master Sesshomaru. And, if she were very lucky, perhaps she would feel some small bit of the pleasure Kikyo had experienced for herself. She squeezed herself gingerly, and felt the heat there.

Kikyo nodded, encouraging Rin as if she had read her thoughts. And though her gaze should have brought Rin more embarrassment, it did not. She felt moisture pool and brought her fingers to her slickened entrance. She pressed her two middle fingers inside, as Kikyo had done, and was rewarded with a shudder throughout her body. She was soft and wet inside, warm and welcoming. Rin had never explored herself this way, and now she marveled at that fact. Though she owed her life to Sesshomaru, still she had a right to her own body, did she not? Who else should plumb its depths, riper than she had ever imagined? She withdrew her fingers until only the tips were left inside, then drove them in more forcefully and felt a rush of heat and wetness. This was good. She smiled to herself, closing her eyes tightly, and was urged on by the sound of Kikyo’s soft sigh. She wanted to see Kikyo’s face, but she feared she would break the spell of this magic if she raised her eyelids.

Rin continued to delve, fingers thrusting in and out, and then brought her right hand to join her left, tracing circles around and across that tiny node of pleasure. She grew dizzy from the rush of arousal and from the exertion of making her hands do as her excitement demanded. She labored long, soon losing track of anything but the needs of her body, centered in the fiery core of her. She arched into her own hands as though it was not she who brought this pleasure but Sesshomaru. Her muscles tightened and her legs spread wide of their own accord. Her flesh ripened and swelled around her eager fingers, fingers far nimbler than she ever knew them to be. And after an eternity that was simultaneously but a moment, she felt a sharpening of her senses, a drawing in of all her energies. All of her blood was flowing to her sex. All of the universe was entering into her, until her entire being was a knot of unendurable tightness. Her body opened like a young flower thirsting for a downpour. Her fingers were numb, and she ached for release, for something she could not name but which approached with increasing force from just beyond her reach.

Suddenly it hit. Rin peaked with the explosion of thunder in the heavens. She was torn as lightning splits a tree asunder. She cried out and Kikyo silenced her in a kiss. Rin’s body shook, her arms and legs shivering, the tiny muscles of her sex contracting. She threw her arms around Kikyo and felt the cool length of her body like a balm.

After long moments of an embrace that was one of celebration, comfort, and intimacy, Kikyo brought herself and Rin to a sitting position. She brushed Rin’s hair from her face, then rose to dress. Handing Rin her clothing, she said, “You are a fast learner. I can teach you little more about your own desire and how to make use of it.” She smiled, and Rin basked in its radiance, though she could not have guessed just how rare and unique the gift of a smile from Kikyo was. The priestess continued, indulgently, “If anyone can draw the desire from Inuyasha’s proud, distant brother, I suspect it will be you.”

Rin beamed, aglow with the rush of pleasure she had just experienced at her own hands, the delight of shared warmth with the beautiful Kikyo, and the determination to win her master’s love.

“Come now. Finish dressing yourself and sit by the fire with me. I must rest soon, but before I do, tell me why you have given not only your loyalty but your heart to that icy dog demon Sesshomaru.”