A/N: Hi all :)
I'm back.
So I had decided to end the story with that romantically ambiguous, yet reassuring chapter. But I've been asked to continue by a good number of people, So I'll offer an extended ending, you could say. (I already kinda wanted to anyway lol) Updates won't be as often, as I'm working on another story as well, but I do still have plans and good ideas I didn't get to use for this one. That being said, I hope you enjoy the new chapter, and the ones that will come shortly after :)
I posted this and the next chapter in this new file so the last half can have a happy ending for those who don't continue to follow.
Dark clouds hung overhead, threatening to break at any second. On the walk back to the group, Sesshomaru had left Nazoki. It was not surprising, seeing as to how after she had woken up, he only made her feel awkward once more. The vixen had barely opened her eyes before he was ushering her to her feet and away.
"Let us return. Rin has been lonely."
The man had not said anything else. He acted as though nothing had happened, and even manage to somehow distance himself even farther. Though it did not seem possible at first, now Nazoki was positive that Sesshomaru could be kind and even happy, but return to his usual cold, disinterested self in less than a second. They had made it half way back to the group in silence, before the man decided to take his leave; simply commanding her to go straight back to the group. Figures. Even when she allowed herself to be vulnerable around him, he had no sense of it. Internally sighing, the vixen pushed her hair over her shoulder. She could smell Jaken, and Rin, and know they were only a short walk away. Anxiousness swelled within her, so instead of walking she opted to sprint.
Weaving throughout the trees, she smelled the moisture of fresh rain. The moment the human girl came in sight, Nazoki grinned.
"Rin!"
Immediately turning around the girl was unable to hide her surprise.
"Nazoki has returned! Master Jaken, look!"
The girl was unaware of the fact that the vixen had weaved an illusion around her clothes. It was more of a censor; she did not want Rin to see any bloodstains, or rips. Without Hesitation, the girl ran up and wrapped her arms around Nazoki's legs. It was an unexpected gesture, but the vixen grinned nonetheless.
"I do hope you were not too lonely in my absence." She sighed, and Rin gazed up at her.
"Rin was not alone. Master Jaken played with her!" Glancing past the shaking head below her, Nazoki allowed her eyes to settle on Jaken. For once, the toad appeared to be relieved to see her. He had flowers sticking out of his brown clothes. Even the two-headed staff had flowers on it. Jaken was covered in twigs, and various specks of greenery. At least he would appreciate Nazoki more. That one week had been quite an adventure. Rin had never been so lively before the vixen had arrived. Now that girl could not help but tuck flowers in every available spot of his robe. She had forced him to wear head wreaths, and applied crushed berries to his lips. Just what had the vixen shown her?
"Shall we play before the rain arrives?"
Rin beamed a cheerful smile at Nazoki, and soon the two were wandering off into the forest, hand-in-hand. Jaken did not even consider protesting. He was glad to be alone again. All of that time with Rin had driven him crazy.
In a near-by tree, Sesshomaru gracefully landed above the group. Everything seemed to be back to normal. He could continue about his business, and find the staff as planned. A familiar scent had caught his attention. As the lord suspected, there was a patch of forest not too far from where they were resting, which had been drained. Zouo's Bane was nearby, and now that he had Zouo's hand, he would easily be able to locate it. A drop of water skimmed the lord's cheek and he gazed up into the overcast sky.
"Nazoki, Rin saved your pretty kimono, and hair pin."
Peering down at Rin, the vixen nodded.
"Thank you. Would you like to take a bath later? Though it is raining, I can shield us from the cold."
Enthusiastically nodding, Rin grabbed a small blue flower. The two walked around for a while, plucking random berries, and flowers; silently enjoying their time. Rain started to sprinkle over them, dripping from the leaves above. Thunder could be heart in the distance, and without a word, they started back towards the clearing. Flowers and berries turned to small vegetables for Rin's meal. Grabbing a leaf, Nazoki created a temporary basket, and the two set to gathering interesting items. Though it was not much, Nazoki found something she thought Rin would like. The vixen opted to take it along with them, and attempt to do something, that she knew was unheard of. If it failed, then so be it, but it would occupy her for the time being. Both girls were focused on getting their change of clothes, and bathing before the rain intensified.
Upon entering the clearing, they found Jaken and A-Un sitting under a tree to shield themselves from the cold rain. Seeing their discomfort, Nazoki pulled a leaf from the basket she held, and formed a small roof over them. It was suspended on the tree, and proved useful. Jaken peered up at her, murmuring a slight "I guess you are useful". Unfazed by his snide remark, Nazoki grinned.
"I try to be."
In all actuality, she was just happy to be back. After such a tedious time away, it was relaxing. Rin showed the vixen her change of clothes, which had been carefully tucked in into A-Un's saddle. After thanking the girl, and waiting for her to gather her own things, Nazoki hoisted her on her hip. She then grasped the basket, and told Jaken they would return. He did not complain. Actually, he told them to take their time. So he was just as happy to see Nazoki as she was to see him. Wonderful. Even if it was for different reasons, she could live with that.
Without wasting a second, the vixen leapt through the trees. Rin laughed the entire way, obviously enjoying the ride. The girl tucked their clothes in the basket, and in a matter of minutes, they were at the spring.
After forming a small cloud overhead for fun, Nazoki started to undress. She and Rin sank into the spring; chattering and eating the assortment of vegetation they had collected.
"Watch this..."
Pointing up at the cloud, Nazoki waited for Rin to focus on it. Seconds passed, and the cloud turned from white to gray.
"Wow, what is it doing?" Rin eagerly asked.
"Soaking up the rain, so I can do this..."
Drops of water started to pour into the spring with them, and Rin caught a case of the giggles. The cool sensation was exhilarating, when combined with the warmth of the springs, and Nazoki cut the controlled rain off.
It did not take long for the girls to finish. Rin refrained from asking where Nazoki had gone; though it was obvious she wanted to. Of course, that was a story Nazoki would rather not tell. As the girls dressed, Nazoki slipped into the change of clothes Eiji had brought for her. Honestly, it was a bit flashy for her taste. A grey, flower print Kimono. The collar was white, while the belt and underskirt was black, like the flowers. Eiji had also supplied a matching sleeve, which would replace the sleeve Sesshomaru had never returned. Apparently, he was more familiar with Kitsune customers that she had assumed. Rin commented on how pretty it was, and the vixen made a mental note of trying to find one for the girl. One thing Nazoki was slightly relieved to have, was boots. A pair of slender, black boots, with a slight heel.
Night had settled over the forest, and the vixen illuminated their path with multiple will-o-wisp. On the way back to the camp, the makeshift cloud followed the girls, protecting them from the rain. Much to Nazoki's surprise, Rin tugged her hand, and asked a very serious, unanticipated question.
"Nazoki, are you always gonna be with us?"
"Huh?"
"With Rin, and Lord Sesshomaru." The girl stated as if it was the most common, reasonable thing to ask.
"Erm... Don't forget Jaken!" The vixen awkwardly added, trying not to look down at Rin.
"When you were gone, Lord Sesshomaru was really worried. He still has not returned. Are you two-"
"Rin! I- I will comb your hair tonight! And, we can tint our lips with the left over berries! Erm, if you wish, I will also tell you a story as well!"
Staring up at Nazoki, Rin tried not to frown in confusion. She was positive that there was more to the story. The vixen's complete aversion to the subject did not make it look any different either.
"Okay. But will you be with Lord Sesshomaru forever?"
The pair came to a halt, and Nazoki quickly glanced down at Rin. What was this child doing?! Skimming her eyes over the surrounding trees, Nazoki tried her best to think of an answer.
"Uh, well... Listen..." Sighing in defeat the vixen accepted the fact that this question could not be danced around. Kneeling down, Nazoki placed a hand on Rin's head.
"The only time that two people are together forever is when they both love each other... That being said, women always look for love. They stay where they think it is, until it leaves, and they have to go find it again- like hide and seek. Erm... Because love is so serious, most do not accept it, or even feel it. People like that, are very hard to be around, to people who are looking for love... Understand?"
Rin peered at Nazoki, and offered a slight nod.
"Rin thinks so..."
The answer seemed to satisfy the girl, and they continued back towards the camp. Seconds later, she continued.
"Is Nazoki 'looking for love'?"
Gaping at the girl, the woman placed a hand to her head. How do you answer something like that?
"Uh, I suppose so, Rin. Erm, Sort of. It's complicated, but yes... You could say that."
"Have you looked at Lord-"
"Rin! Erm, watch your step! There's a big... Snake over there..." Avoiding the invasive questions, Nazoki scooped the girl up and ran back to the campsite.
In the trees above, Sesshomaru contemplated Nazoki's words. She had completely avoided the actual question. Even so, he thought he understood. At least a little bit. No, he was positive he understood. Nazoki had basically told Rin that the moment she felt as though she couldn't find what she was looking for, she would leave. In addition, she had lied about a snake when Rin asked about Sesshomaru. Yet the woman had admitted to desiring an intimate relationship, which could only be assumed to mean more than a mate to her. However, she had completely overlooked him once more. Did not even take the time to consider him. Again.
"Hn." Staring down at the two, Sesshomaru tried to understand his reaction to the statement.