THE SOUND of childrens laughter greeted Sesshomaru as he approached Kaede's village. It had been three long months since his last vist to Rin. Three long months since his last good night of rest, Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he missed the little whelp. He wasn't quite sure how this visit would go, since she didn't want to remain there in the first place. He told her she needed the experience of living with humans before she could decide if she was to remain with him, since all she has even known was living with demons. Admitedly, it was also because she was becoming a woman. At thirteen years old, there were surely some things that he couldn't help her on, at least not without it being very awkward with for the both of them. He scanned the crowd of children for Rin as he passed by, hoping to find her interacting with the others, but no such luck. Continuing up the hill to Kaede's hut, he turned a deaf ear and a cold shoulder to the glares and quiet comments made by the adult humans of this village.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" he turned around and found Kaede limping towards him. "I wasn't expecting ye for another few months." Ignoring her comment, he passed by her and ducked into the hut. "Rin?" he asked quietly. From under the table he heard a muffled "Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Rin, are you going to greet me or sit under there all day?" he asked sounding bored. Rin crawled out from her hiding spot and stood before him.

"Good afternoon, Lord Sesshomaru!" She said with a deep bow.

"Why were you under the table Rin?" Sesshomaru queried. Rin cast her eyes downward and glanced away.

"The other children don't like me very much" Raising an eyebrow at her response he stepped towards her.

"Rin. When I left you here, you promised me you would make a effort in getting along here. Have you broken your promise?" Rins eyes widened and she shook her head forcefully.

"No! No, Lord Sesshomaru, it's just tha-"

"No excuses, Rin. I want you to go out there and interac-" Sesshomaru began before being cut off just as he cut her off.

"They called me a demon whore" She whispered as she pressed her eyes shut. Sesshomaru saw red and felt his blood boil.

"You will tell me now who said this to you, Rin!" He said taking her by the shoulder and staring into her eyes. She twisted away and shifted about nervously.

"It's not their fault, the children...They hear it from their parents..It doesn't really bother me...I just dont like confrontation." Sesshomaru felt his eyebrow quirk, surprised at her maturity. "And I don't want to be a burden on Kaede, she's so nice for letting me stay here..." Sesshomaru knelt before her and made clear eye contact.

"Rin, would I ever allow a burden to travel with me?" Rin paused and seemed to think about it for a moment. She nodded and clasped her hands.

"Of course not, you're the Great Lord Sesshomaru." she said with another bow and a small smile.

"I allowed you to travel with me, therefore, you are not a burden." He slipped a hand into his kimono and produced a slim and square package. "This is for you, Rin." He handed her the paper wrapped box. She excitedly accepted it and grinned up at him.

"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru!" She pulled on a ribbon and unwrapped the paper to reveal a gray silk kimono with dark purple markings. She rubbed the material against her skin and smiled brightly. "I love it!" He watched her, his face passive, but secretly content to see her happy.

"Rin. I want you to make me a promise." he said quietly. Rins smile dropped, but she listened regardless. "I want you to promise to me you will become stronger." Rin started to speak before Sesshomaru continued, but he silenced her with a brief wave of his hand. "If you should choose to remain with me, you will be living in my home. A castle in the Western Lands. There will be no other humans. You will need to be stronger, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well." Rin smiled up at him, her large brown eyes glittering.

"I promise, Lord Sesshomaru! I will make you proud of me!" He nodded at her and gave her a brief smile. He stood, patter her once upon the head, then turned and walked out the door.