Disclaimer: Helloooo again! Glad to be back, sad to report that I still do not own Inuyasha or any of the affiliated characters. Someday... P.S.~ if you haven't read Belonging you really should check it out before you read Reckoning =^.^=

~Chapter One~

Rin wiggled deeper into the covers, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that she was awake. The solid warmth of her mate at her back filled her with a deep contentment as he curled around her protectively, and the stillness and serenity of the morning was a rare and precious gift. Rin planned to cling to it as long as she could, and obstinately squeezed her eyes shut, attempting to return to sleep.

"It's no use," Sesshoumaru rumbled from behind her. "I've already tried."

With a little smile, Rin rolled in his arms so that she could look up at her beautiful husband. His eyes were like molten gold as he propped his head up on his hand and reached out to run his fingers gently down the lines of her face, a gesture that held so much love and affection that Rin thought she might melt into the blankets of their futon.

"Let's just stay here today," she suggested, snuggling into his caress. His eyes brightened and he cocked his head inquisitively to the side.

"And what would we do to entertain ourselves?" he asked silkily, his hand trailing down the soft skin of her neck. Rin felt her heart begin to race as his nimble fingers seemed to lay a trail of fire across her flesh.

"I'm sure you'll think of something," she whispered huskily, tilting her head back to give him more room to play. He softly closed his hand around her neck, gently dominating her as he pulled her close and leaned over her.

"Don't I always?" he murmured before reaching down and capturing her lips in a sweet, teasing kiss. Rin melted into him, surrendering completely but before he could deepen the kiss both of them froze as a sudden awareness tingled in their minds. Pulling apart, both of them glanced towards the door of their room, where two pair of bright little eyes peered at them curiously from around the corners. With a wry grin Rin scooted away, glancing up at Sesshoumaru where he glared at the tiny culprits.

"We're caught," she chuckled. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at his children and growled deeply, but the toddlers weren't in the least bit intimidated and took it as an invitation, charging into the room and flinging themselves gleefully onto the blankets with their parents. Rin laughed as the twins pounced on their father while he snarled with mock ferociousness, batting them gently and wrestling with them while they squealed in delight. At two years old, Miyako and Katsurou were looking more like their father with every day that passed, their bright silver hair and gold eyes matching his exactly. Only the colors of their marks were different, instead of magenta stripes and a blue moon the twins had blue on their chubby baby cheeks, and the crescent moon had darkened to black since their birth.

"Pests," Sesshoumaru muttered affectionately as he pinned his giggling offspring. Rin reached over and snagged Miyako, dragging the little girl into her lap and hugging her tightly as Katsurou wiggled free and launched himself at Sesshoumaru again.

"How did you two get out of the nursery again?" Rin wondered, exasperated. "At least you waited till we were awake this time," she added under her breath, though Sesshoumaru's sharp ears heard her effortlessly and he snorted his agreement. The twins had been thwarting all efforts to keep them contained for the past two weeks. The first several days it had had happened, the children had simply crept into their parent's bedroom and stood beside the futon staring until either Sesshoumaru or Rin had awakened. As much as Rin loved her children, it was unsettling being woken like that, and she knew Sesshoumaru was just as grateful as she was that they seemed to be leaving that phase behind.

With a sigh, Sesshoumaru dislodged Katsurou and tumbled him gently onto the futon next to Rin as he stood gracefully and moved to begin dressing for the day. Rin watched morosely as he donned his clothing, each layer transforming him from the warm husband into the cold, powerful daiyoukai who held dominion over the lands of the west. Her gaze wondered over him appreciatively. Fully dressed, he looked as he had for centuries, strong and aloof, and once again she wondered what she had done to deserve the love of such an incredible mate. He noticed her looking, and responded in kind, his eyes traveling possessively over her body until she was blushing. Not for the first time, she was grateful that she had not seemed to age since that strange night that had brought her children into the world.

"I wish you didn't have to go," Rin said, knowing she was pouting. Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow lasciviously and the corners of his mouth twitched. Rin blushed and rolled her eyes.

"Not because of that," she said, then grinned and added, "well, not just because of that. It just seems silly that you have to meet with the war council so often when we haven't had any trouble since Katashi was killed."

"True," he replied, walking back towards the bed. He tilted his head down to look earnestly into her eyes. "But the reason he was able to gain that much power was because I had accepted the title of Lord without accepting the responsibilities. I'll not make such a mistake again, not with so much more at stake."

Rin sighed, knowing he was right.

"It seems like peace is more work than war," she complained, and he snorted his amusement. He leaned down to rest his hands for a moment on the soft silver hair of his children, then leaned in to press a lingering kiss to Rin's soft lips. He pulled back and moved towards the door.

"There's always nap time," she called suggestively after him, and he grinned at her over his shoulder, humming his approval before disappearing through the door and into the hall.

~Five Years Later~

Rin sat in the forest outside the castle, resting in a large clearing with Arata dozing contentedly in her lap while she pet him. Not far away, Miyako and Katsurou were chasing each other through the trees while Jakken trailed behind them trying to keep the rowdy seven-year-old's in line. Ever since they were babies, no matter what steps were taken to try to contain the children somehow they had always escaped, and so the poor youkai had been tasked with keeping an eye on them. Rin bit her cheek trying not to laugh, the toad demon had never been able to control Rin, he had no chance at all of corralling her children. Next to her, her friend Michiko leaned back against a tree, watching with raised eyebrows as Jakken worked himself into a fit and the twins ignored him completely.

"He's not cut out for child care," the beautiful demoness mused. Rin chuckled as she remembered how she had abused the poor little youkai as a girl and shrugged.

"I survived," she grinned, and Michiko returned her smile as she shifted her considerable girth into a more comfortable position. The demoness was nearing the end of her own pregnancy, and she was glowing with health and happiness. Her mate, Taichi, had worked his way through the ranks until he was Sesshoumaru's second in command. Both youkai had proven their loyalty in the chaos of the uprising two years ago, and as a reward Sesshoumaru had given them his permission to wed, despite the protests that Taichi was not powerful enough for Michiko's noble blood. The enormous Inu warrior may not have had the strength to transform into the full demonic form, but he was a brilliant strategist, and in Sesshoumaru's eyes had earned the right to mate with whomever he chose if she would have him. Rin and Sesshoumaru had secretly been vastly entertained as Michiko led Taichi a merry chase, knowing the entire time that she would accept. Michiko shifted again, and Rin looked at her with concern.

"Are you alright?" she asked with a small frown, pausing mid stroke. Arata, grudgingly opened one eye to see why his mistress had stopped petting him and flicked his nine tails in annoyance. Michiko waived Rin's concern away, saying breezily, "Oh, it's nothing, my dear. The baby is restless is all and we can't get comfortable."

Rin smiled sympathetically as she recalled her own discomfort.

"When I was pregnant Sesshoumaru used to rub my belly for me. It made all three of us feel better when he did it," she grinned. Michiko smiled back, though even after all this time she had a difficult time reconciling stories like that with the dangerous Lord of the West that she was familiar with.

"Perhaps when Taichi returns I'll have him rub my belly for me too," she said excitedly, knowing that her husband would do anything she asked. Both women fell silent.

"I wish they would come home soon," Rin whispered, and Michiko nodded in agreement. Arata slipped off of her lap and Rin paused to glare at him for his lack of compassion. Both of their husbands had been gone several weeks, traveling to speak to the leaders of the different clans that inhabited the West. They were due to be gone for a while longer, but at home their mates missed them terribly.

An arrogant chuckle cut through the trees, and the women whirled around to see Sesshoumaru and Taichi standing smugly behind them.

"I knew you'd miss me," Taichi teased, reaching down to help his wife to stand. Sesshoumaru held out his arms just in time to catch Rin, who had leapt to her feet and launched herself at him with a shout of joy. He caught her up and buried his face in her hair, breathing deep and holding her just as tightly as she was holding him. Behind them, Taichi was running his hands over Michiko's belly protectively while she smiled at him.

"I didn't miss you," she huffed playfully, "I only wanted you back so you could rub my belly!"

Sesshoumaru pulled back and gave Rin a dry look while Taichi stared confusedly at his mate. Rin beamed up at Sesshoumaru, completely unashamed to have shared the story.

"It was good advice," she smiled, slipping under his arm and pressing against him.

"My Lord!" Jakken shouted, finally noticing Sesshoumaru's arrival. He began to run towards them, but at his cry the children also discovered the newcomers. Both immediately turned and began to race towards their father, Katsurou calling out excitedly with Miyako right beside him, though she somehow managed to seem dignified at a full sprint. They easily outpaced the stubby Jakken, leaving him far behind. Stepping away from Rin, Sesshoumaru waited patiently for them to barrel into him and glanced from one to the other as they talked excitedly, masterfully listening to both children at the same time while they chattered about their adventures while he'd been gone. Taichi and Michiko bowed and excused themselves, careful to be very respectful, and Sesshoumaru granted his permission with a nod before returning his attention to the twins. Rin watched the two youkai disappear towards the castle and thought how strange it was that no one but she and the children seemed to see Sesshoumaru as anything other than a strong and dangerous leader. Then again, Sesshoumaru was only warm and gentle with his family, his subjects only saw the cold, hard demon Lord that he had been for centuries. Finally Jakken arrived, panting and everyone paused to look at him as he fought for breath..

"My Lord…" he gasped, "allow me to be…. the first to welcome you-"

"You're the last one, Jakken-sama," Miyako pointed out, blinking. The toad choked and glanced around, realizing that the girl was correct. When he looked like he was about to cry, Rin took pity on the poor youkai.

"It's alright, Jakken," she said, "you tried. How about you run back to the castle and make sure everything is in order to welcome your lord home?" Jakken perked up immediately at the chance to boss the staff around, and with a bow scampered off into the woods.

"Papa, change!" Katsurou cried while Miyako looked up at her father imploringly. Sesshoumaru cast an amused glance at Rin, who shrugged and smiled. His eyes bled to red, his markings turning jagged, and he leapt into the air, coming down an instant later in the center of the clearing, fully transformed. As she always, Rin caught her breath at the power and grace of his demonic form, the glossy white fur shining in the sun. Sesshoumaru turned towards his children and crouched, perfectly still, taunting them. They looked excitedly at Rin.

"I bet you catch him this time," she grinned, and with squeals of delight the twins took off towards Sesshoumaru. Rin's heart leapt with pride as her children clumsily stumbled through their own transformations, to be able to achieve full demonic forms at such a young age was unheard of. Rin would never tell them, but the twins' Inu forms were the cutest thing she had ever seen. They looked like puppies, if puppies had been the size of war horses. They were all legs and too-large feet, yipping excitedly as they stampeded towards Sesshoumaru. Perhaps it was the spirit aspects that she had given them, but unlike their father, whose fur shone like new fallen snow, the twins' glossy fur was black as ink. The crescent moon disappeared completely, leaving the blue markings on their cheeks the only relief from the darkness. Some other aspect of the spirit world clung to them in their true forms as well, manifesting in a dark blue fog around their paws that traveled up their legs like a flame. Once they were full grown, the effect would be majestic and ethereal, however at the moment it was taking everything the younglings had to keep from tripping themselves.

Naturally, Sesshoumaru had no trouble evading the little predators, moving with ease to avoid their enthusiastic attacks. He dodged just fast enough to escape and never bit them back, instead nudging them with his enormous muzzle and knocking them over. As Rin had known he would, soon Sesshoumaru made a "mistake" and the twins pounced on him with tiny howls of victory. Rin couldn't help but laugh out loud as she watched the most powerful demon in the world pretend to be vanquished by two little hellhounds who barely reached his belly. Her heart nearly burst with happiness and pride when she though back to how far he had come. The most difficult part of being a father for him had been learning to play, not just observe or participate from a distance, and he had been painfully self-conscious in the beginning. It had taken a long time for him to be able to abandon his self-contained dignity and learn to romp freely with the twins. The three of them had learned together, and it nearly brought Rin to tears of joy to see them now.

Before long the children were exhausted, and just like regular pups they collapsed mid-play and fell asleep wherever they fell while Sesshoumaru cocked his head and looked at them curiously. Transforming back, he went up to each child and placed his hand on their foreheads, coaxing them back into their human forms. Rin walked forward and scooped up the sleeping Miyako. Glancing over, she saw Katsurou resting bonelessly against Sesshoumaru's shoulder and she smiled. Together, the parents began walking slowly towards the castle, speaking softly so they didn't wake the children.

"I missed you," Rin whispered, her eyes shining up at her husband. His golden gaze held hers warmly.

"I know," he answered smugly. Rin scowled at him and the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement.

"I missed you too," he confessed, and Rin blushed at the sincerity in his voice. They walked for a moment in content silence.

"Was your trip successful? I hate to think all that work wasn't worth it," Rin after a moment. Sesshoumaru frowned, and Rin saw as she always did his struggle to open up. After centuries of relying only on himself and keeping his own council, it was difficult for him to allow someone else to share his burdens.

"Youkai in general are not quick to trust, and the leaders of the different clans were very suspicious of us, though they were polite. Some were willing to listen, some were less willing." He sighed in frustration. "The world is changing, we cannot be constantly feuding within our own territories or we become vulnerable. I need them to unite under my command or else we will destroy ourselves from the inside and someone from the outside could come and finish us."

"You will never let that happen," Rin stated firmly. Sesshoumaru gave her a small smile, appreciating her confidence.

"Who among the youkai was the least amenable to a truce?" Rin asked. Sesshoumaru's eyes hardened.

"The cats are not willing to work with us. They are still holding on to their anger from when my father fought their clan leader Oyakata for control of the west almost sixty years ago."

"The fact that you and Inuyasha killed him again probably isn't helping either," Rin mused. "But I thought you said that they called off the war when you revived their companions for them during that last battle?"

Sesshoumaru turned and cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Ah. 'No longer at war' does not necessarily mean they're willing to become allies," Rin guessed. Sesshoumaru nodded.

"So who was willing to become an ally?" Rin asked curiously. Sesshoumaru furrowed his brow.

"Oddly enough, the Tengu clan was the first to agree to the idea and commit to working for us," he said finally.

"Why is that strange?" Rin asked, confused. Sesshoumaru was silent for a moment as he considered.

"The Inu clan are the most powerful demons in the west, followed by the Cats. The Tengus are nearly, if not just as powerful as the Cats. I find it a bit strange that the birds were so willing to pledge themselves to the Inu clan so quickly."

They had reached the castle and Rin and Sesshoumaru fell silent as they moved through the gates and into the castle. Making their way to the nursery, they settled the children onto their futons and moved quietly away, Rin casting concerned glances at Sesshoumaru as they went. He had withdrawn into the contained, silent state that meant that he was deeply worried. Once they retreated to their room Rin slipped into his arms and hugged him tightly.

"Do the Tengus and the Cats get along?" she asked quietly. Sesshoumaru snorted.

"Who could possibly get along with Cats?" he asked, and Rin smiled up at him.

"Then perhaps that's why the Tengus were willing to work with us. 'The enemy of mine enemy is my friend' after all."

"Perhaps," Sesshoumaru allowed, "But there is also 'keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.' They may dislike the Cats, but we are the bigger threat. I wonder what their motivation is."

They fell silent once more, considering. Finally Rin shook her head.

"The only thing you can do is work to bring everyone together under the Inu clan. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Either way, it is something to be considered another day. Today, we celebrate that you're home!"

Sesshoumaru smiled down at his mate and leaned in to press a kiss to her warm lips. When she opened her mouth beneath his he pulled her tighter against him, taking her advice and leaving his concerns for another time.

~Five years later~

"But Mama, we're thirteen now!"

"You're twelve," Rin replied dryly, glanced up at her son from where she sat cleaning her weapons. She and the twins had just finished training, and the children had rushed to clean everything up as they put their equipment in the weapons room where they now sat, being as helpful as they possibly could. Rin had known they were up to something.

"Ok, well we'll be thirteen soon. It's plenty old enough to go into the forest without an army to protect us!" Katsurou begged, his voice cracking a little in his excitement. Rin sighed as she looked at her children. Katsurou fairly quivered with anticipation, his bright gold eyes wide as he pled passionately to go on their adventure. He was easily provoked and quick to anger, just like his uncle, though he was equally quick to forgive and had never held a grudge in his entire life. Miyako stood quietly behind him and showed no emotion at all while she waited for a decision. She had inherited Sesshoumaru's quiet stoicism and though she was slow to anger, once something had pushed her too far her rage was a terrible thing and she might never forgive whatever had angered her. The only people she deemed consistently worthy of forgiveness were Rin and Sesshoumaru, which Rin was thankful for since she was not willing to grant the girl's every wish simply to avoid her ire. They had grown so much, and they were much more powerful than anyone had expected for their age. Combat training had come easily to them and they were incredibly fast, just like their father. Even after all this time, no one could figure out how they were able sneak around as easily as they did, into rooms they were supposed to stay out of and out of rooms where they were supposed to stay. They'd never been caught leaving, and despite their best efforts to find out how they did it even Sesshoumaru was mystified. Rin was glad that while they might have been spirited, they twins were not troublemakers and were generally well mannered, obedient children.

Rin sighed and the twin's eyes lit up, knowing they had made progress with their request.

"We'll be very careful, and we won't go too far," Miyako added, her soft melodious voice pleading.

"Let me talk to your father," Rin said, resigned, and the children cheered. "That's not a yes!" she added as they scampered away, but all of them knew it probably was. Carefully, Rin finished caring for her equipment, not turning around as the grizzled old trainer appeared in the doorway. They were quiet for a few moments as he wondered down the rows of spears and swords, running his hands over the supple wood of the bows in their rests. Rin waited patiently, she had come to know the trainer very well in the years that she had lived at the castle and he had earned a place of great respect in her heart. He would speak when he was ready.

"What are you going to do?" he asked finally. Rin set her sword aside and gave him her full attention.

"I'm not sure, Sensei. I practically grew up in the woods, and they are much stronger than I was as a child. I know that they've snuck into the woods before, as sneaky as they are there's no way that they haven't, but this time they want to stay out there all night, alone. They're just children, they have no idea how important they are as Sesshoumaru's heirs, they just know they aren't allowed to go anywhere without protection, and it's smothering them." She ran a frustrated hand through her hair.

"If I don't let them go, they will go on their own eventually, but I'm afraid," she admitted in a rush. "I'm afraid they'll get hurt. I'm afraid to lose them."

The trainer was silent as he considered the situation.

"I believe you're right that if you don't give your permission, they will go on their own. At least by allowing it you have some control over the situation," he mused. Rin slowly nodded and rose to her feet, returning her weapons to their places.

"I'll go talk to Sesshoumaru. Thank you, Sensei," she said, and with a bow that no one else in the castle ever received, she turned and began

Sesshoumaru was in the great hall when Rin finally tracked him down. He was deep in conversation with a tengu emissary, but stopped when he noticed his mate, giving her his full attention. She walked towards her husband, and as she did the tengu bowed low, offering his respects. Rin secretly thought the creatures rather odd, their movements were quick and darting, like the birds that were their true demonic forms. When they were in their human forms their eyes were just a little too big, and if you looked closely enough you would see that their hair was actually made up of very fine feathers. She nodded her head to acknowledge the youkai and he stood, his feathered cloak settling about his shoulders like giant wings. She turned to Sesshoumaru.

"When you have a moment, my Lord, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

The daiyoukai turned to the tengu agent.

"If you will indulge me a moment," he said, and the request was a thinly veiled command. The tengu bowed once more and moved away to give them the illusion of privacy, though demonic senses meant that he couldn't help but overhear. Neither the lord or the lady particularly minded, though the way the tengu settled into complete stillness and seemed to melt into the background unnerved Rin, as it always had. She never complained, it was what made them such good spies for the Inu clan. Rin quickly explained the situation to Sesshoumaru, who stood quietly and listened.

"Why don't we invite them in, since they're eavesdropping from the hall," Sesshoumaru didn't raise his voice, knowing his offspring would have no trouble hearing him. He watched as Miyako and Katsurou slunk shamefacedly into the hall. He glowered at them as they approached, and they cringed a little.

"Sorry papa," Katsurou mumbled as Miyako shuffled her feet, "we were just really excited." Sesshoumaru sighed and relaxed, and Katsurou took it as a sign to continue.

"We just really want a chance to go out into the forest for a night, all the juveniles have been allowed except us."

Sesshoumaru glanced at Rin, and she raised her eyebrows. The twins held their breath as their parents considered. Finally, Sesshoumaru turned back to his children.

"Very well," he said slowly, and the twins began jumping up and down with excitement. "You may leave this afternoon, stay the night, and return tomorrow morning." The children leapt forward and hugged their parents before racing from the hall to collect everything they thought they might need, and Sesshoumaru stared after them, his expressionless face telling Rin that he was much more worried than he wanted to admit.

"They will be alright," she said, attempting to reassure them both. Sesshoumaru nodded once, and without another word moved towards the tengu demon to resume their discussion. Rin stared at the door where her children had disappeared.

"They will be fine," she whispered, and for a moment, she was almost convinced.

A/N: THE SHADOW RETURNS! yayi'msogladi'mback! I missed you all terribly and hope that you like the new story :) The chapters wont all be as long as this one, it just took a bit longer than I expected to get up to speed. As always, R&R! Me love you long time.

~ShadowSesshoumaru