A/N: Slight spoiler from the "Rin and Sesshomaru's Adventures in Hell" arc as it gives reference to Sesshomaru's (nameless and elusive) mother. Redefined
Skipping down the palace steps two at a time, Rin was in awe of what Lord Sesshomaru got to call home. How she would have loved to ask the pretty lady back there about all the rooms and their finest treasures and if the demon guards were as ferocious as they looked.
But below Sesshomaru and Kohaku patiently idled with Jaken squawking for her to hurry it up already. One last wave to the Western Lady and Rin scampered off. Her inquiries could be answered elsewhere.
"So m'lord, what was it like living there? Up in the palace, I mean. Have you gotten to see everything in there? Huh?"
"Don't you ever shut up?" Jaken groaned. Rin ignored the imp, tugging on Ah-Un's reins so she could zero in and pelt Sesshomaru with more questions.
"Was it fun? Did you have a lot of adventures while you lived at home up in the sky? What was it like?"
Sesshomaru blinked slowly. "Pleasant."
That one word sated the inquisitive child until they landed – a whole minute later.
"And your mother? Was she always so" – Rin searched for the word – "always like that?"
"Stars above, girl!" Jaken snapped. "Know your place! Lord Sesshomaru's personal life is none of anyone's business, least of all yours!"
Sesshomaru spun around and Jaken's beak clamped shut.
"My mother," the daiyokai simply stated, "has been a mountain in my life." He turned around again.
Straightaway, Jaken and Kohaku's eyes followed Sesshomaru's gaze to the cold and distant terrain on the horizon. Even Rin was quiet as they trekked over the hills – quiet that is until she spied a village.
Below a tiny speck raced to a slightly larger one. Flowers were presented and clasped to a warmed bosom.
"Oh, I get it!"
Three hearts skipped a beat, so it was up to Sesshomaru to ask, "What, Rin?"
Hopping off Ah-Un, she dashed up to him. "I get what you said back there, about your mother being like a mountain. At first I thought you meant she was fat an' it almost made sense 'cause she wore all those layers."
Kohaku and Jaken tripped over an invisible stone, Sesshomaru arched a bemused brow, and Rin continued.
"Yeah, but anyway, I starting remembering about how my mom used to sit me on her lap telling me stories, listening to mine…she seemed pretty soft at those times." Rin's eyes glistened for a minute, then she smiled again. "Heh, but there was no getting past her when she found out I hadn't helped with the day's chores…or broke a set of bowls or fought with my brothers or gotten into trouble of any kind."
Sesshomaru glanced down to see the child giggle. What was that about?
"Well, I got my share of scolding, I guess."
"Obviously not enough," Jaken muttered.
"And even though I thought she was being mean, I realized Mom was just, you know, teaching me. The rules about going to bed early and sharing and doing my part that's what helped me keep going even after…" Her little voice trailed off into silence.
"I see." Sesshomaru picked up the line. "So is that how you interpret 'mountain'? Rin?"
She scrubbed a fist over her eyes, then beamed up at the demon. "Yes, my lord! My mother is what I would call a mountain." Rin's face split into a toothy grin.
The corners of Sesshomaru's mouth twitched. Only the young could redefine an ages-old lexicon.
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A/N: Thank you for reading. For Mom, my mountain (there, happy? I didn't call you "mother".). Happy Mother's Day!