Here we go! Chapter 2! Yay! :D

Rin squinted her eyes against the wind whipping past her face as she leaned forward in AhUn's saddle. A bright smile painted itself across her rosy cheeks. Flying through the clouds had always been one of her favorite things about traveling with lord Sesshoumaru. The great heights never scared her but filled her with an exultant sense of freedom and joy. She was glad for the distraction, as a shadow of disquiet had been growing in her mind lately. Something was wrong with her lord.

Any outsider would not have noticed the shift in his behavior as it was so slight but to Rin, it was glaring and worrisome. What was truly strange and discomfiting for Rin was that his shift in behavior was towards her. He hardly looked her way or responded to her anymore. He had always been a demon of few words but his silences had always been meaningful; she'd always been sure that he was listening to her songs and chatter. But lately his silences seemed pointedly cold and uncaring; his head turned away from her as though he were trying to discourage her from engaging him or ignore her presence altogether. It seemed that he was distancing himself from her and pushing her away. The thought brought tears to her eyes and her fine brow crinkled upwards in worry and distress.

She'd been trying more and more insistently, perhaps desperately, to regain his affections. Singing all of the songs she knew him to be fond of and speaking in her softest and most pleasant voice of random little nothings as they meandered through the countryside. He'd always taken pleasure in her gentle banter and rewarded her by slowing his stride and pointing his ear towards her, sending soft golden glances her way now and again. But, now all he did was lengthen his stride and move swiftly out of reach, leaving her in confused silence and worried hurt. She tried keeping her hair extra-smooth, taking more time to brush it out at regular intervals throughout the day. She tried wearing his favorite kimonos and being extra-fastidious with her bathing routine in order to please his keen nose.

But, nothing was working. So, she'd resolved that on her next trip to a human town for restocking her supplies necessary for a human female and giving herself some much needed refreshment, she'd get herself some much needed advice as well. Surely some of the elder females of her kind might have some idea what to do about her recalcitrant lord.

AhUn descended slowly towards a dirt road winding through a lush green forest. Rin smiled in anticipation. Kyoto had always been her favorite city to visit, even though she always had to approach it from a considerable distance in order to not draw undue attention to herself. Unfortunately, flying down astride a two-headed dragon was not the most inconspicuous of entrances. Once her trusted companions touched down, she slid off their back with practiced ease and gathered her pack from the back of the saddle. Ah and Un lowered their great heads down to nuzzle her affectionately and she kissed each scaled forehead in turn. The dragon then chuffed and grunted in parting before turning around and lumbering off into the woods to wait for her return. Rin giggled and reached up to finger the beautifully carved ivory whistle hung round her neck on a silver chain which could call AhUn to her should she find herself in a desperate situation. It was a nervous habit she'd picked up when she'd started visiting towns by herself. As she rubbed her fingers over the ivory's smooth surface she remembered the day her lord Sesshoumaru had gifted it to her; the whisper of his silken sleeves as he lifted the chain over her head and the warmth in his bright, tawny eyes.

Rin let out a soft sigh and started down the road. The season had just begun to shift from summer to fall and the heat of the day was eased by the first cool breezes of autumn. But even so, the sun shined through the canopy of leaves overhead to warm her face and a light sheen of sweat began to form on her brow. Her ears pricked as she heard the faint echoes of human voices coming her way from the right. Her expression lifted along with her spirits at the impending run-in with some of her fellow human beings. Suddenly, a break in the trees revealed a trail and the human voices became louder and clearer.

"Aaah! Hideki, what are you doing?" A feminine voice shrieked followed by loud masculine laughter.

"Dear sister mine, tsk tsk! Can you not take a simple joke?" Chimed a sweet tenor.

"Hideki put away that worm! You know Himeko is terrified of all things creepy and crawly!" A deep male voice boomed with good-natured chuckling.

"What is this? Hello there! How are you doing this fine day, young miss?" The trio of people had rounded the corner to come into sight of a curious and amused Rin and the owner of the pleasant tenor voice had seen her first, greeting her with all the enthusiasm of a boisterous young man for a beautiful young woman.

"I am very well, thank you." Rin answered readily.

"You're heading to Kyoto now aren't you? Might you like us to accompany you? A young lady shouldn't travel all by herself!" The owner of the second, deeper male voice spoke up. He was a pleasant-looking fellow, if a bit plain. But, it was his warm and fatherly smile that made Rin feel instantly at ease.

"I would like that very much, thank you."

"Well, then! Now that that's settled, let us push on. The festivities won't wait for us to start!" The younger man interjected. The girl lightly giggled and smacked the younger man's arm as the group continued walking up the road to the city.

"Now, dear brother…." she said, "We should introduce ourselves at least!" She lifted her dark, dewy eyes to Rin's. "I'm Himeko." She pointed to herself. "This is my eldest brother, Hiro." She pointed to the elder man. He turned his head and smiled a warm smile at her and gave a short wave. "And this is my elder brother, Hideki."

"And it is my sincerest joy to make your acquaintance, miss…..?" The younger man fell into stride alongside Rin and looked at her with his dark brows raised quizzically.

"Rin. My name is Rin."

"Rin." Hideki's fine face slowly broke into a brilliant smile, exposing a row of straight ivory teeth. A fluttering feeling filled up Rin's stomach at the sight and a blush crept across her face along with a shy smile. There was a fun-loving gleam in Hideki's clear dark eyes and a boyish bounce to his gait which made him disarming and endearing. Rin found herself much enjoying the light in his handsome face and the energy in his tall, wiry frame.

"So, are you looking forward to tonight's celebration?" Himeko broke the silence and the spell which had fallen between the two.

"Celebration?" Rin asked in confusion.

"You didn't know? Tonight is the night of the Autumnal equinox! There's a huge festival in Kyoto every year! Everyone's going!" The younger girl squealed in excitement, her black hair tossing about her face.

"Really?" Rin breathed, she felt happy anticipation swelling within her own chest.

"Yes, really! You should hang around with us for a while, Kyoto can be really confusing. Especially during huge festivals like this." Hideki looked at her with hope in his beetle-black eyes. Rin felt an odd reluctance as she looked into them and yet she found that she couldn't say no to him.

"Of course, that would be lovely." She smiled fully now and felt great satisfaction upon seeing the wonder and admiration on Hideki's face. If only her lord Sesshoumaru would react to her in such ways. The thought of him and her problems with him made her feel as if the sun had suddenly darkened and the day turned cold.

"Hey, you alright?" Hideki's warm hand touched her shoulder in concern. Rin looked up into his face and the day brightened up. She willed away her thoughts and troubles. She would figure out what to do later, Rin decided. For now she will focus on enjoying herself at the celebration.

A/N~ Now, I'm really not sure where exactly I'm going with this so any comments or suggestions are helpful! Thank ya'll for taking the time to read this!