Disclaimer: I do not Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone! It's good to hear from my familiars: bestofbothworlds, shippoousangoffe, and you too FaBzZ. Thanks to my anon. reviewer - emily, welcome to this fanfic!
The first few chapters are relatively short, but they get longer as the fanfic progresses. Please read, enjoy and leave a review!
Chapter 2: The WesternLands
"Hurry, Idzuna-chan!"
Rin had been waiting for this day to come and had packed five days ago. She had thought about Kohaku everyday since she and Kikyou had left last season.
She had to admit, she was surprised when Sesshomaru gave in to Kikyou's demands to have Kohaku train Awasumaru. How she managed to get the taiyoukai to agree was still a mystery, but Rin knew he was not happy about it. However, Sesshomaru had found an outlet to vent his frustration. As an active member of the council, he had joined his comrades on the battlefield.
They would be away for seven days and Rin was acting chaperone to Awasumaru and Juun, or at least, that what she had told Sesshomaru. Kikyou stayed closed-mouthed as she refused to lie to her mate and had repeatedly encouraged Rin to tell her guardian the truth.
However, would the taiyoukai understand her desire to see a friend from long ago? Sesshomaru had changed a lot since Awasumaru's birth; however, to others he appeared the same as always. Only the ones close to him recognized the changes.
"Idzuna!" she yelled again.
"My, my… we are impatient."
Rin turned to see Idzuna enter the room. The kitsune was the first friend she had made here in the Westernlands.
As a full-fledged demon, Idzuna aged slower. On their first meeting, the girls appeared about the same age. Now, Rin's body had developed and she was considered a young woman, while the kitsune still appeared childlike. In actuality, Idzuna was over a century old, but no matter, the girls were still good friends.
"Where is Awasumaru?" Rin panicked.
"He is talking with his father," Idzuna said calmly.
"Oh no!" Rin jumped up and bolted for the door. "If he says anything, I swear, I'll kill him!"
Idzuna started to giggle as the young woman flew down the corridor. The closer the time came to see this Kohaku person, the more hyperactive Rin became. The kitsune was happy for her friend; Rin had not been this excited since discovering Kikyou would be staying at the Westernlands as Sesshomaru's mate.
The kitsune remembered the day Kikyou, Rin and the boys had visited the taijiya village. The priestess had asked Idzuna to use her fox magic to disguise them. Kikyou had wanted to stay concealed until she met with Kohaku.
She made Rin and Kikyou appear as two old women, Juun did not need a disguise, but Awasumaru's ears were rounded and his silver hair darkened.
Since Rin had returned, she spoke of Kohaku daily.
"He has grown so tall," she would say, "… and he is really handsome. He still has those adorable freckles, that shy smile and he is a teacher now," she continued. "Honestly, Idzuna-chan, I can't wait to see him again."
Rin had said it repeatedly that the kitsune could reiterate those words in her sleep, but if this Kohaku made her happy, that was all that mattered.
Idzuna, like Kikyou, was only concerned that Rin would not tell Sesshomaru the truth. She hoped her friend would have fun, but return from her adventure a bit more settled. Although, the kitsune had a feeling this was only the beginning.
xXxXx
Peering around the corner of the study, Rin saw Sesshomaru and Awasumaru standing on the engawa. Schooling her features, she entered the room.
"Sesshomaru-sama," she bowed and gave a small smile to her guardian before turning to his son.
"Awasumaru-san, it's time to go." Rin informed the boy. "You must hurry as we still need to stop by the village for Juun-san."
"Chichi-ue," the boy turned to the taiyoukai and bowed stiffly.
Inclining his head in return, Sesshomaru watched as the two headed for the door.
"Rin."
Stopping at the entrance, Rin turned to the taiyoukai's summons as Awasumaru continued down the corridor.
"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama."
The key was to remain calm, maintain eye contact and smile, she told herself. She had tried Kikyou's impassive look, but Sesshomaru had seen right through that.
"Tell me again… why are you going?"
"I am chaperoning the boys, my lord," Rin said. "It is their first time away and it is a good idea to have someone they know with them."
"That does not explain why you have to go." Sesshomaru's arms were crossed as he looked down on her.
"I don't," Rin said cheerfully. "Kikyou-sama can go with them."
The young woman had to suppress a smile at the horror that crossed the taiyoukai's face before he quickly masked it with his normal stoic glare. The thought of his mate being away from him for more than a day or two did not set well with him.
He continued to stare stonily at her and his eyes narrowed. Rin simply smiled and waited patiently for his response. It was not as if she was actually lying, she was going to watch over the boys as well as spend time with Kohaku. She knew how overprotective Sesshomaru could be. Although she loved him for it, it could be a bit overwhelming.
Rin had to resist the urge to squirm under his intense gaze; her patience was starting to wear down when Kikyou walked in.
"Why are you dallying, Rin?" The Lady of the West said. "Should you not be on your way? I will not have the boys late their first day."
Sesshomaru mumbled something unintelligible, which Kikyou ignored.
"Please hurry, Rin." Kikyou turned to leave and bade the young woman to follow. "I am sure Juun is waiting."
"Yes," Rin responded, but turned back to the taiyoukai.
"Sesshomaru-sama." She bowed to her guardian and received only a slight nod in return. As she turned to follow Kikyou, it took everything within her not to jump for joy. She was finally on her way to the slayers village.
Sesshomaru's face was impassive as he watched the two women in his life walk down the corridor. Kikyou, as always, was a complete enigma. Although she was now his mate and mother of his son, he had yet to figure her out.
Rin, however, was an open book. She was never successful at hiding her feelings from him. She never had a need, until a few years ago when he noticed that Rin was no longer the little girl he had revived with the Tenseiga.
She was the first person he had feelings for; she brought out paternal instincts he never knew he had. She had well prepared him for Awasumaru's arrival and he secretly enjoyed seeing them interact. Between Rin, Awasumaru, Idzuna and Juun, the Westernlands had become quite chaotic.
Rin had always been with him or Jaken, other than her visits to see Kikyou, but that was before the miko had agreed to become his mate and live here in the west. It felt strange letting Rin go off on her own, but it was only for a few days and his sons were there to protect her. Besides, Sesshomaru thought with a smirk, with a castle void of young ones, he could spend some quality time with his beloved bellflower.
As he watched her walk away, Sesshomaru sensed the excitement Rin was trying to hide. How could a visit to a rustic integrated slayers village hold that much appeal to a young girl, he wondered?
xXxXx
The twins landed in the courtyard, deftly hopped from Kirara's back and sprinted towards the practice field. Having missed the morning exercises, they would just make it on time for the sparring class.
Suiren enjoyed this class the most. She reveled in hand-to-hand combat and hoped Oji-sensei had teamed her with a good partner, although her favorite was Yoichi-san. He was the assistant teacher for the children's class and her first opponent as a student.
During her first class at the slayers village, Suiren had openly challenged Yoichi in front of the class. He had accepted and proceeded to let her make a fool of herself as she gassed out in the middle of their match. From that point on, the little girl decided, she would not be satisfied until she beat her mentor.
For Shun'ei, this was the worst part of his training. Although a twin, he was somewhat of a loner and preferred to practice by himself, but Oji-sensei thought it best he learn to function with a group.
His specialty was weapons, but that class started later in the afternoon. Shun'ei had brought a few of his father's scrolls to read during the break. He enjoyed learning about his grandfather's legacy and about the curse that had brought his parents together. All he needed to do was make it through the sparring class, and then he would be free to read until the afternoon.
"It's about time you two showed up."
"Oji-sensei!"
The twins looked up to see their uncle Kohaku standing over them. A big grin appeared on Suiren's face, but Shun'ei only smiled only with his eyes.
"Find a partner and let's get started." Their uncle's voice was stern, but he smiled.
Kohaku watched his niece and nephew scatter to team with someone. He almost laughed aloud at Suiren's pout when discovering Yoichi already had a partner.
xXxXx
"Have ya' told them about the new students yet?"
Kohaku turned to Shippo's query. The two were sitting on the engawa at the end of the morning class. Suiren had disappeared with Kirara and Shun'ei sat nearby under a tree reading.
"No," Kohaku stated. "Awasumaru and Juun will be arriving soon, so I guess now would be a good time."
"Hmph!" Shippo sniffed. "Don't know why you waited. Sango and Miroku will be here tomorrow; how are you going to tell them about Sesshomaru and Kikyou's son? I don't even wanna think about what Inuyasha is gonna say."
The taijiya had to admit he had thought about that too. That was the reason he had kept quiet so long. Once he told Ane-ue, she would surely mention it to Kagome. It was a sure bet that Inuyasha would then know. He was only delaying the inevitable, but he hated confrontations.
"Inuyasha and Kagome are happy now, so I don't see that it should matter," Kohaku reasoned. "Besides… their child is due soon. I expect Inuyasha will be too busy to even notice."
Shippo smirked and gave another sniff. "We are talking about that hot headed hanyou. Inuyasha, remember…," Shippo said pointedly, "… the one that likes to hear himself bark."
"Well…" Kohaku sighed. "We will deal with that when the time comes; right now, I'm more concerned about Ane-ue and Miroku-sama. They will not appreciate my keeping this from them."
"Trust me," Shippo said. "Sango and Miroku are much more understanding than Inuyasha. Those two are the least of your worries."
The kitsune was probably right, Kohaku surmised. He had best tell the twins of the new recruits. Pursing his lips, the taijiya whistled a series of long drawn out octaves; the notes escalating to a fevered pitch before abruptly cutting off.
Shun'ei rose immediately on hearing his uncle's call to Kirara. A few seconds later, the youkai cat bounded over the fortress wall with Suiren on its back. Cat and rider landed gracefully in front of the main house. The girl twin jumped from the neko's back and ran up to her uncle.
"Hai, Oji-sensei," the child saluted in dramatic fashion.
"Where were you?" Kohaku questioned.
"In the lily field," she answered readily.
Looking down on his niece, Kohaku gave a skeptical squint. This was definitely Miroku's daughter; not only did she look like her father, but she had the uncanny ability to weave tales like him too.
"Suire-chan…"
"I was," the child protested. "Ask Kirara."
The cat meowed in agreement as Shun'ei joined them on the stairs.
"I need to tell you both something and I will need your help," Kohaku said. "We have two new students arriving today. These students are somewhat special. They are the sons of an old friend; one is a half demon and the other is a human, but he is blind."
"As they are not scheduled to arrive until the afternoon," he continued. "I was wondering if you will keep them entertained until I finish my class."
Both children moaned at the prospect of babysitting. To Suiren, this would only delay her pursuit of Yoichi. She had been trying to catch him all morning to ask him to partner her sparring tomorrow. She had almost intercepted him from his work near the lily field when her uncle had summoned her.
Shun'ei considered it another distraction from his readings. He did as his uncle asked and tried to interact with other students, but he also cherished his personal time.
"Well," Kohaku began and heard Shippo snickering behind him. "Not everyone speak at once," their uncle said sarcastically. "I'm not asking you to train them, just keep them company for awhile."
"Fine," Shun'ei said with a sigh and felt a scorching glare from his sister.
"Suiren?" Kohaku turned to his, still silent, niece.
"Oh… all right," she snapped ungraciously, her arms folded across her chest. "But I'm not watching the blind kid!"
Inwardly, Kohaku smiled as he watched her toss her head, her two ponytails flying. That was Sango's personality coming through. Both children carried traits of their parents.
Suiren was intense and passionate in her anger like her mother, but quick witted and easy going like her father. Shun'ei was serious and shy like his mother, but a studious intellectual like his father. Both children were endowed with special gifts that Kohaku believed they had yet to tap into.
"Thank you," he said to the siblings. "Awasumaru and Juun should arrive with an escort, her name is Rin." Kohaku and Shippo both turned and headed down the stairs.
"Call me as soon as they arrive," the taijiya said and as an afterthought, "Shun'ei… if you will assist me, I will allow you the entire afternoon to study your scrolls tomorrow and Suiren… I will make sure you pair with Yoichi for sparring practice tomorrow. That way, you won't have to accost him while he is working."
Shippo laughed heartily as the child blushed to the roots of her hair. It seemed nothing got past her Oji-sensei.
xXxXx
Ah-un ascended gracefully in the air; they had just left the small village where Juun had resided before coming to the Westernlands. The boy had stood on the outskirts awaiting their arrival. Reunited with his foster brother, Rin watched the delight on Awasumaru's face.
In truth, the boys were like real brothers. Juun was two years older than Awasumaru and they had grown up together.
Juun's blindness was due to an accident that had killed his parents. He was only a baby at the time, but his grandmother, Natsumi, and Kikyou had raised him as their own.
During the harvest season, Juun stayed at the village to help the residents with their crops. After all, it was the village where his grandmother had lived and where he had met Kikyou. The two boys alternated visits between the village and the Westernlands during that time.
Rin listened to the boys talking animatedly about their upcoming training. They both seemed excited. Awasuamru was not at all reserved like his parents; the boy showed emotion readily and was open and friendly. Juun was a bit more reserved and took his time getting to know people.
Both boys possessed strong auras and Kikyou thought it best they obtain training from Kohaku. She felt the taijiya could best teach them how to utilize their powers in a positive way.
Rin sensed there was also another reason, but the miko was mysterious as ever. She had learned, as had Sesshomaru, that Kikyou would reveal all in her own time.
Lifting her head to the sky, Rin experienced the same excitement as the boys, although for a different reason. She smiled as she thought of Kohaku's candid face; he had not changed and yet he had.
Although she did not show it, she was surprised at the changes. She had not expected the taijiya to remain the same, but nor had she expected him to look so… appealing. Ducking her head, Rin blushed.
As she had sat cloaked next to Kikyou their first day at the village, she could not look away as Kohaku spoke with the miko. Once their identities were revealed, she recalled holding her breath as she wondered if he would remember her.
Rin had been spellbound when his brown eyes had turned her way. Her gaze was intense as if willing him to remember the time they shared. Kohaku looked skeptical at first and then, his smile broke through.
"Rin."
Her name on his lips was a whispered caress. Impulsive as ever, she had launched herself at him. She had felt Kohaku hesitate, before returning her embrace. As they held each other, it was then that Rin noticed the changes.
He was so much taller than she was; his chest was solid, his arms strong. She felt comfortable there… almost as if she belonged. After releasing him, she had browsed around the room chattering away, trying to hide her confusion. She had never felt this way before.
Once again, it was impulse that she had asked if she could accompany Awasumaru and Juun on their stay. She really needed to listen to Kikyou; the miko had repeatedly warned her about her impetuous nature. Rin recalled their conversation before leaving the castle...
"I see you have yet to tell Sesshomaru your reason for going," Kikyou stated emphatically.
"I am sorry, Kikyou-sama." Rin lowered her head. "I fear he will not understand and will forbid me to go and I want to so badly."
Kikyou stopped suddenly and turned to the young woman at her side. "Just why are you going?"
"I am going to visit an old friend!" Rin's eyes sparkled, but her excitement withered under Kikyou's intense stare. It was easier convincing Sesshomaru than this woman, Rin thought. Sometimes it seemed she could see into your soul, just like Yoippari-sama.
It took some effort, but Rin's gaze did not falter under the miko's scrutiny. Finally, Kikyou's gaze softened.
"Your determination is obvious, little one," she said. "In matters such as these, I am afraid I am not the one to guide you, although I am here if you ever need me."
Before Rin could respond, Kikyou had turned and continued down the corridor.
Returning to the present, she recalled staring after the miko very perplexed. What could she have meant? What matters and why did she need guidance? Although, she did not know what Kikyou was talking about, she felt reassured by her words.
To be continued…
