CHAPTER II - Disorientation
Upon reaching the leafy grove, Sesshomaru did not see anything. Just when his fists clenched with ideas of making the pair suffer, he sensed something.
A barrier. It was faint but it was there. Suddenly, the tenseiga began to move restlessly. Sesshomaru removed it from its sheath and swiftly swung it across the barrier, revealing an opening.
The opening lead him into a part of the grove he did not know existed. While he walked further into the barrier, his mind swirled with ideas. He did not know why Rin would keep a part of her life a secret. It had initially hurt him that Inuyasha knew more about Rin than he did.
As he journeyed inside the grove, he could hear laughter, chatter, the smell of food, and footsteps of many people. It sounded like a large scale gathering. Although he was curious about what it could be and why Rin had wanted it kept hidden, he was also hesitant about interrupting whatever festivity was going on. He was Sesshomaru, The Killing Perfection - not exactly a symbol of happiness and good will.
Before he could turn back however, he caught sight of the scene before him. There was a little cottage built close to a waterfall, and it was surrounded by greenery and the sweet scent of flowers.
In front of the cottage was nineteen year old Rin, wearing one of Sesshomaru's gifts - a colourful floral kimono - her long hair hung loosely in a crown braid, and on her slim waist, sat a small child. Sesshomaru's eyes widened when he realized it was a half-demon child. But before he could comprehend what Rin was doing with a half demon child, three other half-demon children under the age of 13 surrounded her, playing circles around her.
Rin was laughing and twirling, her eyes merry and smile so big that even Sesshomaru's heart could not help but be touched by the sight. But he quickly frowned as to who those half-demon children were and why Rin had kept this place a secret from him.
He was about to step out of the shadows when the one called "Kaede" came into view. Kaede was carrying a basket of treats and began to place them on the blanket that was spread on the grass.
"Rin, won't you visit us again tomorrow?" asked one half-demon boy, looking up at her while tugging her kimono.
Sesshomaru observed the boy. He could not be more than ten. His hair was green braided till his neck, his eyes a clear blue, and on his hands were claws.
"I would love to Tomo but I have chores in the village." said Rin apologetically, placing a hand on the top of his head, while balancing the half-demon child on her waist.
Sesshomaru was seeing Rin in a new light. He had first known Rin when she was a child and then later, as a young woman in the village. But this Rin looked like she could be the half-demon children's mother! His heart gave a painful squeeze. When did Rin become so motherly and capable?
It was then that Kaede sensed Sesshomaru's strong aura. Far too late, in his opinion. He could not believe he had made the decision to leave Rin in Kaede's care all those years ago, seeing as humans were so incompetent. True that Inuyasha's presence in the village gave him a little assurance but all the same, it was wiser not to depend on his brother too much, especially when it came to things that were precious to Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru's thoughts were abruptly brought to a halt when he heard Kaede's voice.
"Come out, whoever ye are, I sense ye." said Kaede, her bow and arrow in fighting stance.
Rin clutched the half-demon baby closer, while nervously looking around everywhere. Sesshomaru found it ironic that she thought him to be the enemy.
He gracefully stepped out into sight. Kaede lowered her bow in resignation and Rin's eyes widened in surprise.
Not one to waste any time, Sesshomaru approached Rin, searching her face for any sort of explanation. Rin was too caught up at his surprising appearance to think of any, since her eyes were still wide and her lips slightly apart. The half-demon baby in her arms was giggling, his little arms towards Sesshomaru.
"Rin." Sesshomaru prompted.
Rin snapped out of her daze, suddenly coming back to reality. She flushed in embarrassment, knowing she had deliberately kept this part of her life a secret from Sesshomaru. She had never lied to Sesshomaru or attempted to deceive him before, but he had not visited in a while due to conflicts in the West, so...
"Rin, will you not speak to me?" asked Sesshomaru, his voice a little questioning.
While Rin was thinking of where to start, the half-demon baby in her arms held his chubby little arms straight towards Sesshomaru, clearly illustrating that he wanted to be held by Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru's cool golden eyes took in the baby's features - wispy soft pink hair, lively green eyes, baby fangs, clawed hands, and a hint of a busy tail.
"Chichiue!" cried the half-demon baby, grinning at Sesshomaru, his chubby arms still extended towards him.
Rin nearly dropped the baby, Sesshomaru's eyes widened to an alarming degree, and Kaede took a loud gulp.
"Rin, what is the meaning of this?" came Sesshomaru's chilling voice.
"Sesshomaru-sama, I can explain but first, I have no idea where Como got 'chichue' from. I assure you I did not even know he could speak and neither did any of the other children!" reassured Rin.
"Rin, we will speak in private now." said Sesshomaru, in a crisp voice.
Rin winced and gave Como to a bewildered Kaede, and followed Sesshomaru back the waterfall.