- - - (A few years before) - - -

Rin watched stone faced as Sango spoke with Kade. While the young girl couldn't hear what was being said, she intuitively knew it was about her.

news of Kagome's victory had reached even the demon world and the dog prince was struck down by how completely her disappearance had changed his half brother. Immediately following the battle with Naraku, Sesshomaru took his companion to the safety of the dark forest and hasn't been very far from her since.

This may have been a red flag for the young ruin, who has become quite accustomed to her master disappearing for days, or weeks on end.

When Myogo suggested she attempt to assimilate back into society, of course Sesshomaru was against it. Society was what had driven her to his charge in the first place. But as the night moved on, he realized more that he was being selfish, keeping her from human interaction, holding on to her as if she still was the young dress child on the road. She was capable, independent and assertive, in the right care she would be powerful.

So approaching Kohaku, and in turn, Sango, was the only next available step. Buy now, Sango's pregnancy was already showing. And so too, apparently, was her budding maternal instincts. She and Rin didn't have a close relationship, but Rin trusted her and (much too the chagrin of the dog prince) the rest of Inuyasha's companions. And that was enough.

"Ooi. Sesshomaru."

Despite not being addressed, Rin turned in Sesshomaru's shadow and said, "eh, Inuyasha. Hello."

"Sup, Rin?"

She didn't answer.

Sesshomaru considered it for a moment, then decided on. "Inuyasha. Good morning."

This seemed to put the half demon boy off a bit and he just said, "what a creepy greeting."

Her older brother didn't say anything about being insulted, though he did admit too himself that it was a bit strange to hear it come from his own mouth. "What is the decision?"

"Tch, what you mean the old women there? He'll would I know."

"Is it really alright if I stay?"

"You'll need human interaction, Rin. So you can function in society." Jaken. Had a stern voice, it did make perfect sense.

"I don't need to talk to people," she argued. "I'll be happy if all I see is Lord Sesshomaru, Jaken and Uhn."

The very thought of his charge depending on him, a man of little to no social needs, made Sesshomaru anxious. Of course she was safe with him, but he was growing every increasingly aware of her other developmental needs. It was hard enough to admit her needs let alone entrust her in the hands of his brother and his companions, Rin arguing his own doubts made the endeavor even more difficult. Jaken, as always, spoke for him in ways he could not fathom - though in words he would not chose either.

"That's not the point, you will need friends too, and humans. They are your kind."

"Aren't we family? I don't need to be in a village to talk to other humans. And it's too-"

His resolve was shaking, so instead he interjected, "I'm asking you to live with them. Do it for me Rin."

At the very level sound of her protector's voice, Rin clamped her mouth shut then said, "yes"

Of course, Inuyasha eyeballs his half brother. "But really, why us?" Then a quick aside to Rin, "not that I mind Rin, I'm sure Shipo and Sango well be happy to have your company."

"You have learned a lot recently, Inuyasha."

As if that was the answer, "haah?"

But Sesshomaru didn't elaborate, and not long after that, Sango approached them with word from Kade, "she says she would be happy to take care of Rin while you're gone.

- - -(Presently)- - -

His mother had suggested the second daughter, White, as the best candidate for his future queen: and wanted him to meet her first, and that was the arrangement.

But as fate had it, a morning stroll in the west garden had him run into Yue, the first daughter, first.

He honestly hadn't expected to see her there, since it was the armory training area, and the field was filed with the sons and guards of the Yuki family. Inunoyuki was known for their large family, and they were favorite warriors of his father. During the cat dog war, it was the Yuki family that his father depended on. And they hardly ever disappointed.

It wasn't hard to see why.

They weren't just a very powerful demon, they were also sleek, graceful, quick weird and strong. Though hardly half the size of his father in his true form, Yuki was just as ferocious a commander of dogs as his father ever was.

Yue and her brothers were sparring together. The metal smacking loudly on metal. And the dog has to admit, she was a fine specimen of the Inu clan. Her long white hair and dark blue check steak extended over her fine white brow.

She was only a little older than Sesshomaru. Maybe by a hundred years or so. But she carried the same elegance as he did, some similar refinement. And similar ruthlessness.

"Not good enough," she chided the two dogs she fell, "Do it again."

They were obviously her younger brothers. And not the first to be stuck by their sisters sword. "My jaw hurts..."

"Then fight with your claws! Really you two. Father would not be so tolerant." And this, Sesshomaru believes could be true.

"My jaw hurts too, onii."

She sighed, obviously she was not going to win this argument, then said "feh, okay. Go take a break. We can continue this after breakfast."

"Hey Yue... don't you think your being a bit harsh on them?"

She glared at her twin brother. "And how harsh was father on us, Ryu?"

"That's different," he started, "the war is over now."

"One can never be too prepared."

Another thing Sesshomaru agreed on.

He barely remembered the twins fighting, but even at a tender age they were a force to be reckoned with. The two siblings were still alive; that was testament to their skills on the battlefield. At least his mother knew to pick warriors in the family, he would be compliant around businessmen.

"Lord Sesshomaru." They knelt as he approached them. "Good morning"

"Good morning." Sesshomaru tried to hide the fact that he thought Ryu's facial reaction to his greeting reflected the same sort of look Inuyasha gave him when he first said good morning to him. He would have to reevaluate his morning greeting.

"Am I interrupting?"

"No, we were just taking a break."

"I see."

There was an awkward pause before Ryu took a hint and excused himself, "maa, I am going to check on the supplies for the journey back to the valley. I'll be back after the break." And he wandered off toward the stables.

Yue followed him with her eyes in a sort of 'you'd abandon me?' loathing before finally addressing the prince. "So -"

"Have you been informed that my mother wants me to pick a mate from your family?"

"What's with the stark questions?" She gasped under her breath, obviously a little surprised at his forwardness. Then to him , "we've been informed. Yes. Though the queen hasn't said who among us is the one."

"She hasn't decided."

"...right." Sesshomaru smelled her discomfort immediately.

"You do not want to be queen."

"It's not that! No my Lord. If I was called upon that role, I would serve you as a seeing queen and I will fulfill my duties as asked of me."

"Then why the fear?"

"Not fear, Lord. Just concern: I'm a warrior, I am skilled in fighting and I relish in the victory of it. I am concerned about my capacity to...retain your interest, since mine is of my honor and duty alone."

"You mean to say you are not a good leader?"

She took offense to that, as she should have. He picked that question knowing full-well that she led her own small battalion during the war when she was virtually a puppy. He knew she was a good leader.

"I don't know if I am a good leader." She answered, "but I am a good fighter."

"Hmm..." And from the armory, Sesshomaru speed the two younger brothers walking back to them in the field. "I see"

And the dog woman blushed frustrated.

"Well I shall speak more too you when it is your turn tonight."

"I understand. Thank you Lord Sesshomaru."

And as he was leaving, he said to her, "you should not be so easy on them"

- - -(A few years Before)- - -

Rin has always been very obedient. Even enthusiastic about all endeavors that Sesshomaru had asked of her. Immediately entering the miko's home, she was about exploring every crack. Sesshomaru watched as she ran from corner to corner, and once his inspection of the new abode passed his satisfaction he said to Jaken. "Prepare Uhn, were leaving."

He had hoped to slip away before Rin could ask him any questions. But he was not quick enough, and immediately the little girl called out for him.

"Are you leaving now?"

..."Yes".

"When will you return?"

Something in Sesshomaru's chest seized. She had never asked him when he was going to return, she always just said, 'be safe'. He looked down at her and had no answer. He really hasn't thought of when he would be back. "I don't know" he admitted.

"Okay." Then she looked surprisingly disdained.

"I'll come back to see you," he started, this was never a question. "I have duties that I must not neglect."

"Will you have fun without me?"

"What is expected of me is not about whether or not it is 'fun'. It is just a matter of something that must be done."

"It is important to separate what you must do and what you want to do." She agreed. Then she smiled, "I'll wait her for your return, master Sesshomaru."

He relished in how he never smelled fear on her. "I expect you to behave."

"Yes!" And as he exits he hears her shout, "be safe!"