Fireworks exploded in the night sky covering the land with a warm and intermittent glow. However, Rin and Sesshomaru were not focused on the show, but rather each other. The embrace they shared was something they had only dreamed of. Both wondered, was this real or a dream? It was surreal and unknown, but they were no longer dreams. This moment was real and it was something that they didn't want to end. Rin's eyes sparkled like the fireworks that danced in the sky as she gazed at her lord. Sesshomaru was looking at her with eyes she had never before seen. They were filled with happiness and for the first time in many years a smile slipped onto his lips. Rin couldn't help but reply in kind as she too gave him a smile. Her cheeks were red hot and she couldn't hold back her feelings of joy.
"My lord..." Rin's voice was soft and almost bashful, "I hope I can return to your side and travel with you again."
"If you are happier by my side than I will not stop you, but remember the road I travel is not easy." He replied with a stern undertone.
Sesshomaru didn't want to put Rin in danger by bringing her with him. However, he also didn't want her in that village any longer. He wanted Rin to be his and that meant always keeping an eye on her. He could no longer let Inuyasha see over the woman he cared for. Rin placed her head on the fluffy extension of Sesshomaru's body and stated,
"I know, but you are the strongest demon, My Lord. When I am by your side I know I will face danger and I also know that you are never far off. I promise not to be a burden to you."
Rin closed her eyes as she moved her head onto his shoulder and grabbed his kimono. He kept his arms wrapped around her as if he was already protecting her. Staring down at her with a look in his eyes that every woman dreamed of. He would soon hide the emotions that now covered his normally stoic face. However, they were alone and he was allowed to look at Rin however he wished. Over the years, Sesshomaru watched her become an expectional young woman. There were many things that caused him to love her and he began to understand his father's feelings more.
Rin didn't want this moment to end as she looked up to see her lord gazing upon her. She could feel the love emanating from him and her heart raced. Lifting her head from his shoulder she cupped his cheek with her right hand as her thumb trailed back and forth along his cheek bone. She used the tips of her toes to push herself up towards Sesshomaru and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She knew that she must hold herself back, so she used her other hand to push herself away from his body. He allowed her to break free from his grasp and admired her grace as she spun, positioning her body to his left side.
"Come on, let's go to the village. I promise to let go before we get there." She giggled.
Rin knew now that he loved her and she knew he wouldn't care for others to know. She didn't care if he only wanted to love her in the shadows. She just wanted him to love her and she got just that. They walked along the path together and Rin couldn't help but fill the silence with her humming. This was actually soothing to Sesshomaru as he enjoyed the soft sounds coming from her lips.
Meanwhile back at the village, Kagome was staring off into the distance and paying no attention to the fireworks. Her mind was focused on Rin and what she could be doing. She could feel Sesshomaru was in the area and she saw Jaken as well as A-Un. She was just curious on what the two were up to. Is she telling him how she feels? Did he feel the same for her? What was happening? Those were some of the many questions Kagome was asking her self as she gazed towards the forest. She knew how Rin felt for him. She had much of the same feelings toward Inuyasha when they were still fighting Naraku. Her love for Inuyasha was known, but before Kikyo's final death there was nothing Kagome could do to win his complete love. Rin was standing on the sidelines, hiding her feelings whenever he came around, and pretending she was happy here. Kagome sighed,
"I hope the two of them get here soon."
"What are you talking about?" Inuyasha asked as walked up to Kagome's side.
Kagome looked over at him, "Sesshomaru and Rin, where are they?"
"If you are worried, don't be. I'm sure she is safe."
Kagome shook her head, "I'm not worried about her safety, I'm worried about her heart."
Inuyasha cocked his head to the side, "Her heart? Has a demon taken control over it?" He placed a hand on the hilt of his Tessaiga.
Kagome waved her hands in front of her face, "NO! Nothing like that! I'm talking about Rin's love for Sesshomaru."
Inuyasha stuck out his tongue in disgust, "Ugh, can we not talk about that."
Kagome pouted, "I'm just worried that if she tells him...he won't return her feelings."
Kagome looked up at the fireworks, they were getting close to the end of the show. She felt Inuyasha's arm lay across her back and his hand rest on her shoulder. She changed her gaze to him and he was smiling at her,
"I assume the heartless bastard won't, but she will always have us." He gave her a grin.
Despite his enthusiasm, Kagome wasn't pleased by his reply. She balled up her fist, "Inuyasha..." glaring at him, "That wasn't the answer I was looking for."
A voice came from behind, "It may not be the one ye wanted, but it is true."
The two turned around to see Kaede walking up to Kagome's free side. The old woman smiled, "If Rin acts on these feelings of her's, she might not get the response she wants to hear. However, we will be there to comfort her if it happens."
Kagome nodded and sighed, still wondering how things were going and how long Kaede had been listening in. The fireworks ceased and an aruption of applause filled the village. Kagome could not bring herself to celebrate at the moment, not with Rin on her mind. Just then, she saw them both walking up to the village. Rin walked just a few steps behind Sesshomaru, and her face didn't look like that of someone who had just gotten their heart broken. She looked happy and Kagome was glad for this. She wasn't sure if Rin had told him how she felt, but she would find out. Rin waved at Kagome, Inuyasha, and Kaede as she jogged over to them.
"Hey guys, sorry we didn't get back here sooner. The fireworks looked so much better from the hill that we decided to stay there for the first half. Hope I didn't worry you, Kagome."
Kagome smiled, "Of course not! I wasn't worried at all."
Inuyasha and Kaede said in unison, "Yeah right."
Rin laughed as Kagome glared them both down. However, Kagome stopped her looks of hatred and grabbed Rin's arm, pulling her away, as far from Sesshomaru as she could. Kaede smiled and followed the two girls.
"Where are you taking me?" Rin asked
"No where." Kagome replied.
Inuyasha stood there scratching his head, wondering what on earth was up with those girls. Sesshomaru did not care what the women did and it was none of his concern. He turned around and walked back to the forest around the village, only coming for Rin's sake. They would stay until morning, something Rin requested of him, then they would leave this village. However, as he went to leave, a voice stopped him.
"Hey Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha yelled out.
Sesshomaru stopped, but did not turn around, "What?"
"What did you and Rin really do on the hill?"
Sesshomaru turned around just enough to have Inuyasha in his sights, "That is not your concern."
Inuyasha was infuriated by his answer, "It is my concern Sesshomaru, we have been taking care of her for years! She is family now and she means a lot to us. You better not hurt her."
Sesshomaru didn't reply, but turned back around and walked off. He would never hurt Rin, but he didn't have to explain himself to anyone. As Sesshomaru faded off into the distance, Jaken appeared by Inuyasha's side. He looked down at the imp,
"Don't worry Inuyasha. Lord Sesshomaru may not be fond of saying it, but he would never allow any harm to come to Rin." Jaken said as he stared into the darkness that Sesshomaru had faded into.
Inuyasha made a low growl and made his way back to the festivities that were still under way. He wouldn't worry himself with Sesshomaru any longer. Meanwhile, Kagome had pulled Rin far enough away and she had to ask,
"Rin, did you tell him?" Kagome was ready to hang on to Rin's every word.
Rin felt her cheeks heat up and she couldn't help but place her hands on them as a way to hide it. Looking down she did not reply,
"Speak Rin. Kagome has been very worried about ye." Kaede said as she walked up to the young woman.
"Well, I did..." Rin was hesitant on saying anymore, but she knew Kagome wouldn't let up if she left it there, "It went well, he..."
Rin fell silent, but Kagome wouldn't take this, she had to know more. She grabbed Rin's arms, "Come on! He what? What did he do after you told him?"
"He...kissed me."
Kagome froze, her mouth fell wide open, and she stared at Rin. She was shocked, he kissed her? He actually kissed her and that meant he must feel the same, right? Did Sesshomaru really love Rin? Kagome's thoughts ran wild as Rin wiggled from her grip and stepped back. Kagome's arms fell to her sides as she remained dumbfounded.
"Kagome, are you ok?" Rin said as she snapped her fingers in front of Kagome's face.
Kagome shook her head and returned to herself, "So..." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, "What will happen now?"
Rin smiled and took Kagome's hand in her's. "I want to return to his side."
Kagome could feel the happiness that flowed through Rin. Rin's eyes were filled with so many emotions, but happiness was prominent. Although this was heart breaking to hear, she felt it would have happened sooner or later. Rin was truly radiant when Sesshomaru was around. It was always as if his presence alone unlocked a piece of her. The same could be said for Sesshomaru, but he would deny it.
Kagome pulled Rin into her arms and whispered, "Ok then. We will just have to make this night count."
Wrapping her arms around Kagome, Rin found herself to be speechless. These people were her family, but she was not destined for this village. They all taught her so much over the years, skills she knew would help her with the journey she dreamed of. Her future was with her lord, travelling the land with him as he grew stronger. He had been and always would be her world.
The night went on as Kagome, Rin, and Kaede returned to the festivities. They told the others of Rin's choice to once again travel with Sesshomaru. Everyone took the news differently and showed how they would miss Rin in their own way. Kagome told her's and Sango's children, who didn't really understand. A combination of being young and being tired from a long day, so she took them to their beds. Inuyasha didn't say much to Rin, but that was expected. He cared for the girl, but like his brother, didn't really know how to convey his feelings through words. Sango viewed Rin as a little sister, much like Kagome did, and wished her happiness.
Rin smiled at Sango, who was hugging her, and felt so loved. Sango pulled back and looked at Rin, "Don't forgot everything we tauget you."
Rin nodded, "I won't."
"Ladies, don't leave me out." Said Miroku as he came up from their side, wrapping his arms around them both. The monk wasted no time as he stroked their bottoms. Rin blushed as Sango slapped him across the face,
"Really? You are such a pervert! You will never change!"
He laughed, "I don't ask women to bear my children anymore."
"Of course, because I beared your children!"
The two continued on as Rin smiled, she was going to miss this place and these people. She has so many good memories with them, but she wants to makes new ones with her lord. As she was in thought a hand rested on her shoulder, it was Kohaku. She looked at the young man and he smiled at her,
"Everyone is sure going to miss you."
"Like how we miss you?"
He nodded, "I suppose so."
The night continued on and eventually everyone went to their huts. Rin couldn't sleep, she was too excited for tomorrow. Her journey was about to begin and she eventually had to force herself to sleep. She had to have all her energy for tomorrow.
Morning was approaching as the light from the sun stretched into the sky. Kagome awoke from her slumber and slowly got out of bed, being careful not to wake up Inuyasha and their children. She made her way out of the hut and towards Rin and Kaede's hut. She pulled back the covering on the door and peeked in to find Kaede already awake, but Rin was nowhere to be seen.
"Did she leave already?" Kagome asked.
"Heavens no child, she went out to prepare for her journey. I think she is with A-Un."
Kagome nodded and took her leave towards Rin and found her by the horses and A-Un. She was messing with something on A-Un, a satchel by the looks of it. It extended to the other side of A-Un and she saw Rin attaching the bow and arrows Kagome had given her some time ago. Kagome had taught Rin how to use it, so that way she knew how to use a weapon. Rin was a natural, but it was too bad that she didn't have spiritual abilities to boot. Kagome approached Rin and was only a few steps behind her.
"Good morning, Rin."
Rin turned to see Kagome and smiled, "Good morning, Kagome."
"Do you have everything you need?"
Rin nodded, "I think I'm all set, trying to keep it light."
Kagome nodded, pulled out something wrapped in cloth and unfolded to reveal a necklace. It was a thin beaded necklace with a craved flower pendant attached to it. Rin gasped,
"It's beautiful, is it for me?"
Kagome nodded, "It is. I purified it, that way you will be safe from evil."
Kagome placed it around Rin's neck and it draped just a few inches from her collarbone. Rin placed her fingers on the pendant and smiled. She wrapped Kagome in a hug and Kagome did the same.
"Thank you." Rin said in a soft tone.
"Rin." Sesshomaru's voice came from beyond. "Are you ready?"
The two girls looked up from their hug to see the demon standing on the other side of A-Un. Rin nodded to him as the demon turned around and left the two women. Jaken followed his lord, not waiting on Rin. She looked at Kagome,
"Tell everyone I'm sorry I didn't stay to say goodbye."
Kagome nodded, not wanting to let her tears to take hold. Rin let go of Kagome, mounted A-Un and steered the demon towards the direction Sesshomaru went. She turned and waved one final time as tears filled her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. Kagome waved, doing the same to her tears. The small group then took to the sky, towards the rising sun, leaving Kagome on her own. Rin was now where she felt she belonged, by her lord's side. The wind blew through Rin's long, dark hair and she took a deep breath. This was the start of her journey and no matter what was ahead, she knew that she had made the right choice.
