(to be sung to the tune of "Yes Jesus Loves Me)

I own nothing this I know, 'cos my checkbook tells me so

Rin and Lord Sesshomaru, both know who the belong to

R. Takahashi, R. Takahashi, R. Takahashi

'cos my checkbook tells me so!

CHAPTER 3

A Rebel Without A Clue

Enraged and practically grief stricken, Sesshomaru made his way to the western lands. He needed to kill something. He needed to see blood. He needed to see the suffering of another. He didn't care who was unfortunate enough to cross his path that evening as he cut a swath of death and destruction on his way to his homelands.

While the majority of his opponents were lesser youkai who's lives lasted the length of time it took him for him to unsheathe his sword, the very last youkai he challenged proved himself worthy of the death that he would finally receive. That battle lasted for the better part of the remainder of the evening before Sesshomaru finally liberated the head of a rather formidable snake youkai from it's shoulders.

Exhausted almost to the point of delirium, Sesshomaru decided to spend the remainder of his evening resting in a small forest that was nested by a mountainside near the boarders of his lands. With no preamble, the Tai youkai made himself comfortable by a sizeable tree, and fell asleep "That's funny," he mused to himself before exhaustion claimed him, "I don't recall ever seeing this patch of land before.

There is nothing more beautiful than watching the forest awaken and start a new day. Early in the morning, before the sun rises, a blanket of fog can be seen leisurely rolling across the forest floor rendering an almost ethereal appearance to the surroundings.

Even a human nose can smell the moisture in the air as the silence of night slowly gives way to the waking sounds of morning. As the sun comes up slowly burning through the last vestiges of fog, the smaller creatures will awaken first. The mice, then the rabbits, then the birds. And finally, once the sun has cleared the horizon and the fog had finally lifted, the greater beasts will start their day.

Lady Atzuki never missed a sunrise. It was one of the things that made her exile tolerable. She would rise well before the dawn, enjoy a cup of tea, and then "patrol" the perimeters of "her" forest.

She had lived here long enough for both the local youkai and even a few humans that lived in the area to know her as a neighbor of sorts. Feared by some, but respected by all, Lady Atzuki served her time in these woods as a "healer" of both youkai and humans. Although more well versed in youkai medicines, she would help any human brave enough to ask her for it.

This morning, her forest felt 'different'. It seemed calmer than usual. All the inhabitants moved a bit more freely. It was not until she came upon the body of Gah, the great snake youkai, that she realized what all of the relief was about.

In her forest, all who came without ill intent were welcome. No need was too great or small, and she did not discriminate. But Gah, was a bully. Simple and direct.

Because of the Lady Atzuki, unless the snake youkai intended to end your life, he would be unsuccessful - her medicines thwarted most of his afflictions. As for bruises and broken bones, she could heal those also in record time, But the unfortunate that crossed his path would still have to endure his beating.

Gah was dead, and the forest would be peaceful once again.

But who could have killed him? Who had the strength?

While she would have liked to have thanked her champion, it ultimately did not matter. The woods were free of it's most feared nemesis. None would miss him, and it was only a matter of time before someone would bury his carcass and his memory forever.

It was not until she had just about finished her "rounds" that Lady Atzuki came across Sesshomaru. They both scented each other from a distance, but neither sensed any ill will, so Sesshomaru remained where he was and the Lady continued her walk. When they'd finally had the other in sight, Sesshomaru made no move, and Lady Atzuki showed no fear. In fact, Atzuki came within striking distance to Sesshomaru before finally speaking.

It was immediately obvious that the demoness before him was no youngster. Atzuki was still a strikingly beautiful demoness for her age. She stood tall and regal. In her youth, her hair was once a vibrant shade of green. But with all things that age, it now had streaks of white through out. These streaks accented an angular face with gold eyes, much like Sesshomaru's. She even had a still very sleek and shapely body.

The colors that she wore complimented the forest that was her home. Beautiful shades of red brown and green adorned her. It would be easy for anyone to understand why the surrounding humans referred to her as "The Goddess of the Forest".

Lady Atzuki now stood before Sesshomaru with amusement clearly etched across her face.

"I'll gather that you are the one that dispatched Gah." she said in a 'matter of fact' tone.

Sesshomaru growled with warning. "Did you come to avenge his death?"

Lady Atzuki laughed heartily. "Heavens no! If anything, I will gladly offer my thanks for having ended his wretched existence."

Sesshomaru was not exactly sure how to take the demoness that now stood before him. It slightly un nerved him that she showed no fear, and actually seemed unconcerned with his presence.

Sesshomaru continued eyeing her cautiously. Sensing his discomfort, the Lady took a step back and gave a slight bow of introduction.

"While the inhabitants of this forest and it's surrounding lands call me by many names, my true name is Lady Atzuki. Now who might you be little puppy?" she inquired good naturedly.

Sesshomaru growled in annoyance, but then rose from his seat. "I am Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands." he said accenting his words with a small snarl. Atzuki seemed unimpressed.

"Well, "Lord Sesshoamru of the Western Lands", she said with open sarcasm as she tottered her head back and forth as she spoke, "Once you've done with lounging about in my forest, why don't you stop by my home so that I may thank you properly for having rid me of my annoyance."

Atzuki wasted no time in waiting on a response. She simply glided past Sesshomaru and continued her walk.

Sesshomaru was no fool. This demoness was very powerful. If he were to have challenged her, there was little doubt in his mind that he would be on the receiving end of a very sound beating.

She showed him only the slightest respect out of simple courtesy. He hated to admit it, but Sesshomaru wanted to know more about her.

Atzuki seemed to know that Sesshomaru would have no difficulty finding her residence. So instead of leading him immediately, She chose to leave him as she continued to survey the forest that she claimed as hers before he came for his 'visit'.

Between the duties of court and the duties of the house, the lord and lady of the south did not often enjoy breakfast together. While dinner was always a "family affair" the first meal of the day was not.

This morning however, would be slightly different. With the pending visit to the western lands, the affairs of the house and court would soon become closely related and both sovereigns would need to confer with each other more regularly.

This morning, Lady Tsune found her parents enjoying the remains of their breakfast on the porch of their common room that loomed over a huge garden of cherry blossom trees. Tsune was visibly upset, but still faced her parents and bowed respectfully before speaking.

"Father, is it just for me to find out about my impending proposal to another lord through the chatter of the servants? Do I mean so little to you both that I do not deserve to know what is happening from either of you directly?"

Lord Dotsu looked up from his morning tea into the heated glair of his only daughter.

"The oversight is mine daughter. And I apologize." Setting his cup on the table before him, he extended his hand to his child. Tsune sighed softly as she reached for her father's hand.

"You have not been informed because I'm not sure that I wish for you to accept."

Tsune's apparent anger now shifted to avid curiosity.

"And why is that father?"

Lady Uri then spoke up.

"We are not sure of the intentions of the house of the west daughter."

Lord Dotsu pulled Tsune to take a seat at the table, as he continued.

"Daughter, you are old enough to remember. How many war's has this house been in and how many have we won?"

Tsune dropped her head slightly in thought.

"We've had enemies to the north and to the east." she said thoughtfully. "We repelled them both!" she recalled with a touch of triumph. "Even when they joined forces, we remained victorious!"

Lord Dotsu's eyes gleamed with pride at his daughter's response.

"Now let me ask you daughter. Did we call on the west for assistance… even once?"

Tsune's eyes lit up. "No father, not at all."

Dotsu smirked as he released his daughter's hand and sat back in his chair.

"That is why you were not told yet. The west is up to something and I mean to find out exactly what it is. This house is not in need of any alliance. We have proven ourselves to all our neighbors - all but the west. This sudden proposal is either given out of need or desperation." Lord Dotsu smiled, then rose from his chair.

"Make no mistake daughter. You and whoever you choose as a mate will rule these lands. The south has remained as strong as it has primarily because we understand the one truth to life that our brethren do not."

Lord Dotsu stepped to his daughter and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

"If you and your mother will excuse me, I have a few matters to attend to right now." Tsune sighed softly. "Yes father."

Dotsu gave a smile and a small bow to Lady Uri, and was gone in an instant.

Tsune now turned a thoughtful eye to her mother. "Mother, why does father always speak in riddles?"

Lady Uri chuckled a bit. "What do you mean daughter?"

Tsune wrinkled her brow. "What does he mean by 'one truth'?"

Lady Uri smiled. The one truth is simple. Love is the greatest power that there is, and change is not a burden, but a joy."

Lady Uri could see the unspoken question in her daughter's eyes. She gave a soft sigh and continued.

"How long have your father and I been sovereigns to this land?" Tsune thought for only a moment. "For as long as I can remember." she answered softly. Lady Uri smiled warmly. "We have ruled for much longer than that child.

Would you like to know why?"

Tsune sat almost enraptured.

"It is because we love each other." Tsune wrinkled her nose in annoyance. Her mother ignored it.

"Further more, we love our people… all of our people, demon and human alike."

Tsune 'huffed' softly. "Humans are useless!"

Lady Uri sipped at her tea.

"You did not think that way initially. That's your aunt talking. And it was talk like that that got her banished to begin with."

Tsune's countenance suddenly turned dark and cold. " No mother, Aunt Atzuki was right. Humans are weak." Tsune continued with a small hitch to her breath. "They are all cowards who will abandon you when you need him the most!"

Lady Uri arched an eyebrow at her daughter's comment, and said nothing more.

Sesshomaru was secretly amused by the speed with which Lady Atzuki had left him.

He'd barely taken his eyes away from her before she was gone from sight. Indeed this demoness was worthy of his time. Rather than follow directly behind her, Sesshomaru decided to retrace the steps she took before coming to him.

Her scent was easy enough to find. And it would give her time to return home and be comfortable before he arrived.

Besides, he was very curious about Both her "territory" and how she came about living in this forest.

It was the pillow that Rin felt under her head that gave her reason to wake up. She knew that she was on bare floor the night before and the only comfort that she allowed herself was the blanket that Inuyasha had draped over her just before he built the fire she slept by last night.

She rose slowly and rubbed at her eyes before focusing on another bowl of food left for her. Judging by the steam still coming off of it, it had not been there that long. Rin had instinctively wanted to jump up to find her benefactor and at least say thank you. But she thought better of it. Only Inuyasha could have been quiet enough to both see to her comfort and leave food without her noticing.

In spite of her best efforts not to, Rin found a smile slowly snaking it's way across her face. Sesshomaru had taught her well.

While she may not have been youkai, there were only a hand full of people that were skillful enough to approach her without her notice. Actually, there were only three. Inuyasha, the demon slayer wife of the monk in the village, and of course, Sesshoamru himself.

As her thoughts turned to Sesshomaru, Rin began to cry again.

His 'leaving' her somewhere had always a possibility, but she had dared to hope that she held enough worth in his eyes to either remain with him or to at least be told of an impending 'break'.

Rin snuffled a bit, then wiped her eyes with the heels of her hands. What's done is done. She thought. For now, she must eat and begin her preparations. She still was in need of Kagome's help with both purchasing fabric and making appropriate traveling clothing. And, while she chose not to dwell on it, Rin was almost looking forward to her self imposed solitude.

Even before Sesshomaru left her with Inuyasha, she had grown to appreciate what her lord referred to as "the beauty of silence". When she was younger, she did not fully understand exactly where 'beauty' could be found in silence. But, as she began to spend time among the humans of the village, with their constant crying and whining and worrying about absolutely nothing, Rin would find herself spending as much time as she could in the welcome silence of the surrounding woods. She always seemed to find comfort there. It was the remembered quiet of the woods that helped Rin make her decision about her life

During the night, Rin decided to find her solace in 'patrolling' the perimeters of Sesshomaru's lands. Rin had no idea what may lie in store for her lord in the future and someone needed to at least try to see to his properties. Perhaps if she caught wind of some uprising, she may be able to alert him to it. Who was to say?

In any event, this was her decided plan of action and she was more than ready to see it through. Sesshomaru would have her help weather he wanted it or not.

It was shortly before noon before Sesshomaru finally made his way to Atzuki's somewhat modest dwelling. A surprisingly well manicured front yard wound it's way to what could only be called a 'house' (for lack of a better word) that sat strategically placed among a tight cluster of tall trees which in turn blended well along the side of a mountain. The structure was simple and sound enough, but is still looked as if it would soon be in need of repairs

As he approached the doorway (pleasantly surprised that there even was a door) a rather pleasant looking flower demoness stepped out to greet him. She smiled slightly and bowed deeply before speaking.

"Greetings my lord. Lady Atzuki will be receiving you in her garden."

Sesshomaru followed the demoness for a good distance before coming to an even more secluded grove of trees that seemed to sway to mark the trail to where he found the Lady regally seated by an elaborate wooden table.

Lady Atzuki smiled brightly as she motioned Sesshomaru to a seat that sat caddy corner to hers.

"I'm glad that you saw fit to come and visit me little puppy!" She chirped good naturedly. Sesshomaru winced slightly as he unsuccessfully tried to tamp down an annoyed growl.

Lady Atzuki missed nothing. Chuckling slightly she gave Sesshomaru a slight side glance.

"You disapprove of my name for you then?"

Sesshomaru gave a stern glance in her direction. "I am not a puppy!" he hissed.

"Ahh, but to me you are! You appear young enough to have been my son." Atzuki laughed a grand laugh. "Actually, you could have been my son!

Lady Atzuki closed her eyes and smiled. "Oh that Midori was a crafty one, I'll grant her that!" Sesshomaru could not hide his surprise.

"How do you know me demoness?" he asked as evenly as possible.

Lady Atzuki opened her eyes and gave Sesshomaru an almost piercing stare.

"I don't know you little puppy, I know your mother. You are her very image." Atsuki snickered a bit. "You look nothing like your father."

Sesshomaru fidgeted slightly at this statement. Atzuki had noticed that she had taken Sesshomaru off balance as she continued.

"Yes, I knew your father as well. Had the fates seen differently, I may have been your mother. But as I said earlier, Midori proved herself to be the more crafty of the two of us."

Atzuki sat back in her chair slightly. "I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Taisho had decided to take a mate. My father and the father of every household of breeding were instructed to bring their daughters to a grand dinner given so that Taisho could pick and choose from among us." Atzuki paused for a moment as if reflecting on the evening so long ago.

"While your father was considered to be quite the catch, far too many of the demoness present proved themselves to be..a bit .. over eager to please." Atzuki's eyes snapped open as she gave a sly look in Sesshomaru's direction. "No man be he demon or human wants a woman who will throw herself at him."

Atzuki closed her eyes and continued. "Many a spoiled demoness was sent home packing in short order. Ultimately, the only two remaining were your mother and myself. I was more of a 'thinker' where Midori was simply 'beautiful'. Atzuki huffed as if in defeat. "Beauty won out."

Sesshomaru was only barely able to hide his over all surprise. Unfortunately, Lady Atzuki's story only made room for even more questions.

Sesshomaru wisely decided that some questions were best left unanswered until later. Now, he needed to understand how and why this demoness came to be here in these woods. Atzuki seemed to have read his mind as she turned to face him fully as she gave a warm smile.

"I know I've given you much to think about. And in all of that information, I dare to say that you are more interested in where I came from and how it is that I arrived here. Am I correct?"

Sesshomaru could only nod in affirmation.

Atzuki smiled and sat back in her chair.

I have lived here for centuries. How I came to be here is not your concern. But know that I am not an enemy. I hold no grudge against anyone, and I hold no alliance with anyone, and I am only supported by the few youkai and humans surrounding this forest. Both call me by many names, but I am a healer by choice."

Sesshomaru was both impressed and relieved by the frankness of Atzuki's answer. Judging by both her heart rate and breathing, she was telling the truth (although he fully intend to keep a watchful eye on her anyway). While contemplating his next words, Sesshomaru came upon an idea.

It was highly uncharacteristic of Sesshomaru to do anything without giving it thorough thought, but he would attend to any 'snags' to this idea as they came along.

He regarded his hostess for a moment before speaking.

"You spoke of thanking me for having rid you of an annoyance." he said evenly.

Atzuki clapped her hands.

"Yes! Gah came some time ago and appointed himself my 'protector'. I didn't at all mind at first. It was nice to have some company. But, some time had passed before I had found out that he was extorting payment from the sick for my services. Can you imagine the gall? Once I had called him out about it, he then tried to lay claim to both me and these lands."

Atzuki stopped suddenly and grinned with a hint of satisfaction. "He had no idea of how well I can fight when given good cause! I'd beaten him within an inch of his life!" she hissed happily.

"Instead of leaving, he chose to hide and bully any that needed me. He never fully succeeded in turning anyone away because by then, I had gathered what one could only call a 'following'.

The youkai and humans that I had helped had dedicated themselves to my service. Any that Gah may have turned away were quickly gathered and brought to me anyway." Atzuki paused as if embarrassed.

"Forgive me young lord. I don't have company that often, and when I do, I tend to babble. I do not have much, but please tell me. What type of payment do you seek?"

Sesshomaru took in a breath before speaking.

"I want you to take on an apprentice - a human apprentice.

Kami bless 'aunt' Kagome and her big mouth!

Rin did not need to have youkai hearing to clearly understand every word that the woman was blathering at the moment to the monk and his demon slayer wife.

Rin smiled a weary smile as she turned the dirt road that led to Inuyasha and Kagome's hut.

"Apparently my life is no longer my own and I have yet to set foot out of the village!"

Sympathetic laughter could be heard in the trees. Rin looked up just as Inuyasha jumped down to meet her. Inuasha was clearly uncomfortable listening as Kagome continued rant on. Rin could only chuckle a bit as she watched him squirm.

"I gotta apologize for Kagome. She can run off at the mouth when she gets a notion.

Rin smiled warmly. "It's alright." she said softly.

"No, it's not! Inuyasha replied with a snarl. Rin hung her head as she fought not to cry for the umpity oomph time that morning. Inuyasha lay a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"For what it's worth to you, this is not how he wanted things to be. I guess that this is the down side of being the "responsible ruler."

Rin drew in a deep breath before wiping at the moisture in her eyes that was threatening to find release. "I thought as much." She then turned to Inuyasha and sighed. "But I still dared to hope."

Inuyasha smirked and tugged at Rin's kimono sleeve.

"Cone on, I want to see for myself how good the tracking skills I taught you still are. You're gonna need them soon enough!"

Rin laughed in spite of herself. "You're on!" she chirped.

Rin smiled warmly as she trotted off behind Inuyasha. It always would surprise her when he seemed more insightful than his mate. "I will never understand why Lord Sesshomaru thinks so poorly of his brother" she thought. "Anyone with two eyes could clearly see that they both shared the common threads of honor, concern, and love. Inuyasha just voiced himself differently."

Rin had been so deep in thought that she didn't notice how far ahead Inuyasha had gone.

"Get the lead out will ya?" He shouted, "I mean to have you show me every technique before this day is over!"

Rin gave a quick huff as she composed herself. "Yes, Inuyasha most definitely voices himself differently!"

Lady Atzuki's eyes grew wide as she openly stared at Sesshomaru slack jawed,

"Take on an apprentice my lord? A human apprentice?"

Sesshomaru found great amusement in the expression on the face of the demoness before him.

"Will you do it?" he asked again.

Lady Atzuki tried unsuccessfully to hide her enthusiasm.

"It would be an honor! I have always been curious about the human race. I have wanted to know a human for some time now. Will my apprentice be able to stand being around youkai?"

A small ghost of a smile made it's way across Sesshomaru's face.

"Rin has spent half of her life with youkai and the other half with humanity. It appears that she prefers the company of demons over that of her own kind."

"Rin?"

"The name of your new apprentice."

Shesshomaru then stood to leave.

"I will return for you in two days time. Notify who you must and pack a bag with enough clothing for a week. When I return for you, you will be housed as a guest at the castle of one of the human lords who holds his allegiance to me for that long. If all goes as planned, I will return you to your new dwelling sooner"

Atzuki arched an eyebrow. "My new dwelling?"

"Yes." Sesshomaru said with a slight crook to his neck. "While it is not difficult to deduce that your present dwelling is the result of the craftsmanship of many beings, it is in need of repair and refurbishing. I will see to it."

Atzuki then rose from her chair and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for you generosity my lord. While my home is what it is and I am still grateful for it, I would be lying if I were to say that there was no room for improvement.

Sesshomaru slowly began to make his way down the winding path that lead back to Atzuki's dwelling.

"See to your new apprentice, and you will lack for nothing."

With those words, Sesshomaru was gone in a gust of wind leaving a still gawking Atzuki in his wake.

Sesshomaru was very pleased with himself as he took to the skies. If Rin held no desire to live her days around humans, he could at least grant her that wish. She would even be close enough for him to be able to sneak a "peek" just to see how she was fairing from time to time.

If the old demoness were properly compensated, there would be no fear of betrayal of any kind. And should she fail in her duties to Rin and Rin were to suffer or die because that failure, he would simply kill Atzuki and join his beloved Rin in the afterlife.

Sesshomaru wrinkled his nose slightly at this thought. It was not likely to happen, so there was no need to dwell on it. No. This was a good day. He would find his way home before dark, but not before returning to Inuyasha's village. He needed to speak to someone.

This time, when Sesshomaru came to Inuyasha's village, he had no desire for his brother to find him. He had words for only one person. With a quick sniff of the air, he'd found her.

After having vented her rage to Miroku and Sango for the better part of the early afternoon, Kagome had finally calmed down enough to begin her preparations for the evening meal that she was soon to cook for herself and Inuyasha (hoping that Rin might join them).

Kagome was placing a rack of pig's ribs across a slow burning fire, when she looked up to the shadow that now blocked the sun from her task.

Kagome quickly gave Sesshomaru a dirty look as she wiped her hands clean and stood to face him.

"Have you come back to finish twisting the knife that you so gracefully stabbed Rin in the heart with?" she inquired not bothering to hide her resurfacing anger.

Sesshomaru stood nonplussed.

"No. I have come instead to seek your council."

Kagome's eyes widened only slightly as she folded her arms.

"Well, what do you want?"

Sesshomaru took in a slow deep breath.

"Does Rin still intend to leave this village?"

Kagome let her hands drop to her sides in defeat.

"I know that Inuyasha intends to try and talk her out of it, but I seriously doubt that he will be successful."

"How long do you think it will take her to be prepared?"

"A week. Ten days at the most." Kagome responded quietly.

If Kagome did not know any better, she'd swear that Sesshomaru almost looked…. relieved at this information.

"I believe that I have found an acceptable solution to our mutual problem. You are to keep her here for the entire ten days."

Kagome's eyes suddenly flared with rage.

"You want me to what?" she hissed.

It took all that Sesshomaru had not to kill the woman before him for her blatant insolence. But this was Inuyasha's mate. And, while she was just as head strong and uncouth as his brother, He inwardly knew the rage that he would have if anyone were to hurt his Rin.

He grit his teeth together and bowed slowly.

"Please… keep her here…. until I return." he choked out.

Kagome's rage had been abruptly silenced. As her countenance softened, she could see only the faintest glimmer of what she could call hope shine in Sesshomaru's eyes.

"Alright, I'll do it." She said softly

Sesshomaru surprised her a second time.

"Thank you."

Sesshomaru looked over Kagome's shoulder to the chest of items that belonged to Rin.

"She will be needing her things where she is going. I will be back for them in a few days. Do not be alarmed should you come home and find the chest missing."

Kagome managed a small smile. "I never wanted to keep them."

Sesshomaru simply nodded.

"Sesshomaru, may I ask a question?"

Sesshomaru stood silent.

"Exactly what are your intentions?"

Sesshomaru allowed Kagome to see the slightest of smiles.

"That, good sister in law, would be telling!"

And without further comment or gesture, Sesshomaru was gone in a puff of wind leaving a surprised and bewildered Kagome behind.

"Waitaminute! Kagome shouted after only a moment's pause, did that pompous ass just make a joke?