Chapter 6
Everything Old is New Again
The walk to where Ah-Un stood waiting was entirely too short. Rin had walked the entire distance with her arm locked around Sesshomaru's arm. It took all he had to not grin like a pup with a freshly acquired treat for the entire distance. As they approached open space and she finally released her hold, Rin gave a soft chuckle at the slight sound of Sesshomaru's growl of irritation. Sesshomaru tried his best to hide it, but he was secretly amused at how well Rin knew him still.
The courtyard was a bevy of activity. Ah-Un stood nonplussed until he caught scent of Rin. Once in plain sight, the dragon lifted its heads and brayed as it happily bobbed both of its heads in excitement. On seeing Ah-Un, Rin dropped all pretense of "formality" and ran to the dragon with open arms. Many of the local dignitaries and noblemen had stopped by to see Rin off. All were openly amused at the sight of a small woman happily stroking and patting on a dragon who was in turn just as happily licking at her and purring with ever pat and touch given. While Koru was mildly amused, the same could not be said for Daichi and Aya. Both pups were terrified! Daichi even went so far as to reach for a nearby naginata to protect his mother. It was the quick hands of his father that stayed the young demon's hand. Aya did her best to hide it, but she was grateful to see her father's confidence in the situation. Because she too wanted to rush the dragon to protect her mother.
Once Rin and Ah-Un had concluded their "greetings", Rin looked to her children, and motioned them to come to her. With hesitant footsteps they approached as Sesshomaru went to stand by Koru. Koru chuckled.
"So, this is Ah-Un eh? Rin had spoken of the dragon many times, but I never thought I would see the day when I would actually bear witness to such a creature!"
Sesshomaru let out a small "keh". "Even as a child, the dragon would only obey the commands of Rin and myself." Sesshomaru allowed himself a small smile as he nodded his head in the direction of Rin and her children.
Ah-Un was busy sniffing and scenting the trio as if to be sure that these "new smells" were of the same "old friend" he had just finished greeting. Aya seemed the most playful, while Daichi despite his accepting of the situation, still stayed somewhat reserved. After Ah-Un gave a few more inspecting snuffs and huffs, it looked to Rin for further instructions. Rin could only smile.
"It's time for me to leave now children." She said softly. Rin then pulled both Aya and Daichi into a hug as she whispered to them in Inu. "I will be home soon pups." Both whined softly. "Don't forget us mother" Aya whispered. "If you take too long, father and I will come to get you." Daichi said softly. Rin gave Daichi a playful nuzzle to his cheek. "I will remember that my son!" The trio then broke from their family "huddle" and Ah-Un bent down low enough for Rin to mount him without assistance. Once the dragon was standing again, Koru and Sesshomaru both took Strides toward the dragon. Rin reached for Koru's hand, then looked directly to him alone. "Thank you for this kind gift my husband. I will return to you soon." Koru gave a small smile as he took Rin's hand and kissed it.
"I will be here waiting for you."
Koru gave Sesshomaru a side glance. "I shall be sending some clothing and other necessities shortly." Sesshomaru nodded his head in agreement. While he knew that anything Rin could possibly want, or need would be immediately provided for her, it would not be the best "diplomatic move" to casually dismiss the intentions of another male for the comfort of his female.
Koru stepped back to allow Sesshomaru to mount Ah-Un, when Sesshomaru raised his hand. "I am not without transportation." With those words, Sesshomaru summoned his zephyr. As the cloud slowly lifted him, he then gave a small smile. "These two have not seen each other in some time. They should be allowed to reconnect without my added weight." Koru gave an understanding nod. And with that, the two were off into the clouds.
While on the ground and in front of her family, Rin had put on a good face of complete health. Once in the air, and a good distance away, her weakened state began to show itself. Sesshomaru knew something was wrong when the dragon slowed its flying speed. It took only a glance at Rin to see that she was in the early stages of passing out. Sesshomaru was on Ah-Un's back and giving Rin support in seconds. Rin sighed softly as she instinctively cuddled into Sesshomaru's arms as he took the reins. She was still to weak to sit on the dragon alone. Sesshomaru was all too happy to have the excuse to hold the woman who was his entire world in his arms once more. They flew the rest of the way to The Palace of The West in silence.
AUTHOR'S NOTE -
I realize that this is a very short chapter, but I wanted to get all the "preliminaries" out of the way. Things get very interesting from this point on.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Rondiggity