Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone! New chapter up and sorry for the late posting. Many thanks to my readers: bestofbothworlds, Nature9000, senbo-sama, shippousangoffe, ezap3, Suk-fong and my favorite anon. - Kohana.
Please read enjoy and leave a review!
Chapter 13: Inner Strength
Rin sat in the courtyard under a large tree while Sango stood a few feet away talking with some of the villagers. The young woman had tried to be patient, but she was unable to take her eyes from the main house. Kohaku and Miroku had yet to emerge from their talk with Kikyou.
Idzuna purposefully fluttered around the village, Rin noticed. The kitsune deliberately steered clear of her knowing she planned to inquire on the specifics of Kikyou's visit. Short of chasing the fox around the courtyard and hounding her with questions, the young woman decided to just sit and wait.
It did not matter what was revealed during that meeting, Rin concluded, it would not change her feelings for Kohaku. She would no longer conform to the rules of society; she planned to tell the taijiya of her love and that she wanted to remain here… with him.
"He didn't mean it, you know," Sango said suddenly and sat next to Rin. At the young woman's blank look, the taijiya continued. "Kohaku didn't mean to hurt your feelings. He was only trying to protect you from any unpleasantness."
"I know that," Rin responded and then looked down at her hands. "But… it still…" she ended and turned her face away.
"It still hurts," Sango finished for her. "I was also hurt that Kohaku chose my husband over me, but… he and Houshi-sama have a special bond. I admit to feeling somewhat jealous at times, but there is no one else in this world that I would trust more to guide my brother."
"You're jealous… of your husband?" Rin gasped. "But… how can that be?"
"I said somewhat." Sango smirked and leaned back against the tree. With a sigh, she thought of the perverted monk. "He's so wise… so worldly and experienced," she began. "He always knows just what to say and when to say it. He has a way of making my world brighter with just a word or a kind gesture."
"Back when we were fighting Naraku, there were times where I didn't think I was going to make it… when I had almost given up hope of ever having Kohaku returned to me," Sango continued. "But… Houshi-sama would never allow me to give up. He renewed my faith repeatedly, stood by my side and risked his life for me many times. He's much stronger than I could ever hope to be." The taijiya was breathless by the time she finished and turned away to hide her flushed cheeks.
"That does not sound like jealousy to me, Sango-sama," Rin finally smiled. "It sounds like a woman who holds her husband in high regard and loves him very much."
Sango appeared to consider that and then turned suddenly to the young woman at her side.
"How do you feel about my brother, Rin-san?" The taijiya was blunt. "I've watched you together and I've seen the way you look at him."
"I am in love with Kohaku-san," the young woman was equally blunt.
"Does he feel the same?" Sango inquired gently.
"I… I hope so," Rin whispered and looked back towards the main house. "I truly hope so."
xXxXx
The four children and their mascot sat by the river. Shun'ei, Awasumaru, Juun and Shippo talked amiably, each commenting on their new guests while an unusually silent Suiren listened.
"Awasu-san… Juun-san," Shun'ei began. "Was Kikyou-sama, by chance, a former priestess?"
"Yes," the hanyou answered. "How did you know?"
"She has enormous spiritual energy," the boy said. "I believe it may be greater than my own father's."
"Don't be stupid," Suiren finally snapped. "There's no way she's stronger than father."
"Although Miroku-sama's skills are phenomenal," Shippo stated and looked to his audience, "I can attest than Kikyou-sama's purification powers are much feared among youkai."
"Hmph!" Suiren sniffed and tossed her head saucily. "I still don't believe it and speaking of youkai…"
Rising to her feet, the girl taijiya stomped over to the blind child. She had been waiting for him to wake up and now… it was time for some answers.
"Juun-san!" she barked. "You're part demon too; aren't you?" She leaned forward and tucked a strand of his darks locks behind his ear, checking to see if they were pointy like Awasumaru's. "Anyone who moves like you can't be all human," she stated.
"I assure you, Suiren-san," the blind child said simply, reached up and gently removed her hand. "I am human."
"That's true," Awasumaru said. "Nii-san may have special abilities, but he is human. Mother says he's a descendent of the air deities."
"Chichi-ue mentioned that before," Suiren said and turned to the hanyou. "Just what is an air deity?"
As Awasumaru went on to explain about his brother's history and abilities, Shun'ei and Shippo exchanged a knowing look. They both knew where Suiren was going with this, they just wondered if the two brothers had any idea.
Shun'ei looked towards Juun, although he appeared relaxed, he could sense the boy's discomfort. Could it be that the blind child had an inkling of his sister's intentions or was it that she had invaded his personal space?
He and Juun were similar in personality, Shun'ei thought. Where he was a loner by choice, the other child was by circumstance. He senses might be more accurate, but the blind boy's instincts were also sharp. It would be interesting to see if Juun could handle his sister's aggressiveness.
"Oh… I get it now," Suiren said, after Awasumaru finished and she turned back to face Juun. "So… your grandmother began training you," the girl said and then asked, "Do you think you could teach me to fight like you?"
Juun's head swiveled slowly in the direction of the taijiya's voice and answered, "No."
"No?" Suiren gasped and then got angry. "What do you mean 'no'?" She dropped to her knees in front of him. "And… why not?" She asked hotly. "I know I can't do all that wind stuff, but I can learn the movements."
"I said no," Juun repeated calmly.
"And… I asked why not?" the child nearly growled. "You came here asking for my father's help, but I can't ask for yours."
That was good reasoning, Shun'ei thought and had to applaud his sister. Everyone listened to the argument, but no one intervened. They all waited to hear Juun's counter.
"I have reason for seeking your father's help, Suiren-san," he said quietly. "A good reason. Why do you wish to improve your skills and become stronger; can you tell me?"
"I want to finally beat Yoichi-sempai," the girl taijiya stated wistfully. "And… I want to be as good a fighter, if not better, than my mother."
Juun rose abruptly to his feet, causing Suiren to rock back on her heels before she stood also. "That's not good enough," he said and heard her inhale sharply.
"Why you…" Suiren snarled. As with Awasumaru earlier, her hand was swift. However, unlike earlier, her hand never connected to Juun's cheek.
Suiren's eyes grew wide to find her hand held in a tight grip. Looking up into Juun's vacant stare, his dark eyes glittered dangerously.
"This is the reason you cannot learn," Juun said stoically. "You are too impulsive and ill-tempered. You never take the time to absorb what you are taught, which is why you continue to struggle."
"You are surrounded by exceptional teachers," he continued. "Kohaku-sensei, your parents and even the teachers here. Ask yourself, Suiren-san, why haven't you advanced?"
The very energy seemed to drain from the taijiya's body. As her hand went limp, Juun slowly released his hold and her hand fell to her side. Suiren hated to admit it, but he was right.
Raising her head, she looked to Shun'ei, but her brother lowered his eyes instead of coming to her defense. As he never lied, that was only another truth to face about herself. Without another word, she slowly turned and headed home.
The other's watched her leave with sad eyes. As Suiren disappeared through the clutter of cottages, Awasumaru rounded on his brother.
"Did you have to be so mean, Juun-san?" The hanyou jumped up, knowing first hand how one of his brother's infamous lectures could make one feel. "You could have been a bit… kinder."
"I am sorry, Awasu-san… Shun'ei-san," Juun said. He then bowed, turned and headed in the opposite direction from the taijiya.
"Hey… wait a minute!" Awasumaru called out, but Juun kept walking. He moved to follow after his brother, but found his path blocked by Shun'ei.
"Leave him alone, Awasu-san," the boy taijiya said. "Juun-san only spoke the truth and he was a lot kinder than any of us have been… especially me. As Suiren's brother, I have always known her shortcomings, but was too afraid to say anything."
"It's the same with me, Kohaku-san and Miroku-sama," Shippo added. "We all love her so much that we didn't want to hurt her feelings. Sango-sama is the only one who does not coddle her. We were subtle because of her temper and her sulking, but I can see now that we were truly doing her an injustice."
"Leave them both alone for now," Shun'ei informed the hanyou. "Let them have some time to think things over. It's alright, Awasu-san," the taijiya interrupted, as his friend started to protest. "Suiren will be fine."
Nodding in agreement, the hanyou resumed his seat. No one spoke, until Shippo's voice broke through the quiet.
"Say, Awasu-san, who's that cute fox girl hanging around with Kikyou?"
xXxXx
Kohaku was the first to exit the main house. Standing on the engawa, his eyes scanned the courtyard until they fell on Sango and Rin sitting under a tree. Forcing a smile to his lips, he took the stairs and headed towards them.
Poor Sango, he thought, watching her. Once again, she would have to worry over him, one again, she would have to fight for him. However, Miroku was right, running was not an option.
As he stepped from the bottom stair, Kohaku saw Rin and Sango rise to their feet. The young woman's eyes were wide and she wrung her hands repeatedly as she waited. His sister, however, approached him with determined strides.
"Is everything alright, Kohaku?" she asked, concerned.
"No, Ane-ue," he responded softly. "But… we shall manage."
"Kikyou came to inform us of an impending attack on the village," he continued. "It appears the powers of the Shikon no Tama will awaken soon. Although Naraku has been destroyed, it seems someone or something still desires to posses it."
"Did you know about this?" Sango turned to Rin.
"No," Kohaku said and stepped between the two women. "Rin-san was not aware." He came to her defense. "Kikyou only just acquired this information recently. As I am the last known source of the sacred jewel, it makes sense that they would come after me."
"What are we going to do, Kohaku-kun?" Rin slid close and grabbed onto his arm.
We… she had said we; what are we going to do? The taijiya's hand covered hers briefly as he realized there was no we.
Rin loved him, Kohaku was sure of that and he loved her in return. However, he could not ask her to stay now; he could not subject her to a life of endless fighting. How could he ask her to become the mother of a child that would one day end his life? As Rin had suffered as a child, he wanted nothing more than for her to be happy.
"Walk with me, Rin-chan," Kohaku asked with a slight smile. He must find a way to retract the words he had spoken last night.
Nodding silently, Rin tried to look into his eyes, but the taijiya's bangs shielded his face. Turning large fearful eyes to Sango, she was unaware that her hands shook until Kohaku's grip tightened around them. Bowing to his sister, he and Rin turned and headed outside the fortress gates.
Sango watched them go and thought things did not bode well for the young woman. Kohaku had that stubborn set to his jaw, as if he had come to a decision and would not be swayed. Turning back to the main house, she saw that Miroku and Kikyou had just stepped out onto the engawa.
Growling, Sango turned and stomped towards them. She should have known, as soon as the ex-priestess made an appearance there would be trouble accompanying her.
In the past, Inuyasha was torn between his feelings for Kikyou and Kagome and this had caused her friend great sadness. Well… this time she was going to have her say, she had kept quite far too long. Taking the stairs two at a time, Sango decided it was time for a confrontation with Kagome's old nemesis.
"It's always bad news when it comes to you; isn't it Kikyou-san!" Sango snapped, her dark eyes flashing.
"Sango…" Miroku began.
"You stay out of this!" The taijiya turned a glare to her husband. "This is just between the two of us." Sango turned back to Kikyou.
"Would you prefer that I say nothing?" the ex-priestess inquired coolly. "Should I have stayed quiet and allowed this village to be destroyed once again?"
"Why are you concerned about this village?" Sango countered, although the woman had a good point, she wasn't giving an inch.
"It is doubtful you would believe anything I say; however, I have two sons training here and their safety is important to me."
As a mother, that stopped Sango's tirade; however, that did not stop her eyes from narrowing in suspicion.
"You may think me a heartless creature, but…" Kikyou began stoically, "… is it not a parents' duty to see to their child's safety and to prepare them to face the cruelties of the world?"
"Of course," Sango snapped, annoyed that Kikyou had so smoothly changed the subject. "But… what does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything and… nothing," Kikyou sniffed. "I simply wonder why…" she paused and turned to Miroku, including him in the discussion, "… two people so well trained would hinder their own children's development."
"Hinder?" Miroku questioned as Sango bristled beside him. "Please explain, Lady Kikyou; what do you know of Suiren and Shun'ei?"
"I know that your daughter's spiritual energy is immense, greater than her brother's and quite possibly greater than yours. However, her powers are undisciplined and considering who her father is, I am quite surprised at her lack of training."
"How dare you…" Sango growled, but Miroku placed an arm around her waist to keep her from lunging.
"I see." The monk appeared thoughtful. "Please continue, Lady Kikyou," he said simply and ignored his wife's protest.
"Your son… Shun'ei," Kikyou continue solemnly. "His powers are dark and hail from the netherworld. The boy should have begun his spiritual training before he learned to walk."
"Yes," Miroku sighed. "Unfortunately, we have only discovered about a year ago that Shun'ei is a spirit vessel. There were circumstances, Lady Kikyou, that we were unable to begin his training prior to that."
The monk had only known his children for little more than a year, but knowing how private Sango was, he was not about to inform Kikyou of that.
"I see," the ex-priestess responded. "I must tell you that Shun'ei is not only a spirit vessel, but he carries the very aura of a 'Karasu'."
"A… a Karasu! But… how can that be?" the monk asked incredulous. He had heard of the Karasu, they were evil creatures of the underworld that feasted on anguished human souls. It did not make sense; both he and Sango were human.
"I don't understand, Houshi-sama," his wife said, looking up at him. "What is a Karasu?"
"Are you telling me that my son is some sort of possessed demon?" Miroku finally snapped. The monk tightened his grip on Sango and leaned on her for support. Standing there, he recalled Mushin's reaction the first time he had met Shun'ei. Was his mentor aware of the 'Karasu'?
"Shun'ei has never done anything of an evil nature," the monk argued. "What nonsense do you speak?"
"Of course not," Kikyou smirked. "You have managed to restrain his powers with meditation, purification baths and, of course, his connection with his twin has kept him under control. However, what will happen when those things can no longer contain him? What will you do then?" she asked the parents.
"Once every few centuries a human is born with the powers of the Karasu." Kikyou went on to explain. "Each child has either died because their human bodies lack the stamina to maintain the power or they have been consumed by its evil. As I now reside in the demon realm, I have knowledge of such information."
"The child must learn to control his power or he should not exist among us," Kikyou continued impassively. "You are taking a chance just having him around these people without preparing him and yourselves."
"Houshi-sama…" Sango gasped, finally understanding. "What do we… what should we do?"
"Good question," Miroku said and turned to the ex-priestess. "What do we do, Lady Kikyou… how do we help our son?"
The woman was quiet as she looked from the monk to the grief stricken demon slayer and thought of Awasumaru. Not too long ago, her child was in a similar situation. His demon blood had taken control and in this heightened state, he had injured Juun, marking her foster son for life.
Crazed with worry, Kikyou did not know how to help Awasumaru. That was, until Sesshomaru came to the aid of their hanyou child. He had found a way to suppress the demon blood dominating his small body.
"I do not know," the ex-priestess said quietly. Watching both parents' shoulders slump in defeat, she made a decision. "However, there is someone that I can consult with… someone who may be able to help."
xXxXx
The clothes were all hideous; however, Ikuyo sat silently while Hisa made the selections. Every thing was so plain… the colors dull, but there was no way could travel in her elegant kimonos, especially since they were walking.
"That green would enhance the color in your eyes, Ikuyo-san," Hisa said suddenly, interrupting the younger woman's thoughts.
Lifting her head, Ikuyo saw the simple yukata the woman held up. "If you say so," she sniffed and felt a sleeping Naoichi stir in her arms.
Hisa turned from the array of clothes to find the other woman gently rocking her son back to sleep. Instead of commenting on Ikuyo's ungratefulness, she said instead. "I did not know you liked children, Ikuyo-san."
"Neither did I," she said absently. "I'm still not sure that I do… I just know I like him." She nodded towards the sleeping toddler.
Not sure how to respond, Hisa remained silent and thought that Ikuyo was a bit odd. However, comments like that made it harder to dislike the younger woman. Normally, she appeared angry, but today she seemed sort of sad.
"You mentioned you are visiting a neighboring village," Hisa said. "If you don't my asking, why are you going?"
"Our headmaster has requested that I accompany Heisuke to evaluate the damage sustained during a raid," Ikuyo answered. As much as she wanted to vent about the two exonerated thieves, she thought it best to stay mum about it for now. "I am assigned to assess their rations, supplies and report back to Kohaku-sama."
"Oh… I see," Hisa sighed. "That's a very important job, Ikuyo-san, I wish I had a head for such things and you're going with Heisuke-san… he's such a nice young man."
"He's an idiot," Ikuyo snapped. She clearly did not want to talk about Heisuke. " It's nothing," she went on and then added. "I've always been good at calculations. I guess I inherited it from… my mother," she stated and realized that for the first time.
"Well… Lady Sai must be very proud of you," Hisa smiled. "To have a daughter with such skill."
Was her mother proud, Ikuyo wondered? Over the last few years, she had certainly not given Sai much reason to be. And… did the other women in the village agree with Hisa, did they also believe she was… skilled?
"Is that what you think, Hisa-san?" Ikuyo asked.
"Why yes!" the older woman exclaimed. "You're not at all friendly, but everyone knows you're smart." Suddenly, Hisa gasped, realizing what she had just said.
"Oh my… that's not… I mean… I'm sorry," she muttered and turned away. "Maybe… maybe I should leave now." Hisa fingered the clothes in the chest. She couldn't believe she had said that aloud, she berated herself and then heard a husky laugh erupt from behind. Surprised, she turned to see Ikuyo covering her mouth, trying to suppress it.
"Well now… I guess you do have some backbone," the younger woman sputtered between laughter. "Now that you've clearly insulted me to my face, Hisa-san, I'm afraid I must ask you to stay for dinner."
xXxXx
"We heard about Takuma and Hiroshi's arrest," Chikao said as he, Heisuke and Yoshimatsu sat at the tower. The young man had taken over his friend's watch as he was leaving in the morning. "Were they actually trying to steal supplies?"
"It was a misunderstanding," Heisuke said evasively. He had not been given permission to speak freely on the matter, even if it was to his two best friends.
"Not according to the east guard," the normally quiet Yoshimatsu said. "He said Lady Ikuyo was pretty verbal in her accusations."
"She was mistaken," Heisuke persisted. "Somehow the order to provide food to a neighboring village was missed by Lady Ikuyo, but everything is fine now and we leave to aid the village in the morning."
"Sounds like an important job, Heisuke-san," Yoshimatsu said in admiration. "It's amazing how you make things grow. I can't grow a thing and I kill every green thing I touch," he laughed.
"He's not kidding," Chikao joked. "If that dead bonsai in his room is any proof."
"I know." Heisuke joined in on the laughter. "That is why I asked Bokkai to look after my garden while I was away instead of you," he said and inquired what Yoshimatsu had done or rather… hadn't done in caring for his plants. As he sat conversing with his friends, the gardener thought of Ikuyo and wondered if she was feeling any better. She had seemed so gloomy on leaving the storage area earlier.
"Well, look at that," Heisuke heard Chikao say. "Those two look quite chummy together; don't you think?"
Following Chikao's finger as he pointed to his subjects, Heisuke saw Kohaku and Rin, hand-in-hand, walking down the main road and away from the fortress.
"If Lady Ikuyo sees that she'll be in a foul mood for sure," his friend said. "As you're traveling with her tomorrow, you'd best stay out of her way."
Yes, Heisuke agreed and gave a small sigh, the young woman would not be pleased. Somehow, someway he had to make Ikuyo see that she and Kohaku were not meant for each other.
Rising determinedly to his feet, the gardener turned to leave. He had a lot to consider and must prepare for the morning.
"Leaving so soon?" Yoshimatsu asked and watched his friend nod.
"Yes," he informed his friends. "There is much to do and we leave at dawn." He picked up his yari and stepped down on the ladder. "Well guys, it's time to till the soil; we'll talk when I get back." With a salute, Heisuke was gone.
"He always says that." Chikao looked puzzled. "I've always wondered what that meant."
Yoshimatsu shook his head and remained silent. If Chikao could stop talking long enough and pay attention, he would know that Heisuke had always had a thing for Ikuyo. It was obvious in the way their friend watched the woman. On hearing about the private consultation with the monk, he knew that his friend had finally decided to take some action and now… the two would be traveling together.
Tilling the soil was the first stage in gardening, Yoshimatsu knew. Heisuke also used that phrase when he began his pursuit of something; in this case…. it was Ikuyo.
xXxXx
Kohaku led and Rin followed; the two did not stop until they came upon the massive tree from the night before. The taijiya stood with his back to the young woman and then, with a sigh, he turned to face her.
"Rin-san," Kohaku began solemnly, "… on our return to the village, I think it best if you return to the Westernlands with Kikyou-sama."
Although Rin felt as if she had taken a blow to the gut, she had enough bravado to counter. "I disagree," she said quietly.
Closing the distance between them, Kohaku looked down on the woman he had fallen in love with. Her brown eyes were fearful, but glittered with resolve. "At some point, this village will be under attack and everyone here will have to fight. I don't want you here when that happens."
"I'm not defenseless, Kohaku," Rin protested. "I am quite able and willing to fight too!"
"Are you?" The taijiya looked skeptical. "Were you trained to use a weapon or in hand to hand combat?"
"I can use a whip and… a… surujin," Rin appealed to him.
Kohaku knew that she spoke the truth; after all, he had no doubts that Sesshomaru would have seen to it that his ward had some means of protecting herself. However, those weapons were strictly for defense, as the taiyoukai also knew that Rin was incapable of killing. It was not in her nature and Kohaku loved her all the more for it, but he had to make her understand.
"You may be willing to fight, Rin-san, but are you ready to kill?" Kohaku asked harshly and pointed up to the fortress. "Everyone behind that wall is prepared to kill to defend their home and the lives of their loved ones; can you say the same?"
Rin's entire body trembled and her hands were clenched tight in front of her. She knew Kohaku was trying to scare her and he was succeeding. She had never considered taking a life, be it human or demon.
While in the Westernlands, Sesshomaru had allowed her to train with the female demons, Hikyuu and Tsuru. However, her skills and weaponry were limited to restraining and immobilizing an opponent. If that was not enough, then she must learn more. Looking up at Kohaku, she answered his question.
"In truth, I don't know if I could kill and I… would not want to… not ever!" Rin cried and the tears welled in her eyes. "But… if it meant protecting you or my brothers, then I would… I would try!"
"Rin!" Kohaku gasped, surprised at her words. "You can't… you don't know what you're saying."
"I know exactly what I'm saying," Rin stated mutinously, contradicting the tears. "I love you, Kohaku-kun and whatever happens, I want to remain here… to fight at your side!"
The taijiya could only stare at the woman in front of him. Did she understand the implication of her words? Did she really love him enough to go against her beliefs? If that was indeed true, then he could not allow her to make that choice. Hardening his heart, he pressed his point.
"The first code of the taijiyas is to protect the village and that means everyone within the village," he informed her. "It's no only me, Awasumaru or Juun that you may have to fight or kill for, but everyone. Are you prepared to do that, Rin-chan, are you prepared to take a life for someone other than us?"
"I would try." Rin stated without hesitation. "This village is a part of you; if protecting it means protecting you, then I would try."
Suddenly, she was in Kohaku's arms and he was kissing her passionately. Relaxing in his embrace, Rin was swept away in the tides of emotion. Her hands lifted, crept around his neck and she pulled his head lower, deepening their kiss.
Kohaku's head was swimming and he was overwhelmed by the feelings her announcement evoked. Someone like him did not deserve such uninhibited love and devotion. After feasting off her passion, he reluctantly withdrew and placed a lingering kiss to the tip of her nose. He had no choice; he must let her go.
"No," the taijiya said simply as he looked down on Rin. "I cannot allow you to stay, you must leave with Kikyou-sama."
"But… Kohaku-kun, I…"
"No, Rin-chan," he began tenderly, reached for her hands and held them in his. "As long as I'm alive, I never want to see blood stain these hands. I never want you to bear the weight of taking a life. Not for me… not for anyone."
Rin's grip tightened on his hand and she looked up into his brown eyes. Kohaku loved her too, she could see it in his eyes and she knew he was trying to protect her. His words alone said as much.
However… Rin had to look at their situation from Kohaku's perspective. Although she was not the only non-fighter in the village, everyone here had a specific job in case of a raid. If she could not fight with him, then she could help in some other way.
"I won't argue with you, Kohaku-kun, but I'm not leaving," Rin said quietly, coming to a decision. "You invited me to stay until Awasumaru and Juun's trials were over. I shall stay until then," she said and her voice left no room for argument.
Kohaku watched Rin thoughtfully. What was she thinking, he wondered? Why was she prolonging the inevitable? Maybe he should tell her about his child… the child destined to end his life. Surely that would change her mind; however, the taijiya could not bring himself to mention that.
"Alright," Kohaku sighed. He had no desire to argue either. With Kikyou's news, he and Rin's time together was limited and the selfish part of him wanted to keep her around as long as possible. "If you insist, Rin-chan, but after that…"
"We shall decide at that time," Rin interrupted.
xXxXx
Later that night in the Westernlands…
"After the meeting, Kikyou-sama, I was sure that Kohaku-san was going to send Rin away, but he didn't," Idzuna said.
Kikyou did not respond. The ex-priestess sat by the fire and skimmed through a book Yoippari had given her. The old owl youkai had provided her with the information regarding the history of the 'Karasu'.
"It seems our Rin has chosen this time to exert her strength," Kikyou said stoically. On Rin and Kohaku's return, the young woman had barely spoken two words to her.
"Well… she certainly convinced Kohaku-san to let her stay," the kitsune beamed.
"That is only temporary," the ex-priestess stated. "Their conversation ended in a stalemate, as Rin was persistent, but make no mistake, Idzuna-chan, Kohaku understands the situation and will act accordingly."
"I see," the fox sighed and wondered if all was hopeless for her friend and the one she loved.
"Do not fret so," Kikyou began tiredly and closed the book as she keyed into her mate's aura. Sesshomaru had just arrived and she rose to greet him.
At the entrance, Kikyou turned suddenly to the kitsune. "Obstacles are meant to be overcome, as rules are meant to be challenged," she stated and thought of her and Sesshomaru. "If Rin and Kohaku are truly meant to be, then nothing will keep them apart."
At the taijiya village…
Miroku lie on his back with his head in his wife's lap, Sango stroked his hair in attempt to soothe him as well as herself. The two had retired to their room early and talked in low tones. Both worried over their son's future and wondered if Kikyou's person could find a way to help Shun'ei.
Now that Rin cries had abated, Hisa could finally get some sleep. The young woman had returned late to the cottage; she had apologized and went directly to bed. On hearing her cries, Hisa had decided to let her be. Hopefully, whatever happened between her and Kohaku would be resolved in the morning.
Ikuyo slept soundly after having enjoyed an evening with Hisa and Noaichi. It had also given her time to observe Lady Sai's graciousness. Once she returned, Ikuyo decided she would take the time to get to know her mother again.
Kohaku and Shippo sat on the engawa in companionable silence. The taijiya had explained all to the kitsune, leaving him speechless. With nothing left to say, Shippo had prepared a sleeping draught, which he knew would be needed tonight and remained until Kohaku fell into a restless sleep.
As usual, Awasumaru slept like a log while Shun'ei meditated. The young taijiya had sensed his parent's distress. Believing it was due to the priestess, he was surprised when it did not alleviate upon her leaving. With his parents' worried and Suiren melancholy, it was strain on Shun'ei; therefore, he decided to mediate as Mushin-sama had taught him.
Heisuke lay awake in his futon. He was used to being at the tower on watch instead on in bed at this hour and his thoughts were full of Ikuyo. With a sigh, he turned over and forced himself to sleep.
Suiren slipped out of the house and hurried down the stairs. At the bottom, she heard a Kirara meow in disagreement.
"Ssshhh!!!" The girl taijiya pressed a finger to her lips. "Come if you want, but you must be quiet," she informed the neko youkai. Kirara's tail swished happily as she bounded after her young mistress.
The courtyard was empty and, avoiding the tower, Suiren went in pursuit of Junn. After waking for a drink, she had caught the boy leaving the house. Where was he going at this late hour, she wondered and decided to follow him?
Suiren and Kirara tracked him to a grove of trees at the end of the compound. As they came upon him, the girl stood in the shadows and was spellbound to see him control the winds.
Slowly, she sank to her knees as she watched. Juun's movements were slow, graceful and mesmerizing to watch. She could feel the air as it rushed past her, responding to his call.
From the moment Suiren had seen her mother take on Inuyasha, she had wanted to become stronger. The young girl had no idea that a woman could be that strong. However, each time she had tried to prove herself, she had always failed. From her matches with Yoichi to the other classes here at the village, the outcome was the same.
Indigo orbs filled with tears and Suiren hastily brushed them away. She was tired of being weak, tired of being the last to learn and she was tired of everyone feeling sorry for her.
Lifting her head, she looked across at the blind child so proficient in his technique. If he could overcome his handicap, then so could she.
"I will get stronger, Junn-san," Suiren whispered. "With or without your help, I vow to get stronger."
Unbeknownst to his audience, the winds carried Suiren's words to Juun. The boy never halted his movements, but smiled slightly at the determination in her voice.
To be continued…