Worthy of Redemption

by Tsuyu no Inochi

Seven years later, Naraku is dead and Kohaku has his life back. Now a man and head of the taijiya village, there is still a price to pay for atonement. 2007 3rd Quarter InuYasha FanGuild "Nomination" for Best Rin/Kohaku fic.

26. Salvation

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. The original author is Rumiko Takahashi; my version is only fic and figment of my imagination.

Author's Notes: Hello everyone! I hope this posting finds everyone safe, happy, and sound in these trying times. There have been many setbacks this year with COVID and this late chapter is one of them. The beginning of the year, and even now, has been horrible for us all, especially healthcare personnel, and I hope you have all persevered.

Thank you all for supporting this story and for your patience. A huge thanks to my reviewers - Araiht - lovely comments, Suk Fong - when I hear how long you've been reading my works, I feel ancient, Shisoukengo - You ask too many questions, but it motivates me, Arlome, higanbana & Seastar21 - keep reading, Sassybratt - thanks so much for the nomination. A special thanks to Marken for his review of chapter 9, hurry and catch up! Same for you AM78 for our review of chapter 2 - welcome to this fanfic. Thank for following and favoriting.

There was too much content and material therefore I will post the remaining part of this chapter by early next month. It will be short and sweet, contain a lemony lemon, as well as the time skip you and I have been waiting for. Now without further adieu, please read, hopefully, enjoy, and don't forget to leave a review.

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Chapter 26: Salvation

Golden eyes honed in on the two figures further downstream. Although no longer on the property of the Western Lands, the two humans were too close for Sesshoumaru's liking. Both were male, dressed in ordinary villagers garb and seemed to be taking a rest while watering their horses. The daiyoukai's keen eyes took in height, build, and the movements of both men. The taller male had the air of a seasoned warrior, the shorter male was younger, not a child, yet not an adult either. He wasn't as skilled as the other and was most likely his apprentice.

After fulfilling council duties, Sesshoumaru had come home seeking peace, solitude, and time with his mate. Instead, the daiyoukai had returned to a near-empty house.

Kikyou was absent; both she and Idzuna were galavanting around the countryside on a quest to save the demon slayer child. Awasumaru and Juun were still away, training at the taijiya village. Yoippari was present but busy, solely running the household since the kitsune had accompanied his mate. Rin had been there on his arrival, but the girl was acting somewhat strange. Usually, she was the first to welcome him home on his return. However, on this occasion, Sesshoumaru had been back for nearly an hour before Rin put in an appearance. His ward appeared preoccupied, and after a brief hello and pleasantries, she seemed to avoid him. After their disagreement the other day and the revealing discussion with Jaken just now, Sesshoumaru now knew the reason.

Already in a foul mood, the daiyoukai had no desire to deal with any humans at the moment. As long as the two stayed downstream and away from him, they would probably live another day.

"Humans, my lord," Jaken alerted unnecessarily, just noticing the two sitting a short distance away. The demon imp stepped around his master as if shielding him from the intruders. "Mere travelers it seems," he stated as his bugged eyes squinted on the two figures. Suddenly, he gasped, and then his eyes widened.

"Oh... oh, oh!" Jaken rattled off excitedly and then pointed to the taller man. "My word, is that young Kohaku? What is he doing this far..."

Sesshoumaru rose abruptly, cutting off the demon imp mid-sentence. The source of his and Rin's disagreement was approximately fifty yards away, and the daiyoukai began moving, with deliberate intent, downstream. Since his young ward wasn't talking, Sesshoumaru planned to get some answers from the demon slayer.

"Are we going to receive them, my Lord?" Jaken asked cheerfully, following in the wake of his master.

"Quiet, Jaken," Sesshoumaru snapped stoically, wiping the smile from his vassal's face. "Not-another-word," he emphasized, as he noticed the demon imp opened his mouth to say more before closing it abruptly.

As he approached Kohaku and his young apprentice, the daiyoukai was unaware of the ominous aura he exuded. Drawing closer to the taijiya, Sesshoumaru finally noticed the difference in the young man's appearance. Kohaku's facial features were the same, yet the frickles were less pronounced. The round fresh-face was no more, replaced by a lean, chiseled ruggedness. Sesshoumaru watched Kohaku lead his horse up the embankment and noticed the toned, muscled physique so different from the gangly, yet athletic youth that had become Naraku's assassin puppet.

Once again, Sesshoumaru cursed his inattentiveness to certain matters. Not only had he failed to notice the changes in Rin, but also Kohaku. When accompanying his mate to observe the attack on the slayers' village, the daiyoukai recalled the combat maneuvers and battle formations of the taijiya squads. However, he was only interested in Awasumaru's progress, wanting to confirm that his son's teachings were worthwhile. Sesshoumaru had noticed Kohaku's development as a fighter and nothing more. And now, he was forced to acknowledge the difference in the growth rate of humans versus demons.

Before Kohaku's apprentice had asked, "Who is that?" and had pointed rudely at his person, Sesshoumaru felt the taijiya tense up as he sensed his presence. The years had sharpened his perception; it seemed.

The sun was behind Sesshoumaru, shining directly on the pair in front of him. Both were standing now, silently watching him. The daiyoukai sensed the young boy's fear, but Kohaku welcomed him with a nervous smile.

"Sesshoumaru-sama," the demon slayer greeted him. He took a step forward but signaled Yoichi to stay back. Kohaku bowed and then said, "It's been a while, but surely you remember me."

Kohaku's voice had also deepened, Sesshoumaru noticed as he responded in his usual monotone, "I remember you, demon slayer." After two frustrating days of dealing with Rin's incipient journey into adulthood, serious undertones laced the daiyoukai's voice. "Why are you here?"

Kohaku's eyes widened a fraction at the abruptness. The demon slayer wasn't sure if Sesshoumaru was being his usual self, or maybe Rin had mentioned their relationship to her guardian. Either way, Kohaku was determined to make his intentions clear. Putting his head down to hide a shy yet nervous smile, he took a moment to compose himself.

Standing a few feet away, Sesshoumaru stood and observed the demon slayer. He saw Kohaku's smile, and storm clouds began to gather in the daiyoukai's eyes as he misinterpreted its meaning. He watched the boy - ah, correction, the 'young man' square his shoulders, and then he began speaking.

"My comrade and I came in search of you," Kohaku turned to indicate Yoichi. "We need your help to destroy a spider demon - another incarnate, spawned from Naraku."

"Naraku's dead," Sesshoumaru sniffed with disdain.

"Yes, but he has left behind another minion, one that I was able to capture, but unable to destroy. I was hoping..."

"Is that all?" Sesshoumaru interrupted and took a step closer. "You traveled a great distance for a simple request to destroy a demon. Is that not the work of demon slayers," he stated, his meaning clear. "Why are you really here?"

Sesshoumaru heard Kohaku sigh; he saw the young man duck his head again, lift a hand, and scratch the back of his head. It was a nervous gesture, a habit of old and one that Sesshoumaru recognized. The boy/man may have changed, but some proclivities remained.

Kohaku did not smile this time; instead, he turned to address his apprentice. "Yoichi, stay back," he ordered the boy. "Remain still, and whatever happens, you will not interfere and 'do not', under any circumstances, reach for your weapon. Do you understand?"

"But, Sensei..."

"Do you understand?" Kohaku was firm.

"Hai," the boy answered reluctantly, and then he asked, perplexed. "Is that really Awasu's father?"

What the hell was that supposed to mean, Sesshoumaru thought as his irritation grew and without moving his head, slid a hostile glare in the boy's direction.

"Yes, I have traveled a long way to request your help," Kohaku began speaking again, directing the daiyoukai's focus back to him. "Just recently, there was an attack on our village, and this incarnate of Naraku's was responsible. As I said before, I have captured the demon, and yet I am unable to destroy it. I thought maybe either your demonic powers, Lady Kikyou's spiritual or a combination would work. But, you are right; I do have another reason for coming here," Kohaku stated, and his eyes met Sesshoumaru's head-on. "More than destroying this demon, I have traveled this far west to ask Rin to become my wife. I will care for her, provide for her, as well as protect her. I'm not sure what demons call it, but I am here, Sesshoumaru-sama, requesting your consent and your blessing."

"Ah," Sesshoumaru murmured, and his hand came to rest on the hilt of his sword. "Then come young demon slayer," his voice was low and menacing, "Come show me how you plan to protect her."

XXXXX

Yoippari glided through the air on silent wings, her sharp eyes zeroed in on the snake youkai, Hebi, who waited at the designated spot for the return of the ancient scroll. The owl spiraled gracefully through the trees, heading straight for the svelt snake in the clearing up ahead. Pulling up behind Hebi, Yoippari landed silently, and it wasn't until her talons touched the ground that the snake spun around in surprise.

"How did you..." Hebi gasped, at a loss for words, knowing only a few could approach her undetected.

"Heh, heh," Yoippari chuckled. "The old girl's still got it," she preened as she transformed into her human form. With her years and rotund body, she was proud that she could still operate stealth mode.

"You're a piece of work," Hebi muttered, folding her arms over her chest.

"Why thank you, dear," the owl said, still smiling and then seemed to think about the snake's words. "Was that a compliment?" Yoippari inquired.

"It was not," Hebi answered grumpily.

"My, you're a testy one," the owl chuckled. "Are all the young youkai these days as intense as you? You should learn to relax, child. Is that not right, Jadoku-san?"

Hebi gasped again at Yoippari's astuteness. She turned as her brother materialized from the forest, shedding his camouflage, as he entered the clearing, and approached the owl.

"Sharp as ever," Jadoku murmured; the snake bowed to the owl and then, much to Hebi's surprise, flashed one of his rare smiles. "Yoippari-dono, are you sure you won't consider re-entering the field."

"And give up retirement?" The owl asked, feigning offense. "Surely you jest. Not even your charm, Jadoku-san, could make me give that up."

"Charm?" Hebi snorted in disbelief. "What charm?"

"Your skills are wasted in the west," the male snake told the elder. "We have a bunch of new trainees who could benefit from your teachings."

"Hey, hey, hey!" Hebi slid between them, snapping her fingers in Jadoku's face. "Excuse me, brother dear, but that's my position you're offering up."

"I'm sure Sesshoumaru can spare you a few nights here and there," Jadoku continued, ignoring his sister. "After all, you're the best nocturnal operative we've ever had. Father even said so."

"Did Daija-san say that?" Yoippari tittered, realizing Jadoku was having fun at his sister's expense and decided to play along. "Now, I'm flattered. I'll give it some thought, but of course, the final decision rests with Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Never mind then," Jadoku gave up. "It's a lost cause; he's not one to share. I guess I'm stuck with her." The brother jabbed a thumb in the direction of his sister, who had finally caught onto their act.

"Ha, ha! Very funny, you two!" Hebi smirked. "Your manzai (comedy duo) needs a lot of work. Hand over the scroll," the female snake purred and extended her hand out to the owl, resorting to her usual persona now knowing her position was secure. Hebi's usually serious brother was acting out-of-character. Only their family and the tiger youkai, Mouko, knew how warped Jadoku's sense of humor was.

"You need to work on that attitude," Yoippari warned amiably, as she withdrew the scroll from her sleeve. She ignored Hebi's outstretched hand and placed the aged document in Jadoku's instead. "I think I shall have a talk with Shinja-chan about your behavior, young youkai; your mother would be appalled at how indelicate you treat the elderly."

At the mention of their mother, Hebi cringed, but Jadoku smiled because Yoippari had scored a hit. Not even his sister, who was both bold in speech and action, wanted to answer to Lady Shinja, their 'true' disciplinarian parent. The snake matriarch would never tolerate her child disrespecting a senior council member, as well as her former sempai. Hebi would surely catch hell and decided to do a one hundred and eighty-degree turn.

"I meant no disrespect, Yoippari-dono," Hebi's tone softened, and she bowed submissively. "Thank you for returning the scroll," she back-pedaled.

"Ah, that's better," the owl humphed and exchanged smiles with Jadoku over his sister's bald, bowed head. "Before I go Hebi-chan, I wanted to inform you that things are unfolding nicely between young Rin and her beau," Yoippari informed the female snake.

"Why? Has something happened?" Hebi asked as she straightened.

"Kohaku has paid a visit to the west. I saw him on the road while traveling here; he should have arrived by now."

"I knew it!" Hebi yelped with excitement. "Rin has told me a lot about the human demon slayer. She paints this rosy picture of him, but with everything that I've heard he's been through and survived, I knew he was made of sterner stuff. But he's confronting Sesshoumaru on his home turf; I hope he's got a plan," Hebi said and then gave a throaty chuckle. "I can't wait to tell Pyumma, Hikyuu, and Tsuru the good news. Young Rin must be over the moon."

"Kohaku's no planner; that young man's at his best when he improvises. He'll find a way to break through my lords' wall of granite, don't worry," Yoippari stated. "I also want to thank you for assisting Rin," she whispered, "And for being a friend." This time, it was the owl who bowed to the snake.

"No need to thank me for that." Hebi blushed, feeling a bit awkward with the cordiality. "It's my first interaction with humans, and I've learned that there's not much difference between them and us. They're a bit complex, yet quite interesting."

"They are, aren't they," Yoippari agreed with a sigh. "The west has never been so lively."

"Well, time to go," the owl announced suddenly, resuming her demon form. "I'm expecting great things from you," she addressed Jadoku and gave a knowing wink. "You have worked hard to reinstate your clan with the council and shall reap the rewards." Looking over at Hebi, Yoippari added, "Expect word of a human mating ceremony of some sort soon," she announced before taking flight.

Both brother and sister watched the owl's graceful departure on silent wings. Barely a blade of grass stirred at her ascension, leaving the siblings in awe at her abilities as she disappeared over the trees.

"Such an annoying elder," Hebi sniffed.

"Don't let mother hear you say that," Jadoku chuckled, knowing that like him, Lady Shinja held the owl in high regard. "Yoippar-dono and the late Lady Kisai, Sesshoumaru's mother, were the only two who upheld our clans' innocence when grandfather was labeled a traitor," the snake informed his sister. "There was no proof; just rumors, but grandfather lost - no, he was...," Jadoku paused, the bitterness seeping through his voice, "... ousted from his seat at the council. And those who were once friends turned their backs on us." The snake ended with a rare show of emotion. "But not those two," he continued. "Yoippari-dono investigated covertly, and Lady Kisai used her influence to press the council."

Hebi was aware of their history. The snake clan, once branded traitors, were reinstated as the third generation entered puberty. During that time, Daija, their father, became a member and formed the councils' first investigative unit. Still, they were not trusted by many, and that was the 'bone of contention' for their family.

"Ah... is my otouto-san getting sentimental?" Hebi teased her little brother, trying to lighten the mood. "Is that how you got mixed up with the western lord?"

"Yeah," Jadoku admitted with reluctance. "At Toutousei-dono's insistence. The old coot felt it was time to repay our debt to the Inu clan, although Lady Kisai is no longer with us, he felt we were obligated to aid her son."

"I see," said Hebi, and came to a decision. "In that case, next time I meet with Yoippari-dono, I'll be nicer - a little," she added as an afterthought. "What do you think she meant by 'expecting great things' and 'reaping the rewards'?"

"Who knows," Jadoku shrugged and then tossed the scroll over to his sister. "Make sure to return it to the archives before the sun sets." And with that said, he was gone.

Hebi stood for a moment, turned, and then looked up at the now-empty sky. Yoippari was long gone, but her words kept echoing. Lady Shinja had claimed that the owl elder also possessed the gift of sight and wondered if her words were a prophecy for her brother, Jadoku.

XXXXX

Mushin sat on the stairs of the shrine, leaning back against one of the temple pillars and watched Miroku, Shun'ei, and Juun walk across the lawn and descend into the large crater that was the grave of the monk Mitsuru - the man who was Mushin's friend, colleague, as well as Miroku's father.

The old monk watched as the trio stopped in front of the grave and bowed their heads in prayer. As the devotion ended, Miroku picked up the wooden bucket he had carried, used the ladle, and began washing away any grime and dust from the stone pillar. Juun moved forward once Miroku finished and laid down an offering of ill-made rice balls, thin slices of daikon radish, and sake in a small tokkuri flask. Shun'ei came next; the boy kneeled, placing three lit incense at the base of the gravestone, before stepping back and resuming prayer.

Kirara, lay on the engawa next to Mushin. The youkai's fluffy tail thumped gently against the wooden planks in a slow rhythm. With eyes closed, Kirara's ears stood straight, a sign that although it appeared to be resting, nevertheless, it was still alert. Usually, Kirara could relax at the temple, but since the arrival of the crow, the cat was not letting its guard down.

The past few days had been stressful for Mushin. Kikyou and Shun'ei's unexpected arrival and the information from the scrolls left no room for idleness. With everything happening, Mushin had to stay focused and sober while reproducing the most pertinent information from the scribes while Kikyou and Shun'ei were at the cave of Onigumo.

The trio ended their prayers Mushin noticed, as he leaned back to stretch his legs. He watched as Juun moved toward Miroku and held out his hand. The monk seemed hesitant, but after a few encouraging words from Shun'ei, fully supporting his friend, Miroku finally held out the hand, palm up, that contained the 'Kazaana.'

Planting his feet firmly on the stairs, Mushin sat up fully and leaned forward. His eyes squinted as they focused on what was about to happen. From where he sat, the older monk saw Juun place his hand, palm down, over Miroku's, and suddenly, the air seemed to spiral around them.

"Great Kami!" Mushin exclaimed and rose abruptly to his feet. "What is Miroku thinking?" he gasped. Was he planning to open the 'Kazaana' with both boys standing at close range?

Mushin stayed quiet; he trusted Miroku, and seeing that both Juun and Shun'ei stood by calmly as the wind's pace seemed to increase, he waited, holding back his concern. Miroku appeared tense but then gradually relaxed, causing Mushin to do the same. However, the older monk was spellbound by what he saw.

Miroku had not fully opened the 'Kazaana' as Mushin had initially thought. It appeared he had only loosened the juzu beads just enough to allow the air to circulate from the gaping hole. Juun's hand, hovering over Miroku's, shook from the effort of either restraining or controlling the winds seeping from the wind-tunnel.

The blind child's mouth moved, saying something to Miroku, who responded by closing his eyes and cocking his head to the side; he appeared to be listening. Suddenly, his eyes flew open in surprise, and he stared at the boy in front of him. Miroku smiled slightly, closed his eyes again, leaned his head back, and raised his face to the sky for about two to three minutes.

And then, it was over.

Shun'ei stepped forward to assist his father as Miroku seemed to have trouble re-adjusting the juzu beads back around the 'Kazaana.' Once the beads were secure, only then did Juun remove his hand.

Mushin saw Miroku stagger back and then fall to his knees. Shun'ei and Juun sidled next to the monk, one on each side of him. Miroku's shoulders shook; the man was either laughing, crying, or maybe both. The older monk watched the younger enfold his son and the blind child in a hug; the dark heads were drawn together as they shared a moment. Mushin heaved a relieved sigh and plopped back down on the stairs.

"I'm not sure about you, Kirara, but I could use a stiff drink right now," Mushin informed the youkai cat, who meowed, as if in agreement.

Miroku and the children would be departing soon, and Mushin felt he had earned the right to indulge. Unbeknownst to the others, there was a large cedar barrel of sake waiting for him once the trio was gone, and the monk planned to wash away the stress of the past days by getting extremely drunk.

As he sat, watching the three emerge from the huge crater, Mushin noticed the redness around Miroku's eyes, but also the wistful smile on his face. Juun had stated that there was a message for Houshi-sama and Mushin had wondered if it was a voice from beyond the grave. Whatever it was, that message had been delivered, and it seemed it was something Miroku desperately needed to hear.

XXXXX

"Uh, Sesshoumaru-sama," Kohaku began, as he stepped back from the daiyoukai's advancing figure. "Can we not sit together and discuss this rationally?"

Sesshoumaru's answer was a swift draw and a horizontal strike that if Kohaku hadn't leaned back and out-of-range, he would have been scalped. The blade of the unfamiliar katana seemed to move in slow motion. The taijiya dared not to take his eyes off the edge as it whipped across his brow. Kohaku felt the air pressure graze his forehead; he sprung back, somersaulted, using his hands to spring up and away from the danger zone.

"Whoa, that was close!" thought Kohaku as he dropped into a low stance, anticipating he would have to move again and quickly. However, Sesshoumaru wasn't pursuing him. Instead, the daiyoukai stood, with his sword in hand, holding it in front of him, observing the blade.

"I did not come to fight!" Kohaku appealed, as he straightened.

The daiyoukai seemed perplexed, as he lifted his head, and his gold orbs, once again, turned on the demon slayer. "I missed," Sesshoumaru murmured as if Kohaku had never spoken. He loathed admitting it but was impressed by the taijiya's quick reflexes and evasive maneuver. "You have already revealed your intentions, demon slayer," said Sesshoumaru. "Now, let us see if you are worthy."

The air seemed to still, as the two stood across from each other. Other than lowering his sword, Sesshoumaru had not moved an inch. Kohaku, on the other hand, stepped back and fell into a Soochin-dachi stance. He lifted his arms to waist level, keeping the elbows and forearms close to his sides with his hands extended out as if preparing to catch or grab.

As expected, Sesshoumaru charged again, another frontal attack. The daiyoukai launched his body forward, leading with a shoulder. From the angle, positioning of the body, not to mention the floating sleeves of Sesshoumaru's hankimono, as intended, concealed the katana's blade from view. It was sheer instinct that Kohaku chose to pitch forward instead of back, as Sesshoumaru had anticipated. He lunged and rolled under the daiyoukai's body just as the sword thrust into the space he had just vacated. But the taijiya had to keep moving; where Kohaku had avoided the initial attack, he expected his opponent to quickly counter, and he was right.

Kohaku had barely made it to his feet when he felt the pressure from Sesshoumaru's sword. The daiyoukai turned the blade, executing a reverse strike with a powerful outward slash. The tip of the blade ripped clean through the demon slayer's yukata, projecting such force that the momentum thrust Kohaku's body back and sent him spiraling toward the nearest tree.

"My Lord!" Jaken gasped in horror.

"Sensei!" Yoichi yelled in unison with the demon imp.

In mid-air, the chief slayer rotated his body, allowing his feet to land on the rough bark of the tree, instead of bashing his back against it. In one fluid movement, Kohaku bounced and then spun off the tree, landing at its base. The taijiya looked down at the tear in his yukata; no blood, not a scratch and, and once again, Kohaku was amazed that he managed to dodge Sesshoumaru's attacks, as well as remain unscathed.

"Your skills have improved, demon slayer," the daiyoukai stated calmly, and his words had Kohaku lifting his head. Sesshoumaru sheathed his sword, turned, and headed back in the direction he came. "But you're not quite there yet," he informed the taijiya. "Go home, Kohaku, there is nothing for you here."

Nothing? The finality of Sesshoumaru's words shook Kohaku to the core. What did he mean nothing?

In a matter of seconds, Kohaku thought of his life before Naraku. His disciplined yet carefree life with his father, Sango, and the village of taijiya. He recalled his nervousness yet the excitement of his first mission at Kagawaki castle. The death, or rather him killing his father and comrades, as well as trying to kill Sango, played out in his mind. Kohaku remembered his death; the pain from the arrows that riddled his body as he took his last breath and then his sister's tears falling on his face before everything went black. After regaining his memory while under Naraku's control, the taijiya recalled the misery that followed, remembering the atrocious acts committed. Once their group had finally succeeded in killing Naraku, there was Sango's supposed death and Kohaku wanting to follow her into the permanent afterlife. Instead, and even though he was reluctant, he had been encouraged to live. Everything Kohaku had done over the years had been for the satisfaction and happiness of others. For himself, he had only desired forgiveness and repentance for the innocent lives taken.

Although Kohaku had chosen to live, he had never aspired to experience love nor the intimacy that accompanied it. No matter how many women Miroku had thrown in his path, Kohaku had never considered burdening any woman with his past sins. That is, until Rin reappeared in his life.

Rin, the woman with a gentle smile and optimistic views, had forced her way into his life. She had made Kohaku crave the unattainable and made him believe that their love was possible. And now, after several blunders and deciding to disregard the prophecy of his own child ending his life, the chief slayer had finally come to his senses.

"Yoichi," Kohaku turned away from Sesshoumaru's retreating form and addressed the teen. "My weapon - please."

Yoichi gasped, Jaken squawked, and the daiyoukai stopped mid-stride.

"B-but, s... sensei..." the teen stuttered but moved with haste to retrieve the requested item from Kohaku's horse.

"Are you mad, boy?" Jaken asked as he rushed toward the demon slayer. "You are no match for Lord Sesshoumaru in actual combat!"

"To fight was not my intention," Kohaku smiled down on the demon imp. "I wanted to sit and talk things out, but it seems I must prove myself; then, so be it."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Jaken tried to stall. "Let me... let me speak with Lord Sesshoumaru," he uttered and then cast a sidelong glance in the daiyoukai's direction, who had stopped, turned back to them, and stood, waiting.

The demon imp swallowed hard as he moved toward his master, passing the boy Yoichi who carried Kohaku's kusarigama. Jaken knew that interfering in Sesshoumaru's battle would neither be appreciated nor tolerated. However, for Rin's sake, he had to try.

"Eh, Sesshoumaru-sama," Jaken began as he slid to a halt in front of the daiyoukai. "Please, I beg of you, do not fight with young Kohaku, my lord?"

"Are you suggesting I tuck tail and run, Jaken?" Sesshoumaru inquired in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Ah... no, my lord, that's no... not what I was getting at?"

"Then 'what' are you getting at?" the daiyoukai nearly growled, displeased with his vassal. Sesshoumaru's finely arched brows knitted in an elegant frown while his cold gaze settled on Jaken. "Well?" he demanded.

That one word - one question, was a trap. Its tone dared the demon imp to respond, as well as sent shock waves of fear through Jaken's small body.

"Am I mistaken, or have you allied with the demon slayer?" Sesshoumaru asked, looking down on the demon imp. "Need I question your loyalty?"

"This is not about loyalty," Jaken snapped, with an insane show of defiance. "This is about young Rin and... and her feelings."

"That girl will be most disheartened if you and Kohaku cross blades. I may not understand why, but I do know that boy is very important to her, and if you hurt him..." Jaken swallowed hard and then continued, "... well, I cannot help but think it may damage the relationship you two have."

Sesshoumaru sniffed, tossed his head, seemingly dismissing his vassals' words, yet, furtively gave thought to Jaken's claim. It was apparent that Kohaku was serious in regards to his feelings for Rin. The boy had come here and had made his intentions clear and was even willing to fight; Rin, however, was a different matter.

Although his young ward was defiant that Sesshoumaru should acknowledge her as an adult, Rin had not expressed any interest or feelings toward the taijiya. However, that could also be that he never gave her the opportunity.

Rin had defied him, and although this was upsetting, Sesshoumaru had given his young ward a wide berth. The daiyoukai had hoped the girl would come to her senses and apologize for her outbursts. However, both had been stubborn, refusing to talk to each other. Therefore, Rin had never answered the questions that Sesshoumaru had never asked.

The rattle of the chain scythe broke through Sesshoumaru's thoughts. The daiyoukai looked over as Kohaku released his weapon from the coarse hemp bag used as covering. Same as Jaken was doing with him, Kohaku's young apprentice was trying to reason with his master. The boy's hands were waving around as he argued his point, and Sesshoumaru's ears keyed in to what the boy was saying.

"This is crazy!" Yoichi barked, plunging his hands through his hair in frustration. "Sensei - I must ask you to rethink challenging this... this, Sesshoumaru perso... ah, demon," he corrected.

"It will be alright, Yoichi," Kohaku said calmly.

"Stop!" The boy shouted; his sensei's calm was driving him nuts. "Awasu's father is on a whole different level. You're already winded, but he..." Yoichi paused, turned, and pointed over at Sesshoumaru, "... hasn't even broken a sweat!"

"It sounds like you have no confidence in your mentor." Kohaku feigned a wounded expression and then smiled humbly.

"Stop with the lame jokes! That guy's dangerous!" Yoichi rounded on his teacher. "You're poking a snake in his own pit," the teen shouted, and then sighed, as once again, his teacher murmured, "Okay… look, if it gets bad, then I'll help," Yoichi began. "We'll work together, just like we did back at Kagawaki castle."

"You stay out of this," Kohaku snarled a warning, surprising his student with its ferocity. The taijiya turned to his student, brandishing his weapon. "This is not your fight," he snapped.

"But, sensei..."

"You just said it yourself, which means you can sense it," Kohaku interrupted the teen, "Sesshoumaru is indeed dangerous; I know that well because I have witnessed many of his battles as well as fought alongside him. Only two types of humans would approach a demon of his caliber willingly - the contentious, who put their lives at risk just for the thrill, and the ill-informed, who don't know any better. I am neither."

"So, please, Yoichi-san, don't get involved," Kohaku said, placing a comforting hand on the teen's shoulder. "It will take everything I have to avoid Sesshoumaru's blade; it won't help me if I must also worry about your safety."

Yoichi could only stare at his mentor. Kohaku's gaze appealed to him to understand, and yet his eyes were steely and unwavering. Were his feelings for Lady Rin that strong that he would risk his safety, and possibly his life by taking on this high-level demon? Was it - was she, worth it?

"Yes, she's worth it," Kohaku said simply, reading Yoichi's thoughts. "One day, Yoichi, you will also be faced with recognizing and acknowledging what you desire the most. Once you discover what that is, you will pursue and hopefully obtain that desire. That is where I am now, and I cannot flee from it. Nor, I suspect, will you when it's your time."

"Unfortunately, words alone will not move Awasu's father," the taijiya headmaster continued. "This..." Kohaku held up the kusarigama, "... is how Sesshoumaru communicates and most likely is the only way he will understand my sincerity."

"I won't lose, Yoichi-san," Kohaku murmured, and clutched the teen's shoulder before turning away to face his opponent. The taijiya gripped the handle of the scythe in one hand while the other skimmed the length of the chain as he started moving toward the daiyoukai. Words were no longer necessary; it was time to put up or shut up, and a determined Kohaku was not going home without his heart's desire.

XXXXX

Rin rode the dual-headed youkai, Ah-Un, with ease. After years of experience handling the beast, the young woman was so skilled that she did not need to use the reins to maneuver the dragon youkai as the two flew over the grounds of the Western lands.

The young woman's slender frame crouched low in the saddle, and her hands lay lightly on the base of Ah-Un's neck, the area that connected the two heads. With her knees drawn up, Rin used her heels to gently apply pressure to the youkai's side, urging her transport forward in haste. The dragon youkai responded to the rider's request, sensing the young woman's urgency, although oblivious to the reason.

As they traveled headwind, Rin's hair blew back and away from her face, the soft tresses streaming behind her like a dark cape. The sleeves and hem of her yukata also fluttered in the wind, exposing dainty wrists and shapely calves.

Rin was a mixture of emotions. She was excited, knowing that Kohaku was here, but also anxious. Back at the village, the taijiya headmaster had been adamant about their separation, and Rin could not help but wonder at his change of heart.

Although ecstatic that he was finally here, Rin questioned how she should greet Kohaku. Should she welcome him with open arms, hang back and allow him to come to her or approach him while appearing indifferent? During the social get-together with her and her youkai mentors, Rin recalled them mentioning that subject and remembered that each had their own opinion on the matter.

Pyuuma, the lioness, and a happy newlywed had felt that Rin and Kohaku had already wasted much enough precious time.

"When he comes to you, don't hold back. Forget about what has been said and done in the past. Nothing matters except being with the one you love."

Rin remembered smiling at her words, as she was thinking the same. However, Tsuru, the crane, who was single, had had a different opinion and had expressed it magnanimously.

"That's a load of crap!" Tsuru stated imperiously. "Hmph! He'd be on his knees, begging me to take him back. Tsk, with everything he put you through? I have no doubt you will, but you had better make sure he never takes you for granted again."

"Oh, be quiet, Tsuru-chan, this is not about you," Hikyuu had said, dousing the crane's fire. The leopard youkai, also single yet currently dating, had stepped forward. She had moved behind her opinionated comrade and placed a hand over her mouth to prevent further negative feedback. "Rin-chan, you and Kohaku seem to know each other very well. Just sit and hash things over. It would help if you also considered that he has also had time to reflect on his actions."

Out of the four youkai, Rin recalled turning to the snake, awaiting her input. Hebi was the voice of reason; as a trained spy and intelligence officer for the council, she possessed keen interpersonal skills and was able to get a feel on a person within a matter of minutes. Her words were what had helped Rin come to a decision.

"I agree with everyone," Hebi had started with a smile. "As Pyuuma-chan said, it is fine to show your feelings, Rin-chan; after all, there is no need to hide them. I'm sure Kohaku already knows how you feel. However, Tsuru-san also has a point, although I don't think you need to take it to that extreme."

"If you two are planning a future together," Hebi began, ignoring the offended crane's mutterings. "You must take a stand."

"You were upset that Kohaku chose to ban you from the village without first discussing it with you, isn't that right, Rin-chan?" Hebi had said and continued as the young woman nodded. "It's important to stress to him how that made you feel. It would be best to make clear it is something that you will not tolerate in the future. You two must come to an understanding to function as one. In my opinion, show your love for him. However, until you resolve those issues, do not get swept up in those feelings. As Hikyuu-san said, since you two are so familiar with each other, only you will know the best approach to discuss things with your beloved."

The youkai women were right, Rin determined. There were many things to discuss in their relationship, but first and foremost, understanding and respecting each other was the most important. Kohaku may not want her to become a demon slayer, but he had to see that by her becoming part of the village, she should also contribute in some way. If she could not fight, then Rin would have to find something that she could do, and thought about the roles of the various women in the village.

Sango was a fighter, as well as the daughter of one of the founders. Being a woman, she was unable to inherit the title of 'headmaster.' But she was strong and knew every aspect of their heritage from forging weapons to creating poisons, and training regimens.

Lady Teruyo was a senior resident, and a non-fighter, unlike her husband, Bokkai. The older woman was the village midwife, who assisted in bringing future taijiya into the world. However, Teruyo also knew of herbs and their usage, although not as accomplished as Kikyou or Kaede, she could make tonics for ailments as well as pesticides.

Next, Rin thought of Ikuyo. Even before marrying Heisuke, the woman had made her contribution to the village. Keeping an inventory of food rations and distribution was no easy task, and it took someone with a good head for numbers.

There were also several other women, non-fighters, who found their niche either based on a skill or something they enjoyed. Now, Rin had to discover what role she could fill, other than Kohaku's wife, or what responsibilities she could take on. What was she good at; what were her strengths? What could she do to become an asset to residents of the slayer's village?

While Rin considered her options, Ah-Un cleared the bamboo forest, and the river came into view. From her peripheral vision, Rin detected movement near the bank, and what she saw nearly unseated her from the dragon youkai's back. Up ahead, where the river curved, running alongside a road that led to a dead-end, she saw two familiar figures engaged in combat.

"No!" Rin screamed, snatched up the reins, and veered the dragon youkai in the direction of the skirmish below. "Kohaku! Sesshoumaru-sama!" she yelled, but the two continued, unaware of her presence.

Rin leaned further into the dark swirling mass of Ah-Un's mane. "No, no, no," the beast heard her whispered pleas and sensing its rider's fear, the two nose-dived toward the ground. The moment Ah-Un landed, Rin slid from his back, kicked off her slippers, and started running.

To Rin, everything seemed to move in slow motion so that she was able to see Sesshoumaru's downward strike shift suddenly to vertical. Rin's eyes shifted to Kohaku, who seemed to have read the feint and quickly adjusted his stance. The taijiya moved into the youkai's attack and blocked the vertical strike; he then leaned forward, locking his knees to avoid getting pushed back, his kusarigama straining against Sesshoumaru's sword.

Although Rin was aware that she was running - that she was yelling, neither she nor her voice seemed to reach them. Fear rose swift and strong in her gut and spread rapidly into her lungs, constricting her breathing. "Stop!" she cried out, her arm raised, reaching out to the two lives most precious to her in this world. Her mouth moved, but Rin could no longer hear her own words. Panic had clogged her ears; the only thing perceived was the rapid, erratic thudding of her own heart.

What came next nearly floored her; a scream gurgled up in her throat as Rin watched Sesshoumaru drew back his free arm and deliver a stinging punch across Kohaku's jaw. The impact jerked the taijiya's head to the side, and his body followed. Rin watched, horrified, as Kohaku landed hard on his shoulder, but he quickly rotated his body and bounced off the ground. She saw him fall to his knees and slide back across the grass on all fours. And then, suddenly, everything switched to fast forward. Sesshoumaru stood over Kohaku, looking down on him with his sword raised, and Rin dived forward just as the blade swung down.

XXXXX

Heisuke, with Suiren riding piggyback, broke through the trees in time to see Ikuyo, who was about ten yards ahead, disappear down the incline leading to the river. His wife was fuming after hearing that Tenzen was involved in a fight; even from a distance, the farmer swore he saw steam escaping her ears.

"Hurry up, Heisuke-sama!" Suiren shouted from behind, her small fist bopping him on the top of the head, urging him to go faster. "If Lady Ikuyo gets there before us, it's not gonna be pretty," the girl warned. "Suge! I didn't know she could move that fast."

Neither did Heisuke. He knew his wife had no trouble keeping up with his long-legged strides when walking, but he can't recall ever seeing her run. And Suiren had a point; if Ikuyo arrived at the scene before them, with her temper, things could get out of hand.

Picking up the pace, Heisuke arrived at the top of the incline and, looking down, saw that Ikuyo had nearly reached the bottom. The farmer looked toward the river and noticed a small group assembled by the large maple tree on the bank.

"There they are!" Suiren pointed unnecessarily. "Awasu, Tenzen, Genta, and Dousetsu... but it looks like Bunnoshin and Hyotaru haven't come back yet. I came looking for you, and they went to get Genta and Dousetsu's parents," the child explained.

From where he stood, Heisuke took a moment to access the situation. It appeared that Awasumaru had matters under control; he was the only one standing and pacing with his arms folded. Tenzen and the other boys sat under the tree, and from where he stood, Heisuke could sense tensions were still high amongst the three; however, they sat separated from each other while under the young hanyou's watch.

"Hold on, Suiren-chan," Heisuke ordered. Once he felt the child's grip tighten around his neck, the farmer took a giant leap from the top of the incline, landed near the bottom, and then broke into a sprint.

Suiren closed her eyes as they went airborne, sucked in air, and held her breath. The child grunted, feeling the jolt of their landing, and on opening her eyes, found they were just a few paces behind Ikuyo with everyone arriving at their destination at the same time.

Approaching the group of children, the four boys turned at their arrival. Awasumaru smiled; he unfolded his arms, bowed to the approaching adults, and then moved forward to greet them. Genta and Dousetsu hastily got up, their expressions wary. Only Tenzen remained sitting, with his eyes cast to the ground.

"All right, guys," Heisuke began, as he moved into the group. "I hear you had a bit of a disagreement. What's going on?" he asked, while Suiren slid from his back and hastily moved to stand next to Awasumaru.

No one answered. Genta and Dousetsu's gaze quickly shifted over to a surprisingly silent Ikuyo, who was bent over and panting heavily, before dropping their heads and focusing on their feet. Tenzen didn't respond either and kept his eyes averted from his foster parents.

"Not everyone at once," Heisuke said, partly to inject some humor and the other part to calm himself. Suiren had already revealed the reason behind the altercation, which involved the woman standing next to him. And although Ikuyo was not sensitive to the epithet, it bothered Tenzen, and that bothered Heisuke.

"Ikuyo, dear," Heisuke began turning to his wife, "I can handle this, why don't you..."

Her head snapped up, cutting off her husband's offer. After a second wind, Ikuyo straightened, flipped loose strands of hair from her heated face, and turned fiery dark eyes on Heisuke, lodging the offer in his throat. Although furious, Ikuyo chose to remain silent. After shutting her husband up with a heated glance, the woman looked over at their son, who was just as silent as she.

Dirt smudged Tenzen's face and clothes. The sleeve of his jinbei was torn and dangling off one shoulder; otherwise, the boy did not seem injured. However, although Tenzen appeared calm, Ikuyo sensed the child's anger and his inner-fight to suppress it.

Good, thought Ikuyo, the boy was fired up, but then so was she. If Tenzen was involved in any fight outside of sparring, she firmly believed that something or someone had provoked it.

Furious and seething inside, Ikuyo wanted to throttle the two boys for daring to harm her son. When Suiren mentioned Tenzen fighting, the woman panicked. The child was difficult, but the thought of him hurting did not bode well with her. Right now, Ikuyo wanted to go to him, to inspect his injuries, but something held her back.

Heisuke moved over to his son, hoping the boy would be more forthcoming than Genta or Dousetsu. "Tenzen, you wanna tell me what happened?"

The child shook his head and continued to focus on the ground.

Heisuke sighed at the negative response but tried again. "Look, Tenzen...," his father began but was interrupted.

"Let's leave it for now," Ikuyo said to her husband. "We'll wait for the other parents to arrive. I'm sure everyone will have a lot to say then." She delivered that comment with a sarcastic sneer, causing both Genta and Dousetsu's head to snap and meet her hostile gaze, before quickly looking away again.

"I guess you're right," Heisuke agreed, surprised at Ikuyo's calm. The way she had suddenly taken off, he had envisioned her beating both boys to a pulp. But his wife had made a good point; most children in trouble became more verbal once their parents were involved. They felt safe; untouchable. "Alright," Heisuke sighed, took a seat in the grass, and pulled Ikuyo's stiff body down next to him. "We'll wait."

Genta and Dousetsu had also resumed their seats. No one spoke as they waited. Suiren fidgeted and kept watching Ikuyo expectantly, disappointed at her subdued manner, and that nothing explosive was happening. Awasumaru remained standing with his arms crossed. The half-demons' bronze eyes flicked from person to person but mainly focused on Tenzen and Ikuyo, quietly observing mother and son.

Finally, the sound of voices interrupted everyone's thoughts and had the group lifting their heads. Two boys, the same age as Awasumaru, followed by a man and two women approached. As the other adults joined the circle, Hyotaru and Bunnoshin moved to stand next to Suiren and Awasumaru.

"Heisuke-san!" Dousetsu's father greeted the gardener. "Gomen," he apologized and bowed. "You're a busy man; I hope this hasn't interrupted work."

Matakichi, a senior taijiya, and his wife Nofumi maintained the collection of demon remains that smithies would later forge into weapons. Dousetsu's parents were no stranger to being called away at a moment's notice, as lately, their son was always in trouble.

"You two are busy as well," Heisuke responded and smiled, trying to ease the tensions. "We had just finished training when we heard, but we'll work together to find out what happened between the boys and how best to fix it," he told them, before turning to the older woman stepping gingerly over the roots of the maple tree.

"Wakuri-dono," Heisuke addressed Genta's grandmother as he moved toward the elder to assist her over the uneven ground. "Sorry to have you come all this way."

The woman was nearly seventy with her greying hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her manner was dignified yet contrite. It seemed the woman was also used to being called out regarding her grandson's behavior.

"It's fine... fine; these matters must be addressed," Wakuri whispered, leaning on Heisuke for support. "What has my wayward grandson done this time?"

"Obaa-chan!" Genta erupted. "I didn't do nothin'," the boy cried out in a harsh dialect that was similar to Inuyasha's. "Tenzen hit me first; ain't that right, Dou-san?!" the boy turned to his silent partner standing next to his parents.

"Uh, yeah, yeah - that's right," Dousetsu's voice was hesitant and not at all convincing.

"Is that so," Matakichi said, watching his son's reaction closely. Although cloaked in obstinance, guilt was written all over Dousetsu's face.

"We were told they were teasing Tenzen," Heisuke said and noticed both boys' eyes shift accusingly over to Suiren. The girl responded by folding her arms, lifting her chin, her facial expression projecting a silent 'so what.' "I asked earlier what was wrong, but no one wanted to talk. Now that we're all gathered here..." Heisuke began, "... who wants to tell us what happened?" The gardener asked of no one, in particular, wanting to get past the explanations and move onto a solution.

"Still nothing to say?" Ikuyo sniffed, as she moved from behind her husband to stand next to him, making her presence known. The woman oozed sarcasm, and everyone present felt it.

"Even if they were teasing him," Ikuyo continued. "There's no need for Tenzen to give a 'horses hoof' what these two, or anybody, has to say," Ikuyo spat, her dark gaze shooting daggers at both boys before sliding over to her silent foster child. "It shouldn't matter, but we'll deal with that subject later... at home," she issued a warning and felt a caprice satisfaction at seeing Tenzen flinch.

"Of course, you're right," Nofumi began soothingly, knowing Ikuyo's fierce temper. She did not want a confrontation with this woman, but she was also sure neither Genta nor her son was as innocent as they claimed. "Dou-chan, did you do or say anything to upset Tenzen?"

"No!" Both boys shouted simultaneously, Genta with more conviction than Dousetsu. The former stood belligerent while the latter squirmed nervously.

"Stop lying!" Suiren stepped up to confront the boys, blue eyes flashing, arms akimbo. "You know what you said, just tell the truth," she snapped, speaking to both, although her fiery gaze targeted Genta.

"Stay outta this, Suiren-san, this ain't got nothin' to do with you," the boy responded with just as much heat, yet his eyes flitted anxiously from each adult, but avoided looking in his grandmother's direction.

"Don't tell me what to do," Suiren growled in response. "You're not the boss of me!"

"What's wrong, Genta-san, you're too scared to say it in front of everyone?" the girl taunted. "The stuff you said about Ikuyo-sama, if you said something like that about my mother, I would punch you too." The young taijiya slammed a fist into her palm, to back up her statement.

"Genta!" Lady Wakuri gasped. "You didn't?" The woman's grip tightened on Heisuke's arm, and she unconsciously leaned on the man for support. Her grandson was a handful, but he was the only family she had left. At her age, trying to raise a pre-teen was challenging, and Wakuri was at her wit's end.

"Obaa-chan!" Genta rushed forward to help his grandmother, grabbing her other arm to help steady her. "I... I didn't say nothin' bad; we were - you know, just foolin' around."

"Not good, not good," the elder murmured. "I've told you over and over, Genta-kun; you should not speak ill of anyone," Wakuri admonished. She was stern, and exasperation deepened the lines etched in her face. "What did you say?" she asked and shook her head sadly. "You will apologize, right now."

"I..." the boy began; he paused and then looked up at Heisuke standing next to his grandmother. The gardener looked down on the boy, his face was calm enough, but his eyes spoke volumes. Genta took the safe route and repeated, "I ain't say nothin' bad."

"You called Lady Ikuyo a dragon!" Suiren blurted out accusingly and then folded her arms over her chest with a hmph. There was more to it, but everything was out in the open now and to hell with the consequences.

"It ain't like you never said it," Genta mumbled under his breath as his eyes narrowed on the tattletale, and then suddenly spun around as he heard his grandmother gasps.

Wakuri looked at her grandson, and her eyes welled with tears. She pushed off Heisuke's arm, shook off her grandson, and turned to face the gardener and his wife.

"Gomen nasai, Heisuke-san - Ikuyo-san," the woman whispered and then bowed.

"Please don't," Heisuke patted the elder's shoulder; it was a comforting gesture as well as a silent request for her to rise. "There's no need for 'you' to apologize, Lady Wakuri," Heisuke emphasized meaningfully, "Isn't that right, dear?" He addressed his wife.

"Why should you?" she began, speaking kindly to the elder; however, her persona changed the moment she turned to Genta. "But, this little..." Ikuyo paused, sensing a stern look from her husband, "... ah, your grandson," she corrected, not looking in Heisuke's direction but was determined to have her say.

"I could care less what some snot-nosed kid thinks," Ikuyo sniffed, her nose raised haughtily in the air. "From the first day I came to this village, I've been called a 'dragon' something or other. I didn't care then, and I care less even now," Ikuyo continued her rant. "But what I don't understand is why Tenzen would get upset over something so meaningless."

The woman turned to look down at her foster child expecting a response to her query. Tenzen seemed momentarily taken aback, his dark brown eyes widening in surprise. The boy frowned and then glared at Ikuyo, mumbled something under his breath, and then cast his gaze back to the ground.

"Any boy would be upset to hear someone say bad things about his mother." Awasumaru, who had been standing by quietly, finally spoke up. "I agree with Suiren-san; I would feel the same way if it were my mother, and I would do the same thing Tenzen did." Both Bunnoshin and Hyotaru nodded their heads in agreement.

Cocking her head to the side, Ikuyo looked steadily at Awasumaru, as she contemplated his words, and then her gaze shifted over to Tenzen. Was the boy upset because he felt she had been insulted? No - no, that couldn't be, she waved the thought away. After all, she and Tensen always argued; the boy never listened to her, only Heisuke. And besides, it's not as if she was the boy's birth mother. So why?

Confused, Ikuyo turned to Heisuke, her dark eyes perplexed. Her husband seemed amused, and instead of answering, he nodded his head toward Tenzen, silently suggesting she speak with the boy directly. He placed his hand at the small of her back and pushed her forward.

Ikuyo was uncomfortable with everyone watching, but she approached their foster child, whose eyes remained downcast. "Hey!" Ikuyo nudged the child's shoulder none-too-gently to get his attention. "Stop worrying about what others have to say," she spat. "Just ignore them; that's what I do. I told you, I don't care..."

"But I do!" Tenzen swung around and pinned Ikuyo with a glare, his chest heaving. "I care!" the child cried.

Sable eyes widened, surprised at the intense outburst. So startled, Ikuyo staggered back and slammed into the hard wall of Heisuke's chest. She felt steadying hands from behind as she continued to stare at the angry child in front of her.

Ikuyo and Tenzen had butted heads on many occasions. The boy was stubborn, disagreeable, yet always presented a calm rational when rebuffing any of her requests. It was the first time her foster child had ever displayed anything beyond mild annoyance.

"Tenzen, I know you're upset, but calm down." Heisuke's deep voice floated past Ikuyo's ear.

He tried; Tenzen had to suppress his anger. But the taunts from the older boys and Ikuyo's relaxed attitude towards it was too much.

In the past, the boy had felt the same as the other villagers about Ikuyo. Tenzen had heard that because of something her father did, Ikuyo's family was sent away from their lush lifestyle at court and forced to live with a group of commoners. With her uppity ways and sharp tongue, many villagers had given up on befriending the woman, and the majority avoided her altogether.

It was during the attack on the village that Tenzen began to see the woman, who would later become his foster mother in a different light. While searching for Lady Hisa and Naoichi during the chaos, they came upon the two as they were attacked by a demon that had breached the village walls. Ikuyo did not hesitate to engage with and fight off the beast and recalled her fearless determination to save both the young mother and her child.

Heisuke, one of the most respected taijiya in the village, had proposed to Ikuyo during the adoption meeting, shocking everyone, Tenzen included. And many wondered if the gardener had a few screws loose because it seemed his feelings for Ikuyo were genuine. The moment Ikuyo accepted Heisuke's proposal, Tenzen wasn't sure if he would be able to live with the woman; however, after a short time together, he began to like his new, makeshift family.

Heisuke had multiple duties - working overnight at the watchtower, tilling his garden in the morning, as well as training, but the man always made time for both his new sons. The village gardener was fun to be with, easy to talk to, and every day, Tenzen learned something new from his foster father. Naoichi was his first sibling, and it came as no surprise that, in such a short time, he had grown very attached to his little brother. But what surprised Tenzen the most, was his growing attachment to Ikuyo.

Since day one, the woman had taken control of the household and their lives, setting up rules that even Heisuke had to follow. Ikuyo also worked; she managed the village food rations and had also begun taijiya training. His foster mother kept their home tidy and was a great cook, allowing him to taste foods he never had before. At night, Tenzen would lie quietly in his bed, feigning sleep, while his foster mother rocked Naoichi (and him) to sleep at night while humming a tune. Whenever Tenzen left the house to practice or went out to play with his friends, Ikuyo fussed over his clothes, made sure his hair was neat, and his teeth cleaned. The woman ordered him around and verbally threatened to do bodily harm. Tenzen argued back, griped, protested calmly, and yet secretly enjoyed her attention, as in the past, no one had put in that much effort with him.

Ikuyo was not engaging like Heisuke; even when they were all gathered together enjoying the gardener's antics, endless jokes, and listening to many of his funny stories, the woman remained aloof, as if she were afraid to join in on the fun.

"It's not fair!" the boy exploded. "I would never say bad things about Wakuri-sama or Nofumi-sama; I wouldn't... not ever," Tenzen snapped, realizing Ikuyo's 'toughness' was the only mothering he could remember.

"Heisuke-sama, Ikuyo-sama, Naoichi-kun and me... we're a family now," the child continued to rant. "Ikuyo-sama talks mean, and she's rough, but she takes care of me... she takes care of us... our family. She's done stuff for me that nobody's done before, so you, Genta..." Tenzen paused as he looked up at the taller boy, "... you better apologize to my mother or else," he warned.

Ikuyo gasped, reeled back, and again collided with Heisuke's hard chest. 'Mother... my mother,' the words sounded so strange to her ears, and yet, the boy had said them with fierce emotion, strangely making her feel warm and fuzzy inside. But what 'stuff' had she done for him, she wondered? Feeding, clothing, teaching - those were just things mothers were supposed to do. With a new husband and family, Ikuyo had only emulated what she had observed from her mother.

Ikuyo stood in a daze, as she tried to wrap her mind around Tenzen's feelings. It almost sounded as if the child liked her - as if he were trying to defend her honor. The voices of the others faded in the background as she continued woolgathering. Ikuyo was conscious of Genta's belligerent maundering and Tenzen's contentious threats. She heard Heisuke's sighs and noticed a gruffness enter his tone, an indication that her husband was fast reaching his limit of diplomacy.

While musing, Ikuyo experienced an epiphany for the second time in her short marriage. The primary reason she had consented to marriage had been solely to obtain guardianship of Naoichi. Heisuke was a means to achieve that goal, and Tenzen was part of the bargain. Who would have known that just a few weeks under the same roof could alter thoughts, contradict old views, and inspire new ones? Just recently, Ikuyo had to acknowledge that Heisuke was more than a handsome face and a hot body. And now this child, her child, was also opening her eyes, as well as her heart.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this, Lady Wakuri." Heisuke's voice sounded far away.

"Don't let it worry you, young man," was the elder's response. "Some of us must learn the hard way."

"Unfortunately, that is true, but this is important to Tenzen, so I feel we must support him. Isn't that right, dear?"

"Huh... about what?" Ikuyo inquired, her eyes blinking as she came out of her daze.

She noticed that Dousetsu and his mother, Nofumi, were walking off, escorting Lady Wakuri back to her home. Genta was nowhere around, but the others were present, and Ikuyo wondered what she had missed.

"Um... weren't you listening?" The gardener asked, leaning forward to peer into her eyes, concerned. "Our son has challenged Genta to a giji-kassen," the gardener informed his wife. "It appears Genta won't apologize, and Tenzen won't let it go."

"Gi-Ji-kassen?" Ikuyo was fully alert now, after hearing the word challenge. "What is that?"

"A mock battle!" Suiren piped in, her eyes shining. The child's ponytails bounced around her small head, as her body could barely contain her excitement. "Don't worry, Ikuyo-sama; there are rules and stuff."

"I'm sure you're aware, Lady Ikuyo, that demon slayers have a 'no fighting' code for village residents," Matakichi informed her. "Any disputes left unresolved by verbal means can be settled with a giji-kassen."

"The bouts are supervised," Heisuke went on to explain. "With a trainer overseeing the match; participants execute combat skills in both hand-to-hand and weaponry, but are not allowed to harm or injure their opponent."

"And that solves what?" Ikuyo asked, waspishly.

"To be honest, sometimes everything and most times nothing," Heisuke said sheepishly and shrugged. "But, it takes the edge off. You may not understand the notion," the gardener continued, as his wife shook her head pitifully at how males seem to solve their problems, "... but I know you understand the sentiment."

Her head snapped up, and she took a menacing step forward. "You..." Ikuyo hissed and felt a strong urge to slap her husband. No matter how calm she had acted, Heisuke had read through the facade. He must have sensed her intent, as he stepped back a couple of paces, moved behind Tenzen, and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, grinning like an idiot.

"Don't ruin it, dear," Heisuke warned, and then gave praise. "You did well; you had me fooled for a short time."

With a sigh, Ikuyo decided to ignore her husband and approached Tenzen instead, looking down on him, her brow furrowed. She had no problem with the challenge, although her mind was still trying to grasp the boys' feelings.

"You don't have to do this, you know," Ikuyo said to Tenzen. "Genta's older than you, he's taller and is at a higher training level. I told you it doesn't matter..."

"And I told you, it does!" the boy snapped, his brown eyes flashing his determination.

"Okay, okay! You're not backing down; I got it!" Ikuyo snapped back. "And stop yelling!" She growled, causing the group to stifle their laughter at the heated exchange between mother and son.

With another sigh, Ikuyo speared fingers through hair that had escaped her ponytail and drew it away from her face, before looking up at the sky.

Heisuke, Tenzen, Naoichi - her husband and children. Why did they stir such feelings within her? No matter how hard she tried to distance herself emotionally, something happened to expose those feelings that she was so determined to keep hidden, even from herself. When Suiren mentioned that Tenzen was fighting, so many variables played out in her head, and none were good. She imagined him hurt, bleeding, crying, and she panicked. Her body had moved of its own volition, rushing to the boys' side without really understanding the reason.

As she and Heisuke arrived at the riverbank, Ikuyo was relieved to find the boy was fine, and then she got angry. She was mad at the two boys but was also upset with herself for allowing her emotions to take control.

"So... when is this Gi-Ji - thing?" Ikuyo found herself asking as she lowered her head and turned to face the small group and noticed everyone's eyes were on her. Suiren, Awasumaru, their comrades - Hyotaru and Bunnoshin; Matakichi, Heisuke, and Tenzen.

"In seven days," her husband answered.

"Good, that might be enough time," Ikuyo stated as her methodical brain started churning. "That means Tenzen will have time to prepare before facing Genta - again." But considering both her and Heisuke's schedule, where would they find the time?

"We can help with that," Awasumaru injected, seemingly reading Ikuyo's mind. "We'll train with Tenzen," the hanyou said, including Suiren and the others. "Hyotaru and I will handle weapons and..."

"Me and Bunnoshin will practice atemi (hand strikes) skills with him," Suiren completed Awasu's sentence. "So how about it?" The girl directed the question at Ikuyo.

"Hmm... I don't know." The woman observed the children and then turned to her husband. "Heisuke?"

"I think it's a good idea," The gardener said jovially.

"You would," Ikuyo muttered.

"I agree," Matakichi began and added. "It's a win-win since Tenzen will be training with four of the top students in the same training level as Genta."

"That's right, Matakichi-sama," Suiren boasted. "I've beat Genta in three sparring matches already, and Bunnoshin beat him four times. We'll make sure Tenzen wins."

"Both Tenzen and I are two-handed wielders and Hyotaru here, well, both he and Tenzen practice with the tobiguchi (axe weapon)," Awasumaru said. "I think he'll improve a lot working with us." Unlike Suiren, the hanyou's words were humble.

"Well, there you have it," Matakichi said, and a broad smile crossed his face. "It sounds like a good plan. If you don't mind me saying, Heisuke, you would be crazy to pass this up," he said and then added. "I'm glad Dousetsu apologized," the man chuckled.

"Congratulations, Heisuke-san, Ikuyo-san," Matakichi said before taking his leave. "Welcome to the world of child-rearing."

Tenzen watched the senior leave before turning to Ikuyo and Heisuke. "Is it really okay? I mean, to train with them?" The boy asked, his brown eyes eager.

"That's already been settled," Ikuyo told him before her husband could respond. The woman moved close to the boy and leaned forward to inspect a small cut on his lip. "But training with your friends will start tomorrow; right now, you're going home," she said, resisting the urge to touch him. Instead, Ikuyo straightened and stepped back. "I need to treat those wounds, and you can clean up while I repair this sleeve," the woman informed the boy, turning her attention to the ripped stitching of the torn jinbei.

"I'm okay, it's just a few scratches," Tenzen pressed. "We can start now, right guys?" The boy turned to his comrades for support, only to see Hyotaru and Bunnoshin backing away. Both boys executed a swift bow before turning and walking away at a fast pace. Awasumaru and Suiren remained; the hanyou seemed amused while the girl taijiya stood with her arms folded and appeared extremely annoyed.

"Why tomorrow?" Suiren mumbled. "Why not now?" she challenged.

"Because I said so," Ikuyo countered, striking the same pose as the girl, looking down on her, daring the child to say more.

Sable and blue eyes clashed, each holding their ground. Finally, the latter's lips formed a petulant pouted before looking away, defeated by the steely gaze of one with more years of experience.

Heisuke chuckled at the exchange and invited both Awasumaru and Suiren over to their home later this evening to discuss Tenzen's training schedule. The children assured the adults they would come, and each party bowed respectively before the adults turned to take their leave.

"Thank you, Awasu... Suiren," Tenzen gushed. "I promise to work hard."

"You're already working hard," Awasumaru laughed. "You're protecting your mother as any boy should."

"Yeah," Tenzen sighed, "But she doesn't get it, and I don't know how to handle her." The boy looked disheartened as he watched Ikuyo and Heisuke walking up the incline.

"She does," Suiren said, "Lady Ikuyo gets it; she's just stubborn." The young taijiya informed her kouhai.

"In the realm of demons, there lives a clan of dragons," Awasumaru began. "I've only met one of them, but my father told me they are fierce, strong, and fearless and during ancient times, they were considered the guardians of the realm. My father says they don't get along with other clans, but they feel strongly about their families and will protect them at any cost," Awasumaru informed Tenzen, bestowing knowledge as he clamped a hand down on the child's shoulder. "So, don't let it bother you when someone calls Lady Ikuyo a dragon; to me, comparing her to one is a compliment."

"Is that true?" Tenzen smiled for the first time, looking up expectantly at his hanyou sempai.

"It sure is," Suiren sniffed. It was her first time hearing the story, but she was willing to support Awasumaru's tale. "Ikuyo-sama has a bad temper and says whatever she wants. If she was a demon or even a half-demon like Awasu-san, I bet she could breathe fire."

Both boys gasped, looking at the girl in disbelief. Oddly, Suiren was oblivious to her similarities to Ikuyo.

"Looks who's talking," Awasumaru whispered to Tenzen.

"The little dragon," the boy whispered back.

"What was that?" Suiren asked as she turned to find both boys staring. "Why are you looking at me?" she asked, frowning.

"Nevermind, Suiren-san," Awasumaru sighed in exasperation, before turning back to Tenzen. "I don't know if one can handle a dragon, but if you want to learn to live peacefully with one, then just watch Heisuke-sama." At the hanyou's words, the three turned to the couple bickering playfully at the top of the slope. "He seems to have figured it out."

XXXXX

Kohaku was tiring; each time his kusarigama and Sesshoumaru's sword clashed, the muscles in his arms burned with each flexion and extension of the blocks and counters. It was pure instinct and quick reflexes that kept Kohaku from being sliced up, impaled on the daiyoukai's sword, or worse, beheaded.

The taijiya knew Sesshoumaru was testing him, pushing him to his limits and beyond. Power is what the daiyoukai respected, Kohaku knew that well and had decided to give it his all. The outcome was too important, as well as the only way to obtain what he truly desired.

Sesshoumaru had to acknowledge that the taijiya had grown significantly as a warrior. Although not driven by anger or intent to harm, Kohaku was relentless, unusually aggressive, and the power he exuded in wielding his weapon enforced how determined he was. The taijiya masterfully handled his kusarigama; he used the scythe to strike as well as create a shield, the chain to trap, and the ball at the end created a diversion. Kohaku managed to tactically brandish both sections of the scythe and chain weapon as if they were one.

The taijiya was fighting to prove he was worthy. A smitten Kohaku showed all the signs of young youkai males during the mating season. And although the taijiya's feelings for his ward were intense enough that he had issued a challenge, Sesshoumaru still had no idea what Rin's were.

Considering her age, Rin could merely be rebelling, thought Sesshoumaru, and recalled the young woman's mutinous expression when declaring she was no longer a child. It was not uncommon for the young ones to act out during this period of their lives. It could be boredom, lack of social interaction, or any number of things, but it did not necessarily mean she was in love nor shared the taijiya's feelings.

"Kohaku! Sesshoumaru-sama!"

The daiyoukai's keen ears detected Rin's distressed voice, but he continued fighting, focusing on the iron ball of Kohaku's weapon that flew past his shoulder. From his peripheral vision, Sesshoumaru saw Ah-un hurtling toward the ground while, at the same time, smoothly evading his opponent's chain, attempting to trap his sword.

Sesshoumaru did not miss the fact that Rin had called out Kohaku's name first. Nor did he miss her anguished mutterings as both she and Ah-un made a hasty descent. As they landed, the daiyoukai decided it was time to test Rin also.

The ball from Kohaku's chain weapon appeared in Sesshoumaru's line of sight. He reared back to avoid it, watching as the taijiya closed the distance between them and moved inside. The daiyoukai slashed downward, but predicted Kohaku's upward block and immediately switched to a vertical strike. The taijiya read the feint and responded by swerving the kusarigama to intercept the blade aimed at his side.

Inwardly, the daiyoukai smirked as he pressed forward, leading with his shoulder and stared directly into Kohaku's eyes. While pursuing Naraku in the past, the taijiya's brown orbs were timid and fearful, but no longer. The boy, or rather the young man, had grown, not just physically, but mentally and strategically, as he held out against Sesshoumaru's strength. The demon slayer's eyes now held an unwavering determination and as well as confidence. And yet, unlike Sesshoumaru, the young man found no glory in battle, nor did he crave it. Instead, Kohaku used his skills to protect, teach, and as a means of survival.

"Have you reached your limit, demon slayer?" Sesshoumaru asked, as he effortlessly held his ground.

"You don't normally worry about others," Kohaku managed to reply through clenched teeth. "Don't confuse me, Sesshoumaru-sama, or is that part of your strategy?"

The tone momentarily surprised the daiyoukai, and he lifted a brow in response. It was mocking, yet amicable, causing Sesshoumaru to smile inwardly at the boldness. Kohaku's challenge, enhanced skills, and fearless eyes were the man the boy had become, and a flicker of respect arose in Sesshoumaru's chest. But still, it was not enough.

"You have entertained me long enough, demon-slayer, but it is time to end this," Sesshoumaru stated before pushing off to create an opening. His opponent staggered back a few steps and then moved in again. However, before the taijiya could reach him, the daiyoukai balled a fist with his free hand and delivered a crushing left hook to Kohaku's jaw.

The taijiya's head snapped back, and he saw stars as his body recoiled from the impact. The punch reminded Kohaku that somehow, Sesshoumaru had regenerated his lost arm since he last saw him.

Landing on his shoulder caused Kohaku to drop his weapon; he then toppled over and slid along the ground on all fours. Crouched low, Kohaku regained his balance only to find that Sesshoumaru had advanced, and stood over him with his sword raised. He hesitated, but only for a second, Kohaku knew he had to move and fast.

There was a small opening; if the taijiya pitched forward, he might have enough room to dodge Sesshoumaru's downward slash and appear behind him. So focused on that window of opportunity, Kohaku missed the body launching itself toward him, and by the time it registered in his peripheral vision, it was too late.

Before Kohaku could maneuver, the body blotted out his vision of the daiyoukai while slamming into him with full force. Something struck just beneath the taijiya's chin, snapping his head up, as the projectile forced him to the ground and landed on top of him.

The stars from Sesshoumaru's punch had increased ten-fold, and the taijiya's head was spinning. And yet, through the haze, Kohaku grabbed the assailant's shoulder. He assumed it was Yoichi interfering, intending to toss his apprentice out of harm's way. However, the body gripped him even tighter and then cried out.

"No, Kohaku, stop!"

Rin!

Kohaku realized who was clinging to him; it was the reason he was here and why he and Sesshoumaru had drawn weapons against each other. Rin's small frame trembled; her arms clasped tight around his neck, and her body thrown over his, she had him pinned to the ground. Their position was awkward and, most unseemingly, especially to her ward, who was looking down on them with a frown. Sesshoumaru had lowered his sword but hadn't yet sheathed it, and Kohaku scooted back on the ground while holding onto Rin. He was putting distance between them while, at the same time, struggling to right himself.

At a safe distance and still dizzy from the earlier assaults, the taijiya managed to make it to his feet, yet Rin still clung to him. Her head was buried in his neck, with arms wound around his neck and legs clenched tight around his waist.

Kohaku rubbed her back, trying to soothe and calm her down. "It's okay," he repeatedly murmured until he felt her loosen her hold; her arms fell to her side, and her legs slumped to the ground. The taijiya stepped back and looked down into her upturned face, noticing remnants of tears moistening her lashes and trembling lips. "Okay now?" he asked softly, as he tenderly wiped a leaking eye with a fingertip. Kami! How he missed this woman.

"Why were you fighting?" Rin barked on a shuddering breath. "Why were you and Sesshoumaru-sama fighting?"

"Ah.. well - ah... it's kinda..."

"Oh, no!" Rin squealed suddenly. "You're bleeding!"

Kohaku looked down at the hand Rin placed on his chest. The wound from his battle with Akujikumo had reopened and seeped blood. He looked back up to inform Rin, but she was gone. The taijiya's eyes grew wide as he saw her marching toward Sesshoumaru with her small fists bunched at her side.

"What did you do to him?" she snapped at her guardian.

"He challenged me," Sesshoumaru said in his usual monotone, as he sheathed his sword.

"That has nothing to do with anything," Rin stated unreasonably and stamped her foot in frustration. "How could you, Sesshoumaru-sama? How could you hurt Kohaku?"

"Unfortunately, my blade never touched him," the daiyoukai smirked as he looked down on his young ward.

"Unfortunately?" Everyone present, Kohaku, Rin, Jaken, and Yoichi, all shared the same thought.

"It... it's an old injury Rin, from a battle a few days ago," Kohaku informed her as he grabbed her hand and pulled her back within the safety zone. "Kaede-dono nursed my wounds; she told me not to overdo it, but..." the taijiya shrugged, leaving the rest unsaid.

"I see," Rin whispered, her hands, once again, moved lightly over him, inspecting his injuries. "If you knew that, then why would you challenge Sesshoumaru-sama while you're still healing?" she asked while adjusting his bandages. "And why are you two fighting in the first place?"

Kohaku briefly informed her of his battle with Akujikumo and his convalescence with Kaede. He didn't tell her everything, just the specifics, and Rin listened with eyes reflecting her happiness that Kohaku had finally faced his past demons.

"But," Kohaku continued, "I wasn't able to kill Naraku's spawn so, I came here hoping that either Sesshoumaru-sama or Kikyou-sama could help me purge the demon."

Jaken gulped, Yoichi face-palmed, both realizing Kohaku had just made a grave mistake in communication.

"Oh," Rin murmured, the light of excitement dimming in her eyes. "So, that's why you're here."

"Yes!" the taijiya began, unaware of the change in the young woman's countenance. "But Sesshoumaru-sama refused, which is why we're where we are now."

"Oh, I see," Rin murmured again. Her head was bent, and her bangs shielded her face. "Well..." the young woman began as she moved away from Kohaku and returned to Sesshoumaru's side, "I guess you still have to convince him then. Please, continue," she offered in a neutral voice.

"Hey... wait, that's not..." Kohaku began and took a step forward, only to pull up short when the daiyoukai placed his hand on his sword hilt. "Rin, listen..." he pleaded from where he stood.

"To what?" the young woman interrupted. "We have nothing to discuss; this is between you and Lord Sesshoumaru," Rin quipped. "It has nothing to do with me."

"Nothing..." Kohaku muttered, eyes wide in surprise. And then suddenly, something erupted from within the taijiya, like hot lava from an active volcano. In vain, he had struggled to break ties with Rin, and once decided he could not live without her, Kohaku had chosen to pursue a route that placed them on the same path of togetherness. Everything he had done up to this point - from his journey of enlightenment to challenging Sesshoumaru, had been about Rin. How dare she say otherwise.

Whipping around, Kohaku strode angrily toward Rin and, Sesshoumaru, immediately stepped in front of the woman, blocking his path.

"Stand aside, Sesshoumaru, I'm in no mood for your interference," Kohaku spat, as he reached around the daiyoukai and pulled Rin from behind. "What part of this has nothing to do with you?" he demanded, as he swung her around to face him.

Shocked at his daring, Rin was momentarily speechless but held her ground. "You said you came to request a favor, which he refused," she snapped and jabbed a thumb in Sesshoumaru's direction, which caused the daiyoukai to frown at the action. "What does that have to do with me?" she argued.

"You know damn well..."

"Don't swear!" Rin hissed, rising on her toes to confront him.

"Oh, sorry," Kohaku mumbled, immediately contrite. He inhaled deeply, trying to regroup and resumed making his point with diplomacy. "You know why I'm here, Rin," he stated quietly.

"I only know what you tell me, Kohaku, that's all," Rin responded haughtily. "Am I to read minds now?"

"For heaven's sakes..." Kohaku muttered and rubbed the back of his neck, frustrated.

"Humans..." Sesshoumaru snorted, "... are pathetic creatures," he stated. The daiyoukai never batted an eyelid as the couple turned to him with annoyed expressions.

Adult yet still children, thought Sesshoumaru, as he watched the exchange between the two. Neither was forthcoming, although it was apparent what their feelings were for each other. Kohaku had been clear, although a bit dense when it came to courtship. The moment Rin protected the taijiya with her body, the daiyoukai now understood what her feelings were.

Kohaku had already been through some kind of personal war, Sesshoumaru could tell. During their fight, he was aware of the taijiya's recent battle, as he had smelled fresh blood oozing from reopened wounds. Observing Rin during the exchange with Kohaku, the daiyoukai realized the young woman was stronger than he'd initially thought. Usually, amicable and obedient his young ward rarely, if ever, had shown aggression as she did today. Sesshoumaru had seen glimpses of when Awasumaru had played pranks on her and Idzuna. The first time it was directed at him was a few days ago, during his and Rin's altercation in the study some days ago. And now, a lovers spat between his ward and the demon slayer was yet another revelation.

"Shall we continue, Kohaku?" the daiyoukai asked, addressing the taijiya by his name for the first time. Before he could receive a response, Sesshoumaru turned to Rin and asked in a stoic voice, "Should I kill him outright or toy with him a bit more?"

"Toy with who?" Kohaku growled.

"You're not killing anyone!" Rin snapped in unison. The young woman even moved from Sesshoumaru's side to stand between the two males, which neither backed off nor stood down.

"Fine," Rin heard Kohaku mutter under his breath. "Whatever it takes," he added before turning on his heel and striding off to retrieve his weapon.

"Wait, Koha..." the young woman tried to stop him, but he ignored her. Turning back to her guardian, Rin warned, "You are not going to fight him... again. I forbid it!"

"I do not require your permission," Sesshoumaru stated in a low monotone.

"But you just asked..."

"I asked how you wanted him killed, not if you wanted him killed," the daiyoukai's unwavering gaze held hers. "I, Sesshoumaru, have decided to end his life."

"Stop saying things like that!" Rin snapped. "You're not killing anybody!"

"Anyone," the daiyoukai corrected and then asked, "Why not?"

"Because... because you can't!" Rin evaded.

"I can, but I am curious as to why you feel I must not?"

Rin sighed, watching Kohaku retrieve his weapon. She saw Yoichi approach his master, who was examining his kusarigama. The teen began arguing with his mentor; the young student was berating his master, and Rin felt a jolt as Kohaku smiled serenely and scratched the back of his head in response. Which only served to infuriate his protegee even more.

Although it was not in the manner that Rin had envisioned, a heartfelt apology or soulful declaration of love, he had come for her; therefore, nothing else mattered, right?

"My Lord!" Jaken huffed, as he jogged up to his master and his ward. "What is this about a continuation? Rin-san, would you please explain..."

"Shut up, Jaken," Sesshoumaru interrupted and then turned to his ward to inquire, "Well, Rin?"

"Because I love him," Rin's words gushed out, and her eyes never left the man standing a short distance away. "The reason you can't is that I love Kohaku!"

"All these years, I've wondered about him... where he was and what kind of life he had made for himself," Rin began, her voice distant. "When Kikyou-sama found him, and we met again, this friendship that I had cherished all this time flourished into something more. I'm not sure when I started loving him - maybe it was the first time we kissed..." the young woman sighed and raised a hand to her lips as if savoring the memory, "... or maybe it was always there,' she whispered.

"When we were together at the slayers' village, Kohaku and I bonded, just like before," Rin continued; she turned to Sesshoumaru with her feelings evident in her eyes. "I wanted to stay with him; wanted to live with him, and I know he wanted the same, but... something happened. I won't explain what, but he sent me away because he felt he couldn't protect me. And now he's here."

"You know why he's here." It was a statement from Sesshoumaru, not a question.

"Yes, my Lord," Rin sighed. "I know why he's here; I'm no simpleton."

There was a silent pause as Sesshoumaru questioned that in his mind. Humans were already confusing enough, and ones plagued by emotions and physical yearnings were even more so.

In truth, the daiyoukai had never thought about Rin's future until Yoippari had brought it to his attention two summers ago. The old owl had questioned whether he, the self-appointed guardian of a human child, would allow her to continue living amongst demons. Sesshoumaru had brushed off a question he had no answer to and had never given it a passing thought. He recalled saying something like 'Rin would make that decision when the time came,' and now, it was that time, and the daiyoukai could only accept her choice.

"If you know that he came for you, I am curious, why did you pretend otherwise?" Sesshoumaru inquired.

"He never said it," Rin stated, as she slid a glance over at her guardian. "He never said I was the reason; he has yet to say the words I want to hear."

Sesshoumaru frowned, once again, trying to understand how the human mind worked. What the young woman wanted was already in plain sight.

From the moment Rin had joined the daiyoukai, Jaken and Ah-un, the child was allowed to do whatever she pleased, as long as it did not annoy him or inconvenience their group. Sesshoumaru had never offered guidance or discipline; he never saw a need. But today, for the first time, he was compelled to do just that.

Sesshoumaru moved to stand behind the child, now a woman, who had first stirred any type of feeling from him. He placed a hand on her shoulder and asked, "Are words necessary when his actions speak for him?"

He felt Rin flinch, but she never responded; therefore, the daiyoukai continued, as he followed Rin's gaze to the man standing across the field.

"The demon slayer has traveled a great distance. There was a previous battle that left him battered and bruised. I smelled fresh blood from his wounds as I approached him, and yet, although not fully recovered, he still dared to challenge me," he informed Rin and then looked down on her bent head. "The fool's body must be in agony," Sesshoumaru sniffed. "And yet he continues to pursue this quest to become worthy."

Rin whipped around, angry at her guardian's words. "He's no fool and... and he's more than worthy," she spat. "He always has been! Oh, I don't know," Rin sighed, "Maybe I am the one not worthy of him?"

"That is nonsense!" Jaken dared to speak up after the order to remain silent. "My Lord never associates with riffraff, girl; you know this well! Hmph! Not worthy, what utter..."

"I agree, Jaken, but hold your tongue," Sesshoumaru interrupted.

"Ye... yes, my Lord," the demon imp uttered, bowed in acquiescence, and stepped back.

"Thank you, Jaken-sama," said Rin and smiled. "That makes me very happy, but... I've never had to prove anything to any of you; why does Kohaku?"

"Indeed," Sesshoumaru smirked and lifted a brow. "Why must he prove himself to the one who should believe in him the most?" he posed the real question and then paused, allowing the query to hit home. Once he saw the realization dawn in Rin's eyes, the daiyoukai continued. "Words are simply words without the actions to validate them," the daiyoukai stated. "The moment the demon slayer drew his weapon, I realized his sincerity and resolve," Sesshoumaru admitted with reluctance. "It was not until I realized..." he paused, "...well, let's just say he gained my approval," he said, lifting his chin haughtily as he covered up referencing his ignorance of Rin's feelings.

"I would never allow any union without first having your input and undoubtedly your consent," the daiyoukai stated, and then went on to say. "Whether you accept or decline Kohaku's offer is your business, young Rin; however, I advise you to decide and quickly," Sesshoumaru said, noticing the taijiya had ended the discussion with his protegee and was now coming their way. "Either you put him out of his misery, or I shall."

Rin nearly swooned at her guardian's lengthy explanation. Sesshoumaru was never verbose, preferring his usual clipped and concise monologue; therefore, this surprised the young woman, yet brought a smile to her face. Rin's eyes traveled over her guardian, from the tips of his soft-soled boots to the crescent birthmark at the center of his forehead. He was just as majestic now as he was the first time she had laid eyes on him. Sesshoumaru was once the center of her world. She loved him; he was the best guardian, protector, and paternal surrogate a girl could have wanted. With Kohaku, there was a different type of love awaiting her.

"Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin whispered as she moved close to his side and slipped her hand in his. "Thank you... for everything," she gulped as a single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. "It's so strange; I feel sad leaving my family in the west, yet I'm so happy at the thought of a new life with Kohaku. Am I wrong to feel that way?"

The fingers interlaced with his were warm and soft, and Sesshoumaru wondered about Rin's new life with the demon slayers. As he looked down on the young woman beside him, the daiyoukai focused on the two things that had not changed upon her entering adulthood - a pair of big, curious brown eyes and that unguarded smile. It was Rin's admiration, loyalty, and trust over the past years that were the catalyst to everything Sesshoumaru held dear today, but he would never admit that aloud.

"No," the daiyoukai said as it was the only word he could manage past the lump that suddenly appeared in his throat. He recalled having the same sensation the first time he heard Awasumaru cry. It was the day following his son's demon transformation. The child had awoken to discover he had nearly killed his foster brother and had attacked his mother. The daiyoukai didn't know what to do with those feelings then, and he sure as hell didn't right now.

"Alright, Sesshoumaru," Kohaku said as he approached; he carried his kusarigama in hand with Yoichi right behind. "It's time."

The Lord of the West stiffened at the taijiya's tone, and yet it helped quell that unwelcomed inclination. Letting go of Rin's hand, Sesshoumaru moved a few paces away to face Kohaku as his ward moved toward her intended.

"Lady Rin," Yoichi barked, stopping her in her tracks. "Can you please do something about him?" The boy pointed rudely at Sesshoumaru.

"Ah, well..." Rin began, but Jaken intercepted.

"Mind your manners, boy," the demon imp humphed, "He is no him... this is the great Lord Sesshoumaru, the Lord of the West, I'll have you know!"

"Who asked you?" Yoichi sneered.

"Yoichi, calm down..."

"Not another word from you," the teen hissed at his mentor, cutting off Kohaku's infamous line he had spouted repeatedly. "I've watched you, and this-this Sesshoumaru go back and forth all afternoon! Well, I'm sick of it," the boy snapped. "I'm tired, hungry, and we haven't fully healed from our last battle yet, and you're still trying to take on a high-level demon?! Are you crazy?!"

"Yoichi-kun," Rin addressed the teen gently, although her voice was firm. "That's no way to talk to your teacher," she reprimanded him and then informed everyone. "There will be no more fighting today. Is that not right, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"That depends," the daiyoukai responded, as he eyed the demon slayer's apprentice and then smirked, seeing the boy slink behind his master.

"What?" Kohaku gasped, looking from Rin to Sesshoumaru, confused. "Why?" he asked, before hurrying over to both. "Why are we stopping the fight?" he asked of the daiyoukai, who simply shrugged his shoulders and looked down at the young woman beside him.

"Rin... was it... did you decide this?" Kohaku asked as he turned to her and felt a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach.

"Hmm," she nodded. "It's time for us to go home, Kohaku," she said softly.

The taijiya blinked, shook his head clear of the cobwebs, and then turned to Rin to ask, "Us? You and me, right?"

"Yes," Rin laughed shyly. "You and me... and Yoichi-kun, too."

"And we'll get married?" he asked breathlessly, as he moved in close, cupped Rin's face in his hands and tilted it up to look deep into her eyes.

"Of course," she answered, as her hands found themselves at his waist. "But just you and me, not Yoichi," she tried to say without laughing but failed.

"Give it a rest already," the teen muttered and plopped down on the ground. After his adventure, he wanted to go home, rest, and later boast to Akira and the others, while showing off his battle scars.

Rin and Kohaku talked in hushed whispers, and Sesshoumaru, watching them snuggled together, decided he would take his leave. "Come, Jaken," he ordered the demon toad. Both turned to head back to the west estate, but the daiyoukai stopped, sensing another presence.

"Look at that, Idzuna-chan!" Kikyou's voice flowed over him, as she and the fox-child walked into their midst. "All is well."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed on his mate approaching him, wearing a plain white kimono with a red obi sash. Her raven hair was loose and flowing as she and Idzuna appeared suddenly over the rise. Flesh and blood, she was more magnificent than any memory he had to sustain him during his away assignments for the council.

"Welcome home, my Lord... Jaken-san," Kikyou nodded a greeting.

"My Lady!" the demon imp greeted the Lady of the West.

"I see you two have managed to keep yourselves quite busy while I was away." The former Miko looked around meaningfully.

"I find no humor in your words, woman," Sesshoumaru sniffed. "I noticed the time of your arrival was notably... convenient," he stated, for want of a better word.

"It was." Kikyou nodded her head, affirming her staged delay.

"You know I detest dealing with matters such as these," the daiyoukai stated and then frowned as his mate turned to look up at him. Kikyou's face was serene as ever, her composure unruffled.

"To Rin, you were the only one who truly mattered," the former Miko informed her mate. "She needed you to share her happiness, acknowledge her choice of whom to love, and accept him," Kikyou explained. "Although I feel you were a bit rough with Kohaku, I must say, you handled Rin quite well. I commend you, my Lord."

Sesshoumaru humphed, and his nose inched higher in the air, yet inwardly preened at his mate's praise. "And you should," he responded with conceit, "I am most deserving."

"In this instance, I agree," Kikyou said as her lips tilted in a slight smile. "You are not losing her, you know," the woman added softly, knowing her mate's abandonment issues with his parents.

There was no verbal response from Sesshoumaru; the former Miko noticed nor a flicker of recognition through their mental link. He chose to ignore the reference.

"Well... you have gained a new family member," Kikyou said pointedly.

"Heaven forbid," the daiyoukai snarled, looked up at the sky, and was startled by the giggles that erupted from beside him. He looked down to find Kikyou smothering her mouth in her kimono sleeve as Idzuna laughed aloud.

"I do not share your amusement," he huffed, casting a heated glare at both.

"Forgive us, Sesshoumaru." Kikyou resumed her mask and urged the fox-child forward. "Come, Idzuna-chan, let us wish the happy couple well, shall we?"

"My Lord?" the kitsune inquired of her master. After an affirmative nod, both she and Jaken hurried behind their mistress.

The daiyoukai watched them go, his mate and servant. To the woman, he sent silent messages through their connection, telling her to hurry. He reminded her that both had just recently returned home and yet they had not seen each other for several days. As for the younger, he wondered how she would cope with Rin's absence. The two had become fast friends since the first day he had brought the human child to the west. It was possible that Idzuna, much like the others, would eventually also gravitate toward the slayer's village.

The group interacted well, Sesshoumaru noticed, as he stood at a distance and observed. Kohaku was taller than Kikyou now; he saw how comfortable they were with each other and how easily they conversed. Rin was all smiles and permanently attached to her soon-to-be husband's arm. One would have thought the man was going to flee, and she had to hold him in place. The daiyoukai watched as Rin reached out for Idzuna, drew her forward to properly introduce Kohaku, as Jaken and the teen demon slayer engaged in a bout of verbal sparring. As Kikyou had said, 'all was well,' and Sesshoumaru was more than ready to return home to relax and unwind.

"Kikyou-sama!" Kohaku gasped, recalling, other than claiming Rin, his other reason for coming to the west. "I almost forgot; I have this inro... uh! Where is it?" he asked, frantically patting himself down.

"What is it, Kohaku?" Rin asked. "Did you lose something?"

"Ah... yeah," the taijiya uttered as he located and pulled a himo cord from the front of his haori and noticed it was severed. "Oh, no... Yoichi..." he swung around to the boy standing behind him.

"I don't have it." The boy shook his head. "You had it on when you were fighting."

"Dammit," Kohaku swore and then remembered his audience. "Ah... sorry," he addressed the women.

"Was it something important, Kohaku?" Kikyou asked.

The taijiya sighed and then informed her, "It's a wooden pillbox which contained sections of Akujikumo's body. I was unable to kill him, so I brought him here, hoping you could purge him."

"That was true?" Jaken asked and saw the taijiya nod his head. "Oh my, I thought you made that up to save face," the demon imp said and then turned and pointed. "Sesshoumaru sliced through the cord at your neck, and I saw it fall into the river. Right there, near the horses."

"Why didn't you say anything!?" the group asked in unison.

"How was I supposed to know?" Jaken grunted, offended.

While the others argued, Kikyou turned towards the river and closed her eyes, using her spiritual awareness to search for the evil presence. There was nothing, not the smallest hint of vileness in the immediate vicinity.

"It's gone," Kikyou said softly.

"Are you sure?" Kohaku swirled around. "We could look... Yoichi and I can search down by the river!"

"No need," the former Miko said. "It has floated downstream by now. All you can do now is return home and heal yourself properly. My sister is highly skilled," Kikyou said, running a hand over Kohaku's bandages, "But rest is necessary to aid healing. This Akujikumo will seek you out again, of that you can be sure; you need to prepare."

"Come, Kikyou," Sesshoumaru's mind connected with hers. "There is nothing more you can do here." The former Miko looked up to see her mate standing still, yet turned in the direction of home, waiting for her to join him.

"Idzuna-chan," It's been a long hard journey for these two. Would you create a portal to return Kohaku and Yoichi to the village immediately?"

"Of course, my Lady."

"Rin..."

"Oh, I'm... going with Kohaku," the young woman stated breathlessly and tightened her grip on his arm. "We'll keep the previous arrangements," Rin blurted out, seeing Kikyou's raised brow. "Perfectly respectable; right, Kohaku?"

"You have my word, Kikyou-sama," the taijiya agreed. To have Rin by his side for the rest of his days was his intention from the beginning. "Please relay that to Sesshoumaru."

"He already knows."

XXXXX

A group of boys from a village near the river decided to end their play and head home. After collecting their balls, sticks, kites, and other toys, the group walked down to the bank to wash the dust from their feet.

One ten-year-old boy noticed an item floating adrift, caught in the grass near the water's edge. The boy looked over his shoulder to see if anyone else had noticed, but he was the only one. Careful to not alert the others, he crept closer and had to step into the water to reach it.

"Whoa!" the boy whispered as he picked the wooden box and turned it over in his hand. He had seen a few travelers and merchants with this type of thing. They used it to carry their personals while on the road, and others used it for medicinals. It was a lucky find, and one the child did not want to share. The wood was dark, and the box had five sections that opened. With his back to his friends, the boy pulled out a drawer to see what was inside.

The drawer contained a gooey looking substance. Poking it with a finger, the boy thought it felt like bean paste. The boy opened another drawer, found the same, and wondered if the box had contained medicine that got damaged in the river. He was about to open the third drawer when he thought he detected movement. His hand paused and hovered over the next section. "Ah... it was nothin'," the boy uttered and proceeded to open the next drawer.

Suddenly, there was a sharp, stinging sensation in his finger. The boy smothered a cry as he dropped the box in the water. He grabbed the finger that was now pulsating; it felt as if something was burrowing under his skin.

"Hey, Tetsu!" one friend shouted to the boy. "You okay?"

The boy called Tetsu waited for the pain to subside before answering. "Yeah, yeah... just caught my foot on somethin'," he told them, before snatching up the inro again and stuffing it inside his jinbei.

"Well, come on!" the friend yelled, "Your mom's gonna be mad if you're late for dinner."

Tetsu joined his friends. They traveled to their village and then separated, heading to their own homes and families. Tetsu, nor any of the others, realized that over the next several years, they would unknowingly harbor a demon who would lay waste to all they know and love, making their future a living hell.

To be continued...