Beginnings

As expected, the rest of the group was taken aback when the slayers told them that they would "adopt" Rin. However, one look at the girl told them that, as much as this pained them, it would be for the best. Better for her to leave with people they trusted than risk going out into the wild alone again.

Gathering supplies went fairly quickly and it was only a few hours before the now - official - group of four headed out of the village. Rin's training would require them to go back to Yokai Taijiya Village, the place where Sango and Kohaku were born. To help in speeding up the journey, they left their cart and horse behind in the village, only taking a few packs worth of stuff. Getting to the slayers' village would take about 3 days on foot, though it would likely be longer because of Sango. The journey would also be a chance to show Rin a few things that slayers used when out on the field such as ointments and poisons. However, when thinking about it, it wouldn't be at all surprising if she already knew these things. Training Rin would be a challenge not because of her skills or age; no, instead it would be because she knew - and certainly preferred - the other side of the fights. She said that traveling with them and becoming a slayer was no big deal, but the family feared that her kindness towards demons might get the best of her when it mattered the most. But, despite this, they forged ahead to formally train her - only hoping that she would be able to adjust.

"Alright, and what's this one used to make?" Sango held up a small flower with thick roots.

Rin let out a small sigh, "The petals and seeds can be ground into a paste that can be used as a burn salve," She pointed to the lower portion, "But the roots are poisonous and should only be used for offensive attacks."

"Look, I know it's boring, but this is part of the training. You want to find Sesshomaru, don't you?" Like Rin, Sango was becoming progressively more irritated.

"Yes, but...but Rin already knows these things! Rin had to forage for years."

"I know, I know," She turned to her husband and brother that had been sharpening the weapons, "Are you guys ready for dinner? I think we could all use a break," A chorus of 'yes' soon followed.

The meal was fairly silent because of the obvious tension between the two women. The only words spoken were asking for something to be passed from one person to another. Once finished, Rin gathered the dishes to go wash them at the river they were next to - no one made her or even suggested it, but she wanted to be alone. They were about a day into traveling towards the sibling's hometown, but it felt like eternity. She had already considered running from the group to do things her way; but Rin knew that it would be better for her to stay around for as long as she could to learn. However, all she was being taught were things she already knew from traveling with Sesshomaru and Jaken. What she really needed was to be taught how to use weapons beyond the small dagger she kept within the folds of her kimono. Rin let out a small laugh, no one even knew she carried one, but her lord gave it to her in case she ever needed to fend for herself if he could not reach her. But something this small would do nothing when she went to the places she thought he might be. The demons on those routes were mindless monsters that would only respond to being cut down. Sesshomaru did so with ease, but for Rin, the task would be much harder. She began to fantasize about the weapons she would be shown once she reached the village. Though Hiraikotsu and Kusarigama were amazing, Rin knew they were not for her. She loved the idea of having claws like Sesshomaru, but was always saddened by how she would never have them. Perhaps now she could.

"...in...Rin!" Kohaku tapped the girl on the shoulder as she continued to be lost in thought.

"Ah, sorry! Rin was just thinking about how pretty the stars look," over the years, the child had become very good at lying to other humans.

"They are, aren't they," Kohaku sat down next to her, "You know...it's not too late to turn back if you don't want to go through with this."

As Rin's eyes began to flare up, Kohaku quickly continued, "I know, everything is to find Sesshomaru. But what about after you do? Will you just throw all the training away and stop being a demon slayer?"

"No. Rin will never forget anything. But Rin will live with Sesshomaru-sama because that is what Rin wants."

"Alright, I just wanted to make sure. Assuming Sis stays well like she did today, we should be there two mornings from now. I'll go ahead and warn you now; the village is dead. It was destroyed years ago, which is why we rarely go there," he sighed very sadly, going back home was always painful, "But everything we would need to train you - including any weapons - will be there."

"Kohaku," the child gripped her kimono as she spoke, "Is...is Rin going to be okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone is so worried that Rin isn't going to be human anymore. But...Rin is a human...right?"

"And we know that, but…" Kohaku trailed off, not sure how to dispel the girl's worries, "...It'll be okay, Rin. Now come on, let's get some sleep!"