Notes:

Wow, first of all, let me say how sorry I am in how long it took me to get this chapter out! I had a lot happen the past month, I finally got a job doing what I'm good at. I got laid off during the pandemic last year and was unemployed for 11 months and took a job working at Starbucks part-time. Working at Starbucks' isn't so bad but I have a bad back and being on my feet for long hours was physically KILLING me. I would come home in so much pain that once I sat down I could barely move.

Now I'm working back in the field that I was let go from but this job is only part-time as well until the owner gives me the go-ahead that I can have full-time hours. So I am now working 2 jobs from M-W, my thursdays are booked out with a program I attended after work so it only leaves me Friday and the weekend to get caught up on all my other things.

I also got caught up in Sess RIn Smut Week and wanted to contribute to that, so this story got put on the back burner. Do not worry, I have this story completely outlined, I will not be abandoning this story at all. I promise! One of my lemon series for Sess Rin Smut week has now turned into its own series so to be fair to both audiences I will be switching back and forth between updating both stories.

Essentially, expect updates to take longer, Hopefully not as long as this update took, hopefully only between 2-3 weeks. I do not want to push out a story in a rush and it be crap, hence updates taking longer now.

To be honest, this chapter was a bit of a struggle to write. I know where the story is going but this part, while Rin is still in her homeland, was hard to figure out. I finally put on some ominous music and finally found where I wanted this chapter to go.

On a side note, I was thinking of creating a website showcasing my Sess Rin stories and also thinking of creating a . A would help me eliminate the second job so I can dedicate more time to writing Sess Rin content. Like I said it's just an idea, so I'll see.

You might need to reread chapter 3 to refresh your memory because something is mentioned in this chapter regarding something that was mentioned in chapter 3.

Ok enough about my life, onto the story!

Chapter 4

Signs and Portents

Rin stood in line with her parents and young brothers as the delegation from the western lands prepared to leave.

Maiko had woken her informing her that her presence was requested for the Inu family's departure. Maiko had taken her time in getting her ready. Rin spent some time soaking in a bath filled with lavender petals, not speaking. Maiko then dressed her in one of her finer kimonos and now here she stood in line with her brothers that were fidgeting next to her.

Rin looked over to see her father speaking to Inu No Tashio, both rulers with serious looks upon their faces.

'Why did I have to be here for this?' Rin thought to herself holding back that sigh that wanted to escape.

Rin quickly composed herself when she saw that Prince Inuyasha was making his way towards her.

"My lord," Rin stated while bowing low to her future husband.

"Keh, you can just call me Inuyasha. I was never into those formal titles. Bunch of bullshit if you ask me." Inuyasha said stuffing his arms into his haori.

"It would be informal of me to call you by your name considering that you are to be my-"

"OW!"

Rin's head whipped around to see that twin brothers were now rolling around on the ground fighting.

"TODA! ODA!" Rin called out and immediately pulled her brothers apart.

"You both know better than this!" Rin hissed, smoothing out their robes and pushing a brother to stand on either side of her to keep them separated.

Rin turned back to Inuyasha, "Forgive me, Prince Inuyasha. They are still young."

"Nothing more than what my brother and I use to do."

"Oh, you have a brother?" Rin asked now curious as to why he was not present for this meeting.

"Yeah, sometimes we get along, and other times not so much," Inuyasha said shrugging his shoulders.

"Is he older or younger than you?"

"Older by a few centuries. Did your parents not explain this to you?" Inuyasha asked with a puzzled expression cocking his head to the side, puppy dog ears twitching in the wind.

"Why would they tell me about your brother, my lord?" Rin asked just as puzzled.

"Well because -"

"Inuyasha, it's time to go," Toga called out.

Inuyasha looked back to his father and then back to Rin. Rin noticed that Inuyasha was looking at her in confusion.

"My lord?" Rin asked now worried.

Inuyasha sighed and shook his head, "It's time for us to depart. Please take care of yourself, princess Rin."

Inuyasha bowed and soon disappeared into the carriage.

Rin now found herself standing in the presence of Lord Toga and Lady Izayoi.

"My lord, my lady," Rin said bowing low to her future parents.

"Princess it was a pleasure to meet you. Once we arrive back at the palace, we will have chambers prepared for you. I also wanted to let you know that we have an intensive library that will rival your family's library here. Your father was telling me that you love to read." Toga said with a smile.

"I am honored my lord," Rin answered back in surprise.

'Why would I need my own room? Wouldn't I just be moving into Inuyasha's room considering we are getting married?'

"Safe travels my lord, my lady," Rin said once again bowing.

Rin watched as Toga and Izayoi both entered the carriage and both carriages soon disappeared from view.

Rin could see both of her parents come to stand next to her, her father opening his mouth to speak but Rin cut him off.

"I will attend to Oda and Toda." She pulled both of her brothers by their hands and left her parents standing by themselves.

~oOo~

Meanwhile in the Carriage

Toga sat facing his wife and son and sighed. He felt his wife grasp onto his hand and gently squeeze.

Izayoi softly spoke out, "They still have not told their daughter, have they?"

"It would appear they have not," Toga said while rubbing his forehead.

Inuyasha gasped out, "Are they expecting us to tell her?! Father! This is ridiculous!"

"Inuyasha has a point, my dear. Her parents are the ones who raised her, they were chosen to." Izayoi said looking towards Inuyasha.

Toga looked out the carriage window and said, "I know, but we need to be prepared in the off chance they do not tell her the truth because if no one tells her…"

"Father?" Inuyasha quietly said seeing his father become deadly silent.

"We cannot let her fall into the wrong hands," Toga said with a hardened look in his eyes facing both his wife and son.

"We won't, none of us will," Izayoi said cupping her husband's cheek.

Toga relaxed a bit at his wife's touch and drew her to him, inhaling her scent.

"We will protect her but most of all he will protect her." Toga said quietly.

~oOo~

Rin holding each of her brothers' hands, quickly walked them to their tutor's room. She was so caught in her own thoughts she barely heard what Oda had said.

"Rin?" Oda asked again.

Rin sighed and bent down so she was at eye level with her twin brothers. Taking a deep breath and feeling regret for not paying attention, she smiled at them, "I'm sorry Oda, what did you ask me?"

"Why did the silver hair man have ears on top of his head?" Oda asked.

"Well, that's because his mother is human and his father is a youkai, he is an hanyou." Rin asked, ruffling his hair.

"Why did you look so sad while you were talking to him?" Toda asked, looking at his yukata.

"Did I look sad?" Rin asked in surprise.

"Mhmm." Both her brothers answered.

Rin sighed, hanging her head. She had forgotten how observant her brothers were. She never understood how but they always seemed to sense how everyone was feeling around them, especially herself.

"Well, I suppose it's because I may be going away soon to live with silver hair man," Rin answered honestly.

"And I'm nervous to be living with a new family. I don't know them like how I know you boys and our parents."

"He has a kind heart," Oda said smiling at Rin.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" Rin asked, puzzled.

"His color," Toda answered this time.

"His color?" Rin repeated. In all her time, Rin had had never heard her brothers talk about colors before.

When her brothers did not answer, Rin pressed again, "Toda, Oda, what do you mean his color?"

Both boys look sheepishly at her, and Oda finally answered, "His color is warm, it's green. Green is good."

Rin looked at her brothers in shock, "Is everyone you see green?"

"Almost."

Rin studied her brothers; she could tell they were telling her the truth.

Thinking for a moment, Rin asked, "What color am I?"

Rin watched as her brothers whispered to each other and finally turned back to her, "Bright, like a rainbow!"

Rin chuckled, "So I'm a rainbow color. Which one?"

"All of them!"

Now she was confused.

"You said everyone you see is almost green but you're saying that I'm a rainbow?"

"Mhmm! Some days your colors are really bright and other days you are bright like the sun!"

Completely perplexed now, Rin asked, "Is anyone else you see like my color?"

"No, just you," Oda said fidgeting with his sandal.

Rin was about to question her brothers again when Terazawa their tutor stepped out.

"Boys, come, it's time for your lessons."

Rin stood up and bowed at Terazawa when he bowed to her in greeting.

"Go ahead, I'll see you later this afternoon. Be good for Terazawa." Rin said gently pushing her brothers into the large room.

"Yes, Rin!" Both boys exclaimed in unison.

Rin was now standing alone in the long hall.

Rin replayed her brothers' words in her head.

"Mhmm! Some days your colors are really bright and other days you are bright like the sun!"

'Why would I be bright and like the sun?' Rin thought to herself rubbing her chin. Realizing she was still standing in the hall all by herself now, she started the trek to the library.

She remembered from her encounter last night, she wanted to see if the library had any books about the old tree.

Once reaching the library, Rin was relieved to see no one else there. Quietly closing the door behind her, she turned and stared at the vast array of books before her.

Rin then spent the rest of her morning going from book to book trying to find anything about the old tree. She let out a sigh of frustration when she felt her search was becoming fruitless. She loved that her family library was so intensive but at a time like this, it didn't help her search.

She then heard the door open and turned to see Kokoro, one of the castle's staff coming in, stopping in her tracks seeing her princess.

"Princess, forgive me. I did not mean to intrude." Kokoro stated bowing.

"It's fine Kokoro." Rin warmly greeted her.

"Kokoro, you tend to the library, correct?"

"Yes Princess, I'm here everyday cleaning and dusting," Kokoro answered.

"Hm, then you must know the all the book or at least their placement." Rin inquired.

"Yes Princess, was there something you were searching for?"

"Yes, I'm looking for any books pertaining to very old trees."

Kokoro tapped her chin and thought for a moment, "Hm I believe those kinds of books would be over here."

Kokoro then led Rin over the opposite side of the large library and both women began going through the rows of books.

After more time spent searching, Rin heard Kokoro call her, "Is this what you are looking for Princess?"

Rin turned to see Kokoro holding open a book pointing to an illustration of a very large tree.

Rin gasped and rushed forward, "Yes I think this it!"

Rin took the book from Kokoro and flipped the book to its cover:

Myths and Legends of Gods and Living Creatures
Volume I

"Kokoro, is there another book? This says volume I." Rin asked, looking towards the shelf where the book came from.

Rin and Kokoro then spent several minutes looking across the various shelves but seeing nothing.

"That is strange, no one is allowed to take books from here without the permission of your father. I'll keep looking princess and let you know when I find it."

"Thank you, I know you just said no one is allowed to take books from here but do you mind if I take this?" Rin asked, hoping Kokoro wouldn't mind.

Kokoro smiled, "It's fine Princess, I trust you. Return it when you are finished."

Rin in her excitement hugged Kokoro, "Thank you! I promise I'll bring it back once I'm finished with it."

Rin exchanged goodbyes with Kokoro and was on her way. She was just on her way to her bedroom when her stomach growled. Realizing that she never ate anything before seeing the delegation off, she made her way to the kitchen.

Once procuring food for herself, she carried it back to her bedroom to eat in peace. Rin quietly munched on her lunch and began reading the book she collected from the library.

Rin flipped through the book finding pages containing information about demons tree, spirits of the forest, small spirit creatures, and finally the tree she had been looking for.

"The God Tree is known to have many names, it is a tree that has been in existence since time started. No one knows the true age of the tree, only that tree appears to be growing larger and larger. It is said that the tree speaks but to those who are connected to nature or known gods are able to communicate to the tree." Rin read out loud.

"That doesn't make sense, I was able to hear the tree last night," Rin said in puzzlement.

"Some have said the tree is able to bend time itself. It is said that anyone who enters near the tree will disappear and will not be seen again. In one case it is said a man witnessed his father touch the tree and was engulfed in white light and returned 40 years later looking exactly the same." Rin read from the book.

"What?..." Rin said to no one in astonishment.

Rin so absorbed into her reading, jumped when someone knocked at her door.

Shaking herself, Rin called out for the person to entered.

"For crying out loud, get a hold of yourself. It's probably just a myth like the book title says." Rin said quietly to herself while setting the book down.

Rin looked up to see her parents entered with Maiko.

"Arina, we understand if you do not wish to see us, but we wanted to check on you." King Ishida said softly.

"You haven't spoken to us since last night and barely glanced at us when Inu No Tashio and his family left this morning. Like your father said we only want to check on you, make sure you eating, and…..also remind you that we love you." Queen Kaori said.

King Ishida grasped his queen hand and both the king and queen looked towards their daughter with sadness in their eyes.

"We're sorry we deceived you for so long, we hope you can forgive us." King Ishida said.

When Rin had seen that it was her parents that had entered, she had turned away, her back facing them. As she sat listening to their little speech, she knew they meant every word of it. Even though she will mad at them she could not fault them for keeping the truth from her. In all honestly, what could she had done two years ago if her parents had revealed the truth to her then.

Her parents were right, she was nothing but a child back then. To know that someone wanted her because she had come into her womanhood would have shattered her fragile mind at that time. At her age and maturity now, she was able to handle the hard truth of the situation.

Well, almost. She did throw up last night when delivered the news. God only knows how she would have reacted two years ago.

"We'll leave you be, we hope you join us for dinner tonight but we understand if you do not." Rin heard her mother call out.

Rin turned in time to see her parents start walking towards her bedroom doors.

"Wait," Rin said softly, looking at her parents as they turned back.

Standing Rin made her way to her parents, and took each of their hands, "I'm upset that you kept that news from me for so long, but I can understand why you did. If you had told me at the time, I would have reacted badly. I just…need time to process all of this."

Queen Kaori squeezed Rin's hand, "We understand. Please know that we love you so much and we are here for you no matter what."

"You have to promise me that from now on you won't keep anything from me ok?" Rin said looking at both of her parents, so they knew she was serious.

"Of course, Rin," Her mother said smiling.

"You both promise me that there is nothing else you are hiding from me, right?" Rin pressed her parents to make sure.

"There is nothing else to tell, you have my word." King Ishida stated, placing both his large hands on her shoulders.

With Rin facing her parents, she failed to see the look of sadness that passed over Maiko who was standing behind her when her father spoke his declaration.

Rin believing and trusting her parents, reached out to hug them both, smiling in happiness.

Rin released both of her parents and made her way to her desk again and picked up the book to continue reading.

Her father seeing the book, asked "What made you want to read that book Rin?"

Rin not wanting to reveal the full scope of her dream, answered, "I had a dream about this tree last night. It was so strange; I swear the tree spoke to me."

Rin looking at the book didn't notice that look of tension that passed between her parents or that Maiko visibly paled at her words.

Misinterpreting their silence into not believing her, Rin quickly answered, "I know it's silly. It was just a dream, nothing more. I walked past the library after dropping the twins off and figured why not see what books there may be on the topic."

"Of course, dreams are merely dreams, Arina." King Ishida said.

"Father, does anyone ever take books from the library without your permission? This is volume I but when I looked, I couldn't find volume II."

"Not that I know of Rin. I'm sure it will turn it." Her father answered, looking towards his wife.

"We'll have one of the servants call you when dinner is ready."

"Yes, father."

With a soft click of the door, Rin was left all alone.

The rest of the day quickly passed as Rin absorbed as much information of the tree as possible and everything else the book had to offer.

When it came to the gods part though, it was slim.

"That next volume must contain everything on the Gods," Rin said out loud, placing the book down.

Rin stood up from her desk, stretching out her stiff muscles and popping her back. She had just turned to grab her hairbrush when she heard a soft knock. Rin walked to her door to see Kokoro standing there looking nervous.

"Kokoro, is everything ok?" Rin asked in concern.

'May I please come in princess?" Kokoro asked, looking around in apprehension.

"Of course, come in," Rin stated moving to the side.

Kokoro quickly stepped in, and Rin shut the door locking it.

Rin watched as Kokoro paced nervously.

"Did you find the book?"

"No princess," Kokoro stated looking down.

"Kokoro, that is nothing to be upset about. It's ok. I asked my father and he said it would probably turn up." Rin said smiling at the nervous servant.

"That's just it, princess," Kokoro stated, rushing forward, and grabbing Rin's hands.

"What do you mean?"

"I asked Jiro about the book. He used to tend to the library before I did. I've been maintaining the library for the past five years. Jiro tended to the library for over 15 years. He was reassigned to the gardens when the head gardener passed away." Kokoro stated in a low voice as if she was afraid someone would hear her.

"Ok?" Rin said, shaking her head.

"After all these years Jiro remembers who checked out the book."

"Who checked it out?" Rin asked, squeezing Kokoror's hands that clung to her's.

"Your father."

"What?" Rin asked in a shocked voice.

"Yes, Jiro clearly remembers your father coming and asking for that book specifically. Jiro pointed it out and your father took it. He never returned it." Kokoro said.

"When did he check out the book?"

Kokoro paused and released her hands, wringing her hands at Rin's question.

"He checked it out the night you were born. That's why Jiro remembers."

Rin stood there in complete shock.

'Why would my father lie about this book?' Rin thought to herself in bewilderment.

This wasn't some fancy book or anything significant of history. Why lie about this book in particular?

"What would be in volume II that my father would feel the need to keep this book to himself?" Rin said looking at Kokoro completely dumbfounded.

"I do not know princess. When I asked Jiro, I didn't want to give too much away about my reasoning for looking for this book so I did not inquire further."

Rin was at a complete loss for words at this point. How could she face her father now when it comes time to go to dinner? They had just made amends and now this?

Rin felt herself becoming angry, she clenched her fists.

'I asked them if there was anything else they were holding back from me and they still lied to me!' Rin thought furiously to herself.

Rin could feel darkness engulf her in her anger, her breathing becoming shallow, her chest rising and falling trying to remain calm.

Suddenly Rin felt Kokoro grab her hand, breaking her free of her angry thoughts.

"Princess, please you can't say anything. Jiro swore me to secrecy. I gave him my word I would not repeat what he told me. Please princess, don't say anything. I'm begging you." Kokoro said with tears in her eyes.

Forgetting all about her anger, Rin reached forward, hugging the trembling servant close to her.

"I promise I won't repeat any of what you told me to anyone. You have my word. I will not see any harm come to you." Rin said.

Kokoro clung to Rin, taking deep breaths while all Rin could think was:

'Why are they lying to me about a book containing Gods?'

~oOo~

Rin waited as Maiko pulled her chair out for her and then sat down.

Rin took in her parents happily chattering among themselves.

'How can they sit there, with not a care in the world when they know they are still lying to me?' Rin thought as she internally seethed at her parents.

Rin looked towards her hands that were in tucked into her lap, taking a deep breath. She knew she couldn't say anything, she promised Kokoro that she would not say a word.

'What is in this book that they would feel the need to lie to me about it?'

Rin looked up as the kitchen staff brought out their dinner and started placing the various dishes across the large table. One of the kitchen staff taking her plate and arranging her favorite dishes on her plate.

Rin took the plate from the staff member and start slowly eating, not really paying attention to the taste of the food.

"Arina, is the food ok? You're barely eating." Queen Kaori asked.

Rin looked towards her plate and realized most of her plate was still covered in the various dishes that was served to her.

"Oh yes, I guess my mind is preoccupied with that book I was reading earlier," Rin said forcing a smile on her face.

"I find it strange that someone would take a book from the library when it's known that they need your express permission to remove a book, Father," Rin said nonchalantly and then taking a bite of her food.

Rin saw for a split second that her father's hand wavered when bringing his hand to his mouth.

King Ishida chewed his food slowly and finally answered, "Yes, it is strange. Hopefully, the book is only misplaced and will be found soon."

Rin looking her father dead in the eye, stated, "Yes, hopefully, father."

Rin finished eating the rest of her dinner and excused herself.

Maiko cleaned her mistress's dishes and just turned to head towards the kitchen when King Ishida called her, the young servant girl slightly trembling as she turned to face her king.

"Yes, my king?" Maiko answered keeping her eyes downcast.

"Follow us," King Ishida stated, standing from his seat, Queen Kaori standing as well.

Maiko nodded and followed both her king and queen out the great hall.

After a long silent walk, Maiko found herself being ushered into the King's private study.

Maiko kept her head down as she heard King Ishida pour himself a drink of sake and sit at his desk.

"Maiko, when you brought to the castle, did we not inform you that you were to keep a close eye on our daughter?"

"Yes, my king."

"Did we also not inform you that any little thing however trivial was to be brought to our attention immediately?"

"Yes, my king," Maiko answered, swallowing past the lump in her throat, trying not to let her fear be visible.

King Ishida leaned forward placing his large hands on the desk, "Maiko you were given a highly sought after position in our castle. I gave you the position of being head servant to my daughter because your father said you were capable. That you followed orders without question. Was I wrong in giving you the position that you have?"

"No, my king! I love the princess, I would never do anything to harm her. I swear my life on it!" Maiko exclaimed, her hands clutching at her dress.

"Then explain to me, why did you did not tell me about the dream my daughter had?" King Ishida hissed out, standing up abruptly causing his chair to fall back.

Maiko all but shaking, fell to the ground, pressing her nose and palms to the ground, "I swear she did not tell me, King Ishida! She hardly spoke to me since yesterday. I did not know, I swear to you!"

Silence fell over the room, King Ishida merely standing while Maiko quietly cried into the cold floor beneath her.

"Ishida, stop this." Queen Kaori stated, finally speaking from her spot by the window.

"Maiko has always been loyal to our family. I do not doubt her devotion to our daughter. If not for Maiko, we would have never known about the stable hand Ikeda or the fact that he kissed our daughter." Kaori stated, walking to Maiko and helping her up from the ground.

"Thanks to Maiko, we were able to remove Ikeda with no questions asked from Rin. She was young at the time and simply moved on, she forget all about him by the end of the summer. Also, thanks to your men, no one ever inquired about Ikeda or his whereabouts." Queen Kaori added, leading Maiko to sit with her.

"Maiko, we may not always be on good terms with our daughter, but you must do whatever it takes to always be on her side. You are our eyes and ears when we are not present. We explained to you how important Arina is and because of that we must always know what is going on with her. You must never leave her side, do you understand?" The queen explained, gently squeezing her hands.

"Yes, my queen. I would do anything for the princess," Maiko answered.

"Good, now go on. Tidy yourself up before you run into anyone when you leave."

"Yes, my queen," Maiko stated, standing, and leaving.

Just as Maiko passed King Ishida's desk, her eyes caught the cover of a dark color book sitting on the edge of his desk. Quickly moving and keeping her head down, Maiko left the room, shutting the door and leaning against it.

Maiko pressed her hand to her chest and let out the shaky breathy she was holding in. Pushing off the door, she made her way to her chambers thinking back to the book sitting on her king's desk. The bold lettering not hard to miss on the book:

Myths and Legends of Gods and Living Creatures
Volume II

~oOo~

Notes:

A lot of mystery surrounding our little Rin...Stay tuned!