*~Sorry about the long wait. I've been so busy with school and the duties of being a senior in high school. Because of all that, along with a lot of family things going on, I'll try to get a new chapter out at least once a week. I'm not making any promises though. Also I realized that I haven't put up a disclaimer. Sorry none of the characters, expect Tristis & Astoria, belongs to me. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi, a genius in my opinion. Anyway sorry for the wait and please review! It means a lot. Thanks & enjoy!~*


Chapter Five- Don't Believe What You See

"How come you and Daddy never told me about my uncle?"

"Because he never visits us and we never visit him."

"Why don't we see each other? You said family always comes first no matter what! I want a brother! How come Daddy doesn't like his brother? Myouga said they used to play a lot together"

"Because lots of things happened between them when they were young."

"So that was a long time ago. Why don't they kiss and make up?"

Kagome stopped her last minute cleaning to sigh and look at her over anxious son. To say Tristis was excited about meeting his uncle and having someone else live with them was an understatement.

Myouga the flee had taken it upon himself to give a brief explanation of his father's family. He also didn't hesitate to build up the image of Lord Sesshoumaru. Much to the displeasure of Inuyasha and Kagome he told the pup that his uncle was one of the most powerful demons in the world and Tristis himself mirrored his relative in more ways then one.

The pup had puffed out his chest with pride as he walked into his parents room early the next morning declaring, "I'm going to be just like my Uncle Sesshoumaru!"

His mother had been horrified but Inuyasha could only look at his only son with an expression of rage and sadness mixed together. His father told him to find his Uncle Shippo and fell back to sleep.

"Mommy!!! You're not listening to me!!!"

"Hmm, oh I'm sorry Tristis. Look, Mommy is really busy cleaning up for Rin. Why don't you find Shippo?"

Tristis pouted and gave her sad puppy eyes. "There's a low level demon in the village and Uncle Shippo agreed to go take care of it."

She nodded, since the fox demon finally matured into a still very young but older looking demon he was also quite powerful. "So why don't you find your Daddy? I bet he's lonely."

A huge grin overtook his face. "Yeah I'll go find Daddy!" The smile fell for a moment, "Why is Daddy acting so sad? Usually he's making faces and saying stuff about humans."

"He's fine. Why don't you go and play with him? He always gets happy when you two are playing."

The little boy grinned again and ran outside to find his father. Getting on all fours he sniffed the ground and began the task of separating his father's from all the other scents around their home. Delight shone in his eyes as he caught the familiar scent. He stood and ran towards the old tree screaming "Daddy" until he tackled the surprised half breed.

Inuyasha allowed a smile to play on his face. He picked up his son by his tail and slung him over his shoulder. "Did your mother tell you to come bug me?"

"Yep!"

"Bitch." A sigh escaped him before clearing his throat to warn his son, "Listen Tristis your Uncle Sesshoumaru isn't anything like Shippo or Miroku."

His son gave a somewhat annoyed look, "I know that! He's a great demon lord that controls the entire Western Lands."

Inuyasha frowned at the continuous praises his half brother received from his only child. "He's not a great demon. He's ruthless and has tried to kill your mom and me more times then I care to remember. Also I don't want you getting friendly with the girl that's coming to live with us. She's human so she can't rough house and she's one of his servants. Anyone that serves him can't be trusted."

"But old Myouga told me that your Daddy would be proud of him. Also he said that Uncle Sesshoumaru was only a pup then. He didn't really mean it."

A "feh" escaped him as he sat back down against the tree. Why did he agree to take in the girl? True it wouldn't an everlastingly stay but she wasn't his responsibility. Sesshoumaru was the one who took her in and kept her for over a decade.

"Daddy I smell something. It's kind of like our scent."

He in turn stuck his nose up and growled slightly when he realized the powerful slightly flowery scent belonged to his half brother. Before Tristis could run to investigate he grabbed his burden and tucked him under his arm.

"Let me go! I want to see who it is!"

Tristis' cries were ignored as his father made his way back to his home. Briefly worried that his mate wouldn't be able to protect herself but that thought was pushed aside. Since going through several vicious training sessions with old Kaede, Kagome was no longer a helpless girl.

When he reached his home he almost dropped his son at the sight of his half brother. Not surprising Sesshoumaru didn't look like he had aged at all. Jaken, his faithful little toad also appeared the same but it was the young woman that surprised him.

There stood a woman with long flowing black hair. Big lovely light brown eyes took in their surroundings as if it was all terribly beneath her. Though one look at her did seem to agree with that. With the fine silk kimono hiding yet teasing men with the treasures hidden by it, she seemed to be a creature not of this world.

Kagome too had been studying her but frowned when she saw Inuyasha staring at her so openly. She willed herself not to "sit" him in front of his brother. Instead she put on her perky smile and walked towards the girl. "Hi! You're Rin huh? It's been a long time since I've seen you."

Rin turned her gaze on the woman and narrowed her eyes with confusion. She didn't have the special senses her master did but she could clearly see something was wrong with her. For one thing she was still wearing very odd clothes. "You're a priestess. Why don't you wear the clothing fit for your station? You wear rags that don't cover well."

Inuyasha almost laughed as his mate blushed deeply. Despite living in the feudal era for some time now she still got remarks for her clothing. She still went back to her era to visit her family as well as do some shopping so her clothes didn't look like everyone else's. As far dressing fit for her station both her and Inuyasha agreed that she wouldn't wear the traditional priestess clothing. Neither wanted any reminders of Kikyo around them.

Not waiting for an answer she continued her line of questioning. "I thought you were a human? You look like one but there's something not right about you."

"She's a half breed now. That's why she hasn't aged at all. Hmmm, so this is what you used the Shikon no Tama for little brother. I knew you took on a mate and had a pup but I wasn't aware that your mate became like you."

Jaken stared at Kagome and moved a little closer to Rin without realizing it. He knew something was wrong with the wench during his last visit but his fear of Inuyasha caused him to ignore it. The toad glanced at his lord who had an amused light playing in his eyes as his younger sibling glared at him.

He put his son down as he snarled out, "That's none of your business Sesshoumaru! Look I'm doing you a favor by taking care of your kid so don't try to pick a fight with me!"

It was then that he noticed that Sesshoumaru's appearance had changed slightly, "Hey wait a minute! Your arm's back! I hacked that off a long time ago. How did you get it back?"

The older one still held his amusement as he remarked, "I had hoped that having a mate and a pup of your own would have forced some maturity on you but it seems I was mistaken. You still reek of childish anger and impulses. As for my arm I came into contact with a mountain witch. After a brief discussion she restored my arm."

"Don't you mean you threatened her?"

"It's not my fault people are generous to me while they run from the mere sight of you."

"That's it! If you're looking for a fight then I'll give you one!"

He rushed at his brother, claws ready to shred Sesshoumaru's pretty face but a long sharp sword pressed dangerously against his throat. Inuyasha slowly turned to see Rin's confused face now held only anger. He hadn't even realized that she had a sword but he was now for the tip was pressing painfully into his skin.

Kagome and Tristis held their breath while Sesshoumaru shook his head. "Sheath your sword Rin. He's no threat to me. He never has been."

"I realize that Lord Sesshoumaru. I just want to make it clear that I'm not a child and refuse to be treated as one. I am the exterminator for the Western Lands and this stay in not something I wanted. I'd rather be hunting but Lord Sesshoumaru wishes this so I will obey."

Her sword was put away, much to Inuyasha and his family's relief. Tristis walked towards the girl who threatened his Daddy. He recognized the little toad and he guessed the tall man was his uncle. That made sense. He did look like him an awful lot.

The girl looked like a princess but she didn't act like one. Rin called herself an exterminator like his Aunt Sango but she seemed a lot stronger. He tugged at her pretty kimono and she glanced at the little boy.

He took in her scent and found she had a flowery scent like his mom but it was different. The pup took in his uncle's as well and exclaimed, "You smell a lot like Uncle Sesshoumaru!"

A faint blush graced Rin's face as Sesshoumaru allowed a small smile. Kagome moved to her mate and whispered. "He's smiling! Inuyasha I'm officially freaked out!"

The demon lord bent down on one knee to look into his nephew's eyes. The two gazed at each other for a few minutes until Tristis' face broke into a grin. "Are you going to stay with us too? Daddy isn't as bad as he sounds. Mommy says he acts mean to hide that he's a big softy."

Inuyasha growled at the comment while Kagome hid a giggle. The full demon glanced at his brother before returning his gaze to his nephew and answering him. "I have things to take care of at my castle. Rin, I want you to train my nephew while you are here along with your other duties. His power is going to waste without proper training."

She nodded, "Yes Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Jaken we're leaving. Inuyasha, Rin can protect herself but she's still only human. I expect her to be in perfect health when I come back for her."

The young girl's calm disposition broke as she grabbed Jaken close and hugged the squirming imp close to her. He hit her lightly with his staff and demanded for his release. A lone tear fell as she reluctantly let go and gazed at her master once more.

He in turn gave one last long gaze at the young woman who had never left his side since she came into his protection. A glimmer of sadness passed in his eyes but it was blinked away.

The two demons walked back into the forest and left before Sesshoumaru could change his mind. Rin sighed and debated with herself if she should for once in her life disobey her lord. She wasn't given much of a chance to think about it for Tristis tugged at her kimono sleeve once again.

"Do you want to see the attacks that my Daddy and Uncle Shippo taught me? Are you Uncle Sesshoumaru's wife? Can I call you Aunt Rin?"

She once again blushed but only took his little clawed hand. "What is your name?"

His little chest puffed with pride, "My name's Tristis! My Mommy named me. Daddy doesn't really like my name but she 'sat' Daddy until he agreed to it."

Rin gave a soft smile and said, "I see. Inuyasha I'm going to take Tristis and see what exactly he needs to be trained in. We won't be long."

Inuyasha started to protest but was silenced by a look from Kagome. "Don't worry Inuyasha. I don't think Rin would cause any harm to Tristis so he's safe. Come on let's take her things inside and prepare dinner."

He gathered Rin's things but turned to the direction where she led his son. Yes Tristis was perfectly safe with his brother's servant. But her scent, something with her scent bothered him. His son commented on how she smelled a lot like Sesshoumaru and she did. That bugged him, something wasn't right.