Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Jaken began their long journey back home. The trip to the mountains seemed fruitless, but everything isn't always, as it seems. The young demonness Sesshoumaru met seemed to be a gentle lamb, but when he got under her skin her wolven side showed strong. He now longed for the scent of the woman with the green eyes and the strong will.
"Flowers!" shouted Rin excitedly.
Seshoumaru's concentration broke, but before he could say 'no' Rin was gone. She ran as fast as she could and jumped into the small garden. Sesshoumaru sniffed and he didn't like the smell. Danger was all around her.
"Rin get away from there!" he shouted, but it was too late.
Soon the sound of Rin's tormented screams filled the air, as the flowers seemed to come to life and attack her. Sesshoumaru took two jumps landing near the plants. He grabbed Rin by her Kimono and destroyed the flowers with one strike of his blade.
"Rin are you okay?" he asked looking at the girl.
She was bruised and large red welts began appearing on her small body. She didn't respond.
"Rin! Wake up!" shouted Sesshoumaru.
"My Lord…I think she's been poisoned! We must take her to the town we saw yesterday to get help!" said Jaken.
Sesshoumaru said nothing as he picked up Rin's small body and ran back north.
"Wait for me my lord!" shouted Jaken.
Ayame rested lying on her back and staring at the darkening sky.
"You don't have to mate him," said a familiar voice.
Ayame sat up and looked as a gentle whirlwind began and from it was produced her grandfather. There was no fear in her eyes, but a deep sorrow.
"But I have to grand pa!" she cried, "It's for the good of the tribe!"
"One is coming who protect you and the tribe. HE is your mate," said her grandfather.
"Is it Kouga? Is Kouga coming back to me?" asked Ayame.
"You will know when you see him," said her grandfather.
"See who?" asked Ayame.
Her grandfather made no response, but stepped back into the whirlwind allowing it to disappear with him. Ayame sat there staring at the place her grandfather had once stood. She took the flower from her hair staring at it in wonder.