Rested and relaxed the couples made their way back to the compound that lay on the border of the west. The leaves had changed and were beginning to fall as they returned to Jaken, Iku, and Riku.

Surveying the area as Riku reported to him and Kohaku that all was clear in their absence Sesshomaru felt for the first time since they had begun to live on the land that it truly was his.

Turning his attention to the deck where Rin and Izumi sat with Iku sipping tea he felt immense pride well in his chest. His pack was strong, his females were both baring his offspring and his beta male was more than capable to defend them if need be.

When had this changed? He supposed the effect of both Rin and Izumis pregnancies were holding more sway over him than he had initially realized. Thinking back he remembered Rin stating that she had felt the pup that Izu carried move.

Glancing at Kohaku he wondered if he had felt it. Aside from the one night weeks ago that Izumi had pressed his hands to her he had not since. He surmised that later in the day when they sat together to discuss their next steps he would broach the subject with everyone.

"I know what I am going to do." Izumi said to Rin.

"About what?" Rin questioned curiously.

"About my father and my position with the eastern lands." She replied. "It would not be wise or safe to travel there in my current condition. It is best to stay here with my pack. I will appoint Captain Tadao as acting lord until further notice. I will express my feelings and let our council decide what to do with the previous lord."

"What do you think they'll decide?" Rin wondered staring intently at her friend.

"Either imprison him indefinitely or execute him. If only he hadn't said those things in front of so many people…"

"Izumi, he said he was going to cut you open to get the baby. It was very disturbing." Rin said slowly. "I know he is your father but he is not a good one."

Staring down at her hands in her lap Izumi watched as her eyes watered over and tears fell plopping down onto her fingers and kimono.

"He was, once." She whispered. Edging closer to her Rin wrapped her arms around her and tucked Izumis head under her chin.

"I don't really remember my father or my mother, my brothers. I just know that I had them and I know how they died. I can never see their faces but I can recall their presence. How tall my father was when he picked me up and tossed me in the air. I think I can even remember how my mother spoke my name, the name my family gave me."

"Your name isn't Rin?"

"It is. It's the one I've had longer than my family name. After my family was killed I wandered into a village and I couldn't speak. The other humans thought I was weak in the head from what had happened, that I was stupid, and that was why I wouldn't talk. So, they named me Rin."

Closing her eyes she took a breath. "Rin means cold. That was how they saw me."

"It also means companion." Izu said. "Your name has so many different meanings and not just in the cruel way the others tried to dictate."

"Why do you like to be called Izu?"

"My mother called me Izu. What was your name?"

"Cho. My name was Cho." Rin said.

"It suits you. You are like a little butterfly." Straightening herself out Izumi sat up.

"I had a point and that is I don't remember my father but I know that he never was unkind to me. Even if he had survived with me I know that he would have cherished me even more than he did, not resent me for living." Rin stated.

"Right." Izumi replied taking a breath. "I will be my room if you need me."

"Alright Izu." Rin said watching her go inside. She wished she could help her friend, to make all of the pain and anguish she was experiencing over the situation with her father go away.

Rin felt herself asking the same questions that Izumi had been, why couldn't he have just accepted her and the life she had chosen for herself?

"Rin." Sesshomaru brought her out of her thoughts as he sat beside her. "Why are you distressed?"

"The circumstances with Izumi and Lord Akio. It's very upsetting for her. She told me his words hurt her worse than his blade did. That after her mother died he became cold and cruel towards her."

"Hm." He responded looking to the tree line.

"She has made her decision but I will let her tell you what that is." Rin said after a moment. "This stress is not good for her or our pup."

Remaining silent Sesshomaru turned his attention to Rin. "It could make her ill or weak. I'm worried for her."

"It is a difficult time but it is one we will get past. As long as we stay strong and supportive of one another we will overcome this and whatever else may come our way." Sesshomaru said.

"Yes my lord." Rin agreed.

Izumi penned her letter rather quickly sealing it and handing it off to Jaken to deliver to Captain Tadao personally. Watching as he left on An-Un she pulled her robe around herself the best she could with her rounded stomach against the chill in the air.

"Hey love." Kohaku greeted walking up the few steps to the deck.

"Hello sweet boy." She said her eyes falling on her husband.

"Come on. Lets go inside. The weather is shifting." Wrapping an arm around her she nodded as he rubbed his hand against her arm. Leaning against him she gave a nod.

Sesshomaru sat with Rin at their table already greeting the other two as they sat across from them.

"Izumi, what business have you sent Jaken on?" Sesshomaru queried even though he knew his vassals destination he did not know what her decision was.

"Jaken is to deliver a personal decree to Captain Tadao. For the time being I have appointed him as acting lord to the eastern house. He is loyal and trustworthy. He will not abuse his power or, when the time comes, usurp mine." Pausing she continued. "I told him to do with Lord Akio as he and the council sees fit."

"Very well." Sesshomaru said. "I believe you made the right decision."

"It doesn't feel like I did." She managed out shaking her head slightly and closing her eyes. Kohaku took her hand and squeezed it for support.

"I was wondering if anyone else has made their list for names for our son?" Rin asked feeling that changing the subject to a happier topic would help.

"I haven't." Kohaku admitted.

"Neither have I." Izumi said.

"No." Sesshomaru replied.

"Hm. Well I have so I guess we will just have to work from mine then." She said placing the paper on the table. "Five names that I like, that I feel have a personal meaning for us as a pack."

At the top of list was Nobu, which could mean a prolonged relationship. Second was Juro, a long life. Third was Hisashi, always with you. The fourth was Hatsu, beginning, and the last name was Dai, to shine.

"These are all very good names Rin." Kohaku complimented. Passing the list to Izumi she furrowed her brow.

"Your handwriting is terrible." She said reading her script for the first time. Sighing out Rin agreed. Passing it to Sesshomaru last he glanced at it before placing the paper down.

"Izumi." He said simply.

"Hisashi." She said. Rin smiled brightly.

"That one is my favorite! Yes, Hisashi." She enthused clapping her hands together excitedly.

"Kohaku."

"I agree."

"Then it is unanimous. The whelp born between the west and the east will be called Hisashi." Sesshomaru stated.

"We should do this again in some months." Rin said. "For this little one." Placing her hands to her stomach she smiled.

"Absolutely." Izumi said. "I promise I will be better prepared next time."

"Despite the obvious difficulties plaguing you Izumi, how are you faring?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Quite well." She said with a nod. "Our pup is active and healthy."

"If it would not be to forward, with the permission of our mates, I would very much like to bond with our pup before he is born." Sesshomaru requested.

"I have no objection." She replied.

"Neither do I." Rin said looking to Kohaku who shook his head."

"No one would deny you that Lord Sesshomaru." He responded.

"Whenever you wish Sesshomaru, just let me know." Izumi said.

"Thank you." Glancing down to Rin who was absolutely beaming with happiness he drank it in greedily.