Shortly before Jaken returned there was a fast approaching storm that seemed to be heading straight towards the village.
Sesshomaru had moved Rin and Hotaru to Kaedes hut feeling the cave would not be a safe option for them and may flood.
Rin was worried for the others at the compound but was assured where they were would be the worst of it and they had to worry about themselves.
She wanted to leave but knew that was not a smart option. They simply would wait out the storm and take it from there.
Sesshomaru sat by the door of the hut with his back to it as the rain suddenly pelted the roof sounding as if the wind would rip it off.
Both women looked up at the ceiling as the storm pummeled the abode.
"We have yet to see a storm such as this in many seasons. Not a good sign." Kaede said sipping her tea. Rin held Hotaru who didn't seem in the least bit bothered by it as she chewed on her own fingers.
"How long do you think it will last Lady Kaede?" Rin asked more to get her mind off of the storm.
"A day perhaps. Do not fear Rin. This old hut has withstood whatever has been thrown at it and then some." She assured her.
"I know. I always have felt safe here with you and cared for." Rin replied.
"I am glad to hear it child. Now not much to do but wait it out. The best way to do that is to sleep through it." Kaede pulled out her futon and got comfortable.
"Yes, I suppose you're right." Glancing to her husband as he sat with his eyes closed she stood and walked over to him. "Will Jaken and An-Un be alright?"
"Yes. Do not worry about them." Sesshomaru said reopening his eyes. "Once this passes we will go, you have my word Rin."
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru." Sighing she looked down at their daughter. "I'm worried that this storm is a bad omen of things to come."
"It is just a storm Rin. It doesn't mean anything." He stated taking Hotaru from her. "You should sleep." Nodding she yawned kissing his forehead and their daughters before unfolding her bedding.
Lying down she listened to the torrential rain. Rubbing at her stomach she sighed. Soon.
It was easy to see the storm that was rolling across the land. Days before the demons could smell it coming, sensing it. Izumi watched the clouds as the darker ones were heading in the direction of the village.
"Damn." She said leaning against the house. "The storm is going to hit Rin and Sesshomaru."
"They will be alright. Lord Sesshomaru won't let anything happen to any of them let alone Rin or Hotaru." Kohaku soothed.
"Yes but still…"
"What?" Taking her in she was nervous and upset.
"Rin said they wouldn't be gone long. The summer is nearly over and they have not returned." Izumi replied. "What if something has happened to them?"
"We would have found out. Word would have been sent to us. Believe me. You have no idea how protected Rin is in the village aside from Lord Sesshomaru. Inuyasha, Lady Kagome, Sango and Miroku are incredible warriors, they're safe." Kohaku soothed taking his wife in his arms.
"Okay." She relented sighing. "I trust what you say." Resting her head against his chest they heard Hisashi crying in the house.
Glancing in the open front door Kohaku saw him scratching and whimpering at the other bed room where Rin and Sesshomaru slept.
"Seems like you are not the only member of this pack missing them." Kohaku said letting her go to retrieve the little pup. Hisashi let out small barks as Kohaku picked him up. "Don't worry, both of you. They will come back. They always do."
Izumi came into the house and looked up at the crescent moon with the hanging tree she had embroidered. She had hung it on the wall of the sitting room where it could be seen.
"Do you think Rin will like it?" She queried in thought.
"It came out beautifully Izu. Rin will love it." Kohaku said admiring it himself. "Have you ever thought of making one for yourself to signify joining the west?"
"No." She said. "Not really but I suppose I should for Hisashi when he's old enough. He will need his own. First though why not make one for us?"
"What did you have in mind?"
"Do you have a clan symbol as a demon slayer?"
"No. We don't."
"Maybe someway we could incorporate your kusurigama to put in as a symbol." Looking back up at Rin and Sesshomarus she shrugged. "We will think of something I'm sure."
"In the meantime, I will check on the men and make sure they are settled for the evening." Kohaku handed her Hisashi. "I shouldn't be long."
"Alright mate." She smiled at him a bit. Sitting down as Kohaku left he went down the steps to the ground looking back at Nagi.
"Where is Nen?" Kohaku asked.
"I honestly don't know chief. He and Jin have been patrolling together lately. I don't mind standing here as long as I'm relieved at some point." Nagi replied.
"I will call upon the captain to relieve you then." He said moving to the back. Riku was exiting the barracks when Kohaku caught up to him. "Relieve Nagi. Nen is patrolling."
"Yes sir." Riku said obediently. Both walking to the front they saw Jiro and Sana walking off. Hearing Riku take a deep breath as they went off into the forest Kohaku couldn't help but smirk.
"Sana is in good hands." Kohaku assured.
"Yes, she is." Riku agreed. Not pressing the matter any further Riku took his post letting Nagi leave. Going to the barracks to collect a few things he made ready to leave for the night.
Making his way to the edge of the forest he caught sight of Jin with Nen. Avoiding them intentionally they still passed by.
They hadn't spoken to him since the day Nen had stood between them and Nagi was not a fool. Whatever they had going on was on them.
Jin looked back at Nagi and rolled his eyes. Stopping when Nen did he seemed to be searching for something.
"Is everything alright Nen?" Jin wondered if he was picking up on something his senses couldn't detect.
"Just the storm." Nen answered. Leaning against a tree he stabbed his naginata in the ground for it to stand upright. He crossed his arms over his front and seemed to be annoyed.
Jin looked at him expectantly as he just stood there. The demon was an enigma to him but Jin had become determined to crack his code.
They had shared the one short instance of intimacy but were spending a considerable amount of time together. He felt they were getting closer but it was hard to tell.
"What are you thinking about?" Jin asked standing beside him. Shaking his head he stared ahead of him. "It must be something. You always seem very deep in thought. Tell me."
"My thoughts run in circles." Nen said. "They drive me insane when I cannot get my mind to stop."
"Maybe if you shared your thoughts then they would not stay stuck in your head and it wouldn't bother you as much." Jin tried. Looking to him Nen took a breath.
"I was thinking of making a better grip for my weapon but I can't use just any material, it would have to be leather. I don't know where to get leather here. I could use what I have on hand but that would mean taking apart some of my armor. Then I would have to fix my armor with more leather, which I did not have to begin with."
"That is maddening." Jin smirked at him feeling sorry. "I'll trade with Nagi. He can get you what you need. Seeing as he goes to that village every night we may as well make him useful."
"You would do that for me?" Nen questioned.
"I offered, didn't I?" Jin said.
"What do you want in return?"
"Share your thoughts with me more Nen. That is all I want." Looking away from him quickly he shook his head.
"No. I don't need anything from you Jin. You just feel…as if you have too because of the night we were together." Nen said quickly grasping his weapon.
"No Nen. That isn't it at all. It was great but I just want to be your friend and if we develop more feelings for one another then so be it."
"I told you before. I have no desire to take a human on as a mate. Nagi was annoying me and that is the only reason why I rutted you." He retorted coldly.
"Okay." Jin whispered out walking past him quickly. Nen opened his mouth to say something but only was able to release a shaky breath. Frozen he watched Jin go back towards the compound and he told himself it was for the best.
Once in the barracks Jin shuttered the windows and closed the door but didn't lock it. He had seen Riku posted to the main house and knew Jiro wouldn't be back until morning. It would only be him and Nen.
Starting the fire he grasped the plants he had stored and threw them in to the flame. "You want to hurt me Nen, then I'll show you what it's like to be hurt."