Chapter 3- Right of Passage
In clothes that had been fashioned similar to Kagome's and Lady Kaede's, Rin sat outside with the two women. Examining her sleeve, hers was different in that it wasn't made from the fur of a firerat. Instead, it had been made from the materials Lord Sesshomaru and Jaken continued to leave for her. Her kimono was silk and purple, made with rare dyes meant for royalty. The way her clothes were fashioned made it easier to hide her soon to show belly. Now while she was still small, she would be able to enjoy being out more frequently.
"Wow, Rin. He must really believe in your strength," Kagome referred to Lord Sesshomaru.
"Agreed. It seems as if the two of you have learned much from each other. For a demon to practice certain human customs in return…" Lady Kaede added with the raise of her brows, before bringing herbal tea to her lips.
Rin sat quietly, reflecting further on the discussion. Her heart swung back and forth between feelings of concern and a sense of security. On one hand, she struggled with the idea of the 'Right of Passage' to come, as it was human custom to nurture children into adulthood. On the other hand, she reflected upon how Lord Sesshomaru had grown stronger from adopting some more 'human' traits from her, therefore a custom of his could perhaps benefit her growth as well.
"Kagome," Rin looked up at her with her hands folded in her lap. "When the time comes for you, do you think you'll be ready?"
"That's a great question. Sounds like you're wondering the same thing for yourself." Kagome answered empathetically. "Regardless of if any mother is ready or not to bring their children into the world, there will always be that connection, outpour of concern and love, and that is okay to feel that way."
"Kagome's right, Rin. Our bodies, mind, and spirit are like an internal compass. However, there will be times where you will have to make tough decisions that feel as if you're working against your motherly intuition, I'm sure."
Rin appreciated the validation from Kagome and wanted to know more about what Lady Kaede meant. "How will I know if I'm making the right decisions?"
Kagome and Kaede glanced at one another. Kaede told them both, "When you love them enough to let them go, knowing they'll return to you. You feel the greatest longing in your soul you've ever felt, but also the greatest relief knowing they're resilient enough to find their way."
Both Kagome and Rin had acquired tears in their eyes and wiped them away with the backs of their hands.
The weeks began to move swiftly and Rin began to feel and see changes in her body. On one particular morning, before the sun was even up, she sprang to her feet to run outside. In the darkness, she fell to her knees, and proceeded to vomit profusely. The morning dew in the grass was cold against her palms and knees as she shivered. When at last she felt she had nothing left but her gag reflex, she moved back onto her behind only to see a pair of bright red eyes. At first it didn't register since she was still nauseous and dizzy.
Whatever demon it was leapt at her and she screamed momentarily, throwing her hands in front of her face. Just then, a blade swung inches from her body, cutting the demon down. Its disappeared into dust and Rin could see her frightened expression reflected in the blade. Lord Sesshomaru's face began to glow as the sun finally started to rise. He put his sword away in its sheath.
Rin was shaken and dizzy, and still had a bit of vomit on the corner of her mouth. "What do you need Rin?" he asked her.
Rather than answering him, she gathered her body sluggishly, mustering what strength she could to get back on her feet and return to the cottage. Unfortunately, the world spun, her hands trembled, and her legs felt weak. Perhaps these were no ordinary symptoms since this wasn't an ordinary pregnancy. Before she could fall again, he appeared beside her offering his hand. He knelt down on one knee, offering her a place to sit on his thigh.
He watched as she worked on calming her breathing. Her hands were on her knees as she stared forward. The sun continued to rise, revealing a orange-pink sky with puffy white clouds. After a long while, she felt ready enough to try again. Her steps were much more controlled. She made it about a foot away from him, before turning slightly. He had returned to standing and sun reflected off his armor now and shined in his golden eyes.
"I need us to stay together," she placed a hand over her belly, referring to the life within. "I'll endure this for a lifetime worried sick anyway, so why can't the three of us just..." tears poured down her cheeks, but she failed to finish. Her voice sounded anguished and angry at the same time. "What if I said no?"
"There will be no three of us," he told her, sounding cold and indifferent.
Rin felt her ears become warm as her blood boiled. Tilting her head down, her eyes became hidden from sight.
He remained intent upon her, unwavering, resolute, so assured. His hair began to sway in a light breeze, along with the blades of grass. "The way you are feeling now is temporary and does not need long term consequences." He then looked away and started to leave, adding one last thing. "I sense there are two."
Her lips went from being pinched together to her jaw dropping in awe. "Two?" she repeated back in a whisper.
