*Author's Note: Enjoy! Don't forget to leave a review please!

Chapter 7

Eight days. It was going to take them eight days to reach Kaede's village and the sooner they reached it the happier Jacken would be. The uncomfortable silence was starting to jar his last nerve.

From the moment A-Un had launched himself into the air Jacken had sensed the immediate change between master and Rin. Where before she had always been very animated and lively, and even content to remain silent for long periods of time as long as she was able to sit somewhere close to master, now she was a shadow of herself. Very introverted and barely responded to a word he said. Whenever master said anything to her she would simply nod her head obediently without even a glance their way.

Jacken also noted the way master advanced from a slight frown at her actions to nearly baring his teeth in a silent growl. What was going on between those two?

Master had become quite the chatterbox much to Jacken's shock. He would constantly point things out to Rin, ask her if she was comfortable or if she needed them to stop for anything. He even went as far as offering to gather food for her personally if she required sustenance. Jacken's jaw had dropped on that last one and master had diligently refrained from looking his way.

Master had also become quite possessive over Rin. He was constantly touching her in one small way or another and held her tightly as they flew through the sky. Jacken at first had been curious over Rin's conduct, and later had become aggravated at the way she would nearly dismiss master and his concerns for her. How ungrateful could she be? Master had never bestowed that type of attentiveness or attention on any of them and now that he did she treated him indifferently? The nerve!

When he had begun to scold her over it in order to correct her behavior, master had immediately backhanded him, nearly sending him tumbling from A-Un's back. Rin had immediately reached out to steady him. Once he had regained his footing she resumed her silent outlook ahead of them and judging from master's demeanor over the whole affair and the glare he had thrown his way, Jacken had deemed it best to keep his distance for the time being.

Rin's stomach had grumbled loudly suddenly and Sesshomaru had immediately directed A-Un to land. He had gingerly lifted Rin into his arms and carefully placed her on the floor. The entire time she had kept her eyes downcast. Jacken had tilted his head to the side at her odd behavior and nearly hit the floor when master had smoothed the hair from her face and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before he moved away and called to Jacken over his shoulder. "Watch over Rin. I will return with provisions shortly."

As soon as he was out of shouting distance Jacken quickly scurried over to Rin. "Rin, what is going on? Why are the two of you acting so strangely?"

Rin had said nothing and only knelt and sat back on her haunches at A-Un's side. She leaned against the great beast and closed her eyes. Jacken watched her quietly for a few minutes before he reached a clawed green hand out and placed it on Rin's knee. She smiled slightly without opening her eyes and patted his hand where it rested against her knee.

"Rin...if there's anything bothering you..." Jacken hesitated, not at all accustomed to offering comfort or even showing much kindness to anyone. However he did feel a bond for this human girl and...he wasn't exactly sure but he suspected he cared for her greatly and worried about her well being nearly as much as he did master's. "Just know that I am here for you should you require."

Rin seemingly opened her eyes in surprise and Jacken frowned at the deep shadows he viewed within them. Whatever was wrong with Rin, he knew she would not share them with him. But at least she appeared to appreciate his offer. Rin reached for the dirt beside them and with her index finger she drew symbols into the ground.

Thank you Jacken. I will miss you.

Jacken smiled at Rin encouragingly. "Only for a while. We will visit you as often as we can, just like before."

No you won't.

"Of course we will! True master was a little distracted last time and a few years flew by, but this time I will be sure to remind him of the passage of time. I failed you before but I will not again."

It doesn't matter.

"Rin, what makes you believe we won't visit?" Jacken asked in exasperation.

He won't allow it.

Jacken paused after reading her last message. He looked up at her curiously. "Has master said something to you for you to believe that?" He asked cautiously.

I do not belong in your world. Just as you do not belong in mine.

Jacken struggled with his next answer. It went against everything he believed in but seeing the deep depression engulfing their young ward was more than he could bare. "Then I will visit you myself."

You would never disobey Sesshomaru.

Jacken shook with his desperate need to agree with her but he determinedly continued. "If visiting you requires my disobedience...then...then I will simply bear the consequences upon my return to his side."

Rin smiled at him and reached out to wrap her arms around his tiny shoulders and hugged him. When she released him she bent to write another message into the dirt.

Thank you for being my friend.

Jacken beamed under her approving regard before he read her next message.

I beg of you to forget me and never disobey Sesshomaru.

"But...Rin?" Jacken asked her, completely perplexed by her behavior.

Seeing you will only remind me of him.

Jacken deflated immediately. "Rin..."

Watch over Sesshomaru and A-Un as always.

"I will guard Sesshomaru with my life, and I'll make sure A-Un is well taken care of." Jacken promised her.

A-Un snorted beside them, a warning of Sesshomaru's impending arrival. No sooner had he snorted then Sesshomaru dropped from the sky. He dropped many berries he had gathered onto a leaf at their feet and handed Jacken two rabbits. "Prepare these."

"Yes master!" Jacken immediately set about preparing the rabbits. As he worked, he would constantly sneak glances over to where master sat close to Rin's side. He handed her a few berries. She nibbled on them a bit, but must have been too slow for master's liking for he soon began to feed the berries to her. Rin obediently accepted his offerings but kept her eyes downcast. Jacken could see her actions were beginning to greatly irritate master. But instead of scolding her or demanding her submission, he merely kissed the top of her head and sat with his back against A-Un's side and tugged her until she practically fell into his lap. Master appeared somewhat mollified when she burrowed against his chest and nestled comfortably into his side. He wrapped one arm around her and leaned his head back to close his eyes and rest for a bit while waiting for the food to be ready.

Jacken couldn't tear his eyes away from his master. He prayed he wouldn't catch him staring but Jacken had never before seen him look so...peaceful.

The following day was much of the same. Master never strayed far from Rin's side. Each day that passed, the more dejected she seemed to become and the more frustrated master appeared to get. Jacken did not understand. Master was never one to be very forthcoming and Jacken wouldn't dream of questioning him, but he had managed to inquire as to what their plans were after they left Rin in the village. To his surprise master suggested they remain in the are, just until Rin settled in. When Jacken had merely stared at him Sesshomaru had narrowed his eyes in warning and Jacken immediately found himself busy somewhere else.

Finally the eighth day arrived and Jacken felt relieved. The closer they got to the village the more anxious Jacken felt. As they neared, he noticed the huts appeared to be in need of repair. A-Un flapped his great wings and landed just outside the village. Rin launched herself off of the great beast and ran towards the rubble that remained where the village had once stood. Sesshomaru used his incredible speed to intersect Rin and held her back as she cried. Jacken looked towards his master and obeying his single nod, Jacken stepped into the village first. Every building appeared to have been razed to the ground. Only a few hollowed out hut frames remained while everything else appeared to have been burned away. Jacken could see no bodies or items left behind. After a closer inspecting to his surroundings, Jacken ran back to where Sesshomaru stood comforting Rin.

"I'm not sure what happened but there's evidence of a great fire. I saw many tracks leading away from the village and not much left back. Whatever happened here, it looks as if the villagers were not surprised. They had enough time to pack all their supplies and leave. The tracks lead south from here." Jacken looked into Rin's tear stricken face and offered "I saw no grave markings. If anything had happened to Kaede they would have come back to build a memorial for her where she had died. I believe its safe to say she's alright."

Rin looked up at Sesshomaru imploringly and he merely nodded. "Jacken, bring A-Un. We will follow the tracks to where they end."

Half an hour later they found most of the villagers traveling south. A-Un landed before them and many of the women and children screamed. The men immediately took up defense positions and were prepared to attack with their pitch forks when Rin jumped off A-Un and waved her arms to get their attention.

"Rin?" Ben lowered his shovel in shock as he stared at her before he dropped it to the floor and raced towards her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her fiercely. "Oh my God Rin! Everyone it's Rin! She's alive!" He yelled to the others with joy and spun her around in his arms again before he hugged her again. Jacken glanced towards Sesshomaru who had stayed beside himself and A-Un to not frighten the villagers more. He saw his eyes narrow dangerously on the boy and his jaw was clenched so tightly Jacken feared he'd break a fang.

"Rin!" The villagers stepped aside and Kaede rushed forwards (as fast as that older human could anyway) and wrapped her arms around Rin in welcome. Rin returned her embrace and cried tears of joy.

"I thought I had lost you! I'm so glad you have returned to us my child." Kaede said. She then looked behind Rin and saw Sesshomaru. She smiled at him. "I'm happy you were able to find her."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Sesshomaru answered.

Kaede laughed. "Not really."

Rin grabbed Kaede's attention and let her see her confusion. Kaede frowned and asked "Rin, why do you not speak?"

Rin lowered her eyes in shame, remembering all that had occurred. Sesshomaru was beside her in an instant and glared at Kaede. "She's had a difficult time. Perhaps it would be best if you told us what happened? Why was your village destroyed?"

Kaede looked at Rin with concern before she answered Sesshomaru. "Demons came. We had received word that a pack of demon foxes had been systematically ransacking all the villages in our area and kidnapping all the little girls. We are no match for them, and Inuyasha was too far away to summon for help. I decided it would be best to move. We burned the village ourselves. We won't be returning."

Jacken scoffed. "Well that seems a bit like overkill don't you think? You could have simply left the village, let the foxes find it abandoned and returned within a week."

"Yes, but had we simply abandoned it the foxes would have known we intended to return and if they did not wait they would have come back at a later date, and then we may not have had any warning. This way they'll believe the village had been destroyed by either marauders or other demons and they would have moved on."

"Well...it would seem you made the right decision." Jacken agreed reluctantly.

Kaede smiled "I do have some experience with decision making." She said, referring to her over 40 years of being the village elder. "Now, let's set camp here tonight and we can give Rin a proper welcome back." The village cheered and began setting up camp. The young man Ben reached for Rin's hand but was intercepted by Sesshomaru. He glared at the young man who swallowed hard in visible fear before he said to Rin. "We need to talk later." Before he scurried off to help some of the other men.

Once Kaede walked away to help direct many of the people, Jacken noticed Rin didn't appear to be too comfortable around the rest of them. Many of the young human females approached and offered many insincere welcomes and smiles to Rin. She didn't seem to be the least affected by them. That told Jacken that these women have either always been as such to Rin or she was very used to their false characters. Jacken sensed the female's intense jealousy and dislike of Rin and she seemed to be well aware of their feelings towards her.

Many of them took the opportunity to not only look at Sesshomaru more closely, but some of the bolder ones even managed to flirt and attempt to chat with him a little. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, obviously aware of their sentiments towards Rin as well, before he summarily dismissed them by simply turning his back and walking towards A-Un. Before any of them could even think of following him, A-Un snorted menacingly at them and they all ran away in fear. Rin did not join them.

Later Jacken was amazed at the depth of lunacy among the people. A few pulled out instruments and next thing he knew they were playing music and dancing the night away around the large fire pit five of the men had dug out. They rejoiced and partied...all in the name of welcoming back their lost daughter. Rin however was unimpressed and merely sat with him and Sesshomaru as they watched their activaties. For a party that was supposedly in Rin's honor, no one seemed to care she didn't join in. In his mind, it was more about the excuse to have the party, than to welcome Rin's return. They drank and laughed and the entire time Jacken wondered what the hell they were still doing here? They had returned Rin, now they could leave.

As soon as the thought came to him Jacken scowled to himself. He didn't like the idea of leaving her here. She didn't look like she belonged here anymore than they did. The only two who seemed to genuinely care for her here were Kaede who would come and converse with Rin every chance she got before one or more villages bid her away, and the young man Ben. He was currently keeping a healthy distance between himself and Rin. He had approached once earlier to ask her to dance but Sesshomaru had glared at him menacingly while placing a possessive hand on Rin's shoulder. Ben had quickly scampered away. Jacken thought he was acting very much like a dog with a bone.

Jacken laughed out loud at his own joke and Sesshomaru had glanced at him. "What do you find so amusing?"

Jacken quickly smothered his laughter in his sleeve. "Uh...nothing master." It was a long moment before Sesshomaru returned his gaze to the activities and Jacken breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly Kaede's voice could be heard above the crowd as she called attention to herself. "Everyone! I have a very happy announcement to make."

Everyone quieted down and gathered closer to Kaede. She smiled brightly and motioned to Rin to join her. She seemed to a bit confused but rose to join her. Sesshomaru cocked his head curiously to the side and Jacken was undisturbed. Most likely she would announce Rin's return, the party, her welcome...blah blah blah.

"My friends. I was happily surprised at the return of our daughter Rin. I know we were all extremely worried about her but she has finally come home." Many applauded but the majority seemed almost uncaring of her return.

"And now for the good news. Days before Rin's...departure from us-"

Jacken held back a laugh at her hesitation over the word departure. Rin ran away and everyone here knew it!

"I received an offer. As many of you know she is well past the age of consent. I had feared for her future but now my fears are laid to rest. I am very pleased to announce the betrothal of our returned Rin to our gallant young Ben."

Rin froze as cheers rose from the crowd and Kaede motioned Ben forward. He beamed happily at her as he approached and gave Rin a kiss on the cheek before he stood beside her.

Jacken's jaw dropped in shock and he felt Sesshomaru go deathly still beside him. He dared a glance at him and saw tiny flames dance in his irises. He wasn't sure if it was the flames reflected in his pupils...or if his master was very upset.

A chilling low growl erupted from Sesshomaru's chest that caused A-Un to snort aggressively. Neither were very happy at the moment.

Jacken took a deep breath and attempted to calm his master. "Um...well...this was unexpected-"

The sudden chanting of "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" coming from the crowd interrupted him and Jacken watched as young Ben gently reached for a wide eyed Rin and leaned in for a kiss. Jacken was suddenly thrust forward as a huge gust of wind burst from beside him and he fell face first into the ground.

Jacken quickly picked himself up and dusted off his robe and hat. As he replaced his hat on his head the sudden silence after all the revelry caught his attention. He looked up and there stood the crowd quietly, watching the spectacle before them.

Sesshomaru had appeared before Ben and thrust Rin behind him and away from the human before he kissed her. He towered over the young man and glared down at him. The young man swallowed audibly, visibly terrified yet he managed to stand his ground. Jacken might have respected him a bit, but his mistake was attempting to try and peer around Sesshomaru's shoulder to look at Rin.

Sesshomaru bared his fangs and openly snarled at the boy in warning.

Kaede quickly intervened and bravely stepped between the two, though she was careful to not stand too closely to Sesshomaru. "Lord Sesshomaru...what is the meaning of this?" She asked respectfully if a bit fearfully.

"I could ask you the same question Kaede. What is the meaning of this?" Sesshomaru growled at her.

Kaede licked her lips nervously before she straightened her back. "This is human business and does not concern you." She informed him.

"If it involves Rin then I'm making it my concern. Have you even asked if she wanted this human?" Sesshomaru ask with a sneer towards Ben.

"I accepted his proposal for her. She had the opportunity to choose her own husband when she turned eighteen. I have generously given her five extra years to do as she pleased. Now it is time for her to marry and have children."

"No." Sesshomaru said.

"No? What do you mean no?" Kaede sputtered.

"Exactly what I said. No."

"You cannot intervene. As I said before this is human business."

"I do not make a habit of repeating myself Kaede. But listen carefully. I will not allow this." Sesshomaru said quietly.

"She is under my care and as such I can accept this betrothal on her behalf." Kaede defended.

"She has been under my care for much longer. If we're going by your logic then I not only reject it I forbid it." Sesshomaru replied.

Low murmurs flowed through the crowd. Jacken heard many of the whispers and was appalled by what he heard. Ben was very well liked among the villagers and many began to question if Rin was even worthy of him. Many even dared to question her chastity. Others commented on her suspicious relationship with this demon.

"Don't you find it odd how she 'disappeared' for so long only to return with a demon?"

"Maybe they planned the whole thing."

"Poor Ben."

"I'd wait a year, just in case, to make sure there's not a monster in the oven."

"Didn't she spend her whole life surrounded by demons?"

"I bet she's learned quite a bit from them."

"She probably offers herself to them."

"Humans aren't good enough for her."

"Whore."

The murmurs and whispers went on and on and rose in volume until many were shouting obscenities at Rin. Jacken watched as Rin huddled safely behind Sesshomaru's back and shivered at the words being hurled at her. Jacken lost patience and used his staff to set many of the humans feet on fire. Many screamed and chaos erupted as many of the onlookers rushed forward as if to snatch Rin from behind Sesshomaru's back while the rest swarmed over Jacken. He fought the hands that reached for him but he was soon overwhelmed and his staff was jerked from his hands.

"Enough!" Sesshomaru shouted and he thrust his hand out towards the crowd. A great burst of air hit the villagers head on and all flew at least three feet through the air as they were all knocked to the ground. A few of the rabble rousers attempted to stand but Sesshomaru used his power to push them deeper into the ground. "Stay." He commanded. "I will not be so kind as to let you live next time." It wasn't a threat, but a promise and the crowd recognized it as such.

Jacken found his staff and hit many of the humans still on the ground in the back as he passed them with it as he made his way quickly to Sesshomaru's side.

"Lord Sesshomaru please stop! You're making everything worse!" Kaede implored him.

"I will not tolerate such disrespect. And neither should you." Sesshomaru reprimanded.

Kaede stiffened before she deflated under his censure. "I knew the general sentiment of my people towards Rin but had not realized it had escalated so far."

"Why wasn't I informed?"

"You must understand. Rin has always been different. Special. Many fear those who are different. I've indulged her until now but you cannot interfere with this betrothal. I am old. Not long for this earth. Rin has no ties to this community. Should I die before she is married if she is not thrown from the village she will be among the lowest and only able to survive on their pity if that. Another village is not an option for her. With no family or friends, she will be abused anywhere else. This marriage represents safety for her. If she marries Ben then she will have the protection she needs and Ben cares for her deeply. He will be a fine husband. He is well respected already and I expect him to be a leader among the men. As his wife she will be respected and sheltered above all. This is for the best." Kaede pleaded desperately.

"Rin has a choice." Sesshomaru said after a moments pause.

"There is no choice Sesshomaru. If you have returned her then this is the only recourse we have. Especially after tonight."

Sesshomaru reached behind him and grabbed Rin's hand. He pulled her forward until she stood between himself, Kaede and Ben who looked on silently.

"Rin?" Sesshomaru tilted her chin up to look at him. "You have a choice. Anything you decide I will ensure comes to pass. I do not want you to marry out of necessity or obligation...but I do understand what Kaede is saying. If you choose...you can marry this human. If you choose...you can stay with Kaede and should she pass I will return for you and make sure this village understands if any harm befalls you intentioned or not they will deal with me. Or...you can continue your travels with us."

Rin's eyes widened in disbelief at Sesshomaru's offer. Jacken smiled at Rin and said "There's always room for one more on A-Un's back." A-Un had approached quietly and nudged her shoulder with his nose affectionately. She gently patted his forehead absentmindedly.

"Rin?" Ben drew her attention and she turned to face him. "I love you Rin. I always have. I'll be a good husband to you and protect you and our future children. We can have a great life together...You belong with humans." He finished lamely.

Rin bit her lip and glanced at Kaede.

Kaede sighed heavily before she drew Rin into a tight hug. She moved back and tucked a stray hair behind Rin's ear before she smiled tenderly at her. "You always have a home here as long as I live. You belong where your heart lies." Kaede glanced meaningfully at Sesshomaru. "And your heart has never been here." She looked back at Rin and smiled at her. "You have grown into a beautiful young woman. I think you have even passed my dear sister and she was considered the greatest beauty in our land. I am very proud of you Rin. Promise me you will never lose who you are. That you will be strong and be the wonderful young woman I know you to be."

Rin smiled happily at Kaede and hugged her. She looked at Ben and saw the unhappiness in his eyes. He already knew her decision was made. Rin held his hand between both of hers and raised his knuckles to her face. She rubbed her cheek along them then leaned forward intending to give Ben a kiss of farewell. Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around her waist and quickly snatched her back from Ben and back to his side. Ben didn't seem surprised. He waved farewell to her and walked away.

"Well!" Jacken interrupted. "I believe its time we went on our way."

Sesshomaru lifted Rin to A-Un's back and hopped up behind her when Kaede questioned "How long will my people be like this?" She asked while pointing towards the crowd of people that still laid on the floor unconscious.

Sesshomaru glanced at them uninterestedly before he said "As soon as I leave they should return to normal. Extend my apologies." Sesshomaru finished with a deadpan face.

Kaede smirked at him. "I'm sure their hearts will sing to know you apologized." Kaede looked at a beaming Rin and smiled. "At least you won't be bored. He does seem to have a sense of humor, albeit a rather odd one."

"Master has no need of humor. He is the great yokai! Son to the great Demon Lord to the west! He-" Jacken was interrupted from his tirade when A-Un flapped his great wings and launched into the sky. Jacken barely had time to catch the great beasts flapping tail before they left the ground. As they all flew into the air Jacken heard Kaede's mocking laughter.

Jacken grumbled to himself as he pulled himself up and attempted to climb onto A-Un's back. Rin suddenly reached towards him and helped him climb on. Jacken nodded to her gratefully and Rin smiled the most beautiful smile he had seen her bestow on him.

In the end, to Jacken at least, Rin was finally happy.