Rin sat atop A-Un's back as they journeyed through the Forest of Inuyasha. She was sent there every winter to live with the humans of the village. The last winter she lived there, though, Lady Kaede had been very ill.

"I hope Lady Kaede is doing better." Rin said, to no one in particular. She looked down at Kurome and Sesshomaru, walking side by side, mere inches apart. Smiling, she was glad to see them happy again.

Several weeks had passed since Sesshomaru had asked Kurome to stay not because of her penalty, but because she wanted to. She had given into him easily, her love for him never once making her second guess her decision. Kurome wanted to be with Sesshomaru, even if he never returned her feelings. He was her best friend, the last connection to her past that she had, and she would follow him to the ends of time.

"Rin, do you have your things ready?" Sesshomaru asked as they approached the village.

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin replied excitedly.

He gave her a nod, then glanced over at Kurome who offered him a smile. He returned it ever so slightly, but then it faded and was replaced with a stoic expression as they reached the outer fields of the village's farms. "We're here."

Rin slid off A-Un's back, running to an elderly looking woman sitting just outside a cabin. "Lady Kaede!"

The woman looked up and stood, embracing Rin when she reached her.

Kurome smiled, seeing how happy the girl was, but then she noticed Rin had left her pack behind. Grabbing it from the saddle, she followed after Rin cautiously and bowed respectfully to the woman. "Greetings, Lady Kaede. Rin has spoken very highly of you."

Kaede looked up at the strange demoness and smiled. "You're Kurome of the Rain, Lady Nishi, aren't you?"

Kurome looked up at her, confused. "Yes, that is my name, but how do you know of me?"

Kaede chuckled. "I was not born yet, but my sister told me tales of a strange wolf demoness that traveled the lands from the west, eyes as blue as ice and hair of silver and blonde. I assume ye to be her."

"What was your sister's name?"

"Kikyo."

Kurome looked at her. "The keeper of the Shikon Jewel?"

Kaede nodded. "Aye, that she was."

Kurome bowed to her. "My condolences then, Lady Kaede. Your sister was a great woman indeed, her legend roams far through the lands as does that of the Shikon Jewel."

"Sesshomaru!"

Kurome and the others looked up as a young man came towards them, silvery hair and dog ears atop his head. He was advancing upon Sesshomaru rather quickly and without thinking, she sped back over to Sesshomaru and stood in front of him, blocking the young man's attack as he swung his sword down.

"Who the hell are you?"

Kurome narrowed her eyes, seeing the strange resemblance to Sesshomaru. "I am Kurome of the Rain. Who are you to be attacking Sesshomaru out of nowhere?" She took a whiff of his scent and looked at him curiously. "You smell like the Inu no Taisho, just as Sesshomaru does. Are you his son?"

The young man balked and jumped back. "How do you know my old man?"

"Is this your brother, Sesshomaru?" Kurome asked, ignoring the young man's initial question.

Sesshomaru sighed and his eyes narrowed slightly. "He is my young half-brother, Inuyasha."

Kurome looked at Inuyasha as he glared at her. "I see the resemblance and the scent of your father is clear enough but another lingers too. Inuyasha, was your mother human?"

"Ya, so what?"

Kurome strapped Ryu no Ame to her back and bowed to him, causing him to look at her bewildered. "It is a pleasure to meet another son of Yukinobu." She stood and regarded the younger brother of the man she loved. "Your father was a great man. I'm sorry to you both for your loss."

"Tch. Whatever. The old man died before I could really get to know him."

Kurome growled slightly. "Inuyasha, you would do well to offer your father a bit more respect than that." She said. "He was a good friend of my tribe's, of my father's, and he deserve respect."

"Do not bother with him, Kurome." Sesshomaru said, his hand grazing hers. "He is always as such. He did not know our father, thus does not respect him. He is not worth either of our time."

"Hey, I'm right here!"

Kurome flared her youki just a bit to get him to back off as Inuyasha advanced. "I will not tolerate such disrespect, Inuyasha. Not of your father, not of Sesshomaru, not of anyone."

"Why would you protect him? Are you his lover?"

Kurome blushed and looked away, flaring her youki at him again.

"You would be wise to give more respect to my mate, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru warned.

Inuyasha sniffed the air, his eyes widening. "She's a wolf daiyoukai." He looked at Sesshomaru. "I thought they all died out."

"I am the last." Kurome said, glaring at him.

Inuyasha sheathed his sword and looked at her, almost with pity and newfound respect. "You're the last?"

"Must she repeat herself?"

Inuyasha sighed and looked at his brother. "Sorry, OK? I just didn't think there were any of the Shikotsu Wolves left."

Kurome looked at him. "How do you know of my tribe?"

"I recognize your scent. I passed through those lands a couple years ago. I stopped in the village of Shikotsu, but there was nothing left. It did look like someone had been there recently though."

"How long ago did you say this was?"

"Two, maybe three years ago? Why?"

Kurome looked down for a moment, then at Sesshomaru. "'Sho, could we go there? To my village, I mean."

Sesshomaru looked at her. "Winter is coming, Kurome. Are you certain you wish to journey so far during the changing seasons?"

Kurome nodded. "I haven't been to my village since I lost everyone. If someone was there, I need to know what reason."

Sesshomaru regarded his mate, showing a clear interest. "Very well."

She smiled. "Thank you, 'Sho." She turned to Rin. "Be a good girl, Rin. We'll return in the spring."

Rin nodded and hugged her. "Be careful, Kurome."

Kurome smiled and turned to Sesshomaru. "Let's go then." She looked at Inuyasha. "Despite your misguided apprehension towards him, your father was truly a great man. Without him I never would have become who I am today."

Inuyasha looked at her. "You really knew him well?"

Kurome offered him a smile. "I did."

"Be careful, then." The hanyo replied.

"We'll be fine. 'Sho, are you ready?"

Sesshomaru nodded and turned away from the village, Kurome at his side and Jaken trailing behind them. Sesshomaru stopped and looked at the imp. "Jaken, you are to stay here with Rin. Keep her safe. I will send for you if I have need before we return in the spring."

"But, milord!" Jaken began to protest.

Sesshomaru began to flare his youki, but Kurome put a hand on his arm and shook her head. He watched as Kurome produced a small stone and handed it to the imp.

"This is a summoning stone that I have been working on." Kurome explained. "It is meant for Rin and is to only be used in emergencies. If something happens and you need our help, call me name and I shall come at once."

Jaken nodded and took the stone from her. "Y-Yes, milady." He looked up at her. "Take care of Lord Sesshomaru."

Kurome nodded and stood. "Of course I will." She rejoined Sesshomaru's side and they made their way back into the forest.

"See you later, 'Sho!" Inuyasha called, mocking his brother.

Sesshomaru shot him a glare and returned his attention to the task at hand.