(A/N: Hi all! I updated! Woot! I really started this on Monday, -- I think – and if I hadn't gotten plunged with a bunch of homework ON TOP of a week's worth of make-up work – seriously, I was out all week two weeks ago because I had the flu – I would've had this done by like Wednesday. Stupid teachers . . .

Anyways, I'm sure you wouldn't like to hear my complaints about fevers, coughs, headaches, and the sniffles, so I'll just let you get on with your life and read the chapter. :D)

The Light in the Darkness

Family

"Alright, up we go!"

Rin was lifted – with probably minimal effort – by Houshiyomi-san onto his hip, since she still wasn't strong enough to walk on her own. Well, if the child were to be completely accurate, she'd say 'Outo-san'. It sounded funny to her, though not in a bad way, she just . . . wasn't used to it yet. In fact, it really seemed to fit the demon, in the same way Okaa-san fit Tsukiyomi-san.

She felt like giggling! The simple concept of calling them mother and father made her feel incredibly giddy, though the whole reason was unknown. A huge part of it, after they explained everything to her, was that now she actually had a mother and father, the latter currently carrying her to their 'car'.

'Car' was special because Sesshoumaru-sama taught her that.

It was also weird just how warm Hou—er, Outo-san (this was definitely going to take some getting used to) was. Really, Tsu—Okaa-san's warmth was so much colder in comparison. Maybe it was just demons who were really warm. Then again, she didn't remember the demon nurses at the hospital being this warm.

Maybe it was just her Outo-san's gift.

She felt like giggling again, she was so giddy.

Besides containing her laughter, she was also craning her neck in all directions, the parking lot of the hospital being extremely interesting. After all that time in the hospital, the change of scenery was nice. There was so much to see! And so many cars! Seriously, not one of them was the same! Was there this many cars when she was being carried to the hospital by Sesshoumaru-sama? Ugh, she couldn't remember. Everything was so fuzzy. She assumed so. It was only common sense, right? She could see the road from where she was, and there were countless cars coming from both sides. Yep, definitely more cars.

The group finally reached their destination. Rin counted four doors; two on each side. It was a sleek, shiny black, and it was smaller of the cars she had seen. Hou—Outo-san opened one of them and she could see that there were two sets of seats inside, covered with leather. On one of the seats was yet another seat, smaller with another set of buckles. Outo-san set her down on the plush material.

"It's a car seat, for small children. It keeps you safer than just the regular seat."

Safer from what? Was Rin's immediate question, but she didn't ask. If he wasn't going to tell her, then he must not want her to know.

Once she was buckled in, Outo-san went to the front, and Okaa-san did the same. He started the car, and it felt weird to have it moving underneath her. She could hear whatever was making that humming noise. As they rolled out of the lot, she pressed her face up against the window and strained her eyes, trying to catch every detail of the buildings flying by her. It was certainly an experience, feeling like she was moving and at the same time feeling like she was sitting still.

What was it like to the people who passed her and Sesshoumaru-sama? Did they stare at the demon and human, or did they pass right on by, too engrossed in driving to see? She realized that to just about everyone on the streets, she was insignificant to them, their daily lives. How would people feel, if they acknowledged that? That their existence wasn't needed for her to go on? How would they react if someone told them that? How would she? She pondered that question, did she even know? Could she? It was just a fact of life. Or, at least, the life she knew.

The buildings started to change. Once tall and packed close together were now slowly spreading out and becoming shorter and fatter. Also, she began to see the grass and trees more often. Where were they going? They had said 'home', but what did that mean, really? She didn't know. Well, how could she? She knew that it meant someplace where people lived. What did that mean to her, though? The only 'home' she had ever known was . . . was . . . well, something she'd rather not think about.

She couldn't even remember it. All she could recall clearly was the never ending hurt; the pounding throughout her body, never ceasing, never letting up for even a moment. The Pain . . . she remembered him, too, the shadow of a body, shielding her from her escape, from the Light.

Was some other girl now in her position? Going through that horrible, never-ending nightmare? Would she know the wonders of the world of the Light, forever yearning to be away from the Darkness? Or would she be like Rin, only knowing the comforts of being coated in blackness, and instead fearing what was outside? Would she have someone like Sesshoumaru-sama to save her, or would she be locked up in that numbing hurt, the weight of everything pressing down on her, suffocating and eventually killing her, for eternity? Would she be forever lost in the Darkness, like Rin was?

The child felt a shiver run down her spine.

She didn't want to think of that. But, would that be selfish? To cast whoever it was or could be to the back of her mind, to tell her that she was insignificant to her life? That she wasn't needed?

No.

There was no way that she could do that. The feeling of it be utterly wrong shot through her entire body, as if her instincts itself was rejecting the notion of abandoning someone like that. Sesshoumaru-sama . . . just by the gesture of reaching out for her . . . saving her . . . that was enough for her to cement the idea of never abandoning another.

She also wrong when she thought that the people on the street, every face she did not know, they were significant. What if they knew Okaa-san or Outo-san? If they were sad, wouldn't that make her parents sad as well? Wouldn't their feelings pass onto others, whether they wanted it to or not? The feelings of others' sadness . . . their regret . . . their hurt . . . their anger . . . and also their happiness . . . they pass it on the people they are around. Coincidental, accidental, and no way to control it. If one's friend, brother, sister, parent was feeling down, the recipient of their bad mood feels it and subconsciously acts accordingly by lowering their mood.

It wasn't that this was a bad thing, no, it was the complete opposite. This showed people's compassion toward others. If there was no kindness in the world, only cruelty and pain, what would be left?

Nothing but absolute suffering.

"Alright Rin-chan, we're here!"

Rin jumped, having gotten so lost in her thoughts that she had forgotten that she wasn't alone. She smiled at her mother, pushing those thoughts from the forefront of her mind. Not to be forgotten, just so that Rin's slightly down mood wouldn't be caught by her parents. They were positively ecstatic right now . . . no, she would not hurt their happiness. It was easy to let their good mood rub off on her.

Outo-san once again came to undo the straps and lifted her back onto his hip. Once Rin had been placed securely, she was able to get a full view of her surroundings. They had stopped in front of a smaller two story house; caramel coloring, brick red roof, a tiny garden in front. They only had a little space between their neighbors, but it was actually quite peaceful out.

The trio walked up to the door. They looked at her expectantly, both with an excited gleam in their eyes. Okaa-san put the key in the door and then opened it wide.

"Welcome home, Rin-chan."

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"Are you comfortable, Rin-chan?"

She nodded enthusiastically. Dressed in a white nightgown that was half covered in small floral print, Rin thought that she was going to get used to living here. She had already been shown around the house, and she couldn't find anything that she didn't like. There was a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and a dining room on the bottom floor, and on the second floor there were three bedrooms and another bathroom.

One of the bedrooms was for her, it was explained, although she wasn't allowed to see it, because it wasn't finished. She also asked what the third room was for, but they only answered her question with a knowing smile and said that they'll tell her later.

So now she found herself cuddled in between Okaa-san and Outo-san, and under some blankets. This, she had to admit, was the safest and warmest she had ever felt. Was this 'home'? She couldn't imagine anything otherwise. What could be better? Nothing, according to her. So, she smiled as her answer for Okaa-san's question, and snuggled down further.

She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

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"Let's get started, shall we?"

Rin stared at the plump man in wonder. He had dark brown eyes, thinning black hair, and a funny little mustache. He was currently kneeling across a small table from her. They were in his office, he was a therapist, as her parents told her. He was going to help her talk, they said. Would he? Well, as long as her parents wanted her to, she would. Simple as that.

"Well, Rin-kun, it's very nice to meet you. My name is Jiyou Kakuro. Your parents told me that you have a very interesting past, is that correct?"

The child nodded slowly, slightly unsure about his wording. Interesting? Now that she had time to study him, she found that he was curious about . . . her, she presumed. The way he leaned towards her, his eyes focusing on hers, the folding of his hands in his lap to keep from fidgeting, giving her his full attention. That is what she would want, right? It would have been worse if he wasn't.

He pursed his lips, deciding something. "Alright, how about we start with something simple for today? Rin-kun, would you like to draw something?"

She tilted her head a little to the side, and his lips twitched upward at her slightly confused expression. He reached behind him to get a stack of paper, some crayons, some colored pencils, and some regular pencils. He set them in front of her. She picked up a pencil and carefully drew out some characters.

'What should I draw?' she wrote, then looked at him expectantly.

"Draw whatever makes you happy."

She didn't have to think long. She sketched out Okaa-san and Outo-san. When she was done, however, she frowned. The proportions were all off, in fact, one could barely tell it was them. She flipped the paper over next to the pile to start over. The second drawing wasn't much better. The next sheet, then. Rin will get this right.

It continued again and again; she just couldn't get it right! It was starting to irk her, and the more it did, the faster she sketched. No longer was she marking everything with one straight line, but now she was using multiple strokes to make one of them, the art looking more and more like a sketch as she went on. Alas, however, the pile of paper was not everlasting.

She blinked, surprised, when she turned the paper over, only to find the wood of the table. She looked up at Kakuro-san, not sure what to do. He had been watching her, his hands clasped under his chin. He was astonished.

"I must say, I am impressed, Rin-kun!" He took the neat pile of papers and began to shuffle through them. "Remarkable, truly remarkable," he mumbled under his breath.

What was so great about them? She didn't understand. She had seen others' artwork, and hers wasn't nearly as good. What was remarkable about it? It wasn't. She wasn't. So why was he so impressed? She couldn't figure it out.

The meeting continued for a short while more, before he looked up at the clock and gave a little sigh. Was he disappointed at the time? Why? She didn't have to wait long for his answer before he got up and went to the door. He beckoned someone inside, and in came her parents.

Was he disappointed that she was leaving? That was the only explanation, but she didn't quite understand why he was feeling like that. Maybe . . . maybe they were people who, after just one meeting, make an impact on someone's life. That's how it was with Sesshoumaru-sama.

But . . .

Was she worth enough to be so? She couldn't help but doubt her strength. She wasn't strong. She wasn't capable of making such a difference. Even to one person. Yet, if that were entirely fact, then why would Okaa-san and Outo-san – currently fawning over her pictures – choose her? There must be other people more deserving of her good luck. The other little girl that might be in her place right now, for example. She must be more in need of this kindness than Rin. She stared up at the trio of adults in front of her, who kept glancing at her. They were happy that Rin was here, so she would not take that happiness away from them. If they wanted her to be here, then she wouldn't leave. Even if the reason of their want was unclear. Sitting there, Rin made a promise.

If she ever became a burden or was no longer wanted, she would leave.

Simple as that.

"Kiddo, you just love to keep surprising us, don't you?" Outo-san said, coming over to ruffle her hair a little. The child smiled earnestly as he picked her back up.

"Yes, very amazing." It was Kakuro-san this time. "In all my years of experience, I have never seen a child with a faster learning rate. Really, there should be no problem with starting to teach her what is needed for school." He was getting excited, his mustache bobbing up and down as he started to talk faster. "A late starter, maybe, but with the capabilities of Rin-kun, I doubt she'll catch up and move ahead of the other kids in no time."

Okaa-san stared at him, amazed. "After only one session, you can tell all that?"

The therapist nodded. "Oh yes. With the drawings alone, she went from about how a three year old would draw to how . . . oh, I'd say someone near ten or eleven would draw. And she did that with only this stack of paper."

"So, you're saying that we should start preparing her for school already?" Outo-san asked, a little doubtful. "But she doesn't talk yet."

"It's never too early to start her learning process. Her voice will come, though how long that will take, I can't tell you a proper answer. It might take days . . . it might take years. And you have to consider that this is only the first meeting. I'd like to get to know her better, to know what she's thinking."

Otou-san looked at the girl in his arms. "Would you like to come back, Rin?"

She nodded. Kakuro-san wanted her to come back, so why not? Besides, this man was very friendly and seemed honest to her. He was genuinely interested in her; he was not lying when he said that he wanted to get to know her better.

"Then I suppose another session can be arranged," Okaa-san said. Kakuro-san smiled, his eyes twinkling.

"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Now, all the details will be discussed later, but for now, I'd like to leave you with some advice. When at home, treat her the same as you would treat any other child. Gradually introduce her into her environment, don't try to overload her with new things because that'll put too much stress on her. Although, I really would start to teach her things she'll need for school. It will help prepare the future.

"And, since we don't know how long it will take to find her voice, as you're teaching her kanji, also teach her sign language. It will help communicating easier, though it'll only work if you learn it with her. Spend as much time together as you can, and encourage her to ask many questions."

Okaa-san was nodding at everything he said, eagerly soaking in the knowledge. Rin knew that she couldn't wait to start, and couldn't stop the smile from growing on her lips. Her mother was excited because she was Rin's mother. Was it possible to be any happier? The child didn't know.

The family of three turned to leave, and Kakuro-san followed them to the door.

"One more thing. Whether this is off the record or not, though she does not know a many things, this doesn't mean that she's stupid."

They all turned to look at the therapist, having caught their full attention, though he was looking at the girl. He shook his head, as if dismissing the thought all together.

"No. In fact, I'd say she understands much more than we might think."

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(A/N: Welp, whaddya think? Like it? Love it? Hate it? Want to throw up because it's so awful? Well, don't upchuck your stomach contents onto your computer, I've heard that it doesn't do so well for hard drives.

Instead, type that into a review. Simply say: SHNAPHAPPLE!! IT'S A SMORGASBORG OF SNICKERDOODLES!! And I'll know what you mean. And cry. But that's not important.

. . . xD;

Replies:

Ascaisil: o////o; Jeez, I feel bad for receiving such compliments. And I didn't mean to make you cry! Sorry! *rubs back of head* I really didn't think I was that funny . . . but okay! I love friends!! Talk to me anytime, whether it is in a review or a PM!!

Inulover88: I like to keep my readers on their toes. Wouldn't want an old, generic story, would you? ;D

Locainlove: Eh, don't worry. I took a long time to update. *rubs back of head*

Well, you would've been right. And I thought the same thing! And demon/human relationships . . . I completely understand. Could they be ANY cuter?! Seriously.

Sess: If it's so cute then WHY am I not in it?! It takes two to tango!

PAP: Well, not really. But okay. BESIDES! The dust bunnies I can live with, but it's the vacuum cleaners that are evil!! Hannah Montana will use them to brainwash little children into buying her music!!

Inu: . . . Are you on drugs?

LIL: If she was, then she'd DEFINITELY share. And so far, I ain't getting any. So no.

Inu: You both are on crack. There isn't any other explanation!

PAP: Nope! Just powdered donuts!

LIL: Oh yes, the donuts of the powered! We need some!

PAP: *chuckles evilly*

Inu: *cowers in corner* I'm scared of the parodies . . .

PAP: Eh, I don't feel like one today, so you're safe.

Inu: Yes!

PAP: For now.

Inu: No!

Sess: You idiot! Don't show your pain! She's more sadistic than me!

PAP: YOU'RE the one who should be afraid! Those are just parodies, but if you say no to Rin, you'll end up being dead in one story, and AWOL – what does that even mean?! – in another! Do you know how EASILY I could turn this into a Rin/Kohaku fic?!

Sess: You wouldn't dare.

LIL: Oh, she would. You better watch yourself, mister!

Sess: *glares*

PAP: Just ask Rin to dress up as an assassin. Then I bet you won't let her leave the bedroom, am I right? *winks*

Sess: *tries to stay angry, but fantasies of Rin cause him to fail – miserably, I might add – and starts to drool again.*

PAP: JUST USE PROTECTION, YA MORON!!

Sess: *doesn't seem to hear*

Inu: Aw, dammit! His spit is getting all over the floor!

LIL: Eww . . .

PAP: . . . Why is it green? Did he eat green pancakes?

LIL: Maybe green eggs and ham?

Inu: Will you two at least TRY to make sense?!

LIL: We are!! Those are perfectly logical answers! They're both green!

Inu: What; infected meat and moldy pancakes?!

LIL: It's from a children's' book, moron!

PAP: They're not moldy, they just used food coloring!

Inu: . . . You both belong in strait jackets.

PAP: Ya know . . . when I was practicing for softball, and a ball went sailing ten feet over my head, so I was like, 'I need pretty butterfly wings to catch that!' and I thought of you!

Inu: . . . . . . . . . Thanks?? Random fools . . . . . . . . .

PAP: And I decided that his wings should grow back. They are just too pretty to waste.

LIL: Eh, yeah. So true. So shiny.

PAP: So, Lily, if we're gonna go to Antarctica, we're gonna need lots of heat, wool, jackets, sweatshirts, socks, umbrellas, a rake, bubbles, cakes, chocolate, Cheez-its, the Internet, manga, an unlimited supply of rainbow pancakes, powdered donuts, and a snail.

LIL: *nods* Uhuh, I totally agree.

Inu: . . . . ?!

PAP: We should go soon – hold on, why are my feet wet? *looks down*

LIL: Huh? Mine are too – wait, that's Sesshoumaru's drool!

PAP: Sick!

LIL: Disgusting!

Inu: Why does it smell like ham?!?!

LIL: *points to him* HAH!!

PAP: Uh . . . actually, we need to go shopping NOW. *pulls Lily out of the closet* InuYasha! I'm leaving you to clean it up!

Inu: You've got to be kidding me! Get back here!

. . .

Ew. *shudders*