Story notes:

Dear stargate sam : Hey there since you do not have an account here, I was unable to send you any message. ^^ I want to thank you for reading and review my story, also I am sorry that I have taken too long to update my stories, but I have make this chapter a bit longer to compensate the long wait. Hope you enjoy reading it.

Dear NiNiChan : Thanks for your message, and here is the chapter 5 (^_^)

A little bla bla from me:

Wooohooo am done with chapter 5 now...

Ok I know nothing funny here :-( I am sorry for terribly long delay in updating. The research work has taken almost all of my time. Beside I have to put the blame on my beta reader this time. Since he was running away with my chapter and LOST it! At the same time I don't have the original copy with me... suck huh? But oh wait! My personal CSI agent ...ahem... told me "Delete doesn't mean it's completely gone." So yes I found it! Thanks Taraah! (^_^)

Chapter notes:

"Some say, you don't know what you have until you lose it. But the fact is you always know what you have, you just never thought you would lose it"

The Lily of the Valley signifies "The Return of Happiness"

and once again ...

Disclaimer: The depictions of the characters in this story are completely fictitious. In no way does this represent the views or the story arcs as envisaged by the original copyright owners of this franchise and its characters. The ownership if the characters and the original concept are sole properties of Rumiko Takahashi.

Chapter 5 – The Moonlight River

Sesshoumaru the lord of the western lands stands before Rin. He is wearing his usual attire; white haori with red honey comb design, white hakama, black boots, and black amor. The Tenseiga and Bakusaiga are strapped faithfully at his side with a yellow and indigo obi.

"Lord Sesshoumaru..." Rin calls out to her lord with a large lump in her throat. She is barely able to look at her lord clearly as tears blur out her vision. He has not changed since the last time we saw each other, despite some good 4 years being separated, he still looks as good as I first saw him in the forest when I was only 7years old. I have grown up a lot since and yet he is still the same attractive demon lord. Rin speaks in her mind.

Sesshoumaru is so overwhelmed by Rin's voice. That sweet voice has been missing for so long and has almost become part of his memory. He can't stop staring at her, his warm golden eyes stare and inspect his precious companion who had went missing without a hint about a her whereabouts. He is quite relieved that she has not lost her signature beauty, that long dark raven hair cascade down till her waistline and those large beautiful warm hazelnut eyes are still the way they were the last time he saw her, BUT the rest of her appearance really torments the demon lord. Sesshoumaru's heart is disconsolate as he always hates to see Rin weep, but it is not her weeping that anguishes his heart, her pale face, her weak figure and her skinny form are the things that torment his heart. She is so skinny, her cheek bones are visible and her eyes are sunken, he does not need to wrap around her waist to feel her small body nor does he need to find out what kind of life she has went through, because it obvious from observing this frail body that she has suffered probably a thousand times greater than what he could have imagined.

Sesshoumaru clenches his fists tightly, curses himself for causing Rin to go through such a relentless life by failing to locate her much earlier. She has never looked this thin under his care, even when she was sick and not been eating properly for weeks she still looked much healthier than now. Looking at her frail form, by which she could be easily blown away by a strong breeze, all of his heart's desires to ask questions to seek out her reasons for disappearing are gone as it's not worth anymore than the fact that she is safe now.

"Rin, are you all well?" Sesshoumaru asks with a composed tone as his warm golden gaze does not leave the girl. She is so fragile.

A startled Rin looks at her lord with her eyes wide open as guilt fills her heart. Are you all well? It is a simple question but it is powerful enough weaken her heart, having been with her lord for long, she knows that her well being is the main priority above all for her lord as long as she was safe, no matter what kind of mistakes she has done the demon lord will never bother to ask further. Lord Sesshoumaru always the one and the only one who truly cares for me, he did it in the past, the present and I am sure in the future too. Rin whispers painfully. She has hopes that at least her lord will be slightly mad at her, but his reaction was way too hard to accept, she thinks that she does not deserve her lord's kind heart, not with what she has done. Rin desperately tries to rub her tears away; she wants to at least respond with a smile since a little while ago she was unable to speak with the large lump in her throat. Sesshoumaru watches the girl fighting her own emotions, unable to watch further he decides to offer the poor girl something he thinks she might need at this moment, security and safety.

"Rin." Sesshoumaru's voice softens as he does something that Rin cannot believe with her own eyes; he lifts his arms and extends it out in a welcome as he continues "Come here."

That's it, Rin is no longer able to control her tears anymore; she dashes towards her lord, throws her arms around his neck and buries her face in his fluffy as the demon lord embraces her firmly. Under her lord's warm embrace, Rin weeps out to her heart's desire as Sesshoumaru buries his nose on top of her head inhaling her sweet scent with his eyes shut in relief; he tightens his hold around her and whispers. It's alright now I am here.

A pair of wide startled eyes is watching the duo with a mind drowned in question marks. Hiding behind the bushes not far away from the place where Sesshoumaru and Rin are standing, Akemi watches on curiously, she doesn't know what Rin is doing there with a man I mean hugging a man at this time? Wasn't she in a hurry to reach home for Aito? Determined to take a closer inspection of that man, Akemi moves a few inches further in front of the bushes with very careful steps as she doesn't want to be noticed. After shifting in couple of angles uncomfortably, she manages to catch the man's face. He is a Demon! Akemi exclaims in her thoughts as she covers her mouth with her right hand. Who could this silver hair demon with magenta strips on his face be? She continues questioning herself as she remembers clearly what Tsuyu had told, Rin did not have any close friends in this village nor did she even mention about anyone in her life, except the odd Lord's name that Rin use to hum in her song, but she explained no further about it too. When both Tsuyu and Akemi had assumed the Lord was the father of Aito, Rin has always denied it firmly and ensured them that she can never be that close with her lord, he is only her savior but never a lover. Since Akemi trusts no demon except for Ryuuki since he was raised up by Tsuyu, she starts to worry about Rin's safety now, sweat drips off her skin as she is thinking about the dangers Rin be in now. Is the demon trying to witch Rin! Oh god, I can't let this happen, I need to figure out some way, I must make a move before anything bad happens.

Jaken on the other side has completely lost track of his lord, he has walked too far off from the Geisha house and decides to turn back and backtrack his path in the hope of seeing his lord again. When he is half way to reaching the Geisha house, he captures the sight of his lord's figure in the nearby forest.

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" The little toad bursts out in tears out of happiness like as if a boy found its long lost father. He shouts and runs as quickly as he can to reach his lord, at the same time Akemi also dashes out from the hidden bushes with a bamboo stick in her hand and speeds towards the direction of Sesshoumaru and Rin.

" Rin I will save you!" Akemi yells.

The little toad's eyes pop wide open as he sees something dash out but is unable to control his speed. Jakens shouts out loud "HUMAN!" but it is too late he collides with Akemi's left foot while her right has steps on the little kappa, Akemi swears she heard someone shout but cant see anything coming. She does not slow her steps and loses her balance after getting caught with the green toad's staff and falls on the grass. The bamboo stick that she is holding flips up into the sky and lands on the little toad's head, instantly causing a big round red bruise to pop up proudly. While Akemi is trying to check the surroundings as to what has caused her to fall, Jaken has already started cursing like hell.

"Human are you blind or deaf? I was running from afar and shouting, don't you even hear something or see something?" the little toad continues cursing Akemi while she rubs the pain in her arms and tries to stand up.

"When you know you are this small and that probably no one will ever see or hear you, please try to utilize your senses to avoid unnecessary clashes." Akemi slams the green toad as she is tries to locate where Rin is.

Rin's head snaps up hearing her name being called out while Sesshoumaru turns his head to the side and spots the collision between a human girl and his useless companion. Sesshoumaru reluctantly releases his hold as Rin takes a step backward to completely release herself from her lord arms. She then turns to the side and spots Akemi on the grass. Akemi? Master Jaken? Rin whispers curiously as she runs slightly to approach the duo.

"Akemi what are you doing here?" Rin ask curiously as she helps Akemi to stand up.

"Rin! Is that really you? Stupid girl why have you been missing for this long?" Jaken questions as he tries to move closer to Rin but he is interrupted by Akemi.

"Rin! Be careful these demons they are trying to bewitch you." Akemi grabs Rin's left arm and pushes her behind her back. She then stretches out her arms wide apart in a protective posture.

"Demon I wont let you harm her, move now or I shall call the villagers to attack you." Akemi warn Sesshoumaru.

"Human! Shut up, there is no way milord will hurt Rin, move or disaster will come your way." Jaken interrupts as he moves in front of Akemi who is now giving a stern look at the little toad. Akemi returns her gaze on the demon lord, Sesshoumaru is now only a few inches in front of him with his eyes turned red and he growls a little. Akemi's knees weaken as she trembles. Rin rushes in front of Sesshoumaru as she tries to sort out the misunderstanding.

"Akemi please listen to me, he is not a bad person, Lord Sesshoumaru is my savior, I have known him since I was a kid, and he won't and will never harm me. I trust no one above him." Rin explains with a big smile but Akemi frowns a little. She is stunned by Rin's reply. She trusts no one above him? She thinks worriedly.

"Rin what are you talking about? How long have you known him for you to have placed such a strong trust on him? He is a demon, and he looks dangerous, we both need to get out of here, and inform Tsuyu san about this, come." Akemi grabs Rin's arm and pulls her away but Sesshoumaru instantly grabs onto Rin's free arm pulling her towards his side and sends a loud growl at Akemi.

"My lord please let me talk to her, she is one of my friends. Please don't be mad with what she has said, she doesn't mean it, she is just worried about me, I shall talk to her now, be right back soon." Rin pulls Akemi to the near bushes as she tries to explain the whole situation. It has been really a bad day for Rin, despite worrying about Aito, she has to deal with Ryuuki and now Akemi, god knows what will come next. Oh great, I have totally forgotten about Aito, crap, now I need to sort this fast, as night is approaching swiftly, Aito will start to get hungry and worried about me.

"Akemi look, I know I owe you an explanation, today isn't a good day for me, I have plenty of things I need to sort now, and can you go home first and promise to tell no one about Lord Sesshoumaru? Please Akemi I promise I will tell you everything tomorrow, please..." Rin pleads as Akemi narrows her eyes little annoyed, but she chooses to not press the matter further since she spots that Sesshoumaru is continuing to pierce her with his scary golden eyes.

"You owe me the whole story, remember if you do not show up tomorrow I will get Tsuyu san and gather all the villagers to attack the demon you got it Rin?" Akemi warns in a slightly playful tone as she turns quickly and leaves before Rin can manage to continue. Watching Akemi's shadow disappear, Rin feels bad for not being able to clear out the misunderstanding. Akemi is an orphan girl who is staying at Tsuyu's house after her parents were killed by the bandits a few years ago and since she is only a year older than Rin and they share the same fates, they both have become close friends quickly. Although Rin is quite a quiet type of person, having a talkative girl like Akemi around does help cheer her up a little. My friend, I promise to tell you everything about Lord Sesshoumaru, please rest well. Rin whispers to herself as she turns and faces her lord, there is another thing that needs to be settled. She needs to return to her sick son but is reluctant to leave her lord, so the best solution she can think off is to bring her lord along. How am I going to explain about Aito? Rin knows Sesshoumaru will be mad but she couldn't care anymore at this moment, now that her lord has found her and things will have to come to an end.

Rin makes her way to the nearby tree she sat by earlier as she picks up her bento and back to her lord who was waiting patiently while the little toad has his brow raised to show his annoyance but dares not to open his mouth.

"My lord, may you come along with me? I can't stay any longer here as my ..." Rin pauses as she thinks off the consequences of her words; it is wise to not reveal anything now as she continues pleading. "I mean Aito is waiting and he might be hungry now, please my lord we need to hurry please." Seshoumaru frowns as his ears pick up an unfamiliar man's name. Aito? So Rin is living with a man now? Who is he? Why will Rin have to care for his meal? She should be fed not feeding some useless man out there! Sesshoumaru clenches his fist lightly, until he meets with that human he needs to stay calm.

"Let's be off." Sesshoumaru answers coolly as he turns and walk past Rin towards the path that Akemi headed out to a while ago. Thank you my lord. Rin whispers with a smile as she too follows the back of her lord with her bento crutched on her chest leaving a curious green kappa watching with his mouth open and eyes widen. He too follows the duo a moment later. Rin increases her pace as she is now leading the group with her mind fully focused on her son, Sesshoumaru follows in a steady pace as his mind busy thinking about the identity of the man while poor Jaken slowly tries his level best to keep up with the duo.

10 minutes pass and the group reaches a small wooden hut nearby a river. Rin first reaches to the door and pushes it open as she turns back and looks at Sesshoumaru.

"My lord please come in." Rin stretches out her left arm aside in a welcome mode as she smiles shyly and continues. "I am sorry with the limited space I hope you don't mind my lord."

Sesshoumaru nods lightly as he steps into the hut, it does not take him long to scan around as it is a simple hut. In middle of the house there is a simple table with 4 chairs, on the left hand side he spots an old wooden wardrobe, and on the right hand side there is a table which has a few kitchen utensils on it like pots, plates, spoons and chopsticks. There is a bed located at the far end in front of them. Sesshoumaru's eyes instantly aim at the bed, he spots a figure and apparently it looks like that person is sound asleep. What a useless brat, sleeping at this time? Doesn't he even need to worry about Rin for her late return? Sesshoumaru thinks to himself furiously as he moves over to the table and picks a seat which is facing the bed while the little toad takes the seat next to him. Rin leaves the door open for a better environment as she places her bento on the table and speeds to the bed to check on her son while Sesshoumaru looks on attentively, he is trying to control his anger. A concerned Rin sits next to her son and places her left hand on top of Aito's forehead to check the temperature.

"Thank god the fever has reduced." Rin smiles happily in relief and lightly pats on Aito's shoulder to wake him up. Aito feels a light touch on his forehead and shoulder as he reluctantly part his eyes open slowly, with a few blinks his mother's frame is now clearly visible.

"Mo-mother you have re-returned, welcome home." Aito speaks weakly as he manages to smile lightly to welcome his mother.

"Yes my son, you must have been really hungry, mother has made a special dinner for you, fish porridge with soft boiled eggs and pickle. It is a light food and it will digest easily." Rin describes as she puts her hands on the side of Aito's neck to further check on his body temperature, she then bends a little and places a light kiss on his forehead. Sesshoumaru watching annoyingly from the table as the green toad observes his lord's expressions confused.

"Mother why porridge? It won't be filling for you. Aito can skip the rice and have only the eggs." Aito asks worriedly as his orange eyes glass over with unshed tears. Since both Rin and Aito used to share the same meal, Aito knows that this limited amount of porridge will not be enough for his mother who has been working hard since morning.

"Awww my dear Aito, do not worry about it, didn't I just say I have a special dinner for you? That means I have my own meal today. Now come with me, we have guests tonight." Rin assures her son she will get her own meal but was hiding the truth about the skipped lunch. It will be wise not to let her son know since he will be sad. Rin slides her left arm behind the back of Aito and helps him to sit up. He is still weak and will need more good food for him to have a speedy recovery. Picking up a scarf beside the bed she wraps it securely around Aito's head.

"Guests? Who are they mother?" Aito tries to glance over by the right side of Rin's shoulder but is stopped by her mother as Rin grabs his shoulder and his attention back on her.

"He is mother's best friend, his name is Lord Sesshoumaru and you need to address him with the title. He is a dog demon but not a bad one as he has saved mother's life plenty of times and so you must respect him as much as mother does, do you understand Aito? He has a companion named Master Jaken, a small demon with a funny character and mother is sure you will like him." Rin explains as Aito listens carefully. Rin then raises form the bed as she takes Aito by his hand helping him to get down from the bed and the two of them walk hand in hand towards the dining table.

Sesshoumaru raises his burrow surprised as the kid approaches the dining table while Jaken's eyes are wide open with his mouth gaping looking on curiously at the kid who is now sitting on the right hand side of Sesshoumaru with Rin settled down opposite of her lord. Both eyes are scanning that poor kid and it is making Aito feel so uncomfortable, he does not dare to raise his head to look at them instead he stares at his lap and trembles. Rin notices the awkwardness among them as she notices the change of expressions on both her lord and the little toad's face. She decides to clear the confusion.

"My lord, Master Jaken, this is my son Aito." Rin tries to be stay calm while she introduces Aito because she knows there will be plenty of questions being asked upon his introduction and she is not sure whether she is ready to answer them but all she can do now is to remain calm. Stretching her right arm she touches her son's shoulder. Rin tries to get her son's attention.

"Aito don't be rude, raise your head and say hello to them." Rin speak softly to her trembling son as Aito raises his head slowly to face the guests. He first captures the figure of a small green demon, and since Jaken is short and sitting on a chair, Aito can only manage to see his face. He thinks this creature is cute, with his sharp mouth which looks like a bird's mouth and his big round yellow eyes, seeing this Aito can't help but to erupt in laughter.

"You are such a small creature I wonder how small your brain and your heart is." Aito comments as he can't help himself but laugh.

"How dare you child! Calling me small? Who do you think you are kid?" The little toad instantly slams Aito upon hearing those insulting words.

"Aito how can you say such a thing, what did I tell you just now? Now apologize to Master Jaken." Rin warns her son as she covers her mouth with her hand to hide her grin, she can't help but laugh at her son's words but is trying not to hurt the little kappa's heart.

"Sorry Master Jaken, my name is Aito nice to see you." Aito re-introduces himself as he presents a toothy grin towards the green toad, he is still trying to control his laugh despite his mother's warning. This does not seem to please Jaken as his little heart seems to be hurt by Aito's comment; he sends a stern look at Aito and starts his usual mumbling.

"Whats with that evil laugh now? Rin you too! You both have insulted m..."

"Jaken! Be silent!" Sesshoumaru stops the little toad from furthering his annoying talk as he continues stare at the kid.

"Ah yes Mi lord" Jaken answers reluctantly as he sends an unsatisfied look at Aito. Aito's head snap to the left when he hears the strong firm manly voice. He raises his head a bit and captures the frame of a tall white demon with a fierce face. He is so overwhelmed looking at the demon lord with his wide open eyes. Wow he is so tall; he has a broad shoulder and pale skin. He has a unique face with magenta strips on his cheek and... Aito pauses the moment he spots Sesshoumaru forehead.

"Mother he has a blue crescent moon on his forehead." Aito turns to his mother and asks Rin immediately as he spots the crescent moon on Sesshoumaru's forehead.

"My dear don't be rude you still haven't greeted the lord yet." Rin answers worriedly as she somehow knows what her son will ask next.

"But Aito ..." Rin immediately covers her son's mouth to prevent him to speak further as she turns and smiles to her lord. Sesshoumaru remains silent.

"I am sorry my lord, Aito is just a bit curious since we don't get much guests in our house. I hope you don't mind his curiosity." Rin explains as she releases her hand from Aito's mouth and continues. "Aito greet the lord now, you understand what I mean?" Aito watches her mother's serious reaction curiously but does not dare to speak further.

"Lord Sesshoumaru nice to meet you too." Aito greets as he slightly bows his head down in respect. Rin feels relieved and lets out a small sigh. Sesshoumaru remains unspoken.

"Oh yes I forget to serve tea I shall go get it now, hang on my lord." Rin rises from her seat as she turns to the nearby table to get a pot.

"Rin that is not necessary." Sesshoumaru interrupts. Rin pauses, of course she knows her lord never needed food or drinks but as a guest she thinks it is nice to show some courtesy. She nods and picks up 2 chopsticks from the nearby table and moves back to the dining table and unwraps the bento. Once she gives one to Aito she settles back down and places another in front of her. Then they both start having their their meals while Sesshoumaru continues watching silently. Rin feels extremely awkward while the demon lord's mind was unsettled as he keeps shifting his gaze between Rin and Aito. Observing attentively at the kid, Sesshoumaru tries to recognize the kid's scent. This kid might have a simple human's appearance, but his scent betrays his appearance. He has an orange eye which no ordinary human will has; he has white hair which explains it will definitely not inherit from a human. This means the father of this kid has to be a demon. And that means Rin's husband is...

"My lord do you want to have some of this soft boil eggs? It is very tasty." Aito's sudden interruption pulls the demon lord out from drowning in his own thoughts. His are eyes fixed on Aito, piercing through his gaze like as if he is searching some sort of an answer through the gazing. His warm orange eyes show no fear with his simple innocent smile which reminds him a lot of Rin. Back in the days when the demon lord was taking rest in the forests after being baldy wounded, Rin did the same, handing him some human food, she showed no sign of fear and her smile was sweetly innocent. Aito inherits the most precious attribute from Rin, the innocence.

"No thanks." Sesshoumaru's simple emotionless answer has made Aito in doubt as he watches the taiyoukai curiously.

"I don't eat human food." Sesshouamru's sudden reply has stunned Aito, he feels like the demon lord is reading him by just looking at his eyes. He is so amazing! Aito thinks to himself. It is at this time that a brilliant idea has struck Aito's mind.

"Oh I know what you will like, mother I will be right back quick." Aito jumps from his chair, heads to the main door and disappears leaving the startled taiyoukai, with the green toad and Rin watching on curiously. Rin is completely lost with her son's behavior, she has never seen Aito react in such a way, perhaps Sesshoumaru's gaze has made her poor son feel uncomfortable and he is merely trying to catch some fresh air? No that is impossible Rin thinks to herself, she wishes Aito does not catch a cold outside since night has fallen. The taiyoukai sees the girl's face turn weary but he remains silent.

"What does the kid plan to do?" Jaken voices his curiosity but he gets no reply as worry keep haunting Rin while Sesshoumaru is still watching her closely. 15 minutes have passed and Rin's patience has started to wear off, she rises from her seat and is about to move but just then Aito dashes in with a banana leaf in his hand with something on the top. He instantly moves to the side of the demon lord and stretches out his limbs to show his new found food offering.

"I think you will eat this right?" Aito has a few lizards nicely arranged on top of a banana leaf and proudly presents it to Sesshoumaru. He is stunned by the boy's reaction, Aito he has several dirt marks on his cheek and hands, but he doesn't seem to care as he seems to be satisfied with what he has done. The taiyoukai does not know how to respond as the kid is so much like Rin when she was a kid, despite him rejecting her human food Rin later came back with some other food exactly like what Aito has done now. He is such an adorable kid. Sesshoumaru whispers as he raises his claw finger to rub away the dirt on Aito's cheeks and his hands, he then rests his right palm on top of Aito's head with his left hand on his shoulder.

"Leave it on the table now, you should clean your hands and continue your meal, your mother is worried about you." Sesshoumaru commands and surprisingly Aito nods happily. He leaves the banana leaf on the table and rushes out to wash his hand and returns to continue his dinner. Rin can't help but lightly smile at her son's action, she never imagined that Aito does exactly the same things like she did when she was a kid and it surprises her even more to know the fact that Aito does not have a bit of fear of the demon lord. When Rin stole a glance at the startled Sesshoumaru the moment when Aito handed the banana leaf to him, she couldn't help but to cover her mouth and laugh at it, the taiyoukai too was stunned by her son's reaction. All of a sudden the awkwardness seems to have vanished and Rin is able to continue her dinner with peace of mind. Sessoumaru notices Rin delightful smile during the entire dinner, while he is not sure of the reason that causes the happiness he just loves to see the girl's smile return. Jaken on the other hand is super silent keenly observing both his lord and Rin, it is too cruel to spoil this moment and he decides to stay silent. Sitting together like this somehow it feels like a family. The little toad thinks to himself.

After dinner Sesshoumaru chooses to stay outside while Rin and Aito are cleaning the bento and the dining table. Once all the cleaning is done Rin decides to send Aito to sleep as she needs to have a few words with her lord. Settling Aito on the bed Rin once again checks on her son's body temperature to ensure that his fever has completely gone. Pulling the blanket and covering her son's body Rin places a kiss on Aito's temple.

"Sweet dreams my dear." Rin whispers into Aito's ear as she is ready to leave but Aito caught her arm.

"Yes my dear Aito, don't you feel sleepy?" Rin asks with a smile as she massages her son forehead.

"Mother will Lord Sesshoumaru still be here tomorrow?" Aito asks in a sleepy tone.

"I am not sure my dear, why do you ask?" Rin asks curiously.

"I like him mother, he is beautiful, even though he hardly speaks but he always watching you mother. He must really like you." Rin is startled by Aito comments.

"He watches me all the time? And you noticed it?" Rin slightly blushes thinking about her lord observing her.

"Yes mother, he looks at you without blinking and Aito love the way he look at you." Aito grins playfully at her mother and Rin senses her son's teasing as she pinches his nose lightly and kisses it later.

"Lord Sesshoumaru is my savior; I could never repay what he has done to me. Son you will trust no one above him you understand? He will never hurt mother." Aito nodded as Rin smiles before continuing. "But you must remember, do not take off the scarf from your head even to Lord Sesshoumaru or speak anything about Inuyasha and Kagome, you understand?"

"Yes mother Aito will remember that."

"Good boy now it's time to sleep, sweet dreams my dear." Rin watches her son shut his eyes as sleep quickly overcomes him. Once the blanket covers neatly she rises from the bed and heads outside.

A disturbed Sesshoumaru is staring blankly above the starless skies as the moonlight shines beautifully across the path in front of the small hut. The reflection of the moonlight on the nearby river somehow catches the demon lord's attention. It is such beautiful scenery. The thought crosses Sesshoumaru's mind and he is instantly hit with reality, questioning himself when he had started to admire the environment, like the demon lord ever cared of what happened around him for over 400 years. It is true that he has neither taken note of seasons nor does he even care to waste his precious time to look for sunshine or moonlight. So why does the taiyoukai seem to care for all this now? Rin was to be blamed. While it is not a gentleman's way to put the blame on an innocent girl, the demon lord admits the existent of the girl is indirectly changing him. Keeping the human girl with him was first considered as a test, but later it is called a responsibility and towards the end it assumed as unavoidable. In the end, the blue crescent moon dog demon realizes that he has been creating excuses, for he just cannot let the girl part away from him. He has to get used to her existence, the powerful taiyukai himself could not answer how but for sure the human girl named Rin has become the most precious things in his life. Watching her weeping is equal to cutting his own flesh and seeing her smiling is equal to an achievement he has gained, it feels like that a part of her has grown in him and even though they have been separated for 4 years it just seems to be apart by distance but never in heart.

Sesshoumaru eyes are still fixed on the moonlight river; it is this scenery that reminds him of his castle, the western fortress that he once considered as his home with Rin. He has escaped his duties in search of this precious girl who had turned the fortress into his home and he wishes dearly that Rin will return with him, but it looks like she has no need of such a home as she has her own now.

"Lord Sesshoumaru I am sorry it took up so much of your time, I hope you are not really in a hurry." Rin's sudden interjection ends Sesshoumaru's thoughts as she moves to the side of the demon lord and stares around the river. She smiles amusingly as her eyes locked around the moonlight river.

"Wow look at this my lord, the moonlight reflecting on the river, such a rare scenery I guess it is Lord Sesshoumaru that is inviting such a beautiful scene." Her smile inches towards a grin as she looks up at the moon.

"Oh how will a monster like me invite such a beautiful environment?" Sesshoumaru questions seriously, his gaze does not leave the moonlight reflection. Rin smile instantly fades with her lord's word's which is full of sadness. Guilt has rotten away her happiness.

"You are not a monster; you are the most kind hearted demon that I have ever met in my life." Sesshoumaru turns to face Rin who smiles innocently at him with her eyes shut.

"People tend to love the full moon but I personally much in love with the crescent moon because it always reminds me of you my lord. Look how powerful the crescent moon is to be able to shine through the river and make such a wonderful reflection, it is Lord Sesshoumaru's stare that makes the crescent moon shine strongly, that is why you are inviting such a beautiful scenery with your presence." Rin continues on with a rather bitter sweet smile. This is not a pleasant sight for the demon lord but he does not respond.

"My lord can you walk with me to the moonlight river? It will look much prettier if we go closer." Rin asks but immediately regrets since she thinks she is hardly in the position to ask anything form her lord, she then turns her back to Sesshoumaru and stares at her own sandal. Sesshoumaru has never turned down Rin's request.

"Let's go Rin." Sesshoumaru starts to walk away without waiting her to turn. Rin turns quickly and follows closely behind the taiyoukai happily while Jaken who has just appeared from the hut watches the duo walk away silently. Rin's heart fills with joy and gratitude as she never thought she would have a chance again to walk side by side with her lord under the moonlight, for some reason she just wishes that this moment will last forever. When they reach the river, Rin sits on the ground and Sesshoumaru join beside her. Under the moonlight they have returned to each other's side once again. Allowing the light breeze to take their scent and mix in the air, Seshoumaru really enjoys having Rin's scent around but as much as he is reluctant to spoil such a wonderful moment, the demon lord knows that there are things that need to be sorted.

"Rin..." Sesshoumaru's voice sounds disappointed.

"Yes my lord?" Rin turns and faces her lord. There is a long silence before Sesshoumaru continues without looking at her.

"Who is Aito father?"

Chapter end notes:

So a bit longer for this chapter...

Once again i apologize for the long delay...

Chapter 6 is ready and let's see how long my beta reader can get this done.

The title should be: Suspicious

and these are the title for my upcoming chapters plan :-

Chapter 7 ~ Unpleasant discovery

Chapter 8 ~ The departure

As usual I always welcome any types of comments, be it good or bad, it will be part of my learning lesson ^^ I believe the reader holds the key of an author success. For those who have been reviewing my stories, thank you for your support, you guys are awesome. *hugs* and *kisses* for you all.

P/s - Supposedly I had drawn a picture of Aito, but it was too terrible to be shown public! LOL so until I have gut to show it I shall keep it! LOL