Chapter 2

Rin knelt in the garden, the early sun running its long hands across her face. Like most nights, she hadn't slept well. She tossed and turned as the early birds began to chirp and sing. So, Rin had enough and got up to begin her routine. She knew at this time in the morning no one would be near the pond past the tree line. She gathered her clothing for the day, a cloth to wash with and a cloth to dry with. She was able to bathe at her leisure without any threats of peeking Toms or wandering animals. Rin had decided to wear the pink silk kimono since Lord Sesshomaru was on her mind more than usual these past few days. She had dried herself, loosely braided her long black hair, and tied the kimono around herself securing the midnight blue obi around her waist.

By the time she returned to the hut, the sun was just peeking through the trees. She placed her soiled clothing and washing cloths near the dish bin. She gave herself a mental reminder to visit the river this afternoon to clean dishes and wash laundry. As she knelt in the garden, Rin noticed a few herbs were ready to be harvested as well as a few small fruits from the bushes that grew along the east side of the hut. She found her small basket lying near the far end of the garden and got to work plucking berries.

"These would make a wonderful sweet dish to go with tea," Rin thought. "Maybe I could invite Kimiko for the evening."

When the basket was half full, Rin brought it inside and poured the red and purple berries into a bowl. She exited back into the garden, noticing the voices of awakened villagers nearby. The sun was finally above the tree line. It shined like a beacon on the land coaxing everyone out of bed to begin the day. She got back to work now harvesting the herbs. Kaede had taught her how to properly cut the leaves so the plant would continue to grow throughout the season.

By the time Rin finished collecting from the garden, Kagome was bouncing over to the young girl's hut. Kagome, now twenty-five, was the happy wife of Inuyasha and a proud mother of one.

"Rin!" Kagome called as she approached.

As Rin placed the basket of herbs near her preparation table, Kagome entered the doorway.

"Rin, how long have you been up and about?" Kagome asked.

"Since before the sun came up," she answered as if it was nothing strange.

Kagome made a face that suggested her aversion to mornings. "Have you eaten yet?"

"I have not," Rin said kneeling at the prep table to begin bundling the leaves.

"The herbs can wait," the older woman huffed. "Come join us for breakfast. We haven't spoken in a while; I'd like to know how you're doing."

I'm doing just fine, Kagome," Rin told the woman turning her back to her. "I've been keeping busy. Nothing new."

"Oh, come on, Rin!" Kagome placed her hands on her hips. "Just humor me, okay?"

Rin sighed and placed the first bundle of herbs to the side. "Fine." The young woman stood, dusted off her knees and motioned to Kagome that she would follow.

Kagome and Inuyasha didn't live too far from Rin, and the walk was quick. The smell of delicious food wafted to Rin's nose. Her stomach growled loudly and Kagome giggled.

"I'm back!" Kagome called to Inuyasha. "Rin came for breakfast."

As the women entered the home, Rin saw the half demon sitting cross legged at the table, his three year old son in his lap. The boy was an interesting mix of his father and mother sporting silver hair and blue eyes. Being only one quarter demon, the child had human ears, and sharp elongated fangs.

The boy smiled at the return of his mother and scrambled out of his father's lap to run to her. Kagome welcomed him with open arms, pulling him up into a hug and then settling him at her hip.

"Good morning, Ichirou," Kagome cooed to the boy.

"Morning, Mama," Ichirou answered with a high pitched voice. Upon seeing their guest, the boy's eyes widened as he gleefully yelled, "Rin!"

Rin waved and smiled at the small boy. Every so often, Kagome and Inuyasha asked if she could watch their son for the afternoon or evening. Rin always agreed enjoying the child's company. He was silly and energetic most of the time, but also wanted to know about things that were well beyond his years. Rin knew some topics were off limits, but for the most part she answered any questions he had. Her favorite conversations were when he requested bedtime stories with action and adventure. Rin loved recalling the exploits she had with Lord Sesshomaru and Master Jaken. She edited the extremely gory parts of the stories, and stuck to the main idea that Lord Sesshomaru was an amazing demon and fought like no other. He was always the hero in her stories and Ichirou loved them! When Inuyasha found out that Rin was filling his son's head with the great deeds of his half-brother, there had been an argument blown out of proportion. Kagome hadn't minded the stories, knowing that Ichirou would listen to any tale that involved swords and demon slaying, but Inuyasha's pride was knocked down a few pegs at his son's mentions of Sesshomaru.

"The food is gettin' cold," Inuyasha grumbled.

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Dig in."

Inuyasha wasted no time grabbing his favorites off the table before the women and Ichirou were seated. Rin knew the half-demon loved Kagome's cooking and he would often eat half the spread before anyone else finished their first helping.

Rin helped herself to a bowl of rice and some of the fluffy eggs Kagome prepared called an omelet. She also took a stick of cooked fish and laid it before her on the table so Inuyasha wouldn't think about taking all of it.

Kagome fixed some food for herself and let it sit in front of her as she fed Ichirou. The boy was like his father. He loved his mother's cooking and had a hearty appetite.

"So, Rin," Inuyasha said between bites. "You heard anything from Sesshomaru yet?"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome snapped.

"What?" Inuyasha asked clueless. "I was just wondering. She's been waiting five years. How much longer should she wait for his stupid ass to come back?"

Rin usually bit her tongue and smiled. She knew getting into an argument with Inuyasha never ended well. But today she had enough. She was losing sleep over the same thoughts and she wouldn't let Inuyasha be the one to call her out.

Rin slammed her bowl on the table and growled at the half-demon, "I am sitting right here!"

Inuyasha's eyes were the size of saucers at her outburst. Ichirou's lip began to quiver. He hated when anybody started yelling.

Rin stood from the table, and bowed to Kagome, "thank you for the meal." She stormed out leaving a half-eaten meal, a crying child, and a screaming Kagome in her wake. She was so angry she just kept walking. She made it to the tree line, exhaled hard and marched into the forest. She needed to calm down.

Rin found a small alcove near the river where she usually did her washing and sat down heavily. She felt terrible about her outburst, but Inuyasha had pushed all the right buttons to set her off. Before she knew it she had pulled her knees into her chest and cried.

"Lord Sesshomaru, where are you? Why have you not come back?" Rin thought to herself.

In the height of her tears, she failed to notice the large presence approaching from behind.