A/N: Okay, hope you guys like this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it. Please read and reivew.
Kagome woke up and stretched. She looked back down at her son and Rin. she got up and got dressed before waking both kids.
"Shippo baby, wake up. You too Rin, we're leaving."
Kagome whispered and the kids sat up and rubbed the sleep from their eyes.
"We're leaving kaa-san?"
Shippo asked and Kagome nodded.
"Hai baby, come on."
Kagome said and the kids crawled out of bed. They barely made it downstairs before Rin almost fell down the stairs from falling asleep again. Kagome picked her up and carried her piggyback style as she and Shippo went down the stairs. They bowed to the innkeeper before leaving. They kept their eyes on the ground as they left the village. Once they could no longer see it Shippo asked his question.
"Kaa-san, where are we going?"
"We're going to the East."
Kagome said with a smile as she tightened her grip on Rin as the girl started to slip.
"Why the East kaa-san?"
Shippo asked and Kagome thought about it before deciding to tell Shippo the truth. He was her son, there was no point keeping secrets from him.
"Because baby, my real mom and dad are there."
Kagome said and Shippo's eyes widened.
"Kaa-san's kaa-san and otou-san?"
Shippo asked and Kagome nodded.
"Hai."
Shippo was silent for a while after that. He couldn't believe it. He had always wanted Kagome to be his mother, but was constantly worried about her getting hurt because of her mortality, but now he didn't have to worry about that because now his kaa-san was a youkai just like him.
"What kind of youkai are they?"
He asked after a while.
"I'm not completely sure baby. I've never met them."
Kagome said as they passed by a village.
"Then how do you know they're in the East?"
"My inneryoukai says so."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded before falling silent again. By the time the sun was setting Rin finally woke up. Kagome set her down only to have Shippo jump up onto her shoulder. She smiled at her son as they kept walking.
"Kagome?"
Rin asked and Kagome looked at the little brown haired girl next to her.
"Hai? What is it Rin?"
"Rin was wondering if you'd sensed Lord Sesshomaru anywhere."
Rin said and Kagome sighed. Of course she'd be wondering that.
"I'm sorry sweetie, but no I haven't. But he is a Lord and where we're going he is sure to get word that you are there and come find you."
Kagome said and Rin smiled as they kept walking. Kagome growled to herself. She was happy Rin was okay no, but she was still upset that Sesshomaru hadn't noticed the smell of Rin's blood when she had. And she was just now learning to tell the difference between smells.
'Rest.'
Kagome's beast instructed and Kagome did as she was told. They stopped for the night in a clearing. She and Rin gathered firewood and after a fire was started Kagome left to hunt for them. After they ate they settled down for the night. Kagome put a barrier around them before drifting off to sleep.
"Finally it's the last night of this fucking new moon's cycle."
Inuyasha said to Kikyo as he crawled back into her loving embrace.
"Once you are back to full strenght we shall head towards Farcira's forest."
Kikyo said as she played with Inuyasha's hair.
"Hmm."
'And I'll be sure to kill that wench Kagome the next time I see her.'
Kikyo thought as she closed her eyes and fell asleep in her lover's arms. She had long ago given up trying to drag Inuyasha to hell and was now just happy being with him, but she couldn't continue to do so on borrowed time. She wouldn't. And the only way for her to live again was for Kagome to die.
Kagome woke up as the sun was rising and went to a nearby river to wash up, but still stay close enough to Shippo and Rin that she'd be able to get to them if need be. She finished up and returned to see Shippo stirring.
"Hey Shippo, come her."
Kagome said and Shippo walked over to her.
"What is it kaa-san?"
He asked and she smiled down at him.
"I promised to teach you how to fight, but got distracted. How about from now on I teach you every time we stop for a break."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded.
"Alright. Until we get you a sword of your own use one of mine."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded as Kagome handed him one of her katanas. It was a little big for him, but he managed to hold it up.
'Okay, first let's start with the basics."
Kagome said with a smile before instructing Shippo on his stance then when she was sure he had it right she charged at him. He blocked her, but was forced to the ground. he got back up.
"That was good, but you have to keep your stance firm. Don't let anything move you."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded. She charged at him again and this time when he blocked her he stayed upright. Kagome smiled down at her son before charging at him again. They continued their sparring match until the sun had fully risen in the sky. Kagome and Shippo washed their faces by the river before going back to where Rin slept soundly in the barrier Kagome had placed around her.
Kagome knelt beside the sleeping girl and nudged her awake.
"Come on sweetie, it's time to move."
Kagome said and Rin nodded before getting up. They packed up their stuff and kept heading towards the Eastern palace.
'How long will it take to get there? Inuyasha never let us get anywhere near the palace the last time we were in the East.'
Kagome asked her beast and it laughed at her.
'Hahaha, it will take about three to four day if you keep up this pace.'
'Alright. That gives me time to train Shippo.'
Kagome said as they walked down the dirt path.
'You should think about teaching Rin too.'
'I can't teach Rin how to fight with a sword!'
Kagome yelled at her beast.
'Not with a sword, with sai knives.'
Kagome thought about it a minute before smiling. That could work, it would help her become closer to Rin and teach her how to defend herself.
'Alright, but only if she asks for my help.'
Kagome said and her beast agreed.
They kept walking until Rin asked for a break. They moved off from the road and Rin sat down on a log as Kagome and Shippo prepared for another sparring match. As Shippo drew his weapon Rin asked a question.
"What are you doing?"
"Kaa-san is teaching me how to fight so I can defend myself and the people I love."
Shippo said before lunging at Kagome. She smiled when she felt the force behind his attack. He learned quick. She pushed off from him and twirled her sword before circling her son.
"Alright Shippo, you've gotten the basics down. Ready to try the next step?"
Kagome asked and Shippo smiled as he watched his mother's movements and matched them with his own. He kept her facing his front at all times.
"Alright. Try to pin me down, once you can do that you'll be able to defend yourself."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded. With that Kagome charged at her son.
Rin watched as Shippo and Kagome fought. at firs they moved too fast for her to see, but then her eyes adjusted to their speed and watched them as they sparred. Kagome would charge at Shippo and he would block it before charging at her. Shippo got close to knocking Kagome over but she jumped back before he could push eher over and he stumbled forward. Kagome pinned him down and smiled down at him.
"I win this time Shippo. We'll try again before bed."
Kagome said getting off Shippo and helping him to his feet. He had a smile on his face as he sheathed his sword.
'Shippo said Kagome was teaching him so he could protect himself and those he loved. Would Kagome teach Rin if Rin asked her?'
Rin debated with herself before finally deciding to ask. She got up and walked over to Kagome.
"Kagome?"
Rin asked and Kagome turned to look at her.
"What is it sweetie?"
Kagome asked as she sheathed her own sword.
"Rin was wondering if you would teach Rin to defend herself too."
Rin said and waited for Kagome to tell he rno. She was surprised when Kagome smiled at her.
"Of course I will sweetie, but first we have to get you the right kind of weapon. I'll get it the next ime we pass a village then we'll start your training."
Kagome said and Rin couldn't help but smile. Finally she'd be able to learn somehting that would help her become less of a burden to her lord.
Jaken was freaking out. He had managed to keep it a secret from his lord so far, but sooner or later Lord Sesshomaru would notice the little girl's absence. Jaken had left her only long enough to catch them some food and when he returned to their campsite he saw it was destroyed and Rin was gone.
'I just know m'lord is going to kill me for losing Rin.'
"Jaken."
A voice sounded from behind the toad demon causing him to jump. He turned to see his lord standing before him. He quickly bowed.
"H-Hai m'lord?"
He asked afraid of what his lord had to say.
"Where is Rin? This Sesshomaru hasn't seen her in a while."
Jaken gulped and started groveling at his lord's feet for mercy.
"F-forgive me m'lord. I had gone out only long enough to catch food f-for Rin and m-myself and when I got back the c-c-campsite was ruined and Rin was m-missing."
Jaken said without looking up, but he didn't have to to feel his lord's anger rising.
"Where is she?"
Was Sesshomaru's only response and Jaken flinched at his lord's tone.
"I-I do not know m'lord."
Jaken said and Sesshomaru left him where he was as he went off in search of his missing ward. Jaken passed out from fright in the middle of the hallway.
Not too long after Rin asked Kagome if she'd teach her how to fight did they pass by a village. Kagome stopped a few feet away and turned to the tow children with her.
"Shippo you know the drill."
Kagome said and Shippo smiled at his mother's use of one of her futuristic terms.
"Hai kaa-san."
he said, but Rin looked at her confused.
"Rin sweetie, any time we're in or near a town we can't use our real names."
Kagome explained.
"Why not?"
Rin asked and Kagome sighed.
"It's too dangerous. In a town or village call me kaa-san or Katrina if people ask for my name. Shippo will be called Saien and you are Saieko. Do you understand?"
Kagome asked and Rin nodded.
"What's my name?"
Kagome asked to make sure Rin really did understand.
"Kaa-san's name is Katrina."
Rin said and Kagome smiled.
'That's right sweetie, and if anyone asks Saien is your brother okay?"
Kagome asked and Rin nodded.
"Good, now stay close to me."
Kaogme said before walking into the village. Both kids grabbed onto the pantsleg of her jeans as they walked through the village. Kagome went straight up to the merchant selling what she was looking for. She picked up a shortsword and tested it's weight in her hands before handing it to Shippo for his oppinon.
"I like it kaa-san."
He said handing it back to her and she turned to the merchant and bought it along with a sheath. She then picked up a pair of sai knives and tested them out, glad she had taken classes on how to handle and fight with them. She smiled before turning to look at Rin.
"What do you think sweetie?"
Kagome asked as she handed them to Rin. She experimentally spun them and frowned.
"I'm not sure if I like them or not, but if you say they're good we should get them."
She said and Kagome smiled when she didn't speak in third person.
"Alright then."
Kagome said turning back to the merchant.
"We'll take them and two sharpening stones."
Kagome said depositing the money on the table. When they'd gotten what they came for they left. They walked a while before finally settling down for the night.
"Kagome, will you teach me now?"
Rin asked and Kagome smiled again.
"Sure thing sweetie."
Kagome said standing up. They walked a little ways away from the camp. Rin noticed Kagome didn't have her swords.
"Kagome, where are your swords?"
Rin asked and Kagome smiled.
"I'm teaching you to use said, so we'll both fight using sai."
Kagome said pulling hers from their sheath on her thigh. Rin carefully did the same. Although the sai were dull pointed she was still scared of them.
"Alright Rin, to start off hold them like this. Is that comfortable?"
Kagome asked adjusting Rin's grip.
"No."
Rin said and Kagome frowned.
"Okay, try this way."
Kagome said changing Rin's hold on her sai.
"Is that better?"
Kagome asked and Rin shook her head. Kagome thought a moment before remembering the last way to hold a pair of sai blades.
"Alright, try this one."
Kagome said adjusting Rin's fingers again.
"Any better?"
Kagome asked and Rin nodded.
'Hai kaa-san, it's a lot better."
Rin said and Kagome froze. Rin blushed and covered her mouth.
"Rin is sorry Kagome. Rin didn't mean to call you that, it's just Rin really likes you and you act like a kaa-san should. Rin's sorry, please don't hate Rin."
Rin said with tears in her eyes and Kagome pulled her into a hug.
"I'm not mad Rin, I was just surprised is all. I could never hate you."
Kaogme said and pulled back to look Rin in the eyes.
"R-Really?"
Rin asked and Kagome nodded.
"Really."
"Then can Rin call you her kaa-san like Shippo does?"
Rin asked and Kagome smiled.
"I'd like that."
Kagome said and Rin smiled before hugging her again.
"Rin has a kaa-san again!"
Rin said and Kagome laughed before pulling Rin to her feet.
'Okay, now let's start your training. I still have to teach Shippo tonight too."
"Hai."
Rin said and gripped her sai the way Kaogme had showed her.
'She learns quickly.'
Kagome thought as she gripped her own sai.
"Try to block me okay?"
Kagome asked and Rin nodded. Kagome charged at Rin and she was knocked on her back. She sat up with tears in her eyes.
"Rin I'm sorry. I thought you had it. Are you okay?"
Kagome asked as Rin got back up.
"Rin is fine kaa-san. Let's go again, Rin wants to become strong so Rin can protect the ones Rin loves."
Rin said wiping at her eyes. Kagome smiled before charging at Rin again. This time she blocked Kagome's attack.
"Good. Now I'm goig to tes tyou. You ready?"
Kagome asked.
"Hai, Rin is ready."
Kagome ndoded before charging again.
Shippo watched as Rin and his mother fought. He noticed once again how strong his mother had become. she no longer depended on anyone to protect her. And she no longer cared for that baka Inuyasha. He sighed and looked at the fire blazing in their campsite. But he also noticed she seemed sad now. She'd smile and put on a brave face but he could tell something was wrong with his kaa-san.
"Good job Rin, now try to attack."
Kagome said and Shippo turned back to watch Rin and Kagome fight. In such a short time Rin had already learned the basics. Kagome dodged Rin's attack and knocked her sai out of her hands.
"Alright, that's enough for tonight."
Kagome said sheathing her sai. Rin nodded and retrieved hers. Shippo watched as they walked back to the camp.
"Hey Shippo, let's eat then we can spar okay?"
Kagome asked with a smile and Shippo nodded.
They ate and Kagome walked away from the camp with Shippo. Both drew their swords and Shippo waited for his mother's instructions. She charged at him and he blocked.
"Hey Shippo, how do you feel about Rin?"
Kagome asked and Shippo pushed off her sword and looked at his mother confused.
'I like her. She's nice and she always likes to play."
Shippo said and Kagome smiled before charging at him again.
"How would you feel acting as her big brother?"
Kagome asked and Shippo froze. Kagome knocked him on his back.
"Don't lower your guard, no matter what."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded as he got up.
"Rin wants me to be her big brother?"
"I'm sure she'd be happy to have you as her brother."
Shippo thought a moment before nodding.
"I'd love to be her brother."
Shippo said and Kagome smiled at him.
"Alright. Now that that's settled let's get serious."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded. He charged at his mother and she blocked him. By the time the moon had risen in the sky Kagome and Shippo both were out of breath.
"Let's call it a night."
Kagome said and Shippo nodded. Both sheathed their swords and walked back to their camp. They crawled under the blanket Kagome had brought from her time. All three of them fell asleep once Kagome placed a barrier around them.