The weeks before Rin would make her way to the western coast dragged for both her and Sesshomaru. While she was exuberant during the phase her wedding was being planned, by her future mother in-law and own mother, everyone aside from Kyoko assumed it was due to the marriage and that she was happy with the match to Tomoya.

Since Kyoko had met with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha she was quieter and more kept staring out to the ocean from the windows of the mansion. It wasn't lost on Rin and she had implored her to open up to no avail. Deciding to let her process what she was going through Rin stopped asking and daydreamed about the day she would meet back up again with Sesshomaru in his own territory.

She intended to survey the area and find a suitable spot for their meetings and felt her stomach flutter thinking they would be able to see one another more often and probably his little brother. He appeared quite young and was full of energy from what she could tell, the complete opposite of Sesshomaru whom was more reserved and thoughtful.

"Kyoko, what did you discuss with Inuyasha?" Rin asked without thinking as she sat doing some embroidery while Kyoko made her bed.

"He showed me the reef under the water. We didn't really talk much, or at least I did not as he spoke enough for the two of us." Kyoko stated softly.

"I wish you would tell me what is bothering you friend. You have not been yourself since that night. If I had known it would affect you so poorly I wouldn't have let you come to the shore with me." Rin sighed out. Placing the linens down she turned to look out of the glass windows.

"I am…well I am not quite sure how I feel to be honest with you Lady Rin." Kyoko admitted. "Do you remember when I told you of my sister, Izayoi?"

"Yes, of course." Rin nodded placing her work down to bring her attention to Kyoko.

"My sister would say things that we thought were her own imagination, about mermaids and people living in the water." Kyoko began. "From the time she was a girl until she disappeared after her seventeenth year she would say there were people who visited her that came from the ocean. My parents began to think she was soft in the head for it and gave her a strict curfew, more chores and busy work, but she still found time to go down to the shore."

"I followed her several times, but I never saw anyone or anything, just Izayoi waiting or playing in the water. I thought the same as my parents and didn't think anything of it when she said she had been approached by two apprentices of a powerful sorceress that lived in the Southern Ocean."

"Two apprentices?" Rin asked curiously.

"Yes. They told her that if she performed certain tasks on the land for the sorceress then she could become a mermaid." Kyoko scoffed. "I brushed her off and wished her good luck thinking she had finally lost her mind, and then she vanished. When her clothing was found in the south it was assumed she had stowed away on a ship and jumped into the water." Turning to Rin her eyes were wide and distant in a way. "Does this mean that my sister is alive? That she did in fact become a mermaid?"

"I…I don't know." Rin said. "We can ask Lord Sesshomaru if maybe he has ever heard anything. He may know something."

"We?" Kyoko questioned.

"Yes." Rin stood walking over to her. Taking her hands in hers she looked at her squarely. "I want you to come with me to the west, please. You are one of the few people in my life that I am comfortable with. I cannot imagine you not being there."

"To…cover for you?" Kyoko queried with a small smirk.

"Not…all of the time." Rin replied.

"I would miss you if you left and feel badly for any other hand maiden who would have to chase after you."

"See, you have to come with me."

"Alright Lady Rin. You have twisted my arm on this." Squeezing Rins hands her small smile dropped. "There was something about that boy, Inuyasha, something familiar about him that I cannot seem to place."

"Maybe you two just got along well or were meant to meet." Rin offered. "I'm certain we will see him again after the wedding when Lord Sesshomaru visits." Nodding her head in agreement she looked back out the window biting at her lower lip.

Getting any information from what was happening above the sea was near impossible however Sesshomaru was determined to know exactly when Rins wedding was and to ensure that it would be as grand and luxorious as she deserved. Sesshomaru would need someone who could avoid detection, that no one would pay much attention to going to and from the surface.

Although it was below him Sesshomaru sought out the bottom feeders that frequented the lower trenches and lived under rocks. Appearing to be simply making his way through he kept his eye out for anyone that could maybe be useful to him. As he passed by a bed of sea grass and flowers the end of his tail disturbed the resident of it.

"Hey, hey you big oaf." A shrill voice yelled out. Stopping in his tracks Sesshomaru glanced over his shoulder to see a creature he had never encountered before. The owner of the voice was green with gills around his neck and a beak type mouth and nose. He had arms and legs making Sesshomaru quite certain it would be able to not just surface but go on land as well, a feat in his current state he was not able to do. "Watch where you're swimming. You hit me in the head."

"I have a proposition for you." Sesshomaru ignored the creatures tongue lashing to get straight to this point.

"Why would I want to help you?" It retorted sharply. "Who do you think you are anyway?"

"Sesshomaru."

"Sess…Sesshomaru? As in…Lord Sesshomaru? Lord Togas son?" Visibly shaken when Sesshomaru gave a curt nod in response the small creature bowed to him nearly going prostrate on the ground.

"My lord, forgive this lowly being's ignorance. I am your humble servant. Whatever you request is my pleasure to accomplish for you." It said quickly.

"I need someone to go to the surface. There is a human wedding that will occur in a few weeks' time. I need you to scout the main house, if possible, and report back to me what is happening." Sesshomaru said.

"Oh, my lord…you need me? Such an important task for one such as myself?"

"If you are not able to accomplish this, I will find someone else."

"Lord Sesshomaru, this Jaken is not only capable of such an errand but the best one you will find for the task." Straightening himself out Jaken reached into the bed of lush weeds and flowers producing a stone staff with what appeared to be two heads on it. Intrigued Sesshomaru had to ask what it was. "This, my lord, is the staff of two heads. The maiden will allow me to transform to a land creature to fit in better among the humans, while the old man will turn me back to allow me to return to the sea."

"Transform you?" Sesshomaru questioned staring at it.

"Yes, my lord. It was a gift from the sorceress in the south, Lady Kikyo."

"The sea witch." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in apprehension. He had heard stories about that mermaid. Her apprentices scoured the oceans and seas searching for humans and merfolk that had met unfortunate ends or were about to in order to bring the souls of the dead to Kikyo. It was said she used them in order to perform her dark magic and for her own personal gain.

"My lord, whatever you may have heard of Lady Kikyo is untrue. She is not the evil being that some have made her out to be." Jaken defended.

"That is none of my concern." Sesshomaru replied quickly. "Complete your task and return to me with what information you are able to retrieve."

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru. Your request is my bidding sire." Jaken bowed. Righting himself he couldn't help his curiosity. "I have to ask my lord; what do you care about human affairs? Why are you interested in a humans marriage ceremony?"

"That is none of your concern. Do as I say and you will be compensated for your time."

"Of course my lord, this Jaken will not fail you." Jaken replied obediantly clutching his staff and swimming off. Watching him go Sesshomaru felt secure that the odd little thing would be of great use to him.

Days before the wedding Rin along with Kyoko and her parents, as well as their servants and guards, made their way to the west. Rin felt her stomach flutter and knot almost painfully at her anticipation. Watching the outskirts of villages and farms pass by their stagecoach she kept her hands together in her lap to keep them from shaking. Swallowing hard she wondered what the western coast looked like and suddenly was worried that there would be no place for her to see Sesshomaru.

What if it were a sheer cliff face with no way down to the beach? What if there was no beach and was only deep water? Closing her eyes she sighed out reaching out to him with her heart and mind relaying her worry.

"Everything will be alright Rin." Her mother soothed. "I understand how you are feeling, when I went to the north to meet with your father I was quite anxious and worried about the entire affair."

"Thank you mama." Rin said reopening her eyes. Given her giddiness they all assumed she was nervous about her upcoming nuptials. It gave her a chance to allow herself not to have to hide her emotions, which in itself was quite liberating.

The landscape changed as they entered into the west and Rin had to resist the urge to stick her head out of the window of the coach to see how far off they were. Suddenly she felt a wave of relief wash over her, a calming effect that didn't feel as if it were coming from her but from someone else.

'Sesshomaru.' She thought placing a hand to her heart. 'I am almost there. I will see you soon.' In response she felt her chest warm over her hand as if someone had placed theirs against hers.

Sesshomaru was already a bundle of nerves pacing his study back and forth biting at the claw on his thumb. Jaken had been gone for several days, with each one seeming longer than the last. He had not seen hide of the creature and was beginning to rethink his plan. At first he had worried that Jaken had taken advantage of the situation and reported to others that he, Sesshomaru, was concerned about humans. If word got back to his parents then it would possibly only spell trouble for him.

He kept thinking back to the staff of two heads that Jaken possessed. He wondered if it only worked for Jaken or if it would work for anyone. Lost in a daydream of becoming a man and going to Rin himself he suddenly felt something, or someone, in his study.

Glancing around he was confused how anyone could have come in without him noticing. Seeing that that there was no one unnerved him even more until he focused on the sensation inwardly. It was Rin. She was reaching out to him with her energy, searching for him. For her to be able to do so meant that she was close, possibly already in the west.

Remaining still he focused on her allowing her warmth to wash over him, grip his heart and tie itself around it. As he did so he felt his own reach her and felt her relief at his response. Closing his eyes he could see her as she had been the last time in the starlight, smiling at him and giggling. How he longed to see her again and this time he felt would be different. In what way he wasn't certain but as she drew closer to him, physically and emotionally, he knew it would be.

In his study there was an opening akin to a window that he could sometimes hear others if they were close enough. Reopening his eyes he heard a voice which his hearing automatically tuned to.

"What are you doing here?" Izayoi asked someone in a hushed voice. "We had an arrangement, Jaken."

"I am dreadfully sorry my lady, you are correct, we do; however, I am here on the request of another." He replied.

"In the palace?" She asked.

"That information is not privy to you Lady Izayoi." For a moment Sesshomaru thought they had gone off. Moving closer to his wall he stayed out of sight listening intently. How did his fathers second female know Jaken and what type of arrangement could she possibly have with him? If Jaken had acquired the staff from the south and Izayoi was from the south then they could be connected to the witch, Kikyo.

Deciding to confront them both Sesshomaru swam straight out of the opening and went between them.

"What is this?" He demanded.

"Lord Sesshomaru." Izayoi bowed to him from her waist. "This creature was found wandering the grounds. I was simply…"

"You may lie to my parents but not to me. I have always seen you for your falsities and deception." Turning to glare at Jaken the other cowered at his fins.

"My lord please forgive me. I was not meaning to be deceptive. I can explain…" He said quickly.

"No. I will explain everything but not here." Izayoi interjected. "I will tell you everything Lord Sesshomaru." Swimming away from the grotto Sesshomaru followed after with Jaken in tow.

Rin surveyed the area from the balcony that overlooked the sea. She had been worried over nothing. There was a wooden staircase that went down the expansive shoreline with what appeared to be a cave not so far off. Undoubtedly at high tide it would be submerged but maybe it would make an adequate meeting spot.

"Lady Rin. It is time to be dressed for the banquet before your wedding rehearsal. Lady Kei has granted you several more hand maidens to assist in your daily activities." Kyoko said coming beside her.

"I do not believe I need anyone, other than you." Rin replied. "Isn't it lovely here? The west is much dryer than the dampness of the north."

"Yes, it is." Kyoko agreed. "Come on. There is still much to do before you meet back up with Lord Sesshomaru." Nodding in understanding Rin went inside looking at the gown that was hung up for her. It was pure white with gold inlaid on the skirt.

The sleeves came halfway to her elbows and opened flowing down with lacy embroidery. She glanced at the boxes that her future in-laws had gifted her filled with silver and gold hair combs that held many jewels in them.

"I miss wearing hair ribbons." Rin said sitting down at the vanity as Kyoko began to brush out her hair.

"Ribbons are for children. You are to become a woman soon." Kyoko admonished gently.

"I don't want it to be with Lord Tomoya." Rins voice came out almost too soft to hear.

"It must be." Stopping what she was doing Kyoko placed the brush down and turned her chair to face her. Kneeling in front of her Rin saw what was worry, clear as day, etched onto her friends face. "Lady Rin, whatever nature this relationship may take with Lord Sesshomaru you cannot risk possibly becoming pregnant with a…a…half-breed. You cannot lie with him."

"I never said that I wanted it to be Lord Sesshomaru." Rin responded meekly.

"You don't have to say it. It is clear you are enchanted by him. A few more meetings and I would be concerned for your maidenhood. Luckily, you will be married by then, even still; it is not worth the risk." Kyoko stated.

"Tomoya said that I didn't have to do anything that I did not want to do." Rin expressed. "And I do not wish to give myself to him. He is nice but, I do not love him." Kyokos shoulders slumped at her words. Opening her mouth to say something a few sharp knocks on the door sounded before it was opened.

Both straightening themselves out as three more servants entered to assist her with getting ready the conversation abruptly ended. Rin thought about what Kyoko had said, realistically the idea hadn't even crossed her mind that she would desire Sesshomaru in such a way.

She simply enjoyed his company and wanted to get to know him. Now as she went back replaying the events she recalled how intelligent he seemed and handsome. Suddenly feeling flustered she blamed it on the corset being tied as she held onto the bedpost for leverage. Did she want Sesshomaru to be her first?

How would they even accomplish such a task if it were possible? She had yet to see his lower half always seeing his torso as he remained partially submerged but now her curiosity was peaked, more than peaked. She became determined to, theoretically, figure out if it would be within the realm of possibility that they could mate.

Sesshomaru didn't know what to think or how to feel coming upon the knowledge that Izayoi had once been a human, living in the same village that Rin hailed from no less. Shaking his head it seemed to coincidental to be real and Sesshomaru did not believe in coincidence. Suddenly feeling uneasy about the entire situation with Rin, feeling as if he were being set up to bring about the fall of his own people, he sought out his father.

He had to know the truth about Izayoi.

Making his way through the tunnels to his fathers throne room he was so engrossed in thought he didn't even hear Inuyasha come up behind him. Feeling a jab to his back he quickly turned around with his claws bared swiping.

"Yikes." Inuyasha ducked barely missing being sliced across his face. "Hey. What was that for? I was calling and calling you, but you were daydreaming and didn't hear me."

"Never attack from behind." Sesshomaru warned looking at Inuyashas faux stone sword he used for sparring.

"Where you going? Are you going to go see father?" Inuyasha questioned.

"That is none of your concern." As soon as the words left his lips a realization dawned on him. If Izayoi was found out to once have been human, as well as a possible spy and traitor, what would that mean for his younger brother? While he cared less what became of the boys mother he wished no ill will upon Inuyasha as he had become fond of him.

"Sesshomaru? Are you okay?" Inuyasha questioned as Sesshomaru realized her had been staring at him. "Youre acting weird again. Is it about…you know who?"

"Inuyasha," He began lowering himself to eye level with his brother, "There is something I must do and I apologize for it now. Know that, whatever may happen, you are my brother and no one will harm you."

"You're scaring me Sesshomaru." Inuyashas voice came out tight and constrained. "Stop it. You're just trying to tease me."

"No little brother. I am preparing you for, I am not sure what yet." He affirmed.

"I don't like it." Inuyasha shouted at him tossing his sword down and swimming off in the direction of his own mothers chambers for comfort. Deciding that for now that may be the best place for him Sesshomaru continued. Entering the room he approached his father as he dictated instructions to one of his advisors.

"Sesshomaru, to what do I owe the visit? It is not time to spar yet, is it?" Toga asked glancing at him.

"No father. We need to have a discussion." Sesshomaru replied.

"A discussion? Well, this is a rare day." Toga joked.

"Privately." Sesshomaru insisted.

"Very well." Toga agreed leading him to the adjacent war room away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears. Toga slid the large stone to close off the space. Sitting in his chair he offered Sessomaru the other. "Tell me son, does this pertain to recent events?"

"It may."

"Then by all means…speak boy."

"Father, Izayoi has said some unsettling things to me today that I fear may indicate that she is a spy." Sesshomaru began.

"A spy? For whom?" Toga queried, not seeming distressed at all.

"The humans in the northern ocean."

"Humans? Hm. That does seem distressing." Toga said not seeming very perturbed by it at all. "How so if Izayoi is from the south? Wouldn't it be the southern humans then?"

"She traveled from the north to the south to work for the sea witch and become one of us. Izayoi was a human, father. There is a creature who has a staff that can change beings from one to the other…"

"Ah, Jaken. So, you have met him?"

"Yes…I…" Stopping as his fathers words sunk in Sesshomaru took a breath to steady himself. "You know all of this."

"As does your mother." Toga replied. "Izayoi was not acquired by us. She came willingly once she befriended all of us."

"Befriended?" Sesshomaru nearly spat out.

"Yes. Do you recall a decade or so ago that you were stung by the man of war, while we were visiting in the east?"

"Of course. I still have the scars from that wretched jellyfish." Sesshomaru sneered.

"You became so poisoned that there was no way to save you other than to appeal to Lady Kiyko for assistance. Your mother and I took you to her in the south where she called upon her land vassal to procure certain things that we do not have in the seas or oceans." Toga explained.

"Izayoi." Sesshomaru whispered feeling his throat tighten.

"Yes." Toga confirmed. "It was a great task she completed to bring you back to full health and your mother implored her to make her dream of living in the water a reality. Jaken is in Lady Kiykos employment as well. His staff does in fact change Izayoi from a mermaid to a human and back again for errands that she may need to complete."

"Was one of those errands finding her way to your bedchamber?" Sesshomaru remarked dryly.

"That was a misstep on our parts. While I do not regret having Inuyasha I do regret the overt drama that followed."

"Then it is possible, for the staff to be used on anyone?" Sesshomaru ventured.

"No. It will only work on Izayoi." Toga asserted. "No one else." Seeing straight through his fathers lie Sesshomaru removed himself from the chair and went to the stone door. "Sesshomaru, it goes without saying that this remains between us. You have nothing to fear from Izayoi. She cares for all of us and would do none of us any harm."

Not affording his father a second glance Sesshomaru removed the heavy stone and left the room seeking out Jaken to see what information he had come across regarding Rin.