Authors note: there's a fine balance between noting Rin's instantaneous adoration and love for her savior and lord — and keeping it soft and childlike, since she's far too young to comprehend any sort of soulmate bond.

FashionLuver98: Im so glad you caught it! Very much so! Even though Sesshomaru and Rin don't have the emotional maturity to see it yet, she is definitely seen as the alpha female of Sesshomaru' clan (at least according to Tamia).

Chapter 5 - Care

Although not fully comprehending everything Tamia had said, Rin tucked it away in a secret place in her heart. The rat demon seems very wise, I'm sure she's right… someday I'll understand. The one part Rin did understand, was that she was the assigned person to guard Lord Sesshomaru's heart. How to accomplish that escaped her. But she clung to the idea.

Smiling and ready for this new life, Rin followed Tamia out through the doorway and into the cleared area just beyond the hut. As she exited, sunlight spilled over the peak of the mountain above, casting warmth and light over the young human. Spying Sesshomaru standing at the edge of the clearing his eyes already on her as she exited the building, she bounded forward, excitement making her giddy.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Look at the beautiful yukata Master Tanko gave me to wear!" Rin twirled in a circle on her toes, unable to help the laughter that spilled from her lips. Could life be more perfect? When she stopped twirling, Rin found the yokai still watching her, with an intense sort of curiosity. As if he was trying to understand. Abruptly his gaze dropped to her bare feet.

"Geta." The lord all but barked, turning sharply to Tanko and Tamia. "She needs shoes."

"Oh!" Rin bounced up and down clasping her hands. "Please Lord Sesshomaru! I don't want to wear anything on my feet!" His gaze returned to her, eyebrows pulling together the tiniest bit. Rin felt her heart skip, and stuttered as she tried to explain. "I… love feeling the soft green grass… between my toes."

For a moment, she was certain he was going to demand that she wear shoes anyway. It was the proper thing to do. But Rin hadn't grown up in great halls… as he likely had. She'd run the fields, and played in the grass all her young life. Helping her family in harvest, cooking with her mother. Until they were killed, that is. For a long moment he simply gazed down at her upturned face. Then, his lips pressed together and he turned away.

Is that a yes?

Rin glanced to where the green frog—- imp—- stood holding the reins of the dragon. The little demon looked at her with a bulge eyed expression of disgust and caution.

I guess he doesn't like me very much.

Sesshomaru had turned to the demon rat couple. "Our time here must be kept confidential."

They both bowed low to the yokai, but it was Tanko who spoke. "We are blind to your presence my Lord."

Nodding, Sesshomaru turned, his gaze sweeping over the imp before coming to rest on Rin again. "We're going." He said simply, before turning and walking down the mountain path.

Rin cast one more glance toward Tamia, who smiled, and touched her paw over her heart. Grinning, Rin nodded, understanding her meaning. Then, realizing that her lord hasn't stopped, she squealed and raced after him. Eyes cast up to watch his beautiful face, she ran up and took the space to his left. Behind, completely ignored by both Rin and Sesshomaru, Jaken cried out in fear that he would be left behind.

For awhile all was silent. Rin had to double her steps to keep up with his long legs, sometimes she had to dance around a particularly large boulder. But always her eyes returned to look up at him. Sesshomaru didn't speak, or even turn to look at her. Rin wondered if he was used to being around other people. She didn't consider Jaken to be a person in the same way - he was just an odd little imp.

"Where are we going Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked finally, her smile expectant as she looked up at him. His gold eyes didn't shift to look down at her, and his steps didn't falter.

Maybe he doesn't like to talk?

"I always imagined that great demon lords lived in castles." She admitted, her eyes wandering across the rocky landscape as they descended the mountainside. "But I guess, that's probably just what humans think. Because demon lords are so noble and handsome." Smiling she cast her gaze up at him again, only to be met with silence. Not deterred, she lapsed into thoughtfulness. "I think you're the handsomest demon I've ever met. The others were all quite ugly. Like Master Jaken."

This time, she could have sworn she saw a flash of amusement in his gold eyes, but he never looked her way. From behind them, Jaken began raging in his squeaky voice.

"You insolent girl! How dare you impune the notable line of demon imp's which I am born from!" Rin cast a glance over her shoulder at the little green being, who spat at her and waved his staff in the air.

"He really does get quite ugly when he's angry." She added, watching the little imp turn red with rage.

"Ahh… grbbbbahha!!! You should be punished!" Jaken squealed dropping the reins to lift his staff above his head with both hands. Rin gasped, shrinking back, when suddenly the imp was lifted from the ground by the head of the staff. Tilting her head back, she saw Sesshomaru grasping the top of the staff with his right hand. There was a terrible look in his eyes as he glared at the sputtering imp, now dangling in the air.

"You will not touch her." The words were so cold, that Rin shivered. Although, she felt a tiny slice of victory.

Sesshomaru will protect me. Even from Jaken.

"B-but…" The imp, looked absolutely crushed. His bulging eyes went soft and weepy, his body all but melting under the yokai's terrible glare. "Lord Sesshomaru." He started to say, before the lord released the staff and the imp fell to the ground with a thunk.

"Oh dear." Rin said looking down at the brown and green puddle. "I don't think he liked it that you yelled at me." The puddle seemed to be sobbing. Realizing that Sesshomaru had already begun walking again, Rin gasped and grabbed the dangling reins of the two headed dragon. "Wait Lord Sesshomaru! I'm coming!" The dragon followed her willingly, trampling Jaken in the process.

Unlike the imp, the dragon seemed to enjoy Rin's presence. He was inordinately curious about the girl, and leaned down one of his heads to snuffle her hair, which made Rin laugh. For such a terrifying dragon, he was much like a massive puppy.

"Their names are A and un." Sesshomaru said after several moments of silence.

Rin glanced up at the yokai with excitement - he had spoken to her! "A-un. I see!" She turned to the dragon, who was observing her with huge yellow eyes. "You're a very nice dragon A-un." Rin said, gently patting the lowered head. For long moments silence descended again. Rin walked next to the great lord, with the dragon in tow. Behind, Jaken trailed, feeling hopeless and abused. Eventually, Rin dared to ask another question.

"Do you always travel alone, Lord Sesshomaru? I mean… other than Master Jaken." For a moment Rin thought he would not reply.

"The path of supreme conquest is a lonely road. I need no one."

The words were stern, but Rin read what was unspoken. He was alone. Hope blossomed in her chest. Tamia was right. Lord Sesshomaru needed someone in his life, like how her own mother and loved her. How long has it been since he smiled, or laughed? Does no one take care of him? Rin glanced at the imp. Master Jaken doesn't count. It makes my heart sad, to think he's been traveling alone for so long, with no one to love him. A smile pulled her lips as she gazed up at him. You won't be alone anymore Lord Sesshomaru. I will always be here to keep your heart safe.