AN: I haven't written in a long time, and after re-watching the anime I decided to come up with my own version of what became of Sess/Rin. I'm dedicating this to my favorite author on FF, and even though they haven't written in a while I love the work they've put on site revolving around this couple. Above all I found inspiration in their writing style. Reviews are welcome, and I hope this is enjoyed! :)

Prologue:

Coming of Age

At age 6 bloody feet ran from the burning inferno that ate away at her hut. Thieves were running amuck, and her family was unfortunately their first target. The malicious laughter that followed had her running for shelter in shadows of the forest. She ran just as her mother told her and her brothers to do; it was only when her little feet stumbled in exhaustion that she realized she was alone. Her cries of realization faded into a mute nothing that day; just as the smoke faded from her once happy home.

At age 7 dirty, little feet scurried to catch up to the mystical being clad in white. For a long time she was convinced her life would remain without care from others; it was but a simple question he had asked that made her think different from that day on. His small gesture of curiosity saved her, and now she couldn't shake the feeling that he saved her once again from the wolves. A feeling of curiosity and wonder washed over what was once a helpless fear that clung to her like the mud on her face. Everything would eventually wash off: the mud, the fear, the loneliness; even the silence. She felt that it would so long as she stayed with him.

At age 8 the same dirty, little feet rushed to walk side by side with her protector as they made their way down the castle steps, and the experiences at his mother's domain were finally put behind them. Like a nightmare she couldn't remember, yet it took her by the heart and had her calling out his name in the hopes that he would save her; and save her he did once again. A wave of new feelings arose within her that day; a feeling of relief, bliss, perhaps even love washed over her heart once her eyes opened to see his staring down at her. The sensation of his touch on her cheek still left her blushing, much to his bewilderment.

At age 9 her feet no longer bared calloused skin to the earth, but instead she wore a simple pair of sandals. The weather had grown cold so the new look was made possible through the priestess Kaede; an ally to Kohaku thus a kind individual to Rin herself. In the months following Naraku's defeat they had made occasional visits to Kaede's village for Rin's sake to visit Kohaku and everyone else. Inuyasha's facial expression always foretold Kagome's whereabouts, and once daylight came Rin would depart the village with her Lord. Until one night her little, sandal feet struggled to keep up with her guardian as he started to leave the village without her. Her sloppy approach had her tiny hands reaching out to clutch tight to his hakamas; a bold tactic that had him stopping in his tracks. "Stay here, Rin," he ordered after a short pause, and though reluctant as she was, naturally, she let him go. "Lord Sesshomaru…" Her throat tightened, and her eyes stung of fresh tears. She feared he'd reach this decision one day, but nevertheless kept up a childish notion that they could stay together forever. Despite it all she did her best to be understanding…on one condition. "Don't forget to come back," she requested, and though few doubted his nod in response he kept true to his promise in the years that followed.

At age 11 her footwear had been left to gather dust in the corner of the hut she shared with Kaede. The air was warm and the day called for a newborn to join the world which led to Rin bouncing on the balls of her feet as she waited for her caretaker to catch up to her. Miroku and Sango were blessed with a son that day, and not long after the village received yet another miracle when Kagome finally returned. "Did Sesshomaru bring you something again?" Rin glowed with excitement at the bundle of silky, pink fabric in her hands. While the gift was enough to make up for the short visit in the fields she couldn't help but crave more of the dog demon's company. His usual routine always involved Kaede or Inuyasha nearby and it only left Rin wishing he'd visit when she wasn't under the watchful eye of another. Still, he kept true to his word and though quick as his visits were he never failed to go more than a moon cycle without seeing her.

At age 13 her feet were frozen stiff to the wooden floors of her hut; her knees buckled with embarrassment as she tried to shift her hips to better adjust the fabric between her thighs. "So…this is natural?" she asked her dotting audience consisting of Kagome, Sango, and Kaede. They immediately began to reassure her that what she was experiencing was something every young girl must experience; it was a sign of womanhood and Rin honestly didn't see the thrill in it. "Kagome?" she couldn't help but ask the young priestess; most of all her friend. "I found a package of hair combs here yesterday, and they're beautiful yet…no sign of Lord Sesshomaru. I am wondering...is…um-is this why?" The audible laughter coming from Inuyasha outside had Rin immediately turning beet red. Kagome ceased his childish behavior with a stern "sit" command then proceeded to face young Rin. "Maybe he felt you'd be more comfortable amongst us girls for right now. I know it feels like your life is taking a strange turn, but you're becoming a young woman now. Soon, all the boys will start taking notice." Kaede mentioned Koji; the young boy about her age whom she often played with in the rice fields while Sango mentioned Kohaku; the elder sibling was convinced this new change would have her younger brother seeing his childhood friend in a new light. While giggles were shared throughout her company Rin, on the other hand, couldn't help but fear that her journey into adulthood might distance her from those once important to her.

At age 14 her feet intertwined together as a nervous suspense filled the forest around her. In a dark mess of trees two, young individuals sat on a mossy log; both anxious for the other to speak. "I…" she finally spoke, "I'm sorry Koji…After all, Lady Kaede would rather I wait a few years before I marry." True as it may be there wasn't much sense to her answer; few girls her age have already been promised to be married off. Her company was well aware of that fact, and his heavy sigh didn't sooth her guilty conscious, "I know," he responded with gloom, "It was a silly thing to say all of a sudden. I thought about it over and over in my head, but I never knew how silly it was till I said it…" The hand that squeezed his shoulder blade had him lifting his head to the girl-nay-the young woman that he had grown to love. "It wasn't silly," she reassured with a steady smile. Koji couldn't help the tug at his own lips; if she'd only accepted his proposal. "It's just that I'm leaving tomorrow; my father seems set on this new job. I fear we may never see each other again." She quickly replied, "You don't know that." The two teens sat in silence; neither wanting the moment to end. "I'll miss you," Koji whispered. Rin felt her pulse hasten at his declaration, and sadly foresaw them departing the forest to head for the village in a matter of moments. He would leave first thing in the morning, and she would wave farewell for as long as he was able to see. "I'll miss you," she repeated, unable to fight off the sorrow that loomed over her. She truly cared for Koji and now she may never see him again; her head lifted to gaze at the stars above. It had been many moons since she last saw another she truly cared for.

At age 16 she stretched on the tip of her toes; her lips a mere few inches from that of Kohaku's. "I like to travel the country," she recalled him confessing, "I like helping others…but, more than anything…I love you." She remembered her response; a very dumbfounded silence. "I wish you'd say something; I've never seen you so speechless," he coaxed with a hint of amusement. "Do you feel for me, what I feel for you?" She remembered staring into eyes so similar in color to that of hers, and many wonderful memories of the two of them started flooding her mind. Over the past few years she'd grown fonder of the demon slayer; Kohaku had become a fine young man and a strong warrior just like his ancestors before him. Rumor had it he was quite the catch according to the village woman, and his demeanor was as gentle as from their youth. With the help of his over-ambitious sister the two had many opportunities to spend time together. "I think so?" she replied sheepishly. It was then that he suggested a kiss. "I've never done that before!" she blabbered with embarrassing haste. "I have," he soothed her, "and it helped me come to terms with my feelings. Can we try?" So there she was, trying desperately to fight off the nerves as Kohaku's face nudged closer. It was all happening so fast; was she really about to have her first kiss? Most of all; did she love Kohaku? She wouldn't find her answers that night. "Kohaku!" his elder sister suddenly shouted which immediately separated the two. Her urgent message of a horde of demons heading toward the village had his brows crunch in a serious manner. His gaze softened for a split second to display his apology before he vanished over the hills atop Kirara. Was it disappointment? Relief? Rin didn't know, but the news of demons approaching had a small part of her wondering is perhaps he had come back. She turned to walk back inside her hut, all the while chiding herself for thinking such a foolish thought.

She's 17 now, and the years blossomed a once barefoot child into a woman of serine beauty; along with some fine footwear. The length of her stature grew considerably after her fourteenth year; many have commented how she stood as tall as Sango. Her hair grew down her back, and while most of the curls had tamed over the years some stubborn tresses remained as unshaken as the ocean's waves.

Over the last year she'd set aside any ideas of romance (much to the displeasure of every male bachelor in the village, specifically Kohaku) and instead focused on sharpening the skills that were introduced to her during the first few years of her stay. Kaede's wisdom was the first of many things she would catch onto, and her teachings would began a steady financial-support system so long as Rin continued delivering healthy babies and sprucing up herbal remedies. Sango's tough attitude and combat training were lessons she was still getting used to, but the teacher reassured the student that her progress grew with each passing day. Kagome's lessons were an even mix of both subjects, however, what Rin gained most from the young woman of twenty-four was the intellect and knowledge that no other peasant of her time had to privilege of being taught; at least not for another couple hundred years.

She'd adjusted to her new life, and saw herself living out the rest of her days in the village with a possible husband and children of her own someday. Her past was but a dusty dream to her now, and seldom did she think of that once carefree child that traveled the country side with her mystical companions. Yes, she buried those memories deep away; she feared what would become of her if she recalled those lost feelings she once had for that aloof demon lord. The cycle of seasons had passed many times since she last saw him…and eventually she found the strength to keep him from invading her thoughts. She was convinced she too was but a blurry image for him.

On the surface she told herself she had everything she could ever want within the village boarders, but all it took was one slip up. One mistaken song would start humming from her throat just as it did so many years ago, and she realized her past wasn't as long forgotten as she thought.

End of Prologue