AN: This is a continuation of my previous stories so any readers that are new to my stories I would seggest that you read "Returning Rescue" before this. Overall it is your choice you may wish to read my other story before this one or after or not at all. As long as my readers are happy that is all I care about. Please enjoy and R&R.

Disclaimer: I own none of the Inuyasha characters.

The shining sun had just risen from over the horizen to cast light upon the Feudal Lands, and everything seemed at peace that bright summer morning. The smoke began to rise from each one of the village huts as the wifes began to prepare breakfast while the men and children set out for their daily chores.

With the hustle and bustle of the early morning not one working human soul from the village noticed the white covered creature sitting comftorably on top of the red wooden structure near the head priestesse's hut.

"Not much has changed," he thought while adjusting his leg so it could bend in a more relaxing position. "It still reeks."

Sesshomaru's eyes gazed down at the village below and took note on what everyone was doing. The men that started plowing the fields, or tending to the stockade. The woman that were preparing the breakfast, and while the older children aided their parents the younger ones did the simple tasks such as fetching the water.

It was all rather..what was his best way to put it...interesting. Aside from the foul stench of sweat and soil.

He never liked humans, and for the most part he still thought they were highly insignificant. Yet as much as he thought that, he could not deny that their lifestyle was one worth inspecting. It was like watching wild animals in their natural habitat to the great Lord, and he was satisfied that he did not have to perform the act of conversation with any of them.

He was more than aware that he was hardly noticed despite the fact that his outfit's color did stand out. He had better places to stand than on the grounds of some human filled village.

Unlike his half breed brother, he had a little more dignity than to sit in a tree. That was for monkeys and Sesshomaru would not engagae in the acts those of large red behinds perform. Though if he was thinking of large behinds than perhaps sitting in trees was perfect considering what that half demon was like most of the time.

No, the rough seat of bark was not for him, but once his eyes spotted the red smooth structure standing high and proud; the dog demon couldn't of picked a better place to sit that fine warm morning.

It wasn't just the overall look that made him want to sit there though, but it was the location as well. Right next to that red structure laid the new wooden hut Rin dwelled in. It had only been two days since the whole insident with the Northern general escaping, and the reunion of him and Rin.

He had left the village only for a while just the other day to go and see what became of his troops, and see if they ever made it home alive. However, while he expected too greet his normal acting troops; he instead met the large teary eyes of Royokon. He remembered the large forest guardian taking one shocking look at him, and all of a sudden a waterfall of tears appeared on the demon's face.

"LORD SESSHOMARU!" was all he remembered hearing before he stuck out his black covered boot to meet the foreheard of the crying demon. The lying news of his death spread faster than he would of ever thought. It had only been a few days since he was dragged down to the sea all thanks to that traitor. How Royokon heard he didn't even care to know as long as the demon knew he was alive now. Sesshomaru even went as far as threatening to slice him in two if the annoying wolf like creature didn't stop following him.

Sesshomaru brushed all those memories aside and stared at the brown hut. It was larger than before, and by the looks of the wood it must of been built not too long ago. He simply waited for Rin to come out and then he would take control of the day from there. He had yet to explain everything to her, and wondered if a time were to come where she would ask him certain questions on what happened to him.

Was...she even in the hut? He didn't bother to actual sniff out her location for he figured she would be where he always remembered her being. He arrived just as the sun started to rise, and he had been waiting for a rather long while. If the other villagers had started their day, shouldn't she?

He suppose he could just simply check to see, but why see when he can smell. Besides, he had Jaken go and take care of some bussiness for him so the imp caring out any kind of orders was out of the question.

Sesshomaru lifted himself from his relaxing position and gazed deeply at the wooden hut. Rin's scent was not there. Where was she?

He allowed his senses to run free till he spotted the scent he was searching for, and he found it.

"She's not far from the village," he concluded before he leaped from his position on top of the wooden structure. His sudden burst into the air causing one of the village children to suddenly drop the bucket of water they were carrying until they spotted a stange white figure flying throught the air.

xxx

"So (kick) what do you (punch) say Rin. (dodge) Where is (punch) Sesshomaru?" Sango asked during the middle of combat training with Rin. They both stopped since talking and fighting didn't mix too well. "I am not really sure, he just said that he would be back sometime today," she answered while trying to catch her breath.

"He's still not one for too many words huh," Sango stated with a smile while Rin smiled in response indicating that she was very right. Rin had never met anyone so non-talkative before in her life, and in a way she missed his speechless personality. It made his actions all the more meaningful, and she liked trying to figure out his mysterious person.

"It just isn't you," Rin heard Sango mention. "What isn't me?"

"That kimono," Sango answered. "It's so different from the cloths I'm used to seeing you in." Rin looked down to her dark red looking outfit. It was all bunched at the waist for training purposes, and she did have to agree the dark red color didn't compliment too well with her black slayer tights. Dark and dark may go together, but not when the wearer had such a bright colorful personality.

"That's funny, Lord Sesshomaru mentioned something like that," Rin said as a smile formed her face at the sweet memory of the time she spent with her Lord just the other day. Leaning against one another while enjoying the day together. What more could she of asked for.

Meanwhile during Rin's training Sesshomaru stood in the darkness of the forest as he watched the combat scene unfold. He would of thought of it as an actual fighting encounter, but when he noticed the slayer's movements slowing down on purpose he saw that is was more of a...training session? Why would Rin need to be trained, he thought. Did she not know that all the fighting need only be left up to him; there is no need for her life to get in harms way when he can easily defent her. Did she doubt his abilities?

"Speaking of Sesshomaru," Sango said as her eyes led to the direction of the forest.

"Huh?" Rin's eyes went into that very same direction, but her lack of training hasn't led her to fully sensing demotinc aura yet. "I think someone's waiting for you," Sango pointed out. "Why don't we finish this up for the day."

"Thanks Sango," Rin shouted as she already passed the lining of the forest only to meet the yellow ember eyes of her Lord.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she said with a smile. Even after so many years traveling with him she could not let go of the habit of saying his name each time he returned to her. It was like her way of greeting while most other people would say hello.

Sesshomaru took in the sight of the young woman before him. She still wore that horrifying dark red kimono. He was almost tempted to rip off his own kimono and just have her wear it. Although strolling around in nothing but his undercloths would be an embarressment for one such as him.

He also realized the way she was wearing her whole outfit. Bunched up so the bottom part went up to her knees, and some sort of black material covering up her legs. Her hair was also picked up in a high ponytail, it all seemed to be holding up by some kind of string.

It all didn't suit her, she would need new wardrobe and he saw only him to be fit enought to get one for her.

"Oh sorry," he heard her mention as she fixed all her clothing until the whole kimono fit the proper way it should. She also fixed her hair up, but it was not the way he prefered it. It wasn't down the way he remembered she had it, but instead she just tied it from the back to make a small bun.

This was...not really all that much to his liking. Yet the real question was, did she like the way she looked?

"It makes it hard to train when I have it all the way down," she mentioned as she fixed out all the wrinkles of her kimono. "And having hair in my face doesn't help too much either, I don't know how you manage my Lord."

"I manage," was all he said as he watched her fix out everything till she looked like a normal village girl.

She may be a normal village girl to all the other villagers, but not to him. She deserved better than the peasant accomidations, and she definintely deserved better than the peasant wear. She will be dressed in the colors of her personality, bright and colorful. That was what she wanted wasn't it?

Rin waved her hand back to Sango as the woman left back to the village. Sesshomaru picked up the slight scent of an unborn infant. "The slayer's with child again. How many did that monk want exactly?" he thought.

"Sango says training is best done in the morning so she could head home and take care of the children before they all wake up," Rin stated as she began walking down the dirt path while Sesshomaru followed.

A smile never left her face the whole time he was with her, and soon she was walking with him right beside her back to the village. The day was still very early so the forest had small light rays of sunlight shining through.

"Oh right," she remembered that her Lord didn't know about her slayer training she had recieived. "Sango trains me in the art of demon slaying. Just in case a time ever comes that I need to take care of myself."

"You wish to become a demon slayer?" he asked. It was her life, but devoting it to slaying the very creatures he was considered as...ouch. Still though, who was he to talk considering how many humans he killed in the past. So he wouldn't say anything against it.

"Oh no nothing like that. I just learn the basics in fighting, and besides I'm not very good when it comes to..well...actually killing anybody." She couldn't do it at all actually. She even felt the need to throw a funeral when an animal died, how can she ever bring her hands to shed any blood.

He mind began to think on how easy it was for her Lord to do it. It looked so easy to him, like he regretted not one drop of blood spilled form his prey's body. Was that just the demon in him? Or was that simply him? Well she never did see him kill too many people now that she thought about it. A few demons yes, but they all started the fights in the first place.

It made her wonder how this exotic angel walking beside her could ever be looked upon as a killer. But he was though, and strangley that didn't bother her. Just like the fact that he was a demon, it didn't matter to her then and it didn't matter to her now. She still only saw him as an angel through her eyes.

"You need not fight if you don't want to," he then said with a calm face. "Hmm?" She heard what he said, but wasn't quit sure if she understood.

"You don't want me to fight?" she asked as her feet came to a hault. Sesshomaru stopped in his steps as well but he didn't look back.

"You need not fight when I can fight for you."

If he had said "I will always protect you"...well that just wasn't something he would say. Hearing that come out of his mouth would be like a dog meowing.

Rin felt a pink blush run to her cheeks at his replie; even thought it wasn't as sweet or romantic as some of the other ways his phrase could of been put, she knew what his overall meaning meant.

He would fight for her.

He would protect her.

Seeing him do it and having him say it were two different feelings, and either way she appreciated it.

Sesshomaru was still facing the opposite direction, but once he heard footsteps walk up to him he turned his head to meet a pink faced Rin. She stopped right beside him with a sweet smile covering her pink face.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Sesshomaru stared at her face and heard her words of gratitude, and soon Rin was walking back to the village with him right beside her again. This time though, they were walking much closer. She was only just a few inches away from his white gloved hand.

"I wonder what the material feels like. Is his left had as warm and soft as his right? I wonder what the white glove is suppose to represent, or is it just for show...maybe show." All her thoughts lead to his left hand, and what it would be like if she laced his strong fingers with hers.

He wouldn't be upset if she grasped his hand right? He didn't even have to do anything, the fact that he would allow her hand to touch his was more than enough for her.

Rin suddenly realized what she was thinking about, and it turned her pink face red at the thought of holding hands with her Lord Sesshomaru. She had to control the laughter that wanted to burst from the tickle that began to stir in her stomach. Like little butterflies twirling around in her tummy.

All she had to pay attention to was his spiked armor sticking out from his shoulder area. It was almost funny to think that if she landed on his left shoulder she would meet the pain of hard sharp armor, but if she landed on his right shoulder she would meet the soft furry contact of his fur pelt.

"Are you satisfied with your wardrobe?" she heard him ask which reverted her eyes away from his hand. It was a surprising question that she did not expect him to ask all of a sudden.

"Well, I am very grateful that I have something to wear," she started out. "Although it is different than what I am used to."

"Do you care for another one?"

Rin was now even more shocked at his question. It was a very simple question, but she knew what her answer would lead to. If she said yes than he would provide her with a new kimono. There was nothing wrong with that though.

She just felt a little strange, she never wanted him to provide her with something because he felt that he had to. And even though all of his previous gifts were burned in the village fire, how can she ask him for more than what he has already given. She was able to enjoy the luxury of wearing something different every day. She was the envy of all the village girls, and each had always tried to figure out how a village girl like her could afford all of that fine silk.

They all had to struggle since childhood to get decent cloths, and here Rin was being offered yet another chance to be clothed in fine silk.

"My Lord you have already given me so much...I uh," her mumbling was not getting her anywhere, and Sesshomaru was still waiting on his answer.

"No?" he asked. Rin could hear the slight distress in his voice. "He wants to get me something?" she thought. If that was what her Lord wished than who was she to ever reject him. And...she couldn't deny the fact that she did want new wardrobe.

"I would gladely accept any gift you have to give my Lord," she answered with a smile.

He saw the honesty in her face and that was settled, she will have a new kimono. They walked close together for a little while longer till Rin came to a hault again and started searching through the folds of her clothing.

"Oh right, Lady Kaede says that I should start wearing these thing," she mentioned as Rin brought out a few pieces of material. "This is suppose to go around my waist, and this goes around me head. I was told they help keep my cloths clean and my hair from getting in my face."

Now Sesshomaru was horrified, and what Rin was wearing the exact things that he saw all the village girls wear. That material that led to their hips down, and the silk on their hair. Well that would explain why Rin didn't leave her hair down, but he prefered it that way. He was not impressed with the material she began tying around her hips either, it all just wasn't her. She didn't even look like she was enjoying it.

He had to obtain a new kimono for her, and obtain it fast.

"Something wrong?"

He quickly calmed his distressed face when she caught on to his stare. He wasn't that mean as to say what she was wearing disguisted him; of course if it had been any other girl he would of gladely spoke his thoughts and not cared if they ran home crying.

This was no ordinary girl though, so he kept his arrogant mouth shut. All he had to do was wait for Jaken to return and then he would have Rin's new kimono in hand. Or in all actuality...all her new kimonos.

He had the imp go to the village that Sesshomaru himself bought all of the other previous kimonos Rin had worn. From that purple lavender one with the butterfly designs, to the pretty pink one with lots of decorative designs. With a large amount of money given he instrusted Jaken to buy every kimono he could lay his hands on that was meant for castle like woman.

Rin didn't live in a castle, but there was no reason why she couldn't have the the cloths as if she lived in one.

He watched in terror as Rin finished tying up the light gray covered silk before his very eyes. And as if the scene before him didn't shoot an imaginary arrow through his chest, Rin's hair being all tucked into a light red piece of silk surely made him feel like a whole army of archers took full aim at him.

Rin looked like she was being sucked into the life of a village peasant, and the fact that she was unable to wear any wardrobe he bought for her only hightened his mind blowing panic attack. (AN: LOL! the thought of him making such a big deal over Rin's cloths not being the kind he bought for her!)

"Um..Lord Sesshomaru are you sure your ok?" Rin asked when she could somehow feel dark vibs emitting from him despite his face looking as calm as ever. Well now that she got a better look, she had failed to notice his boyish pout developing on his face.

"He's pouting," Rin thought. "It almost looks...kinda cute." Her face blushed again and this time she could not help the small giggles that slipped from her mouth. His facial pout was too adorable to not have a little chuckle over. And when he added his arched eyebrow and confused stare as to not knowing what caused her amusment, Rin could only lift her palm to her mouth to poorly hide her happy fit of laughter.

Sesshomaru simply stared as she let her laughter pass through. He would of asked what it was that amused her so, but humans were strange ones so he just didn't even bother. It had been so long since he had heard her laugh so happily, and he locked eyes with her pink face.

Her eyes were closed, but the smile was there. Her face had really not changed that much at all. It still held that innocent look that was and will always be Rin. She had changed some, but not too much. He would actually consider her..."Attractive," he thought. She had become very beautiful over the years, even if she was human.

All it took was to see her face at it's most happiest to be able to see the older beauty he had never before noticed, and Sesshomaru simply stuck with staring at her pretty face instead of staring at well...the rest of her. The sight of her atire would probably get to him again.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" came a sudden annoying voice.

Sesshomaru and Rin watched as Jaken came running up the path to them. His face was tired, and his small arms waved in panic. Sesshomaru watching in wonder as to why the imp was back so soon, and where were the kimonos he was instructed to get.

"My Lord I bring terrible news!"

xxx

"So, you havn't told her yet?" Inuyasha spoke as he watched the old priestess pick herbs from her gardens. "It just be not the right time," Kaede replied while sorting through her plants.

"How much time do you think she needs?"

"I don't know, perhaps until she decides to bring up the subject herself."

Inuyasha took a small sigh, "Are you sure it's not just the fact that you don't want her to go."

Kaede froze at his statement, "Don't be so foolish Inuyasha. It be nothing of the sort."

"Then what's the harm in simply telling Rin now that she is old enough to make the desicion of what life she can live."

Kaede didn't answer back right away, and instead Inuyasha spoke again. "Tell me Kaede, is it just that that you want Rin to stay. You and I both know which life she might choose." Inuyasha watched as the old priestesse's head began to hang low.

"I don't want her to go either, but don't you want her to be happy. She's not a kid anymore, don't you trust her judgment enough to know that she will come up with a good desicion in the end. It may not make everyone happy, but all that matters is that she's happy."

Kaede lifted her head and turned to face it to the half demon. She began making small chuckles, "Inuyasha, when did yae become more wise than I?"

Inuyasha brought out a small smile, "Huh, don't think this makes me a wise old hag like you."

Kaede chuckled some more and began to lift herself off the ground. Inuyasha was overall satisfied with the conversation that was just held, and he would of simply left the old woman at that...until he heard a large fit of rough coughing.

"Hey hey hey," Inuyasha chanted as he watched Kaede began to cough harshley and drop down to her knees. "You alright?" he asked as he went to her side.

"Aye, I'm fine," she answered as her coughing stopped. "It happens every once in a while I'm fine really."

"As if!" he spat back. "That was no regular cough I think you..."

"Inuyasha."

"What is it?"

Kaede brought herself up from the ground and began walking back to her hut as if nothing had even happened.

"Please go and fetch Rin for me, there is something I must discuss with her."

AN: Well there you have it for ch. 1, like I have mentioned if you enjoyed this story so far feel free to read a few of my others :) Stay alert for chapter 2 and any comments you have to give would be greatly appreciated. Till next time!