Sesshomaru was standing on a cliff and had just caught sight of his palace when he turned around to see how his posy was doing. His group included the ever faithful yet annoying toad demon, Jaken, his steed, Ah-un, and a now fully matured Rin. Rin had been living in Inuyasha's village for the past 10 years and had been doing defense and combat training with Kohaku, having Sango as their teacher. Her training had made her fit and healthy as she strode into the sun from the trees. Her finely toned and nicely tanned body glimmered in the sun and her long wavy hair made fine red shimmer tones in the sun. Despite all of the kimonos Sesshomaru had given her over the years, she always favored the orange ones. She wore a cream orange one that reached below her knees and faded to white on her left shoulder. From that white fade came monarch butterflies that ended to just past her obi.

Rin's personality had also changed. She was wiser and more cautious about her surroundings and the people she met and she could definitely protect herself now; but her childish charm and deep understanding of people and creatures never escaped her. Her eyes also never changed either. They were giant pools of warmth that could reflect the sun and the stars. Her love of a small side ponytail never escaper her either. She made hairband decorations to go with her different colored outfits. Today she wore one that was orange cream colored to match her kimono, and it had a hibiscus flower on it.

She had another decoration. When Rin finished her training with Kohaku, they both received the trademarks of a fighter in the Demon Slayer clan...ear piercings. Kohaku got one as a direct member of the clan and Rin got one as a friend and ally of the clan...sort of the pupil of honor. Rin picked small golden hoops while Kohaku picked silver. When Rin agreed to return with Sesshomaru to the Palace of the West with him, Rin and Kohaku gave each other the earrings as a sign of their friendship and made a promise to visit or send word if there was any trouble.

Rin's face was cloaked with bliss as a smile escaped her when she saw the palace. She sprinted past Jaken and Ah-un and quickly made her way to Sesshomaru's side. She then turned in awe to face Sesshomaru.

"Is this it my Lord? Is this really home?" Rin's eagerness made Sesshomaru crack a smile that only Rin could see at the time. He gave her a slight nod and returned his gaze to his palace.

"Oh yay! I'm so excited!" Rin, now feeling giddy, playfully skipped herself to face Sesshomaru. She then bowed for him and beckoned her arm toward the palace.

"Welcome back home, Lord Sesshomaru!" Sesshomaru stared at her a little surprised at first by her childish action, but then chuckled softly. He then reached his arm out and placed it on her head to get her attention. She looked up with a curious look on her face. Sesshomaru then spoke.

"No." Sesshomaru's hand moved from her head to her shoulder as she stood up straight again. Even when she was standing straight, she still only stood at just above Sesshomaru's chin.

"Welcome home, Rin." Sesshomaru then gave her a gentle smile. Rin found the reassurance in his face and turned around to glance at the palace in wonder.

Home...I'm finally home!