14

Satomi woke up slowly with a long stretch. Reaching out, she felt no one there. Remembering last night, her eyes opened more abruptly as she sat up quickly nearly tossing herself off of the bed. Looking around frantically, she realized she was still in the same spot and even clothed as she pulled slightly at the collar of the yukata. She swore if this was another dream, she would just off herself now from the stupidity of it all. Sighing exasperated, she thought she may as well face the day again.

Glancing at the bed though, she knew it wasn't a dream. The place where his poison claws burned through the bedding was very much there. Her face reddening, she had to go to the window to breathe in the cool, salty breeze. Suddenly, small memories from last night came back to her. The way his amber eyes possessed her and demanded she bare herself to him. He didn't say much, but from what he did it wasn't a bad thing that happened… was it? The way his body almost seemed unsure as hers did at times. However, he recovered more quickly than she did it seemed. Hadn't a demon who loved for hundreds of years ever taken a mate or bedded a woman? The thought made her blush even more. Was she his first?

Fidgeting around the room, she paced and tripped over a small tatami mat. Kicking it as she continued her rampage, she started changing and suddenly her fingers slipped from the ties more than she dared to count. Groaning in annoyance, she just sat on the bed with an untied yukata. Holding it together with her hands, she saw the mirror on the wall in front of her. Curious, she stood up and walked to it and slowly drew back the garb so she could see any difference.

No marks, no bruising despite their speed. His mouth should have made a mark considering his… well… excitement. Looking closer at her neck and thighs, she wondered if this was a plus of being more than human now. Giving an approving look, she tried the obi tying once more and succeeded. Somehow, she seemed more confident, despite the moment of awkward this morning. Looking at herself from the side and to the back, she smiled coyly. He'd be sorry for going so early this morning, she was now a virginless, husbandless woman after all. Goddess, she corrected herself before walking out of the door with a bounce to her step swaying her hips as she went.

As she walked into Rin's room, she saw Rin getting ready. Her body was growing into a young woman and Satomi was so proud of her. Surviving and even living amongst demons and humans alike like it was the most normal thing to do. Somehow, she knew this village would feel like home. Perhaps staying here for a short time would be a nice break from the chaos that was going to erupt soon.

Rin seemed unphased by her Satomi entering, just smiled gleefully. She was so much more awake than normal. Usually she wasn't a morning person, as Rin wasn't either. Satomi's face was so much brighter and had a healthy pink in her cheeks today than most days. Perhaps it was the sleep. Finishing tying her obi, she noticed they were wearing similar patterns. Diagonal strips with water lily flowers weaving through them. Rin's were green while Satomi's were blue.

"Did you sleep well, Satomi? You look better," she asked walking up to Satomi and giving her a hug. "I was really worried." Rin couldn't explain the connection, but the idea of losing her was painful. Especially when Rin was learning new things and experiencing a life even more exciting than before. Hard to believe how many years had passed since Sesshomaru saved her from the wolves.

"I, um…," Satomi started as her face blushed more. "I slept well thank you. Last night took a lot out of me with the ceremony. Hard to believe what happened actually."

"Maori told me you're a goddess now! You look the same, but different too," Rin said looking at Satomi even closer in the face. Resting her head on Satomi's shoulder, she sighed. "I'm glad you're the same though. That you didn't forget me."

"I could never," Satomi said patting her head. "You're very important to me, and I promised to protect you no matter what. Even if I lost my memory, I could never forget fully. It's not possible. You'll be the most protected human with Sesshomaru and I there to make sure of it. Jiro and his armies couldn't reach you now that we know what and who they are." Taking a hold of Rin's arms, she stepped away slightly and glanced at her.

"You're becoming a fine young lady. I'm curious, have you bled yet? As your body changes it may happen sooner than we know it." Rin's face flushed but shook her head. She had heard about women going through changes, and what that entailed. However, the idea of bleeding from her own body was a little weird. "Well, if you need anything please let me know. Sesshomaru will have the beat the boys off of you with sticks, and I would rather do the honors."

Satomi winked as Rin laughed at the mental sight. "No, he'd just kill them I think."

"Oh, you're right. So it'll be our lady to lady secret." Bringing a finger to her lips, she smiled under it and Rin did the same. "Let's brush your hair, shall we?"

The morning routine was relaxing. Satomi felt more like a mother than a sister and the thought didn't upset her in the least. The possibility was there since Sesshomaru did release inside of her, but then she had heard human and demon children were rare. But what about demon and god children. The thought made her pause for a moment before brushing through Rin's hair once more. Perhaps it wasn't possible. Smiling through the thought, even though it made her sad, maybe it was for the best. Unless it took years to defeat Jiro, she was now on a limited time frame on this land.

Braiding a piece of Rin's hair that was normally to the side, she tied it with a green ribbon and they both carried on out of the room to hunt down some food. As they left the room, they both saw Sesshomaru walking down the hall with a rather grim look.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin called out happily as she put the braid in front of his vision. "Satomi did my hair today, isn't it pretty?"

"Hm…," he said with a small nod as he looked to Satomi. His face remained stoic while hers blushed again. She swore she saw a smirk appear and, as quickly, disappear. Stupid demon. "We have been asked to stay for a few days while he summons the demon generals from the region. The Western lands await the command and the East is also organizing. We shall visit the East next after the events here are done. Then to the West before we go North."

North to Jiro. The evil presence she felt last night, if it could be felt here then there was no telling what they'd run into. "Not that I mind staying, but is there a particular need?"

"He would like for you to say a few words, as the goddess, since this festival is seen as a good omen with your appearance." His face turned bitter, as if he didn't think it was necessary either. "I told him to think of your condition, but… he is stubborn."

Was he worried? She was touched he would think so much of her, but she shook her head. "I said I'd do anything. If a little war meeting is to happen then so be it. I can make a few words 'as a goddess'." Smiling, she wanted to touch his face. Hell, his whole body but she would settle for now. "Thank you for thinking of me, but I can handle this." Resisting the urge to reach out, she loosely balled her fists at her sides.

Rin looked back and forth, they seemed different. Sesshomaru was a kind demon despite his cold behavior at times, but there was something else stirring around now. Emotionally, she felt the shift. "Should we find breakfast, Satomi?" Rin offered as her stomach growled. She would have to research and pry more later.

"Oh, yes, we should!" Satomi said being snapped out of her thoughts of last night as they both walked together, leaving Sesshomaru to wander back down the hall.

He wasn't prepared to have her endure much more than protecting Rin. Now, Satomi was the reassurance of the victory they sought. His own strength was enough, but there was not much to tell about what was beyond. A fully prepared army was better than nothing at all. Satomi was now more than human, able to protect herself and Rin, but at the head of the battle? He was the most upset with himself. Was he still not strong enough despite surpassing his father? The shame would be too great. A woman protecting him? The shame was enough to kill.

Growing angry, he could feel his control slipping as the poison in his claws felt warm. She was his to protect now, his woman. If he couldn't do that much, he didn't deserve to be a demon lord of the West. Last night, he realized that she was more to him than just a tool to use for protecting Rin. She was the woman who smiled her way into the piece of his heart he thought he had iced over centuries ago when his father took a human woman as his own.

Satomi was stubborn and bullheaded and yet kind hearted and considerate. Her way of showing Rin the ways of humans warmed his heart although it also tore him apart. Rin may not always be there for him to look after in the future, but at least Satomi was there to help where he felt awkward. He didn't plan on being like a father to her, but there they were. However, Satomi never tried to force her to make any choice. If anything, she almost seemed to encourage this way of life. Living and accepting both sides.

The fact she was Rin's sister would have to come out sooner or later. He would not involve himself, but Rin took to her like family and he could tell she was confused by it. The similar looks now that Rin was maturing more and more was too much to be a coincidence. Rin played oblivious at times, but he knew she was actually very observant for a human. Perhaps it was her travels with him that made her that way. In either case, it would surface somehow and it could go very well or very badly.

Sighing, he felt exhausted already as he decided he needed some air. Disappearing, he reappeared at the place where they arrived. The view was calming to him as he glanced at the sea. He could sense Inu-Yasha and Kagome still in the town, as he could feel Satomi's presence with Rin's near them. However, even with the scenery and calming breeze, he just couldn't find peace with it. Flying towards the forest, he decided it was time to train with Bakusaiga for a time.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Kagome!" Rin called out as they found Inu-Yasha and Kagome eating on a bench on a side of the walkway in town. Waving as they approached, Satomi could feel Sesshomaru's presence going away from the castle. Deciding it was probably nothing, she smiled as they approached. Rin ran ahead slightly so she could hug the priestess. "I was hoping we'd find you."

"Well, of course. It's good to see you both looking well," Kagome said while looking at Satomi curiously. "The energy influx last night makes sense now. I've never seen an energy like that before."

Inu-Yasha stood up with almost a 'hair on end' stance. Sniffing the air, he stepped towards Satomi and took another sniff.

"Sit boy!" Kagome yelled. "How rude sniffing a lady like that! Especially in front of your wife I may add."

"Woman, I swear you do this to kill me. I was curious on the smell. It's sure as hell not demon and not human either," he said as he was finally able to lift his head up.

"Well," Satomi said as she didn't know if she should be in the middle of this. With an awkward smile, she thought she'd give it a go. "I'm a goddess. Literally."

"WHAT?!" Getting shocked looks from Inu-Yasha and Kagome, she looked around before deciding sitting down would probably be best. Explaining what happened, she kept seeing Inu-Yasha's eyes narrowing at her. When she was done, she noticed it wasn't stopping. "I don't mean to be rude, but is there something wrong?"

"You smell like Sesshomaru too," he said pointedly as he leaned in before quickly backing away from a glare his wife provided.

Satomi's face was pure red as Kagome's eyes widened and smiled. "I told you, Inu-Yasha! Oh, wow! I knew it," Kagome said with victory written all over her face. Rin's face was confused before she started putting the pieces together.

"Are you and Lord Sesshomaru a couple like Kagome and Inu-Yasha?" Rin asked pointedly, and Satomi's face was already as red as could be as she covered her cheeks with her hands.

"I don't know, things just happened and now we're… I don't know," was all she could say. It wasn't like they discussed their future. There wouldn't be much of one anyway at the end of this war. Right now she hated how a dog demon's sense of smell was so strong.

Satomi could practically see the stars in Rin's and Kagome's eyes. Inu-Yasha just looked confused. The red in her cheeks brightened as she looked for any form of escape. However, Rin locked hands with her and went in front of her where the sparkles were now radiating everywhere it seemed. "We can be a family now!" Oh, the child still had no idea just how much family they were. "I knew you two were meant to be. I mean you are the most powerful woman and he's the most powerful demon! Or rather most powerful goddess," Rin continued on, the most powerful goddess was a long shot, but she got the idea of it anyway.

"This is Sesshomaru we're talking about here," Inu-Yasha chimmed in with a disbelief. "SESSHOMARU! That guy with anyone is beyond belief, let alone with a woman who was human, even if she is powerful."

"Inu-Yasha!" Kagome scolded him. "Don't be so rude. How insensitive can you be? I think it's wonderful he's warming up to someone. There's only so much quest for power someone can do before they need more in their life, am I right?"

Satomi listened to their banter before Kagome cleared her throat to change the subject. "Well, Satomi, how long are you staying here for?"

"Just until the war meeting, I suppose. They want Sesshomaru and I to stay to say a few words to the generals before we head to the East to secure the generals there. Then back West before we head to the North once and for all. That's the plan anyway," she said with a sigh before leaning back against the building. "The festival is continuing as well, and I really miss things like this. Now I have company to enjoy it with."

"That's true. We would love to stay as well, but we will probably head back in a day or two. There are herbs I need to collect because they only grow in this region around this time of year, and they help with a ton of ailments. You should find us when you go West again. We want to help if we can," Kagome said putting a hand on Satomi's shoulder.

Nodding her head in thanks, Satomi never knew what this type of friendship was before. Friends were a luxury she couldn't afford back then. Family was something to forget about, but now she had both. Truly this life was cruel and yet so wonderful.

As Inu-Yasha and Kagome got up to leave, Rin was quiet for a moment before tilting her head. Satomi's eyes started to water enough to look like she could cry despite the smile on her face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm just grateful," Satomi said before wiping away the tears as they fell. But they wouldn't stop. How could she tell Rin she traded her life so this world could be rid of the evil and Rin would be forever protected when she was gone. "I was so alone for so long. Now, I have you, Kagome, Inu-Yasha, Sango, Miroku, and… Sesshomaru. All of you made my lonely life mean so much more."

"You make our lives better too though." Rin reached out to hug Satomi and just let Satomi cry it out there on the quiet street bench. "You've made my life more fun and you've taught me so much. You make Lord Sesshomaru happy, even if he doesn't show it. I don't know how long you've been together, but I know it'll work out. He's a good demon and you're a wonderful person."

Hearing her words brought peace to her troubled mind. If Rin said it, she didn't just say things to be funny. Hugging her tighter, Rin just smiled. They stayed like that for countless minutes before Satomi had to laugh at herself for being so emotional. "You know what, we're going to have so much fun at the festival tonight that we're going to sleep for days! Singing, dancing, and food all night!"

Rin laughed as they walked down the street and talked about the ways this place was different from the West and all the things that happened at festivals.

XXXXXXXXX

Sesshomaru was working on his technique with Bakusaiga when he felt Inu-Yasha's presence. Narrowing his eyes, he swung the sword in the direction knowing full well the idiot wouldn't die today. Although he may be tempted by the end of the conversation he had a feeling they'd have. As he expected Inu-Yasha dodged it and landed a safe distance in front of him.

"That's how you greet me? I shouldn't be surprised. Seems you're going through a stressful time. Puberty perhaps? Never even thought you'd be interested in anything other than your power trip," Inu-Yasha teased before dodging another blast from Bakusaiga.

"Watch yourself, little brother," Sesshomaru said pointedly as he lowered Bakusaiga and sheathed it.

"For all the crap you have about father loving a human, even if Satomi is something different now, don't you think you're being a little back and forth here? Not that I'm complaining exactly about you not being such an arrogant ass." Leaning against a tree, he folded his arms into his robe of the fire rat sleeves. "Do you love her?"

Sesshomaru's eyes widened but said nothing. He didn't know what it meant to. A physical relation didn't mean love. He knew that much, but what it exactly entailed was still beyond him. Their father had mentioned wanting to protect something. He wanted to protect her, but did that mean love?

"You don't even know, do you?" Inu-Yasha realized as he saw his brother confused for the first time in his life.

"How do you define loving your woman?" As much as he didn't want to ask, he couldn't help but want something to base it off of. Inu-Yasha's opinion would be far from reliable in his view, but then again… he had to admit his half demon half human nature helped him in this department.

"Wha…?! You're actually asking me. You must be desperate."

Sesshomaru instantly regretted his words.

"Whoa there! Don't narrow your eyes at me, I just wasn't expecting you to want to know is all." Inu-Yasha thought for a moment before he could sense Sesshomaru grow agitated. "It's not an easy answer. I like everything about her, even when we argue. I can't pin point an exact feeling, but it's an over all emotion I guess. I want to protect her, care for her, see her, and make sure she knows she's loved in return. It wasn't an instant thing of course, since there was Kikyo. However, when I knew she was the one, that was it."

"How did you know?" Sesshomaru asked looking towards a small clearing through the leaves. The sky was a pure blue, and this was the first time he felt honestly lost. Everything in his life had felt laid out before him. Surpass their father, find power to do so, challenge the strong. Then Rin came into his life. His mission didn't change, but the purpose behind it slowly did. Gain power to protect her. Power had it's draw backs as he realized when she had died a second time due to his arrogance. Another time wouldn't be possible to bring her back and he didn't want to imagine life without the young woman. Now, there was someone who would be able to overpower him if she so chose, she was Rin's older sister, and a human turned goddess. A complete anomaly from anything else he ever saw or encountered. How should he feel towards her now?

"It just happened. I knew I couldn't live without her. And even more, I didn't want to live without her. I know I'm a half demon who will live beyond her, but while she's here I want to live the best life I can with her. It's that simple." Inu-Yasha shrugged not really knowing how else to put it. It was the first time they really had this type of conversation.

Sesshomaru thought about that for a moment. It seemed so foreign to him, a human trait perhaps to just devote one's life to a single entity. Demon's lives were so much longer, it seemed illogical. Yet his half brother stood before him as proof that some demons didn't care about the impracticality of it all. Their own father died for the woman who wouldn't even live to see her child become a young man. However, he knew his father would do things no different. Toga lived with purpose and devoted his life to protecting the people in his realm. Sesshomaru now had that torch.

"Hm," was all Sesshomaru said as he wondered off back towards the town leaving Inu-Yasha in the forest. Inu-Yasha just shook his head and followed the general direction. Sesshomaru changed a lot during the final fight against Naraku when Kagura had passed especially. It was the first time he really saw his brother grieve for another. After the fight, he left Rin with Kagome and Kaede to grow into a normal human life, of course with some demon lord luxuries as gifts. Now, he was involved with a woman. Truly, his brother was changing and he didn't know how Sesshomaru would handle this change.

XXXXXXXXX

There were many street vendors and musicians lining the coast now as everyone seemed to enjoy the water and venture to different spots. Sitting on the sand, Rin had been gathering up shells as Satomi hummed to music that played off in the distance. If all the pain she went through would always lead up to this moment, there wasn't a thing she'd take back. Be damned her fate, this was what she always wanted. A calm day with her family on the beach. A dream that she felt couldn't possibly happen not so long ago.

"Look," Rin said as she ran up to Satomi holding a huge Conch shell that came up with the last wave. Rin's smile gleamed with pride as she set it down next to Satomi, hoping to go back for another score. The pile next to her was growing rapidly, but she was happy with that. The air was so clean and lacking malevolence despite having demons running rampant. It was strange how much her opinion had changed of demons since being around Sesshomaru, but then it only seemed natural. The harder part was to remember that not all demons were as honorable.

Her thoughts went to Sesshomaru as she wondered what he thought of their physical connection. Was it just a thing for a demon to claim someone and not think twice? Or was it meaningful for him too? Not taking it personal was impossible, but he didn't seem like the type to just take and go in this sort of situation.

Sighing in frustration of her thoughts, she just decided it will be what it will be. They obviously had some connection, and a term to define it wouldn't change anything. Perhaps nothing would happen. Perhaps everything would happen. What did it matter to think too hard now? Complicating things would only divide them, and at this point they couldn't afford to be divided. Reminding herself just to breathe, to do her duty to protect them, and everything would work out in the end… for they'd be safe.

Looking up, she saw Sesshomaru looking at them as he walked in the distance. Blushing profusely, she looked back to Rin and smiled. Standing and dusting the sand off her yukata, she tucked her hair behind her ear as the wind blew strands into her face. Looking back to Sesshomaru, he was so much closer now as he stopped beside her and looked the same direction she was before.

In silence they stood, her heart beat racing. Looking back out to Rin, she waved to them both but stayed where she was.

"Are you scared?" he asked curiously. Her heartbeat was unavoidable for him. It practically deafened his ears.

"Not scared, just nervous," she admitted sheepishly as she shifted her feet in the sand. "I've never been in this situation, so I feel a little lost."

"I see. Then I suppose we are the same." He looked to her as she glanced back at him. Her eyes widened as she realized that they were in uncharted territory for both of them.

"Then I suppose we will just have to see where this goes," she said with a smile. "The most important part of this to me is her protection. Anything else is secondary."

"Agreed."

She shook her head and laughed to herself. "She's growing to be a beautiful young lady. Soon to be a woman. That must have you nervous."

"I try not to think about it," he said as he glanced about to see a couple of young boys looking to Rin curiously. Withholding a growl, he tried to remember that killing here would not be good for diplomatic reasons.

"I'll do what I can to help. A man, let alone a demon, has limited knowledge on that of a budding woman and how to handle things delicately. You especially," she said noticing his reaction with the young boys. Laughing as he grew visibly irritated. "But it's also what makes you a little more endearing."

Rin came running up and handed Satomi another shell before bending to pick up her stash. "I found so many pretty shells. Satomi said we can make a necklace with some before we go." As Sesshomaru looked to Rin and then to Satomi, he just noted Satomi's coy grin. As the women put the shells in the conch shell, they walked around until Satomi heard a fun beat with drums and chimes. There was no singer, as they were inviting the audience. Rather strange, but she didn't see anyone approach it. Pausing, she listened as Rin tugged at her sleeve.

"Why don't you sing?"

As if hearing Rin, the person who was obviously a demon with his pointed ears and wings on his back was beckoning over to her. "Young lady, would you care to sing for our musicians? Sing what your heart desires."

Walking forward, she could feel a song forming as Rin watched intently with a smile. Sesshomaru as stoic as ever as the crowd started coming forward. The musicians nodded to her and to each other, it was almost like they were reading her mind when it came to the aura of the song. It was upbeat and fun, and the words just formed themselves as she turned to the audience and started singing as she danced around.

"Secretly carrying a light in the corner of my heart

At the mercy of the light

Enveloped in a many-layered haze, wandering around

Awakening from a fleeting dream

The trail of a single tear on my cheek

From shadows that color the blurred world

Curtain of night, flickering will-o'-the-wisps

Memories of a day long ago

Call me to the hidden realm"

Children joined her in the dance as more people joined the group. It was so freeing, unlike most of the country that was so reserved. Here, she remembered, was so much more accepting. She could see Rin rocking back and forth to the song with a smile on her face.

"Fluttering cherry blossoms dancing as they fall

Feelings that dye my heart a light pink

When I look upon your profile illuminated by the moonlight

Twinkling fragments of a wish

Shine like thousands of stars

Like the morning sun rising in the twilight of my heart

At the mercy of the light"

The song continued, and the audience was even dancing with her from time to time, when she finally finished it was this booming of cheers and clapping. Blushing, she thanked the musicians and continued walking with Sesshomaru and Rin, although slowly since everyone wished to tell her how beautiful her voice was.

Sesshomaru watched with intent. She was truly a colorful woman in many ways. His world of black and white was enhanced with Rin appearing in his life. Some color of different emotions came, but now, he felt like he was able to see true color for the first time. She was right though, when she said they'd have to see where this went. But for now, and as long as she'd have him, she was his.

In the distance, he saw a familiar sight. A young boy, now young man who helped with Rin many times in the times before.

"Kohaku!" Rin yelled in excitement as she pushed through the crowd.