InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The hearts of Children! ❯ epilouge one. A winter wonderland ( Epilogue )

Epilogue one: A Winter Wonderland.

[Author note: This is just too tie up some more loose ends and to add further development on Shippo and Rin relationship. Basically, Sesshomaru have already taken Shippo and Rin to his southwestern castle where they all are enjoying their winter. I'll have the second epilogue up soon. Please read and review.]

[Epilogue one starts]

Sesshomaru sat down on a log with his eyes closed near a frozen pond it wasn't as cold as it had been. It had only been three weeks so far but having two hyperactive pups in his "wintertime" palace as Rin had dubbed it was very nerve racking. Though his theory on Shippo was correct with him around it gave him more time to himself. Currently he hoped; Jaken was keeping them to their morning lesson. He would have to return to the castle after midday to start Shippo training in the dojo. Then later on the kit had his art lessons.

They had almost gotten Rin to stop speaking in third person though she still needed some practice. Since she start saying things like "I, Rin or me, Rin" when referring to herself. Her writing and spelling much better as well as her reading skills. Sesshomaru let out a small smile at the fact. He was taking pride in each of her achievement with her.

As for Shippo, he was worth the trouble he was. The young pup had amazing intelligence and seem to be able to solve any problem. He wasn't too shabby at hunting either. For a whelp, Shippo had remarkable reading, writing, and simple math skills. He also was a very good artist for his age. He was quick in battle but only in defense.

Sesshomaru smirk at last three weeks of training with the small Kitsune. Each and every time the fox whined about not being able to use a sword though a cuff to the head was enough to stop the pup's whinnying. Sesshomaru had several but they each were designed just for him. He secretly feared what would happen if the kit hurt himself real badly and if Kagome were to ever found out.

`That miko would hack my only arm off,' Sesshomaru thought in the back of his mind. He had already made up his mind that when Shippo could land one decent punch on him that he would be willing to let him train for a sword but that would be a long time from now. Though Shippo came close yesterday when he nearly shot his spinning top right into Sesshomaru eye. Now Rin wanted to train as well but Sesshomaru refused. It would be a cold day in hell before he let his little girl see any battling.

If Kagome wasn't, so attach to the little Kitsune pup he would have talked Inuyasha into letting him stay with him permanently. Rin was more willingly to learn and less distracted with the male pup around. Though their were times when they both got edgy and start to let their minds wonder. Thus, he would call it a day and those were the times when he would take off on his patrols leaving them in Jaken care. All in all, this winter had been very refreshing for him.

[Shippo and Rin]

"I'm tired Jaken. I want to go play out in the snow," Shippo whine for the third time. "Yeah I, Rin wants too to," Rin said backing up her friend as always. Jaken shook his head and tapped his staff of heads on the ground. "No, Lord Sesshomaru said you must finishes your lessons by midday. Those were his strict orders," the little toad screech loudly at the whining children.

"If Sesshomaru-sama were keep he'll let me, Rin play out in the snow," Rin cried out. "Yeah and Sesshomaru-sama not even that strict he know when we are bored being stuck inside all day anyway," Shippo said with a pout. Jaken getting frustrated at the two whining children beyond all mean now. "OOOH what don't you two just draw out on the courtyard then," the little green toad said as he stomp away.

"Finally I, Rin doesn't care for maps anyway," Rin said. "Yeah they are only fun if your coloring them," Shippo said as he stretched out his legs. The two raced out into a courtyard causing some upset in the castle as they nearly had head on collisions with some of the servants.

Finally the two made it to their snowy winter land unlike the previous castle this one hardly got so cold that you could see your breath in front of your face. It was the middle of January or at least that what Kagome's calendar told them. Kagome had came back a while ago with some late Christmas presents for all of them; even Jaken though he had tried to rudely refuse his gift.

She had given Rin some pretty hair ribbons, modern day dolls, with a little dollhouse and a car. Shippo was given a sweater, sled, and some toys cars. She gave Sesshomaru a book of Chinese riddles and puzzles and for Jaken some small snow boots. Though the above all gift that everyone (expect Jaken) enjoyed were the Christmas cookies.

Shippo still donning his green kimono wrapped in his fur vest watching his friend try once again to draw her beloved Sesshomaru-sama's profile with color pencils. Nearly giving up already Rin fell back into the snow and sighed.

"Shippo-chan I, Rin am not good at drawing like you. I think," Rin said sadly looking at yet another mess up drawing of Sesshomaru. Shippo picked it up and held it up towards the light. "I don't think it all that bad but he's face is longer I think. You just made his nose too long but the hair is fine," Shippo analyzed to his friend.

Rin blew into her numb little hands and said, "your just saying that because we're friends." Shippo shook his head and said, "Aw you just need more practice that's all." Rin sighed again drawing was too hard for her. She could explain pretty things aloud but to try to put them on drawing paper that became a little more than hard.

"Shippo can you draw Sesshomaru-sama for me," Rin ask all too sweetly. Shippo's ears perked up as he blew away some fallen snowflakes from his vest.

"Okay but this is the last time I'm going to," Shippo said as he took out a new sheet of paper. In about thirty minutes, Shippo has a very nice looking drawing of Sesshomaru stepping on poor Jaken. The two made the burst with a fit of giggles of course they both knew that the mean old imp would have something to say about it if he ever saw the picture. After a long time and finding calmed down. Shippo wanted to get involved in some physical activity before Sesshomaru came back started gather his drawing supplies.

"Hey Rin-chan I think we should go for a ride in my sled now," Shippo said standing up. Rin face brighten more, "Do you think Jaken will let us?" Shippo shook his head, "Of course not, but do we ever listen to him?" They stared at each other for a few seconds before saying, "NOPE!"

Sesshomaru landed gracefully as always on his balcony only to hear the sound of childish laughter as well as the sound of Jaken's screeching and mild threats of burning the two. Sesshomaru shook his head and smiled. `It would seem that they had gone astray from their lessons today and were out causing a ruckus,' Sesshomaru thought.

Sesshomaru strode through his castle head erect nodding his head once in a while to some the servants that greeted him. The sounds of Jaken's screeching became sharper with each step he took. Till they were almost deafening by the time he arrival at the scene.

Shippo and Rin were on the sled speeding down all the snowy hills they could find. While on and off Shippo just a bit of foxfire to make ramps and slick tracks. The two were turning Sesshomaru courtyard into a SSX track. Sesshomaru let a small smile grace his looks. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

Jaken was using his staff like a spear trying to stop the "evil witch toy" without hurting either pup. Though when Shippo saw the thing up ahead he grabbed it thus turning the sled around straight towards Jaken who eye went wide with fright.

"ACK, STOP! STOP I SAY," cried the little impish frog youkai. Once again, he was getting pegged with snowballs. "Curses I wish Lord Sesshomaru was here," wept Jaken while panting hard trying to escape the speeding sled. Though it seem he couldn't go anywhere. Jaken knew Sesshomaru would have his little green neck if any harm came upon them especially Rin.

"Go faster Shippo-chan! I, Rin like to go really fast," said a happy go lucky Rin. "Okay but hold on to me tight we might actually hit Jaken this time," Shippo said with a wink. Rin held fast on to almost squeezing Shippo's waist flat. `This girl got grip,' Shippo thought leaning forward.

"OH KAMI NO," Jaken screamed out as he sped up faster trying to escape his impending doom. However seconds later and…

[Squish]

Jaken was road-kill underneath the snow though his little body make an tremendous bump for the sled. As Rin squeak out in pure happiness it was like she was flying. Shippo was laughing, as the ride got even better. Maybe next time Jaken would be smart enough not to get in their way and try to stop them from having a little fun.

The two laughs were cut short when they notice they were headed towards one of the stonewalls. "We're going to crash," Rin called out shielding her face in Shippo's hair. Shippo let out a gulp they were going to fast to even try to stop now. He tried to lean back so the crash wouldn't be too bad but Rin's little body was holding him fast. Sesshomaru watch he was close enough to save them but he thought it best if they would have to learn the hard way. "Oh crap," were Shippo only words as the wall came speeding closer.

[Crash]

How the sled manage to survive was Sesshomaru only question as he headed steadily towards the two unconscious pups whom each had a goofy smiles on their faces. He checked to see if they had any serious injuries. Just as he, thought they had none maybe some just minor bumps on the head later on but that would be all. Sesshomaru held back a laugh `That should teach them to skip out on their morning lessons,' he though.

He scooped up the two and their sled taking them inside the castle. He bypass Jaken leaving him out in the cold snow. Honesty he hardly liked the toad anyway however Jaken was useful in some ways. For one he was very loyal and loyalty was a hard quality to find in servants these days. Also, the toad was good for comical relief.

Sesshomaru place Shippo in his futon and set his sled aside. He shifted Rin in his arm so she be easier to carry. He'll deal with the hyperactive kit later on. Though by then the little fox would have snuck out of his room and into Rin's or visa versa.

No matter how many times he ordered them to sleep in their own rooms, the two almost always ended up in the other's bed together. Sesshomaru wanted to give up on the matter but his pride and authority would allow it.

He was glad that his Rin was getting a semi normal childhood. He place his Rin on her futon bed gently. "Sesshomaru-sama," Rin said as she eyes open and her small hands grab on to his kimono slash.

Sesshomaru gave the girl a faint smile and ran his hand through her raven locks. "Shh Rin go to sleep now it time for your nap," Sesshomaru said standing up. "Okay," Rin happily agreed. In the less than a half second the girl went into a peaceful, sleep.

Sesshomaru walked into one of the studies where he had left them earlier. He took a quick look at there half heartily done work. Though something else cause his eye while looking through Rin's pile. `More drawing,' he questions.

He picked up a few drawing to examine; he could tell instantly they were done by Rin. He smirked at the simple little drawing of himself. Why was he such an idol towards the girl he would never really know? He also wonder if his nose was actually as long as Rin's picture indicated? Though he refuse to dwell on such vain thoughts.

His smirk turned into an all out smile. The last picture was of him & her she was perch on his shoulder forcing him to smile by putting her little finger on the sides of his mouth. (A/n: BTW, this is based on my favorite wallpaper. It's so kawaii!)

He place the little drawings down and looked at Shippo's pile of the work. He also had a stack of drawings underneath his work and in some of the books near his workspace. Sesshomaru almost grasp at the fine quality in the kit's work. He now sat down to examine the fine detail art in his hand.

Most of them were of Kagome & his brother. As well as the little, fire neko-youkai Kirara. He couldn't help but assume that the little kitsune was feeling a little homesick for his comrades. The last picture actually got the stoical youkai lord laughing softly. It was a picture of him stepping on Jaken.

His keen hearing her small footsteps headed his way and his nose told him it was the very fox that had done the drawings. Shippo slid the door open only too jump back a few feet while Sesshomaru rolled his eyes at the little kitsune. "Come here Shippo," said Sesshomaru is his normally stoic voice.

Shippo straiten himself up and gulped. It was cleared that he was still scared `I bet he found the drawings! I'm in so much trouble. What if he takes me back home,' Shippo though coming closer to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru placed the drawing down and stared at the little fox.

"Shippo why did you skip your lessons this morning," Sesshomaru asked. Shippo looked down at the ground before replied, "I was bored Sesshomaru-sama" Sesshomaru looked at the drawings and then at Shippo. "Were you bored when you threw these," Sesshomaru asked the little fox.

Shippo shook his head; without Rin, Sesshomaru was hard to talk too. As well as reading the emotions on his stoical face. Sesshomaru could tell the little male was still anxious around him. Feeling a little offended by this; Sesshomaru thought it best to soften his tone of voice.

"Tell me do you miss Kagome and the rest of your comrades," Sesshomaru asked in a softer tone. "Yes sometimes but I like being with Rin and you milord," Shippo said with a little more confidences than before. It seems that Sesshomaru was too mad at him about skipping his lessons.

Sesshomaru nodded his approval at Shippo honesty opinion. "You did well telling me the truth," Sesshomaru said staring at the fox. "Shippo," Sesshomaru said in a questioning voice. "Hai Sesshomaru-sama, replied the fox.

"Did you enjoyed running over Jaken," Sesshomaru ask. Shippo knowing that Sesshomaru always expected his took in a deep breath and replied "Hai milord," Shippo.

Sesshomaru let out a faint laugh barely auditable to even Shippo. "Well I enjoyed watching it," Sesshomaru with a smirk. "You were that milord," Shippo asked smirk of his own. "Hai," said Sesshomaru in between a chuckle. "Thought so. I remember seeing a pair of golden eyes before I completely blank out," Shippo said proud at the fact that his youkai abilities were getting that sharper.

The two eyed each other for a moment before they before down in a fit of laughter. `Hmm Sesshomaru not such a bad guy after all,' Shippo thought as the two were calming down. "Let's make a deal then, sit down," Sesshomaru after a while knowing that Shippo was now feeling very comfortable with him. Shippo sat across the demon lord with his arms tucked his sleeve.

"It seems that your in need of more physical activity," Sesshomaru said after a while. Shippo simply nodded. If he were still hanging around Inuyasha, chances were he would sitting in Kagome's bicycle's basket, teasing Inuyasha, and/or fleeing from big ugly demons like Naraku.

"Let's rearranged your daily routine," Sesshomaru said back in his usual stoic voice. "Okay Shippo," said hoping he wasn't digging a grave for himself. "What if we start your training earlier in the morning, your lessons afterwards, then you can play with Rin in the midday, and then in the evenings you can start your art lessons," Sesshomaru suggested. Shippo thought about it for a while, he took his arms out of his sleeves then tucked them again. `Hmm earlier training means less sleep and being sore all day,' Shippo thought.

Sesshomaru showed no mercy to the little fox cub even if he was a beginner. There where no mats in the big dojo since as Sesshomaru had told him when they first started, "There are no mats in outside world you must learn to hit the ground hard." Sesshomaru fought just the same like it was any other battle only he was careful not to kill the little fox. Also, he didn't use his sword or his poison claws as fierce as he would in a real battle.

Mostly Shippo was always on the defensive side learning to doge Sesshomaru swift and near deadly attacks. Every time he would try to get on the offensive side Sesshomaru easily, thrash him with one hit. Though each battle they had made Shippo a little stronger and wiser. Especially the ones were he tried to use some of his fox magic on the demon lord.

Snapping out of the last few training sessions; since, he knew Sesshomaru hardly had strong patience. "So me and Rin won't have our lessons together anymore," Shippo asked still weighting his opinions. "Hai but it's for the better you and Rin. Since you, both are at different levels.

You have been holding back for her sake haven't you," Sesshomaru asked then added, "Rin was just learning how to read and write while Kagome have already taught you the basics in such things."

"Hai Sesshomaru-sama I didn't want Rin to try too hard to catch up with me," Shippo said. Sesshomaru nodded with smirk friendship like this only came once every thousand year or so.

The young male would actually deceive his sensei for the sake of his small female friend. In some places he would have been killed for such an act not that it would matter to the small Kitsune.

"That's understandable so I will put the burden off you and her," Sesshomaru said. Shippo nodded as Sesshomaru added, "what would Kagome think if you came back to her just as ignorant as when left her?" Shippo hung his head he knew the arrangement the grown ups had made.

Sesshomaru was supposed to be teaching him how to fight and educating him future. Even if Sesshomaru wasn't letting him train with a sword yet no matter how hard, he begged him to let him use one. "She wouldn't like it at all Sesshomaru-sama," Shippo said after a long pause.

"So you agree with the new arrangement," Sesshomaru asked. "Hai, Milord," Shippo said happily. "I'm glad. Now run along and get Rin it's time for dinner," Sesshomaru said. "Hai Sesshomaru-sama," Shippo said getting up. Shippo headed towards the doors at the slides doors just before sliding out he turn back around.

"Oh yeah thanks Sesshomaru-sama. I'll try harder for now on in everything you teach me. So one day I'll be able to beat up Inuyasha," Shippo said puffing up his small chest. `Yeah I will become the great kitsune youkai ever to walk upon these lands just like my dad,' he thought as he headed out.

Sesshomaru shook his head and smirked at the Kit little promised. Now it was things like that reminded that Sesshomaru of his greatness. Though now he would have to find someone to help Shippo improve in his art skills since he himself wasn't no an artist at heart. Shippo by far had passed him and there was nothing the great Sesshomaru could teach the fox anymore. Sesshomaru left to see if all the servant were on task.

[About month later]

"Ack no you stupid fox child. Curse you! Stop hitting me with your toys," screamed a running Jaken now wearing the small snow boots Kagome had given many weeks ago. The two "brats" had snuck them on him while he was sleeping and the poor toad couldn't get them off since they were so tight.

The snow was thinning down as winter was dispersing away. Shippo and Rin were now busy using Jaken as target practice as Sesshomaru was busy somewhere within the castle. Shippo had grown a lot in both body and mind. Sesshomaru still wouldn't let him train with a sword yet. However, Sesshomaru started giving him more insight on his mistakes while on defense but not when he was offense.

Though he had almost nearly clawed the great Inu-youkai yesterday if only he would have jumped a little higher. It didn't matter he had too sport a black eye for it for the whole day. Rin didn't like it one bit and ask Sesshomaru not to hit the fox so hard next time. Sesshomaru calmly explained to the girl that it was a necessary part of the training besides Shippo was okay.

Rin huffed at Sesshomaru begging again to let her train also Sesshomaru told he might think about it. Which was his polite way of saying, "don't hold your breath about it kid." However, Shippo had been teaching Rin whatever Sesshomaru taught him feeling sorry that Rin was missing out. In exchange for this act of kindness, Rin taught Shippo about the different flowers, herbs, and plants around the castle. However, Shippo was always careful not to leave any scars on the girl lest Sesshomaru found out and skin him alive.

He didn't know why Sesshomaru wouldn't let her train with her he figure it was because Sesshomaru was so powerful and didn't want Rin to get scared or to badly injured. However he figured all the females he knew know how to fight so why not Rin too. Hopefully doing the summer months Sango could let Rin train with her.

Once Jaken was defeated by the great and powerful Shippo and his best friend Rin. The pups left the knocked out toad in the middle of the hallway to be kicked around by the other servants passing by. "What are we going to do now Shippo-chan," Rin ask. Shippo shook his head. "I don't know," he said.

"Too bad we can't play with the sled anymore," Rin said after a while. Shippo nodded the snow was too thin to do much of anything anymore. The ground was just hard and muddy out which if they got dirty they would have to take baths. Though baths wasted to much fun time since they weren't allowed to take baths together and Sesshomaru put his foot down on that rule.

"Let's just draw for now," Shippo said after a while. "Okay," Rin said as she started skipping through the castle. They might as well since lunch would be served soon and then he would have his art lesson with his sensei till dusk. He really like his new sensei he was a flacon demon by the name of Shuichi. Shuichi was an ancient looking youkai that was as tall as Sesshomaru maybe a little shorter.

With sunny blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and sharp claws. His nose was long and sharp like his claws as well. His eyes full of old wisdom and every word off his tongue sounded like a medley of some sort.

The youkia was a piece of art himself Shippo declared one day. Shuichi drawings were so lifelike it was like you were actually in the picture itself. Sesshomaru couldn't have picked a pretty teacher for the young fox. Even Rin was blown away by the beautiful youkia always wanting to touch his hair and soft feathery skin.

Shuichi sometimes took time off his busy schedule to even teach Rin. He never question why the little human girl was in Sesshomaru's castle and treated her just like another youkai cub. He even called her Rin-san every now and then. Jaken hated the youkai though never shown him any disrespect outright but he mumbled things.

Shippo guess it was because Shuichi said that Jaken was a "atrocious looking youkai with a voice not fit for a cooked chicken." Then later added he was just an "ugly looking thing" and should go out in the sun more to get rid of his ugly pale skin. That got the two pups laughing the whole day and Jaken feelings crush.

Well that got Jaken even more uptight (if possible) and he kept his distance from the flacon youkai. Sesshomaru smirked each time Rin or Shippo reminded him and Jaken got all huffy. He wasn't that ugly well at least his mother had said he was beautiful. He knew he couldn't be as handsome as Sesshomaru or Shuichi. Though did they have to rub it end?

"Shippo-chan! Look! I, Rin did it finally," Rin said holding up her drawing of Sesshomaru, Shippo, and herself. "Wow Rin-chan it's really good," Shippo said after taking a closer look. It was true after all the girls attempt finally she had a drawing that looked almost like a mirror image of them all smiling. Even if she still mess up on Sesshomaru nose and made Shippo's little fangs a little too wide.

"You keep it," Rin said after a while. "No way you should show Sesshomaru-sama I'll bet he be proud of you," Shippo said. He didn't want to feel guilty over taking her first really good drawing. He still had his first really good drawings of Kagome and Inuyasha. He would treasure them for all his days.

He had shown them to Rin and the two couldn't stop laughing. None too surprising the first good one of Inuyasha was a picture of the hanyou chowing on a bowl of ramen. His first good one of Kagome was of her sleeping.

"Kay your right. Let's go show Sesshomaru-sama," Rin said knocking Shippo out of his memories. "But Sesshomaru-sama is busy," Shippo said not wanting to get in trouble when he was going to leave really soon. "Sesshomaru-sama is never too busy for me," Rin declared then added, "Sometimes its good to make him unbusy." Shippo shook his head sometimes he wonder who was really the master of this castle.

Sesshomaru was dealing with some very important messages from his northwest castle already it seem a small fire had broke out and that a few bothersome human samurai soldiers had tried to taken it over. Sesshomaru step outside to clear his head. Should he take them back up at the other castle now?

He would be closer to Inuyasha that way. However, the message didn't say if the castle was damage or not. He would have to deal with whoever wrote it. Even Jaken didn't write such ridiculous messages. Yes by now the little imp had learn to read and write himself. Sesshomaru saw too it though he wasn't the one teaching him.

It was another educated female servant of Sesshomaru's by the name of Eiko. Winter was ending and the fox would have to go back to his comrades. Sesshomaru would hate to see him go but he knew that Kagome was missing him. He could even image his brother running up and hugging the fox. The image made him chuckled faintly. He heard the sound of running footsteps headed towards him.

"Move Jaken get out the way," Rin shouted loudly. "Yeah you're always getting in our way," Shippo agreed kicking the toad out of the way.

[Splat]

The little toad was kicked into a wall while Rin led Shippo straight to her Sesshomaru-sama. "Sesshomaru-sama," Rin called out busting into his study. "Hai Rin," Sesshomaru said in his usual monotone voice. "LOOK," Rin cried out happily jumping into Sesshomaru's lap with her drawing. Shippo stayed behind it was rude to just bust in like that. "You might as well come in and sit down as well Shippo," Sesshomaru said glad that the fox had learn some manners.

"I, Rin drew this Sesshomaru," Rin said drawing his attention back to her. Sesshomaru took the drawing in his own hand no wonder the girl was smiling. Though once again his nose was not drawn to, scale and the fox's fang weren't so wide. "It is done very well Rin only a couple of mistake. This, Sesshomaru is very proud of you," Sesshomaru said after analyzing the drawing. Rin smile grew brighter, "Thank you Sesshomaru-sama!"

The little girl hugged Sesshomaru around his strong neck as best she could. Sesshomaru was starting to pick a scent he knew it well. It was sadness and it was coming from the fox. He didn't want to upset his little girl as he gentle pulled her off himself with a pat on the head. "Now Rin run along and go play be sure Jaken is watching you," Sesshomaru.

"You keep picture Sesshomaru-sama," Rin questioned. "I will Rin," Sesshomaru-sama said. " Rin I need to talk to Shippo before Shuichi-san get here so run along," Sesshomaru-sama said. Rin bowed before Sesshomaru-sama then hugged him once again. "Okay good-bye Sesshomaru-sama. Good-bye Shippo-chan," Rin called out as she ran off.

"Sesshomaru," Shippo questioned. "Shippo the winter is ending you will going back to your comrades soon," Sesshomaru said. "Hai," Shippo said sadly. "Tell me do you feel," Sesshomaru. "I'm sad," Shippo said simply.

"Please elaborate," Sesshomaru said. Shippo sighed like he knew how to explain it. It was true every since he notice the thinning snow he had begun to mope around. He was having so much fun he didn't want it to end.

Yes, he missed Kagome, Miroku, Sango, Kirara, Kaede, and even Inuyasha but he would miss hanging with Rin and Sesshomaru. Why couldn't they all just travel together? Though he knew, he couldn't have the best of both worlds. "I don't want to leave Sesshomaru-sama but I can't stay either cause I miss Kagome and the others too," Shippo said.

"I see," Sesshomaru said. The little male was filled with conflicting emotions he wanted to see his friend but he didn't want to leave Rin and himself. Sesshomaru let out sigh, "It cannot be help," Sesshomaru flicking strands of his hair back the spring winds were already coming from the east. "I know," Shippo said downheartedly.

"Rin is going to miss you badly as well. She may appear happy but we both now she is also sad about this. Even though Rin will get too spend the summer with you and Inuyasha," Sesshomaru said. Trying to cheering the fox up anyway possible. "We shall be going back to my castle up north in three days," Sesshomaru said. "What about my art lessons," Shippo cried out then scolded himself for showing such weakness.

Sesshomaru chuckled lightly and said, "I'll make sure to let Shuichi know. Don't worry." Shippo nodded his approval he didn't want to miss any art lessons he only had a few left and they were all that more precious to him. "You should go get lunch now," Sesshomaru said. "Hai, Sesshomaru-sama," Shippo said as he stared to scamper off.

"Um Sesshomaru-sama," Shippo said lingering around the doors. "No I won't be eating with you and Rin today," Sesshomaru said frankly. "It's not that," Shippo said. "What then," Sesshomaru asked. "Will you miss me too," Shippo asked his eye starting to water.

Sesshomaru at the little fox his face softening a bit.

Even if it had only been two whole months and about three weeks, Sesshomaru was actually starting to see Shippo as his own. One could say he loved the little tike and proud to have another strong male around the castle. He got and walked over toward the little kit then crouching down placing his hand on the little kit's shoulder.

"Hai, Shippo I will miss you. It's nice having another strong male around the house. You been the perfect guest and this Sesshomaru is very grateful to you. You kept both Rin and Jaken busy. As well as kept your promise to work hard," Sesshomaru stated.

Shippo letting out a smirk while wiping his watery eyes still holding back his tears. "I'll miss you too Sesshomaru-sama," Shippo squeaked out. He don't know what came over him but he found himself hugging the demon lord as if he was a second father.

Though deep down in his mind someone else had won that spot already. Still he had grown to love and appreciate Sesshomaru with all his little heart. Sesshomaru patted the boy on the head as he hugged him. Never once had he held a male before nor visa versa. The feeling was quiet unnerving for him; however, he laid his feelings aside for the sake of the younger male.

"Shh calm down you be back next winter maybe even sooner than that," Sesshomaru said after a while letting go of the fox cub. "Really," Shippo said drying his tears with his sleeve. "Hai, now go eat your lunch before you'll late with Shuichi," Sesshomaru ordered. Shippo smiled at him, "Hai, Sesshomaru-sama." With that, the little fox trotted of to his lunch. "Hai I will miss the little runt," Sesshomaru said softy to himself going back to his work.

[A week later]

The trees were budding their leaves again and grass blades were spotted out on the ground. Winter had ended and spring was popping up everywhere. The whole time Shippo and Rin had shared the same bed together. The spent most of the last days drawing on the balcony.

Sesshomaru had found that his castle had only minor damage near the stable and servant quarters. All too soon, Inuyasha swooped down with Kagome on his back asking for Shippo. Apparently, Sango, Miroku, and Kirara were checking out rumor of a demon who may possess a shard of the jewel. It prove to be untrue and they had join jump just as Inuyasha and Kagome where leaving.

After an emotional goodbye, Shippo was back with Kagome and Inuyasha. The Inuyasha's gang was glad to have their little kitsune back. Mostly Kagome and Kirara were the extremely happy ones.

Shippo talked on for days on everything he did during the winter but after a while when back to the normal routine with him. Which was teasing the heck out of Inuyasha. While Inuyasha finding it harder to pound Shippo, head in.

" Damn Kit! Curse Sesshomaru for training you," Inuyasha groan out as he smash his head into a tree. "Nya! Inuyasha you need to focus more," Shippo said sticking his tongue at him. The rest of the group laughed as Inuyasha got out foxed again by Shippo.

One could say that things were back to normal though Inuyasha found himself even more annoyed by Shippo. Though he had missed the little pest so much in fact, he even shared some of his ramen with him. Though Shippo took the whole thing and violence between started up all over again. As an angered hungry hanyou started chasing a greedy fox.

"Didn't you miss this," Sango said with a smile. "Yeah I did," Kagome said. "He learn a lot form Sesshomaru hasn't he," Miroku inquired trying to get in between the two girls. "Back off," both girls said in a fierce voice. While Shippo was away, the pervert was at play. Though Inuyasha even stepped in too give the monk some lumps on the head every once in a while.

Kagome and him were still keeping their relationship a secret even though Kaede knew all about it. Though Miroku had caught the two sharing a kiss one snowy afternoon but kept the information to himself. Kirara begin a demon also knew as she could tell by the change in scents so the only ones out of the loop was Sango and Shippo. Though Shippo kind of had a clue.

All in all Shippo had a great winter though he missed his buddy Rin a lot. He couldn't wait for summer for his friend Rin. `And all the wonderful things that we can do to Inuyasha,' he thought as the hanyou was now having a nice swim down the river shouting curses. He was still a kid after all and all he wanted to do was to have fun.

[End epilogue one]

(Author note: I wasn't too happy about this one I really didn't know how to end it. I'll have the second one up in no time. (I hope) I already have the first chapter of my next story half way typed up so you can expect to see that once I get a few reviews from epilogue two is out or maybe I'll uploaded them the same time. If I can get someone to check them both. Well I hope you enjoyed epilogue one! Review please.)

{Epilogue two: Rin joins the IY gang during the summer. Oh looks who's back? It's old Myoga. Choas is a must.)