Disclaimer: Inuyasha and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. All other characters rightfully belong to the Gaiaonline participants that include the following: AnyaEliza, Ryuchan, Killerthedemon, HikariTenoma, SaigaDachi and any others who originally write in the story on (sorry if I've left anyone out).

Rating: R - This fanfic is rated "R" due to violence, language and some adult situations

Warning!/Note: The writers and myself know that Sesshomaru only has one arm in the series, but for the sake of this story he has two and please don't complain about the out of character actions that appear from time to time. Also this story has been edited for your benefit of understanding. I feel that I should also tell you that the story veers off quite from the normality of the series; so don't complain about the abnormalities that WILL appear in later chapters. The original version can be found at the following link, but be advised that the unaltered version may be more confusing in context.

Chapter One: Magic of the Shrine

It was a bright summer day as you were walking through downtown Tokyo. You saw a shinto shrine that looked very interesting; so you approached it. When you got there you saw a girl rushing out of the house and, sprinting down to a shack, accidentally drop something. You ran over and grabbed the bottle that seemed to hold something shiny in it and quickly follow her. You opened up the door in time to see the girl jump in and then disappear. You cautiously approach it and leaned over the well looking for her. Suddenly your hands slipped and you tumble down into the well and slowly landed on your knees. When you look around you notice some vines you were pretty sure weren't there before. You'd climbed up them and jumped out of the well when you saw a flash of red in front of you. You jumped back and saw a boy, about 15, with silver hair and... dog ears??? He crossed his arms and looked you up and down and said...
---

"Who the hell are you!?"

At that moment, four others came out of the trees. The first was a beautiful young woman with a yellow, two tailed cat; the raven-haired girl you had followed, a little red haired...thing, and a guy with a miniature ponytail. He leant over and grinned at you.

"Hi, I'm Miroku, this is Sango, Kirara, Kagome, Shippo, and the rude man before you is Inuyasha."

Your eyes opened wide as you take in the strange group.

"How did I get here, and more importantly, where is "here" anyway?"

You asked in puzzlement. Kagome looked at you and said suspiciously.

"How did you get through the well?" You looked around helplessly.

"I don't know, I just.. did." You shrug and then hold out the bottle Kagome had dropped.

"Here, you dropped this."

"Thanks."

Kagome looked at the necklace you were wearing. It was nothing, really. Just a couple of fragments of a larger necklace. The jewel was white, and when you looked at it, you felt peaceful. You meet her gaze defiantly.

"Where did you get that?" She asked.

"At a second hand store and why are you peppering me with questions? This isn't a cop show, you know." You sneered. Kagome looked at you and said oddly, to your surprise.

"Fine. I'll tell you what it is. You hold in your possession a few Shikon No Tama shards. They are shards of a sacred jewel that we search for…"

A long explanation later

You sat, stunned. You held something that powerful? You looked at Kagome.

"So, can I join you?"

You ask. She looked at you, and it was obvious what her answer was though Inuyasha didn't seem to be too happy about it.

Sometime later….

You had been with the group for some time; you weren't at all sure how long it had been since you'd come through the well. Your long, black hair was kept up in a low ponytail, and your green gaze had gained much wisdom. You'd also taken to wearing an outfit similar to Kaede's, but the pants were a dark navy blue instead of red. Kaede had taught you how to use and recognize various herbs, Kagome had taught you the bow as best as she could, Inuyasha had taught you a bit about wielding a sword, and Sango had taught you how to be alert; so you'd never get caught by Miroku. A dark figure smiled as he peered at the newcomer.

"Don't worry, Inuyasha. I will test this new member of your group."

It faded away...

---

You turned to look at the figure you were sure had been watching you from the forest, but it had already passed. You stared around the forest, trying to locate it again. Suddenly, a cold hand covered your mouth from behind and you passed out.

Some time later, you awake in a dungeon hanging by your wrists. You pull yourself upward and try to keep your wrists from breaking. You hear something. Creeaakkk ... A tall man with wavy black hair dressed in a dark tunic and pants walks into the room. You suddenly realize who he is and why you're here.

"You're Naraku! Inuyasha told me to stay away from you!" Naraku smirked.

"He did, did he? Well. He didn't tell you what all I can do to insolent girls, did he?"

With that, he placed his hand on your stomach. At first you thought this was just some way of satisfying his perverted thoughts, but then you felt something. It was a mixture between immense burning and a soothing touch from someone you love.

"WHAT SORCERY IS THIS?!" You scream out; trying to maintain your consciousness.

"This is no sorcery, my dear. This...is the will to obtain the Shikon no Tama! Several of the pieces of which I need are in your possession, my precious."

He reaches up and runs a hand down your face. It was cold as ice. You pull away from him. Naraku takes his hand off your stomach and walks to the dungeon door. Your eyes flicker and you can see smoke coming from your smoldered tunic.

"Let that be a warning to you. I will see you later, my dear. You will think over the matter at present or your friends will suffer!"

With a loud bang, you were left all alone in the dungeon.

After many hours of hanging there, you hear a shuffle of feet behind you. You're so weak from whatever Naraku had done to you and from holding yourself up that you cannot stay awake any longer. Suddenly, your wrists feel better and you fall with a silent thud into something soft... something warm. You pull your arms up to look at the chains. Cut. Totally severed. With your last ounce of strength, you stare up at your rescuer. Yet to no avail. All you could see before you pass out into unconsciousness was silver... or white... and there was a lot of it. Your head fell to your left and onto your "hero's" shoulder. It was warm; and fuzzy for some reason. Then, all went black...
---

When you awaken you find yourself deep in some wood; you feel as if you had just had a hang-over when you look up at your "hero." Your eyes widen at him and you seem to gaze at him; his long silver hair, his red and white garments and his ears.

"Hey." You speak up softly while looking at him in surprise.

"You're Sesshomaru. Inuyasha told me of you." Sesshomaru's ears flinch at the mention of Inuyasha.

"So my brother did tell you of me. Well, he seems to have been in a battle with Naraku and he must have let his guard down."

He sighs deeply.

"I guess you are of no use to me."

His hand moved to grasp hold of the Tokijin and was preparing to strike you when...
----

he hears something behind him. He turns his head and stares into the trees. He motions for you to stand behind him. You're terrified as your mind races through the possibilities, so you obey without thinking. You peer out from amidst what looks like a sash and see Naraku step out of the bushes. Out of pure fear, you move closer to Sesshoumaru and grasp his tail. Sesshomaru's gaze doesn't leave Naraku, but you can feel his tail twitch in agitation and realize that is what you'd grabbed.

"I believe that you have something of mine, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"I have no possession of yours. State your business and leave my lands!"

You stare at the two men in terror. You suddenly think as Sesshomaru's words ring in your mind.

Wait...Inuyasha and the others where in the Eastern lands... then... why the heck am I in the Western lands? In Sesshomaru's lands!?!

Naraku suddenly lunges at Sesshoumaru with his hand outstretched. Sesshoumaru pushes you into the bushes behind him and attacks Naraku head on. You saw them fly back and forth in battle. A few minutes later, you smell a foul smell. You continue to watch the battle and see both men very bloodied up and wounded. At first, it seemed Naraku was beaten with no problem. Until you notice that Sesshoumaru is holding his right side. From between his fingers, you could see blood seeping through with a steam… or was it smoke… emitting from the wound. Naraku stares up at the demon lord.

"You have won this time, Lord Sesshoumaru, but next time you will not be so lucky."

"Heh... luck has not won this fight, weakling."

With that, Naraku disappeared. You stand up from your hiding place and walk over to Sesshoumaru.

"Uh...thanks..."

No response.

"Hello? I just thanked you!"

You walk in front of him and look up at Sesshoumaru. His eyes are slightly glazed over. You gasp and he slumps forward onto you. Somehow you catch him and manage keep him standing. Slowly setting him onto the ground so he's lying comfortably, you get a fire started and decide to attend to his wounds.

---

You tugged on Sesshomaru's white Kimono to see that there was a large blood stain on his side. You noticed one of his swords had turned blue and seemed to be lightly pulsing. You ignored it and looked behind you. There was a river not to far off. You slumped Sesshomaru over your shoulders and dragged him nearby. You gently laid him against a rock and ripped part of your shirt and got it wet in the water. When you got closer to Sesshomaru you realized that his eyes were glowing red and he gave a low growl at you. You pause for a moment, but then walk closer to him. You saw that as soon as he recognized you his eyes turned back to their normal color.

"Girl, you don't even need to bother."

You heard something behind you and looked up. There was a two headed... dragonish... thing... flying with a girl in an orange kimono on.

"SESSHOMARU-SAMA!!!"

The girl jumped off accompanied by an imp creature. Sesshomaru stood up and you turned back around.

"Lord Sesshomaru... you shouldn't move."

"Silence. A simple wound as that could never hinder me."

You looked to where the wound was and noticed that, save for a trace of blood, the wound was gone. You stared at the sword that you'd seen had turned blue, the blue color was slowly dimming now...

----

You drop the wet cloth in your hands.

"Wha... what the he-" Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and pulled his kimono back over his shoulder.

"I suppose my half-breed brother did not tell you as much about me as first presumed."

The young girl stares at you in fascination. She tugged on the sleeve of Sesshomaru's kimono.

"Sesshoumaru-sama... who's the pretty lady?" Sesshoumaru stopped.

"She is no one Rin... just a measly friend of that ingrate..."

"Inuyasha? THAT ingrate?" You stare down at the little girl... er... Rin.

"Yes, Rin. That ingrate." You reply.

"Ooh ooh! Sesshoumaru-sama? Can the pretty lady stay with Rin?!"

Your eyes go wide. You couldn't see it, but Sesshomaru's facial expression showed immense surprise as well. The imp ran up to you and began pulling at your clothing and surveying you.

"Lord Sesshoumaru! This girl is merely human! She cannot- GRU GRU!!"

Sesshoumaru had taken the imp's wooden staff and used it to push his face into the dirt.

"I know she is human, Jaken. Do you underestimate your own lord?"

"Gru gru... n-no Sesshomaru-GRU!" Rin walks over to you and takes your hand.

"Please Sesshoumaru-sama! Rin will take good care of her! Rin will! Rin will!"

Sesshoumaru looks over his shoulder at you.

"It is up to her, Rin."

Rin stared up at you with puppy dog eyes.

"Please!"

You... unfortunately... have a very soft heart. You smile at her, ruffle her hair and agree to stay for a while. Rin runs around, frequently stepping on Jaken who was still flat on the ground. You look up at Sesshoumaru. He's glaring at you out of the corner of his eyes. You don't like that look.

"Let's go. Jaken!"

Jaken gets up and climbs atop the dragon-thing that you assume is another demon. Sesshoumaru helps Rin up and looks back at you. His look has softened, but not by much. You gulp and walk over to him. You stand there and look at him, waiting for him to help you up.

"Well?"

"Well what?" You're totally confused now.

"Aren't you going to help me up?" He smirks at you and jumps up on the dragon demon.

"If you do not come now, you will be left here. And I doubt you wish to be in my lands at night."

You glare up at him and, with much effort, get yourself up on the beast. Then, it takes off. About 15 minutes into the ride you find you're so exhausted that you lean forward and fall asleep on the back of Sesshomaru's shoulder. He looks over his shoulder at you and Rin and narrows his eyes in irritation.

Humans...

Jaken turns to look at Sesshoumaru.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, can we really afford to have another human tagging alone? I mean, the child is enough! But the girl as well!"

Sesshoumaru stares past him.

"Think about it m'lord! The girl may be considered your mate! A human! Mate to Lord Sesshoumaru! Oof!" Sesshoumaru held Jaken's staff yet again and a large knot appears on Jaken's head.

"I know the risks at stake, Jaken. And I know that if you do not shut your mouth about the matter, there will be much greater risks in store for you." Jaken nodded in agreement and turned around. Sesshoumaru stared up at the moon.

I may end up as father... but... if this is what Rin wants... Perhaps we can make a few adjustments to the situation...
---

You awaken to find that you are now on the ground no longer on the beast but in a camp by a fire. You sit up and see Sesshoumaru sleeping and start to look at him threw different eyes and you begin to think of him differently. You think that this can't be the same person Inuyasha told you about; you move forward and start to climb over to where he is. You look at the marks on his face wondering how they got there and before you know what you doing you touch his face softly; moving your hand when his eyes open suddenly, and you realize your face is right in front of his.

You both look into one another's eyes and time seems to have stopped as you look into his yellow-amber eyes; then he moves his head forward and...
----

… you feel his hair brush against your forehead. Your breath stops and you freeze. He stops moving toward you; not even an inch away from your face with his lips barely brushing against yours. You continue to stare into his eyes. The amber-yellow color seems to be either asking for permission or an extreme effort to maintain his pride or self control. You still can not seem to force yourself to move to or away from him. Nor can you make up your mind which you would do if you could move.

Sesshomaru's ear twitches. This distracts you from his eyes. You look back over at Sesshoumaru, but instead of his eyes, you come face to face with the right side of his face. You lean back, finally able to move your whole body, and look where Sesshoumaru is staring. There stands Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Sango, and Miroku. You gasp and quickly stand up.

"Uh...just how long have you been standing there...?" Miroku stared at you with his mouth gaping open.

"That's no fair! Oow!" Sango held her boomerang above Miroku's head.

"Hmph..."

"What have you done to her!?" Inuyasha yelled at Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru stayed where he was, leaning against the tree.

"Little brother...I have done nothing to your friend... but..." Sesshoumaru smirked.

"...I do believe that I banned you from my lands many years ago did I not?"

Inuyasha's eyes widen as he remembered that indeed he was.

"Do you remember the price to pay half-breed?" Inuyasha's hair covered his face as he looked at the ground.

"I do..." Sesshoumaru stood; dwarfing you in size.

"Is that how you address me in my own lands, little brother?"

Inuyasha clenched his fist. Through gritted teeth, he answered his half-brother.

"I do remember...Lord...Sesshoumaru..." Sesshomaru smirked.

"Good..." Kagome stared at Inuyasha in surprise and confusement.

"Inuyasha... what is going on? What price must you pay?"

Inuyasha turned his back to you and Sesshoumaru.

"I must... give him something... that belongs to me... or something along those lines..."

Kagome crossed her arms.

"Well... that's not too bad... Give him a leaf... or... something little like that!" Inuyasha shook his head.

"No... Sesshoumaru chooses what he receives..."

Kagome gasped and stared at Sesshoumaru in terror.

"No!" You look up at Sesshoumaru to see him staring at Inuyasha in victory.

"What do you wish, Sesshoumaru?" Jaken ran up to Sesshoumaru in glee.

"The sword, Lord Sesshoumaru! Demand the sword! Demand Tetsusaiga!"

Sesshoumaru smirked. Suddenly, you see something small and orange shift in Sesshomaru's arms.

Rin!

He looks down at her and thinks... hard... Then, he looks over at you.

"The girl..." Inuyasha whipped around with his fist raised.

"What! No! You can't have Kagome!" Sesshoumaru chuckled.

"Why would I want her? The other girl..." Sango held her boomerang ready to attack.

"Do not fret, foolish girl. It is not you I want."

He said as his eyes flitted to Sango. It suddenly hits you. He wants you... he wants you above anything else... even the Tetsusaiga! The sword he's spent forever to obtain! And he passes up the opportunity to gain it for you? Jaken's eyes go wide.

"WHAT?! BUT LORD SESSHOUMARU! THE SWORD! WHY NOT GET THE SWORD INSTEAD OF SOME HUMAN BROAD!?! Gru gru..." Jaken found his face in the dirt again and Sesshomaru's foot atop his head.

"I do not want her for me, Jaken... I want her for Rin..."

The whole group stares at Sesshoumaru who is looking down at the child in his arms. You look at his eyes and think.

Maybe... no... this isn't the Lord Sesshoumaru that Inuyasha told me about... he's... different when he's around her. When he's around Rin... he would do anything for her...

You smile as you understand. He has an attachment to the girl. You turn to your friends.

"Don't worry. I will be fine. Kagome..." You take your necklace with your jewel shards off and hand them to her. "...you take these. Sango, thank you... for everything. Miroku..."

Miroku's looking at you with a hopeful look in his eyes. You smile nervously.

"...I'll see you around."

You turn to Inuyasha. He takes you in his arms and slightly hugs you, whispering in your ear.

"Don't worry. We'll get you out of this... I promise."

You pull away from him and walk back to Sesshoumaru. Shippo jumps up on your shoulder.

"NO! You can't go... I won't let you stay alone with this brute!"

You hug Shippo and look over at Sesshoumaru as he turns to walk away.

"Sesshoumaru?" He looks over his shoulder at you.

"What?" You look at a sobbing Shippo on your shoulder.

"May... may I take Shippo with me?" He stops and turns around to face you and the little kitsune.

"You may. Now, leave my lands little brother... before I decide to claim something else..."

Inuyasha glares once again at his brother before he leaves. Everyone else slowly follows suit. The last person to leave is Sango, who's staring at you with tears in her eyes... You have a flashback to when you became friends.

You and Sango where standing by a stream. You were crying. "What's the matter?" Sango asked. "I just... can't believe... that I finally have... a sister... again..." She smiles at you as you both look at each other.

You want to reach out and hug her one last time... but Sesshoumaru clears his throat which is clearly a summons to let her go. You turn to look back at Sango... she was gone...
-----

You glare at Sesshomaru.

"That was cruel." You say, eyes flashing.

"I wasn't allowed to say goodbye!"

You glare at him, unshed tears in your eyes. Then your eyes widen as you realize he might hurt you for this... but you cannot help it. The tears flow harder and you lower your head to the ground.

"Sango was my... friend. I wasn't allowed to say goodbye."

You suddenly feel Sesshomaru's piercing gaze. You look up. His eyes seem almost sorry, yet not quite. He lets you cry as you bury your face in his haori. Sesshomaru looks surprised, but allows you and awkwardly lifts his hand. He abruptly puts it down again and pushes you away.

"Go. Stay with Rin." You look up and nod, letting Rin lead you towards camp. Sesshomaru sighs.

What happened? How did I loose control? Why did I care? Am I no better than my father? Sesshomaru then drew himself up. Of course! I am Sesshomaru, He thinks and then he looks at you.

… and she is... she is beautiful. He leaned against the tree and surveyed you.

What now?
--------

You watched Sesshomaru's retreating back. Then you sighed and flopped back down on Aun-Un, as you had discovered the dragon demon's name was. You wondered why Sesshomaru had been so quiet these past few days. He seemed to be trying to puzzle something out.

"! WE'RE HERE!"

Rin's enthusiastic voice resounded as she pointed to a large house. Your eyes widened, though you tried to play it down. Sesshomaru noted, and merely smiled. Your eyes widened even more.

In the mansion, you noted everything, drinking in the luxury with unsuppressed wonder. Rin clapped her hands joyfully. Sesshomaru's voice called, and Rin became mute.

"Your room is upstairs. Rin will show you later."

"! Let's pick flowers!"

You smiled and followed Rin, clasping your hand in hers. She picked dandelions, and you picked daisies. Suddenly, you looked up. Sesshomaru was standing by a tree not far away, gazing off. You couldn't help but smile as you watched the wind tug gently on his hair. Your cheeks flushed. That kind of thinking was sick! How could you like Sesshomaru? He separated you and Sango! You sighed.

But I don't think love is that simple, is it? Rin just smiled as she noticed your distraction and began plotting.

"Rin's getting a mom!" She whispered excitedly.