A/N: Thanks to all those who reviewed last chapter. I'll post my personal thanks at the end of the chapter, but your opinions were certainly appreciated! I'm sorry I haven't updated before now, but I'll try to do better.

Disclaimer: Go back to chapter one for this repetitious statement.


~The winds of change are blowin'

And I don't like the message they bring

Everything I've ever known

My hopes and dreams that cling

Slip into the void, an unwelcome omen~

By: nlightnd


Please don't steal the above. It's part of a lyric I'm currently working on. If you wish to borrow, then ask permission first. Thanks.

Heart Of A Slave

Chapter 2: An Uncertain Future Part I

"Rin..run!"

Kagome and Rin were sprinting through the woods, running from a foe they couldn't fight. Their only recourse.....run. Run like the wind. Run and hopefully make it to their destination, so that they'd be safe. A place where their adversary would certainly meet its maker, as they say.

Rin's heart was pounding so hard, so fast; her lungs burned for breath, her side pained her from the sudden forced sprinting her body currently endured. As she ran, she pushed aside branches, yet there were others she missed which cut at her pale, delicate skin, leaving small rivulets of blood flowing from her forearms, face and legs. She could hear Kagome following quickly behind, the sounds of her breathing harsh and ragged, struggling to keep up.

Adrenaline rushed through her veins, propelling her forward, and she knew that any lower youkai within a certain radius would smell it and come running. It was akin to ringing the proverbial dinner bell.

Sneaking a glance at Kagome she noticed the miko was sweating just as much as she. Muscles straining, screaming, begging for a small reprieve, burning from the fear-induced forced sprinting.

Spotting a clearing ahead Rin abruptly stopped the moment she exited the forest. The younger girl almost stumbled and fell as Kagome slammed into her.

"Kagome....are you alright?" Brown eyes searched her friend and adopted sister's body, wincing at the injuries she found inflicted there.

A bleeding gash atop her left shoulder, another across her abdomen....how was she pushing herself this way? Rin reached forward her fingertips lightly touching the miko's bloodied clothing. She could feel her pain, her determination. She felt a burning desire to kill the demon hunting them, yet she knew his level was above their own, especially seeing how Kagome bore severe injuries, unable to fight to her full potential.

"What do we do now, Kagome?"

"We stand" she panted between words, "and fight." Her hand pressed tightly to her abdomen, she smiled faintly as Rin tore her kimono sleeves to place against the wound and staunch the bleeding.

Kagome pushed Rin's hand away. "Help me up," she ordered.

Rin placed her arms around her sister and helped Kagome to stand.

"Rin, I want you to run. Head towards Kaede's village and ask for her and Inuyasha. They'll know what's to be done." Kagome flinched seeing the flash of stubbornness in her companion's eyes, chin tilted upwards, arms crossed over her chest. "Rin, now's not the time for this. I won't make it to the village, not like this. Now, go!"

She pushed Rin in the direction of the village where InuYasha resided. He was her hope, her savior. If only Rin could get there quickly, without fail.

"Hmn." Rin nodded her acquiescence, pivoted sharply on her heel and headed swiftly towards her destination.

A pained exhalation rushed from Kagome, steadying herself for her enemy who was making his way towards her. She could hear limbs and twigs cracking, breaking, the sounds of their adversary getting nearer. It was just a matter of time. The wind picked up, blowing her ebony locks across her shoulders, her loose clothing swaying with the wind; she could only pray her blood would serve her purpose.

She closed her eyes and calmly inhaled, exhaled, steeling herself for the demon, knowing her death was probably imminent, but not caring as long as Rin was able to escape. That's what mattered. That's all she could think about. That and her invaluable moments with InuYasha, the love they shared, and what he nor Rin knew is that her body contained a miracle. It was just too soon to be detected by anyone other than herself. This was a joyous, yet saddening, instance. Her miracle would perish, here, with her, never knowing the potential and light that'd be brought to the world.

It seemed her time was up. All or nothing, here goes....

She opened her eyes and smirked.

There he stood. Long black hair pulled back into a high ponytail, the ends stirring in the wind. His lithe, trim figure dwarfed her, as he stood over six foot four, easily. Icy blue eyes narrowed, leering and unforgiving.

He withdrew the sword from the scabbard at his hip, the sound of metal sliding against metal caused Kagome to wince, the sound grating.

"Priestess", the handsome demon growled.

The miko inwardly flinched. The demon may be gorgeous, but his insides, his intentions, gave him a hideous appearance. Standing her ground she greeted him appropriately.

"Demon. Your soul requires purification due your abhorrent deeds, and I will be the harbinger that sends you on your way." Kagome exuded confidence despite her wounds. In her heart, though, she felt a tinge of fear. Fear for the unknown. Fear of losing herself, Rin, InuYasha, those she loved. Fear was not a welcomed emotion in a miko- in fact, more than not, emotions such as these led to their downfall. Negative feelings were a hindrance, usually leading a miko down the path of isolation, apathy, pain, anger and death.

"Where's the girl, Rin," he demanded.

"Somewhere you'll never find her," she returned coldly. "With someone who'll protect her with their very life." Head cocked to the side, curiosity piercing her, she asked, "Why do you want her, demon?"

"My reasons are my own, and my name is Ryuu, not demon."

With that Ryuu leaped forward, rushing towards the miko, a blur of motion, his sword high in the air, and Kagome witnessed her fantastical life flash before her eyes, then nothing at all.

A/N: Well, that's it for now. Due to lack of inspiration and interest in the story....I'm seriously considering deletion. So, if you enjoy reading this, I would appreciate the input, as you guys- my fellow readers and authors- do inspire me.

Special thanks:

I want to give a big thanks and all to the following for reading and reviewing. You guys are awesome!

Rickashay

Mystic Blaze

My Seven Sins Of Love

Oo Nelliel oO

Animeroxs Rin-Sess and Inu-Kag