I'm back for Chapter Dos! Woo-hoo! I'm kinda sad though…only one review…and it mentioned dragon fodder (lol). Oh well, I'll live! So here we go!

Chapter Two Disclaimer: Sorry everyone, but I'm sad to say that I don't own InuYasha. I own a pen instead.

InuYasha couldn't believe he was actually doing something for Sesshomaru. It was ridiculous. The only thing that cheered him up was the thought that his brother didn't like it any more than he did.

Jinenji's garden came into sight just as the first light of dawn was peeking over the horizon. The big half-demon was already outside, tending to his herbs. "Hey, Jinenji!" InuYasha called.

He looked up, instantly recognizing the person running toward him. "It's been a long time," he said.

"Yeah, it has. I can't stay, though. I need some medicine for someone who was poisoned." His drooping ears showed that he really didn't enjoy sounding like a kind person.

"Another friend of yours?"

"Feh. The little girl's with my brother." His voice held contempt on the last word.

"Hey! Who's out there?" someone called from the hut nearby.

"Just InuYasha, Ma," Jinenji answered. "Here for some medicine."

An old woman emerged into the pale daylight. "Ah, InuYasha. Haven't seen you in a while. You want something to eat before you head back?"

At the mention of food, his stomach growled. He knew he should get back quickly. But still…he could smell the delicious aroma of food wafting through the air. A couple of minutes wouldn't hurt, would it?

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Back in the village, Rin's condition had worsened. She was very feverish, and restless in her sleep. The few times she was awake, she was in a haze, unable to make out what was going on. And it was quite clear that she was in a lot of pain. It was all Kaede could do to get the soothing teas down the girl's throat. She was afraid, and struggled against the woman's care.

But for now, she was sleeping, alone in the hut with Sesshomaru. Kaede was taking a turn holding up the barrier, but she would doubtless be back soon. Her strength was fading quickly.

Rin whimpered, turning onto her side. "Lord Sesshomaru," she whispered pleadingly.

"I am here, Rin," he said softly, gently laying his hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes at his touch, unable to mask the agony in her face. But she smiled nonetheless, trying to sit up. "Rest," Sesshomaru instructed.

"What happened?" she asked, weakly. "Did you beat Naraku?"

"Yes."

"Good. I wanted to see, but I got lost…" Her voice trailed off as she drifted back into fevered sleep.

A moment later, Kikyo walked in. A low growl sounded in Sesshomaru's throat, but he gave no other reaction. "I'm perfectly aware that you hate me," the priestess said. "Kaede sent me to check on the girl."

He allowed her to see to Rin, glaring coldly at her the entire time. Kikyo wasn't about to stay quiet, though, and she definitely wasn't going to lose this chance to mess with him. "I won't be giving you false hope. This child's only chance of recovery lies with InuYasha returning quickly. And he has a habit of getting sidetracked." In any other situation, her words would have gotten her killed. But she was playing a big part in keeping the miasma at bay; he could do nothing to her. Feeling his wrath behind her, she left, a satisfied smile on her face.

;p

InuYasha returned that afternoon, just as Kagome was trading off with Kikyo. "Where's Kaede?" he asked impatiently, wanting to give her the medicine and get the task over with.

"Asleep, actually. She's worn out. I'm in charge of Rin for the moment."

"Feh, fine. Here." He tosses her the herbs Jinenji had given to him. "It's the same stuff we got for Kilala."

"Good. Oh, and InuYasha?"

He was walking away, but stopped and looked over his shoulder to see what she wanted.

"Thank you, for doing this for Rin."

"Feh, whatever." He resumed going to wherever he going, and Kagome hurried to see Rin.

She walked into the hut to a sight which worried her. Despite Sesshomaru's iron control over his emotions, concern was etched on his face. Rin was awake, but was delirious. Her head was resting on his lap, and she was clutching at his kimono, whimpering quietly. He had his arm around her, and did not look up when she came in.

"She'll be alright, Sesshomaru," Kagome said softly. "I've got the medicine for her."

"I fear…I fear it may be too late," he whispered, so softly it was barely audible. But Kagome heard, and knew what it must have cost him to admit it.

InuYasha stood outside, listening gravely. So, he thought. He really does care. Damn, I should have gotten back here faster. He stayed there as Kagome tried to give Rin the medicine. She fought it, struggling in her fever-induced terror. As much as he hated to admit it to himself, he didn't want the child to die. She was probably the best thing that had happened to his brother; ever since she'd started tagging along with him, his compassion was growing. The others may not have noticed, but then again, they hadn't known Sesshomaru as long as he had. And who knows what he would do if she died.

Finally, he'd had enough speculation. Going in, he looked Sesshomaru square in the eye and asked, "If you're so worried about her, can't you just try to save her with Tenseiga?"

"InuYasha," Kagome hissed warningly.

"No," Sesshomaru answered sadly, maintaining eye contact with him. "A person can be saved by Tenseiga only once."

"Oh…"

Kagome dragged InuYasha out of the hut to save both of the brothers from further embarrassment. "You shouldn't have done that," she said, only half-angry at him. "How do you think he feels, completely unable to do anything at all to help her? It may be hard for you to believe, but he really does care for her. He may even love her."

InuYasha said nothing in return. What Kagome said was likely. After all, he'd come into a position like that himself, with Shippo. Though they often fought and argued, he'd kill anyone who dared harm the little fox demon. After a moment's thought, he had cooled down enough. "So now what do we do?"

"Now we wait," Kagome whispered. "We wait, and we hope." She shivered in the cold breeze that was starting up.

InuYasha sniffed the air, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "What is it?" she asked.

"This wind…it smells almost like Naraku…"

"It's Kagura," came a soft voice from behind them. Sesshomaru was standing in the doorway of the hut, looking at the sky above them.

"Kagura?" Kagome echoed.

"Must be," InuYasha agreed. "Like she always said, she is the wind."

Didn't expect Kagura to show up in any way, shape, or form, did you? Oh, in case you're wondering, she died, long before they did Naraku in. But, she is the wind! And I bet you're wondering what will happen with Kikyo, once the miasma clears…you'll have to read on to find out!