AN: You know I have read so many stories and I am seriously thinking of killing Rin, because of others…. One they don't age her properly… after say 3+ years they still have Rin acting like she is 4 instead of 12/13 as she would be… Sesshomaru had saved Rin when she was 8/9 years old and to keep her at the age of 4 is stupid… so if I kill Rin don't blame me, blame all those that don't know how to age her like they do to Kagome… Shippo is 54 in youkai years and appears 7 or younger in human so please tell me how can they be paired? Rin would be long since dead by the time he matures to matable age.

Chapter 02

Not wanting to waste time and being direct as he always was, he broke the quiet.

"Miko a word." He stated as he turned and walked away from the group of females. He could smell his half-breed, half-brother's blood and was thankful that he was not going to be able to stop him from acquiring the miko's aid. He also detected the stench of Naraku and his bees on the monk. He surmised that they had a recent encounter with the pest. Though if he found out that the pest had anything to do with his pups death… Hell would be paradise, compared to what he would do to him. He already had more than enough reason to kill the spider.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Cried the excited teen.

"Rin stay, This One needs to speak to the miko."

Kagome didn't know what to make of all of this. She and Sango had just returned from a bath after settling the guys within Keade's hut. She knew that both males would be out for a couple of days with the injuries that they had sustained.

"Kagome?" Sango called, lowering her weapon as she watched Kagome sling her bow over her shoulder and replace the arrow that was nocked and ready to fire, if the situation called for it, back into the quiver on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Sango. If he wanted to hurt me, he would have."

"If you're sure."

"Yeah. I'll be back." Kagome stated giving a weak smile as she followed Sesshomaru out of the village. It surprised her that he walked so far just to have a chat with her, but when he finally turned towards her they were standing in the clearing with the Well. She knew not to press Sesshomaru and that he would talk when he was ready too and not a moment before.

"Miko. This One finds himself in need of your services." Damn he hated having to ask for help, but his pups needed her. He just hoped that she could save his pups. Last he knew she was untrained, though her powers now felt more relaxed and under her control. Interesting.

To say that Kagome was shocked would be an understatement. Since when would the mighty Sesshomaru require the help of ningen, especially her.

"What do you need my help with?" Kagome asked, gently. She really didn't want to aggravate him, she knew he could and would kill her without a second thought, though he did state that he needed her help.

"Approximately four days ago, someone stole into this One's home, attacking this One's mate and nursing females. Since the attack two of this One's pups have since perished. Without aid the remainder will not last much longer. This One's healers cannot find the cause and have suggested that possibly a miko would be able to assist in saving the lives of my young."

Giving the miko a hard look. He continued. He knew from prior encounters that this particular female was emotional and he needed a cool head to deal with what was to come. He just hoped that she would be able to help his pups, if not they were all doomed.

"It appears that an individual of unknown scent and aura has been able to gain entry into this One's home." He paused briefly at the young miko's gasp of surprise.

Kagome was having a hard time grasping that someone had gained unwanted entry into Sesshomaru's domain. They were either very brave or very stupid. What he said next not only shocked her, but she knew once he found the person or persons responsible they would die very slowly.

"It appears that they had gained knowledge of this One not only taking a mate, but has sired pups." Again Kagome gasped, shocked. No wonder he hasn't come by as often and why he had placed Rin in their care.

Undaunted Sesshomaru continued as if the miko never made a sound. "They gained access to the nursery, killing this One's mate, and the assisting nursing females. It was not know at that time what was done to this One's pups, but since the intrusion two of the smallest pups have perished." Sesshomaru watched as the miko gasped a third time, though this time both of her hands rose one to clutch her haori above her heart and the other to cover her mouth, He also watched as her bright blue eyes misted over with tears, that she was trying not to shed.

"This One's healers can find nothing wrong, though the pups are weakening they are unable to feed in their current state. The healers have suggested that a miko may be of assistance in finding and correcting the problem. This One came to you as you seem to have an affinity for youkai. Discretion is advised. The fewer to know the better."

"Of course, I'll help if I can. I just need to tell Sango and Keade that I'll be gone for a bit. They can look after InuYasha and Miroku. I will also need my bag."

"Hn." Sesshomaru replied. He was not about to admit that he was grateful to a miko for her help. He watched as the miko turned and rushed off back to the village.

It didn't take Sesshomaru long before he arrived back at the hut. He heard the miko speaking to those within and the movements of the miko as she gathered the things she would bring.

"Are you sure, Kagome."

"Yes. He said that the illness going through his home is targeting the young and some have already died along with others. He needs my help and you know I can't let anything happen to children if I can help it." Sesshomaru was pleased to note that the miko did not state that they were his pups, though she was close.

"Kagome, child."

"I know Keade, but you know I have to help. If I can save one life, you know I will do it."

"Hai. Ye be watchful, youkai don't take kindly to miko."

"I'm sure Sesshomaru will protect me, while I'm there trying to help. He knows that if something happens to me more could die."

Sesshomaru raised his brow at the miko's statement, even if it were true.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Sesshomaru turned to face his ward. She had grown a lot while in the care of this village. She was still small, but she was gaining height. Soon she would have suitors of her own.

"Hn." He hummed, indicating that he was listening.

"Kagome~sama, told us that someone gained entry into your home, and killed some people. Is that true." Rin asked, she was on the verge of tears.

"Yes." He was not about to disclose that those killed were his mate and pups as well as the other females. Rin didn't need to know, at least not right now. He would inform her once the culprits were dealt with, it was safer for her here.

"I just wanted to say how sorry I am." She had grown a lot since coming here. Kagome was a great teacher as well as Keade. She was learning so much about being a human female, though she missed her lord and Jaken. "I miss you and master Jaken."

"I will send Jaken."

"Thank you." She smiled, yes Jaken was rude, but they had gotten along really well, besides InuYasha reminded her a lot of the surly kappa, though Jaken didn't use foul language like her lords brother.

"I'm ready." Kagome said as she rushed out of the hut, with her a bag over her shoulder, along with her bow and quiver, she had learned long ago to never go anywhere without her weapons. Though she kept one weapon hidden within her bag.

Sesshomaru was pleased to note that she was no longer wearing that indecently short kimino. He would not have approved of the attire in his home.

"Momma!" Shippo yelled, running full out towards the miko. Sesshomaru watched somewhat amused as the kit jumped, landing on the miko's chest grabbing her haori. Shippo had come running from the far end of the village when he not only felt but smelled Sesshomaru. He was worried that the big inu was here to cause a fight, since it has been awhile since they had last seen him.

"It's okay, Sweetie. I am going to go with Sesshomaru for a little bit. There seems to be a problem that he needs my help with."

"I don't want you to go."

"Shippo. Little ones have been harmed. You know I have to help if I can. I want you to stay here and guard the village until InuYasha and Miroku are up and about. Besides you need to protect Rin." Kagome knew that Shippo like the taller girl. When she was younger she made a great playmate. Now that she was older she was even better, as she could run faster with longer legs.

"But what if he hurts you?" Shippo asked, as he started shaking.

"This One, has no intentions of harming the miko."

"See. Now go with Rin. I will be back as soon as I can. I really need your help in keeping everyone safe while I'm gone." Kagome stated sternly. Shippo new that she had been working hard on her studies and learning how to defend herself.

"Okay. But you gotta back soon. You know InuYasha will be mad that you left and that you're with his brother."

"Don't worry about InuYasha, I can handle him. Now go play. I'll be back as soon as I can." She said putting Shippo down and watched as he grabbed Rin's hand dragging her off.

Sesshomaru was not looking forward to the mode of transportation, that he would have to share with the miko, but it was the fastest and he needed to return home as quickly as possible.

So with that in mind he walked towards the miko, wrapping his pelt around her waist, holding her tight against his side, he formed his youki cloud below their feet and lifted off the ground. He was surprised that the girl didn't scream when they left the ground, humans were not accustomed to flying.

Kagome knew that Sesshomaru wasn't one for much talking, but she still needed to know a few things before they got to his home.

"How long will it take to get to your home?" Kagome asked, speaking just loud enough to be heard over the roar of the wind passing her ears.

"We will reach this One's home home, by mid day tomorrow." Sesshomaru stated blandly. He knew she would want to talk.

"Alright, um can you tell me how many pups are still alive and how old they are."

"This One's mate birthed ten pups. They are under a moon cycle." Kagome was speechless. She never knew youkai could have such large litters. As far as she knew youkai, or at least according to InuYasha, he and Sesshomaru were the only ones born in their litters and they were so very young.

"I didn't know, youkai could have so many pups at once. I mean both you and InuYasha both come from single births."

"Hn. It is rare, but not unheard of to have such large litters. It mainly depends on how they were conceived. Being in humanoid form, generally allows for no greater than two and that is rare. In true form we are much like our mortal counterparts, which allow for great litters." Sesshomaru explained, though he had no idea why he was explaining youkai mating to a mere human female.

"Oh!" Kagome stated with a blush. They fell into silence then. Sesshomaru not one for talking and Kagome lost in her own thoughts.

Her mind kept going back over what Sesshomaru had told her about the deaths and why Tenseiga didn't work. She also wondered if they would be stopping for the night, but she doubted it, as the lives of the other pups now hung in the balance. Her heart went out to Sesshomaru, not only did he lose his mate, but he has lost at least two pups to an unknown assailant.

Her mind wandered to her friends that she left behind. She knew that Sango and Shippo were worried about her safety, but honestly, if Sesshomaru had wanted her dead she would be, but he came to her for help and that is not something to be taken lightly. Everyone knew Sesshomaru didn't ask for anything, especially from a ningen.

She knew that Miroku would try to see the logic in what she was doing, but there was no guarantee. None of them knew about her training, but Shippo and possibly Kirara, since Shippo was always with the cat.

She hoped that InuYasha wouldn't be too angry with her, but he knew how she was after four years, even if it was his brother she was helping, it wasn't in her to turn away from someone needing help, especially if it was children. Besides it wasn't as if he really cared about her. Everyone knew that she was just a replacement for Kikyou.

Kagome didn't trust Kikyou, too many times in the past has she betrayed them, how many times has she tried to kill Kagome to take Kagome's soul. It was bad enough that when she was near she was constantly in pain. Her soul wanting to be whole again and the pull that Kikyou used to try to rip it out of her.

Sesshomaru didn't bother asking why his brother had been injured. He could care less about the mongrel, his only worry was getting the miko back to his home. He silently prayed to any Kami that would listen to spare his pups. He did not want to think of them all succumbing to whatever is that is ailing them.

He was very surprised that his mate had gifted him with so many pups. He was pleased and before he even had a real chance to get to know the female, she was gone along with two of his smallest pups. The small females had just been given names and now they are dead. He wondered idly if this miko would be able to help his pups. He knew she was caring and powerful, but would she be able to find the cause and stop it.

He knew his thoughts were rambling so he directed his mind elsewhere. He could not afford to break, even if he lost all of his pups. To show weakness even for ones young could prove to be a fatal error. So he turned his mind to more pleasant things like how he was going to torture and kill those responsible.

-S.P.-

"Were you seen?" The dark sinister male voice demanded.

"No Master."

"How many?"

"Five adult females, including his mate." Replied the voice void of any and all emotions.

"The mutts offspring." A sneer graced the handsome face.

"Two confirmed dead. The remaining weakening and should be dead soon."

Loud maniacal laughter echoed off the walls, causing all within the structure to cringe at the sound. When the male was finally able to gain control over his senses again.

"This is all too perfect. He will be weakened from his loss. The Great Lord of the Western Lands will fall and when the last falls he will beg for death. I will have his powers."

"What of the other?"

"That has been in the works for years. Soon they will be as broken as that mutt, if not more so. Then no one will be able to stop me."

"What of the hanyou?"

"Taken care of. All is going according to plan."

Until Next Time...

AN: I am working on To Betray a Miko I only have 2 more pages to work out then upload… I haven't forgotten it… it is only delayed a little bit...