HELLO EVERYONE! For those that celebrated the holiday, I hope you all had a 'Happy Thanksgiving' with great food and company. =0)

First of all, a BIG thank you to S1lv3rPh4ntOm for their amazing help with my inquiry regarding timeline for the Inu Yasha series. They took time out of their busy schedule to give me some great detailed information which was SUPER helpful. So, thank you so, so, so, so much for taking the time to do all that and for helping me out. You are AMAZING! Also, thank you to Kaasuten for helping me with the question regarding Rin. I have realized how much I have forgotten about the series in writing, so thank heavens it is a fanfiction and if some tidbits are a little off, I can always go back and edit. LOL.

And again, thank you for the new follower's and reviews. I know this is moving a little slow, so hopefully things will start to pick up in this chapter and the ball will get rolling. Whew. Anyway, thanks for the help and all the great feedback. I hope I continue to keep y'all entertained and reading.

I apologize this is so late in getting posted. I had some personal issues come up, and so it set me back a little bit. Plus, I have been trying to get things posted to my Deviantart account, and so on and so forth. Ha ha ha. But, that is just life, so thank you for your patience, and I will try to do better at posting at the beginning of each week. If I can get it done in time, I may get two chapters posted next week. No promises, but that is my goal to make up for making y'all wait for this next chapter.

Now, on to the chapter.

CHAPTER III

Kagome awoke the next morning feeling groggy and disoriented. Her sleep had been restless and fitful, filled with strange dreams and too many unanswered questions that would not cease rolling through her mind so she could sleep. Tossing her covers to the side, she rolled from her futon, hair a wild disarray, and her nagajuban rumpled and rolling off one shoulder. Stretching, mouth open in a huge yawn, she stood to her feet, shuffling to her window to peek through the shutters of her window. The sun had yet to fully rise, and specks of light were filtering through the trees beyond the horizon, filing the sky with hues of yellow and orange, slowly chasing away the navy blue of night to the pale blue of day. Inhaling deeply, stretching once more, she returned to her futon, folding the blankets and setting them to the side before rolling up the futon and putting all bedding away. She then proceeded to dress, opting today for a simple kimono and obi as Kaede was traveling to a neighboring village to assist a fellow priestess with a small ritual and would not be needing Kagome to attend. So, instead Rin and her were planning to visit Sango and her new baby, before going to the river to wash some clothing and bath. While not a hot spring, it was better than staying smelly and sweaty for days on end. Rin didn't seem to mind the temperatures, as kids never seemed to, and would spend hours simply splashing and floating in the river. She found Kagome's need for cleanliness and constant bathing amusing, if not a bit baffling, but loved to accompany the young priestess either way. In fact, Kagome had noted on her initial visit to the feudal era how infrequently people bathed. But, it was ancient times, and it would be years later before the idea that clean hygiene would help eliminate many diseases and sicknesses. But, heck, just because she lived in ancient times didn't mean she had to live like them. She liked to be clean, and clean she would be.

Before placing on her tabi, she took a moment to check her feet. They were still tender this morning, but not like they had been the day prior. The treatment had done a great job of cleansing the torn skin, the poultice already repairing the damaged skin. After her bath, she planned to apply more ointment to the blisters and keep them bandaged for another day. Once dressed, she detangled her hair with a simple handmade comb, brushed her teeth with a frayed stick, chewed on some mint to freshen her breath, and rinsed her face with water before retrieving her basket of clothes to wash, her bathing supplies and a fresh change of clothing, as well as her bow and quiver of arrows. She then exited her hut and began the trek to Kaede's where Rin would be waiting. Rin loved seeing Sango and Miroku's children and would often assist Sango with the care of young Ryuu *(1). She would often play with the twins Ume and Ayaka *(1), usually teaching them the games that Kagome had taught her and Shippo during their travels years back.

Villagers were emerging from their huts to begin their day as she made her way to Kaede's and they greeted each other as they passed one another. Kaede was just exiting her hut when Kagome arrived, a satchel on one hip with her own set of arrows and a bow across her back. She smiled warmly as Kagome came to a halt before the elder priestess.

"Good morning, Kagome," she greeted warmly. "Young Rin is just inside gathering her supplies. She is most excited to see Sango and Miroku's children."

"I am too," Kagome gushed. "Little Ryuu is just too adorable." Rin emerged from the hut then, her own basket of laundry and change of clothes in her arms. She smiled at Kagome, trotting over to stand before the young priestess. "Good Morning, Kagome-nee-chan."

"Good morning, Rin," she replied warmly. "Ready to go see the new baby?"

Rin nodded rapidly. "Oh, yes. Rin is most excited to see young Ryuu." She gave a small bow to Kaede. "Safe journey today Lady Kaede."

"Thank ye young Rin," Kaede beamed. "I shall. I will see ye both later today for evening meal."

Two choruses of 'goodbye' echoed as the two headed in the direction of Miroku and Sango's hut, while Kaede headed towards the stable to retrieve a horse for riding. She was not able to make the trek on foot and so riding would be her means to reach the neighboring village. She had not asked Kagome to accompany her as it was for a small cleansing ritual that did not require the young priestess to attend, at least not yet anyway. Someday when the spirits called her to the underworld, or she simply was ready to let Kagome take over the position would she be required to attend such rituals and events. But for now, Kaede was more than willing and able to attend these smaller rituals and summons. And it would be good to see her old friend Syoko again anyway.

On the far side of the village, Rin and Kagome had reached Sango and Miroku's hut, ironically arriving just as Miroku was exiting, followed closely behind by Inu Yasha. Inu Yasha seemed surprised to see her, while Miroku merely smiled in greeting.

"Good morning young Rin, Lady Kagome, Sango and the children are inside beginning the morning meal. I am sure they would love for you to join them." Rin happily dashed inside, leaving Kagome outside with the hanyou and former priest.

"Thank you for the offer," she said kindly. "Are you two off somewhere today?"

Glancing briefly at Inu Yasha, Miroku nodded. "A village to the south has been plagued with a kappa that is making it difficult for the villagers to fish for food. It has been shredding their nets and snagging their lines, one villager almost drowned, and they are not able to entice it to leave. They asked me to come assist them, and if I cannot subdue it," he gave Inu Yasha a pat on the head. "Then Inu Yasha here will take care of it. Won't you, Inu Yasha?"

Inu Yasha jerked his head away from the offending appendage, glaring at the monk. "Don't treat me like a pet," he grumbled. "How about I pat you on the head and see how you like it."

Unfazed by the threat, Miroku removed his hand, chuckling slightly. "We will be back by mid-morning tomorrow, if this goes as smoothly as anticipated." He hefted up his staff, checking his robes to make sure he had the proper sutras and spells, just in case. Kagome nodded, glancing between the two. "I hope you won't have to kill it. Especially as it is a demon with a small shred of intelligence. I hope you are able to convince it to either leave peacefully or coexist with the villagers in the pond."

Miroku sighed dramatically, placing a hand on Kagome's shoulder. "Dear Kagome, your kindness never ceases to amaze me. To show such kindness and consideration to a mere demon is inspiring to this tainted heart."

Stepping between the two so it forced Miroku to drop his hand, Inu Yasha glared at the prior monk. "Spare us your dramatics monk, and hands off Kagome." Kagome rolled her eyes, while Miroku merely shrugged. "Yes, yes, Inu Yasha, I get it, she's your woman."

"That's not what I said," Inu Yasha snapped, cheeks burning. "Can we get going now?"

Bowing his head to indicate for Inu Yasha to proceed, Miroku shrugged teasingly at Kagome before turning his back and following after the hanyou. Kagome waved after them, watching until they had disappeared from sight, before turning and heading into the hut. The twins were sitting with Rin by the fire, watching Sango ladle some porridge into bowls for each of them. Little Ryuu was already strapped to her back, relaxed and dozing at her shoulder. Rin immediately dug in, blowing delicately to cool it before popping the bite into her mouth. Sango helped Ume and Ayaka to ensure they did not burn their mouths with the hot porridge altering back and forth between the two, as they ate ravenously. She smiled at Kagome, nodding her head as invitation for her to sit down and help herself. Setting down her items by the door, she removed her zori, kneeling down next to Rin. Helping herself to some porridge, she lifted the bowl to her lips and blew on it before taking a bite. The delicious flavor of sweetness and spice coated her tongue, and she nodded her approval to Sango.

"Delicious," she praised.

"Thank you," Sango stated humbly. "The girls seem to like it as well." She would pause to take a bite herself from the bowl before resuming her pattern of feeding Ume then Akaya and repeating. It was a comical picture as each child sat chewing their food before swallowing and immediately opening their mouths for the next bit. They reminded Kagome of little birds waiting for the parents to feed them their latest catch, and she grinned behind her bowl at the mental image. They spent the time eating in relative silence, with occasional remarks and outbursts from the twins. Kagome would tease the twins for their actions, and Rin would laugh at their antics. Once the meal was finished and the cleanup complete, the four replaced their zori's, retrieved their gear for washing ; Rin and Kagome left their bathing supplies in the hut as they would retrieve those upon their return from cleaning the laundry, and began the short trek to the pond. The twins dashed off ahead of the two adults, with Rin following closely behind ensuring that they did not come to harm or injury. The children would run ahead find something of interest and would often have to been coaxed by Sango and Kagome to keep moving forward. The twins were fascinated by everything they saw, the dirt on the ground, flowers and shrubbery on the side of the trail, the occasional small shrines, demon wards, trees, the rice fields, and even the bugs. Whether a large dragonfly, cicada or butterfly, the three would give chase to the creature, trying in vain to catch them. The two women laughed at their antics, especially at one point when Ume had a butterfly land on her nose and she went nearly cross eyed trying to see it. Rin was always there to ensure they were gentle with the fragile creature, patiently showing them how to hold the tiny body in their hands. They would squeal each time the butterfly would move or fly away, giving chase in attempt to capture it again.

Upon reaching the pond, the three children raced to the edge beginning a search for any bugs or tadpoles in the shallows. They came across a few frogs, mimicking them as they leapt from lily pad to lily pad, eluding the three pairs of hands. Sango and Kagome crouched down at the edge of the pond, pulling their baskets close and once their sleeves were secured with tasuki, began the wash. Rin kept the children occupied while the grownups worked, at one point taking them to a section of flowers to show them how to make flower crowns. The two adults talked about various topics as they cleaned, pausing at intervals to rinse and ring the clothing they washed. Their topic of conversation varied, from Kagome's latest escapades with Inu Yasha, what she was learning from Kaede, to the twins' and Ryuu's birth as Kagome had not been present to witness them, and their latest growing milestones. They were active, curious children, and Sango regaled Kagome with stories of them learning to walk, to their first words and so much more. Kagome laughed at the various tales, recalling certain memories of Souta from his younger years. A wistful nostalgic look came upon her face as she thought of Souta and Sango noticed it.

"Do you regret your decision?" she asked softly. "About coming back here?"

Looking up in surprise, Kagome quickly shook her head. "No, not at all. I just miss them is all. And a little sad at the things I will miss by coming here. Souta graduating, getting married, having a family, Mom, Grandpa" Her eyes grew distant as she spoke, looking into the water at her distorted reflection. "And yet, the thought of all the things I would miss here, if I could never come back, was even more painful than the thought of missing out on them. Not being able to know what happens to Rin, who she marries, what her children are like, Kohaku and the man he will become, Shippo becoming a full-fledged kitsune and mastering his skills and abilities, Miroku and you. Inu Yasha. The thought that I would never see any of you again was too much to bear, and so when presented with the chance to come back, I took it. And I don't regret it for a moment. I will miss my family, and always will, but I know that they will be happy and that perhaps some of my posterity will remember my story and share it with them. They will somehow know the life I lead and will know I was happy."

"And are you?" Sango asked hesitantly. "Are you happy?"

Kagome nodded, her eyes flashing with something Sango couldn't name. "I am."

"Good," Sango nodded her head as well, tending to some clothes in silence for a moment before speaking again. "And what of Inu Yasha?"

Kagome frowned in puzzlement. "What about him?"

"Is he happy too?"

"As happy as Inu Yasha can be," she supplied vaguely.

Sango hummed thoughtfully, but did not comment. They drifted off in to silence once more, the faint voices of the children carrying to their ears as they continued to build their flower crowns. Kagome gave little heed to what they were saying until she caught Sesshoumaru's and her name.

"And so Rin told Sesshoumaru that Kagome-nee-chan was sad the other day and it made him sad too," Rin was saying, unaware that Kagome was listening in. "He doesn't like it when Kagome-nee-chan is sad, he likes it when she is happy. He loves hearing her laugh, and so does Rin. Her laugh makes Rin feel warm inside. Rin always wants to laugh when Kagome-nee-chan laughs. And she likes flowers like Rin does. Rin LOVES finding flowers and giving them to Lord Sesshoumaru. He likes it when I put them on Jaken's head. Rin loves making Lord Sesshoumaru happy. He is so kind."

Kagome shook her head bemusedly, looking up to see Sango listening in to Rin's words as well. Their eyes met, both lifting their brows in silent bemusement. It was so contradictory to their views of the powerful demon lord, it was boggling to hear such words from the child. This side he seemed to always expose to Rin was most likely her interpretation of actions instead of actual truth. It had to be. Especially the comments on his 'feeling's' towards Kagome. It was almost laughable. Sango seemed of the same thought as she shook her head, cocking her head minutely towards the three.

'What do you make of that?' she mouthed to Kagome. Kagome shrugged, really not sure what to make of it. Where in the world was she getting the idea that the demon was even remotely interested in Kagome? Let alone concerned about her 'feelings'? This just didn't sound like the Sesshoumaru they knew and had associated with. Yes, he had saved her and assisted her on a number of occasions, but it wasn't done because he liked her. Was it?

"All done," Rin cheered, holding up her flower crown. The twins held theirs up, and while barely holding together and torn in parts, they beamed with pride at their accomplishments. Together the three put the crowns atop their heads, modeling for each other, giggling at the image they presented. By then the wash was completed, and the two women stood up with their now clean clothes, ready to hang them out for drying.

"Back to the hut, Ume and Ayaka," Sango called. "Ryuu will be waking soon and ready to eat." As if to confirm her words, Ryuu began to stir in his carrier on her back, fussing slightly, face puckering in distress. Kagome cooed at the little baby, smiling wistfully down at him. Catching this, Sango tilted her head thoughtfully.

"Have you made marriage plans with Inu Yasha yet?" she asked curiously, to which Kagome ducked her head down pretending to adjust her pile of clean laundry to avoid Sango's eyes.

"We haven't talked about it much," she murmured evasively. "With me being so busy prepping to take Kaede's place and such, we haven't gotten to that point yet."

"Huh," Sango said. "Well, I'm sure you will figure out. It is a big step."

Kagome nodded, still not meeting her friend's eyes. "Yes, it is, and I am not familiar with a lot of the customs in this time, so want to make sure I have things down."

Sango eyed her friend thoughtfully, seeing more than Kagome realized. Deciding now was not the time to get into it, she merely gave Kagome a pat on the shoulder. "Well, there is no rush. You have your whole lives together, when the time is right, you will know."

Kagome nodded. "Yeah."

The somber mood was disrupted as three happy and excited children ran by, crowns still atop their heads. Rin was the last to pass, and she stopped a few feet in front of the two women, pivoting to face them. In her hands was another flower crown, beautifully done in an assortment of colorful wildflowers. She was grinning from ear to ear, cheeks flushed from running.

"I made you a crown, Kagome-nee-chan," she presented happily. "Here."

Kagome blinked in surprise for a moment, before lowering herself down with a smile so that Rin could place it on her head. "Thank you, Rin. It is beautiful."

Rin beamed, the twins 'oohing' and 'aahing' at Rin's creation and how it fit on her head.

"Pwetty, pwetty," they cheered, running in circles around the laughing priestess. Sango smiled as well, gently herding them to the hut as Ryuu gave a very loud and angry wail.

"March," she ordered affectionately. "Little brother is hungry. Let's not keep him waiting."

"Kay," they chorused together, turning as one to sprint to the hut. Rin followed behind, all three reaching the crest of the hill where the hut stood before them. Sango placed her basket of laundry on the ground beneath the line, planning to hang them once Ryuu was fed.

Sensing her intent, Kagome placed her basket next to Sango's and then reached into the slayers to begin draping the articles over the line. "I'll do this, you go take care of Ryuu," she offered.

Smiling gratefully, Sango nodded before heading to the hut, Ryuu's cries of distress increasing in both volume and intensity. When babies were hungry, they sure let one know. Smiling affectionately at the thought, Kagome bent down to retrieve another article of clothing. She felt the crown on her head slipping forward and quickly braced it with a hand. Rin came out of the hut just then, her crown still on her head, eyes alight with happiness and excitement. Without asking, she joined Kagome bending down to take the clothing from the basket and then handing them to Kagome as she could not reach the line yet. Kagome smiled gratefully, and they worked together to hang the laundry, done within minutes. Next, they tackled Kagome's and Rin's laundry, using another line for her items. Hers was smaller even with Rin's, whereas Sango had her own, Miroku's, the twins and Ryuu's. They were done within moments, and they stacked the two baskets by the tree for use later when the clothes were dry. Together they made their way to the hut to retrieve their bathing supplies. The twins were quietly resting on a unrolled futon, while Sango had Ryuu to her breast for feeding. She smiled as the two poked their heads in, and Kagome silently signaled to her supplies, and Sango nodded. Silently the two retrieved their items, waved farewell to the three and then made their way back outside.

"Ready to go get cleaned up?" she asked once outside. Rin nodded happily, taking the lead to the pond where they would wash. This was a little further away from the village, as the closer ponds and rivers were for washing laundry, sheets and such, and she didn't want to risk a hapless village coming across two girls bathing. While she did not intend to strip completely, being only in her nagajuban still left little to the imagination, especially when wet. Although she was fairly confident that they would be able to bath in peace, without the risk of someone coming across them, she extended her senses as they drew near to the pond, relieved she could sense no evil auras.

Setting down their supplies, Kagome quickly set up a pit and placed sticks and leaves in the center, igniting a small fire to warm themselves with after they bathed. Delicately removing her crown from her head, Rin quickly disrobed until she too was just in her under clothing before happily bounding into the water. She, like so many children, seemed unaffected by the cold water, whereas Kagome sucked air through her teeth as she stepped tentatively into the cool liquid. It was cold, but not bitterly so, and it felt soothing on her feet which were still a little tender. She began to splash the water onto her face and body, using a ribbon to tie her hair up out of her way, to wash her body first, after removing the flower crown from her head. Rin's hair was already plastered to her head as she had dove straight in, and she shoved locks of hair out of her face so she could see where she was going. Kagome chuckled at the young girl, pulling out the oils and handmade soaps she had learned to make to begin washing. *(2) Rin followed suit, washing her feet, arms, legs, hands and face, giggling when Kagome offered to wash her hair with the fragrant oils she had with her. Rin wanted to wash her hair next, and Kagome laughed when a portion of oil ended up rolling down the neckline of her nagajuban, once her hair was taken down. Then the two of them dunked their heads in the water to rinse off. They splashed one another, their shrieks and barks of laughter echoing in the little glade. Eventually the two climbed out, ringing the majority of water from their nagajuban. They sat down on large boulders that were warm from the sun where the fire lay, and Kagome had Rin sit in front of her so she could comb out the tangles in the young girls hair. Rin held obediently still, not even flinching when Kagome would accidently hit a particular nasty knot. She was a unique enigma of a child, so grown up at times and yet a child the next. She was reserved and quiet, yet energetic and talkative at others. She was fearless in many ways, loyal and devoted, kind and compassionate. Rin sighed happily as Kagome continued to work out the twisted locks, glancing briefly at Kagome before facing forward again.

"Rin likes when Kagome-nee-chan brushes her hair," she murmured. "Kagome-nee-chan makes Rin's hair very pretty."

"Well, it helps that you have beautiful hair to begin with," Kagome replied, wincing as she caught on another tangle, murmuring a soft 'sorry' to the young child.

"Rin doesn't have beautiful hair, Lord Sesshoumaru and Kagome have pretty hair. My Lord's hair is always so soft and silky. Rin loves it when Lord Sesshoumaru allows Rin to comb his hair."

Kagome paused in her brushing. "Sesshoumaru lets you comb his hair?" she asked incredulously. "He actually lets you touch him?"

Rin nodded happily. "Oh, yes. Not as often as Rin would like, but he has let Rin touch his hair." She sighed, fingering a lock of her dark hair. "It is so soft, and pretty, not like Rin's. Rin's hair is plain."

"It most certainly is not," Kagome denied readily. "You have very beautiful hair. But I would agree, Sesshoumaru does have pretty hair. Lucky demon genes, gorgeous hair, gorgeous looks, smoldering eyes, attractive physics." Wait. What? Where the heck had that come from?! She swallowed nervously as she realized those thoughts were not about a hanyou she knew and loved. She was saved from dwelling on that thought when Rin turned to glance at her in confusion.

"What are 'jeens'?" she asked curiously.

"Oh, um, genes are what make up our appearances and attributes," Kagome explained. "How we get our looks and such from our mothers and fathers. Parts of their physical appearance is passed to you from their genes, and yours will be passed to your children, and so on and so forth."

Rin nodded slowly, processing what had been said. "Rin wonders what 'jeens' she got from her parents." She paused thoughtfully, her face clouded with slight sadness. "Rin doesn't remember what her parents looked like. They died a long time ago."

Sorrow gripped Kagome's heart at the realization that Rin had been an orphan. Was that how she had crossed paths with Sesshoumaru? Wondering on her own, alone, possibly starving and he had taken pity on her? A low human? It still made no sense to her in any way. No matter how she looked at it, taking Rin under his wing was just not something Sesshoumaru would be inclined to do. So why had he? Not that she wasn't grateful for him doing so. She could not picture a life without Rin in it. She was a part of their circle, their family and she was glad that whatever had compelled Sesshoumaru to take Rin in, ensured her permanent place in their lives. On impulse, she hugged the younger girl from behind, stroking her hair gently.

"I'm sorry you lost your parents Rin," she whispered. "That must have been so hard and frightening for you. But, I can tell that your parents were wonderfully, beautiful people." Rin glanced at her, eyes shining bright.

"You can?" she asked, hope clearly in her voice.

Kagome nodded sharply. "Yes, because you are wonderful and beautiful, so I just know they were too."

Rin broke into a wide happy grin. "Thank you, Kagome-nee-chan." She straightened up so Kagome could continue combing her hair. "If that is the case, then Kagome and Lord Sesshoumaru had wonderful parents too."

Kagome paused. "Oh?"

"Yes, because both Lord Sesshoumaru and Kagome-nee-chan are kind and beautiful."

Kagome flushed at the compliment, growing flustered. "Well, I'm not that pretty, but thanks for the compliment," she stammered. "And I don't remember a lot about my father as he passed away when I was young, but I have the most amazing Mom. And though I've never met him myself, I have heard that Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha's father was very kind and loving. Handsome too."

"Rin knew it. Lord Sesshoumaru is so kind and considerate and loving. Rin would follow him anywhere."

"You seem pretty devoted to him," Kagome observed gently. "And you seem to know things about him that no one else does. I must confess I struggle to picture the Sesshoumaru you describe in comparison to the one I've seen." She set down her comb, using her fingers to smooth out the locks and replace the little topknot atop Rin's head. "I wish I could believe this Sesshoumaru you describe was really the one true Sesshoumaru. I know he has his good points, I mean he did help us out a lot during our battle with Naraku, but, kind and loving, I just don't see it."

"Lord Sesshoumaru doesn't let just anyone see his heart," Rin pointed out. "He only lets those he cares for in."

Kagome blinked at the words coming from such a young girls lips. Rin seemed so wise beyond her years and it astounded her what Rin saw that so many others did not.

"Rin," she asked hesitantly. "How did you meet Sesshoumaru? I know that he saved you and that it involves Koga, but I don't know the full story." *(3)

And so Rin told her. She told about coming across a gravely wounded Sesshoumaru outside her village, her many visits to him with different foods and drinks to try to help him, his "concern" for her injuries when she had been beaten by the villagers, talking to her even when she did not speak, and bringing her from the darkness (death) when the wolves had attacked. From that moment on, she had followed loyally behind him, never leaving his side except when ordered to do so out of protection for her, and how he taught her in his own way to be self reliant and gain her confidence and voice back. And while a creature of few words, his actions spoke loud and clear to the young girl his feelings for her, even though he refused to admit it to himself. As Kagome listened she made the connection, from Rin's description of his injuries and appearance, they had met after the time Inu Yasha first learned how to use the tessaiga's backlash wave. Had it not been for tensaiga, it is very likely that Sesshoumaru would have died that day. And the more she talked, the more she began to see what Rin was seeing, causing her to reflect upon her own encounters with the demon lord. The many times he had saved her and her friends, come to Inu Yasha's aid, halting him in his attacks when he had gone mad with the demon transformations. He could have killed Inu Yasha on so many occasions, yet he had not. And why? Perhaps it hadn't been for the reasons he had provided them, not wanting to kill Inu Yasha when he couldn't defend himself, it would be a waste to kill such weak humans, and on and on the thoughts went. Granted her opinion of the demon lord wasn't completely changed, but she was not so inclined to believe he was as uncaring and unfeeling as Inu Yasha insisted he was. He did care, that much was for sure. As Rin regaled her with her many travels and adventures with Sesshoumaru, Jaken, Ah and Un, she began to see some of what Rin was seeing. He truly did care for this young child and was protective of her. He saw this girl as his true ward, and was going to ensure she remained safe and protected. After a moment's reflection, she spoke.

"I can see why you feel the way you do, Rin," she murmured. "Sesshoumaru truly does care for you. And he does have a caring heart." She laughed humorously. "Although I still am having a hard time grasping this concept you have that he cares about me. What has he done that makes you think he even see's me that way?"

Rin was about to speak, when suddenly another voice spoke up, one deep, gravely, and full of evil.

"Well, well boys, what have we here? A delicious morsel just waiting to be sampled."

Mentally gagging at the innuendo, Kagome turned to face the voice, watching as four men emerged from the brush, dirty, unkept, and ragged. She had been prepared and on the alert for demons potentially attacking, not humans, and she cursed herself for her lack of insight. From their state of dress, Kagome was able to discern they were soldier's, but could not tell from what clan or daimyo. She was not that good at history, considering many were about to be wiped from the map in the coming future anyway. Most likely they were deserters, tired of the fighting and the poor treatment, opting instead to take what they felt was owed to them, whether it was theirs to claim or not. Rising slowly to her feet, Kagome placed herself protectively in front of Rin, watching as the men approached. Who she assumed to be the leader was slightly taller than the other three, and slightly cleaner too. His eyes raked over her form, noting the damp clothing and still wet hair.

"Making yourselves all pretty for us, were you?" he sneered, eyes gleaming at what he saw. "My, aren't you a pretty little thing. Why don't you come over here and let us get to know you better?"

Discreetly glancing over, Kagome tried to gage how far her arrows were from where she and Rin stood. While she knew it wouldn't be much of a weapon, a sharpened arrow tip could do some damage. Maybe even enough to at least give Rin a chance to run away. But, sadly the distance was too far, and she knew if she made an attempt to run for them, it would not end well. Looking them over one by one, she noted that all but the leader were unarmed, and he had a katana strapped to his hip. Compared to the rest of his attire, the sword looked fairly new and well cared for. There were no frays on the hilt or spots on the scabbard. She was useless with a sword, but perhaps if she could get her hands on it, she may be able to throw it out of their reach. Glancing briefly down at Rin, she was surprised to note that there was only a hint of fear in the child's eyes as she watched them approach, and when Rin looked up she smiled at Kagome as if to reassure her. Baffled by this girls resolve, she whispered to her from the corner of her mouth.

"When I give you the signal, run as fast as you can back to the village," she instructed. "Don't stop and don't look back, no matter what."

Rin's eyes widened at her words, but she remained silent. Returning her gaze to the leering men, Kagome shook her head.

"Thanks, but no thanks for the offer, gentlemen," she said coolly. "I think we will pass."

At this the grins and leers dropped, replaced by sudden malice. "I wasn't asking girl," the leader growled, taking a step forward. "So, do you come to me, or do I come to you?"

"I chose neither," Kagome stated firmly, taking a small step back pulling Rin with her. She came obediently, still watching the men cautiously, but not fearfully.

"Lord Sesshoumaru will save us, Kagome-nee-chan," she said confidently. "Just you wait and see."

"No one is going to save you," the man sneered, signaling his men with a nod of his head to approach. They did so gleefully, stalking them like lions on the prowl. Kagome could tell almost instantly they were not seasoned fighters as they kept tightly together instead of spreading out to surround and block her in. Using this to her advantage, she gave Rin a gentle push to indicate she make a run for it, just before she rushed at the closest man, using some of the moves she had learned from her friends for defense on the unprepared man. With a wheeze and a grunt of pain, he was instantly down on the ground, eyes shut in pain as he held a very sensitive area. The other three men's eyes widened at her actions, varying degrees of sympathy, shock and horror in their gaze. Taking advantage of their distraction, Kagome quickly turned and ran, close behind Rin. The shouts of surprise and anger reached her ears, but she didn't stop or pause to look behind. She didn't even bother to stop to get their things, just kept running straight for the safety of the village. Their voices seemed to grow distant and she thought they had given up the chase, when suddenly rough hands grabbed her from behind, slamming her to the ground. The action was so sudden, so rough, the wind was knocked from her lungs her teeth clunking together painfully. Spots immediately flashed before her eyes, a sharp pain racing from the base of her skull through her entire head. Dazed and disoriented, she felt a large body settle over hers, a hand wrapping around her neck, not choking her but with enough pressure to hold her in place.

"Kagome-nee-chan," Rin cried, coming to a halt when the priestess fell.

Run, Kagome mentally urged the child, but when she heard the child give a shriek, she knew she too had been caught.

"You know, had you done as I asked, I would have been nice and gentle with you," a voice snarled in her ear. "But since you had to go and hurt my boy and then run, now you have to pay. And your little friend gets to watch."

"Rin," she groaned. "No."

She felt him begin to grope her, before sliding down the tie of her nagajuban and she immediately reacted in anger. Kagome had never been one to react in fear or passivity, but courage and fierceness. Using every ounce of strength she had, she shoved the heel of her hand into her captors face, aiming for his nose, but colliding with his chin instead. While not as effective of his nose, it still knocked his head back and unbalanced him a bit. Not enough to get him off her, but enough to bruise him. And from the growl she could hear from above, he was not happy. A rough, calloused hand grabbed the wrist, slamming it to the ground by her head, while the hand at her neck began to squeeze painfully, blocking off her air.

"Now you've gone and made me mad," he ground out through his teeth. "I was going to have some fun and then move on my merry little way. But now, now, I'm going to let my boys all have a sample of you." Three wicked chuckles followed his comment, and Kagome writhed in an attempt to get the man off her, angry and frustrated at her predicament. Just as he was about to reach for her tie of her nagajuban, the strangled gasp from one of the men gave him pause. A body crumpling to the ground was the only warning they got, before the suffocating, ominous power of an all too familiar aura crashed down upon them.

"Lord…Sessh-Sesshoumaru." Rin's voice was strained as if she was in a choke hold.

The remaining two men turned as the tall demon lord entered the glade, one arm raised with claws flexed and ready for the kill. Their leader was instantly on his feet when his comrade had cried out, turning to see what was transpiring. Calm, almost serene, he approached, gliding on silent feet, silken locks swaying behind him. The man holding Rin tightened his hold on the girl, and she cried out, vainly kicking her legs to gain her freedom. He raised her like a shield, backing away as the demon continued to approach. His companion watched the first man crumple to the ground, head sliced cleanly from the body by some strange green rope that had emerged just before this man in white. They watched him approach warily, Rin still vainly trying to escaped and race to her Lord.

"Lord Sesshoumaru," she repeated joyously.

The demon stopped, gaze flickering to the young girl and then to Kagome who was still on the ground, but slowly pushing herself onto her elbows. Gaze locked on the dead body of his fallen comrade, the man holding Rin slowly backed away; sweat beading on his brow, breath haggard.

"St-stay back," he warned, voice quivering. "Don't come any closer or I'll snap her neck. Just stay-"

His words were cut off as fast as lightning something long, green and hissing shot out from nowhere severing his head from his body as well. It was over in an instant, and the hold on Rin slackened as the body crumpbled. She gave a small grunt as she fell, but was on her feet instantly, dusting herself off. She beamed up at her Lord, as she quickly skirted past the remaining men to stand behind the demon. He did not glance at her or acknowledge her as his gaze was fixed at the remaining men. The leader was expressing varying degrees of rage, confusion and fear, which was replaced by cool disdain once Rin was safely behind the tall demon.

"I see," he sneered. "You have some claim on the child, huh." Sweeping his sword to the side, he tossed his head. "Take the brat we have no need of her." Grinning lasciviously, he walked toward the still dazed Kagome who was now on her knees. Crouching down, the man grabbed her hair, roughly forcing back her head. Glittering blue eyes glared back at him. "We have all that we need right here," he leered. "We were just about to sample this delectable morsel before you interrupted us." Looking back over his shoulder to the demon lord, he cocked his head. "I don't know what you fancy, but once I'm through, you are welcome to her."

The hiss was all the warning Kagome had to close her eyes, before the leader's hold suddenly slackened and then released her hair. A body collapsed just to her side and the sickening smell of burning flesh reached her nose. Opening her eyes she saw the booted feet of the leader, his torso and upper body to her side. Not bothering to look at what she knew she would find, Kagome looked up as the last man gave a frightened squeal, turned and ran. Sighing, she heard the telltale hiss again before another body hit the ground. Then all was silent. Shaking her head, Kagome looked at the bodies scattered around them, before glancing up at Sesshoumaru.

"You didn't have to kill all of them you know," she chastised. "They weren't all bad."

Deep, piercing golden eyes rose to meet hers and when they locked on her, she felt her blood freeze in her veins and her breath catch in her throat. Never in all her yeas knowing Sesshoumaru had she been witness to such emotion as she saw reflected in his orbs now. They swirled and writhed within the depths, a deep fire in them that stunned Kagome. The intensity was almost stifling and she found her breath labored and her heart racing the longer he gazed at her. When he broke contact to calmly look away, Kagome almost sagged with relief, breath rushing from her lungs in a whoosh.

"Killing them spared another from feeling of their lustful intentions," he stated flatly. While he spoke without any emotion or inflection, something in his tone gave Kagome pause. His eyes were cast down to Rin who was grinning up at him, hugging tight to one of his legs. Lifting a large hand, he gently set it atop her head briefly before lowering it back to his side. It was enough for Rin, as she beamed happily up at the tall demon lord. And then it hit her. He was...disappointed, if that was the right word. Disappointed with her response to his actions and what he had done. I mean, he had just saved their lives, and saved her innocence for heaven's sake, and how did she repay that, but lecturing him. And he was right, had they lived, what more could they have done to other women? Flushing with shame, Kagome rose to her feet painfully and then lowered into a formal bow.

"Thank you for saving us," she said sincerely. "Especially me."

"Do not misunderstand," he said coldly. "I didn't save you I merely rid the world of men without honor."

Kagome blinked, surprised by his response, and was about to snap back a response, when her conversation with Rin came back to her. Tilting her head to the side, gazing at Sesshoumaru with a thoughtful gaze, she suddenly smiled.

"Right," she laughed. "Of course."

He cocked his head at her curiously, something flashing in his eyes before he turned away. Rin came to Kagome's side, silently watching his receding figure. Once he was out of sight the two silently turned and began to retrieve their gear, both giving wide berth's to the dead men. While saddened more lives had to end Kagome was relieved that no one else would experience what she nearly had today. Shuddering once, she once more sent a silent 'thank you' to Sesshoumaru for coming to their aid. It appeared to her that she had a silent guardian angel now, and she smiled secretly at the thought.

And DONE with this chapter. Ugh. This chapter just did NOT want to work. And I still don't feel like it came out right. Especially the ending. I am not doing Sesshoumaru justice. He is such a hard character to write. He is an amazing enigma. Ha ha. Anyway, again I am so sorry this is so late. Until the next chapter.

*1-I do not believe that names were actually given for Sango and Miroku's daughters, so I just made some up.

*2-I am not familiar with this particular era and what exactly they had cleaning and washing wise. I figured since Kagome was always bringing shampoo's and washes from her time, that there was not a lot available in the era that maybe she was familiar with. I have heard that you can make your own soaps and washes, all natural as there are many with sensitivities to chemicals and such that are put into a lot of washes, shampoos, conditioners, etc., etc., etc (my sister has made her own soaps and such before). I have only briefly looked over the process and how it is done, but I know that a lot of the ingredients would be available to Kagome, and being one for cleanliness, I just picture her wanting to learn these kinds of things so she could keep clean.

*3-Showing my lack of knowledge here again. I honestly cannot remember if Kagome and the others actually did find out how Sesshoumaru and Rin came to meet and such. If I remember correctly, Sesshoumaru does learn that Koga, who meets up with Kagome and the gang, was the one responsible for her initial death, but I don't remember if the full story came to light for them. If this is not the case, let me know and I can go back and edit this portion in my chapter. =0)