The Heart of Two Moons

By: Sandreline

I am so happy that this story is so well received! Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. I promise that I will do my best to keep it up.

If any of you happen to be Star Craft fans, then I implore you to go to my boyfriend's page and read his story. Rest assured he is of great talent and a wonderful writer, so you will not be disappointed. JamesPhilipson is listed under my favorite authors, so he will be easy to find.

If you like reading Sailor Moon crossovers, I have several. I cannot help it – it is just the perfect story to blend so well with others! So if you wish, please go read those too.

I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!

Chapter 4: Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You

"Serenity," Kagome began. She, InuYasha, and Rin had just finished their meal with Kaede. When she had the woman's attention, she continued. "Would you like to come to the hot springs with me for a bath?"

Dark blue eyes widened in glee. "Yes!" She cried out, standing quickly.

Kagome let out a laugh as InuYasha huffed. "I'm going to go make sure the bastard's mother is gone." The hanyou grumbled as he left the hut. Kagome was too excited to be going for a bath to even correct him on his language in front of Rin.

"Come, child. Let us go check on Sango and the condition of her new babe." Kaede told Rin as she moved to leave the hut as well.

Rin nodded before moving to wrap her arms around Serenity's waist in a hug, much to the Lunarian's surprise. It lasted all of a moment before her eyes softened as she returned the hug. "I'll see you soon, Serenity-sama!" Rin cheered as she followed her mentor out of the wooden hut.

Kagome smiled, picking up her bathing supplies and leading Serenity out of the hut themselves and down the dirt street. "Rin seems to have warmed up to you rather quickly."

"Yes, she did." Serenity agreed. She ignored the pang in her heart as she remembered her lost future, and the little girl that she loved. "She is a very sweet girl."

"It's surprising, considering who her father figure is." Kagome giggled.

Remembering the story that Kagome had told her just yesterday, Serenity kept her senses on alert. There were so many energies around them; most were human, but she could feel demonic swirls in the distance, and she would not let herself be caught unaware again. "You said that he is InuYasha's older brother?"

"Yes." Kagome nodded. "Sesshomaru-onii-san is a very strong demon, but he takes pride in not investing himself emotionally in anything. It was a great shock to find that he had taken care of Rin for several years."

Serenity felt the pricking sensation return to her mind at the name, but she chose to ignore it as she tilted her head slightly to the side. "Out of curiosity; if the two brother's hate each other so much, why would you call him big brother?"

Kagome let out a laugh. "It's mostly out of respect. If it wasn't for Sesshomaru, we would not have survived the battle with Naraku. Not to mention that despite what InuYasha believes, it is obvious that Sesshomaru cares for InuYasha- even if he has a strange way of showing it." The miko let out a sigh on contentment as they walked through a thin part of the woods to the hot spring. At Kagome's request, the villagers had built walls around it and through it, to allow privacy for females and males alike to use it at their leisure. However, due to the period's views on bathing, it was no real surprise that it was pretty much the miko's private hot spring.

Serenity let out a small hum of appreciation as she and Kagome began to disrobe. Kagome was in the springs first, having been able to tie her hair up in a simple bun. Serenity, on the other hand, took a few minutes longer to fix her hair so it would be out of the way. As the Lunarian sunk into the warm waters, she let out a sigh of contentment. "This is amazing."

"Tell me about it." Kagome echoed as both women leaded back to rest their heads on some rocks.

Getting back to their previous conversation, Serenity spoke, although she continued to leave her eyes closed in relaxation. "You said that Sesshomaru has strange ways of showing affection?"

"Yeah." Kagome had her own eyes closed as well, and both their voices were softer in contentment. "I first noticed it when InuYasha learned the truth about Tetsusaiga. The sword has the power to keep his demon blood in balance with his human blood, so he does not loose control. Sesshomaru often coveted the sword, believing himself to be cheated out of his inheritance." Kagome gave a paused as she slipped another inch into the water. "When he found out the sword kept InuYasha from giving into his demon blood, he no longer tried to possess it."

Serenity gave a frown as the prickling sensation escalated. "I thought you said that Sesshomaru could not even touch the sword."

"True." Kagome added. "There are other examples, though."

"Like?"

It was Kagome's turn to furrow her eyebrows. "Sesshomaru used to be adamant about trying to kill InuYasha, but I've seen him in action. If Sesshomaru wants something dead, then it's dead. It makes me think that all the times he would fight InuYasha, he was really teaching him how to be a better warrior."

"From what you told me, it wouldn't surprise me if Sesshomaru was the strongest demon alive." Serenity added, giving a groan of frustration as she began to get a headache.

Kagome opened her eyes and looked over to her friend. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I think I just am getting a headache from all of this." Serenity lied. When she turned to face Kagome, the miko let out a small gasp. "What?" The Lunarian asked.

"What's that mark on your neck?" Kagome asked gently.

"This?" Serenity raised her hand to the left side of her neck. "It's a birth mark. I've always had it."

Kagome's eyes widened. She had been around demons for years, and knew what a Mating Mark looked like. She had her own from InuYasha; it was a small crescent moon on her neck.

However, the mark on Serenity's looked exactly like the crescent moon that was on Sesshomaru's brow.

"It's pretty." Kagome stated as she could not find it in herself to take her eyes off the blue mark.

"Yeah, I guess I got lucky." Serenity stated. "Most people don't have pretty birth marks. I think it has something to do with my Lunarian heritage."

"You mean you don't know?" Kagome asked, her voice rising slightly.

Serenity looked at her new friend with a curious gaze. "No." After a pause, she continued. "In all honesty, my memories of the Silver Millennium are still a little fuzzy. There are some parts I remember with crystal clear clarity, but other parts I either cannot remember at all, or they are… blurry."

"At least you remember your past life." Kagome decided to change the subject. "I don't remember anything about being Kikyo."

"That could be a blessing, you know." Serenity offered a supporting smile.

"Ha-ha, true." Kagome agreed. "Just thinking about the past InuYasha is enough to make me not want to remember. He was even more brash and crude then he is now!"

The hot springs were filled with the sound of laughter as the two friends bonded while enjoying a good soak.

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In the clouds up above, Lady InuKimi let a smile stretch across her face. She had seen it for herself: both the Moon Crystal and the mark on her shoulder. Oh, what joyous news! Things were really taking an interesting turn.

Not only was the Moon Princess alive and well, but she was in Japan. In the Western Lands to be exact! She was also unfortunately in the sullied presence of the bastard half-breed of her late Mate's, but she was here nonetheless.

Oh, the joys she would get from torturing her son! Finally the icicle that was shoved up his ass would be removed. "Tomoyo!" The Lady Mother called out.

"Yes, my liege?" The young demoness answered.

"Send word to China that my son is to return home immediately. There is a great matter of importance that requires his attention." InuKimi purred.

"Yes, my Lady." The demoness bowed and took her leave to do the Lady's will.

The Inu Matron leaned back in her chair once more. For now, she would simply keep watch over the Moon Princess. She would keep her safe until Sesshomaru arrived. The Moon Queen had been a dear friend of the Lady Mother's, and InuKimi had often viewed the pup as one of her own. She could not have been happier when her stubborn son finally Marked the Lunar Princess.

Then the Silver Millennium was attacked, and there was nothing they could have done.

The Western Lands were fighting Ryuukotsei of the North at their borders, and in the Western Citadel she was fighting the infidelity of her Mate.

Golden eyes softened minutely in sadness. Yes their Mating had been arranged, but that did not matter to InuKimi. She had fallen in love with InuTaisho on her debut to society, and she had thought that he had loved her in return.

She should have known better. Her Mate had cared for her, yes, and that had given them a wonderful Mating. However, InuTaisho's love had been for that human woman.

InuKimi gave a small growl, refusing to think of the betrayal anymore. No. The Lady Mother would look over the Moon Princess for now, and ensure that she was safe. Her son would be reunited with his Mate; and not only would the Western Lands gain powerful heirs from the union, but be in control of the most powerful alliance in existence.

Yes, this was more than worthy of her time and effort.

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Serenity looked over her shoulder once more.

"Are ye alright, child?" Kaede asked her.

Serenity looked up at the older miko, giving a small smile. "Yes, I just have the strangest feeling that I am being watched lately."

Kaede offered a reassuring smile. "I would not let it effect ye; it may only be the villagers admiring yer hair."

Serenity laughed and nodded, returning her attention to the herbs before her. She was helping Kagome and Rin collect the medicinal herbs for Kaede, since many were used on her. She was currently sitting beside the large but gentle Jinenji. She was getting a little worried about him, since his face was bright red, but Rin assured her it was because Jinenji thought she was beautiful, which only made the horse hanyou blush harder. She was learning a lot from the gentle giant, who was happy to help her. Rin had told the medicine maker about Serenity when he wondered why she smelled different than humans and demons. Serenity though it was adorable when he told her he always thought the prettiest thing in the sky was the Moon.

"All done over here!" Kagome smiled as she stood with a basket full of herbs.

"Me too!" Rin added with a smile. "And I picked some fruits to go with our stew for tonight."

"Wonderful." Kaede smiled. "Come, we stall start it now."

As the two left, Kagome went to join Serenity and Jinenji. "How are things going over here?" The miko asked.

"Great! Jinenji really knows his stuff." Serenity smiled.

Jinenji blushed more and continued to pull leaves. The half demon was lost in thought over the woman from another planet. She was just as kind to him as Kagome was, but if possible she had an even brighter glow around her. Jinenji had inherited the trait from his father; he could see the glow of auras of those around him, and in his case allow it to shine. Serenity had the same talent, and he knew that sometimes even the humans could see it. It was almost as if all the confidence in himself had drained away; he felt that he was not good enough to be in her presence.

"Jinenji, I would stop that train of thought if I were you." Serenity told him in her soothing voice. Looking up from the plants, she smiled warmly.

"Can you… hear what I am thinking?" He asked. Anything was possible, after all.

Her smile was blinding. "No, I just had a feeling. I make friends with whoever I choose." Turning back to picking the herbs, she continued. "Kagome told me that you have come a long way since she first met you. You shouldn't let your childhood fears get in the way after all that you accomplished." Glancing up, she gave him another smile. Kagome added one of her own as she watched the two. She was so happy that Serenity wasn't scared of the gentle giant.

Jinenji felt his entire unease slide off his form as the blush disappeared. His wide blue eyes glowed for a moment before he offered a small smile of his own, and nodded his head.

Just like that, he had another friend.

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Serenity was laying on her futon in Kaede's hut as she stared up at the ceiling. It was the dead of night, and a cool wind kept the inside of the hut feeling wonderful. However, Serenity wanted to be outside.

"Rin," She whispered.

"Yes, Serenity-sama?" The young girl answered in a whisper of her own.

The Lunarian smiled as she sat up, placing a finger over her lips while giving a wink to Rin and motioning for her to follow. With a bright smile, Rin slowly got up from her own futon. They did not wish to wake up Kaede, after all. The older woman needed her sleep.

They were easily able to step outside, smiling as Serenity offered Rin her hand. They remained silent until they broke free from the huts and make their way to a small field of flowers and soft grass. Serenity was glad that InuYasha and Kagome's hut was in the opposite direction near Sango and Miroku's: she was positive that either Kilala or InuYasha would alert the others that they were outside without protection.

Ha! Serenity shook her head as she remembered InuYasha's words. Despite having seen her memories, he took on an older brother role and wouldn't let her be somewhere without supervision. As if she needed protection – please!

Rin giggled as they reached the flowers, and she quickly put together a small bouquet. "Why were you not sleeping, Serenity-sama?" The small girl asked as she returned to the woman's side.

Serenity smiled. "I am from the Moon, which means I am a creature of the night." She answered, pointing to the crescent moon on her forehead, which glowed faintly. "Why do you think it's so hard to wake me up in the mornig?" The girl gave a small giggle. Taking Rin's hand, Serenity moved them to the small hill and motioned for the girl to lie beside her, looking up at the stars. The difference that five hundred years made was incredible; the stars were so many and so bright that Serenity almost thought she was back on the Moon and looking out her balcony. "Why are you always up so late, Rin?" She asked.

"I guess I became a creature of the night, too." Rin smiled. She had finally stopped speaking of herself in the third person just a year ago, when Sesshomaru brought her to stay with Kaede. "Sesshomaru-sama is so strong that he almost never needs to sleep. I just developed a habit."

Serenity smiled softly. "You seem to admire your Sesshomaru-sama a lot."

"He is the best!" Rin cheered as her brown eyes sparkled. "He is the strongest, most noble demon out there! He is a wonderful leader, too! He took very good care of me, and still does. This is a new kimono!" She said while holding up an arm to show the purple-patterned fabric.

"It's beautiful." Serenity smiled.

"Everything that has to do with Sesshomaru-sama is." Rin beamed.

Serenity laughed. There seemed to be a few different views on this Sesshomaru person. She found herself becoming interested in meeting him to see who was most accurate. "Rin, did you know that if you look enough, you can see the stars form images in the sky?" She asked.

"Really?" Rin wondered as she turned to her to look at the older woman. "Kagome-sama said that you could do that with clouds."

Serenity smiled and lifted a pale hand, her skin bare since she was wearing her sun dress at this time. "Yes. See that bright star there, the one that is bigger than the others?" She asked.

"Yes!" Rin cheered.

"That is the North Star. Not only does it always point north, but watch this." Scooting the last few inches, she curled around Rin's side and took the small girl's hand with her own. Lifting it towards the sky, she moved it to show Rin the constellation. "It also is the point for the picture known as the 'Big Dipper'."

Rin's eyes sparkled brightly. "That's so cool!" Inwardly, Rin's heart was beating faster. Is this what it was like to have a mom? To spend time learning what she had to teach you, and enjoying simple company?

Serenity giggled softly. "Yup." With a warm smile, she felt her loneliness slowly be filled. No one could replace Rini, but Rin was beginning to make her own place in her heart. "Those three stars there? They form a straight line called Orion's belt, and if you look here, you can see the rest of Orion…"

Rin and Serenity giggled softly as they bonded over the stars and questions, and all under the watchful eyes of the Lady Mother.

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So, what do you all think? I hope this was enough to satisfy your appetites for now. I promise Sesshomaru will be making his entrance soon! ^_~ You'll just have to keep reading to find out when.

Thank you all so much for reading, and please review!

~Sandreline