Yamata no Orochi

Part 3

It wasn't long before Junichi came to assist Rin.

So as silently as possible, Junichi approached Orochi from behind and with one swift slice the tail was gone. But Orochi wouldn't make it that easy! Soon enough his tail had begun to regenerate.

Now knowing Junichi's presence, Orochi swung around and clawed at him, leaving scratches along his chest. Struggling with the pain of the wounds, Junichi stumbled back into a tree. Orochi's attention was now on Junichi.

"Two against one? Well that's just not fair."

Orochi curled his newly-regenerated tail around Junichi to the point in which Junichi was suffocating. Junichi's body was beginning to grow limp. Rin realized that this may be the only chance to attack Orochi, so she ran at him and shoved her katana through his body. Rin swiftly moved her sword around Orochi's midsection, and when she had made her last cut, she removed her sword and watched Orochi fall with one last breath.

"We did it," Rin exasperated, catching her breath. She immediately ran over to Junichi and administered medical treatment. After taking care of Junichi's and her wounds, Junichi returned to consciousness. After breathing a sigh of relief, Rin stated, "Good. Now that that's been taken care of...we need to find someplace to rest. Do you remember how far the village was from here?"

"The village wasn't too far," Junichi said with slight grogginess. (a/n: Junichi knows of the village because they had to pass through there to attend the summons)

Deciding that that was the best course of action, Junichi and Rin readied themselves for the journey back.

Helping Junichi onto his feet, they worked their way back to the horses. As they readied themselves for the ride, Junichi turned to Rin in haste as she prepared to mount.

"Rin wait!" "Yes Junichi?" "Rin can I have a moment."

As Rin turns towards Junichi, Junichi wasted little time wrapping her in his arms and embracing her.

Gasp! "Junichi what...?" "Just let me hold you, please."

Rin couldn't say anything. Junichi's voice sounded so desperate and tired. And if anyone asked, she wouldn't deny not enjoying their embrace. So without another thought on the matter, she wrapped her arms around Junichi and they continued to relish in each other's embrace.

That was until a rustling in the bushes disturbed their moment of peace.

Rin and Junichi were back on alert. They drew their swords and prepared to fight...that was until a bunny jumped through the bushes.

Junichi leaned over and whispered, in the most serious voice,

"Don't take your eyes off him, he's a killer!"

This immediately caused Rin to turn and lightly punch Junichi in the arm, while laughing whole-heartedly.

"Alright, Junichi you ready to go?" Junichi nods in response.

-Leaving the village the next morning-

Rin and Junichi, began their trek back to the palace, after ensuring that the bodies of Koji and Kenichi were properly secured to the second horse. There was a definite risk in bringing the bodies along, but their bodies (having been properly enbalmed) would be brought so they could receive a proper funeral. Rin and Junichi deduced that it would be safe for them to travel with the corpses, the distance home.

While traversing homeward, Rin's thoughts began to get the best of her.

'Junichi's amazing! I can't believe Sesshomaru is against the whole idea of me being with him. I mean he's strong, courageous, yet sensitive and endearing...and not that bad looking either. He's everything to me.'

"...Riiiin, hello Rin, anybody home?"

"What?" Is Rin's startled response.

Junichi inquires, "Are you okay? You seem really distracted, is something the matter?"

"No, nothing's the matter. Don't worry Junichi."

"You know Rin, I've been doing a lot of thinking while I was away, and I realized that..."

Rin turned hope rising. Silence.

"Junichi?"

When Rin turned she noticed that Junichi's eyes had dulled and before she knew it, he had knocked her off the horse and pinned her to the ground with his sword against her throat.

"Junichi! What are you doing? This isn't you! You need to snap out of it! NOW!"

Then without thinking, Rin took her arm and slapped him right across the face. SLAP!

It worked, for Junichi had returned to his senses.

"Whoa, what happe-...Oh my gosh, Rin! Did I? No, please tell me I didn't!" Junichi panicked, for the thought of hurting the woman he loved, sent him reeling.

He staggered back, dropped the sword, and turned to run.

"Junichi wait!" Rin exclaimed, grabbing his wrist to stop him. "It's alright, nothing happened; you didn't hurt me."

She went closer to him, concern and kindness etched across her features.

"I can never forgive myself Rin, I could have hurt you...or worse. I..." He couldn't face her after what happened. He couldn't be near her, not with the possibility of it happening again.

"I, have to go Rin." "No!...Junichi, look at me please," she begged.

Rin took his face in her hands and with all her courage pressed her lips to his.

Junichi was startled at first, but then fell into the kiss and pulled her to him. They stayed as they were until they couldn't breathe. When they finally came up for air, Junichi and Rin embraced.

"I love you Rin."

"I love you Junichi."

"Well, isn't this touching. I might start crying it's so sick, I mean sweet."

CLIFFHANGER! (Ain't I somethin'? ;D)

First off, I'd like to thank you all for putting up with all these darn hiatus'. Life's just been busy and has gotten busier. You guys are awesome! I hope against hope life can slow down enough for me to add more chapters (crossing fingers).

Anyways, thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this, and I hope you review.

Love y'all bunches! Lizzy