A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the delay in updates. There was a family emergency, but everyone's alright now! (Though, I do want to say, if you're under a lot of stress, avoid it if possible, or at least find some way to have a break from it. Also eat healthy. Lower sodium and fat in particular. Quadruple bypass is serious stuff.) Onwards with the story!

The Shrine

Sesshomaru was furious.

His current opponent, who claimed to be connected with someone he must have killed, had the nerve to try and kidnap his Rin.

Somehow, this round he was strangely outnumbered. His left arm was lost to him again; burned to a crisp in the lava of the Asama volcano. Death by fire it is, he thought as he dove at an oncoming youkai. He tossed the vile creature into the pit of magma without a second glance.

It was only a matter of time before he got her back. Rin was in no immediate danger, as far as he could tell. She was restrained, but the trembling fool that was keeping her would be no match for him.

He lashed out his acid whip to break down the collapsing rim of the volcano. A third of the enemy's party fell through. Looking around, he calculated his next move. With one arm, he fought off two more approaching youkai. His eyes scanned the crowd for an apparent leader. He was easy to spot, since he had announced the reason for the kidnapping, not that Sesshomaru cared to remember. There were so many different species, that it was unclear why this one was the leader of them all.

He kept his eyes on Rin. She stared back with concerned eyes, but still trusting and unafraid. It struck him how much she had grown lately.

Making it quick, he unsheathed Bakusaiga and took two steps forward towards the leader and twisted his back to avoid a poorly executed advance. He caught his opponent's open side and knocked him to the ground. Cutting the youkai's head off, he made it clear that the creature was dead.

Immediately the entourage scattered once they saw that their commander was gone, including the one holding Rin.

A wasteful endeavour, he thought. His left shoulder was bleeding heavily from the amputation. He untied Rin and gathered her into his arm. Her babbling concern was common to him.

"Rin, I will be fine." He reassured her. She mourned the loss of his arm.

He called Ah-Un and soon the two headed dragon appeared at his side. Jaken made a fuss, as usual.

"M'lord! Are you alright?" Jaken yelled.

"Take her home." Sesshomaru helped Rin onto Ah-Un's saddle. "I will follow."

Summoning his mokomoko-sama to carry him, he flew alongside the dragon towards his palace. Patrolling his lands would have to wait.

It was sunset when Kagome hopped off Koga's back and had trouble standing. Things were still feeling very sore.

"Hey, are you okay? Do you need anything?" Koga gave an arm so she could stand. "There's a village just over the hill."

"Maybe a couple things." Kagome took a breather, "Do you think I could stay the night there? I could really use a futon." They had been traveling for a week straight.

"Yeah, no worries. I'll stay here, though. I don't think this one likes youkai." Koga eyed the surrounding forest. "I'll come get you in the morning. We should be able to get there tomorrow."

Kagome nodded, and he helped her walk to the edge of town. It was getting darker by the minute.

The closest building happened to be a small shrine. Kagome called out a greeting to the priest who had just come outside.

"Hello!" Kagome waved.

"Oh hello!" the old monk called back and walked over to her, "It's not often we see travelling miko."

Kagome laughed politely and bowed as best she could. "Would it be possible for this travelling miko to stay the night and replenish some supplies?"

"Oh of course! My sister will find a spot for you. It shouldn't be a problem!" he replied cheerily and ushered her into the shrine building.

As soon as Kagome set foot inside, she was overwhelmed by black and yellow images of mythical salamander. There were even statues. Kagome couldn't keep the fear and shock hidden.

"Beautiful creatures, aren't they?" the monk sighed happily as he stood beside her. "Such peaceful beings."

"I'm sorry?" Kagome turned to him, trying not to look shocked. Peaceful?

"Oh, there's my sister! Excuse me." he shuffled away.

Kagome was left in the room with numerous depictions of salamander. The images showed stories of good welfare, and blessings for harvest. No violence. No blood. Just happy fucking salamanders. What the hell, Kagome thought angrily.

"Miko-sama?" a middle-aged woman asked, holding an armful of blankets.

"Yes?" Kagome turned and faked a sweet smile. Of all the places to spend the night.

"It's such an honour!" the lady bowed respectfully, "We have been without a miko for such a long time."

"Oh, well-" Kagome started. She was only staying one night.

"This way, please." the sister said, and headed down a hallway.

Kagome followed, trying not to stare at every picture along the walls. "Has this shrine been here long?"

"Oh we have been here many, many generations. This town has always been peaceful under the protection of the salamanders." the lady said proudly. "We even help them breed!"

Kagome went into a coughing fit. What.

"Oh dear, we better get you something to drink. Here is your room." the lady poured some water from a jug and handed a cup to Kagome.

"You help them breed?" Kagome asked, still fighting to be presentable and polite.

"Yes, it's such an exciting time! The type that live around here don't lay eggs, instead it is much like a pregnancy!" the lady exclaimed, "In fact, you just missed the fertility festival last week!"

"That's...wonderful." Kagome laughed awkwardly, "I'm sorry I missed it."

"Oh, there's always next year!" the older lady was too cheerful for Kagome's liking. "I'll let you get settled. Please help yourself to supplies in the closet."

Kagome bowed. "Thank you. Good night."

The lady quietly closed the door, and Kagome heard her shuffle down the hall.

What the hell is this place? Kagome thought.

Sesshomaru and Ah-Un landed in the courtyard of his estate. Ignoring all the shocked staff, he briskly walked towards his quarters.

"Jaken." his voice still low and calm. "Double security around Rin's room. Do not leave her side."

"Y-yes m'lord." the toad bowed and scurried off, trying to console a very tired Rin.

Once inside his quarters, he headed towards the adjoining hot springs. Servants bustled around him, bringing clean sheets and bandages. He dismissed them all. He needed to be alone.

Shedding his armour, he slowly peeled off the rest of his clothing. The bleeding had since stopped, and he stepped naked into the water.

Hissing at the stinging pain, he slowly began tedious task of washing himself. Cursing his attackers, he realized that this was an injury that he could not recover from. The previous recovery of his arm had been the result of the creation of Bakusaiga, his trusted blade. This time, he was unsure. He disliked uncertainty.

Feeling with his right hand at the injury, he examined what his body had already healed. There would be no risk of immediate bleeding. He would have to adjust again to functioning with only one arm.

He sighed and reclined against a rock. Today had been long.