Between Borders

The first thing Rin felt was a throbbing pain coming from her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes, it was dark she couldn't make out any specific details, but she did see the camp fire dim as it started to lose its flame. She slowly went to sit up, but fell back when she felt her shoulder throbbing harder when she moved. Her back felt the prickles of the grass. She than realize that she had no comforter, she was just lying on the grass. She gently touch her shoulder and just realize that she was bandage. Who could it be? At first she thought her savior was Inuyasha, the eyes were unmistakable. If it was him, however he would be with her. It was in his character to make sure she was fine before he went off again. Before she could think of much else her eyelids grew heavy and she drifted back to sleep.


Rin woke up the next morning when she felt a shadow casting over her. Her eyes slowly drifted open. Two pair of eyes stared back at her. Rin almost cried in relief when she saw the two headed dragon staring down at her.

"A-Un you're alright," She slowly sat up trying to put less pressure on her injure shoulder. Rin examine A-Un back leg. There was no wound or any sign of discomfort, "Guess demons do heal faster than humans," A-Un nudge her, happy to find her well. She scratched under their chins, please to hear them growl in pleasure. The attention didn't last long. A-Un lifted their heads and stared behind her.

Sesshomaru walked into the clearings. Rin was surprise to see him, the realization hit her, "You saved me?"

His face did not betray what he was thinking, "Inuyasha cannot be tolerated when he becomes weak. Your death would make him weak."

Rin couldn't believe what she heard. When she first met him she did fear him. He radiated power that should be respected. Though now that she started to get to know him she realize that he was rude, "Thanks, glad to know my welfare is important to you," she said sarcastically.

She couldn't read his emotion, hopefully it wasn't that he was contemplating on killing her and just dealing with Inuyasha depression.

"We are leaving," Sesshomaru stated as he walked pass her.

"Wait, what about Inuyasha?"

Sesshomaru stopped though did not turn, "He is occupy."

"Occupy? Is that just another way of saying he's fighting for his life," Rin couldn't believe him. It doesn't seem like he cares much for his brother, "We have to help him."

He turn, "You'll only be in the way. Inuyasha is aware of the risk he took."

"Then why won't you help him?"

"Another matter requires my attention," He said as he started to walk.

"And you want me to go with you?" That seems unlikely for he did not hide the fact that he dislike her.

"Do as you please," Trees obscure his form as he continued to walk.

Rin saw a few dozen demons flying overhead, she knew she would be killed if she was alone, even if A-Un stood with her. She slowly raised to her legs. She leaned against the dragon to gain her bearings. A-Un was patient with her as she slowly hoisted herself on top of him. She decided for now her safest option was traveling with the aloof older brother.


Everything hurt, he coughed out blood as he use the unawaken Tessaiga as a cane to move forward. Naraku had him outnumbered. Whatever he killed, they just double in numbers. Inuyasha knew he couldn't hold them off. Naraku was enjoying Inuyasha struggle as the half-demon took off towards the border. His hope was for the humans to slay the demons. Fortunately it work, the humans saw a horde coming their way and sounded the alarm. Arrows, cannons, and any other projectile weapons were used against them. What really saved him was the fact that the demons lost focus on him and went after the humans. The chaos help him sneak through the one breach of the wall that went unnoticed.

The sky was overcast as he now struggled to find a safe place to rest. His sword slipped under him and he fell to the ground. He struggled getting up, it was tougher than he thought. His arms gave out and he fell face first to the ground. He could barely see straight. He smelled it before he felt it, droplets hit his prone body before he felt the downpour. Great, when he thought things couldn't get any worst. The last thing he saw was a red hakama coming closer.

The first thing the half demon became aware of was the scent of herbs. It was a little overwhelming. He was able to open his eyes and saw the straw ceiling. He turn his head, the hearth was lit giving the room an orange glow. Not far from him was different medicinal herbs, beside that were instruments used to mixed and crush them.

Where the hell am I? He thought as he slowly sat up. The comforter slid off him as he did so. He was surprise to find that he wasn't wearing the top part of his robe. His chest was bandage, hardly any skin was visible.

"Oh, you're up," a feminine voice said.

Inuyasha was so focus on his situation that he didn't notice another entering. When he went to ask her what happen did he stopped himself short. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

His mind instantly went towards her, "Kikyo…"

The woman looked at him confused, "Excuse me…"

His mind instantly snap back to the present, "Oh sorry you remind me of someone I knew."

The young priestess smiled, "I was planning on redressing your wounds," She lifted the basket filled with water, "But it seems that that won't be necessary," Her eyes survey his entire form which made him slightly uncomfortable. Only one other woman ever look at him that closely, "You heal quick."

Inuyasha scoffed, "It's in my blood," there was a moment of silence. He did not know what to say to this priestess that look so much like his lost love. It was even hard to figure out if he was a guest or prisoner, "Uh… Thanks for the help, but why am I here?"

"You were injured," She stated as she placed her basket beside the table full of herbs.

"Why would you help me? Helping me is like betraying your kind."

"Not helping you would also be a betrayal of my kind… after all, you are only half demon."

That shocked him, but she made it sound like it was a perfectly reasonable logic, "Yea well others won't see it that way. How did you get me in here anyways without anyone noticing?"

"Well I don't really live in a village."

Inuyasha got up, "Then where are we?"

"We're miles away from the closest village."

Inuyasha walked out and saw nothing but trees. He sniff the air and realize she was right. Very few humans walk this path, "Hey where is my robe?" He asked as he couldn't find it indoors.

The priestess looked at him confused, "I place it right by you."

Inuyasha became irritated, "Well it's not there."

Inuyasha ears started to twitch as he heard rustling by a nearby bush. He sniff the air, the scent of a fox demon. Odd why would any demon be bold enough to be near a priestess. An orange tail poked out of the bush. Inuyasha grabbed a hold of the tail and lifted it up. He was surprise, it was a brat. His hands clutch on the fire robe. Fish fell from the robe.

Inuyasha growled, "Hey brat, that robe is not a fishing net," Inuyasha made to grab for it, but was surprise when the youngster bit him. Inuyasha instantly let go. Giving the fox enough time to run to the priestess.

"Kagome," He said as he jumped into her arms.

"Shippo that wasn't very nice," She scolded gently.

Inuyasha glared at the young fox. He needed more than just a gentle scolding. He went to grab for his robe which now smell strongly of fish. His nose wrinkle, he's going to have to wash this before he wore it.

"He was being a brute," Shippo retorted.

Inuyasha twitch when he heard this, "You should learn not to mess with other people belongings."

Shippo growled back. Inuyasha nearly smirk, the brat thinks he can dominate him? "You wasn't using it at the time."

"Wha- How does that give you the right-"

"Now, now boys. This will not solve anything," Kagome cut in.

He was stunned, did she just reprimand him like he was a child? Before he could reply to this she turned to him, "Well since Shippo went to the trouble of catching those fish we might as well prepare them."

Was she telling him what to do? "Listen lady, I don't have to listen to you."

"True, but those beads will suggest otherwise," She turned as she smile back at him.

He looked at her confused, what beads? That's when he notice something around his neck. He nearly laugh. Did she really believe that a simple bead necklace will stop him? He went to lift it over his head, but was surprise when the bead wouldn't go any higher than his neck.

"What the…" Now he was struggling with the necklace, "Hey what the hell is this!?"

"The beads can only be remove by the one who put it there," She continued, "I didn't know how you would react when you woke up in an unfamiliar territory."

He was stunned, he was stuck with this crap because she didn't trust him. He heard Shippo snicker which infuriated him. There was no way in hell he was going to let a human woman control him. Growling he charged at her, he barely got close to her when she shouted.

"Sit boy!"

He felt the necklace dragged him face first to the dirt. This scene made the fox kit laughed hysterically. He slowly lift his head glaring at the one responsible for his dilemma.

"Now that you calm down we should all prepare for dinner."

Inuyasha groaned, this is going to be a pain in the ass real soon.


A week pass since Rin last seen Inuyasha. Sesshomaru though didn't seem worry about his brother whereabouts. Travelling with only Sesshomaru and A-Un was quiet. Sometime Rin just have a one sided discussion with the dragon just to break the silence. Who knew where Jaken was, she haven't seen the imp since she started traveling with Sesshomaru. Rin stomach started to growl, it was rather loud that she blush in embarrassment.

Sesshomaru stopped and gave her a quick glance, "If you are hungry you will need to fend for yourself."

That was the first thing he said to her in a week, usually it was a quick rest and continued. She was fortunate that her stomach behave itself since then and she ate between those small breaks. Though this walk was the longest with no rest, so she didn't get a chance to eat at all today. Rin was happy to oblige and left with A-Un in search for food.

Finding food was easy, she saw a stream that has salmon swimming in it. Her older brother taught her the basic in fishing without a net. It was a fun activity between the two of them, she started to feel sad, knowing that will never happen again. She found a decent size fallen branch. It took her awhile to sharpen the point. Once she was satisfy she enter the stream, patiently waiting for the fish to come closer. When she saw one swimming close enough she stab the spear down. It hit its mark. She did this three more times and was successful on all strikes.

Rin went back to where Sesshomaru was with her prize. The demon lord was leaning against a tree. One knee outstretch, the other propped up with an arm resting on it. He looked peaceful, his eyes were closed as if resting. She would admit that he was quite handsome. She blush at the thought, now was not the time to think of such things. Sesshomaru would not be happy about that. Rin stood stunned when she saw him open his amber eyes, it shifted towards her. Rin wonder if he could read minds too, she really does not want to find out.

"I brought dinner, would you like some?"

Sesshomaru turn his head away, "I don't eat human food."

Rin knew better than to be offended. Sesshomaru was blunt which borderline to rude. She gather enough leaves to place the fish on and instructed A-Un to watch over them to prevent scavengers from stealing. She was able to find enough dry branches and leaves to build a fire. This would have been a lot quicker with Jaken's staff, but she was able to build a small fire that slowly grew as she blew on it. She smile at her accomplishment as she sat down, roasting the fish on a stick.


Sesshomaru watched as he saw the human girl become self-sufficient. He was not expecting her to become as skill as she was with survival. He was almost please about it. She was not as weak as he assume an average human especially a girl to be. The girl has been a silent companion during their journey. The demon lord didn't mind much anymore that she was travelling with her. He didn't have to support her, she can take care of herself it would seem. His attention was drawn to her when he smell her arousal, before it quickly went to embarrass, now why would she feel either. He watch as she roasted her fish. It doesn't matter, whatever she feel was no concern of his.

Night fell quickly enough. The camp fire flicker away. The girl was sleeping with the dragon as it curled around her. What is it about her that makes his dragon want to be with her? What makes her different?

"I'm sorry brother please forgive me," He heard her say in her sleep.

He always wonder why his little brother was fond of these… beings. They are quick to die and a lifetime for humans is just moments away for a demon like him. Why did his father wanted to protect such a weak race at the cost of his own life? Such answer eludes him… maybe this human will help him understand. He spend the rest of the night watching over the young human as she slept.


Sango dress in her village attire just finished her last mission, destroying a centipede demon. Her only companion on this trip was her trusted friend, Kirara. She just receive payment when Kirara ears perked up and she ran off. Sango quickly bowed and thank the villagers before chasing after the two-tailed cat demon. The feline turn right. Sango wonder what got her so perk up. She saw Kirara stopped and stared at a man wearing a straw hat. He sat at a stool eating riceballs. Kirara meow gaining his attention. Sango saw his attire, she couldn't believe her luck. It was a monk. He was younger than a monk she thought that would be traveling alone, does he have a mentor? The man looked at her with curious eyes, before it was shine with delight.

"Excuse me monk…" She was cut off when he clasp her hands with his own.

"Oh beautiful lady, will you do me the pleasure of bearing my children?"

Sango was stunned beyond words at this man bluntness. Her first instant was to punch him… and she did. The man fell backyard dazed.

"I'll take that as a 'no'," He rubbed his face, "Ow, that hurt."

She crossed her arms and huff, "Serve you right."

"I'm sorry my lady, didn't mean to offend you," He said light heartily.

Sango twitch, "Are you really a monk?"

He mock being offended, "Why yes. I am a bona-fide monk."

She didn't know what to do with a young hotheaded monk without a mentor. She just didn't trust him to remember what she was going to say. Kirara meow at her and then rubbed against his legs. Sango sighed, that answer her question.

"I think your cat likes me," He stated as he bent to pet the feline.

"What is your name?" He looked up at her as he scratch behind Kirara ears. She loved being scratch there.

"My name is Miroku and what may your name be?"

"… It's Sango. My father would like to speak with you."

"And why may that be?"

"He is the chief of the demon slayer village."

Miroku got up quickly, he looked almost nervous, "I'm sorry I didn't realize. Please don't make your father castrate me."

Sango wanted to punch him again, "That is not the reason."

Miroku breathe a sigh of relief, "Oh that's a relief. So why does he want to speak with me?"

"Have you notice the shift lately?"

Miroku became serious, "you mean the invasion of demons. Yes I have felt them, they're growing bolder. I dealt with a few of them. Do you know whose involve?"

Ah, so he is not a fraud. The knowledge gave her some relief… just a little anyways, "We are not sure, but my father was already able to reach a few monks and most of the priestesses. He just send a messenger to the emperor about the invasion and us volunteering to help… all of us."

Miroku looked surprise. She was too when she first heard of this from her father. The royal army never in history worked with any of them before. Their expertise lies in human warfare, what they know will not help them with demons.

"All right, I'll go with you to the demon slayer village."

The journey back to the village was infuriating. She learn just how much of a scam artist Miroku could be. He would stop by every village, look for the wealthiest man with a beautiful daughter; pretend they were haunted by demons and start placing sacred sutras around the home before claiming it was deemed safe again. In exchange they get lodging for the night, food, and payment. Their journey was almost over when she saw the wall of her village. She sigh in relief, getting away from this monk was what she would be waiting for once home. The gates open, Sango was always happy to return home where she was greeted by her people. Kohaku ran through the crowd and hug her.

She laughed, "I miss you too."

"It's unfair. I don't understand why I couldn't go with you."

He may be close to a man now, but he sometimes still act like he was 12, "You weren't missing anything. The demon was easy."

The excitement die down once the village notice Miroku. The crowd moved aside to let their chief through, "Ah, you brought a monk with you."

Sango bowed, "Yes father. Miroku wants to help."

"As I assume he would, but why here and not heading to the royal army?"

"So the emperor agreed to the terms?" Sango shouldn't be surprise, he would be a fool to decline their help.

Her father nodded, "Jiro's brother is a soldier for the royal army. He will be coming with us as a sign of good faith."

Sango remember the distraught man. His sister mysteriously vanish, most likely dead. She felt it's her duty to bring him justice.

Sango nodded, "When do we leave?"

"At dawn."


Hello! So glad I was able to finish this chapter as soon as I did. I usually don't update this quickly, but I already knew how I wanted this chapter to turn out. I apologize for only writing a little Sess/Rin. However, now that I introduce the important characters I will delve deeper into Sess/Rin. I hope everyone is excited for that! Again thanks to those that review; L.M.T.O.P, and the guests that so kindly gave me an I.D. to thank them with; thanks Sewetcups2 and Abcabc. All reviews are always appreciated.