Rin contentedly settled herself onto one of the massive roots that came from the Goshinboku tree, her eyes searching the trees patiently for the miko and half-demon. Sesshomaru had decided to hide out in the trees without a word to her, she realized after a few moments of sitting there alone. returning to her quiet humming again, she ran her fingers along the weapon she'd set in her lap.

Finally, Inuyasha suddenly landed only a few feet from her, making Run jump and gasp in surprise. He gave her a wary look, and Kagome gently swatted his head with an affectionate look before sliding from his back and a bright smile aimed at Rin. "Hello, Rin!" Kagome greeted eagerly, skipping over and throwing herself down beside the startled girl on the root of the Goshinboku. "Allowed to come visit us?"

Rin's lips quirked up into a smile. "Sort of," she admitted. "We've had a few problems at the Western Fortress." Kagome became serious instantly, and Rin straightened her back with a firm look. "I came to ask you a question, Kagome, as I'm sure Inuyasha was eager to tell you." The half-demon rolled his eyes. "A meeting was held between the Four- you know, the Lords of the West, South, and North, and then the Lady of the East? Them. I was told you know Lord Koga, but...his father caused issues." Her hand drifted up to touch her shoulder, and she ignored the twinge of pain that raced through it. "He severely hurt someone who has been in charge of protecting me during this time. I came to ask you to see if you can come help him. Please, Kagome. He has a wife and a child on the way. The healer, Chiryoshi, said it's possible that you might have the power to heal him enough that he'll survive, even if he's a demon."

Kagome listened with a focused silence, her gaze thoughtful. When Rin had finished speaking, she began to talk quietly. "Rin, I'm not a miko that's been trained by other people. I've fixed a few minor injuries on Inuyasha and my children, and even some of the human villagers, but...a demon? A full blooded demon with a serious INJURY? I don't think I can do anything about that."

"Could you at least come and try?" Rin pleaded. "Please, Kagome. Just try. If you can't do anything, then at least you would have attempted, right? It's kinda my fault Surudoi's like this anyways," she added under her breath, cursing herself and whatever was wrong with her. "The healer tried her best, but she was very doubtful he'd be okay..."

Kagome contemplated this for a few moments and Inuyasha gave a smug look, as if sure he knew what her answer was going to be. But that look vanished when Kagome finally gave a sigh and said firmly, "Okay. I'll try. I can't guarantee anything though."

"Thank you, Kagome," Rin said gratefully as Inuyasha snarled, "Oh, hell no, wench!" His eyes flashed furiously, the golden gaze showing a hint of an emotion Rin had never seen before on his face. A terrified desperation that hadn't been there even when they'd been comforting their daughter after her revival. "Kagome, you leave, he is going to be seriously pissed off."

Kagome sighed. "I'm aware of that, Inuyasha." She rubbed her temples, glancing at Rin. "How fast can you get me there and back, depending on if I can help or not?"

"Took us about an hour to fly here," Rin muttered with a shudder. She didn't want to fly anymore, not after the plane, but it was necessary. "We can get you back that fast after seeing to Surudoi, even faster if you are unable to do anything for him. Mind you, Sesshomaru may not be so willing as to come back here a second time, so someone else may bring you home."

"So not even a day at the most, more than likely," Kagome told her irritable half-demon. Inuyasha gave a low growl, shooting Rin a glare, and a growl echoed out from the trees in response. Nobody was surprised. Gently, Kagome placed her hand on Inuyasha's cheek, smiling at him gently. "Inuyasha. I'm sure I'll be safe. Sesshomaru protected me during our fight with Naraku, remember? When you went full demon and were posessed by Magatsuhi? I'll be just as protected as I am when I'm with you, maybe even more so with all of those guards hanging around."

Inuyasha cringed at the mention of him going full demon, and Rin decided then and there someone was getting interrogated for that full story. "The pups..." he protested.

"Will be fine," she said firmly. She tugged on his ear. "Inuyasha, how many times have you had to leave to go with Miroku on some job, hm? It's my turn to do the same. You'll be fine. Totosai strengthened the Tetsusaiga after that mishap last year, remember? As long as you keep it on you and the kids around you at all time, you'll be fine."

He gave what sounded like a pathetic whine, but Kagome simply patted his cheek, gave him a quick kiss, then turned to Rin with a faint smile. "Alright, Rin. Let's get going. If this man is as injured as you say, then he can't possibly have much time." She glanced into the trees, locking onto a certain one. "Sesshomaru, get out here and please promise Inuyasha I'll be fine before he goes after your throat. I don't feel like dealing with your hatred for him this afternoon."

Sesshomaru slid into view, his golden eyes just as emotionless as they usually were. He quickly checked Rin's appearance, making sure the young woman wasn't hurt in any way, then gave the half-demon a stiff look. "The miko," he growled, "Will be protected, half-breed. I will see to it personally."

Inuyasha finally seemed to give up. "Fine," he snarled. He shot Rin another glare, this one nearly matching the look Unarigoe had given her, his eyes flashing red. Sesshomaru responded to this with a snarl, suddenly appearing between the two, and Rin found herself feeling slightly grateful for his interference.

Looking surprisingly bothered, Kagome flicked her husband's ear. "Go home, Inuyasha. I'll be back by the time the sun sets, I promise."

"You better," he growled, then turned and darted off, disappearing in an instant.

Sesshomaru remained tensed, glaring after his half-demon brother, then turned to look at Rin sharply. "You will not be accompanying the miko upon her return. Is that clear?"

Rin gave an exasperated sigh. "Expected as much. Yes, yes, all very clear. Can we go now, Se- Lord Sesshomaru?" she corrected. He'd agreed to do what she wanted, but he could still back out at the moment. "Surudoi could be dying as we're standing here doing nothing."

"I agree," Kagome said firmly. "How are we getting there exactly, Rin?"

Sesshomaru gave an indignant sniff, then took a few steps forward, not making a sound as he did so. Rin watched as he once again became a giant dog, glancing at Kagome's face. Much to her surprise, Kagome didn't seem the least bit bothered, even being the first to walk over and begin pulling herself up. Rin quickly followed, bringing Jihibukai with her when Sesshomaru gave her a sharp look from his large red eyes.

Rin grasped the fur around her tightly, locking her gaze on the white fur without looking up. She would not look again. She was already going to have nightmares about the dropping plane tonight as it was, she'd rather not make them worse. Gently, Kagome touched her arm with a reassuring smile. "Are you alright, Rin?"

"I'm fine," Rin lied. "Just not feeling too well." Sesshomaru growled as softly as he could beneath them as he stood and Rin huffed, glaring now at the fur. "Oh, shut up, you," she said crossly, making the miko throw her head back and laugh. Sesshomaru crouched as he had back at the courtyard of the Western Fortress, and then leaped. Rin gasped softly when he went higher than she expected, but kept a white-knuckled grip.

"This in't so bad," Kagome said thoughtfully. "A lot better than being carried off by a demon that's intending to eat you for something out of your control."

"Which will probably happen with my luck," Rin responded with a huff. "We were attacked a few times on the way to the Western Fortress, all of them after me." Her voice took on a bitter tone. "Nearly caused a war between the demons of the north and the west because Unarigoe decided he was going to be a bastard...and we still don't know how or why I'm here...oh!" She gave a small cry, resulting in Sesshomaru stopping suddenly, nearly sending both girls onto their faces. Snarling at them, the dog demon started forward again.

"I nearly forgot," Rin said hastily, sending a small mental apology to the dog demon that was flying. She'd rather not be dropped for careless loud noises. She twisted her face to look at the miko with a grin. "I like your mother, though your brother could use a bit of training when it comes to polite conversations."

Kagome went still. "...you...?" she breathed, hope suddenly blossoming across her features. "You went back? You made it to the Higurashi Shrine?"

"Found a device that temporarily takes you there," Rin told her with a smile. "I was intending to go home-" This earned quite the growl from beneath them. Ignoring it, Rin continued. "But they gave me some information and it turns out I'm unable to." She gave Kagome a tight smile when the miko made a sound of sympathy. "But...they're both fine. I told them you were doing well, too." She grinned. "Your mother was particularly interested in the fact that she has grandchildren."

Kagome gave her a faint smile. "Thanks," she said softly, voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much, Rin. I doubt I will be able to see them anytime soon, but...thank you."

Rin waved her off, and the two fell into a companionable silence as Sesshomaru made his way peacefully through the air, ignoring the two very human presences upon him.

Crash!

They had been traveling for a while when pain suddenly slammed through his shoulder along with something that hit him with enough force to knock even he, Sesshomaru, off course. Startled, the Lord of the West struggled to right himself, well aware of the screams of surprise that came from between his shoulder blades. Landing rather harshly, jarring the two on his back, he growled, twisting to find the source of what had struck him along with what was lodged in his shoulder.

Instinct kicked in, and he bared his massive teeth. Protecting his human came before anything else, and right now, she was in danger.

A snarl met his ears, and Sesshomaru gave a deep growl as he found himself studying a group of porcupine demons, their quills up and bristling...and writhing, the separate demons that made them up just as eager to get to the human girl upon his back. The miko that he carried swore under her breath. "I forgot my bow! He's going to kill me when he hears about this!"

Twisting his head for a moment to study his shoulder, Sesshomaru winced. A few of their quills had lodged themselves in his shoulder, and were struggling to eat their way through a thick protective layer of guard hairs that made up his fur. More than one had managed to reach flesh, digging in without hesitation, and quickly, he grabbed them in his jaws, dragging them out with a snarl.

"Sesshomaru," Rin gasped from his back, her knuckles white as she struggled to remain on the demon's back when he let his hackles rise. Even stories high, he was merely a dog trying to hold back from what instincts told it. Especially in this form. "We need to- eek!" She gave a cry when Kagome grabbed her head and slammed it down, ducking to avoid the quills that raced past her.

"Get out of here," Kagome cried, finishing what Rin had been saying. "You can't fight freely with us, and there's no way Rin can hold her own against a demon of that size just yet." The dog demon paused, torn between ripping apart what was trying to attack that of which belonged to him and getting the said human to safety. After only a moment of thought, the decision was made. Sesshomaru gave the porcupine demons a final glower, then leaped back into the air, swerving to avoid quills that were shot after him. Kagome's grip slipped for a moment, but she was able to regain it when Rin grabbed her arm.

Only a few minutes later they reached the Fortress. Sesshomaru grunted when he landed. Pain snapped through him when he landed a bit too heavily on his injured side. Nevertheless, he lowered himself, aware of his mother when the demoness rushed out of the Fortress to greet him, followed my Mizuki, Koga, Ayame, and Kokoro. "Lady Rin," Kokoro gasped, her eyes wide when she saw the blood that stained Sesshomaru's white fur.

"What happened?" Kimi demanded as Kagome and Rin dropped off and Sesshomaru shifted down into his humanoid form - though his eyes remained a bright red, their color not reverting back to their original golden color.

"A pack of demons sensed Rin," Sesshomaru growled. He ignored the blood that was starting to soak the white cloth that covered his shoulder, instead flaring his aura. Kagome's snapped up in response, creating a chain reaction, but the demon ignored all of them in favor of focusing on his injury. A split second later, the demon relaxed, eyeing Kagome as she flushed, her hands sparking wildly.

"Sorry," she murmured, "I don't have as much control when something like that happens."

"Understandable," Kimi murmured. Tightly grasping Jihibukai, Rin slid around Kagome to stand beside the dog demoness and Kokoro, aware of the delicate frown upon Mizuki's face.

On the complete other hand, however, Koga grinned and sidled over to Kagome's side, watching his mate out of the corner of his eye. "Kagome! Long time no see...how 'bout a hug for old times, eh?" He threw his arms open, making Kagome giggle when Ayame gave him a sharp growl of warning.

"It has been quite some time," Kagome said thoughtfully. "Last time you passed through was when my daughter was only a year old. She talks now, by the way. Saisho continues to talk bad about you. I believe that is courtesy of Inuyasha, though."

"Probably. The mutt still doesn't like me," Koga muttered.

"If you don't mind," Mizuki said with a look of annoyance, "But there is a soldier currently dying and it appears Sesshomaru was also injured." She turned a darkened gaze upon Sesshomaru, exasperation in her expression. "Sesshomaru. First Unarigoe, now a pack of uncivilized demons? This is just asking to bring war down upon the demons of your lands...all for the sake of a single human woman. You're turning into your father, Sesshomaru...and that's not a compliment."

Kokoro, who'd been fussing over Rin, went still, her eyes widening. "Oh, dear," Kimi commented aloud, sighing, "Miko, why don't you come with me, I believe-"

"Such things are not your concern, Mizuki," Sesshomaru said icily as he finished making sure he'd healed his shoulder properly. The injury had been a minor one, easily healed with a simple flair of a demonic aura. He turned his cold eyes on the challenging koi demon. "My father was a foolish man. I am not following in his foot steps."

"Then get rid of the humans," Mizuki hissed back. "Protecting them only proves otherwise, Maru."

Rin felt a flash of hurt. Not too long ago, the demoness had been happy to assist keeping Unarigoe away from her. What had she done now? Nervous, Kokoro lightly nudged Rin back a few steps as Sesshomaru gave a low, irritated growl. "Lady Kimi," Kokoro said softly, "I believe it best to escort the humans to the sick room..."

"Of course," Kimi agreed, turning to Koga and Ayame. "Lord Koga, Lady Ayame. As you two are familiar with the miko, would you accompany she and Rin? Chiryoshi awaits the miko's arrival..."

"Sure," Koga agreed, glancing warily as Sesshomaru bristled angrily. "Come on, Kagome, Rin, Ayame and I will-"

"Rin will not do anything," Sesshomaru interrupted coolly. Rin's jaw dropped in astonishemnt as he turned away from Mizuki, ignoring the enraged look on her face when the Lord of the West turned away from a demon in favor of looking at a human and saying, "You will be returning to your quarters."

"But Surudoi-"

"Will be seen to by the miko," he said, cutting her off and holding a hand up to stop her from speaking. "I will send Ippan and another of his men to guard you throughout the night." He narrowed his eyes. "Are you going back on the words you spoke earlir, human?"

"Rin," Rin corrected sharply, then muttered, "No. Fine. Kokoro, can you take me to my room?" She turned to face Kagome with a pleading look. "Will you tell me if he's okay before you leave again?"

"With how the sky is looking, I believe I may be spending the night," Kagome replied with a faint smile. "Though Inuyasha won't be too happy, I'll come stay with you in your room if that's alright with you. There are a few things I'd like to discuss with you anyways...like how you met my family. If," she added hastily upon noticing Sesshomaru's glare, "that's alright with you, Sesshomaru?"

Rin turned a pleading look on Sesshomaru's hard gaze. The demon, who'd been about ready to declare that the miko would be returning home the second she was done, sighed. "The miko will room with Rin for the night. Mother, stay with them and accompany her to Rin's quarters as soon as she is done."

Kimi beamed. "Of course. When I bring the miko there, I'll send for some supper for the humans as well. Do you have any preferences, miko?" Kagome shook her head. "Oh, alright. Lead the way, wolf," she added, sending the stunned Koga a glare. "Surudoi is in need of medical attention."

Sesshomaru turned his back on Mizuki, ignoring the hiss she gave him as the wolves, Kimi, and Kagome left. "Kokoro, take Rin back to her quarters." He cast the Lady of the Easy a dark look. "Mizuki. I believe it is time for you to leave my home. One who protests what I bring into my own home is not welcome here."

"And what of Unarigoe?" she gritted out.

"He will be spoken with immediately," Sesshomaru retorted. He shot Kokoro a look, and the crane demon bowed respectfully before ushering Rin away. Flustered with anger, Mizuki hurried to brush herself off, left alone in the courtyard. She scowled, glaring particularly after Rin.

Sesshomaru should know, she thought furiously, better than to keep humans in his fortress. Especially one that called so nicely to the tongues of demons...

Growling under his breath in his annoyance at Mizuki, Sesshomaru swept through the corridors of the Western Fortress, coming to a halt at a heavily guarded door. The twenty men assigned to guard it bowed respectfully, and he nodded his response before stepping inside. Just as instructed, another set of guards stood on either side of Unarigoe, who simply sat there without a single restraint on him, smirking up at the dog demon. Narrowing his eyes, Sesshomaru let his hand touch his Bakusaiga, and then the hilt of the Tenseiga when the first sword did nothing to calm him. It would be nice to test if the Tenseiga revived full demons so that he could continue torturing them for information...

"Have you come to question me under your little pet's demands?" Unarigoe purred, not seeming the least bit bothered with what he knew was about to come. "How cute. The Lord of the West has fallen to obeying the requests of a mere human girl..."

"Silence," Sesshomaru said icily, narrowing his eyes. "You betrayed your people. For what reason?"

"It was asked in return for nice payment," Unarigoe said smugly. His eyes flashed proudly. "I would not turn on my pack for anything less than what I received, Sesshomaru. I am greedy, yes, but not stupid."

"Who demanded it?" Sesshomaru growled. He unsheathed Bakusaiga, intent on forcing the answers from him, but was startled when Unarigoe merely answered willingly.

"A demon witch known as Majo," Unarigoe answered with a fanged grin. "A woman you will never meet in strength and power. She controls what she wants to control, Sesshomaru, and there isn't anything you can do about that. Majo is the one that brought your little human pet here, to our time. She is the one that needs the girl's flesh. I was merely asked to bring her to Majo; dead or alive didn't matter."

Sesshomaru considered this information for a moment. "Where can Mojo be found? Why does she want Rin's flesh?"

"Ah," Unarigoe said smugly, "Taken to calling her by her name when she's not around? You like the little human, don't you, Lord of the West?" Ignoring the dog demon's snarl, he said calmly, "You cannot get to Majo, Sesshomaru. You will never find her. But she wishes to speak with you soon and I have no doubt you will be meeting her within the next few days. Not even you can say no to what she offers. As for the pet's flesh...?" He grinned, eyes filling with a look that made Sesshomaru want to tear them from his head. "Have you smelled it, Sesshomaru? Makes you want to tear into her and taste her at the same time, yes...?"

Sesshomaru growled darkly, furious with the wolf's words. Deciding he'd gathered all that he needed and desired, he didn't hesitate to slide Bakusaiga into its sheath before turning away. He glanced at the two guards in the room. "Alert the rest of the guard keeping track of him. He is not to move an inch until I say so. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," the guards said seriously in unison, bowing respectfully to the Lord of the West. Sesshomaru left the room swiftly, silently considering this new information and whether or not he wanted to share it with Rin despite her requesting that he ask. Sighing, he turned on his heel to start for the girl's room...only to run into Mizuki, who's eyes were flashing curiously.

"Mizuki," Sesshomaru said irritably, gritting his teeth and baring his fangs at her. "You were told to leave my fortress."

She sniffed, waving his words off. "I am in the process of it, Maru, I merely had a final question before."

"Then speak," he growled, "I have business elsewhere."

Mizuki studied him, then gave a smug smile. "I am giving a final request that you send the human to the nearest human village, Sesshomaru. A demon lord such as yourself should not protect such vile creatures." He narrowed his gaze irritably and she simply shook her head. "It is merely a request. Would you rather lose an alliance, maybe more, because you refused to rid yourself of a simple human girl who is absolutely useless to you?"

"You will speak nothing of the like about Rin," Sesshomaru said icily. "She is needed by a demon witch. Unarigoe would not reveal why. Waving away the comment she muttered under her breath, he ordered, "Leave. You will not be welcome here again, Mizuki."

"Keep an eye on your human," Mizuki said warningly as she started away, sweeping her hair out of her face. "I doubt very many won't try anything when it comes to her." That said, the koi demoness rounded a corner and was gone.

Sesshomaru growled in irritation towards the Lady of the East, then continued to walk, following his nose and memories to where Rin was rooming. He nodded a greeting to Ippan and the other demon in charge of protecting his human, then stepped into the room. The second he did, however, he paused.

The human girl was curled up on a futon, laying on her side. Her dark hair swirled around her face in a wild manner, and Sesshomaru snorted quietly. Her personality showed even in the ends of her hair. Ippan peeked into the room, apologizing when Sesshomaru shot him a glare, "Sorry, Lord Sesshomaru. I should have mentioned she was asleep... She was fairly upset about something or another and I don't think she was eager to do anything other than that."

"I see," Sesshomaru muttered. He waited until Ippan bowed respectfully and ducked back out of the room, then knelt beside the human girl. His golden gaze swept across her sleeping face, the first peaceful look he'd seen on her usually annoyed expression. Lightly, he let a claw trail across her cheek...then growled to himself, stepping back and glaring down at the sleeping human. "Rin!" he barked sharply.

She jolted awake, eyes wide as she realized he was standing over her. Flushed immediately, Rin shoved a hand through her hair and muttered, "Sorry, I was...tired. Been a busy day and some of us require sleep, you know?" She shook her head, then said, "I heard you went to "chat" with Unarigoe. Did you find anything?"

"You were brought here by a demonic witch known as Majo." He spoke bluntly and swiftly, his eyes revealing nothing of what he felt as he relayed the information he'd learned. "As to why, it is unclear."

"Majo, hm?" Rin murmured, looking slightly troubled. She shifted, hugging her knees to her chest and biting her lip. Her dark eyes flashing, she suddenly looked up at him. "Do you know her? Or are we going to find her and speak with her about this?"

"Demonic witches are not to be lightly messed with," Sesshomaru answered warily. "If the witch has need of you for some reason we know not of, then she will come to us. Until then, I will do nothing." He smugly flicked a lock of hair from his shoulder before turning a piercing look upon the human girl. "Ippan reports that you were upset."

A slight smile flickered across Rin's face. "It's nothing, Lord Sesshomaru," she said firmly, "I was merely concerned for Surudoi, but I'm sure Kagome will take care of him. Thank you for taking the time to inform me of what you discovered when you didn't have to."

Sesshomaru blinked, looking honestly startled by her words, then huffed, turning away. "The miko approaches," he growled, then stepped out of the room. Rin laughed softly, amused by the dog demon, earning another snapped growl in response.

Perhaps it wasn't much, she thought, but at least she was getting somewhere with him. Perhaps she'd be allowed to do what she wished soon... Sighing, she settled back to wait impatiently for Kagome. He had, after all, said the miko was approaching...

And she did. Within a few minutes of Sesshomaru's departure, Kagome slipped inside, still drying her hands from rinsing them free of blood. She smiled charmingly at Rin. "Hello, sorry I took so long. It was difficult and tired me out, but I think your friend will be alright."

"Thank you," Rin said with honest gratitude. She patted a spot on the futon beside her. "I'm glad he'll be okay. I don't know about Ringu, but I like the guy. I don't want him getting killed because of me."

Kagome sank onto the futon beside her, and Rin took the chance to study her. Her eyes widened; the miko was beyond exhausted. Shadows were visible beneath her eyes, her hair a mess, and she was nearly trembling with exhaustion. "The wound was bad and I nearly passed out from the energy I had to use, but Surudoi will be fine now." She paused, then glanced over at her, blue eyes sharp. "Sesshomaru...he seems different now."

Rin blinked. "What do you mean "different"? He's still a controlling ass that won't let me out."

Kagome giggled softly at this, then clarified, "I mean more willing to accept things I never would have thought him capable of. He actually stopped by the infirmary before going to speak with some demon the other guard in there was questioning about..."

Rin's eyebrows rose in surprise before she said, "Ringu. He's the other one in the infirmary. And Unarigoe would be the bastard Sesshomaru went to speak with. We figured out how I got here...I figured you might want to know, since you're the one who found me and all. Well, Saisho found me, but details. A demonic witch dragged me here for some reason we don't know about."

"Hm," Kagome murmured, "That's not good. Witches are never fun to mess with..." At Rin's curious look, she grinned. "Before I was separated from Inuyasha for three years, before we defeated Naraku and the Shikon no Tama was destroyed, we dealt with one. Miroku was recovering from some poison he'd sucked up in a Wind Tunnel at the time, so it was just me and Inuyasha on that mission. Shippo had decided to stay back, and it's a good thing he did." She grinned. "The witch figured out who was on her tail and came after me. Mikos are apparently tasty and good for prolonging lives. Managed to get a nasty blow in before Inuyasha showed up and quite literally tore her head off in a rage." She reached up to her shoulder, lowering the shoulder to show Rin a ragged scar that ran along her shoulder blade.

Rin grimaced. "Ow, must have hurt," she murmured. She leaned back, tilting her head to look up thoughtfully. "I wish I could home," she said softly, biting her lip. "It's not bad here when I'm not getting nearly killed by demons, but...it's not home."

"That's what I thought when I first came here," Kagome told her with a faint smile. She smirked. "I hated the idea of having to come back here to travel with Inuyasha. He was a jerk in the beginning...called me "bitch" and "wench" constantly. Still does, now that I think about it. But after a while, this became more of a home then my old home. And when I was trapped, separated from Inuyasha on the other side of the Bone-eater's Well, the one I used to travel through, I realized. The other world held nothing for me. Not like this one." She turned to smile brightly at Rin. "Trust me, Rin. This world will eventually become home. You just have to give it some time and try to make it home. Eventually, you'll fight to stay here. I fought to get back here when I was trapped on the other side."

"That's you," Rin sighed, "Not me. I'll stay here, but I'm always going to miss my home and rather be there. Who wouldn't?" She waved at the walls around her. "This seems to be where I stay now. The most outside time I've gotten since getting here was going to get you, and even then I was under supervision."

"So you say," Kagome murmured with a softened look, then tilted her head to peer around the room with curiosity. "Hey, it's better than a cell. Right? Give Sesshomaru some time; I'm sure he'll let you run around eventually. It's what he did with his ward when she was alive. She always talked about how she got to run around like a crazy person here."

Rin glanced away, unhappy with the miko's words. She didn't like being compared to the dead girl. She felt bad for the other Rin, yes, but not once had she actually met her. She didn't know enough to grieve over her like the others seemed to do. A soft sigh left the young woman's lips. She was either hated for her relations to this girl or loved. Either way, she doubted she was the one many of them were looking at...

"Don't worry," Kagome said suddenly, as if reading the other woman's thoughts. "They aren't seeing the other Rin in you, you know. You're nothing like her. For one, you're older. You've experienced hundreds upon thousands of different things then she did." She shot Rin a bright smile. "Trust me. It took me years to realize that by myself, and that was only when I nearly lost everyone I loved, Rin. Just give them a chance, okay?"

"I am," Rin grumbled, though she felt a slight reassurance at the miko's small speech. She glanced curiously at her. "You're a reincarnation, too?"

"Yep," Kagome sighed, "Except I actually met Kikyo. For the most part, it wasn't fun. She tried to kill Inuyasha and I a couple times, but...in the end...she saved us and Sango's brother Kohaku, so. She wasn't all bad."

"Huh," Rin murmured thoughtfully, remembering Kagome mentioning the name once, then flopped on her back with a soft hiss when she jostled her shoulder, reaching out to let her fingers brush against Jihibukai. "In any case... Let's get some sleep, hm? You should be heading home in the morning and I'll be...probably sitting in here, actually. Just what every person absolutely loves doing. Sitting there and doing nothing."

Kagome chuckled at Rin, then carefully let herself lie down beside her, frowning to herself. Was that a demonic aura...? Obviously, she muttered, the girl was beside a demonic weapon alongside being in the Western Fortress.

Without another word to each other, they both settled down to sleep.

Rin peered over the miko's shoulder as she inspected the drowsy Surudoi's wounds, relief written across her face. They were healing nicely, she thought, taking in the no longer bleeding injuries. Kagome had done well.

Close behind her, practically breathing down her neck as she stepped back, Sesshomaru growled softly, glancing at the cautiously watching Chiryoshi. "Has Rin's shoulder been seen to?"

"Not yet," Chiryoshi admitted. She glanced at Kagome. "Miko, you are more than capable of finishing up with Surudoi alone, yes?" Kagome, focused, merely nodded. "Good. This way, Lady Rin." She waved for Rin to move a little further away from them, and Rin followed with a sigh. Sesshomaru watched with sharp golden eyes, and Chiryoshi coughed under her breath, growling, "If you don't mind, my lord, I am quite certain my lady does not wish for you to see her naked flesh."

Sesshomaru silently turned his face away and Rin found herself giggling at the look he let flash across his face. But the laughter vanished when pain flared through her shoulder, especially as Chiryoshi began to gently unbandage it after removing the shoulder of her kimono. A hiss left her mouth, and Chiryoshi clucked her tongue, frowning. "Miko," she said suddenly, "Can you come here after you've finished with Surudoi?"

"Sure," Kagome called back, "Just let me finish up with this bandage..."

Rin twisted her head to inspect the injury as Sesshomaru's growl filled the air; he could smell what was wrong. Her eyes widened. She wasn't oblivious to what infection looked like. She'd seen the particularly bad ones on television when she hadn't been traveling around the world. But this was something else entirely. The ragged gashes had swollen the entirety of her shoulder, turning the flesh a darkish purple coloring. What looked like black veins spread out, crisscrossing across the normally colored skin, and it had begun to leak what looked like black pus.

Chiryoshi sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes narrowing. "As I said," she said softly, "Demonic infection isn't the prettiest of things, Lady Rin. We'll patch this up. I'm sure the miko can-"

"I can't do anything for that," Kagome said uncertainly as she made her way over, staring at the infected wound with wide eyes. "Healing injuries are one thing. Ones like this? I've never done it before and don't plan on trying. I could end up killing her by doing something wrong."

Sesshomaru let loose a low growl from where he was standing, still facing away despite the words that were being said. "What do you mean," he gritted out, "That you cannot heal this?"

"Just like I said," Kagome answered calmly. She glanced at Sesshomaru, studying the infected wound curiously. "I've never...how does this happen? Even when I was traveling with Inuyasha, I never once saw something like this."

"It happens," Chiryoshi said grimly, reaching for a bowl of water and a cloth, dipping it into the water. "When a demon's claws have not been cleaned in a very long time. Most demons, even the most stupid of the ogres and common demons, clean their hands often, though it may not seem like it. Unarigoe, it seems, did not. His aura, along with his claws, left a little dent in hers and her flesh, allowing it to infect her."

"I thought I sensed a demonic aura last night!" Kagome murmured.

Rin clenched her jaw, giving a gasp as the warm cloth touched the wound. She went to move away, but Chiryoshi's firm grip kept her in place as she murmured, "I apologize, my lady, this is going to be painful. Miko, I will need you to hand me things... Lord Sesshomaru? Would you help keep her in place?"

Sesshomaru was there in an instant, his golden eyes flashing as he took in the wound. Rin squeaked in surprise, crossing her arms with flushed cheeks, but he ignored it in favor of letting his gaze run over the swollen shoulder. "Unarigoe will not be alive for much longer," he decided suddenly, a low growl escaping him.

"Don't be hasty to kill such a valuable prisoner, my lord," Chiryoshi said with a calmness Rin envied as she set to work on cleaning the shoulder. "He may yet give away something unintentionally. What we should consider, however, is making sure Lady Rin doesn't fall over dead. A demonic infection upon a demon is one thing. They can heal with ease. Humans are not so lucky; she may yet fall under a fever and worse if we are not careful."

"Lovely," Rin hissed out, more out of annoyance then pain. She looked furious, almost as angry as Sesshomaru at the moment. "Just what I needed. How did nobody smell it or something?"

"It is a difficult scent to separate from others." Chiryoshi gave her a sympathetic look. "Have no fears, my lady, I will make sure it doesn't come to that, and if it does, I have herbs that will help with it. We've caught it here, we'll make sure it doesn't get any worse. You really shouldn't have accompanied Lord Sesshomaru to fetch the miko yesterday, though. It might have triggered the infection."

Very aware of the sharp golden eyes that glared at her, Rin smiled faintly. "Nobody else could go without causing alarm though."

"It's true," Kagome sighed, rolling her eyes. "Inuyasha's an idiot."

Chiryoshi chuckled. "In any case, it is best if you stick close to a demon who can keep a good eye on that shoulder. I would pair you with the miko, but I'm sure her mate will come searching for her should she not be back by the time the sun is at its highest. Ringu should be able to take her back on Ah-Uhn if you are okay with it, my lord," she added to Sesshomaru, then continued. "I'm certain Lady Kimi could keep an eye on her if you wish."

Sesshomaru hissed out a sigh before muttering, "Send for my mother. Miko, you may return home with Ringu and Ah-Uhn if it pleases you. I will go to see if Mizuki has truly left the Fortress. I was not happy with the way she spoke yesterday."

"I don't think any of us were," Chiryoshi murmured. "I will see to it that Lady Rin is taken care of, my lord. Ringu! Wake up, you lazy nuisance," she added sharply, throwing something at the dozing Ringu. The demon snapped awake with wide eyes, and Kagome giggled as Chiryoshi repeated Sesshomaru's orders to him.

"On it," Ringu sighed, scrambling up and shaking himself out. Rin's jaw dropped. The guard looked as if he'd been perfectly healthy for weeks and weeks on end! He dropped a wink at her, then bowed to Kagome, offering her an arm. "Shall we go fetch Ah-Uhn, my lady?"

"Sure," Kagome grinned. "Bye, Rin! I'll see you again eventually, I hope." She gave a small wave to Rin, who waved with her good side's arm before hissing in pain as Chiryoshi began to bandage the infected shoulder.

"Ow," Rin grumbled as she finally slid her sleeve back up, letting Chiryoshi help fix the article of clothing so it hung properly on her frame. Sesshomaru flicked something from her shoulder almost thoughtlessly, then disappeared out of the room after them. Rin blinked in surprise. "He's being strange," she murmured, "It's frightening."

A/N

Demonically infected shoulder does NOT sound fun. Anyhow. Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading. ^_^

Names, Meanings, etc.

N/A

Reviews

Leonhart9: Kimi's freaking awesome. And Unarigoe is creepy, isn't he? XD

MrsMagnusB: I agree. Current Rin DOES need to get more info...well she did get at least a tiny bit more, yes?

dragonroses: Lol. Glad you loved it. :)

rosaji: True forms are awesome. When has Sesshomaru EVER been able to say no to Rin? Love watching him fail at trying though. XD