Her Name is Rin – Protecting Them

This wasn't the situation he wanted to be in.

Apparently Jaken wasn't capable of protecting Rin, seeing as the pain was lying on his back knocked cold just a few feet away. If he was, Sesshoumaru wouldn't be in this predicament.

Naraku's puppet stood not ten feet from him, his eyes narrowed intently on the miko. Kagome was standing protectively in front of Rin, her arms thrown out to hide the child from danger. Her bow was lying broken at her feet, the arrows scattered across the forest floor. Several gashes wept blood across the front of her haori. For once, she was wearing the proper miko clothing.

Every one of those wounds had been meant for Rin.

The battle had begun shortly after he had left Rin with Jaken for the day. Fortunately for them Inuyasha and his pack had been nearby and caught Naraku's scent. The other humans had immediately formed a battle stance around the camp. Kagome had gone to protect Rin.

Inuyasha was standing nearby, trying to find a way to fight his way back to Kagome's side. Sesshoumaru's eyes were narrowed, searching for the chance he needed to distract Naraku from Rin. For one brief moment, their eyes locked, gold to gold, and Inuyasha nodded understanding.

It would be the only time Sesshoumaru would willingly stand with his brother, or so he thought. The two of them would have to work together if either of them wanted to save the only female that mattered to them.

Sesshoumaru darted right while Inuyasha went left. Swords were drawn, battle stances ready, and there was really only one thing left to do.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted. "Put up a barrier!"

In a flash there was a glowing purple shield around Kagome and Rin, and the youkai brothers were free to attack.

"Dragon Strike!"

"Wind Scar!"

The attacks swirled around each other, feeding off of each other's energy, and soon nothing was left of Naraku's puppet but a shallow crater, with Rin and Kagome at the edge. The hanyou quickly rushed to Kagome's side, concern plain in his eyes.

"You all right, wench?" Despite his cold words, his voice shook. Kagome smiled.

"I'm fine. Really, Inuyasha, you must have more faith in my abilities." she teased. Inuyasha threw his head back and laughed, pulling the girl and child to their feet.

"If I doubted you, I wouldn't have done that." he said simply.

"Rin."

Rin quickly made her way to Sesshoumaru and wrapped her arms around his leg. "Sesshoumaru-sama! I was so scared! Where'd you go?" She was shaking uncontrollably, and without thinking Sesshoumaru reached down and scooped her up, bracing her against his hip while she clung to his haori.

"I'm sorry, Rin." he whispered. "I won't leave you unprotected again." Slowly he turned to Inuyasha and Kagome, who were watching the exchange with interest. He nodded to the miko. "I think I will take you up on your offer, miko." he said quietly.

Kagome smiled. "Hey, what are friends for?" she joked with a grin. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but for once kept his smart comments to himself. He really didn't feel like biting the dirt today.

Sesshoumaru allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "Indeed." With that he turned and walked away. Jaken could catch up once he woke up.

Miroku turned to Inuyasha, confusion plain on his face. "Now what was that all about?" he demanded.

"Isn't it obvious, houshi?" Inuyasha chuckled. "We were protecting them."

/---/

AN: YES!!!! The wonderfully edited version of this chapter. Please read and tell me what you think – I just skillfully eliminated all traces of sess/kag-ness! I certainly like it better. Review, please!