Hello my lovelies! I'm so sorry for taking so long to update but Writer's block has been kicking my ass so it might not be as good as some of my previous chapters. Again, I apologize but I hope you enjoy it. If you have any ideas, just run them by me. They would be much appreciated.

Western Castle[Rin]

"They aren't here to protect you."

"You're a useless girl."

"That human whore doesn't love you."

Rin tossed and turned, whimpering in her voices tormented her while images of those three women haunted her as she relived the pain of her abuse over and over again. She sat up, screaming and breathing hard as she gripped the sheets.A thin layer of sweat covered her. Shippo heard her screams and crying. The young kitsune got out of bed and went across the room to hers, rubbing his eyes.

"Rin, are you okay?" he questioned, rubbing his eyes.

The young girl was crying almost uncontrollably as she wiped at her eyes for the tears to stop but they wouldn't. Shippo was awake now as he moved to hop onto her shoulder as he stroked her cheek.

"Its okay." he said, "I'm here."

Rin enveloped him in a hug, also being wary so she wouldn't crush the poor little thing. She was glad she had someone here with her and that she didn't have to suffer alone anymore.

"I want Kimara." she said, "I want my mama to come home."

Shippo listened to her words. "They'll be back soon." he said, "But until then, you've got me!"

Rin looked up, a smile pulling at her lips. What would she do without him? He knew the right things to say and knew how to make her laugh, despite the situation.

Aki

The young woman had stayed in the Northern territory. It was something about these mountains and forest that felt like home to her. The morning breeze felt nice on her skin as she enjoyed the cool air. The weather would soon be changing and she would have to seek shelter elsewhere but for now she was content. She could watch over the one she cared for while being near but also at a safe distance.

Sesshomaru

Sesshomaru woke up the next morning. He felt greatly refreshed and was surprised that he'd slept so well. Then a soothing scent invaded his nose, calming him as something shifted next to him. His golden eyes traveled downward to see something buried beneath the covers, the only thing visible was a head of silver hair. Interest peaked, he stared as he carefully moved the sheet to reveal what looked to be a female demon. He blinked and found that he'd only imagined it as he noticed Kimara's familiar raven hair. She moved closer to him, her breasts pressing against him. He reached to move some stray hairs from her face as she slept soundly.

The young lord found his memory of last night to be quite foggy. He remembered speaking to her as they were having tea and after that, he was drawing a blank. Though he did not know what had transpired, his inner youkai seemed to be more than content. He looked over at the sleeping young woman again, relaxed by her sleeping face. The bandages around her shoulder caught his eye as he unraveled them to see the harsh wound.

'We hurt her.' whined his inner Inu.

Sesshomaru found himself agreeing, his eyes somewhat remorseful. 'We did.'

'All the more reason for us to take her as our mate.'

'This Sesshomaru will not take heed of the words of such a lustful demon.'

'Yet we are the same person.' argued the demon, 'We both seek what we think we don't need.'

'I know I don't need her.'

His inner Inu-youkai chuckled.'Can you be so sure?'

'Definitely.' Sesshomaru argued, 'I am most sure that there is no need for such a mere human woman.'

'Mating Season approaches.' continued the demon, 'You may need her more than you think.'

Sesshomaru got up and decided to get ready for the day. He had much to do and he wanted to get an early start although his inner demon wanted to linger here. As he got dressed, he couldn't help but think about the impending mating season and the effects it was sure to bring upon the area, his servants, and even himself. He sighed as he would have to make the proper preparations. Before leaving, the young lord took one last look at the sleeping girl before closing the door behind him. Servants greeted him as he went on his way to his study.

"My lord!" called a voice.

Sesshomaru turned around to see Yuzuki approaching swiftly. She held out a tray with two scrolls. "These arrived just a few moments ago."

He looked down at the two scrolls, alarmed to see that on one of the scrolls was the magenta ribbon that represented his lands. Yuzuki bowed once he took them and left him to be. Sesshomaru hurried to his study, eager to know what could be lingering within the scroll. Once he pulled the ribbon loose, he unraveled it to reveal Kasumi's penmanship.

My lord,

All winter preparations have been fulfilled and we should be able to survive the harsh season that is to come. I'm making sure that we have more than enough in case of emergency. Also, I've seen to the preparations for mating season and Rin is sure to be protected at all costs. Do not be alarmed as I am handling the situation but Lady Rin has been dealing with some trouble as of late.

Kasumi

Kasumi went into the details and Sesshomaru could feel the anger boiling within him, his hands gripping the paper until it tore as his eyes began to rim with red. Just what was going on here?

Kimara [Sesshomaru's Room]

Kimara mumbled in her sleep, her sleeping spell lifting. She slowly opened her eyes and let them focus, taking in the sight of this room. She knew this wasn't her room when she noticed the silken sheets and the layout of the room. Kimara sat up, looking around and noticing her spear in the corner.

"What am I doing here?" she whispered to herself.

A dark blush appeared on her face once she remembered speaking with Sesshomaru and giving him that kiss of Gratitude. What drove her to do such a thing? Thing is, she couldn't remember anything after that and she found that so weird. Second of all, how did she end up in Sesshomaru's room and his bed of all things...? She felt her cheeks heat up as her blush deepened.

'I have to talk to Mizuki.' she thought, 'Maybe she could help me...'

She looked around for any sign of the clothes she was wearing last night but saw no evidence of them. She moved to get out of the bed and find something to put on so that she could go back to her own room. Suddenly, the door opened and Kimara instinctively covered herself with the sheet as she came face-to-face with Yuzuki. The demoness was caught off-guard by her appearance and presence in her lord's chamber.

"I've brought you some clothing." she said softly. "The lord urges you to dress quickly and come to his study immediately."

With a bow, Yuzuki excused herself so that the young woman could get dressed. Kimara didin't hesitate in moving away from the bed so she could put on the clothing. She wondered what was going on and why Sesshomaru needed her so urgently. Once she was done, she threw her hair into a ponytail and grabbed her spear as she headed out of the door. Just what did Sesshomaru have in store for her?

Eastern Castle

Yura sat on the window sill of she and Tetsuya's chamber. She admired the somewhat dreary and cloudy morning, a slight chill in the air. The breeze ran over her skin, causing it to prickle and shiver a bit. Yura smiled as two strong arms wrapped themselves around her mid-section and a familiar pair of lips kissed her ear. The sudden action made her giggle as her lips were enveloped in a warm kiss.

"Good Morning." he greeted once they parted.

The young woman relished in his embrace until a knock sounded at the door, interrupting them. Whoever was on the other side of the door began to speak. "My, lord there are some matters that need your attention." it said, "And an impending visit from lady Tsukiko"

'Lady Tsukiko?' thought Yura as she watched Tetsuya move away and begin to get dressed.'Why would she be here?'

Tetsuya noticed when Yura moved away from her perch on the widow sill. He figured she would want to meet with Lady Tsukiko, seeing as how she had a strong connection to the West. There had to be a reason for her to visit, other than discussing land trades. Just what was she up to?

Western Castle [Rin]

Rin had come to Miyu for her morning treatment of Antibiotics for her wound as instructed. As Miyu worked, she noticed how downcast the girl seemed to be. There was no shine in her chocolate-colored eyes and no laughter as she asked a million questions. But then what could you ask for after a traumatic experience?

"How are you doing today?"Miyu asked.

There was no response as Rin thought the wall behind her was much more important. Miyu sighed as she reached for the bandages, applying salve and placing it upon the girl's cheek.

"Alright, all done." she said, "Remember to come back for your evening dose and your stiches should come out in a week."

Miyu tried her best to be cheery in order to get any type of response but to no avail. Rin simply hopped off the table and bowed her head to Miyu before leaving. When she opened the door, she came face-to-face with Kasumi who took her by the hand. The young girl squeezed her hand as they walked, eventually burying her face in her kimono sleeve. Her silent tears soaked through her sleeve and only made Kasumi even angrier. She stopped walking and kneeled in front of the child and put her hands on her shoulders.

"Rin." she said, "I'm going to find who did this to you but I need you to be strong for me even though it hurts. Can you do that for me?"

Rin nodded, her eyes refilling with tears."Can I go to Lord Sesshomaru and Kimara?"

Kasumi nodded fervently, thinking that would probably be best since mating season was coming and she'd probably be safer in their care than here. In a few months, there would be raging lusty demons all over the place and it would be no suitable environment for a child-a human child.

Eastern castle{Gardens}

Yura took a deep breath as she and Tetsuya were on their way to the gardens. She hadn't seen lady Tsukiko since the meeting in the East a few months ago. Tetsuya squeezed her hand.

"Is something troubling you?" he questioned.

His intended shook her head. "No, I'm fine." she said, "Lady Tsukiko is just an interesting person is all."

A chuckle rumbled in his throat and he kissed her ear. "You'll be fine."

The couple then entered the Gardens where Tetsuya's mother and father were already having tea with Tsukiko. Kohana turned her head from their conversation to acknowledge their son and future daughter-in-law.

"Ah, there they are." said Hironori, "My eldest son, Tetsuya and his intended, Yura."

Tsukiko nodded at their presence as they took their seats at the table. "Your father was just informing me about the recent turn of events during court." she said, "It would seem that everyone is getting anxious as am I."

Hironori nodded, face serious. "That's true." he said, "Winter is upon us and is predicted to be one of the harshest ones in a long time. But there have been supposed sightings of Kasai and his followers."

"The one that attacked that night a few months ago?" Yura questioned, "What's his motive?"

Kohana fingered her teacup. "We have not come across that information yet."

"So what are we going to do about that?" queried Tetsuya.

Silence came as everyone thought of possibilities. First, there was winter coming up and then there was mating season following after. There would be absolutely no way to tell when Kasai wold strike next and even if there would be any defense against him. It was mind boggling.

"It would seem we're in quite a predicament." Tsukiko said with a sigh.

Hironori nodded. "I agree that the timing is horrible but we'll just have to grin and bare it."

Tsukiko's golden eyes met Hironori's. "Tell me, while I was away, what was discussed during this month's court session?" she questioned, "About that son of mine and skip the formalities if you would."

The lord of the East nodded. "Of course." he said, "Lord Kuro suggested that the human woman be named as Sesshomaru's temporary mate as an experiment. Shiorin didn't even care if an illegitimate child was produced from this. Of course, others argued against that."

Tsukiko absorbed the information and took in a deep breath. "I see." she said, "I consider both Mizuki and Kimara as candidates so we'll just have to sit back and wait for things to fall into place."

Yura smiled. "I don't know." she said with a snicker, "Maybe Kimara will give Mizuki of the Azurai clan a run for her money."

Kasumi & Rin

Kasumi was helping Rin and Shippo pack for their excursion to Sesshomaru's private compound. Since the temperature had dropped significantly, they would have to dress warm. Yuri was happy that the light had returned to Rin's eye if only for a moment. The fox kit was also in a better mood, happy to see a change in scenery.

"I will be sending guards with you for the duration of your journey."said Kasumi, "You are to listen to them at all times."

Both children nodded as they were outfitted with proper clothing for the Northeast. Rin wore a light blue outfit similar to her lord's. There was even a pair of boots. She found herself liking her new clothes and she was very grateful. Yuri had said that these would offer more protection than the kimonos she normally wore.

"Ah-Un and the other Kitsune will accompany you as well." said Yuri, "They will ensure that you are protected until you reach your destination. You will also reach your destination much faster."

The children nodded, following the two women to the courtyard where their escorts awaited. Kasumi made sure their belongings were secure. Yuri then went over to Rin, handing over a scroll with a Golden ribbon around it.

"Give that to Kimara when you arrive." she said, "Tell her that it's important."

Rin nodded and before long, they took to the skies, never looking back. Kasumi and Yuri looked on. Kasumi was a little glad to see them gone so that she would be able to eradicate the threat here.

'Such evil will not be tolerated.'she thought, 'Not against Lady Rin.'

Inuyasha & Co.

"Well that was a waste of time." snorted Inuyasha.

Sango nodded. "For once I agree with you." she said, "All this traveling for Centipede demons. I can kill those things in my sleep!"

Kagome listened to her friends as they rambled on about the job just the other day. The job went as well as any other but she couldn't shake this feeling she was was something off about the villagers that night after they had defeated the demon.

Flashback

The trio had returned from the field, having just defeated the demon and returned to the headman's home to collect their pay and speak with the man.

"Thank you so much for defeating the demon." the headman said.

Sango nodded. "No problem and you should call upon us again should you require anymore help."

The older man's face paled. "Y-you're leaving so soon?" he questioned, "Why not stay another night?"

The trio looked to one another then back to the stepped forward. "We've eliminated the threat sir so there's no-"

"You must stay another night, priestess!" pushed the head man as he grabbed Kagome's hand.

Kagome noticed that his hand trembled and that there was fear in his what was going on?

End Flashback

"Maybe we should stay another night just to check things out." suggested Kagome, "Something isn't right."

Northern Domain

Kimara had gone to Sesshomaru's study as instructed. She stood at the door, gathering herself before knocking. There was no answer but she took the silence as her invitation and opened the door, stepping inside. The room was surprisingly messy as papers and scrolls were thrown askew, an unusual trait for Sesshomaru. But he was not here.

'Where could he have gone?' she thought.

She left the room and went on her way to the courtyard in search of him. A few of the staff along with Setsuna and Nanaki crowded the courtyard. Apparently, they had come to bid the princess goodbye. Luckily, Sesshomaru was among them.

"I admit I've had a nice time here but my duty is elsewhere." Setsuna said with a bow, "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Sesshomaru. I will return in some time on order from the understand."

Sesshomaru nodded and Setsuna noticed that his human companion had joined them. She went over to her.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, young lady." she said softly as she leaned closer, "The lord will be mine and if you do anything to stop me, I will rip out your throat."

Kimara clenched a fist but soon relaxed her hand. "My Pleasure." she ground out, "Safe Travels."

'You miserable bitch.' she thought, 'Get a vibrator.'

Soon enough, the duo were on their way and the servants shuffled back inside, leaving Sesshomaru and Kimara to themselves. "You summoned me?"

A roar sounded in the distance, drawing their attention to the sky. Sesshomaru recognized it as the call of a familiar companion. Kimara looked on in awe as her beloved Kitsune companion landed at her feet as well as the dragon, Ah-Un. Rin hopped off of the steed and made a dash for her. The little girl knocked her down and hugged her tightly. Kimara returned the hug, stroking her hair.

"What are you doing here?" she questioned.

Before she could answer, two men emerged from the trees and knelt at Sesshomaru's feet in respect. Sesshomaru recognized them as two of his most trusted generals of his army, Koichi and Torin. Both men then stood to their feet.

"My Lord." said Koichi, "We were sent in order to ensure the protection of Lady Rin and her companion. Kasumi wanted to make sure they made it here safely and we made sure to do so."

He then handed over a scroll yet again tied off in a signature magenta ribbon. It was sure to be an explanation from Kasumi. With a bow, the two men disappeared from sight. Kimara sat up and looked at Rin who sat next to her. Soon enough, her eyes caught sight of the bandages on her right cheek.

"Rin." she said softly as she reached her hand out, "Did something happen?"

Rin moved away from her touch, her eyes losing their earlier light. "Its nothing." she said, "I'm just glad to see you again."

Shippo looked at Rin with worried eyes. The girl had never been prone to lying and to kimara, no less. It was strange because she saw her as her mother and trusted her more than anyone alongside him and Sesshomaru. Kimara looked at Rin, her girl. Why would she lower herself to lying? Was she embarrassed about the matter? Did she not want anyone to know or something? Rin thought back to the other day.

Flashback

She struggled to get up when she was picked up by her hair again and slammed against the wall. She could feel the touch of the demoness's lips at the shell of her ear. A giggle tickled her ear.

"Tell anyone who did this and you're dead, got it brat?" said the woman, "Not even that whore."

Rin rolled her eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru will...!"

"He doesn't care about you and neither does she." answered, "Why do you think they left you here?"

End Flashback

Sesshomaru thought it odd for the child to do such silly things but it could possibly be due to the trauma she underwent. He would give her time until she felt she could tell him the truth herself. He looked up to see Kimara looking at him, shaking her head. The young lord could feel the urge to kill emanating from her though she remained calm.

"I will leave her to you." he said.

The Daiyoukai then formed his demon cloud under his feet and left the looked on as he disappeared behind the clouds. She'd sensed that he'd been angered just as well as she had. She took a deep breath then turned to the children. Yuzuki had come out to greet them.

"Yuzuki will show you to your chambers." she said softly, "I'll be there shortly."

Shippo went ahead while Rin stayed behind. Kimara pulled her into a hug which caught Rin by surprise but she found herself hugging her tightly. She never wanted to let go.

'I promise to protect you.' Though kimara, ' I wont fail you again.'

Mizuki[Edge of the Forest]

Mizuki ventured away from the compound, a way to clear her head. The Northern air had a chill to it that was refreshing on her skin. She jumped into the treetops, staring at the bright full moon. It was then that a familiar scent filled her nose. She turned to see Aki sitting on a tree branch above her.

"That girl." she said, "How is she faring?"

Mizuki sighed. "With a few days of rest, she recovered quite quickly."

Aki nodded. "Why have you come to the north, Mizuki?" she questioned, "Isn't your clan located in the Southern Region?"

The princess nodded. "I was sent on a mission for lady Tsukiko." she answered, "It would seem the lord of the West won't take a mate and is in danger of losing his lands."

"Stubborn."aki whispered to herself, "Just like him."

Mizuki looked at her friend in confusion. Just who did she mean? Certainly not the old Dog General?

Courtyard

Sesshomaru was out in the courtyard as he continued to train Kimara for the harsh winter ahead. A shadow overhead alerted him as a familiar scent crossed his nose. He wrinkled his nose in annoyance as he withdrew his sword to acknowledge the unwanted presence. His mother sauntered through the courtyard and was soon standing before him.

"Hello, my son."

The proud Inuyoukai nodded. "Mother."

Kimara and Rin joined the two. "Good Afternoon, my lady." greeted Rin, "Have you come to visit Lord Sesshomaru?"

Tsukiko nodded. "Yes, child." she said.

Rin nodded happily and Kimara inclined her head to her in respect. The two then went back to their earlier activity while Tsukiko led her son inside. Reluctantly, Sesshomaru followed her, not looking forward to the lecture he was sure to be led them to a small audience chamber so they would not be disturbed. Once there, she took a seat upon a chair while her son chose to stand.

"To what do I owe this visit, mother?"

A slight giggle escaped the Inu-youkai woman's rouge-colored lips. "So Impatient." she said, "It would seem that the court has come together and suggested a proposition."

Sesshomaru raised an elegant silver eyebrow. "Proposition?"

"Yes." answered Tsukiko, "Spring is almost upon us and the court has come to a decision. They would like to assign you a temporary mate."

The young lord narrowed his eyes. "Temporary mate?" he asked, "What an absurd thing."

"A laughable thought indeed." Tsukiko agreed, "But my son this tactic has only been used for emergencies and this has been seen as such. Your brash defiance towards the court about taking a mate and producing an heir has brought them to this verdict."

'Mate.' growled his inner youkai.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the woman sitting before him."You've never been known to be prone to such foolishness." he said, "The court has you wrapped around their fingers. Do you think that I would lower myself to take someone who is of lesser standing as my mate, let a lone a so called "temporary" one?"

Tsukiko heaved an aggravated sigh. All she wanted was a grandchild before she died. Was that so hard to ask? "A temporary mate would not be the end of you." she explained, "Just something for you to play with before you found a mate more suitable to your

liking."

"And who would this person be, mother?" Sesshomaru questioned, "Some demoness of your choosing, i presume?"

Tsukiko shook her head. "Kuro proposed that it should be that young lady who is in your company." she replied, "A human toy for your entertainment."

The young lord stared at his mother, annoyance swirling in his golden gems."That woman has one purpose and one purpose only." he said, turning on his heels, "She is a protector and mentor to Rin. That is all."

A smile graced her crimson lips. "Have you not noticed?" she queried, "You've already begun to court her, according to the mating ritual."

Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks, eyes widening as he came to full realization of what she'd said. Was his mother correct? He would have to consult his father's library once again. He left the room, going after what he sought. Tsukiko looked after her son.

"So like and yet unlike you, my love."

Setsuna

Having returned to her family's castle, the young princess went to her mother and father. Surprisingly, her father was away and her mother had stayed to await her return. Once she was granted entry into the audience chamber, she bowed before her mother.

"I've returned from my venture in the East." she said.

Saki motioned for her to lift her head and she did as she was told, meeting her mother's gaze. "I've received quite startling news from the court in your absence." said Saki.

Setsuna stared at her mother in curiosity. "What do you mean mother?"

"It would seem that the court has come to a decision about Sesshomaru's situation." she explained, "They've gone to emergency tactics and are assigning him a temporary mate."

The young woman stared at her mother for a few moments. " A temporary mate?" she queried, "What an absurd idea."

Saki nodded. "I agree." she said, "But it's probably just to give him more time in finding a proper , giving you more time to form an adequate plan."

"That delectable young lord." she said, "He will be mine and I will let no one stand in my way. Not even that mortal woman."

'I will become lady of the West!'

[Kimara]

Kimara had put Rin to bed and was on her way to speak with Mizuki when she heard footsteps coming from the main hallway. When she turned the corner, she ran into Sesshomaru. Where was he coming from so late at night? She barely had time to process her curiosity when she saw the blood staining his blue and white haori.

'What in the world?'

His turquoise eyes pierced her violet ones and he proceeded in walking past her, dismissing the injury. She'd gotten a better look and the blood had stained the entire right side of his haori and hakama. A growl came from his chest and she stepped away from him as he passed, withdrawing her hand. She watched his retreating back and opened her mouth to say something but surprisingly they were stuck in her throat. The worry was eating at her but she pushed it aside and went after him.

"Sesshomaru you're injured and I really think that I should-"

She was cut off when he turned to her, fangs bared as he snarled at her. What in the hell happened and why was he acting like this? It was so puzzling and yet, she was drawn to want to help him. Before she knew it, her hand came out and slapped him across the cheek. She then grabbed him by the collar of his haori, the fabric crumpled in her fists.

"You want me to show my loyalty?" she asked heatedly, "Well let me help you so I can!"

The Inuyoukai before her seemed to relax somewhat and she didn't hesitate in taking charge as she pulled him by the hand down the hall. Once she was in her room, she forced him to sit down while she grabbed her first-aid kit. She came back and sat next to him on the bed, opening her kit and pulling out the necessary items.

"Can you remove your haori so I can look at the wound?" she questioned, voice soft.

It seemed that while in that state, he didn't seem to hear her. With caution, she reached up to remove his haori and juban. Once they were out of the way, she was able to see the wound clearly and couldn't believe her eyes. There was what looked like a large gash in his shoulder and whatever caused it was still embedded in the wound. To her knowledge it looked like a broken half of a sword.

'How did this happen?' she mused, 'Why hasn't he taken this out? It must hurt to hell.'

"Sesshomaru, I'm going to have to remove this." she said, "I know it probably doesn't hurt but this could become infected if I don't."

Once again, he didn't respond since it seemed he had not come back to his senses. She was about to proceed in her treatment and counted in her head so that she would be able to remove the blade and simultaneously apply pressure. Thankfully, she'd timed it just right and was able to keep the bleeding at bay. Once the blood was cleared away, she could see the puncture wound clearly and quickly applied antiseptic and antibiotics so it wouldn't get infected. Finally, she wrapped his shoulder tightly in bandages before tying it off.

"Finished." she announced to herself.

She waved a hand in front of the Inu lord's face and it was clear that he still wasn't back to normal. For whatever the reason, he was still in kill mode. Then she thought about how Rin had arrived here earlier and the wounds upon her face. That could've triggered this state.

"I know that seeing Rin in such poor condition was hard." she began, "But you have to move forward, Sesshomaru. You have to worry about her future rather than the past although it was an awful thing that transpired."

'I wasn't there to protect her.' she thought, 'I failed her.'

He turned to her, crimson eyes still surging with rage. Kimara swallowed hard and took a deep breath before continuing. "I feel the same way that you do and I would want nothing more to kill something but you don't see me on a rampage. So do me a favor, come back to now and we can worry about the future."

'The future.' she thought, 'A future with...'

"Woman." said a voice.

Kimara looked up to see golden pools of amber staring back at her, complete with a bare yet chiseled chest. She froze for a moment, her breath held as she watched him cautiously.

"Why have you disrobed this Sesshomaru without his permission?"

The young woman stared at him for a moment, unsure of how to answer him without sounding like a blithering and blushing idiot. "You were bleeding and I-I treated your wounds."

"This Sesshomaru did not require your intervention." he said as he stood to his feet.

He then looked down at his clothing to see the blood soaking through and he looked at her in question to which she shrugged. "I'm not sure what transpired but you had a piece of a sword embedded in the wound." she explained, "I just thought it was best to remove it..."

Without a word, Sesshomaru left the room. Kimara sighed. It didn't surprise her in the least that he didn't show his gratitude. She closed the door and before she knew it, the tears began to fall faster than she could control as images of Rin's marred face presented themselves to the feelings she'd restrained up until now began to flood. She choked back a few sobs as she sat against the wall, Guilt consuming her.

"Its all my fault." she muttered, "I couldn't...Damn it!"

In her anger, she threw the supplies she'd been holding across the room. She'd knocked over the doll she'd been planning on giving to Rin as a gift. Sniffling, she got up and went to pick the doll up as she traced the designs on its clothing. She sat on the bed and hugged it to her chest.

'Rin.' she thought, 'I let you down.'

The creak of the floorboards startled her and she turned around to see Sesshomaru standing in the now open doorway. When she turned around to see him, he was somewhat alarmed to see her tear-stained stared at him for a long while, the silence engulfing them.

"I failed Rin." she said softly, "Which means i've broken my vow to you as her protector and I...!"

The remaining words caught in her throat as Sesshomaru closed the gap between them, his hand reaching toward her. She closed her eyes and waited for whatever punishment he saw fit. When nothing came, she opened her eyes as a new sensation came over her. Her violet orbs widened when she realized that his hand had come to rest on her cheek. The Inuyoukai's golden orbs seemed to bore into hers, searching for something. Kimara was further surprised when her face was buried lightly in his bare chest, his hand atop her head. Her arms encircled him as her tears flowed heavily and Sesshomaru found himself stroking her hair.

"Tears are a sign of weakness." he said, voice barely above a whisper.

Kimara found herself to be soothed by his scent and his words held a bit of warmth to them. They were not the cold ones she'd grown used to and she found herself blushing again but strange enough, she didn't move away.

"Thank you."

And done! I finally finished! Again, I apologize for the suckiness and if it seems disconnected but I'm getting back into the groove! Emotions are running high between everyone, especially between Kimara and Sesshomaru, even are growing closer and Sesshomaru is finally beginning to realize his feelings. How will Sesshomaru explain what a "temporary mate" is? Find out in the next chappie!

Hugs,

EmikoSakura27