Chapter 24

*******WARNING*******

~I want to first say that some of you may feel like Sesshomaru is out of character, but this is a more dramatic and emotional chapter and it really isn't that bad, so I 'm sure you guys will like it no matter what and this is a really really long chapter just for heads up. Also I am happy to say the chapter is up, so enjoy and read and please please please review. Helps me write when you guys try to figure out who the murderer is. And the ending may be a little gruesome for some so you know, warning duh.~ Anyways enjoy and go on and read ;P~ I do not own any of the characters unless they are mine~

Rin walked out a little nervous to see that everyone was already assembled at the dining table chatting amongst themselves, everyone except Kimi and Sesshomaru that is. Sesshomaru stayed quiet glaring at his mother obviously suspicious that something was going on, and apparently had a hunch that she had something to do with it. She returned a look, but it was a dull emotionless one, showing that she was feigning innocence. One that she saw mirrored in Sesshomaru's eyes every so often, but his were usually cold and unfeeling, a mask she knew he wore to keep others at a distance. This lady ruined him.

Rin watched Sesshomaru closely as he seemed to fidget, actually fidget, and every so often his eyes would dart to one side then to the other as if he expected someone to attack at any moment. It was strange to see on him. This nervousness Rin could not say where it came from, but he was obviously hiding something as well. She wondered what.

Rin cleared her throat, rubbing her neck at an attempt to hide the bruise that was most likely adorning her neck now from Kimi's assult. Everyone at the table looked up in her direction, a look of confusion slowly passed over Sesshomaru's features until his father moved behind him whispering something she of course could not hear, but she didn't have to guess what he could be saying. Each painful throb of her neck reminded her of every second she had slowly etched to unconsciousness earlier.

She heard an "Aw shit here we go," from Inuyasha, one of the fw who didn't have a problem hearing what Inutaisho had to say. She had to admit she envied his abilities. He got a confused look from Kagome, and he just patted her on the thigh, a comforting gesture that she could tell wasn't so comforting since she knew her friend was quite perceptive and could feel the tension in the room.

Sesshomaru's eyes turned from her and down to the table, listening to his father's words. She watched as his eyes widened and shot towards Rin then quickly to his mother. He moved to stand, but was roughly pushed to sit back down. His father looked to be warning him of something, and Sesshomaru shook his head whispering back in return and trying to stand once more, just to be pushed back down into his seat.

"Don't" she finally heard Inutaisho firmly say. Everyone at the table looked to the two of them, and Inutaisho suddenly started laughing. Sesshomaru on the other hand glared at his mother, took in a large breath then swiftly released it, as if to calm himself, but it seemed like more of an annoyed huff. Oh this dinner indeed would be interesting.

"Sesshomaru I never knew you had a sense of humor! Well let us begin our dinner." Inutaisho said gesturing for Rin to take a seat, and giving both Kimi and Sesshomaru a warning glance.

Rin finally moved forward, to pull out her seat in between Nami and Sesshomaru, Sesshomaru kindly stood and Inuyasha followed. It seemed as the though the Taisho family was filled with gentlemen. At least that gave her hope for them.

"Oh my god Rin, what happened to your neck?" Kagome made a move to stand, but Inuyasha stopped her. "Inuyasha let go!"

"I'm sure she just had an accident," he said, turning his knowing gaze to Rin, "Right Rin?" Rin didn't even know what to say, she just stood there dumbfounded now that all the attention was put on her.

"Yes, while escorting Rin here she was telling me of her clumsiness while trying to put on her heels. It was quite a funny story."

"Yeah, funny" Rin added, wishing she had let her hair down earlier, she could only imagine how the bruised contrasted against her pale skin, slowly turning into a colorful display or purple and blue.

"I will deal with her," Sesshomaru whispered, pulling out her seat. Rin looked up and smiled, remembering the warning look that Inutaisho had given to Kimi and Sesshomaru. She really didn't know what else to do, but when she saw his brow furrow deeper she knew her lack of response upset him even more.

"I'm fine really" was all she could get out, he wouldn't be getting anymore until they had a chance to talk alone. It's funny that she had to almost be choked to death for him to finally want to speak to her again. Maybe she should take that as an insight to the extent of how much he cared for her. Maybe.

"Please let us four take a seat. I hope we can all agree that today has been a wonderful day."

"I wonder," Rin heard from Sesshomaru beside her, who was still staring down his mother, who on the other hand was dusting an unseen piece of lint off her gown. Rin looked around at the seating of the table, as Sesshomaru pushed her in and took a seat himself.

Counter clockwise it was Inutaisho at the head, Kimi to the left of him, Sara, Inuyasha, Kagome, then on the other side it was Nami, Rin, herself, Sesshomaru, and Izayoi to Inutaisho's right. It seemed Kimi preferred not to sit across from Izayoi and skipped a seat, so immature, but unfortunately for her it put her across from her glaring son.

"My dear it was a very good day, I am sure everyone can agree to that," Izayoi jumped in to aid her husband, shifting in her seat uncomfortably as Sesshomaru sat tensely beside her, still staring openly at his mother from across the table.

"Yes all laughing, rainbows, and flowers," Kimi returned giving Izayoi the fakest smile, but Izayoi still returned it with warmth.

"Wow how high is the thermostat? I think it is getting a little hot don't you think honey, or maybe it is just me. Never mind that, Kagome I hear you will model in the U.S," Inutaisho said, trying to distract from the tension in the air. Rin's eyes shifted slightly to their main host. She found it funny that he was seriously trying to prevent this from happening when everyone knew where this was going.
"U-uh" Kagome stuttered, and Rin felt a little bad for her friend, the spotlight at this dinner table was never good.

"Now do not be shy Kagome. Tell us about all your great plans," Inutaisho laughed loudly, getting an annoyed sigh from Kimi.

"Well I'm not quite sure if I will be going yet, with my family and people I care about being here and all." Kagome looked lovingly to Inuyasha smiling, he returned it but it didn't reach his ears. It seemed his attention was more so on Sesshomaru and Kimi. "And my best friend who is almost like a sister to me," she added. That got a loving smile out of Rin. There was so much she needed to tell Kagome, and she hoped she would have a chance later to do so.

"Well that is wonderful Kagome," Izayoi replied, getting Kagome's attention. Kagome nodded her thank you returning the smile.

"It's nothing really," she blushed.

"Well hold on now Kagome, don't be so modest. The U.S wants you," Inuyasha looked to his father with a huge grin plastered on his face, "I heard that means they only want nothing but the best."

"What a great achievement," Inutaishio said proudly, making Kagome a now tomato red.

"But I am sure my son will follow you wherever you may go." Izayoi smiled.

"You got that right! Maybe I could open up a Wasabi over there, and start making other branches of the restaurant." Inuyasha gushed.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Inutaisho perked up, excited at any mentioning of his sons taking his former businesses to greater heights of achievement. "See that is the kind of thinking I like. Good work son."

Sara suddenly yawned, and everyone well everyone except Kimi that is who fought to keep herself from laughing, looked to her, and she just stared at everyone shocked as if she hadn't done it on purpose. Wench!

"Oh how rude of me. I was up so late last night," she tried to amend, but Rin wasn't feeling very forgiving tonight. No matter she would get her later. Kimi unexpectedly cleared her throat, shifted in her seat, grabbed her knife, and clinked it against her wine glass.

"Well cheers to Kogami" she said.

"Kagome," Inuyasha corrected, giving Kimi the evil eye.

"Doesn't really matter," Sara interjected, adding her unwanted two cents. Rin was about to say something of course no matter what willing to come to her friend's defense, but Inutaisho quickly spoke up.

"Okay," he clapped loudly, "Where are those servants with our dinner. I hear there is chicken on the menu tonight." Rin shook her head when beside her she could see Sesshomaru's leg fidgeting. He was obviously still a little edgy. Rin placed her hand on his thigh giving it a slight squeeze and it abruptly stopped. She continued to look at Inutaisho as if nothing had happened.

"My, must you always be so obnoxious," Kimi grumbled. Inutaisho threw a glare her way.

"You are one to talk obnoxious," Sesshomaru finally spoke up.

"Aw crap" Rin heard from Inuyasha as he slouched lower in his seat.

"What?" Kagome asked, but no one answered her.

Rin knew this was coming. Her man was going to come to her defense no matter what. Well he wasn't technically her man, but close enough. He was not going to let his mother get away with this and Inutaisho wasn't going to be able to stop him, especially since she had never seen him so upset.

"Excuse me," Kimi seethed finally acknowledging her son.

"Chicken smells like heaven on a plate does it not honey," Inutaisho said to Izayoi as the servants brought out all their food. Unfortunately like Rin, Izayoi was caught in the confrontation between mother and son, but she caught herself.

"O-oh yes dear, you chose right. You were right in saying I should leave the preparations in your hands."

"Indeed I was and I hope you all enjoy our PEACEFUL dinner." He looked between Kimi and Sesshomaru but they both ignored him, and if looks could kill Rin wondered who would have died first.

"Lin," Sesshomaru called to the short dark haired servant woman off to the side. She quickly walked over to him kneeling.

"Yes my lord"

"Please take Nami to her room with her dinner and accompany her," Sesshomaru ordered never taking his eyes away from his mother.

"That's not good," Inuyasha mumbled.

Rin frowned bringing her attention to the girl completely forgetting Nami was at the table. She didn't need to bear witness to what was about to go down. Sesshomaru was right to make her leave.

"But father-"

"Go I will be there soon to tuck you in."

"Come Lady Nami, we will finish playing our games from the day before." Lin said, but that didn't cheer her up one bit. Rin smiled at the little girl, remembering their game of checkers from the day before and how she had learned so quickly beating her and Lin several times.

"It'll be alright Nami, go on," Rin assured her. Nami hesitantly took Lin's hand and with the clacking of her little shoes disappeared down the hall.

"You are a piece of work," Sesshomaru finally said to his mother.

"I was only trying to help," she returned still glaring at him, Sesshomaru laughed.

"Oh yes, because we are one big happy family."

"Yes we are and we should enjoy this wonderful dinner like one," Inutaisho spoke taking a bite out of his chicken. "Mmm so zesty."

"Father you are just as much to blame for this," Sesshomaru said turning on Inutaisho.

He looked to painfully swallow the piece of chicken, and stared at his son confused. "I'm sorry what?"

"Be a happy family, love one another, get along, frolic through the pretty meadow…bullshit!" Rin looked at Sesshomaru shocked at his change of demeanor. Outbursts weren't like him. She wondered if this was really about her.

Izayoi slammed her hand on the table turning to Sesshomaru, "Do not talk to your father like that!"

"Why don't you stop trying to act like you are my mother!" Rin flinched at those harsh words. She saw the hurt look in Izayoi's eyes. She hadn't deserved that. It pained her to see the hurt expression on Izaiyoi's face, especially when she knew how much she cared for Sesshomaru like she had carried him for nine months herself. Rin looked to Kagome whose eyes were bulging out of their sockets as the surveyed the catastrophic scene before her, and when she saw Rin glancing at her she just shrugged.

"She is in fact your mother even if step and you will respect her!" Inutaisho said slamming his clenched fist on the table as well.

"My son is in no way, shape, or form obligated to respect a woman who destroyed his family," Kimi said to Inutaisho who rolled his eyes.

"Oh here we go," Izayoi mumbled.

"And we will keep going there!" Kimie exclaimed to Izayoi.

"Oh and he should respect you a woman who is trying to sabotage his relationship?" Inutaisho laughed and he laughed hard. Rin could tell his laugh in a way was practically calling her stupid. It made Kimi slouch back in her seat a little, and seemed to make her contemplate her next words.

"No he should respect me because I am his mother."

"Now that is just sick," Sesshomaru spat.

"Excuse me young man!"

"Since when have you been a mother to me? More like an annoying incessant wife. Well I am not your husband mother I am your son!"

"Yes and I am looking out for my ungrateful son!"

"No you are smothering him," he looked to Sara and shook his head, "You know so little about me that you actually set me up with a stalker."

Sara gasped, and threw her napkin onto the table, "Well I never."

"Sesshomaru it was your mother and I who-"

"Father do not lie for her I know the truth, I always knew the truth. You trying to always keep the piece so you let her have some hand in my upbringing. I know it all."

Rin realized that that meant Sesshomaru lied to her too. When he told her about Sara, he had said it was Inutaisho and Izayoi who had set them up, now actually meeting the two of them she could see how that would be a lie. They liked their sons having free will, so they would never set them up with any suitors, they would definitely allow them to find a woman they could maybe love. It was now Rin realized why they were both so eager in meeting her.

"Do you think this pathetic human can be a better mother to you than I can," Kimi exclaimed pointing to Izayoi. "That she could have done better?"

"Now hold on, you're not gonna talk about my mother that way! She has been a better mother to my brother than you ever will be!" Inuyasha growled out, glaring at the demoness.

"Oh god, the mutt speaks," she sighed.

"Inuyasha do not speak to my mother that way, I can handle it!" Sesshomaru threw at Inuyasha, who threw his hands into the air exasperatedly, and crossed his arms leaning back into his seat.

"Calm down Sesshomaru he was just trying to help you out," Kagome defended, but Sesshomaru just looked at her disgustedly. Rin knew he was going to saying something rude and braced herself for it.

"What the hell, I don't even like you! Why are you speaking to me? Why are you here? Was completely ignoring you these two days not obvious enough to my aversion to you?"

"Sesshomaru!" Rin warned. She was not going to just sit back and listen to him talk so rudely to her best friend. Besides he was so totally misdirecting his anger. She said off with the witch's head who sat across from him.

"Sesshomaru don't be an ass to my girl she is just talkin' the truth and I am just trying to back you up." Inuyasha said, coming to the rescue, Sesshomaru tilted his head staring at Inuyasha contemplatively for a moment and finally sighed.

"Okay fine I apologize, as for you mother as much as I hate to say it, Inuyasha is right, this human woman has been a way better mother to me than you ever have, and it seems to me she always will be." Rin noticed Izayoi quickly looked to Sesshomaru and there was a slight blush on her cheeks, but she knew someone else had the complete opposite reaction to his words.

"And yet she cannot see that this whore is using you!" Kimi exclaimed, pointing her finger in Rin's direction. She wanted to bite it off. "Instead she hangs off her every word. Picking flowers and hugging, it is simply preposterous!" Rin clenched her fist. It seemed her turn was finally here.

"Oh please you bitter old woman who can't even keep her husband satisfied. I find it hilarious that it is human women that seem to take every man from your life. Obviously there is something that my apparently whorish ways provide that you can't." Rin said venom laced in her words. Kimi's eyes if possible narrowed more at her, and she bared her fangs. It seemed that Sara took that as her turn to jump in as well.

"Yes that is exactly what you are a whore who is after his money, and instead of coming to me, you put ridiculousness into his head to put a straining order against me. You are just added trouble to this family. That is all you are good for."

"Sara don't even get me started on you!" Rin and Sesshomaru said in unison, but they both were too heated with anger to notice.

"You want to know why I did not consider you?" Sesshomaru asked leaning forward in his seat, Sara looked at him longingly as if the fact that he was even addressing her at all would cause her to faint. "Well first you are not my type, you are far from it and never will be, second you are a pest and lower than the dirtiest of vermin to me, third you are like a parasite that eats through my flesh laying you evil eggs of misery within me making my wound fester with puss and disease, fourth you remind me of an incurable virus unknown to mankind slowly decaying me starting with my brain and working your way out ending with my skin, and fifth you are like a continuously spreading bacteria in my body that not even the strongest antibacterial could rid me of, and it grows and grows until I am finally lost of all life. I mean do you need any more analogies to finally understand my disliking of you?"

Rin stared at Sesshomaru shocked. What a…well colorful description, and if that didn't help Sara to take a hint then nothing would. Rin was even surprised at herself when she saw the girls eyes well up with tears but smiled in spite of herself.

"And this," Kimi said swiftly pointing between Sesshomaru and Sara, "Yes this, that attitude of yours is the reason that all the suitors that I sent to you did not work! Could you act any more untrained?" Kimi exclaimed in disbelief.

"Who said I wanted you to set me up with suitors? All of them are the same!"

"And seeing the one sitting at the table I can see where he's coming from. And if you insult my best friend again you'll have to take it up with me," Kagome said leaning across Inuyasha to make sure Sara heard what she had to say.

"Oh please unimportant best friend, just remember what Sesshomaru said earlier to you and you will know how much I dislike you as well," Sara hissed. Rin guessed that some of that anger was supposed to be for Sesshomaru, but the lovesick female probably didn't have the guts to throw it in his direction. She was just one of the few weak women who loved Sesshomaru, stuck in an unrequited love bubble. Rin wondered if she herself was among the few.

"Better those words than the ones he said to you. I mean instead of unimportant maybe we should talk unwelcomed, person who has a restraining order on her and shouldn't even be here. It's actually really pathetic that you are still trying to cling to something that will never exist." Rin rudely insulted, happy with her little jab.

"I was invited here by Inutaisho himself you bitch, so don't give me that not welcome crap!"

"Yes out of pity, and I'm starting to understand why. No one likes you, and although Izayoi is too nice to say it she doesn't think you're acceptable for Sesshomaru either."

"Magnificently said Rin," Izayoi laughed.

"Izayoi please," Inutaisho begged, who Rin noticed had remained quiet for quite some time now, probably realizing that there were no other distractions to stop this outburst.

"Kimi doesn't even like you," Rin continued, "All you can do for her is just add wealth to the family by marrying her son. So who is the money thirsty whore me or you Kimi?" Rin turned her attention to the still glaring demoness. She wondered how long she had been holding that look.

"Rin-"

"Don't Sesshomaru! You're mother almost choked me to death and you still want me to act like I like her? No way!" There were a couple of gasps at the table and an 'Aw shit' from Inuyasha.

"I indeed think you are getting somewhat too riled up Rin, I understand the situation-" Inutaisho tried to say, but Rin wasn't having it from him either.

"You waited until she attacked me to intervene, so I am sorry to disrespect you in your own home Inutaisho but I am not listening to that crap!"

"You waited until mother attacked her?" Sesshomaru asked, his eyes remaining glued to his fathers to see the truth in them, and when Rin assumed he got his answer Sesshomaru clenched his fist, blood dripping down his hand from his deathly long claws puncturing his skin. Rin wanted to stop him from hurting himself but knew it wasn't the time.

"Well then why don't we just chop her into little delicious pieces so everyone can get a piece of her, and give the left overs to the shark if their hungry. Father you first!" Sesshomaru exclaimed, any other time Rin would have found him hilarious, but she wasn't in the mood.

"Sesshomaru it was in no way like that, and Rin knows it," Inutaisho said hurt.

"You know as much as I would like to blame this all on your father, the real person at fault here Sesshomaru is you," Kimi added, bringing attention back to her.

"Oh? Well mother, you obviously want to hog the stage tonight. Lights on you do explain," Sesshomaru said exasperatedly. Kimi's eyes bore into Sesshomaru's intensely. She splayed her hands out on the table as if she wanted to leap at him any moment.

"You go around acting like the things you do in this family does not affect our family name. Associating with whatever type of women you like," she said waving her hand in Rin's direction, "And I have to say the icing on the cake was you adopting a bastard child."

"Now wait a minute!" Rin and Sesshomaru said in unison once more.

"Oh no, you will not talk about my daughter that way you insufferable woman!" He finally stood.

"And my niece," Inuyasha added.

"And our granddaughter," Inutaisho added as well but more gently.

"She is no granddaughter of mine," Kimi exclaimed.

"And you will never hear the word grandmother escape from her mouth directed towards you if I have anything to say about it. Yes, I may have been with different woman who do not have power and money," Sesshomaru stared, constantly poking at his chest when referring to himself, "I may not be all perfect and all knowing, and I may not be the father to that child, but you in no way can say that you have lived your life better than mine! You cannot say you have done better than I!" Rin watched Sesshomaru closely. Something was happening to him, it was like he was hitting his breaking point.

"Oh I dare say I can," Kimi replied standing as well "I have a wonderful business in the U.S. and I have a son that I can be proud of when he is not doing something stupid. What else do I need?"

"Your own life!" He ran shaking hands through his hair, "Don't you see? I needed a woman here to support me on this trip because I knew all this would transpire! No matter how hard you all try to ignore the fact that this family is just all disfunctional and has no chance of redemption, no matter how my delusional father tries to make this family seem like it can endure, no matter how my mother tries to act like she really has been there when she has not, no matter how hard this woman who sits here and tries to be a mother to me but I will not let her, no matter how my poor brother lashes out because he feels he has to fight to get attention from all three of you because you all cannot get over your petty differences ever since we were little kids, and-" he suddenly turned to look at Rin, his voice softening, "No matter that I have a wonderful female here who wants to love me but I will not let her…because I cannot let her and because I cannot love her how she wants me to…" What was he saying? Rin wanted to ask him what all this meant but he continued, his attention returning to his parents.

"So although I know, and we know all these things, we CANNOT be fixed! And you know another thing, we never will be! I will not live like the damn step child anymore and I cannot be a part of this family I cannot! My feelings matter too mother! So if you are what you say, if you are truly a good mother tell me then when have you ever once asked how I feel about everything, when?" Everyone stared at him shocked, not knowing what to say. Rin was on the brim of tears, he was saying that he was not good enough for her, but that was not true at all. She heard the shakiness in his voice and was finally showing all his locked up feelings, but what changed, why now?

"Yes that's right, look at me like I am crazy. Sesshomaru speaks, shocking!" He said throwing his hands in the air, "What was it you always said mother, 'Keep your feelings to yourself, your feelings are weaknesses in a disguise, do not show weakness because people will walk all over you', so you know who I blame? I blame you two," he said pointing to both Kimi and Inutaisho. "This family continues to crumple because of your need to control and hate everyone mother, and you father because of your tendency to put things off like they are not happening, living in this stupid fantasy world."

His eyes lingered on his father, who in return looked worried for his son, "You father let her turn me into a monster, so I do pray you do not blame me for this or whatever may happen. I have come to the realization that our problems will never be resolved and…" he took in a deep breath, "Nor will my feelings," he finished as he released it.

Once more he turned to her, "I am so sorry Rin, but this is who I am, and this is who I will always be." He looked to everyone at the table then stormed away. Rin didn't wait to hear what anyone said as some eyes were on her and some on a retreating Sesshomaru. She just stood and ran.

Inutaisho walked down the hall in search of his son. It was all so strange to him really. He had expected something like this from his son, but never ever did he expect his son to break down to this extent. It was like he lost his mind. When had it come to this, when his son thought he could not ask him for help? How had he been so ridiculously stupid to think that Sesshomaru was not the type to corrode, that no matter what he could figure things out on his own? It seemed that Sesshomaru's words about him were right. This was his second time seeing him like this the first happening very recently before he went to comfort an apparently sobbing Rin. That was the moment he knew he had to help, and he had, so why this outburst?

For some reason the halls were all dark in the house and Inutaisho wondered where the maids and servants were. "Sesshomaru," he called out for his son, but no response.

He continued, his demon eyes aiding him on his quest to find his son and when he entered into the dark living room, he called for his son once more, but no response. Hmm he had to admit he was starting to worry just a little. Where could he be?

"Father," he heard and spun around when the lights were suddenly turned on. Sesshomaru was leaning against the wall.

"Damn it Sesshomaru why not just take my heart from my chest and crush it," Inutaisho said opening his arms to him, "That would definitely be so much quicker than a heart attack."

He watched his son who seemed to return to his senses but Inutaisho knew that was him just hiding his feeling once more, he would have to dig. "I was putting Nami to bed."

"Is she asleep?"

"Yes"

"Want to explain all that was about earlier?"

Sesshomaru just humphed, "It figures you are the one who presented yourself instead of mother." He watched as his son stared at something on the floor intensely, "The whole showing emotion thing right?"

"You know how your mother is, when she feels like her feelings have been hurt, well you know," Inutaisho answered, he got an empty chuckle in return.

"Ahh, her feelings, of course. Always her feelings."

Inutaisho wanted to yell at his son to look at him and tell him why he had scared him beyond the point of return earlier, but he could see he would have to move slowly. "Sesshomaru what is going on, why are you so upset?"

"I told you why I am upset," Sesshomaru replied still not looking up from whatever was interesting on the floor.

"I do not think you did."

"Then you just did not listen very well," he said moving to sit down, "You never do."

"Are you meaning to tell me that that outburst was about me?"

"So maybe it was!" he exclaimed.

"I think you are lying to me." Inutaisho received only silence. "Two nights ago you came to me afraid for Nami and Rin's life, is that what this is all about?"

Silence.

"I changed our family dinner to a family vacation so that they would be safe for a while, and I did not ask questions, because you told me not to, but son if that outburst was you asking for my help then you need to tell me what is going on. What has you afraid?"

Sesshomaru's eyes shot up to him when he said the word afraid. He knew his son hated feeling weak, but he needed to understand that that is in fact the emotion that he was feeling at the moment. That is what was confusing him, he was afraid and he didn't know what to do.

Sesshomaru sighed and sat down on the nearest couch. "Father a couple of days are up. That letter that I received threatening to attack either Rin or Nami gave me a deadline of two days, and two days are up."

"So someone is trying to attack Rin and Nami? I do not understand why would someone want to attack two innocent females?"

"I have been investigation Kagura's death," Sesshomaru finally admitted, and though Inutaisho wanted to stay on the previous topic, he still could not ignore the fact that Sesshomaru had not listened when he told him to move on and leave the case alone.

"You did what? Well no wonder you have been in such a dump lately. You have reopened up that wound in your heart, and Kanna's death has only widened it, but what does Rin and Nami have to do with any of this?"

"Father someone is attacking the woman in my life, and I have a feeling that very soon Rin or Nami is next." Finally Sesshomaru's eyes met his and Inutaisho's heart clenched at the sight of such strong emotions in his sons eyes. "Koga has found out that Kagura's death was not an accident, and has a hunch that nor was Kanna's, and there was recently an attack on Nami at the orphanage, and Rin…" Sesshomaru trailed off, seeming to not be able to finish what he was about to say.

"You think that Rin is next since this attacker could not get to Nami," Inutaisho replied as a matter of fact, but Sesshomaru nodded as though he were asking. "And that is also why you wanted the dinner to be changed to a vacation to get the two away as a matter of precaution to keep an eye on them both?"

"Yes," Sesshomaru replied.

"Well Sesshomaru we are on a secluded island. I am sure we are all safe," Inutaisho returned trying to reassure his son but it only had an opposite effect.

"Then why don't I feel that way? Why is it that I feel at any moment now Rin will be plucked out of my own arms? I cannot let her love me and I cannot…" Once again his words were halted, pushing Inutaisho to sit beside his son. This is what he had always wanted for his emotionless son. He wanted someone to open his heart, and that wonderful woman, that wonderful human woman had achieved just that. He would always be indebted to her.

"You know my son, it is okay to love."

"Is it?" Sesshomaru asked, "Or will her love for me and my love for her be our undoing?"

Inutaisho sighed, "Those are the things we risk for the people we love. Our lives and our hearts are on the line, but that is what unconditional love does, it makes you do things you thought you would never do, and you find yourself okay with doing these things because in doing so they make you and your loved ones happy."

"But what happens when those loved ones disappear and leave you?" he asked sullenly. Inutaisho knew his son was referring to many people. Kagura, Kanna, even his old servant from so long ago Jaken, who he knew Sesshomaru would never admit to missing, but in a secret area in his home there was a remembrance alter for the said imp, with his staff hanging sadly against the wall and a painted photo of the imp from a time where there were no digital cameras or camcorders.

"Then we keep them in our memories, or in my case mate with them so that my lifespan is their lifespan," Inutaisho smiled, and finally he could see the look of enlightenment on Sesshomaru's face, as if he were actually contemplating it. Then something wonderful happened, something Inutaisho thought he would never see in his life, and it made him realize that he had finally done something good for his son. Sesshomaru smiled at him, and not a smile that signaled his opponent of their upcoming death but a genuine warm smile. The smile showed his sons thankfulness for these very rare bonding moments, and it made his heart soar. He simply nodded, not wanting words to ruin the moment, but he wished it could have lasted longer.

Kagome suddenly ran into the room, and Sesshomaru's smile instantly disappeared at the scent of the woman's presence.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Kagome apologized.

"It is quite alright Kagome what is it that I can help you with?" Inutaisho stood, and Sesshomaru followed suit.

"Well after that um interesting dinner Rin ran off on her own," Inutaisho felt his son tense beside him, so much for calming him down. "She ran off more than thirty minutes ago and I can't find her anywhere in the house. I'm a little afraid because it's storming outside and I think-"

She was suddenly cut off by Sesshomaru, "You say she ran off, and she is alone?"

Kagome nodded with a confused expression most likely wondering why that would be more important than her being out in the storm. Sesshomaru suddenly looked to Inutaisho with a worried expression.

"Father I do not have a good feeling about this."

"Okay I will have the servants looking searching around the house, this is a big house, and she could have probably closed herself off in a room somewhere."

"I am going out to look for her." Sesshomaru announced.

"Sesshomaru come on it is storming outside, and you know how bad it gets."

"All the more reason for me to go and search for her father. There is nothing you can do to stop me."

Inutaisho sighed and nodded, "Fine, but I will be constantly texting you, and in the mean time I will help the servants search. Her scent has to be somewhere in this house."

Sesshomaru nodded and turned to leave, but Inutaisho stopped him once more. "Sesshomaru?" His son looked back at him once more. "Be careful."

He noticed the hesitation in his son, but when he finally nodded, he turned ad headed towards the front of the house, and Kagome tried to follow, but Inutaisho did not think it would be wise for him to just let his second son's woman run to danger as well.

"Kagome why don't you help me look for Rin here," he commanded more than asked.

"But-"

"Come," he said putting his arm around her with a warm smile, but in the back of his mind something told him that Rin was not safe and that something bad was going to happen. He just hoped that for once his intuitions were wrong. Sad part about it was that they usually were not.

Rin didn't know for how long she had been running and how far she had been running, she just knew that she had to run. She had to have been running for some time now, since her lungs were burning from lack of oxygen, and her legs were sore from the exertion. Unfortunately for her she had dumbly ran into the forest, hoping to maybe find the meadow that Izayoi had taken her to that morning, but the dark was working against her and she had a feeling that she was horribly lost. Not only that, it was also storming, so she was completely drenched through her flimsy gown, no warmth granted from the thin garment. Her hair was drenched, and she assumed that the makeup she had applied was now smudged and ruined.

She finally stopped her fleeing, glad she had kicked off those stupid heels in front of the luxury house or else in her frantic need to escape she probably would have twisted and ankle. Her feet squished into dead leaves and wet soil as she rubbed her arms hoping for some friction that could warm her, but her hands just continued to glide against her arms from the rain. Stupid Rin, Sesshomaru is definitely going to wring your neck after this stunt!

The thought of her boss made her heart hurt. He had announced in front of everyone that he could not love her, and he probably never would. What made her think that he inviting her here would have made a difference in their relationship anyways? She might as well not even call it a relationship. She was just as bad as Sara like she had assumed earlier, and she guessed it was kind of clear to see that all he wanted her for was hot sex, which they had only done once, and that was all. He didn't want someone to spend his life with or someone to love him, even though she couldn't help but love him anyways. It hurt to know that he would never return her feelings, but she would just have to get over it and move on. Hey maybe she could go out and even find Heiyoshi again. That made her giggle, but also brought her thoughts to Naraku.

"No Rin do not even go there you idiot!" She took in a deep breath and released it as she pushed Naraku to the back of her mind, but jumped when there was suddenly a snap of a twig.

She turned slowly wondering if maybe it was Sesshomaru, her white angel, who had finally found her coming to her rescue, but something in her gut told her that that wasn't the case.

"Hello," she called, "Is anyone there?"

Only silence and the pouring of rain met her, and she just turned now determined to find her way out of the woods, trying not to panic and focus on where she was. Where the hell was she anyways? In the dark everything looked the same. The trees looked like extremely tall and dark forms, their branches stretching out to make them look a little sinister arms reaching out for her. Even with the rain the wind blowing chilled her and gave of an ominous feel, and she didn't even want to get started on the stupid rain that made that forest look misty and gray, as if it had no life. For the second time that night she found herself wishing she had demon abilities, this time to see in the damn dark.

She heard a rustle in some bushes behind her, and once again turned to see if there was anyone there, but she saw no one. Maybe she was just freaking out because she was in a dark creepy forest on her own. She stayed completely still waiting for something anything, and her mind drifted back to this morning remembering the dark figure she had seen, and suddenly her heart began to beat at a faster rate.

She jumped at the sound of another snapping twig, but when she heard a low very demonic and chilling chuckle she turned and bolted. Her legs screaming at her in disagreement, but she pushed on, wanting to scream as she heard the thudding of fast legs behind her and gaining on her, but her voice was lost at the moment and her breathing was ragged.

Tree branches snagged at her clothing and scraped against her skin, bust she couldn't care, not when her life was on the line. She felt a branch hit at her legs and she almost tumbled to the ground but she caught herself, forcing her body to stay upright and continue running.

"You won't get away Rin," the voice said mixed with a man and a woman's voice, it was frightening, and she was even more afraid as her body began to feel the toll of so much running, and her pace began to slow.

"You think you can escape!"

"Please leave me alone!" she finally cried out, and the distraction caused her to hit a log and trip tumbling down a hill. It felt continuous and all air escaped her lungs as she finally landed hard on her back in some thick mushy mud. She worked to catch her breath, and moved to stand once more, but was suddenly pushed back to the ground.

"No!" she screamed scrambling away, but the anonymous person just chuckled, a mixture of female and male. She was once again kicked her check slamming into a nearby tree, it possibly being fractured, but she pushed herself away from the tree forcing herself to continue to crawl.

"You should have never returned to the woods alone I would have let you be, but now that I have you alone I cannot miss this opportunity. He wanted me to protect you, but that just won't do." The raspy voice she noticed was more dominated by the male demonic voice and she wanted to run, use any bit of strength she had and run, but her strength was depleted and used up.

"Who are you?" Rin rasped. She screamed when she was suddenly grabbed by her hair and dragged back. She flailed and fought against her possible murderer knowing her attempts were turning out to be useless, but she still fought and scratched at the cruel hands dragging her by her hair.

"Sesshomaru!" she screamed.

"Calling for him won't help you. You're already dead."

She was suddenly pulled up by her hair, her legs kicking in the air, and in front of her flicked and hand of long and dangerous claws. Tears to her dismay streamed down her eyes blending in with the streaks of rain drops, and she hated herself for showing such weakness.

"Please no!" So fast that her human eyes could not see the claws were plunged into her heart and she screamed from the searing and burning pain that passed through her. She felt a hot thick liquid rushing up her throat and thought it was bile, but tasting that metallic taste as she purged the contents she knew it was her blood. She coughed and choked on it as she in a heap to the ground her mind in a frenzy as she willed herself to crawl away. It was strange that she was even still alive and moving, but her body slowly felt drained and she fell to the wet dirt ground seeing the booted feet of her killer. And the last thing she would ever hear was that demonic chuckling.