Chapter 8

Kohaku couldn't stand to wait around anymore. There were neighboring villages that surely had needed help by now, but the thought of leaving before knowing if Rin was safe wasn't in his agenda. He came to check on his friend. And that's what he'd do.

There was faith in Sesshomaru assuring they were safe. But what if he hadn't found them? Pondering on it had gotten him no where as of now.

So he straped his chain sickle onto his back and set off into the sunset. Jumping over large rocks to get himself across the river, to the other side from what Sesshomaru had taken.

If he isn't back by now, he may not have went the right way. I shall take another path in hopes of coming across them.

Jumping over roots and resting on the bark of trees, he went further into the opposite direction. Leading away to the moonlight. Running as fast as he could away from the edge of the riverbank. Following this would be a breeze.

.

A few miles in he stopped to rest, sitting on a fallen tree. He breathed hard from exhaustion. Having found nothing was disappointing, from the village onward. No footsteps. No ruts. No sign of anything.

"Rin… please be okay," He whispered to himself.

A loud crash was heard not far from where he was, he stood to meet it. Grabbing his sickle and holding it at his side, he moved towards the sound to investigate. From above the trees he could make out the top crumble down, wind blowing over him from the impact.

Arriving at the destination, he sees Inuyasha clawing at not only the forest, but himself. Nawing his own arms, then thrusting himself backwards in a howling rage. Hair flared behind him.

Stepping on a stick, Kohaku stopped. Hoping he wasn't heard but that was not the case. Inuyasha jerked around and stared him down. His eyes in a burst of anger, gold mixing with red.

He's turning into his demon self!

"I-Inuyasha?," He asked hesitate. The half demon growled in response, struggling to stay in place. He was fighting himself yet again.

He strained out, Kohaku, s-stay bac-ck!"

But the boy took another step towards him, extending his arm to reach out. "Inuyasha it's alright! Just come with me, we can get help"

In a swift second Kohakus hand was cut open, Inuyashas claws had ripped through his flesh.

The boy shrieked back in pain gripping his hand. He tucked it under the other arm looking fearful at his friend, backing away and pressing his back against the nearest tree.

Inuyasha stared at him in anger, eyes still flashing. He was strained, just barely hanging onto any sanity had left at the moment. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he made out the blood on his hand. Recognizing it as Kohakus.

"G-Get away! NOW! Before I f-flay you a-alive!," He breathed out, grunting in pain as he tried backing away from the boy.

Kohaku hesitated, but did what he was told. He ran back from where he had came, still clutching his injured arm. He was in fear for his life at this point. And with the distance growing between them, he could still hear Inuyashas screams and the crashing of trees around them.

.

He ducked under the branches hanging over as he hurried away. Tripping over several roots along the way, still in great pain over his newfound wound. He was bleeding badly.

He could make out the village flames up ahead, not much farther to go now. At least in hopes of warning everyone. He skipped along the rocks again and made it to the other side. Wandering in, he almost made it completely out of the woods.

When suddenly he tripped and landed hard against a tree. He gasped hard having partly landed on his bad arm. But looking up, it was surprising where he was.

There next to him, bare the graves of his sister and Shippo. Though she was dead it still comforted him greatly.

He dragged his body up and plopped down by it. Resting his upper half over her stone.

He whispered, chuckling slightly to her, "sister.. I'm glad to see you. Looks like I've gotten my self into trouble."

Kohaku smiled in a melancholic way, bangs fallen over his eyes. Rain began to drizzle gently from the night sky. He closed his eyes, taking in whatever nature gave. In a time like this all he wanted was to be by his sister. Her strength was always so intoxicating. And how he envied her so, wishing he could be brave and powerful like she. It was unfair how early and measly she was struck down. That was one part of life he'd never forgive.

The rain began pouring harder, drying the fire Rin had made. They took cover under the trees around them, though it did not serve much good. Kagome was freezing having only her tank top for cover. She wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to cover her breast. The color baring white had only made her breast see through, to her it was unsightly.

Rin was using the top she was given for further cover, holding it above her head. She hadn't noticed the shivering the woman standing by her.

Sesshomaru had left them momentarily to find better shelter. She hoped he would be back soon. Everything around was soaking wet and they had been standing around for longer than expected.

Rin was swaying back and forth happily, humming a tune in her head. Kagome watched wondering how in a situation like this she can still be so positive.

The girl looked up at her, finally noticing how cold she was. Hair clinging to her skin as she was soaked to the bone, yet again.

"Lady Kagome, I am sorry about your shirt! I would have given it back before I used it for shelter and wet it all up!," Rin said.

Kagome smiled at her. "It's alright Rin. You need it more than me."

"But I am sure the Lord shall return soon! So do not fret!"

And like she said, he did. Walking into their covering, he said nothing as he grabbed Rin and flashed off. Leaving Kagome alone.

Her mouth gaped open standing in shock.

Did he.. Did he just leave me!?

She began pacing in nervousness. It was raining in the middle of the forest, and in this she could at least admit to herself that she needed him right now. Minutes passed by as the tension inside her grew. She began tapping her foot in anxious wait.

Having enough, she yelled to herself, "that JERK! For someone that's a Lord he sure is an ass!" she stomped slightly into the mud in frustration.

"For a mortal that is a priestess, you certainly are ungrateful, impatient and rude. I can say many other things. But I shall hold my tongue for you are not worth them.," He said, standing close behind her. Arms crossed he stared down at her harshly.

She jumped in fear. Unaware that he had came back for her. Unable to form words, she stood mouth opened with her face hot from embarrassment.

He outstretched his arms to her, beckoning her to come. She didn't move in confusion.

The memory of him embracing her by the sacred tree crossed her mind.

A shiver ran down her spin at the memory. And jerking away into the rain, she covered her breast firmly and yelled, "I'm not hugging you again you weirdo!"

It was his turn to look confused. This woman was getting on his absolute last nerve. He grew agitated. "I know not of what nonsense you speak of girl, but if you do not come now I shall leave you here. I am attempting to carry you to a nearby cave I found. Rin is unattended. So stop your moods or I shall leave."

She nibbled her bottom lip anxiously. He was right. And she knew she was being silly.

Kagome walked up to him, standing on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck. He noticed the raindrops drip into the small of her breast. Hair clinging to her face, she smelled earthly. Which was to be expected.

He snaked his arms around her. One across her shoulder blades and the other under her bottom to lift her up against him.

He noticed the goosebumps rising on her skin at the contact. And the immediate way she caressed him for warmth.

This woman is sensitive at nearly everything. For a priestess she has experience in nothing in life.

Peering over her shoulder, he began to sprint in the caves direction. The rain hitting their bodies. She tightened her grip on him, nuzzling her face in the crook of his neck. It was freezing.

Boy I hope I don't get sick… i so don't need that right now!

She sighed into his neck in aggravation at the circumstance. Wide eyed, she felt him shudder under her, skin rising the same as hers. Unknowingly, one of her fingers began to trace the crook of his neck. It was strange to know he had any sensations like a human.

He felt his body flutter at her touch. Wanting to swat her away and chastise her for daring to touch him in such a way, he did not. He couldn't. The new sensation felt oddly calming. Never had a woman touched him before. It was different and he wasn't unsure how to feel about it. Not to mention he had grown rather tired of arguing with her.

So he allowed it. At least until they got to the cave.

They arrived at the entrance. Swiftly setting her down, he walked past her without a single glance. She pursed her bottom lip. Stalking deeper out of the weather.

"Lady Kagome!," Rin said running up to her. Hugging her waist tightly. She smiled resting her hand on top the childs head. "Come, let's sit by the fire. I'm freezing!"

Rin nodded in agreement as they huddled deeper in. A fire brew in the middle for the group. Sesshomaru sat against the wall on the opposite side to them.

The two girls curled together closely by the fire. Though Rin was warm, he noticed Kagome was having a hard time regulating her temperature. This woman never ceased to need assistance constantly.

He huffed hard, bracing himself up and undoing his clothes. Kagome glanced at him. Face growing horrified. "Just! Just what are you doing!?," She snapped.

"Silence woman. I am lending you part of my attire. I grow tired of seeing you indecent anyways.," He spat, yanking his shirt off and tossing it over to her. Leaving him in an under shirt.

She blushed. Gently tugging it around her, she put her arms through the long sleeves. Relieved in finally feeling warmth.

He's kind when he wants to be.. Even if he's harsh about it.

They sat in awkward silence for a while. Bags hung under the little girls eyes.

"Lord Sesshomaru I'm tired," Rin finally chimed in. He looked over at her, motioning the rest of his moko moko outward.

He balled it all together, forming a large cushion. Like he fashioned earlier for Kagome.

Rin got up, yawning as she stretched her arms and jumped into the fur. Flailing about until she got comfy. Sesshomaru lay next to her on his side, crossing his arms together and closing his eyes.

Kagome sat staring. Not certain whether to go or not.

"Do I have to actually tell you to join us?," He said.

She smiled gratefully getting up and walking over to them.

She began positioning herself down on the fur, Rin opening her eyes. Kagome lay on her side facing them, as Rin scooted closer until she buried her face in her breast.

The child quickly fell asleep at the warmth of her chest. She draped an arm over Rin and snuggled her back, feeling comfortable. All would be okay except for the close proximity between her and Sesshomaru. That she had been needing to endure with him lately was unusual.

Her face lay not far from his. She stared at him, perplexed at the features. The moon crescent. The strips across his face. Beautiful long silk covering past his waste.

She had never really paid attention to study him before. It's not like she was ever near him to begin with though.

I never noticed how gorgeous he was before. A very beautiful man with a mean attitude that is.

Curiosity peeked as she lifted her arm off of Rin and reached out to Sesshomaru. A hair away from touching on of the strips on his face, he opened his eyes.

She jolted away quickly, though pointless as he saw her. Their eyes locked. She expected him to snap at her, but his face held no emotions.

"Does my face interest you priestess?," He asked.

She blushed madly, gulping at his boldness and sass. She made a mad face at him and replied shyly in a whisper, "it! -it doesn't! I don't know what I was doing so stop staring!"

He scoffed in response. "You were the one staring woman. I was well aware that you had not fallen asleep. Now please do before you attempt another strange action towards me."

He closed his eyes and ended the conversation there.

She was bewildered at losing this round. But it wasn't like she could yell at him, Rin was asleep.

So she simply grabbed his tail and roughly yanked it over her body, rolling over to the face the other direction.

She earned a growl from him behind her, and she smiled brightly. It appeared he was also in a state of unable to fight back.

Sleep began to take hold of her at the comfort of his tail. It was so soft. And she was finally warm. She lifted her arm to slide it under her head. But the scent caught her attention. She slowly grasped the sleeves from Sesshomarus shirt, and pulled it close to her face. Smelling His scent. It was so soothing and natural seeming.

She closed her eyes, breathing becoming shallow. More and more things about him were starting to give her comfort. That's one good thing about Sesshomaru she could say. Regardless of his brash nature.