Author's Note: Yeahh! Another chapter done. I almost forgot to thank all my reviewers. And to Fallon, I will try to get someone to edit my story. If anyone would like to volunteer, it will be most appreciated. Queen of the Storms, thanks for reviewing and giving me some hints. I do agree that Kagome should be a bit more brave and I will try not to make her so weak. It pisses me off when they make her helpless. To everyone else, thanks for the reviews and sorry that I didn't say my thanks before. Now, to the story. . .any screw ups with grammar, tenses, spelling? Wel I am sorry in advance. Constructive Criticism is great! The whole `heaven` type scenario was taken from a book I read, The Lovely Bones, good book. So credit to it for helping with me with that scene. So on to the story!

Disclaimer: Read the first chapter.

Chapter Four: The Setback

"The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of one's self to others."
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

What the hell was going on? The hanyou looked around but it looked exactly like the Sacred Tree on Earth. Everything was pretty much the same with the grass and the old Bone Eater's Well. Inuyasha rubbed his eyes but the illusion never faltered as he tried think about this phenomenon.

"They gave me another chance." The demon said a bit too confidently but than another voice intervened.

"No Inuyasha. We thought it best that you would like to be around a familiar place. I saw how much you like the Goshiboko Tree."

The woman appeared as she touched the tree and looked to the leaves than turned her attention to the half-demon.

"M-Mother." Inuyasha babbled.

The woman let out a laugh as she walked over to her son enveloping him into a hug. Inuyasha closed his eyes as childhood memories resurfaced and for once, he wasn't the macho demon he pretended to be. He was a mere child embraced by the one person who understanded him the most. Though his mother was beautiful with black, silky hair that went below her waist. Her eyes quite unusual for a human was the color of the clear sky. She wore the same thing he remembered she wore, her favorite kimono that was pink and it seemed longer than he remembered. Printed around the sleeves and the front were flowers. Inuyasha pulled back relunctantly and just looked at her, never knowing how short she was than again he was only a child when she passed away.

"Inuyasha I watched you down on Earth."

Inuyasha faced cringed a bit at the thought of his mother watching over him all this time.

"Don't worry," letting out a little laugh, "I see you were in love twice. I see how that demon deceived first off and I wanted to get him." Inuyasha was bit taken back by his mother's sudden spurt of anger. "But you were released and learned to love another. I am glad. Fate took you away far too soon." As she got closer and touched his cheek.

"I-"

"I wanted grandkids even if I didn't see them in person. I can watch them here." Finally Inuyasha comprehended this all and stared at his mother. "Wait, I can watch Kagome here." Pointing to the area around them.

"Sure! They have something niced plan for Kagome."

Inuyasha gave his mother a quizzical look and than it seemed like the earth split and down below was Kagome on a nice bed. Bed? She seemed to be pondering something. "Where is she?" He asked without looking up.

"She is staying with Sesshoumaru."

"SESSHOUMARU!" He shouted as his temper flared and so his mother had to come to his side and grabbed his gently around the wrist.

"Inuyoukai tradition. But don't worry about her, she is in good hands."

"But-but he talked about bad about you and me. How can you defend him?" Inuyasha said with such fury. Sesshoumaru called them a disgrace, his mother a whore. But his mother was still sticking up for his half-brother.

"I understand why he is like this, Inuyasha. I still see him as my son. Why don't you see what Kagome is doing. . .watch her if you will." So the half-demon looked on from the skies above at his love.

*

It's been almost three weeks and I am still alive. Sesshoumaru doesn't talk to me to much but it doesn't really matter Rin is the one that keeps me company. The little girl seems to idolize the Lord of the Western Lands with tales of how he saved her from wolves and that he took her in. Almost like I did to Shippou, I guess Sesshoumaru and I have something in common. But why would Sesshoumaru, the cold hearted Lord of theWestern Lands, help a young girl from a pack of wolves? He always comes to take Tetsusaiga from Inuyasha and when I first met him, he tried to kill me. The whole melting the skulls with his poison claws wasn't on accident. So am I and Rin mixing up the same demon? Sesshoumaru is as complicated as Inuyasha except atleast Sesshoumaru isn't in love with a woman that use to be alive.

"Inuyasha."

I tried not to think about him that much and succeeded with Rin being so enthusiticate and always having something to, if is tag or hide and go seek. That little girl is full of energy and she loves to poke fun at Jaken though the ugly toad deserves it. Should I feel guilty that I haven't mourned over him more? I've been trying to push the memory of Naraku and the slaying of my mate but it still pops up in my dreams. I see Sesshoumaru all the time and the golden eyes and silver hair still remind me of the hanyou. I still cry but I've been strong for Inuyasha.

"Not like his brother is anything like him. That pompous idiot never talks and when he walks past me, I tried to be polite and say hi and you know what he does. He ignores me."

Talking to yourself is not good Kagome and not healthy. Three weeks since I came here and lost Inuyasha and I still miss his tough love. The way he always jumped into things without thinking and the way he says he'd protect me. But I was also the reason for your demise. I should of tried not to let Naraku control me with his magic and I should of warned you.

Out of frustration, Kagome pounded on the bed she was sitting on and grabbed the sheets. Her knuckles turning white as she tried not to cry, not to think of his face when he looked at her with such hurt. She has been mulling her the past events a bit too much every night some of the nightlight that was produced by only half of the moon hung in the sky. It looked like someone took a big chunk of it and then just hung it there to light the night sky. Tommorrow was the day that the adventure would begin but with a new person. The miko climbed out of her bed and wandered over to the balcony looking to the moon and all its glory. A slight wind pushed through as her raven tresses swayed with the oncoming wind. So Kagome closed her eyes and tried to let everything sink in that she tried to ignore. Inuyasha would never come back no matter how hard she wished. That she was stuck here with a arrogant, dog-demon that wouldn't even talk to her. But with all that, she is taking care of a little girl that is full of energy almost like having a little girl of her own.

Sleep finally taking a toll of her, the girl from the future turned back and headed back to bed. Tommorrow will be a whole new experience with someone she barely knew. Climbing into the bed and pulling the sheets and blankets on her, Kagome claimed sleep she so dearly needed and for once had a dreamless sleep. * "Miss, miss." A young human maid started to shake Kagome's shoulder trying to wake her from her slumber. But it was too no avail as the young lady turned over to the other side. The maid was a bit nervous as she still tried to shake the guest awake but she just didn't seem to wake up. The servant sure didn't want the Lord to come since he specifically told her to come wake the miko. The Lord was tough with strict rules and a icy expression and the way he looked at you just scared her to death.

"Miss wake up."

The girl finally awoke from her sleep and opened her eyes to see another human. For despising humans, he sure has a lot of them as housekeepers. Then again, humans are below him. As she rubbed the rest of sleep out of her eyes and sat up on the bed. The maid had a bit of urgency and impatience on her face as Kagome brought the sheets to cover herself. Though it was another woman, Kagome felt a bit self-conscious.

"The Lord wants to see you. The little girl is sick and he says that your miko powers might cure her." The maid said before rushing from her side and hurying out the door.

Kagome took no time as got out of bed and put on a yukata wondering of all the bad things that could of happened to the little girl. In no time, she was at the little girl's room and opened the door to see Jaken fussing about being there and so close to the child and Sesshoumaru, stoic face, next to the toad servant. Some help was assisted as food was brought to the little girl and as Kagome got closer everyone became quiet. Rin was covered with little red dots but the little girl wasn't awake it seemed she was still getting some rest. Kagome was roused from her thoughts by a familiar, cold voice.

"What is wrong with her miko?" Kagome rolled her eyes and didn't take a glance to Sesshoumaru just focusing on the sleeping girl.

"She has the chicken pox it very common where I come from. .." Kagome caught herself before she blurted out her secret. Not like I am going back anyways.

Pushing out all those troublesome thoughts she asked the servants for a cold wet rags, some cold water as wel, and a couple other dry rags. Taking another look at the young girl, Kagome examined all the spots and gave a small smile. Getting up from her spot, Kagome disappeared for a minute and came back with a pink bottle and thanked the servants around for their help. Sitting back at her spot by Rin, Kagome took an extra rag and dabbed it with a the pink Calamine Lotion. Before it was put on the girl a clawed hand grabbed her wrist.

"What potion are putting on her?" Sesshoumaru hissed at the miko.

"It won't do any harm. I am here to help Rin." Kagome coolly replied back for once being the calm one.

Rin fussed a bit and then rolled to her side, her face still a bit red as she whimpered. Sesshomaru on the other hand already was having a huge battle with himself as he let go on the girl's arm but never stepped back. Observing the woman-child as she dabbed the `potion` on the girl on her arms, legs, and stomach though he didn't trust her. Not with Rin.

Ah, but you could finally get rid of the young girl and then kill the miko. Why do you keep this child around here? The Lord of the Western Lands turned his back to the girl and miko heading out to observe his lands and take care of any important official business needed. Though the conflict never seemed to waver, She is useless to me. She is hyperactive, energetic, and slows me down when walking. She is no use to me. But I can't. Almost like the devil and angel on each shoulder another voice arose, is it because she was the only one who didn't fear you? She possesses the child you never were. Already out of the room, Sesshoumaru stopped for only a second to take another look to the child as he started down the long hallway, Jaken following behind.

"My Lord, don't forget your lowly servant."

"Go fetch breakfast for the wench and then watch over Rin." Sesshoumaru stated coolly getting back his composure.

"But-" Only a simple glare shut the toad up as he ran down the hall and disappeared.

What what that about? Kagome wondered first he is suppose to be this cold youkai but he questioned me about hurting the little girl. How long has she been with him? Still taking care of Rin as the little girl opened one eye and gave a waek smile. Brushing some black strands from the Rin's sweaty forehead, the small child just closed her eyes and fell back to sleep. But Kagome still had some many questions that were unanswered. Was that for real? Did I just see concern marred Sesshoumaru's face with Rin being sick? No, but his golden eyes were just so. . .sad? Still very confused and frustrated with so many questions and no answers, Kagome decided to find some out. Making sure Rin was really asleep, Kagome stepped out of the doorway and was surprised to see Sesshoumaru still around. Jogging a bit, she caught up with him in no time, though he walked pretty fast.

"She really admires you."

Sesshoumaru didn't even grace her with a look or that she was there but Kagome continued. Inuyasha did this anyways, she was use to it.

"Maybe you should show her more affection."

An audible growl escaped his throat as he turned to face her his action quick and precise, those golden orbs staring at her fiercely. For a second, Kagome heart thudded in her chest as his stare bore down on her.

"Don't tell me how to deal with her bitch. Your only a guest, this is not permanent. Keep your suggestions to yourself." Each word like a jab to her side though he looked at her emotionlessly only those amber eyes told of his fury.

For once, Kagome took in his beauty that he possessed, the golden eyes that were similar to her former love but were much different. Inuyasha's eyes told of his sorrow of his good-heart but Sesshoumaru it was blank nothing was deeper. Eyes can tell you about the whole person and nothing was shown, nothing. How can someone be so soulless? A silver piece of hair caught her eyes as she kept looking him over, the crescent moon and the stripes on his cheek. His skin untouched by any blemishes but whoever heard of a demon with a pimple? Kagome's hand moved from her side to his face unconsciously as she about to touch his cheek but stopped. What was she doing?

"I-I'm sorry." Out of habit, she gave him a shove with her hand and tried to not look him in the eyes.

Sesshoumaru on the other hand was just as confused only reading her by what emotion passed those cinnamon colored eyes. Only for a second, sympathy passed. But what did she have to be sympathetic for? Sesshoumaru hated pity though any form. Demons pitied him when his mother died when the Lords from different Lands came to gave there regret. But it was only for politics to find out what was his father doing? What was happening in the Western Lands? Maybe even to sign a treaty or two when he was "sad." That was a laugh. Cutting off any other thoughts, he was surprised by the shove though it didn't make him move an inch and how she turned away. This girl was much more complicated and interesting than she seemed but he already knew that. Did I just compliment her? The girl was playing with his mind with her powers, first in the dojo and now. He needed to be alone with his thoughts. So started to walk away, not acknowledging once again.

"You really care about her?" Kagome found her voice and noticed that he was leaving again.

Though he didn't answer.

"Maybe your not as coldless as you put on."

Still no response.

Before he disappeared down the hall, he said loud enough for her to hear, "We are not leaving tommorrow."

Kagome heard but was too preoccupied in her thoughts as she disappeared in Rin's room.