Shayril: Hi, everyone. I'm back.
Inuyasha: Feh! It's about time.
Kagome: I thought you didn't like her.
Inuyasha: I don't. I just want her to get to the sequel so I can get my
girl.
Shayril: (rolls eyes) You know, if you don't quit nagging I'll just let
someone else have her. I'm sure Kouga would like to get with.
(Kalika and Navi slap their hands over her mouth.)
Kalika: You can't tell. They have to wait for the sequel.
Navi: Yeah. It's bad enough you're even having us help you with this thing.
Kagome: (whispers to Inuyasha) Looks like Navi's back to normal.
Dragonwing: Yup. Now that the girls are a couple months old she's not as
nice any more. Except to them. (Starts grumbling about evil, tortures
wives.)
Navi: (Glares at her husband) What was that?
Dragonwing: Nothing.
Shayril: All right. You two argue it out, Inuyasha shut up or I'll take
away your girlfriend, and Kagome.uh. go find Yue. (Turns to readers) You
guys go ahead and read. And I must warn you, you are not gonna like some
things you find out in this chapter. Blame my muses. They're the ones who
put the idea in my head.
Chapter Eighteen - Saving Rin
It took them about two hours to reach Naraku's castle. Kagome immediately cast an illusion over herself, the future Yue, Sesshoumaru, and Akemi. The others quickly went about causing a distraction while the four in disguise slipped unnoticed into the castle. It wasn't until they reached the entrance to the dungeons where they found Naraku - the real Naraku, not one of his puppets - waiting for them.
"Kukuku. Nice try, but did you honestly think I would be fooled so easily?"
Kagome let the illusion slip away. "Of course not. I'm not that dense. This was just a way for us to get down here unhindered."
Just then a gasp sounded from behind them. They turned slightly to find a woman with long blond hair, green eyes, and slightly bronzed skin wearing long black robes. Kagome immediately recognized her.
"Sonya! You're the Dark Mistress?"
Sonya ignored her as she spoke to Naraku. "You can't fight her! Her true power has been awakened. She'll destroy you!"
Naraku's eyes narrowed. "Nonsense. How many times must I tell you that she is no match for me?"
Sonya scowled. "You stubborn jackass. You're facing the Queen of the Heavens at full power! She could tear you to pieces."
"Enough! One more word about this and you'll have more than my ogre to deal with. I have a dragon just about the same size as the one they killed that has gone for months without comfort."
The other four in the room saw the Dark Mistress go pale and begin to tremble as she went silent.
"I'm tired of the talk," Sesshoumaru growled. "I want Rin back now!"
"Oh you mean the miko's daughter? You may have her back when one of us is defeated."
The taiyoukai snarled as he launched himself at the evil hanyou. A tentacle shot out of the baboon cloak slammed him back into the wall. Of course, a blow like that wasn't going to stop him. Naraku had a bored expression on his face as he fought with Sesshoumaru. Kagome was impressed, in spite of herself, with Naraku. Normally the evil hanyou was a coward, sending his puppets and lackeys to do his dirty work. Finally, he knocked the taiyoukai through the wall and he slumped in the rubble unconscious. Naraku yawned and turned to the miko.
"Now let's get to the real fight, miko. Unless you want your daughter to die."
Kagome's scais were in her hands in a flash and she attacked. She easily wove around his flailing tentacles to get close to him. Still he managed to defend himself quite easily against her blows. After a while he flung her against the wall, her scais went flying out of her hands. She picked herself up and brushed herself off.
"Is that any way to save your daughter?" Naraku taunted.
Kagome glared at him. "I've get news for you moron, Rin isn't my daughter. She's too young to be."
The sword of white flames appeared in her hand. She let out a battle cry and lunged at him. The blade was a blur as she pressed the attack. Every once in a while a blade air sliced through a tentacle out of reach. He was hard pressed to keep her away from any vital areas. Out of the corner of her eye she kept an eye on her companions as she slowly drew Naraku away from the door to the dungeons. The moment there was enough room Yue slipped by. The sound of frozen iron shattering echoed to them. Within minutes he returned carrying an unconscious little girl with black hair.
"Get her out of here!" She shouted to them.
Sesshoumaru took Rin from Yue and immediately left the room with the child. Akemi and Yue hesitated before obeying. When she was sure they were gone, Kagome stepped up her attack. Now that her friends were out of danger she didn't hold back. Naraku frantically tried to fend her off, but it wasn't working. For the first time he could remember, he felt fear. Just as Kagome had him backed against the wall the Dark Fight Card tackled her. She immediately turned her attention to fighting the card. It was easy to defeat it, but when she turned back to Naraku he wasn't there. The Dark Mistress was nowhere to be found either. Impatient to get out and frustrated at losing Naraku, Heaven's Priestess used her sword of flames to cut her way through the floors above her until she reached the entrance. Just as the dust was clearing the other members of her party made it up the stairs. She gave Yue a quick kiss before they headed outside to help the rest of their companions.
"Kero-chan," Kagome called. "Attend!"
Both of the sun guardians flew to her side. All of them recognized her authority now, especially with the ability to fly, and all of them obeyed her.
"Get Rin as far from here as you can. Do not let your guard down. The rest of us will cover you."
Sesshoumaru reluctantly lay his adopted daughter across one of the guardian beasts' back while the other instantly took up a position as bodyguard. At a nod from the taiyoukai they were off. When she was sure they were safely away from the battle, Kagome let her sword vanish and called in a bow formed of pure white light. Pulling back on the string an arrow formed at she fired it at the enemy youkai. On a telepathic band to her comrades she ordered them to back the youkai against the support wall. As they did that she began firing at the foundation of the wall. Soon the structure was teetering precariously. She needed only to fire one more arrow to make it collapse. The mikoe held that last arrow until her friends had most if not all of the youkai corralled under under the wall. A streak of light shot through the air, gaining in size and power as it went until it looked like a bolt of lightning. It blasted into the foundation and the ground rumbled as the wall toppled over onto the youkai trapped below. As the dust and debri settled Kagome nodded in satisfaction at her handy work. Her friends gathered around her. After ensuring that no one was badly hurt she let her bow dissipate and headed back towards Clow's castle.
* * *
The moment they touched down in the courtyard Kagome and Sesshoumaru dashed through the halls to the room Rin was in. When they were certain she was alive, Kagome sent the taiyoukai out of the room so that she could examine the girl. She saw him hesitate at the door, clearly wanting to remain by his adopted daughter's side. She rested her hand on his arm and offered a gentle smile.
"I will work as swiftly and thoroughly as I can," she assured him.
He gave her his usual barely perceptible nod and left the room. She sensed him take up vigil outside the door as she returned to Rin's side. She carefully removed the girl's torn and filthy kimono and discarded it. Her long, nimble fingers probed gently yet firmly for injury. By the time she finished she had to force herself not to growl and ran and rave. The ten-year-old girl had three broken ribs, many bruises, and possibly fractured skull. That was nothing she hadn't expected, nothing to make her so angry. No, what pissed her off was the small trickle of blood between the girl's legs. For Kami's sake she was just a child!
She stood with her fists clenched for a few moments, bringing her emotions under control. She would need a level head to heal her and then do what she needed to. When her anger was finally under control she set to work healing Rin's wounds and cleaning her up. Once the child was sleeping peacefully in a clean nightgown, the miko went to the balcony.
Akemi, come keep an eye on Rin. Use the balcony.
Hai, my Lady.
Minutes later the Guardian sat beside the child's bed. Kagome stepped out into the corridor and quietly closed the door behind her. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the taiyoukai waiting anxiously behind her.
"Come with me to the gardens. I want no interruptions when we talk." He glanced at the door. "Akemi is with her. She will be safe."
He relented and followed her to the gardens. His mind whirled with all the possible things she might want privacy to say. Each one he came up with was worse than the one before. When they reached the well-manicured gardens they found the small army of groundskeepers hard at work.
"Leave us," the woman ordered them.
"We have." One soul ventured.
"Leave us."
There was no mistaking the tone in her voice. A tone that said without a doubt that she had power and would not tolerate disobedience. It made him dread what she had to say all the more. The two of them did not move as the small group trooped past them. Once they were alone he watched as she started fiddling with a pair of shears left by the gardeners.
"How badly is Rin injured?" He asked finally.
She turned to him. "Three broken ribs, a few bruises, and possibly a fractured skull. But I healed all of that, now she's just resting."
"There is something else. You would not have brought me out here just to tell me that."
Kagome steeled herself. "Rin. Rin was. ra."
Sesshoumaru's hand came up to silence her. He knew what she was going to say. His stomach turned at the thought and he was tempted to abandon his dignity so that he could rid himself of the feeling. How could it be? Rin, his Rin, hurt in such a way? It was sick, twisted, an abomination! His claws drew blood as he clenched his hands at his side and a low growl built in his throat. Naraku would pay! He would make sure of it. Then, the face of his adopted daughter flashed in his mind and he let his anger dissipate. Right now it was more important to help Rin through this. Revenge could come later.
"What can we do for her?"
The woman sighed. "There isn't much that anything except for time can do and she'll never completely get over it. She'll need rest, as little stress as possible, and someone there for her. I would make sure she has female company at all times. Do not be surprised if she shies away from males and begins to wear less feminine clothing. Even at such a young age she'll feel the need to go unnoticed by the opposite gender. Not only that, but she may become obsessed with cleaning herself because no matter what she does she'll feel dirty and used even if she is the cleanest she's ever been."
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"She'll have nightmares for a long time and need comforting. You will not get much sleep for a while."
"I don't need to sleep more than a couple hours as it is. I wish to see her now."
Kagome nodded. The moment they stepped out of the garden the small army trooped past them again to continue their work. She preceded him into the room to find Rin sitting up in bed with a plate of fruit in her lap. When she saw the miko a wide smile spread across her face. He waited outside a moment, gathering his indifferent façade around him.
"Kagome-neechan!"
Kagome smiled warmly. "Hello, Rin-chan. How are you feeling?"
"It hurts to stand and Rin is really sleepy. Akemi-chan said Rin will get better because you're taking care of her." The girl looked from her to Akemi. "Kagome-neechan, is Akemi-chan related to you?"
She nodded. "Hai, Rin-chan. Akemi is my daughter."
A shocked look crossed the Guardian's face, but the little girl giggled. "You're not old enough to be Akemi-chan's memory."
Kagome smiled. "But I am, Rin-chan. You know how youkai can live a really long time? Well I'm the same."
The child was about to speak again when her eyes widened in fright and she started to scream. She rushed to the girl's side and gathered her in her arms. Casting a glance at what Rin was looking at, she saw Sesshoumaru frozen in the doorway. Moments later Sango, both Yues, and Sakura rushed into the room. At the sight of the two moon guardians Rin began to scream louder and tried to back away from them.
"Akemi!" Kagome shouted over the child's scream. "Get your father out of here."
While Akemi ushered the moon guardians out of the room, Sakura laid a gentle had on Sesshoumaru's arm.
"Kagome-chan will take care of this. She'll find out what's wrong."
Realizing that his presence was not doing any good, the taiyoukai grudgingly allowed the young sorceress to lead him from the room. Not that he would ever admit it to anyone, but he was hurt by Rin's reaction to the sight of him. He blindly followed the sorceress to wherever she led him and turned his thoughts to the very pleasant idea of ripping Naraku's balls off and feeding them to him. He was surprised when he found himself standing in the dojo used by Clow Reed's guards. Sesshoumaru gave the girl a look.
"Whether you want to admit it out loud or not, you are angry. So why not take your anger out on the practice dummies? Unless you'd rather go for a hunt, but then you wouldn't be close to Rin when she's ready to see you," Sakura said with a shrug.
* * *
It took both Yues some time to register Kagome's words. When they did, they both looked at Akemi with wide eyes. How they didn't see it before they couldn't possibly guess. It was so obvious who her parents were.
"She wasn't supposed to tell you," Akemi muttered. "You were supposed to figure it out on your own, like she did."
"How did she figure it out?" The younger Yue asked.
"With her powers awakened her memories are coming back faster than before. The same will happen when your powers are awakened."
"How do we do that?" The future Yue questioned.
Akemi shrugged. "I don't know. I remember you saying something about when past and future merge, but I don't understand what that could mean."
"Well, that's easy," a new voice said. "His past self is supposed to merge with his future self."
They all looked at the hanyou perched in the window. "Are you certain?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "What else could it be? And you better be good to her, Yue. If you don't I'll make you pay."
Yue's gaze hardened slightly. "I wouldn't hurt her."
"Good. Make sure it stays that way."
* * *
In order to stop Rin's screaming, Kagome had to cast a sleeping spell on her. As the child's shrieks ceased, she sighed in relief. However, the girl was soon whimpering and thrashing about to get away from the evils in her nightmares. The miko closed her eyes and used subtle magic to enter the child's dream state. What she found sickened and enraged her.
Rin cowered in the corner of her cell as the door creaked open and two men walked in. One looked like Sesshoumaru and the other like Yue. With her miko sight, though, Kagome could see the pair of neko youkai hiding behind the illusions. Kagome crossed over to the cowering girl.
"Rin-chan," she said gently. "Rin-chan, look at me."
The child slowly turned her head. "Kagome-neechan?"
"Hai, Rin-chan, it's me. Is this what happened? Is this how you were hurt?" The child nodded meekly. "Rin-chan, do you honestly believe that Sesshoumaru-sama would do something like this? Would he ever hurt you?"
"No, but."
"I know it looks like Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin-chan, but it's not him. You know how people sometimes dress up in costumes right?" Again she nodded. "Well, Naraku had these men put on a costume to make you think it was Sesshoumaru-sama and Yue. I'll show you if you just take my hand."
Rin stared at her outstretched hand for all of two seconds before placing her smaller one in it. She knew the girl saw what she did by the happy squeal she gave. Something so out of place in such a dark dream.
"Rin knew her Sesshoumaru-sama wouldn't hurt her. Arigato, Kagome- neechan." Rin frowned at the image of Yue. "Who is he?"
Kagome smiled. "His name is Yue. He and I are going to be married. Rin-chan, let's leave now."
The girl nodded enthusiastically as the miko released the sleeping spell. She immediately sent to Sakura telling her it was okay for her to bring Sesshoumaru back. Rin was bouncing excitedly on the bed.
"Rin's happy for you Kagome-neechan! Can Rin come to the wedding?"
"That's up to Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome replied. 'But I'd love for you to come. Rin-chan, I thought you were taught proper grammar."
"She was," Sesshoumaru said from the doorway. "When she is feeling intense emotions or tired she reverts to the third person again."
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin cried. "Rin's sorry she screamed before. Kagome-neechan helped Rin so she's not scared of you anymore."
"I'll leave the two of you alone." Kagome excused herself.
As she walked past he briefly touched her arm. The gratitude was apparent in his eyes. She gave a deep nod before leaving them to be reunited. It made her happy to see that the taiyoukai wasn't the cold, indifferent person he behaved like. She made her way to the dojo to work off some of her anger. Naraku was evil, she knew he was, but she had never thought anyone was evil enough to do. that to a little girl. When she reached the training dojo she found that most of the dummies were in pieces. She could guess who had just been there. She crossed over to the weapons room and found herself a pair of scais to replace her others and a sword to practice with.
* * *
"Damn, but she's powerful! More powerful than anyone I've come up against."
Sonya looked at Naraku evenly. "I told you so. She is Heaven's Priestess, of course she's so powerful."
He glared at her. "She's powerful, but not too powerful for the Tama."
"If I hadn't intervened you'd be dead right now."
"Nonsense. I was just about to use the Shikon no Kakera on her."
"Like it would work. With her powers fully awakened all she has to do is look at something in the right way and it's purified."
"Not possible."
The Dark Mistress sighed. "I had a feeling you'd still be stubborn enough to believe that. Therefore."
She held up her hand to show a silver chain dangling form it. At the end of it hung the pure half of the Shikon no Tama. Naraku caught his breath as the light glittered off of its smooth surface. His hand rose of its own accord and she dropped it in with a shrug. He pulled out his shards and reverently held them together. The pure half of the jewel was immediately corrupted as it fused with his shards. In moments the completed Shikon no Tama rested in the palm of his hand.
Naraku looked up at the Dark Mistress. "Excellent work. Now I will show you how easily I can defeat the miko. First, however, you deserve a reward."
Sonya backed away as he slowly stalked towards her. She hadn't taken more than a few steps before finding herself against a wall. She trembled at the pure lust she saw in his gaze. Before she could blink he had her arms pinned and his tongue in her throat. After a while his mouth began to travel down her throat while his hands swiftly opened her robes. Her head lolled back against the wall as he caressed her with mouth, hands, and tentacles. She was completely oblivious to anything and everything around her. Then, her eyes snapped open when she felt him thrust into her up to the hilt.
Shayril: See, I told you that you wouldn't like it. (Points to the three muses.) They did it. Navi and Kalika: Don't look at us. Navi: Personally, we find it revolting to say the least. Kalika: Yeah, it was Dragonwing's idea. (Sesshoumaru glares at the male fairy with poison dripping from his claws.) Sesshoumaru: Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear you to shreds and feed what's left to Jaken. Dragonwing: (Backs away in fear) I was just doing my job. I have three children to feed. Do you know how much it costs to raise triplets? Sesshoumaru: I personally think they'd be better off without a father as sick as you. (Chases Dragonwing as the fairy screams in terror.) Shayril: HEY!!! I need him alive. Do you think it's easy to find muses? They don't just drop in your lap, ya know!!! (Shayril chases after them, trying to stop the taiyoukai.) Kagome: Okay, folks, looks like it's time to go. Please leave a review.
Chapter Eighteen - Saving Rin
It took them about two hours to reach Naraku's castle. Kagome immediately cast an illusion over herself, the future Yue, Sesshoumaru, and Akemi. The others quickly went about causing a distraction while the four in disguise slipped unnoticed into the castle. It wasn't until they reached the entrance to the dungeons where they found Naraku - the real Naraku, not one of his puppets - waiting for them.
"Kukuku. Nice try, but did you honestly think I would be fooled so easily?"
Kagome let the illusion slip away. "Of course not. I'm not that dense. This was just a way for us to get down here unhindered."
Just then a gasp sounded from behind them. They turned slightly to find a woman with long blond hair, green eyes, and slightly bronzed skin wearing long black robes. Kagome immediately recognized her.
"Sonya! You're the Dark Mistress?"
Sonya ignored her as she spoke to Naraku. "You can't fight her! Her true power has been awakened. She'll destroy you!"
Naraku's eyes narrowed. "Nonsense. How many times must I tell you that she is no match for me?"
Sonya scowled. "You stubborn jackass. You're facing the Queen of the Heavens at full power! She could tear you to pieces."
"Enough! One more word about this and you'll have more than my ogre to deal with. I have a dragon just about the same size as the one they killed that has gone for months without comfort."
The other four in the room saw the Dark Mistress go pale and begin to tremble as she went silent.
"I'm tired of the talk," Sesshoumaru growled. "I want Rin back now!"
"Oh you mean the miko's daughter? You may have her back when one of us is defeated."
The taiyoukai snarled as he launched himself at the evil hanyou. A tentacle shot out of the baboon cloak slammed him back into the wall. Of course, a blow like that wasn't going to stop him. Naraku had a bored expression on his face as he fought with Sesshoumaru. Kagome was impressed, in spite of herself, with Naraku. Normally the evil hanyou was a coward, sending his puppets and lackeys to do his dirty work. Finally, he knocked the taiyoukai through the wall and he slumped in the rubble unconscious. Naraku yawned and turned to the miko.
"Now let's get to the real fight, miko. Unless you want your daughter to die."
Kagome's scais were in her hands in a flash and she attacked. She easily wove around his flailing tentacles to get close to him. Still he managed to defend himself quite easily against her blows. After a while he flung her against the wall, her scais went flying out of her hands. She picked herself up and brushed herself off.
"Is that any way to save your daughter?" Naraku taunted.
Kagome glared at him. "I've get news for you moron, Rin isn't my daughter. She's too young to be."
The sword of white flames appeared in her hand. She let out a battle cry and lunged at him. The blade was a blur as she pressed the attack. Every once in a while a blade air sliced through a tentacle out of reach. He was hard pressed to keep her away from any vital areas. Out of the corner of her eye she kept an eye on her companions as she slowly drew Naraku away from the door to the dungeons. The moment there was enough room Yue slipped by. The sound of frozen iron shattering echoed to them. Within minutes he returned carrying an unconscious little girl with black hair.
"Get her out of here!" She shouted to them.
Sesshoumaru took Rin from Yue and immediately left the room with the child. Akemi and Yue hesitated before obeying. When she was sure they were gone, Kagome stepped up her attack. Now that her friends were out of danger she didn't hold back. Naraku frantically tried to fend her off, but it wasn't working. For the first time he could remember, he felt fear. Just as Kagome had him backed against the wall the Dark Fight Card tackled her. She immediately turned her attention to fighting the card. It was easy to defeat it, but when she turned back to Naraku he wasn't there. The Dark Mistress was nowhere to be found either. Impatient to get out and frustrated at losing Naraku, Heaven's Priestess used her sword of flames to cut her way through the floors above her until she reached the entrance. Just as the dust was clearing the other members of her party made it up the stairs. She gave Yue a quick kiss before they headed outside to help the rest of their companions.
"Kero-chan," Kagome called. "Attend!"
Both of the sun guardians flew to her side. All of them recognized her authority now, especially with the ability to fly, and all of them obeyed her.
"Get Rin as far from here as you can. Do not let your guard down. The rest of us will cover you."
Sesshoumaru reluctantly lay his adopted daughter across one of the guardian beasts' back while the other instantly took up a position as bodyguard. At a nod from the taiyoukai they were off. When she was sure they were safely away from the battle, Kagome let her sword vanish and called in a bow formed of pure white light. Pulling back on the string an arrow formed at she fired it at the enemy youkai. On a telepathic band to her comrades she ordered them to back the youkai against the support wall. As they did that she began firing at the foundation of the wall. Soon the structure was teetering precariously. She needed only to fire one more arrow to make it collapse. The mikoe held that last arrow until her friends had most if not all of the youkai corralled under under the wall. A streak of light shot through the air, gaining in size and power as it went until it looked like a bolt of lightning. It blasted into the foundation and the ground rumbled as the wall toppled over onto the youkai trapped below. As the dust and debri settled Kagome nodded in satisfaction at her handy work. Her friends gathered around her. After ensuring that no one was badly hurt she let her bow dissipate and headed back towards Clow's castle.
* * *
The moment they touched down in the courtyard Kagome and Sesshoumaru dashed through the halls to the room Rin was in. When they were certain she was alive, Kagome sent the taiyoukai out of the room so that she could examine the girl. She saw him hesitate at the door, clearly wanting to remain by his adopted daughter's side. She rested her hand on his arm and offered a gentle smile.
"I will work as swiftly and thoroughly as I can," she assured him.
He gave her his usual barely perceptible nod and left the room. She sensed him take up vigil outside the door as she returned to Rin's side. She carefully removed the girl's torn and filthy kimono and discarded it. Her long, nimble fingers probed gently yet firmly for injury. By the time she finished she had to force herself not to growl and ran and rave. The ten-year-old girl had three broken ribs, many bruises, and possibly fractured skull. That was nothing she hadn't expected, nothing to make her so angry. No, what pissed her off was the small trickle of blood between the girl's legs. For Kami's sake she was just a child!
She stood with her fists clenched for a few moments, bringing her emotions under control. She would need a level head to heal her and then do what she needed to. When her anger was finally under control she set to work healing Rin's wounds and cleaning her up. Once the child was sleeping peacefully in a clean nightgown, the miko went to the balcony.
Akemi, come keep an eye on Rin. Use the balcony.
Hai, my Lady.
Minutes later the Guardian sat beside the child's bed. Kagome stepped out into the corridor and quietly closed the door behind her. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the taiyoukai waiting anxiously behind her.
"Come with me to the gardens. I want no interruptions when we talk." He glanced at the door. "Akemi is with her. She will be safe."
He relented and followed her to the gardens. His mind whirled with all the possible things she might want privacy to say. Each one he came up with was worse than the one before. When they reached the well-manicured gardens they found the small army of groundskeepers hard at work.
"Leave us," the woman ordered them.
"We have." One soul ventured.
"Leave us."
There was no mistaking the tone in her voice. A tone that said without a doubt that she had power and would not tolerate disobedience. It made him dread what she had to say all the more. The two of them did not move as the small group trooped past them. Once they were alone he watched as she started fiddling with a pair of shears left by the gardeners.
"How badly is Rin injured?" He asked finally.
She turned to him. "Three broken ribs, a few bruises, and possibly a fractured skull. But I healed all of that, now she's just resting."
"There is something else. You would not have brought me out here just to tell me that."
Kagome steeled herself. "Rin. Rin was. ra."
Sesshoumaru's hand came up to silence her. He knew what she was going to say. His stomach turned at the thought and he was tempted to abandon his dignity so that he could rid himself of the feeling. How could it be? Rin, his Rin, hurt in such a way? It was sick, twisted, an abomination! His claws drew blood as he clenched his hands at his side and a low growl built in his throat. Naraku would pay! He would make sure of it. Then, the face of his adopted daughter flashed in his mind and he let his anger dissipate. Right now it was more important to help Rin through this. Revenge could come later.
"What can we do for her?"
The woman sighed. "There isn't much that anything except for time can do and she'll never completely get over it. She'll need rest, as little stress as possible, and someone there for her. I would make sure she has female company at all times. Do not be surprised if she shies away from males and begins to wear less feminine clothing. Even at such a young age she'll feel the need to go unnoticed by the opposite gender. Not only that, but she may become obsessed with cleaning herself because no matter what she does she'll feel dirty and used even if she is the cleanest she's ever been."
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"She'll have nightmares for a long time and need comforting. You will not get much sleep for a while."
"I don't need to sleep more than a couple hours as it is. I wish to see her now."
Kagome nodded. The moment they stepped out of the garden the small army trooped past them again to continue their work. She preceded him into the room to find Rin sitting up in bed with a plate of fruit in her lap. When she saw the miko a wide smile spread across her face. He waited outside a moment, gathering his indifferent façade around him.
"Kagome-neechan!"
Kagome smiled warmly. "Hello, Rin-chan. How are you feeling?"
"It hurts to stand and Rin is really sleepy. Akemi-chan said Rin will get better because you're taking care of her." The girl looked from her to Akemi. "Kagome-neechan, is Akemi-chan related to you?"
She nodded. "Hai, Rin-chan. Akemi is my daughter."
A shocked look crossed the Guardian's face, but the little girl giggled. "You're not old enough to be Akemi-chan's memory."
Kagome smiled. "But I am, Rin-chan. You know how youkai can live a really long time? Well I'm the same."
The child was about to speak again when her eyes widened in fright and she started to scream. She rushed to the girl's side and gathered her in her arms. Casting a glance at what Rin was looking at, she saw Sesshoumaru frozen in the doorway. Moments later Sango, both Yues, and Sakura rushed into the room. At the sight of the two moon guardians Rin began to scream louder and tried to back away from them.
"Akemi!" Kagome shouted over the child's scream. "Get your father out of here."
While Akemi ushered the moon guardians out of the room, Sakura laid a gentle had on Sesshoumaru's arm.
"Kagome-chan will take care of this. She'll find out what's wrong."
Realizing that his presence was not doing any good, the taiyoukai grudgingly allowed the young sorceress to lead him from the room. Not that he would ever admit it to anyone, but he was hurt by Rin's reaction to the sight of him. He blindly followed the sorceress to wherever she led him and turned his thoughts to the very pleasant idea of ripping Naraku's balls off and feeding them to him. He was surprised when he found himself standing in the dojo used by Clow Reed's guards. Sesshoumaru gave the girl a look.
"Whether you want to admit it out loud or not, you are angry. So why not take your anger out on the practice dummies? Unless you'd rather go for a hunt, but then you wouldn't be close to Rin when she's ready to see you," Sakura said with a shrug.
* * *
It took both Yues some time to register Kagome's words. When they did, they both looked at Akemi with wide eyes. How they didn't see it before they couldn't possibly guess. It was so obvious who her parents were.
"She wasn't supposed to tell you," Akemi muttered. "You were supposed to figure it out on your own, like she did."
"How did she figure it out?" The younger Yue asked.
"With her powers awakened her memories are coming back faster than before. The same will happen when your powers are awakened."
"How do we do that?" The future Yue questioned.
Akemi shrugged. "I don't know. I remember you saying something about when past and future merge, but I don't understand what that could mean."
"Well, that's easy," a new voice said. "His past self is supposed to merge with his future self."
They all looked at the hanyou perched in the window. "Are you certain?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "What else could it be? And you better be good to her, Yue. If you don't I'll make you pay."
Yue's gaze hardened slightly. "I wouldn't hurt her."
"Good. Make sure it stays that way."
* * *
In order to stop Rin's screaming, Kagome had to cast a sleeping spell on her. As the child's shrieks ceased, she sighed in relief. However, the girl was soon whimpering and thrashing about to get away from the evils in her nightmares. The miko closed her eyes and used subtle magic to enter the child's dream state. What she found sickened and enraged her.
Rin cowered in the corner of her cell as the door creaked open and two men walked in. One looked like Sesshoumaru and the other like Yue. With her miko sight, though, Kagome could see the pair of neko youkai hiding behind the illusions. Kagome crossed over to the cowering girl.
"Rin-chan," she said gently. "Rin-chan, look at me."
The child slowly turned her head. "Kagome-neechan?"
"Hai, Rin-chan, it's me. Is this what happened? Is this how you were hurt?" The child nodded meekly. "Rin-chan, do you honestly believe that Sesshoumaru-sama would do something like this? Would he ever hurt you?"
"No, but."
"I know it looks like Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin-chan, but it's not him. You know how people sometimes dress up in costumes right?" Again she nodded. "Well, Naraku had these men put on a costume to make you think it was Sesshoumaru-sama and Yue. I'll show you if you just take my hand."
Rin stared at her outstretched hand for all of two seconds before placing her smaller one in it. She knew the girl saw what she did by the happy squeal she gave. Something so out of place in such a dark dream.
"Rin knew her Sesshoumaru-sama wouldn't hurt her. Arigato, Kagome- neechan." Rin frowned at the image of Yue. "Who is he?"
Kagome smiled. "His name is Yue. He and I are going to be married. Rin-chan, let's leave now."
The girl nodded enthusiastically as the miko released the sleeping spell. She immediately sent to Sakura telling her it was okay for her to bring Sesshoumaru back. Rin was bouncing excitedly on the bed.
"Rin's happy for you Kagome-neechan! Can Rin come to the wedding?"
"That's up to Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome replied. 'But I'd love for you to come. Rin-chan, I thought you were taught proper grammar."
"She was," Sesshoumaru said from the doorway. "When she is feeling intense emotions or tired she reverts to the third person again."
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin cried. "Rin's sorry she screamed before. Kagome-neechan helped Rin so she's not scared of you anymore."
"I'll leave the two of you alone." Kagome excused herself.
As she walked past he briefly touched her arm. The gratitude was apparent in his eyes. She gave a deep nod before leaving them to be reunited. It made her happy to see that the taiyoukai wasn't the cold, indifferent person he behaved like. She made her way to the dojo to work off some of her anger. Naraku was evil, she knew he was, but she had never thought anyone was evil enough to do. that to a little girl. When she reached the training dojo she found that most of the dummies were in pieces. She could guess who had just been there. She crossed over to the weapons room and found herself a pair of scais to replace her others and a sword to practice with.
* * *
"Damn, but she's powerful! More powerful than anyone I've come up against."
Sonya looked at Naraku evenly. "I told you so. She is Heaven's Priestess, of course she's so powerful."
He glared at her. "She's powerful, but not too powerful for the Tama."
"If I hadn't intervened you'd be dead right now."
"Nonsense. I was just about to use the Shikon no Kakera on her."
"Like it would work. With her powers fully awakened all she has to do is look at something in the right way and it's purified."
"Not possible."
The Dark Mistress sighed. "I had a feeling you'd still be stubborn enough to believe that. Therefore."
She held up her hand to show a silver chain dangling form it. At the end of it hung the pure half of the Shikon no Tama. Naraku caught his breath as the light glittered off of its smooth surface. His hand rose of its own accord and she dropped it in with a shrug. He pulled out his shards and reverently held them together. The pure half of the jewel was immediately corrupted as it fused with his shards. In moments the completed Shikon no Tama rested in the palm of his hand.
Naraku looked up at the Dark Mistress. "Excellent work. Now I will show you how easily I can defeat the miko. First, however, you deserve a reward."
Sonya backed away as he slowly stalked towards her. She hadn't taken more than a few steps before finding herself against a wall. She trembled at the pure lust she saw in his gaze. Before she could blink he had her arms pinned and his tongue in her throat. After a while his mouth began to travel down her throat while his hands swiftly opened her robes. Her head lolled back against the wall as he caressed her with mouth, hands, and tentacles. She was completely oblivious to anything and everything around her. Then, her eyes snapped open when she felt him thrust into her up to the hilt.
Shayril: See, I told you that you wouldn't like it. (Points to the three muses.) They did it. Navi and Kalika: Don't look at us. Navi: Personally, we find it revolting to say the least. Kalika: Yeah, it was Dragonwing's idea. (Sesshoumaru glares at the male fairy with poison dripping from his claws.) Sesshoumaru: Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear you to shreds and feed what's left to Jaken. Dragonwing: (Backs away in fear) I was just doing my job. I have three children to feed. Do you know how much it costs to raise triplets? Sesshoumaru: I personally think they'd be better off without a father as sick as you. (Chases Dragonwing as the fairy screams in terror.) Shayril: HEY!!! I need him alive. Do you think it's easy to find muses? They don't just drop in your lap, ya know!!! (Shayril chases after them, trying to stop the taiyoukai.) Kagome: Okay, folks, looks like it's time to go. Please leave a review.