AN: Chapter Seven is officially up! Last time Kohaku made his appearance and Sango is determined to get him away from Naraku. By the way, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERY REVIEW! Each one of them is very special to me! Thank you so much! And this chapter may seem like a 'filler-ish' chapter. But don't worry, I'll get the plot going soon!

Disclaimer: This isn't too hard to figure out...

Used To Love You

Chapter Seven: Shining Through

Kirara picked up the pace, as she and Sango chased after Kohaku. Sango was determined to get Kohaku back, no matter what. Even if it meant risking her own life. Kohaku needed a second chance, and Sango wouldn't let Naraku torture him anymore. It tore her heart apart everytime she saw Kohaku fighting for his own control. She wanted to scream and just kill Naraku for causing so much pain to everybody. 'That bastard!', she thought with rage. She desperately wanted to have her little brother back. Ever since the day he was possessed, she yearned for the timid, gentle, and kind Kohaku. Not the mindless killer. 'Mindless killer...', just thinking of him like that made her cringe. It hurt her deeply, calling her brother something like that. Someone so kind...

Kirara came to halt, seeing the familiar baboon pelt just ahead of her. A growl erupted from her throat, ready to strike. Sango jumped off of Kirara, slowly approaching Naraku. Kohaku stepped from behind Naraku, ready to thrust his sickle at her direction. Tears threatened to pour down her face, seeing Kohaku being controlled by such a foul creature.

"Kohaku...don't listen to him...forget him! You have to understand..." Naraku chuckled at her feeble attempts to make Kohaku understand. "Give up, exterminator. The boy has no control over his mind or body. You are just asking an empty to shell to understand things." Sango gritted her teeth at his words. "How dare you! YOU MONSTER!" Sango had Hiraikotsu in front of her, ready to lunge it at Naraku, full force. "Leave Kohaku alone! It's bastards like you that make me want to rip your heads apart!" She drew back her arm with Hiraikotsu and let it fly. It was about to make a direct hit on Naraku, when a sickle knocked it off of its course. Sango gripped Hiraikotsu as it came whizzing by.

"Don't listen to Naraku! He's just lying to you! Try to remember me, please Kohaku, please!" Sango was feeling defeat claim her as Kohaku thrust his sickle at her, intent on tearing apart her flesh. Sango dropped Hiraikotsu and fell on her knees. "Oh Kohaku...there's only one thing left to do..." Sango unsheathed her sword and got it ready to attack. Kohaku walked towards her, sickle raised high in the air.

"Kohaku, please know that I love you, no matter what..."

She pulled back the sword, and was about to thrust it into Kohaku's chest.

CLANG!

A golden staff had gotten in the way of Sango's blade. Sango's eyes widened in confusion. Her eyes darted around wildy, only to see Miroku above her. He had gotten between her blade and Kohaku. She threw away her blade and weeped. Miroku stood in between Kohaku and her, giving him a look that meant 'stay away or else'. Kohaku retreated, casting one last glance at the weeping Sango. For just one moment, his eyes flickered back to normal with a look of grief for his sister.

Sango was hysterical by now. She had gone through the same scene one too many times. It was just becoming too much! Each time she saw Kohaku, the pain became worse. It felt like a horrible nightmare that you were desperately trying to get away from, but no matter how far you ran, the pain followed you. Just like a shadow. Kohaku was the shadow.

Miroku knelt down beside her, wrapping his arms around her. He knew what she was going though. Losing someone you loved to Naraku. He too, had lost his father to him. It pained him now, seeing Sango cry because she couldn't rescue Kohaku. It was true, he loved Sango, which meant seeing her in pain, made him feel the same way. He'd do anything to make her happy again. If dying were the solution, he would do so without any hesitation. That was how much he cared.

Sango's tears slowly began to halt. Her vision was unfocused and blurry. Only one thing ran through her mind.

'I lost you Kohaku..it's all my fault! All my fault...my fault...'

Suddenly, she became aware that she was in someone's arms. She looked up into the calm eyes of Miroku. Blushing, she pulled away but his grip was tight.

"Sango, please know that I am very sorry for Kohaku...but you can't be blaming this on yourself. Naraku is the only one to suspect." Sango's tears began running again. "How can I not blame myself! I could've saved him! I could've!", she yelled with frustration. "It's because I'm so weak, that Kohaku is stuck with Naraku. I need to become stronger...I need to save Kohaku! He's the only family I have left!" Miroku gave a sad smile. "True...but...how could Kohaku ever blame you? You are the one that gives him a light to follow. You are his savior." Sango let a half smile appear. "Do you really think that?" Miroku nodded with a smile. "I don't think it, I know it."

Sesshoumaru sat at the base of a tree, thinking about the events that had taken place. Why had he been so kind to Kagome anyways? Sure, he secretly admired her, but wasn't that just a little off? He was supposed to be the demon lord with no emotions. And here he was, letting himself fall in love. But, there was nothing wrong with that, was there? It didn't hurt to care for someone. He was just being too cautious about his love life. He had the freedom of loving or not. Besides, he wasn't like the other lords who simply took women to produce an heir who could take the throne. In all honesty, he wanted someone that he could love.

He wondered though, would it be the right decision to fall in love Kagome? After all that happened, she didn't seem ready to fall back in love. She kept getting away from it, further and further. Yes, he desperately wanted her-he surely wouldn't lie to himself, but was it worth it? It just didn't seem like a possible thing to do. And who even knew if Kagome liked him or not? These thoughts were really beginning to bug him now. 'Things are becoming too much...' He rubbed his temples, trying to figure out what to do. Sure, he seemed silly trying to think of ways that a relationship to work. And it also seemed so odd for him to actually care about a relationship! After all, he was the stoic lord of the West. Well...he was beginning to have second thoughts on the 'stoic' part.

He leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes. Rarely did he get any peace. Constantly moving around the land kept one busy. His sharp ears picked up a small rustle of leaves. One eye cracked open and looked around. A little girl who looked to be about seven or eight, was chasing a pretty butterfly that had obviously caught her attention. The kimono she wore was in no good shape. It had a pinkish color to it, with a few tears here and there. Although she looked content, her condition seemed to be on the bad side. He watched her carefully, seeing what she was doing all alone in the woods. Her brown eyes glittered with happiness. The little side ponytail that rested on the left side of her head, swayed this way and that as she chased the butterfly. Little bits of laughter drifted around the air, as she ran around.

Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if she should just leave her there, or see just what she was doing. It struck him as odd though, that she would be all alone without anyone watching over her. He sighed and got up to leave. It wasn't really his concern so he figured he'd have nothing to do with it. Just as he was about to leave, the little girl's voice spoke to him.

"Hello! Rin's name is Rin!", she called out cheerfully. Sesshoumaru turned around to see the little girl standing there, with a bright smile on her face. 'Doesn't she know that I am youkai? Isn't she scared I might kill her?' The girl known as Rin, wasn't so patient. Getting bored with just standing there, she ran forward towards him, with confidence Sesshoumaru didn't know a child could possess.

He felt a tug on his fur and looked down. Rin had a tight grip on his fluffy mass of fur. "It's so fluffy and soft!", she said to herself, amazed. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, confused with her. 'What an odd human child she is...' Without saying a word, Sesshoumaru began to walk away from her, but felt a light tug. He looked over his shoulder and saw that Rin was still clutching his tail. Giving a quiet sigh, he gently tugged his fur away from her. "Do you not have a home to return to?" Rin shook her head. Sesshoumaru swore that for an instant, a sad look crept upon her face, but it vanished just as quickly as it had come. "Rin doesn't have any family or home!" Again, the girl puzzled him. How was it that she could just talk about it like it was no big deal? He nodded, and started walking again, this time letting her hold his fur.

Kagome was sitting in a hut preparing some food for Sango and Miroku who had just gotten back. Sango's face was tearstained and seemed like she was having a hard time. A silence had settled itself between the three of them. Kagome was at a loss for words. Too many things had happened that seemed to bring bad fortune. Inuyasha dissappearing, Kohaku under Naraku's control, hadn't enough bad news hit them? Kagome inwardly groaned, feeling like a lifetime's worth of bad things had happened.

Kagome got done making food, and handed it out to Sango and Miroku. They silently thanked her and began to eat. Sango didn't even touch her food though. Kagome gave a pained glance, knowing what Sango was going through. It was then that her vow to make Naraku die, became stronger. She stepped outside with three bowls full of ramen in her hand. One for Shippou, one for Kirara, and one for Sesshoumaru. She wasn't quite sure if Sesshoumaru would want human food though. Shippou immediatly began stuffing his face, while Kirara mewled and chewed on bits and pieces. Kagome couldn't see any sign of Sesshoumaru, knowing he had probably went into the forest, doing whatever he wanted to do.

As she was about to enter the hut again, she saw Sesshoumaru's form out of the corner of her eye. A quiet giggle filled her ears though. 'Now that can't be Sesshoumaru...' She turned around and saw a small girl holding on to his fur. An eyebrow shot up, stating that she was clearly confused. Sesshoumaru walked towards Kagome, with the girl still clutching to his fur like it was her security blanket.

"And who might you be?", Kagome asked kindly as she kneeled down. Rin gave a huge smile. "Rin's name is Rin!" Kagome laughed a little at how Rin spoke. She adored Rin right away, but couldn't help but wonder why she attached herself to Sesshoumaru.Sesshoumaru had looked away from the two girls. It was a little embarrassing having a little girl following him like a lost puppy. But, she also reminded him of little Inuyasha in a way. Always trailed after him, chattering excitedly. Sure, Inuyasha had annoyed him to no end, but it wasn't like he hated him with a passion. At least back then he didn't.

After their parents had died, everything went downhill from there. Sesshoumaru became colder and more distant, leaving Inuyasha all alone. When he was in Sesshoumaru's care, Inuyasha became grumpier and grumpier. But, no one could blame him. He was all alone. Inuyasha left his home when he felt that he was old enough to fend for himself. He resided in a village where he fell in love with the miko. And that was basically his past with his brother. He never really reflected on their earlier years though. It just wasn't something he found 'thrilling'.

By now, Rin and Kagome were getting along just fine. Rin chattered on and on, while Kagome patiently listened. Shippou by now, had joined too. Of course, Rin kept holding on to his tail, remarking on how soft and fluffy it was. Kagome noticed that Rin had some obsession with fluffy things, but it was too cute.

"So Rin, do you live around here?" Rin blinked. "Rin doesn't live anywhere!", she smiled and laughed. Kagome stared at her for a moment. "You mean, you don't have a home?" Rin shook her head. Kagome suddenly felt guilty for asking her that, even though Rin didn't seem to be affected. "Oh, I'm sorry!" Rin tilted her head to the side, not quite understanding. "Why is Kagome-neesan sorry?" Kagome smiled a little. "I'm just sad that little Rin doesn't have a home." Rin shrugged, not really understanding her situation. Kagome suddenly had an idea.

"Would Rin like to come travel around with me and the others?" Rin's eyes lit up at the question. She was thrilled that Kagome was asking her to come along. Rin smiled. "Now Rin won't be lonely anymore!", she shouted, happily. Kagome laughed at her eagerness. She had become deeply attached to Rin already. Rin made her forget about what had happened with Inuyasha, and she loved that at least someone in the group could be bright and cheerful. Plus, Rin didn't have any family, and it would seem cruel to leave her all alone.

The others had accepted Rin right away, although protecting her during battles might be a little more challenging. Rin joining the group, also gave Shippou someone his age to be around with. Yes, it was a little annoying having her latch on to his tail a lot, but hey, she wasn't that bad.

'So one person leaves the group, while another one joins...', Kagome thought sadly.

The sun's rays shined on them in the early afternoon. They had been traveling for quite some time now. Since the early morning until now, not one jewel shard had been detected. Kagome was becoming devestated. It was possible that Naraku might have found more jewel shards than they did, and this made Kagome worried. If the jewel were to become complete, who knows what Naraku might do! She carressed the little piece of jewel they had collected. It hung loosley around her neck, shining when held towards the light. One little piece, such as this one, could bring upon so much power just by itself!

The inu youkai noticed her distress. He could just smell it. If there were anyway to make her happy, he would surely do it. Right about now, he wanted to hurt his brother badly. 'Running off with that bitch who doesn't care for him, while the one who is alive and kind and actually cares for him is suffering...' He could almost imagine it...slicing away bits and pieces of Inuyasha using his claws or Toukijin. It struck him as satisfying. But, if he hurt Inuyasha in front of Kagome, who knows what she would do. She would probably hate Sesshoumaru more than she did Inuyasha. Then again, did she even hate Inuyasha? It would be strange for her to not be mad at him. Well, love did make you strange sometimes.

Heck, look at what love had done to him! He was fawning over a human girl after not loving anyone for years. Downright unnatural. Some youkai might even find it disgusting, but his own father had fallen in love with a human, Inuyasha fell in love with a human, sooner or later, Sesshoumaru would fall for one too. And so he did. No, he was pretty positive there was no curse on the males of his family, but it just happened like that. The only difference, was that it took longer for Sesshoumaru to love someone. And slowly, he was beginning to realize why Inuyasha and his father had fallen for humans. They were giving, kind, sweet, brave, and loving. At least most of them...

Kagome caught him staring at her, and she blushed. She didn't understand why she blushed, but she did. For some reaon, the youkai lord had been staring at her more often. And not with hatred or annoyance, but with fondness. True, he never let it show, but she could just sense it somehow. It felt weird, yet at the same time, she enjoyed the attention she recieved. Sesshoumaru seemed to actually care for her, and it touched her. Her spirits were lifting, knowing that she might have another chance at love again. It almost seemed funny to her, though. At one point in her life, she would have gazed upon Sesshoumaru with eyes that reflected nothing but hatred, but now...now she seemed to become okay with him. And before she knew it, she was falling head-over-heels in love with him. Whether or not Sesshoumaru loved her, she did not know. But she felt good enough knowing that she hadn't lost her sense of love.

"DUCK EVERYONE!", Sango shouted all of a sudden.

A huge neko youkai had jumped out of nowhere, claws sprang out. Kagome immediately pushed Rin behind her, and kept Shippou gaurded on her shoulder. Sango lifted Hiraikotsu and got poised to attack. The neko youkai gave a feral growl, showing off its fangs. Its tail swished this way and that, ready to lash out at its victims. The youkai had found its meal and would not let it escape. Taking its huge paw, it swiped at the group, hissing. Sango jumped onto Kirara's back, and flung Hiraikotsu at its head. The youkai ducked, angered with Sango.

Kagome noticed a small glimmer come from the tip of its tail. Her eyes widened, realizing that a jewel shard was in use.

"IT HAS A JEWEL SHARD AT THE TIP OF ITS TAIL!"

That was the answer on why the youkai was so strong. Normally, it would have been dead in seconds, but it had gotten a jewel shard in its grasp. Kagome notched an arrow, and aimed for the youkai's tail. Maybe she could purify it and get the shard. But it wouldn't be so easy. She had to be sure not to hit Sesshoumaru who was busy slashing at the youkai. Miroku stepped beside her, raising a shield so that the youkai couldn't disrupt her concentration. She drew the bowstring back, carefully. The arrow had to hit its mark. After feeling that she had the right target, she let her arrow shoot off. It struck the youkai in the front left leg. The youkai let out a roar of pain. Sango and Sesshoumaru could attack it with ease now. The youkai made a lame attempt to strike at the two, but it was useless. Sesshoumaru brought out his whip and slashed the tail of the youkai off. The youkai roared louder than ever, feeling its tail being ripped off. Sango slashed its head off, ending the death quickly. Miroku stepped up and took care of the rest. Kagome ran over to the youkai's tail and picked up the jewel shard, purifying it instantly. She put the jewel shard up to the piece that they had and let it fuse with it. She looked up at the group and smiled. "Looks like we have another jewel shard!"

"Nicely done...nicely done..."

The group turned around, and grimaced.

"Kagura...", Sesshoumaru spat.

AN:HOORAY FOR SHORT CHAPTERS! But anyways, I finally put Rin in here! Sorry if her entrance was kinda pointless, but people seemed to want her to be in it, so I just couldn't refuse! And see! I'm finally bringing in other characters! Be proud! XP