Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha or any of the gang. sigh

"Kagome? Do we let it fall?"

Kagome's first instinct was to say Yes. Now that she knew she would lose her priestess powers, those very powers which enabled her to fight alongside InuYasha, she wasn't as certain if she wished to become immortal. However, she also realized if she might someday change her mind, the choice would be lost. Again the delapidated shrine gave a groan and the weakened earth beneath it started to give way. InuYasha and Sesshomaru knew precious moments ticked away and soon there would be no room for discussion. Cursing under his breath, the hanyou ran into the crumbling structure. Kagome and Rin rushed toward the chasm, screaming his name. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. What was that fool brother of his thinking!

"Me lord? Do you...do you think InuYasha will find the elixir in time? He does not know where in the shrine it is located." Jaken pointed out sheepishly, clutching his staff tightly.

"Common sense never was his strong suit." Sesshomaru replied with a shake of his head.

"InuYasha! INUYASHA!"

Kagome screamed her mate's name over and over as she and Rin fell to their knees at the edge of the chasm, their eyes locked on the doorway of the shrine. Minutes ticked by and still InuYasha failed to appear. Slowly Rin peered back over her shoulder at Sesshomaru. What would her lord do if the shrine began to fall? The loud snapping of aged wood caused Rin to look back to the building now slowly and certainly sinking downwards. Quickly she grabbed hold of Kagome who was positioning herself to jump for the shrine's doorway. Tears were running down her friend's cheeks and Rin's heart constricted.

"He'll find it in time, Kagome. I know he will. When has InuYasha ever failed at something he set his mind to?"

"Why hasn't he come out yet, Rin! Why did he go in there! He doesn't even know where in the shrine that stupid elixir is!" Kagome cried, beating her fist into the grass.

Rin saw her lord's shadow looming over them and she looked up into his face.

"What will you do, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Retrieve the elixir and that halfbreed brother of mine."

It was too late however. Suddenly the ground beneath the shrine gave way completely and with a final loud crack the beams of the structure splintered apart. Kagome lunged forward, reaching as if the grab the shrine but Rin's arms locked tight around her, holding her still. Both girls could only scream in horror as the earth seemed to devour the building, taking with it the elixir and InuYasha. Their screams mixed with the explosion of the shrine's flimsy roofbeams, a shower of wood, dust and the remains of long abandon nests rained down on them. Sesshomaru saw the streak of crimson that rose up from the cloud of debris and recognized his brother's familiar ears. Clutched in InuYasha's fist was the ancient ivory flask. He had done it. He had the elixir in his possession. With a triumphant smirk InuYasha landed safely before Sesshomaru, tossing the flask in the air and catching it once again in his palm.

"Bet you didn't think I could do it, did you?"

"I would think you didn't go in after it to prove a point, little brother."

"I went after it because I wasn't about to take away a choice for Kagome. I did it for her."

"InuYasha!"

Kagome's relieved sob was punctuated by her tackling her mate and wrapping her arms tight around his waist. Not expecting the embrace, InuYasha lost his grip on the flask. Luckily, Sesshomaru caught the precious container and quirked an eyebrow at his brother.

"Don't even think about it, Sesshomaru! I'm the one who retrieved it, therefore, its mine and Kagome's!"

Kagome froze as she saw the ivory bottle resting in the inuyoukai lord's palm. Surely he wouldn't claim it for himself now! Her eyes flew to Sesshomaru's. He wouldn't ask InuYasha to pay a price for it, would he! Not after his brother had endangered his own life to get it! Kagome started to speak but Sesshomaru held up a hand for silence.

"You hesitated, Kagome. For a split second you did not care one way or the other if the elixir fell. You know the price for the elixir and you have a doubt in your heart. So long as that doubt remains, you would be a fool to drink it. I am offering to keep the flask in my possession so that it might be safe from others who would wish to claim it. Until you are at peace with your decision to become immortal."

"How do we know you won't slip some to Rin?" InuYasha demanded.

"I don't want it, InuYasha. I'm like Kagome. I'm not decided. I'm not ready." Rin said softly.

"There is another reason you can't drink it, Rin." Sesshomaru replied, tucking the flask away for safekeeping.

Rin frowned, her brow wrinkled in confusion. Another reason? What other possible reason could there be? InuYasha and Kagome looked to her, the both of them looking equally as lost. Rin shrugged.

"Care to enlighten us here, Sesshomaru?" InuYasha asked dryly, his arms folded over his chest.

"Perhaps at another time, little brother."

InuYasha could only grit his teeth as his elder brother retrieved the fallen Demon's Dagger. Of course. Typical Sesshomaru to leave them all in the dark. Again Rin looked to Kagome and InuYasha and could only shrug. She could think of no other reason she couldn't drink the elixir except for her still having lingering doubts. Jaken gave his lord a quizzical look but Sesshomaru seemed to ignore it. Before the others could know, he would break the news to Rin. It was going to be enough of a shock to her system. Even he was having a hard time believing it himself.

He could hardly say he was stunned. Sesshomaru was no fool. He had suspected for a few weeks now. With all the goings on, it was no wonder Rin hadn't noticed the subtle changes. The others followed slowly as they retreated back to the great hall. Ah-Un's two heads looked back and forth between Kagome and InuYasha as they debated the possible reasons why Rin would be unable to take the elixir while Jaken voiced his opinion as well. Rin caught up quickly to her lord but said nothing, looking up at him with questioning eyes.

"You need not look so worried, Rin. Have you changed your mind? Do you now wish to drink the elixir?"

"My mind has not changed, my lord. However, I am confused as to why it is no longer possible for me to drink it. Unless...unless perhaps you do not wish for me to."

"You have already achieved your own form of immortality, Rin. If you were to drink now, there would be consequences."

"You speak in riddles, my lord." Rin sighed impatiently.

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Sorry for the short chapter, gang! Busy at work but still determined to keep my readers happy!