Title: The Jigsaw Puzzle

A/N: I don't know if this is making sense, and my opinion is not good enough, so comments, people! I was actually thinking about this story as I was doing my laps at the pool today. If I continue with what I intended, then it might take forever before this is done. :sigh: oh well. Oh the other hand, I was finally able to post my first 2 chapters (yay:does victory dance:) so it's out in the open! Ahh:freaks: lol just kidding. Here's chapter 3! EnjoY!

Jesssss

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and I would die of happiness if I did. But that's like…one in 10 million chances so my hopes are pretty much shot. I only own the plot and the characters of Naomi and Maira, people!

Symbols (what they mean)

Italic Text – either flashback, or what the person is thinking
Bold text – something important is being said/emphasize something
Normal text – currently speaking
Anything with : - action/something's being done
anything with ' ' - thoughts
anything with " " – currently being said

Chapter 3

Still in Sengoku Jidai:

The sun was starting to descend from its almighty position up in the sky, bringing along darkness as she slowly made her exit. The skies were splashed with all shades of orange, yellow, and red throughout the horizon. The way the sun illuminated the heavenly clouds in the sky could take anyone's breath away. On top of that, the sun's rays touched the surfaces of the running water and the surrounding ground in such way that it could put one's mind at ease. Just off to the right, there is a huge boulder standing grand and tall, where a young maiden looking so distressed and small, sat on top of it.

This young maiden was the one known as Kagome. As she sat alone on the cold rock, she began to ponder on the events that occurred earlier that day; the fight with Inuyasha back at the Bone-Eater's well, the confrontation of a neko youkai demanding for the shards of the Shikon no Tama, also known as the shards of sacred jewel, more infuriating and assaulting verbal abuse from Inuyasha, and to finish the day, the news that Naraku, their malicious fiend, acquired more jewel shards than they suspected. Kagome sometimes wondered how she managed to survive days like this, and how she will fare in the future. Although there are other tasks that she should be doing, such as setting up camp along with her comrades, Sango the taijiya, Miroku the lecherous monk, Shippo, the little fox kitsune and also her adoptive son, and of course, the one-and-only pompous Inuyasha, she pushed that aside to let her have peace. Right now, she's letting herself be soothed by the presence of the trees, the wind, the animals, and the sound of the running water along the bank.

As she stared at her reflection in the water, she couldn't help but let a single tear fall from her eyes. It was no wonder why Inuyasha would never even consider giving her his full attention; she was a wreck compared to Kikyo. Kikyo had it all: the looks, the body, the hair, the face—everything! She even had miko powers that seemed impossible to attain, knowing the fact that she is—well, was a living human. Ever since Kikyo was brought back to life, she had been keeping herself alive by taking half of Kagome's soul, while feeding off the souls of those who passed as well. But still, Kagome still wonders why Inuyasha won't see the fact that although she is the reincarnation of his beloved, she's a completely different person. What was it that Kagome lacked to make him see that? What did it have to take for him to acknowledge that she was in love with him and maybe somehow he might have feelings for her in return? Kami, when, where, how, and why?

"Why, Inuyasha? Why do you have to hurt me so? I know you know that I have feelings for you yet you disregard it like it was nothing.." A single tear again descends down her lovely face, void of all happiness and replaced with complete sorrow.

As she pondered on these thoughts, Kagome was unaware of her surroundings and failed to notice another presence around the premises. Little did she know that a pair of big chocolate brown eyes was watching her from behind a small bush. The owner of such eyes empathized with the miko's sorrow for reasons unbeknownst to her. She didn't know what was causing her to be sad, but whatever it was, it also made her feel the same. She wanted to help the miko out of her somber self, but she is too afraid to approach her, knowing the fact that she alone cannot defend herself in case the pretty lady or any other demon lurking around decides to attack. Therefore, she remained at her post behind the small bush she considered as a good hiding spot and continued to observe the pensive miko. The owner of such eyes felt that she would never be spotted from her hiding place when moments later, a green-looking toad youkai carrying a staff with two heads suddenly appeared out of nowhere, causing her to yelp and come out of the bush.

"Jaken-sama! You scared Rin! Be quiet, Jaken-sama! The pretty lady is going to hear us! Shhh!" said the little girl known as Rin. She was, in fact, just a small little girl, merely the age of 8, with a ponytail jutting out from the side of her head. She was the owner of those big, chocolate brown eyes that were filled with curiosity, wonder, and awe. Little Rin was highly energetic and so naïve that it was nearly impossible to get mad at someone as innocent as her.

"I could not care less as to whether or not that human wench you identify as 'the pretty lady' will hear us. You were given orders that you should not wander far from camp or else Lord Sesshoumaru would have both of our heads in an instant! Now get back to camp!" berated the ugly imp of a toad, preferably known as Jaken. He was the faithful servant to Lord Sesshoumaru, the Almighty Taiyoukai of the Western Lands. There wasn't much to praise about his persona or his appearance at all. Jaken was short and plain. Not to mention he's somewhat dull when it comes to taste in garments, which in turn makes him look less attractive. Aside from his appearance, Jaken can be the most annoying creature that ever walked the face of this planet. His overly show of loyalty is irksome most of the time, especially to his Lord Sesshoumaru. It is a mystery why the grand taiyoukai still keeps this imp around.

"But Jaken-sama?" whined little Rin. "Rin likes the pretty lady. Rin wants to go talk to the pretty lady and make her feel better!"

"No, you little insolent child!" replied an annoyed Jaken. "You are to follow Lord Sesshoumaru's orders or else I shall beat you up with my staff. Now listen! This Jaken could care less about some human we—" he stopped himself short after taking a quick glance at the maiden on the boulder. It wasn't just any human girl, but rather it was Inuyasha's wench! Quickly, Jaken started to develop plans as to how Tetsusaiga, the powerful sword that bastard hanyou Inuyasha possesses, would fall into his master's hands using Inuyasha's little wench. He then started mumbling—well, more like, talking to himself which in turn got a puzzled face from Rin who was staring at him.

"Ano, Jaken-sama? Are you alright?" asked Rin inquisitively.

However, her question fell on def ears for Jaken just ignored her question and continued to rejoice at his plan and how Lord Sesshoumaru would be very pleased with his faithful servant once he has delivered Tetsusaiga to him. Little did he know that he was causing much commotion that the young miko noticed something directed towards their hiding spot.

Kagome quickly snapped out of her reverie after hearing voices and movement amongst the bushes. She immediately put her guard back up and took out her bow and quivers of arrows and set an arrow on her bow in case a demon comes out and lunges for her.

'Ugh! Kagome, you're an idiot! Why didn't you notice another presence before? You're such a dimwit for letting your guard down!' thought Kagome. She didn't need more demons attacking her. She's had enough for one day.

Suddenly, the bush started to rustle and a little girl's head poked out of the plant. 'Huh? A girl?' thought Kagome. 'She seems rather familiar…like I've seen her somewhere before…AH wait! I know!' In an instant, memories of that girl came up in her mind. That little girl was no ordinary girl; it was Sesshoumaru's little ward, Rin.

As if on cue, Rin stepped out from her hiding and walked towards Kagome. Upon seeing this, Kagome dropped her guard and put her bow and arrow aside. It seemed that Rin wanted to come and talk to her. Then suddenly, Kagome abruptly stopped herself in the process of putting her armor down. 'If little Rin is here, then that means………….'

"Hello, aren't you the one that travels with Sesshoumaru?" asked Kagome in a soft voice, not wanting to scare the poor girl away

"Hai! My name's Rin! What's yours?" replied Rin cheerfully.

"Ohayou, Rin-chan. My name's Kagome. Say, is Sesshoumaru with you?" Kagome inquired.

"Ah, Sesshoumaru-sama does travel with Rin and Jaken-sama, but Sesshoumaru-sama went somewhere. He told Rin that Rin can play around here, but not to go too far. So, no. Sesshoumaru-sama is not with Rin right now" answered Rin in that same cheery voice.

"Oh, I see." Now Kagome understood. It was no wonder why she didn't really detect any strong youkai presence, but there was a voice from the back of her mind screaming there's a faint one somewhere. If what Rin said was true, then..that other youkai presence she feels would be coming from….

"Come back here you fool! How dare you insult this humble servant to Lord Sessho—" screamed Jaken as he made his grand entrance. He was berating little Rin again, who in turn looked at him with amusement. Kagome was also looking at the toad like he was a maniac and she too was on the verge of laughter.

"What are you human fools looking at?" asked Jaken while waving his hands in the air like a monkey.

"You look funny, Jaken-sama." Rin bursted out in fits of laughter which was soon followed by Kagome's soft chuckles.

Jaken, on the other hand, was not looking too pleased with that comment from Rin. He began to turn slight pink and went after the giggling Rin. Rin, although she was laughing her gut out, saw Jaken quickly approaching her. She hid behind Kagome in hopes that the older girl would protect her.

As if by instinct, Kagome quickly put a barrier up, sending Jaken flying 10 feet across the clearing. It was evident that the little toad hit the barrier hard for he was knocked out cold. "Hmph. That's what you get for picking on a little girl." Kagome huffed and placed her hands on her hips. She didn't see the point of Jaken getting all pissy with that. It wasn't even that serious. Sighing, Kagome reached out behind her and pulled little Rin from behind.

"Rin, sweetie, are you alright?" asked Kagome in a very motherly tone.

"Hai, Rin is fine. Rin would like to thank the pretty lady for saving Rin from Jaken-sama. Jaken-sama does that to Rin whenever Sesshoumaru-sama is not around." Rin replied, having a sad look on her face.

Kagome didn't want to see the girl look so sad and did something that shocked both of them; Kagome hugged Rin close to her chest and cradled her in her arms while stroking her hair at the same time. Kagome remembered that Souta used to calm down whenever she did that when he was upset about something. Oh how she missed her little brother.

Rin hugged the girl back and smiled at her with her toothless grin "The pretty lady is really nice. Can Rin come and be with the pretty lady everyday?" Rin asked with hope filling her voice. Kagome couldn't help but adore that lovely smile of hers. She was just too adorable! Now she knew why Sesshoumaru keeps this girl with her. She just brings a smile to everyone's face regardless of the weather or the situation. However, it was unknown to her as to why Jaken would be so evil towards the little girl. Maybe because the little toad was jealous of the attention given to her by Sesshoumaru? That may be the most possible answer. Little Rin did not have any scratches on her whatsoever nor did she seem hurt or abused. It seems as if Sesshoumaru took care of this little girl like she was precious treasure. That's something truly amazing if that was the case.

Rin let go of her hold on Kagome to ask her about what she saw earlier. Without hesitation, Rin let out the words that were on her mind from the moment she saw Kagome on the boulder. "Rin has a question for the pretty lady." Rin stated, hoping this would get the attention of the girl.

Kagome heard the little girl ask her something. "Yes, Rin?" she responded in a sweet voice, soothing her. Kagome also noticed the terminology Rin used in reference to her, and she blushed at that thought. That was great coming from her, but she'd prefer if she was called by her name. "Oh, and Rin-chan, please call me Kagome." she added with a smile.

Rin proceeded with her question, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Kagome, noticing the child's behavior, reassured her that it was alright and motioned for her to continue. Rin gathered all her courage up and asked her. "Why were you sad and crying over there, Kagome-chan?" Rin waved her hand toward the boulder she was once in. Kagome was slightly taken aback by this question, but decided to tell her, in simpler terms.

"Ano….Rin-chan. Well, you're right about me being sad, but that's normal. I was sad because.." pausing, Kagome thought of ways to put her situation in ways which Rin could understand. Sighing, she continued on. "I was sad because I'm just tired a lot and I have a lot of things to worry about" she explained to the little girl while stroking Rin's hair. 'I hope that answers her question' thought Kagome. She didn't want to make Rin worry, especially when it concerned Inuyasha.

"Oh, Rin understands." came a reply from Rin.

"You do?" asked Kagome surprisingly. 'How can she understand? She's just a little girl, and besides, I didn't tell her much' mused Kagome.

"Hai!" said Rin, smiling up at the older girl. "Kagome-chan is really tired because you walk around finding something and you have Lord Sesshoumaru's hanyou brother to deal with. Rin thinks he's mean sometimes." explained Rin, all emotions present in her voice.

Kagome, on the other hand, was stiff as a stick and was caught off guard about Rin's explanation. How had she known? This little girl was much wiser than she thought. Rin pretty much summed all of it up in terms of an eight-year old understanding and with much precision too. Kagome lost her composure for a moment and found that her vocal cords had gone stiff. She could not utter on word. Finally, after clearing her throat several times, she was finally able to get her act together and spoke. "Hai, Rin-chan. You got that right." Kagome admitted. This little girl was sure full of surprises.

Jaken was brought back to consciousness and noticed where he was at. He also noted that it was dark and if he didn't get himself back to camp, Lord Sesshoumaru would be furious with him. He was about to take his leave when he remembered what he came for in the first place. "Rin" he spoke with such annoyance. "We must get back to camp now." Having said that, he turned around and walked towards the edge of the forest, pretending to leave Rin when he would just wait for her to come.

Rin heard Jaken call out her name and stood up to stretch her body. She didn't want to leave Kagome-chan behind and she really enjoyed her company. After she asked her question, both girls continued on and chatted about the stars, the trees, and the flowers in the fields. Rin was ecstatic when it came to talking about flowers because she loved flowers herself. She also loves picking flowers for Sesshoumaru-sama. 'Kagome-chan and I should go flower picking one day' thought Rin. She wanted to spend more time with Kagome-chan.

Kagome felt Rin stand up and stretch her body. 'I guess it's time for her to go' noted Kagome mentally. She actually enjoyed herself in the little girl's presence and was surprised at how talkative Rin was, not that she complained or anything. They talked a bit more about flowers and whatnot that seem to interest Rin greatly. Oh how this little girl never ceases to surprise her was completely beyond her reasoning. She was going to miss Rin's presence, and hoped that they will see each other again. Rin gave her a big bear hug and thanked her for the time they spent together. Kagome returned her hug ten fold and told her to take care of herself. And with that, Rin left the clearing to follow after Jaken. Kagome sighed and looked up at the night sky. The sky was decorated with thousands, if not millions of stars that shone down like diamonds. The moon also stepped out of its hiding and dominated the skies with all of its glory, shining down upon Kagome's small figure, making her as stunning and appealing as ever.

"I wished I was that beautiful" Kagome said, followed by a sigh. She then walked out of the clearing to return to her friends as well. They were probably worried sick about her. 'At least someone else cares' mused Kagome.

'All except one…' this thought made Kagome sad, but she quickly pushed it to the back of her mind. She didn't need to attract more attention to herself by displaying such emotion.

Little did she know that a pair of golden eyes were watching her every move and heard everything that had transpired over the course of the late afternoon.

'Strange…' thought the owner of the golden orbs. 'I could've sworn I saw a blue light emitted somewhere.' Looking around, the owner saw no signs as to where the light would come from. 'Hm…could it be?' mused a confused youkai. 'No. It couldn't possibly be Inuyasha's wench. This Sesshoumaru must be delusional. It has been a long day.'

Quietly, Sesshoumaru stepped out into the clearing and sat where the girl was once positioned along with his little ward. 'They get along as if they have known each other their whole life. How could such familiarity exist between the two?' Sesshoumaru questioned himself mentally. He closed his eyes and massaged his throbbing temples, frustrated about the turn of events that day. He thought back on how his day went and from the looks of his expression, it didn't seem as if it went very well.

:Flashback:

He went around from town to town in search of the ningen the goddess told him about, but to no avail. He found the talisman that was now given to him to be ineffective which caused the youkai lord to ponder at its said abilities. He was beginning to think that this whole procedure was just a waste of time therefore he decided to call it a day and went back to where his servant and his ward were currently situated.

He was returning from surveying the land when he caught upon his ward's scent mingled with that of another. As he approached his destination, he found the girl that usually traveled with his bastard half-brother situated on a gargantuan boulder. He did not know why he was somewhat compelled to this woman, but whatever it was, he wasn't in favor of it. However, he did make a note to himself about how odd she looked with her preference of clothing and her scent was different from those of other human women. Her scent was that of jasmine with a tinge of midnight rain and smelled rather pleasantly in contrast to the scent the other ningens gave out, which was indeed rather offensive to his sensitive nose. He also noticed that this girl had azure eyes there were as blue as the ocean, yet at the moment her eyes were clouded with hints of sadness and something else—something that he couldn't quite put a finger to. He also smelled the scent of his ward and that's when he took notice of little Rin, being so close with the girl. He knew they were talking about something therefore he decided to tune in.

"Rin has a question for the pretty lady" he heard Rin ask. Why she was such an inquisitive little creature was unknown to him, yet he couldn't help but inwardly smile at her questioning self.

'This Sesshoumaru has definitely gone soft by being around my ward' thought Sesshoumaru. He had tried so many times to not let himself be affected by her warm demeanor, but found it to be quite impossible for her charm was like a contagious disease that spread rather quickly. In the end, he had to come to terms that this little girl, indeed, had brought some color into his life and he was quite…..amused by it. He just had to be careful about revealing this side of himself out in the open so that his enemies would not find out and use it against him. He could not let such a weakness be shown and bring about his downfall. He was sure of that.

"Yes Rin" replied the older girl. Sesshoumaru saw how her cheeks turned rosy at the use of the term 'pretty lady' in reference to her. He also heard her add "Oh and Rin-chan, please call me Kagome".

'Hmm…so this human girl has some modesty..Interesting.' Sesshoumaru deliberated. However, he mentally smacked himself for thinking of her as interesting.

'She is anything but interesting.' He quickly retorted to his mental self.

'Yeah, yeah. Say as you please, but I know more' replied his conscience.

'Oh, really? How's that possible?' came the spiteful remark from Sesshoumaru.

'Simple. I am you and I know the things that you think subconsciously; things that you would normally deny' came the factual reply.

Sesshoumaru inwardly sighed. He was definitely going insane if he was sitting here fighting with his own conscience.

'Poor you, you must hate me for being part of you, ne?' said that annoying voice again.

'You are lucky that you are part of me or else if you were living, I would have had your throat stripped into pieces by now' replied the irksome Sesshoumaru. He was clearly not in the mood.

'Very well then, I shall count my blessings.'

'You are pathetic.'

'Thank you. So are you.'

Sesshoumaru was getting irritated. He did not like this conscience of his. Not one bit. Having heard enough from his 'other' self, he brought his thoughts back to the present. Was this part of his punishment as well?

He was brought back to reality when he heard the girl speak.

"Ano….Rin-chan. Well, you're right about me being sad, but that's normal. I was sad because…." the girl trailed off. Sesshoumaru waited for her to continue, knowing that she was not finished with her sentence. "I was sad because I'm just tired a lot and I have a lot of things to worry about" the human continued.

"Oh, Rin understands." came a reply from Rin.

"You do?" asked the girl with interest.

"Hai!" said Rin "Kagome-chan is really tired because you walk around finding something and you have Lord Sesshoumaru's hanyou brother to deal with. Rin thinks he's mean sometimes."

Sesshoumaru listened intently and was taken back by Rin's explanation. The little girl seemed to be observant and a bit knowledgeable for her age. 'She quickly catches on.' Sesshoumaru inwardly smiled at himself. He had taught his little ward rather well and she was, indeed, a fast learner.

"Hai, Rin-chan. You got that right." admitted the girl. She seemed to be in shock as well.

'So it seems that the human is having some issues with the bastard hanyou that's unfortunately related to me' thought Sesshoumaru. Not that he was interested in his half-brother's affairs with anyone, but somehow it has drawn something from within his memory that made him be more attentive.

'I'm telling you, it is herthat the goddess speaks of!'

'Ugh, what are you doing in my mind again? I thought I blocked you away?' Sesshoumaru inwardly growled.

'You can keep me away, but you can't lock me out forever' said his conscience.

'I can see that.'

'Then why complain, oh great almighty lord?'

'Your stupidity is bothersome' replied Sesshoumaru broadly.

'I could care less.'

'Then you should.'

'What ever.'

'Fool.'

Sesshoumaru was getting a headache. This conscience of his was most certainly pulling at his strings and his patience is wearing thin. Maybe he could get someone to remove this nuisance off his mind once he returns to his castle. But for the meantime, he had to figure out if what his conscience said was indeed true. Was this the girl he's been looking for all these months? She couldn't be. She wouldn't be. He wouldn't allow it.

Unbeknownst to him, the talisman began to glow a light blue. It was barely noticeable, but it was there. If only the youkai lord was paying attention to the apparatus that snuggled within the inside of his haori instead of arguing with himself.

He saw both ningens say their goodbyes and went their separate ways. However, instead of following afterhis ward, Sesshoumaru stayed behind and observed the young girl. He saw how she looked at the stars with those sapphire orbs of hers and made a mental note to find out why her eyes were usually distant, as if she was thinking of something….or someone.

"I wished I was that beautiful" said the girl, followed by a deep sigh. She then left the clearing back to her camp. Sesshoumaru was lost at first, but figured out what she was referring to.

'Oh, but she is that beautiful. Even more. Wouldn't you agree?'

'Not you again. And NO.' Sesshoumaru retorted hastily. This was the umpteenth time his stupid conscience had taken part of his brain.

'What's the matter, Sesshou? Can't part from your beloved?'

'You are really testing my patience, aren't you?'

'Hm…maybe…maybe not. Who knows?'

'I shall ignore you once and for all.'

'Uh, I don't think so.'

':silence:'

'Fine. I shall leave you be to ponder upon your thoughts, Sesshoumaru. But behold, I shall return' and with that, his conscience left him temporarily.

'Oh thank heavens.' Sesshoumaru breathed in relief.

He was brought back to his surroundings when he saw something blue quickly flash by.

:End Flashback:

Sesshoumaru thought about how things were coming about at the moment. If what his conscience said was true, then he shall observe this wench attentively as well as the talisman to see if what he perceived earlier was true. He silently cursed that goddess for bestowing such a task for him. He had no choice but to comply to her wishes or else his fate and the fate of his kingdom was bound for a calamity. He was unsure of what's going to happen, but he has a dreadful feeling within his gut. Whatever it was, he would come face to face with it and settle it once and for all.

"I shall be seeing you again, human girl" Sesshoumaru said to no one in particular. With that said, he left the clearing to return to his ward and his servant. He had to sort of many things before he comes to conclusions.

'We shall see if you are, indeed, the "chosen one.'' '

Oh thank goodness! I got that done! Ugh..I'm not even supposed to be writing now, but rather, be doing the rest of my AP US History homework! Ahh! Crap. Please r&r! I'd like to get more feedbacks about what I can do with this. Either save it or leave it—in other words, not continue it. Well, sayonara!