No time no see. I realize now it's kinda pointless begging for reviews, so yeah. I will continue to write. I'm thinking about changin the summary to see if more people will read it hopefully. That's all I ask at this point. Well enough of my rambling. Enjoy this much delayed chapter.

Disclaimer:...You know the drill...(stares down laywers) "You don't scare me, morons."

Chapter Six:" I am here"

Sesshomaru and Rin stood by a stream. Rin was stting by the edge singing softly to herself as she washed her sandals. The aloof dog demon stood nearby. Rin thought about the man who was like a father for all these years. She wasn't sure exactly how important she was to the demon lord. Often she would throw in a daydream of his confessing whatever feelings he have for her, whether he loved her as a daughter or a bride. She knew as well as Kagome, dog demons just aren't good at admitting their feelings.

She straightened her red kimono and stood up brushing clumps of dirt from the cloth. She placed the damp sandals on the ground and slipped her feet in them. "I am ready, Lord Sesshomaru."

The demon uttered something like a sigh and remindered her. "Rin, just call me Sesshomaru." He had asked her to call him that for five years and Rin found it awkard she continued with the formalities. He never seemed to mind but occasionally he would throw in a comment or two. He understood more about Rin than he was ever credited to.

Rin looked at the demon and smiled. He gave her a slight smile in return. They didn't say a word, but the moment was perfect. But then they heard a high-pitched sigh.

"Milord!" Jaken cried demanding attention from the woman. "We must keep moving in we are to find Naraku."

"That's right." Rin said, silently cursed the green demon (green with envy...lol) for spoiling the mood. Sesshomaru drew back as if he too felt the same. He didn't say a word but kicked Jaken like a football. "Kagome and Kaiaya said they would send a messenager if they ever was a conflict with Naraku, but its been too long since we heard form them."

Jaken moaned and sat up in pain. "M-mil-ord? Why do you hit so hard?"

Sesshomaru merely said. "Jaken, you're annoying me." He turned and continued walking Rin and Jaken following in his wake. Jaken sighed and eyed the beauty in front of him. She was a threat to him since day one. With her smile, she shifted his lord's favor from him to a mortal girl of all things. For the past fifteen years he grew to accept her as part of Sesshomaru, but he still carried around the resentment that sometimes surfaced. It was uncertain who Sesshomaru cared for more, or if he cared at all. Jaken was determinded to be his lord's most trusted and he would throw away everything if he needed to. But he warmed up to Rin, especially since now she could baby-sit herself.

Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks and sniffed the air. With a slight snarl he said. "I know that scent."

"Inuyasha..." Borac said as he staggered to the front on the line. "you half-demon scum." He growled and felt the pressure from Kagome's back to his soothe him to an extent. His rage still burned but not as intense.

"Why the hell do you want?" He demanded. The ugly demon laughed and grinned like a disfigured hyena. He seemed to enjoy Inuyasha's cornered rage.

"Borac, dear!" A woman's voice carried over the horde. He turned stupidly and stared at Kasumi who stood on top the shoulders of a demon in his troop. Borac grawled at the woman. "Finish the job before it's too late, fool."

"I had it with you damn whore and that bastard." He screamed. Turning his back on Inuyasha and he started to hit the girl, but made a fatal mistake. Without further urging Inuyasha drew his sword and split Borac in two. His blood stained the ground. Kasumi drew back surprised. She had no idea Inuyasha possesed such strength. Broac's minions shuffled in fear and they scattered only to fall prey to reinforcements.

Kagome sighed in relief and felt her knees get weak. Inuyasha supported her by put an arm around her shoulders and steered her away from the crowd. That was one of the lamest battles they fought in. They froze when they turned to see the village burning.

"Oh shit." Kagome and Inuyasha said.

"KAI! PLEASE WAKE UP!" little voices chimed by her unconsious ear. She had collasped in the heat of the fire and the children were helpless. A rafter fell across Kai's legs further pinning her into the grond. The smoke was suffocating and all hope seemed lost. The building was collasping and the poor young souls couldn't make it out on their own.

"KAI!" Toshio begged as Chandra slumped against him. She passed out as well. Toshio's vision was clouding but through the smoke he saw someone approaching. The figure glowed with an ice blue light and the heat of the fire vanished. Toshio blinked as the flames at Kai's ankles froze solid. He gasped as even the smoke froze in the air, suspended miraclous. He was sure he was straying into a dream, or was this heaven?

Kiyoshi emerged with sweat pouring down his face. In his right hand that was clenched in a fist was a blue-silver necklace that pulsed and radiated the light that froze the fire. It was the Ice Pendant. Kiyoshi had used it even as his mother had instructed never to, in fear of Naraku discovering him. He had considered the conquences but he had to save Kai and Chandra. He would have to deal with Naraku in the future, now was the time to be hero.

Toshio sat as the effect the fire and smoke wore off completely. Aya and Chandra were stirring but Kai was motionless and still pinned down. Kiyoshi instucted the childern to climb onto his back and they protested.

"But what about Kai?" Toshio wailed. Kiyoshi looked into the eyes of the boy and saw great intelligence. He sighed. "I am coming back for her. I have to get you guys out first," After that nobody complained. Toshio and Aya resolved that Kiyoshi was a good person and placed all their trust in him.

Kiyoshi stepped outside of the once burning house and placed the children on their feet. "Stay here!" He warned, his tone a little too harsh. And then he disappeared into the hut.

"Kiyoshi is a good man, "Chandra said and Toshio and Aya agreed.

"I trust him to save Kai."

Back inside the house Kiyoshi stopped Kai still pinned under the fallen beam. There were burns all up and down her body. Her clothes were nearly disintegrated exposing her raw flesh. Kiyoshi felt his cheek grow hot as he saw her the tattered condition of her schoolgirl skirt. He heaved the wooden pole that was very heavy over of her. Checking her neck for a pulse he confirmed she was still alive. He slowly pulled her back and supported her neck and head against his lap. He placed a hand of her cheek and tilted it so he could see it. He was overwhelm but the beauty of her pale face but shook his head to clear his mind of such thoughts. He leaned in and listened for breath. He could barely hear anything. Lowered his head further he pressed the side of his face against her soft chest. His face went red but he heard a heartbeat. It grew faster and he heard Kai groan.

Straighening he looking directing at her face. Slowly her dark amber eyes flickered open. "Kiyoshi?" She asked faintly.

"I am here." He said enormously relieved. Kai's head shifted she tried to get up. Kiyoshi placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't strain yourself." His voice was gentle.

"Oh, Kioyoshi..." Kai muttered, but never finished her sentence. She snuggled against his chest were his heart was pounding. He was certain she could hear it but she was content with just lying up against him. Kiyoshi had the sudden impulse to wrap his arms around her and they stayed like that for awhile.

Kiyoshi heard voices outside and decided it was time to move. He slowly stood up, then carefully he slipped one arm under Kai's shoulders and one under her knees. Bringing her up, he craddled her against his chest and slowly walked out the house. His heart still pounding and he was painfully aware of Kai's precense. He felt her warm flesh against his. "I am here." He whispered in Kai's ear. A small smile appeared on her face as he was greeted by the kids outside.

"I am here."

Alright another chapter done! This is usually the place where I will beg shamelessly for reviews but...aw what hell, why disappoint you?

plz, plz, plz, review!

-SMR