Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Kagome does. Ok, technically it's Rumiko Takahashi; still, it's not me.

A/N: Ok everyone, here's chapter 1, err...2, depending on how you count. Oh, warning, I'm not a huge Jaken fan, so, don't expect much from him. Lol.

Someone to Protect

The day had been long, and completely uneventful, as were most days. Sesshomaru hadn't said a word all day, which wasn't exactly unusual. Jaken had spent most of the day mumbling under his breath and making odd, Jaken-like sounds. Rin was currently sitting on Ah-Un's back, as her feet had begun to ache from the gravel of the area they'd passed through earlier. Jaken was currently about half-way between Sesshomaru and the two-headed dragon. It was beginning to get dark, and no one was speaking, as they traveled through the strange, thick forest.

Sesshomaru stopped abruptly at the edge of an opening for a meadow that was smack-dab in the center of the forest. There was a creek running through it, off to his left, and it was completely surrounded by trees and bushes. The area looked magnificent in the light of the setting sun, though it was far from an ideal spot to rest. He scanned the area soundlessly, inhaling a couple of times to be certain that it was currently empty of threatening demons.

Behind him, Jaken had, as usuall, failed to notice that his lord had stopped, and therefore walked directly into the back of his leg. Again. "Oooff! Oh, I'm so sorry, m'lord!" He squeaked, back-stepping and bowing low. Rin giggled from her perch atop Ah-Un.

"You should pay more attention, Master Jaken. If you didn't get so wrapped up in your mumblings, you'd notice when Lord Sesshomaru stops."

"You be quiet, Girl. Shouldn't you be out looking for food or something? You're usually whining about how hungry you are by sunset." Jaken scolded.

"I don't whine about that anymore, Master Jaken. You're the only one who whines now, though, now that you mention it, I am a bit hungry." She glanced quickly towards the setting sun, and then turned her attention to Sesshomaru, and asked, "My lord, may I go in search of something to eat?"

Sesshomaru waited a moment before responding. "Take Jaken with you, and don't stray too far."

"Thank you, my lord! Come, Master Jaken!" Rin said, sliding gracefully off of the dragon and running into the surrounding forest area. Ah-Un snorted and promptly sat down, waiting patiently for his mistress to return to him.

Sesshomaru watched silently as the young human woman bounded into the forest, followed quickly by his vassal. His gaze momentarily landed on Ah-Un before it resumed scanning the area. When he found no sign of a possible threat, he moved over to a nearby tree, coincidentally in the direction Rin had run off in, and sat down. He watched the sun sink lower for a minute, then looked away. I'll give her a few minutes. If she has not returned once the sun has fully set, I'll find her. Once she's eaten, we'll continue on our way. There should be a suitable resting place not too far ahead, with a hot spring nearby. I'll have to have Jaken gather the wood for our fire, also. And so he waited.

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"Master Jaken, may I ask you something?" Rin asked as she pulled a few berries off of a bush. Jaken sighed behind her and muttered something that sounded like "If you must", so Rin continued. "Why does Lord Sesshomaru continue to let me travel with you?"

"What do you mean 'why'? Are you complaining about being allowed to travel in the company of our lord?" Jaken said with an indignant tone in his voice.

"No! No, it's nothing like that! I was just curious, because I know that he doesn't really like humans such as myself, yet he allows me to travel with him, and he has even gone out of his way to save me more than once. I was wondering why."

"I have asked myself that very same question many times over the years, Rin. And I do not have an answer. It seems he is still very much against other humans, but for some unfathomable reason, he doesn't consider you despicable, as he does them."

Rin paused in mid-pick and turned to face the imp. "Do you consider me despicable, Master Jaken?"

Jaken's beak-like mouth dropped open, and he took an involuntary step backwards as he realized what he'd inadvertantly said. "No! Of course not, silly human. I was mearly stating that our lord does not consider you despicable. Do you really think I'd be out here, helping you gather your dinner, if I thought you despicable?"

Rin grinned playfully, "If Lord Sesshomaru wished it, you would. But you're right, I know you don't think that of me. Still, just because Lord Sesshomaru doesn't despise me, that doesn't really explain why he keeps me around. Why not just drop me off in a village now that I'm an adult?"

"Do you want him to leave you in some human village?" Jaken asked, thoroughly astounded that she'd say such a thing. He nearly sighed with relief when she shook her head, glad he didn't have to tell Sesshomaru that she wanted to leave them.

"No, I don't. I like traveling with you and Lord Sesshomaru. It just seems to me that there is no reason to keep me anymore. I understand him letting me follow when I was young, as I had no other home, and wouldn't have been accepted anywhere, but I don't get why he hasn't dispatched me now that I'm able to fend for myself." Rin spoke, a serious look in her eyes, as she moved to the riverside to catch a fish for herself.

"I have no explanation for you, Rin. Unless you'd rather live in a village with others of your species, which is perfectly understandable, you should just let it go. Lord Sesshomaru never explains himself unless it's absolutely necessary, and his keeping you with him, us, doesn't need to be explained. Perhaps he...enjoys your company. Although, I'm certain the only thing he enjoys involves violence, and possibly insulting that irritating half-brother of his, but-" Jaken stated, losing himself in a rant.

"Master Jaken! You're ranting again. I've caught my fish, and picked my berries, so let us return to Lord Sesshomaru before he gets upset with us for taking too long."

"Don't be ridiculous, Rin, we have at least until the sun has fully set."

"Um, Master Jaken, it has fully set. Now let's go!" Rin stated as if talking to a young child, before turning and running back in the direction of her lord. But why DOES he keep me around? I just don't understand. Perhaps Jaken is right; perhaps I should let it go. If he tires of my presence, he'll tell me. And then I'll be forced to live in a human village. Oh, please don't let that happen. I don't honestly know what I'd do without my lord, he is...everything to me. Of course, I can't tell him that. Though, he probably already knows. Focus, Rin, or you'll get lost!

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Just as he stood to retrieve his traveling companions, her scent reached his sensitive nose. Jaken wasn't far behind, though he was out of breath. And, following behind them was a demon. He nearly missed it, as it was keeping a good distance between itself and its intended prey. But it was there, and Sesshomaru wasn't fool enough to believe it was after Jaken. Turning quickly, he raced in the direction of the demon, which was slowly but surely closing the distance between itself and Rin. I'll have to hurry. I do not know what breed of demon it is, but it is hungry. How could I have missed its presence earlier? It must've been too far away; I'd have never noticed if it had attacked them while she was gathering her food. He thought in frustration, nearing his prey.

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Rin and Jaken were running towards where Sesshomaru was waiting when a noise in the bushes to their left distracted them. Jaken heard it first, and stopped instinctively, tightening his grip on the Staff of Two Heads. Rin stopped when she noticed that Jaken had stopped, and turned to face him. "Master Jaken, what are you doing? We're going to get in trouble if we don't hurry."

"Keep moving, Rin. Run straight for Lord Sesshomaru and don't stop. I'll catch up with you in a few moments, but first I must take care of this demon."

"Demon, Master Jaken? Are you sure? If there's a demon, then you should come with me, or you might get hurt." Rin said worriedly, taking a tentative step forward. Just as Jaken turned to scold her for ignoring his instructions, there was a loud hissing noise and a long blur shot past him and wound itself around Rin. Rin, in response, screamed loudly, until it tightened it's hold and crushed her enough to knock the wind from her lungs.

"Release her at once, demon!" Jaken ordered bravely, while managing to fear for his own life. If this snake eats her, Lord Sesshomaru will have my head for sure! I can't let that happen!

"This human will make a fine meal for myself, so leave me be, imp, or I shall devoure you, two, once I am done with her." The snake demon hissed, it's tongue flicking out at Jaken before it returned its attention to Rin, who was still struggling. "Hold still girl, you'll only damage yourself." When Rin showed no signs of listening to his instructions, the snake extended his tongue, aiming it for her face. She pulled as far back as she could manage, shutting her eyes and setting her jaw tight in fearful preparation for the inevitable.

The sound of something slicing effortlessly through the air preceded the snakes howl of pain by mere seconds, and the coils trapping her slackened enough for her to slip through, and she ran blindly to Jaken, not looking behind her until she was safe. When she turned, she saw the snake lunge at Sesshomaru, blood dripping from its mouth, its tongue lying on the ground near where he'd held her captive.

Sesshomaru sidestepped the lunge effortlessly, and, with a flick of his wrist, the poison whip separated the snake's head from it's body, as both pieces fell limply to the ground, and disintigrated. When only the bones of the demon remained, Sesshomaru turned his attention to Jaken. The imp seemed to shrink into himself as he silently awaited the reprimand that never came. Sesshomaru spared a glance at Jaken, then directed his gaze to Rin. Once he caught her eye, he nodded once and turned, walking away. Rin quickly ran to catch up to him, stopping just behind and to the left of him. Jaken followed silently, staying a good five paces away. They paused to gather Ah-Un, and then continued on their way.

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They found a spot to rest for the night not long afterwards, and Jaken quickly went about collecting the firewood, and coincidentally staying out of Sesshomaru's path. Rin was sitting with her back against a tree, hugging her knees to her chest with her eyes shut. Without realizing it, she sighed softly and gently dropped her chin on top of her knees. Her mind kept replaying the attack from that afternoon. Why is that still bothering me? It isn't the first time a demon has attacked me, hoping for an easy meal. Why is this so different? Sesshomaru saved me, and even if he hadn't, Jaken would have. Sure, my ribs are a little sore from where it nearly crushed me, but, that's hardly any reason to keep dwelling on it. The demon's dead; I saw him die. So, why am I still nervous? Scared, even? It makes no sense; I couldn't be safer, and I know it. My lord won't let anything happen to me, so, why? Again, without conscious realization, she sighed and shifted her position so that her forhead was now resting on her knees.

Sesshomaru had been silently taking inventory of the scents in the surrounding area when she started sighing. At first, he ignored it and moved to lean against the tree opposite her. When she sighed again, however, he shifted his attention to her small form. She seemed fine, if not tired, huddled the way she was into the tree trunk. But something about her scent was begining to bother him. She's been unusually quiet all evening. It doesn't usually take her so long to recover from an attack such as that. Taking a delicate sniff of the air between them, he realized why, at least, she was making herself so small. She's still afraid. There's an underlying scent of fear eminating off of her. Why? What is she afraid of? Deciding to make some sort of attempt to put away this fear, he effortlessly pushed away from the tree, and walked silently towards her, stopping when he was facing her.

"Rin. What is it you're afraid of?" He asked bluntly, never one to dance around a topic. He waited patiently while she found the answer. Finally, she raised her head to look into his eyes as she spoke.

"In truth, My Lord, I don't know. I know I have nothing to be afraid of, but, for some reason, I can't stop thinking about that snake demon. I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a burden, or a bother. Please don't concern yourself over my fear, I'm sure it will go away by morning." When she finished speaking, she gave a valiant attempt at a smile, and succeeded, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"You are neither a burden nor a bother, Rin, I should think you'd know that by now. Now do your best to forget about the snake; it's dead, and you're safe here. Perhaps a rest in the hot springs will soothe your anxiety. Take Ah-Un with you, for protection, though you shouldn't need it."

"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru. I'll try not to take too long. Come, Ah-Un!" Rin stated, truly smiling this time, as she turned and headed towards the nearest hot spring, the two-headed dragon following automatically. Sesshomaru watched them go before returning to the tree he'd been leaning against.

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Shortly after Rin and Ah-Un had left, Jaken returned with the firewood. He set about making the fire and cooking Rin's fish before he sat down to watch it. After a few moments of silence, he spoke quietly, knowing his lord would hear him. "M'lord, I'm terribly sorry for not destroying that demon before it grabbed Rin. It was very adept at hiding it's presence; I didn't realize it was there until it was too late. Please don't be angry." He knew that the last part was pointless; if Sesshomaru was angry at you, begging could not change it.

Sesshomaru took his time replying, watching Jaken squirm with a hint of amusement, though no one saw it. "What's done is done, Jaken. Next time, pay more attention to your surroundings. And do not beg; it is unbecoming."

"Yes, m'lord. Where is Rin, anyway?"

"Bathing."

"Oh. Might I ask you a question, m'lord?" Jaken asked tentativelly. I hope I don't upset him; damn Rin for making me so curious about this.

"You may ask."

"With all due respect, Lord Sesshomaru, why is it that Rin still travels with us? I mean, she's old enough to live on her own, in a human village, so, why don't we just...leave her at one."

There was a silence that stretched frighteningly long, and Jaken dared not turn around to face Sesshomaru. Therefore, he did not see the glare that, albeit briefly, flashed across the powerful dog-demon's face. However, it was wiped away just as quickly as it had come, and Sesshomaru's response held a tone that Jaken knew better than to test, though the words created more questions than answers. "That is not something you need to know, Jaken." And, like a good little servant, Jaken kept silent.

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Meanwhile, Rin sighed contentedly as she entered the hot water. She ducked twice to rinse her hair thoroughly, and then found a small rock to sit on, letting the water soothe her tired muscles. Leaning her head back, she let her eyes drift shut, as memories good and bad flooded her mind's eye. She remembered her first time in a hot spring, when her family had still been alive.

Flashback

"Here we are, Sweetheart. Do you know what this is, Rin?" Her mother, a tall, healthy young woman with black hair and beautiful brown eyes, asked gently, squeazing her small daughter's hand. The four year old copy of her mother looked back at her with innocent eyes and replied: "A big pond?"

Her mother chuckled softly and shook her head. "No, dear, this is a hot spring. The water inside is hot, but once you get in, it feels very relaxing. This is how people bathe."

"Then how come I've never been to one before? You usually bathe me, Mommy."

"You were too young, Rin. Small children get faint in such warm waters. But, I think you're old enough now. Come on, take off your kimono and step in."

Rin obediently released her summer kimono, but paused at the water's edge and glanced sideways at her mother. "Mommy, will you get in first, please? I'm scared."

"Of course, dear. Don't be afraid, there's nothing to worry about. Watch." And her mother slipped gracefully into the water, turning around once she was in so she could steady her daughter as she slowly stuck first one foot, then the other, into the water.

"Mommy, it's hot!" Rin cried, pulling her feet out quickly. Her mother laughed softly again, and held out her arms.

"That's ok, Rin, it's supposed to be hot. You'll be fine, I promise. Once you're all the way in it'll feel good, trust me."

"Okay, if you say so." She said hesitantly, and once again stepped in. This time, instead of jumping out, she dove for her mother, ignoring the heat and repeating her mother's promise inside her head. Her mother caught her easily and held her for a few moments, letting the four year old adjust to the temperature.

Slowly, she released her hold. "There, does it still burn?"

Rin slowly shook her head. "No, mama, it feels good, just like you promised!" And so they enjoyed Rin's first bath in a hot spring together, laughing at her father and brother, and telling jokes, while Rin's mother washed her hair.

End flashback

She laughed quietly to herself as she recalled that fond memory of her mother; one of the few she still had. Rin frowned as she thought of how many memories of her family she'd had when she was younger, that had faded away as she grew. She could still remember what her mother looked like, but not her father, or her brother. They had brown hair, of that she was sure, and brown eyes. Beyond that, there was nothing. Did her brother have freckles, like so many other young boys often did? Did her father have broad shoulders from working in the fields? She couldn't remember. Oh well. There's nothing I can do to get those memories back, but I know what I imagine them to look like. That'll have to be good enough. I need to focus, I can't stay out here too long, or Lord Sesshomaru might worry. Or get angry. I suppose it's time to go, then. She thought, standing slowly to steady herself from the slight dizziness that came from spending too much time in the hot springs.

As she stepped out, she grabbed the small towel that was drapped across Ah-Un's back, next to her clean kimono. Toweling herself off, she tried not to think about what could be just behind the bushes, watching her. Where'd that thought come from? If anyone, or anything, was back there, Ah-Un would've noticed. I'm safe. I have a two-headed dragon playing bodyguard, no one's going to eat me. Or worse...Get a grip, Rin! What's wrong with you lately? This is pathetic, I never used to be so...frightened. Why am I suddenly so insecure? Lord Sesshomaru specifically told me not to worry. I know he'll protect me. And I feel safe when I'm by his side, so, why don't I feel safe when I'm next to Ah-Un? Maybe I'm just more shaken up than usuall. Maybe it really will go away before morning. Even as the last thought crossed her mind, she knew it was unlikely. Sighing in defeat, she slipped into her fresh kimono and gathered up her old one for Jaken to wash before bed, as he always did.

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A few minutes later, Rin returned to the make-shift camp, walking automatically to the campfire, where her fish were waiting for her. Jaken shifted uneasily as he watched her drop gently down across from him, and pick up her dinner. She paused with the fish half-way to her mouth and looked over at the imp. "What's wrong, Master Jaken? Why are you so quiet, and uncomfortable?"

"Who said I was uncomfortable! I'm just fine, thank you. Nothing's wrong, so stop imagining things. Just eat your meal and give me your dirty kimono so I can wash it. And what took you so long, anyway? Your dinner almost burned."

Rin giggled at Jaken's outburst as she passed over her kimono with her free hand. "I'm sorry, Master Jaken. I lost track of time. I hope you weren't worried."

"Don't be ridiculus, girl, of course I wasn't worried. Why would I, a demon, worry about you, a human woman? You'll die eventually, it's unavoidable; you're mortal, after all." He huffed proudly, not realizing that what he'd said could upset her. Reaching out to take her clothing, he noticed her hand shake slightly. "If you're cold, Rin, then sit closer to the fire. You know that." And then he stood and walked off, intent on washing her clothes before it got too late.

When Jaken left, Rin shook her head slightly and took a big bite out of the fish, trying her best to ignore his words and the lack of sensitivity in his voice. He probably just got carried away and didn't realize what he was saying. He does it all the time; besides, I know he cares, though he tries to hide it. Usually he says it's his duty as Lord Sesshomaru's vassal to care about me, as I'm Sesshomaru's ward, but, I know he cares anyway. So igonore his words. As she thought this, she ate, only snapping out of her trance when the fish was gone, and only bones remained. She tossed them into the pile created by the two fish Jaken had eaten, and then turned her gaze towards the fire, again letting her mind wander, completely unaware of the golden eyes that were observing her every move.

Sesshomaru had watched the scene between his vassal and his ward without comment. He knew Jaken was still uneasy after their conversation from before. And he also knew that was why Jaken had said what he'd said. He'd been trying to sound as indifferent as Sesshomaru always sounded; and he'd succeeded this time, too. Of course, what Jaken didn't know, and what Sesshomaru was valiantly ignoring, was the fact that the great Lord of the Western Lands did, indeed, care. More so than he should. Everyone who knew Sesshomaru knew that he protected the human woman sitting before him. Those who knew him well knew that he actually cared; though no one knew why. And only the dog-demon himself knew why, though he ignored it, and tried to deny it, with every conscious thought. What irritated him were the unconscious thoughts, the instincts, the urges, the reactions. He had some level of control of his physical reactions to whatever situations might arise, but he was finding out, more each day, that he had no level of control over his internal reactions. That was what bothered him. That and why she was still marginally afraid.

He'd noted, with an unvoiced satisfaction, that she wasn't as afraid, or nervous, as she had been before her trip to the hot springs. But she was still worried about something. And he was finding himself getting extremely curious as to what it was. It's ridiculus to be bothered by her emotional state; she's fine, and whatever it is will leave her. Eventually. And, though he hated admitting it, even to himself, it was that 'eventually' that was worrying him. So, after a few long moments of quietly watching her stare into the fire, he spoke. "Rin. Come here."

Rin jumped, just a bit, at the sound of his voice. She'd forgotten that he was there. Obediently, she stood and walked over to him, sitting down beside him and tucking her legs underneath her. "Yes, my lord?"

"You're still worried. Tell me why."

She sighed, not knowing how to respond, and her gaze dropped to the ground. "I'm...not sure, Lord Sesshomaru. I thought I was still shaken up, but, now...I'm not so sure. I felt fine while I was bathing, but, when I stepped out, I got nervous. I found myself worried about anyone who might've been spying on me, even when I knew there was no one. I-I don't understand it, my lord."

Sesshomaru nodded in understanding, though he was nowhere near acceptance. It bothered him that something might be wrong with her. And that it bothered him, bothered him. "Did Jaken's words upset you?" He heard her breath hitch in her throat; she obviously didn't want to say the wrong thing. "I won't make an issue of it unless it happens again, Rin, I merely want to know."

"I-a little, yes. I know they shouldn't have; everything he said was accurate. I am mortal, and I will die because of that, if nothing else. And I know he does worry, even when he tries to hide it. But, the words still hurt. I don't want to die; especially not of old age. After you go to such efforts to save me, it seems...almost like it would be an insult. To die like that. To die at all, rather. I'm sorry, I don't know why it's bothering me so much today."

"Do not apologize, Rin. These fears are understandable. However, you mustn't let Jaken's ramblings bother you. Focus, instead, on the present. Try not to worry too much over how, or when, you'll die; as it's not going to happen anytime soon. There'll be time enough for thoughts such as those in later years. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord. Everything you say makes sense. I'm sorry I'm being such an inconvience today, Lord Sesshomaru."

"If everything I've said makes sense, then stop apologizing." He scolded half-heartedly; though she didn't know that. She nodded in understanding and moved to give him his space. As she stood, he caught his hand twitching, unnoticably, in her direction, seemingly to pull her back down, next to him. Instead, he crossed his arms and watched her settle against the other tree, in much the same position as before.

He was trying to ignore the half of his brain that was arguing with her statements. She truly believes she'll die of old age. Of course, that would be because, at this rate, you'll never aknowledge your true feelings. Admitting to those urges would be against everything I've ever stood for; if I mate with a human, with Rin, I'll become my father. He died because he fell in love with a mortal woman; and that union resulted in that half-breed brother of mine, Inuyasha. I won't suffer the same fate; even if it means denying my heart. Until 10 years ago, I didn't believe I had a heart, which suited me fine; hearts are full of emotion, and emotion makes you weak. Why, then, do I care? Why, how, was she able to reach what I never thought I had? I was willing to slay my own father; but I would never consider slaying Rin. That is as far as that will go. My father died becaused he loved a human. I won't do the same.

What he was, of course, ignoring, was the fact that he'd already fallen in love with a mortal. He was, after all, the master of hiding his emotions; even, apparently, from himself. So, as Jaken returned to camp and layed Rin's drying kimono on a blanket on the ground, he spared one last glance at the woman who was slowly drifting to sleep, and allowed his own eyes to rest for a while. He didn't fall asleep until almost dawn; but he was a dog-demon, and didn't need more than a couple of hours of sleep. Rin, his subconscious noted, slept deeply all night.

To Be Continued...

A/N: TaaDaa! Chapter one (technically two, I know). So, what did you think? Does it have potential? Hopefully you'll think so, I mean, I worked pretty hard on this. Anyway, let me know what you think and stay tuned for chapter three! Oh, but flames are not welcome. They hurt my feelings. Lol. Anywho, on to chapter three, yes!