I'm not really sure what to say about this chapter other than enjoy and review!


Trouble in the Marsh

"What? How do you know Ahun?" Rin asked in confusion.

"I raise futatsu youkai. This one was the first one I ever raised, but one day it just disappeared." Setsuki's voice was nostalgic.

"Why do you raise these youkai?" Rin was still confused.

"They are wonderful in the marsh. It's where they naturally belong." Setsuki replied knowledgably.

"Oh, well, okay then. Can we go now?" Rin begged; she hadn't forgotten Sesshoumaru for a second.

"Yes of course. I'm sorry I got side tracked. We can take your mount. What did you call them?" Setsuki agreed, already stepping towards the marsh.

"Their names are Ah and Un; Ahun for short." Rin informed her.

Without further delay, both young women hopped on Ahun's back and they were off. Ahun made his way confidently through the marsh. Unlike Jomei, Setsuki was easy to talk to, and Rin found it hard not to say too much about her quest.

Trying to get the topic off her, Rin asked Setsuki questions. "Why do you live here Setsuki? I mean, I understand you raise youkai, but why here at this marsh."

Setsuki was quiet for a moment, but then began to talk. "Truthfully, I'm not really sure why my father and I moved here. All I remember was that when I was really little my dad took me and we moved here. He told me our old home was a demon slayer's tribe, though. You know it's funny how it works, moving from slaying youkai to raising them. "

Setsuki gave a harsh laugh and then continued. "My dad died when I was twelve and from then on I took care of myself. The villagers did help me, but I was mostly on my own. At one point I thought I would move, but I loved the marsh too much and I have always had an affinity with youkai."

"You must miss your dad very much," Rin said quietly, not sure what else to say.

"Yes, more than anyone can imagine. You know, before he died my dad said this. 'Setsuki, I have found that not all youkai are bad. You seem to agree with that fact even more than I do.' I have never known what he meant by that." Setsuki trailed off.

Why is she telling me this? Rin wondered, but then took a long look at her new friend. Before, Rin hadn't noticed how beautiful Setsuki truly was. Though her clothes were rags, she had about her an almost inhuman glow.

I think I know what her father meant by what he said. However, I think I'll keep the knowledge to myself. Rin noted with a smile.

After a short time, Setsuki broke the silence. "So Rin, what is your story?" She asked curiously.

Rin hesitated for a second, but then launched into her story. She did not tell Setsuki all the adventures she had been on, but in the end Rin did tell her that her lord was a youkai. "What an interesting life you have led." Setsuki laughed.

"You think so?" Rin asked, searching for something else to say.

"Yes indeed, you certainly have a more exciting life than me. Yet, you said that your lord is sick? That is why you need the Ike reed and why you are in such a hurry?" She asked.

"Yes, I cannot let my lord die." Rin replied quietly.

"You care for him deeply," Setsuki murmured knowingly.

A faint blush crept over Rin's cheeks. "Yes well…He has saved my life one hundred times over. It is time that I repaid him."

I can't believe I told her thins much! Rin thought, mentally kicking herself.

By this time the trio was near the middle of the marsh. They had been talking so much that Rin hadn't even noticed how much progress they had made. Suddenly, Setsuki motioned for Ahun to stop.

"We must proceed with caution from here on. This part of the marsh is dangerous." Setsuki warned.

"Okay," Rin nodded.

Ahun stepped forward carefully. All of them were on the lookout. Though Rin had no idea what she was watching for. The marsh had become so quiet that she could hardly stand it. They went on that way for nearly an hour.

It was just after midday when Rin spotted something in the water. "Setsuki, look," Rin called out, but neither she nor Ahun were there anymore. She was standing in dirty water up to her knees, alone.

"What's going on?" Rin asked out loud.

"We wish you to play with us." A voice from the murky waters called. It was what she had seen earlier.

"But I don't have time to play," Rin cried, starting to panic.

What about Sesshoumaru? She thought desperately.

A small being, half Rin's height emerged from the water. It was male, which Rin could tell easily since it was naked. Blushing furiously, she turned away.

"Put some clothes on would you!" Rin screamed.

"If this form does not please you then I will gladly change. Please, turn around now. Is this better?" The small being called to Rin.

Rin tentatively turned half way around, and then sighed in relief. "Yes, that is much better. What are you anyways?"

"I am a water sprite, though I have lived in this marsh for centuries."

"Oh, I have never met a water sprite before." Rin said. She was fascinated by the sprite's slender, newly clothed form. She had forgotten all about her friends and worse yet, Sesshoumaru.

"Good, now come with me. You will enjoy our home." The sprite replied, tugging on Rin's hand.

"There are more of you?" Rin asked groggily, but then she shook herself.

No, this isn't right. I feel like I've forgotten something. I have to remember.

"No, I can't come with you! What have you done with my friends?" Rin demanded, trying to pull away. She reached for her katana, but it was too late.

The water sprite pulled down into the water. Rin tried to scream, but water filled her lungs. A blurred image of Sesshoumaru's face came before her, just before Rin lost consciousness.