A/N: Omigod. Thank you to those that have reviewed. I am now starting to update as soon as my little fingers and brain will take me. Thank you again to those who have reviewed! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! .

Chapter Two: Ghost of the Past

Sesshoumaru shifted slightly as he opened up an eye and winced at the bright morning sun. He slowly stood up and his lips curled slightly as he smelt Rin's scent in the air. It was fresh and smelt of roses, berries and grass. Slowly, he walked over to where she was still sleeping and watched her intently. She was so beautiful, especially with the gold rays shining in her hair and face that were reflections of the sun. Her face was peaceful and glowing with youth which caused Sesshoumaru wanting to brush his fingers across her delicate cheek.

Before he knew it, his hand was already out and he blinked while realizing that. Rin suddenly opened her eyes and was shocked to see Sesshoumaru's fingers inches from her cheek.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" She whispered in a softly voice and blushed slightly as she lifted her head to look at him. Rin wasn't sure what that was about but her heart was pounding loudly while her face was inches from his. Her brown eyes kept glancing at his lips and she shivered wondering what would happen.

Perhaps it was for the best, nothing really happened. Sesshoumaru gulped as he quickly pulled back his hand and gave it a furious glare as if determined to believe his hand had acted on its own. "Hurry, Rin. We have no time to waste. Let's arrive back to the Western Lands quickly." He said with a chilling voice and unspoken anger. He wasn't angry at Rin though, and he knew it. He was mad at himself, for almost letting his emotions show. Never, would he care for a human. Never.

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-san." Rin said as she gathered her stuff and followed her lord. His anger at his hand confused her, but she didn't think much about it since she was too excited about their journey. She had never been to the Western Lands and was quiet curious of what it was like. She wanted to understand it and perhaps become part of it…Her pink lips curled as she watched Sesshoumaru disappear in the horizon but then stopped to wait for her. She loved him, it was all so obvious now. How could she not see it before? Giving out a small sigh, she closed her eyes hoping and praying that possibly…maybe just a little…he might love her back.

They arrived at the Western Lands that night. The stars sparked under the sapphire sky and Rin smiled happily at Sesshoumaru. "Your homeland is pretty, Sesshoumaru-sama." She said happily and resisted the urge to hug him out of joy.

Her lord's lips curled slightly as he nodded and lifted his head to the sky, "It is true. No place can match its beauty. Welcome, Rin." He said and stroke her cheek lightly while he looked at her. She was so pretty, innocent and intriguing…if only she wasn't human. Sesshoumaru often wondered why on earth did he keep this human by his side? Both friend and foes of him were puzzled as well. It started out as gratitude. He merely wanted to thank her for caring for him while he was wounded. But then, the feelings changed…he got used to her laughter, smile, flowers, scent…her everything. It could only stay as a guardian ward relationship though. More can not be tolerated or accepted. Sesshoumaru knew that more than anybody. He couldn't betray his mother, father or his duty as the lord of the Western Lands. He couldn't betray this country. If only Rin was not a human, so many things would be so much easier…but no. He didn't love her, things could still change, right? Or was it already too late…

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin asked as she closed her eyes while he touched her. His cold fingers against her cheek sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. It was as if she was waiting for him to do this all her life. It was merely a touch though, how could it be so intense? "Rin has something to tell Sesshoumaru-sama…" She started out softly. Perhaps this was the time? In this beautiful Western Lands, she could finally say what was on her mind. That she liked him, loved him, wanted to stay with him forever even though he and her were different…She didn't get the chance to say anything though. She was disrupted by another beautiful voice.

"Lord Sesshoumaru…"

Both Rin and Sesshoumaru quickly glanced towards the owner of the voice and Rin gasped. There she was, a woman that looked exactly like her. The woman had long silky black hair that went all the way to her waist. Her skin was creamy and smooth, glowing in the moon light. She wore a long fancy dark red kimono that seemed to enhance the color of her small lips. Everyway you looked at it, she was a beauty…and a youkai. The ears on her head were obvious enough, also the red tail that wagged happily were all evidence that she was a fox. Her brown eyes totally ignored Rin and it was obvious who she was looking for. Lord Sesshoumaru…

"Kira?" Sesshoumaru blinked as he, too, ignored Rin and quickly walked over to the woman seemingly knowing her. "I thought you died…" He whispered softly while his long fingers stroke Kira's cheek just as it did Rin's. Those gestures made Rin want to scream, explode, and kill the woman that was letting Sesshoumaru do so. How could this happen…Right when she was about to say the most important speech of her life? With a huge unsatisfied frown on her lips, Rin quickly walked over to where her lord was, determined to protect him from this stupid fox.

"I thought I did, too…but I was saved by somebody. I have awaited you ever since in these Western Lands." Kira whispered softly and she flickered her eyes over Sesshoumaru's face while smiling tenderly, "Now you are back. We can finally fulfill your mother's wishes…"

Sesshoumaru nodded as he continued to look at Kira as if she was paradise itself. Rin wondered, what was she in his heart anyway? How could he ignore her so quickly and abandon her as if she was nothing. Jealousy pierced into her heart as she watched the two faces get closer and almost end up in a kiss. No! Rin shouted inside and "accidentally" kicked the stupid fox demon in the shin.

"Oh." Kira blinked as she finally acknowledged Rin. She was shocked to see the human looking so much alike to her but paid no attention. "Who is this human girl, Sesshoumaru?" She asked curly and looked at him curiously.

He frowned slightly and glanced at Rin for a second before shrugging, "Rin. My ward." He said trying to forget the irritation of Kira calling Rin a human girl. She was more than a human girl, so much more.

"Sesshoumaru-sama…" Rin whined as she forcefully pushed Kira away and hoped to God that stupid fox demon would just trip and kill herself. "Who is this girl…" She whispered softly and gulped hoping he wouldn't say something like 'this is my wife'.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes looked down at the ground for a second and he wondered how to tell Rin. He didn't want to hurt her, but then again, she didn't have feelings for him. Right? "Kira, please wait for us in the palace. Rin and I have some things to talk about." He said softly and stared at the beauty while she bowed and started to head towards the palace. His lips curled slightly knowing that Kira hadn't changed a bit. Still obedient, beautiful, understanding and charming…

"Sesshoumaru-san!" Rin said slightly annoyed at the fact that he kept ignoring her for the fox demon. She groaned and shook her head, "Please, tell me." She implored and bit her lip preparing for the worst.

Sesshoumaru looked down at Rin. She was a beauty too, yet strikingly similar to Kira. He knew though, that there were some differences. Rin was a human and Kira was one of his kinds. Lowering his head for a bit, he wondered where to begin. "We were childhood friends. Mother took care of Kira like she was her own child and was quiet fond of her. However, one day when we were playing we got lost and were attacked by demons. She died trying to help me, and now I suppose she's back." Sesshoumaru said softly and his brow furrowed wondering if she was just some type of demon disguised. It was quiet impossible though since not many were aware of Kira. "My mother's wish was for us to mate since mating her, the Northern Lands and the Western Lands would become allies." He explained shortly and looked at Rin intently to try and see her reaction.

Rin's face was blank while she listened to him but inside she was boiling. She couldn't believe it, Sesshoumaru had a childhood friend? A friend that he was destined to mate and become lovers with? It was a nightmare come true to Rin. She bit her lip and looked at Sesshoumaru. She scanned his face for some type, any type of sadness or pity. None, nothing was there. "Sesshoumaru-sama…" She whispered and wondered if he thought she would be okay with this type of arrangement. That she would be fine and just watch him fall into another woman's arms? Did he not know that Rin would go crazy if that happened, she wouldn't be able to sleep or eat or even talk without feeling empty and incomplete? Sesshoumaru-sama, don't you know how Rin feels? "Will you mate with her?" She whispered softly, needing to know. Every cell in her body prayed that he would reject the idea because he cared for her more. Please…

Sesshoumaru paused as he pondered over the question. He wasn't sure how to reply, he himself hadn't even thought about it much, either. Would he? Should he? Could he? The entire Western Lands were at stake, there was no telling how the Northern Lands would react if he had rejected their only Princess. He lifted his head to look one more time at the starry night sky and sighed, "Yes, Rin. I must fulfill my duty."

Rin froze. It felt as if she had been sentenced to death. Or worst.

A/N: I hope you liked this chapter. So, I know what you are thinking. What is going to happen to Rin and Sesshoumaru's relationship? Are they going to simply let go of each other or confess their feelings? They don't even know what each other are thinking at this time though! What will happen when they find out o.0? What will Kira do to Rin? And what on Earth is up with Kira and Rin looking the same? How will Sesshoumaru over come his sense of duty? Read on and find out! .

P.S: Please Review! I want to know your ideas and suggestions! I want to make this story more interesting with your help…so please review TT

Thanks!