Chapter Five: Belong

The long meadow grass was soft under the young girl's fingertips. She played with the blades, hardly paying attention as Kagome picked out medical herbs and gave a long, boring explanation as to why they were even important.

"Rin? Are you listening?" Kagome asked, this being the third time she'd drifted off in their lesson.

Kagome signed aloud when Rin didn't respond, unable to do much else. It had been nearly a week since the groups of Monks brought Rin to the Shine. In that time she didn't utter a single word. Only observed and nodded whenever addressed.

She always had this unimpressed look across her face, which concerned Kagome greatly.

Kaede had already checked her for demonic energy to make sure she hadn't been possessed, but she was clean. Kaede stated that she hadn't been touched by the demon, and yet…his hold on her mind was strong.

Kagome tried to pull Rin out of her depressed state by showing her around the village and of course showing her the duties of a Priestess. Checking the barrier, picking herbs and her sparring with Sota.

She was mildly intrigued at the sparing, which Kagome couldn't argue was the most exciting part of her day…aside from meeting with Inuyasha, but she wasn't about to bring Rin to that!

So there they were, sitting on a grassy hill top in the late morning hours. She tried to keep her engaged but Rin just wasn't partaking in any of it.

Most people would have simply shrugged her off as a disobedient child and sent her to do chores, but Kagome knew why Rin was so disinterested. This wasn't the life she wanted.

From what she heard from the Monks, the demon came and brought Rin happiness. She didn't know what he did for her exactly, but whatever it was, it must have impacted her greatly.

After loosing her entire family and then clinging to the idea of a greater power coming and caring for her and her alone…to be ripped away from something (or someone) who brings you such a joy, can be devastating.

Even if Kagome sympathized with the girl, she still needed her cooperation. Rin needed to learn as much as she could as fast as she could if Kagome and Inuyasha stood a chance.

It nearly made Kagome feel guilty. She was practically using this little girl so she could ensure her own happiness.

Kagome couldn't take the depressed and unenthusiastic look in the young girl's eyes any longer. She needed her to be happy, at least happy enough to train.

"Rin?" Kagome asked gently, the smallness of her voice granted her a surprised glance. Rin was lying on her stomach, playing with a plate of grass between her first finger and thumb.

Kagome presented a soft smile as she asked "You don't want to be here do you?" Rin's mouth gapped at the sudden question. She tore her eyes away from Kagome and looked back to the small strands of grass in her hand.

Kagome signed and leaned back on her palms behind her. Her face turned upwards to the blue sky, riddled with large spheres of fluff moving slowly overhead.

She then said in an understanding tone "It's alright if you don't…I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to stay at our dusty old Shrine…" she nibbled her lip before asking "you wanna know a secret?"

Rin looked back, giving a curious nod to Kagome. Kagome smiled almost sadly as she said "I don't want to be here either."

Rin gave her a nearly shocked expression. What a thing for a Priestess to tell a pending Priestess.

She held back a laugh at Rin's cuteness. When she wasn't frowning, she was adorable. "Well…" Kagome rolled her head around and with a smile started "I was raised as a Priestess, that's what I was always told I had to be. I never had any say in any of it…but if I did…I would go off, travel the world, see new sights and never be told what I have to do…that's what I want."

All of a sudden, Rin was seated on her knees, leaning forward as though expecting to hear Kagome's life story. Which caused Kagome to smile and ask in the gentlest way possible "Can you tell me what you want Rin?"

Rin had an uncertain look, she seemed so nervous to speak her mind, or speak at all. However, the feeling of acceptance and sheer understanding came off Kagome in waves.

Finally after two full minutes of silence, Rin pulled her gaze down to the grass covered ground that laid beneath her and whispered in a low and sheepish voice "…to belong."

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Kagome let out a squeal of excitement which caused Rin to jump back three feet. Kagome happily leapt forward and captured Rin in her arms, the two girls were thrown off balance and went tumbling down into the grass.

As they rolled down the large hillside, both girls released sounds of happy laughter and silly giggles. When they came to stop at the bottom of the hill, Kagome laid beneath a smiling girl. For the first time, she saw a genuine smile on the little girl's face.

Her hands lifted to the young girls face, gently pulling traces of her messy hair away from her eyes, Kagome smiled and said "You have such a beautiful voice…I'd like to hear more of it."

Rin blushed before lowering her face into Kagome's chest in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. Kagome laughed and said "And I'd love to see your smile, I've never seen such a pretty smile.

The girl only nuzzled her face more deeply into Kagome to hide her shy grin. Kagome began to lovingly brush Rin's hair back, mindful of her side ponytail, she ran her fingers through her night-shaded locks.

"And Rin…" Rin looked up cautiously "I promise…that you'll never be alone again." Only her eyes were visible but Kagome could see a new light enter them, before a river of tears clouded her vision.

Kagome sat up at that moment and brought Rin into her arms, with a sweet gentleness, she held the crying girl for as long as she needed to. Rin clutched onto Kagome's shirt as she bellowed into her shoulder.

Rin was so young and yet, she had experienced great pains. Her loneliness weakened her heart and her sadness shunned her from the rest of the world. But in a brief moment, Kagome brought her to a place where she could have exactly what she needed, what she wanted more then anything in this world…

love.

—

Weeks went by in the blink of an eye. With each passing day Rin seemed to open more and more to the family. She was still extremely shy when speaking, but she'd at least engage in conversation. She would also pay attention during the lessons and even showed promise understanding herbs…yet, she was still withdrawn when she was around everyone.

Rin stayed at Kagome's side like glue, and Kagome welcomed her company. Each and every day they would do their lessons, but always made time to laugh and play.

Rin quickly became like a younger sister to Kagome. She had always wanted more girls at the shrine. She and her grandmother were the only Priestesses, the rest were Priests or Monks.

She remembered when Sota was young, he would always sneak into her bed at night and hold her hand just a little too tight, but she would never really mind. She had always played the mother role, it had become natural.

An image of her being an actual mother entered her mind. Her sitting in a rose garden with her dashing husband having her in a protective hold, while gazing down at the sleeping infant she was holding in her arms. It would have her nose, her pouting lips and kind smile, while having his beautiful golden eyes, his powerful claws, his snow white hair…and his adorable ears!

Kagome suddenly covered her mouth to hold back her giggles. If she and Inuyasha had children, she'd definitely want them to inherit those perfect little ears, so she could play with them day and night.

"What's funny?" Rin asked, as she crawled onto her floor mat seated in the center of her room. Kagome shook her head as she gently pulled the thick blanket over her, tucking in the young girl with a smile.

"I was just thinking of something silly. I always think about silly things before bed…that way I have good dreams."

Rin smiled as she whispered "Then I'll think about my Lord, so I can dream of him."

Kagome's smile didn't fade. She knew that Rin was still linked to the demon that pursued her, and she knew that Rin wanted to be with him, but she never openly spoke of him, as though she wanted to protect him.

"What is your Lord like Rin?" she asked suddenly. Rin placed her tiny finger onto her chin and thought deeply, another bright smile came to her lips as she explained "He is brave and strong, he is very kind and he always protects me, and he is very handsome."

Kagome paused, he was supposed to be a menacing demon yet…he sounded much like a demon she knew well.

"He sounds wonderful Rin."

"Oh he is! He is the greatest Lord that ever lived, that's what Master Jaken says!"

Kagome lifted a brow "Master Jaken?"

"Yes, he is my Lord's loyal servant. He is small and green…like a frog!"

Kagome giggled, he must have been an imp. Strange for a great demon to carry around such a useless little thing. But there were many strange things about this demon.

"Does your Lord have a name?" Kagome asked, Rin nodded and replied "He is the great Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands." Kagome gasped playfully and said "My what a noble title!"

"He has always been with me, ever since I was small." Kagome blinked and asked "Since you were small? I thought you had just met him?"

Rin shook her head and said "That's true, the first time I spoke to him was the last full moon…but he has always been there. I can feel it when he's nearby, he makes me feel safe and happy when he comes. He use to bring me gifts when I had little, like new kimonos when I needed cloths and food when I was hungry. But it was that night that he came…he looked like an angle as he flew down from heaven and came to me, he said he had been waiting for me to be big enough before we could travel together. I was so happy…"

Rin laid her head back with a smile as she said "Yes…soon he will come for me like he promised." Kagome's smile finally broke, Rin had no idea the danger she was in. No doubt the Monks had already told her he was demon not an angel, one who most likely wanted to capture her soul…yet she still had so much faith in him.

"But I will miss you…"

Rin's sweet voice broke her concentration yet again. Kagome looked back at the girl, she had pulled the covers up to the tip of her nose to hide her light blush. Without thinking, Kagome's hand lifted and brushed over her bangs.

"Rin…you don't have to leave." But Rin began shaking her head, she said from under the blanket "But he promised me…He promised that he'd stay with me. My Lord his very kind, I'm sure he'll bring me back to visit."

Kagome gave her a smile, but her eyes remained sad.

"Rin…why does this Lord want you to go with him?"

Rin gave her a questionable look, not sure how to reply. Finally she found a satisfying answer "Because…I love him, and you keep the people you love."

Kagome was taken by a mixture of shock and surprise. Keep the people you love? She was no older then nine, yet she had more wisdom then those who had lived entire life-times.

How simple she made it sound. You must first be allowed to love before you can keep them. She knew how deranged Rin must sound to any normal person. To be so deeply in love with a demon was forbidden…yet she had committed the same crime.

Gently Kagome's hand pulled back from Rin's hair. "Well Rin…I can't stop you from loving him, or wanting to leave…but for as long as you want to be here…I'll do everything I can to make you happy."

Rin gave Kagome a winning smile before nodding in agreement. What Kagome didn't know, is that she had already achieved that very goal.

—

Kagome slid the door shut slowly and quietly as to not wake a now sleeping Rin. Her hands stayed pressed against the door frame as she drifted deep into her own thoughts.

She loves him?

Rin is in love with this Sesshomaru? The rational side of Kagome's mind began to spin as she listed the possibilities.

This demon had the ability to warp minds, to convince young and fragile children that he can make their dreams come true and then take them.

He could intend to devour her soul if he should ever come close enough to her again.

He could want her for some kind of human slave trade…or worse…to wait till she's of age before making her a sex-slave or concubine.

Kagome closed her eyes in exhaustion. None of those made any sense…for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to believe this demon had ill intentions. What if…she really did love him and he returned her love.

'Demons are wicked beings! They are incapable of love or remorse!'

Kagome suddenly snapped her eyes open and pulled herself away from the door. The harsh words her father once screamed to her made her shutter in memory.

No…that couldn't be true. A full-blooded demon can't love a human. Her own feelings were mixing with what she knew she had to do, as Priestess to protect this girl.

"Kagome?"

She jumped at the sudden sound of her brother's voice, quickly turning to see the concern laced in his eyes.

"Are you alright sister?" Kagome smiled softly and replied "Yes…I was thinking of something stupid. What are you still doing up?"

Sota nodded, but then his expression drop. Slowly, he lifted his hand and presented an envelop. "The messenger just came…it's from father."

Kagome took in the seriousness in his voice. Gently, she took the paper from her brother. The perfectly shaped paper was folded so neatly in three, with their family crest as the seal.

She nibbled her bottom lip anxiously, looking back to her brother he cautiously nodded to her. This was the first letter they'd received from him in nearly a month. Kagome opened the envelope and spread out the paper, then proceeded to read aloud.

Dear Children,

I hope you and your grandmother are well.

The Eastern Shrine has combined their forces with the Northern Shrine, we have been battling hard for the past few weeks. The demons are becoming more aggressive by the day and it is doubtful that my return will come anytime soon.

In my absents I know both of you will do everything in your power to protect our Shrine and the people of our village. I have faith in Kagome's strength and Sota's knowledge.

However, it is very possible that I may have to call on your own services to aid us in this battle. Prepare for that possibility and when I send word, come to the Eastern Shrine immediately.

Sincerely,

Your Father.

Kagome lowered the paper to her side and exhaled. It had been one month since their father had left the Shrine and went to aid their neighbouring Shrine to the East. They had been engulfed in a battle between humans and demons.

They had become radical and bloodthirsty, attacking villages all across the coast as well as devouring entire forests.

When the messenger came and begged for their aid, the great Tsume Higurashi didn't even hesitate to go straight into battle. His parting words 'Stay strong, and do not die.'

Kagome glanced over to her solemn brother. He stared blankly at the ground, absorbing the idea of him going into battle. Kagome's soft hand relaxed him as she gently rubbed his shoulder.

"Will we have to go?" he asked, his eyes still to the ground as his bottom lip trembled. Kagome only smiled in understanding as she stated "Of course not…he's just trying to prepare us for the worse case scenario. We'll just have to hold the fort till he gets back."

Sota nodded "Good…I wouldn't be any use to him anyways."

Kagome was taken aback. He wasn't strong like most Priests his age…and their father knew it. He always penalized him for not being as talented as Kagome was. Which always ignited a flare of gilt deep within her soul.

"Sota…" she began. Prepared to tell him every reason why he would be of use in the battle and to their family…but a sudden wave made their conversation go cold.

A shock of energy flowed throughout the Shrine and village. Placing the siblings on a standstill.

"Was that…" Sota questioned, Kagome only nodded firmly "The barrier. Something is trying to get into the Shrine."

With that the two sprinted down the hallway, racing to the armoury. Kagome had her favourite bow in hand and a full quiver of arrows over her shoulder, Sota had the same as well as thirty sacred sutras.

As they leapt out into the courtyard, Kaede came at a fast pass. "Grandmother! What is it?" Kagome called, as they hurried to the steps to the Shrine. "A very strong being." Kaede confirmed.

"Sota…" Kagome ordered "go reinforce the barrier and stay with Rin. Grandmother, round up the villagers and prepare a defensive front. I'll keep it busy."

It astonished even Kagome as to how alike she could sound to her father.

"Be weary child…this is no ordinary demon." The elder warned, Sota nodded and said "be careful sister." Then he took off into the Shrine to retrieve Rin. As Kaede ran in the other direction, Kagome stood alone at the top of the Shrine steps. She quickly licked her lips and then grabbed an arrow from her quiver. She took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders.

"Is it you Sesshomaru?" She asked into the darkness before sprinting down the steps of her home, to confront a mighty demon…and find out once and for all if a demon could truly love.