Rin sneered at the sight before her. Not much of a sight to see if you were to ask her personally. Shadow Rin matched her gaze with a dead one.

"So this is the face you've decided to go with today huh?" she asked.

You could say she changed her looks daily. There were only three expressions you could expect to see; mournful, sinister, and dead. Not much variety. Rin sighed deeply. It was everyday now that she saw Shadow RIn. She had hoped that their interactions wouldn't go past the hallucinations that would leave her with different bruises and marks. That was actually how Sesshomaru ended up finding out about Shadow Rins existence. One day the hallucination was more hostile than it had ever been. Sesshomaru had just so happened to return from work before things were taken too far and pulled her back to reality. Definitely not how she wanted to break the news to him, but if not then, when would she have? When it was far too late? Sesshomaru wasted no time searching for solutions and professionals who could provide them with the proper care. No one seemed to have the right answer. Physically speaking, aside from the random bruises, she was perfectly fine. Healthy as a horse you could say. Psychologically speaking, the main issue was stress. Naturally, most doctors told them it was self – induced and advised her to take it easy the remainder of the pregnancy. All of her tests came back negative for everything they could think of that was possibly causing the hallucinations. Even if any came back positive, it didn't explain the bruises and how they came about. Unless, they wanted to make the assumption that they were self-inflicted or afflicted by Sesshomaru, but who would dare to voice either of those accusations.

When the world of science and medicine failed them, they turned to family, holistic doctors, and spiritual healers. Informing the family proved to be difficult. Everyone was devastated in their own way and offered assistance every way they knew how. No one more so than Sesshomaru though. He felt a sense of weakness and failure overcome him that he had never felt before. Not being able to properly protect his mate and child, killed him daily. The fact that he was completely unaware for so long made him hate himself. Knowing the kind of person Rin is, knowing that she always holds everything in, he should have done more to ensure that she was actually okay. He was unsure if knowing sooner would have changed things in the long run, but there was always that chance that it could have.

Even with the help of their family, finding a solution seemed damn near impossible. Rin was ready to give up. Constantly being told by even the best doctors in the world that there was nothing wrong with her when she knew that there was, caused her to lose hope in ever finding an answer. Her family could see this in her as the days dragged on. So they became the hope that she needed. Putting in overtime all the time to find answers. Their work was not without reward. The family was able to locate a soul healer in the Southern region of South Korea, who had become the most helpful in their search. The answers he provided them with however, only brought about more questions and more urgency to rid themselves of Shadow Rin.

Four weeks ago...

Rin was gently woken from a peaceful slumber. One of the very few she was allowed to have since Shadow Rins debut. Sesshomaru's loving worried gaze met her sleepy one. He brushed away a few strands of hair that managed to stray away from the rest.

"We've arrived, my love."

"Good, the two of us are so very ready to stretch our legs."

He couldn't help but to adore her more and more whenever she referred to herself and their child as 'us'.

"The healer is said to live on the very end of the village. We will have to walk from this point on as requested by the villagers."

Rin nodded as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and fixed her hair. She took in the small village as Sesshomaru helped her out of their black Tahoe. It felt as though they had somehow traveled back in time and were now in the feudal era. The ten minute walk to reach the home of the healer was a somber one. Rins heart raced every step of the way. Sesshomaru gave her delicate hand a gentle but firm squeeze. The sound of her heart racing filled his ears, bringing sorrow to his own heart consequently. He wanted nothing more than to do away with all her pain and sorrow. To be the only solution she would ever need. But alas, he hadn't managed to be that for her. Four months she endured this pain on her own. And where was he? At work.

The healer's traditional but modernized hut came into view. It was surrounded by beautiful flowers that neither had ever seen before. The door to the hut opened wide inviting them in. As they entered, they were greeted by a man with piercing silver eyes, which softened upon seeing them.

"Welcome,my friends. My name is Namjoon. I've been looking forward to your arrival." he bowed respectfully, then motioned for them to take a seat.

He left the room for a few moments and returned with tea. After pouring a cup for each of them, he took a moment to observe the couple.

"How long have your troubles plagued you?" he asked, looking directly at Rin as he did so.

"For the past four and a half months. It began the day I found out I was pregnant."

"I see." he sipped his tea, waiting for her to continue.

" It started off as just nightmares, frightening ones, but over time it became nightmares and hallucinations that would torment me daily. Hallucinations that would leave me with marks and bruises. Even a few handprints on my arms, legs, and neck. Each hallucination feels more real than the last. At first I thought it was all in my head. That it was my insecurities and fear of not being a good mother materializing so to speak…"

Sesshomaru's pained gaze fell upon her. He never knew she worried about such things. As her husband and mate, he seemed to be failing in more ways than he originally thought. He should have been more aware of EVERYTHING when it came to his love. Reassuring and protecting her every step of the way. He knew full and well that she always retreats and keeps everything bottled in. He should've asked more questions, checked in more even if she claimed she was fine or that nothing was going on. She hated worrying others but that caused everyone to worry about her.

'What a fool I've been…'

"But after a while, I realized that this was far more than that." she continued, pausing briefly to sip her still hot tea. " There were too many factors that didn't… seem like me."

She then began telling Namjoon in depth everything she had experienced since her first encounter with Shadow Rin. A gut wrenching timeline to discuss indeed. Many times she was forced by her constant fall of tears to stop. Her chocolate eyes were puffy and red by the time she finished. There were portions of the experience that were harder to speak on than others. Namjoon was understanding and welcoming of those moments where all she could do was weep. He would say…

"The release will be good for your soul, as well as your childs. The two of you experienced something that the average person never experiences in their lifetime. Please take your time. You are safe."

Hours had passed, the sun long gone, yet to the three of them it hadn't seemed that long. They were all in need of a moment once Rin finished sharing. To help them regain balance Namjoon took them through a grounding meditation. The time they had spent in that small hut granted Rin the peace of mind she had been desperate to find for months. She had no idea just what kind of power Namjoon held, but she certainly didn't want to be apart from it. After meditating and more cups of the sweet hibiscus tea Namjoon supplied, he continued their session. There was something so very familiar about what she shared with him…

"Rin, could you tell me if you remember anything strange about your mother? Anything that she may have done that would seem out of the ordinary?"

Rin looked at him questioningly. Could this really have something to do with her late mother? She began searching her memories when it suddenly dawned on her.

"I remember there would be nights I'd wake from my sleep to her screaming loudly. As if someone was attacking her. It would scare me half to death and I would always ask my father if I could stay by her side until she was able to fall back asleep. In the mornings, I'd wake back up in my bed and would always find my mother in the kitchen making breakfast as if nothing had happened."

Namjoon nodded his head and pulled out a few books as well as his laptop before encouraging her to continue. That nagging feeling he got when she first began to tell him was only growing stronger.

"Sometimes I would catch her staring into the mirror for long periods of time with this blank look. It was as if she would be lost in this strange trance. My brother and I would always worry about her because sometimes, no matter what we did, her eyes would never leave the mirror. For instance, we would ask her something and if she answered, because she didn't always, her eyes would never leave the mirror. Her voice, I hate to say it, would sound… dead."

"Did your brother ever know or tell you anything concerning your mothers odd behavior?"

"Truthfully, I think he was just as clueless as I was up until a certain point and time. I remember one day he had asked our parents about it while we were having dinner. They didn't answer him then. In fact, they quickly changed the subject, but I believe they explained to him what was going on. After that night, whenever mother would have an episode, he automatically knew how to handle it and get her back to her normal self."

"I see." Namjoon's gaze traveled to Sesshomaru, who hadn't stopped staring into his teacup.

"Sesshomaru, I'm sure you have also been affected by this visitor. I can feel the pain in your energy. I'd advise you to share those feelings with your mate and I whenever you feel ready."

Sesshomaru only nodded his head before returning his focus back on his now cold tea. Rin's eyes stayed on him though. He definitely wasn't one to speak on his feelings. Getting him to open up was like trying to open a safe with a plastic fork. She had hoped that being there with Namjoon would help him as much as it would help her. Whether he knew it or not, Rin was aware that he felt as though he was failing her. She also knew that there wasn't much she could say to change that.

"I believe I know exactly what this unwanted visitor is. As a soul healer, I've studied many topics in order to provide the proper assistance to my clients. Among those topics are curses and spirits that can be summoned to carry out specific curses. My grandmother and mentor told me of an ancient and most powerful spirit as well as the curse it carries. Better yet, the curse that she carries."

"She?" the couple asked together.

"Yes, she. This particular curse and spirit created such generational damage that a few high in order spiritualists tried to have every bit of it erased from existence. The power behind it is simply that dangerous and evil. It is what one might consider a dormant curse until activated. It affects the woman in the family mainly. Eventually, the family as a whole is affected, but it all starts with the women once they become pregnant. If I'm not mistaken the spirit's name is Rumiko."

"Do you really think that is who 'Shadow Rin' is? What it is?" Sesshomaru asked anxiously.

"I do. Rin what was your fathers occupation?"

"He was in law enforcement. I don't know what he did exactly, but he was always getting promoted for solving cases and putting away major crime bosses throughout the city."

There was a moment of silence. Namjoon inhaled and exhaled deeply.

"It is very likely that someone your father put away or even a relative or loved one of someone he put away, placed a curse on your family and that is how it came about. As I said before, this curse in particular seems to be a 'dormant until triggered curse'. Considering that your life up until this pregnancy has been completely normal, it makes sense that you've been dealing with Rumiko. She is the only spirit that I know of that presents herself this way."

"How do we get rid of her?" Now Rin was asking questions anxiously.

"Unfortunately, you don't. Aside from not having children, there is no other known way of lifting her curse. Since you are already further along in your pregnancy the best thing for you all to do is prepare for what's to come. You see, Rumiko will not simply leave once your child is born. She will possess you and cause you to commit a regrettable evil. Any daughters born in a bloodline cursed by Rumiko will suffer what you have suffered once they have become pregnant."

"What about our child? Will our child live to be born?"

Their hearts raced with anticipation. The information being given to them was so unbearably heavy.

"Your child could very well live to be born, but that doesn't mean that they are not at risk to suffer while inside of you. This curse is an unpredictable one. I would like to find more answers for you to ensure your child's safety if you would allow me to do so. Also, your case is a particularly rare one. Throughout all my years as a healer, I've yet to come across such a situation. With this in mind, I offer all of my services to you and your loved ones for however long you may need, free of charge."

Rin couldn't help the wave of tears that flowed. Hearing how willing he was to help them, even though it may inconvenience him at some point, touched her. Everyone they had been to prior hadn't been nearly as helpful. They didn't even offer to put in extra effort to assist had been sent an angel during these dark times. Rin quickly embraced him, thanking him continuously.

Rin was brought out of her thoughts by knocking on the bedroom door.

"Rin, you in here?" Kenzi poked her head through the door giving her sister a bright smile.

"Tell that bitch Rumiko I said to fuck off, it's 'Family Time'."

Rin laughed at Kenzi's dark sense of humor. Others might have felt that it was insensitive, but it was exactly the kind of energy Rin needed. It helped her to fear Rumiko less which helped to weaken the effects of the curse. They may not have found a permanent solution, but Namjoon always came through with ways to weaken its effects on Rin and the family. Yes, they each experienced Rumiko's wrath. You see, Rin was never left alone after they told everyone just what she had been dealing with. During those moments where the hallucinations would take over Rins mind completely, she became a different meant to keep someone around to observe her behavioral patterns in hopes that they could find some answers, but it led to them seeing Rumiko possess Rin in those moments instead. Those disturbing moments scarred them. No one ever told her about those times though, knowing it would only cause her more distress.

Kenzi talked Rins ear off as she dragged her to the dining room where the rest of their family patiently waited. A smile on every face. Everyone always did their best to be positive and happy. To always make the best of every moment they spent together. Not to mention, all the positivity was like medicine for Rin, as it resulted in fewer visits from Rumiko. In the earlier months when she dealt with it alone, the vivid visions and dreams happened day and night like clockwork. Her family was shocked to know she endured such mayhem for so long on her own. Considering what her childhood consisted of, she felt there was no need for them to be surprised. Despite ultimately being raised in a healthy environment after Kenzi found her that night years ago, one trauma triggered defense mechanism that never left her was silently dealing with her pain. It never mattered that she had loved ones to go to or even a filthy rich husband who could solve damn near any problem she had. She never wanted to ask for help. Being alone in those earlier years of her life caused her to have this mentality. That's why Sesshomaru was so hard on himself. He knew this and yet didn't do what he needed to, as her person, to ensure that she wouldn't rely on that kind of thinking. As she got older, she did begin to despise that she would automatically retreat to that mindset whenever obstacles showed their face. She knew it pained her friends and family that she would never allow them to truly be there for her, the way she was always there for them. So, she did her best to change that old habit of hers, but as you know, old habits do take their sweet time dying.

The dining room buzzed with even more energy as they all hugged and greeted their sweet Rin.

"Ah, Rin! So good to see your face as always!" her father in law embraced her as tight as he could without causing her physical pain. She gave him a tight squeeze of her own.

"And as always its good to see you Inutaisho."

"Oh please, call me father dear."

She smiled and nodded her head before taking her seat next to Sesshomaru. He lifted her small hand to his lips and held it there with his eyes closed. He had never been the type for public displays of affection, but his Rin always brought it out of him. He just couldn't help himself whenever she was in his presence. The meal the enjoyed was a filling one and was followed by dessert and a romantic comedy. As the movie came to an end, Kagome and Inuyasha brought out futons, blankets, and pillows for everyone. All kinds of new traditions began to form within the family once Namjoon came into the picture. All in hopes of lifting the dreaded curse. These little sleepovers they would have became one of Rins absolute favorites. She felt like a kid again. The frequent flow of positive interactions brought them closer not only as family but friends. With Namjoons help they each managed to heal from trauma they acquired not only from Rumiko, but from their own past. Such growth within themselves and their familial bond provided more ways for them to deal with Rumiko and hopeful would provide them with a way to achieve their ultimate goal. Day by day, their determination and faith grew. What was but a slither of hope before came to be far more. Before falling asleep, Rin said a prayer for every sleeping face she laid eyes on. She was grateful to have genuine people in her life. She looked forward to their session with Namjoon the next morning. He visited about two to three times a week or as needed. Some weeks he was needed everyday and so they set up a room for him in case of that. His presence also gave them hope. The help he had provided already proved to be exactly what they needed.