Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any other characters (except Katsurou, he's mine :D )

Blemish

Sesshoumaru contemplated his options. He wanted nothing to do with Inuyasha's widow or their weak child; yet he knew that if he did not offer protection, they would soon be dead. If he were to walk away from blood family, and leave them to die, he would be seen as a traitor to his remaining family and subjects. He would be considered weak-minded, and unable to lead. His lip lifted in disgust. If his nephew were to die, it would blemish his reputation and his honor. It is shameful to abandon family, no matter the cost. He only wished Inuyasha had understood that lesson.

He did have the option to leave them to die. Eventually the exhausted miko would fall, and his nephew would be ripped apart. He could walk away from this situation, and finally be rid of his father's mistakes.

He glanced at Rin. She stood next to the child, holding an arm across her ribs. Despite the pain, her body language spoke of defiance. Her eyes bored into his, as if she knew what he was thinking. Her brown eyes narrowed, as if daring him to leave them. It was almost comforting in its familiarity , yet unsettling how well Rin understood him.

As easy as it would be to simply turn around and leave, Sesshoumaru refused to make the same mistakes that both his father and Inuyasha made.

"Miko,this Sesshoumaru will accept you and your son into his pack."

Kagome looked up at him surprised.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, we are forever in your debt. Thank you." Kagome bowed deeply.

Kagome turned around and happily smiled at Rin.
Rin's jaw was set; her whole demeanor was rigid.
Kagome looked back at Sesshoumaru. His attention was clearly on Rin.
"What about Rin? Can she be pack too?"
"She is already pack."
Rin's head whipped back in Sesshoumaru's direction.

"Then why did you ditch me..." Rin was interrupted by Kagome's hand on her shoulder.
"Let's discuss this later, okay? We should really get a move on before it gets dark."

Author's Note: I do love reviews!
P.S.- Sorry Mia for the email flood!