Hello one and all! I am back with another chapter! Sorry this took so long to be posted, I have been extreamly lazy as of lately. Sad I know.

What's also depressing is that I return to school in a few days. So it is possible that there will be a slow down in the number of new chapters.

As a side note: For those wanting to see the return of Rei II in Inu land read on. She finally shows up. As for what role Sounga will play you'll have to read to find out. -laughs evily-

Well I hvae only one thing left to say, R & R,please!

--

Ch. 20: Preparations for Spring-Rei's New Plan

"Tell me Rei. What was your worst nightmare? Sesshomaru asked.

Sesshomaru, Rin and I had been eating dinner alone in my room that night after Sesshomaru finished practice with Tenseiga. Rin by then had fallen asleep, curled up next to me and the two of us were talking quietly while we finished. I looked over at Sesshomaru to see that he was waiting for an answer. Carefully I set my bowl down before I spoke. "It was losing you. It was the worst of anything I saw in there. I would always wake feeling fine to find you dead and I was too late to do anything."

"That must have been horrible to watch. Don't worry I'm here now and your safe."

"I am glad for that. I don't want to go back there again."

Over the next few days my eyes failed completely and I was blind. I was however not totally in the dark because if I took the time and energy to, I was able to use my A.T. Field to sense people and objects around me so I had no problems with running into walls or not being able to find something. Colors and patterns were harder to detect however and I often had to ask those around me what something looked like. Still all things considered I was lucky because I had a way to know what was going on beyond what I could pick up with my other senses.

Sesshomaru stuck by my side much of the time and he continued to spend the nights with me long after my nightmares were gone for good.

As the days went by my strength slowly recovered although this took the longest of all. My body had taken the hardest hit from the poison and I had long a lot of strength and weight while I was unable to move.

Sesshomaru meanwhile made little progress with Tenseiga. Partly because he was reluctant and partly because the blade was heavy, making it hard to wield with only one arm. One afternoon Sesshomaru and Totosai were having an extremely animated discussion about the three great swords and Sesshomaru problem's with Tenseiga. Totosai told Sesshomaru that he wasn't trying hard enough and was being lazy. Sesshomaru responded that the old sword smith was too demanding and that he was trying as hard as he could. Suddenly the topic of discussion switched to the third great sword as Haruka walked into the room. "What about the other one Sesshomaru? I hear that the third great sword is in your care." Totosai asked.

"I don't use it or anyone else. It's currently locked up in the underground storage area."

"What is the third great sword?" Haruka asked, obviously confused, "I thought there were only two great swords."

"Come and I will show you." Sesshomaru offered.

I nodded briefly to Sesshomaru and Haruka as the pair prepared to leave. Once they were gone Totosai turned to me. "So Sesshomaru really hasn't touched Sounga? Has he?"

He hadn't. I had only seen the so-called third great sword briefly with Sesshomaru's permission. I was surprised he had so willing agreed to show it to Haruka but I figured he must have a reason. "No."

"I wonder what he's up to?"

"I wouldn't know."

--

Haruka nodded and followed Sesshomaru down the corridors to the stairs that lead to the underground area of the Inu Youkai palace. They walked in silence for a long time before either spoke. "What is the third great sword?" Haruka asked again as she continued following Sesshomaru though the dank underground chambers.

"As you know Inu Yasha's sword the Tetsusiaga is the first of the great swords. Its powers are of the mortal world and can only be used by half demons in defense of the weak. Then there is the Tenseiga, my sword. Known as the blade of heaven's healing light, it can heal the injured and resurrect the dead. Last of all is the third great sword."

Sesshomaru stopped in front of a sword that lay on a wooden table. He gently lifted it and held it out to Haruka. The sealing suntras on its sheath crackled loudly in the air. "Sounga."

"Sounga." Haruka echoed.

"Known as Hell's Wrath, it is capable of resurrecting those slain by it, summoning the dead from Hell to create and army and opening a hole into Hell. It is the most powerful of the great swords."

"Why don't you use it, if it is so great?"

"Sounga is possessed by the soul of an angry powerful demon. Anyone who has human blood is instantly possessed. If a full blooded demon commands it, they must have a strong spirit and pure heart to resist the temptation to use the sword for evil."

It took a moment for the information to sink in and Haruka to find the answer. "You fear that you won't be able to resist using Sounga's power to destroy your enemies."

"It is true. I have not lived a good life and there are many who are dead at my hands. I have learned to hate and to be cold. Slowly, with help, I'm starting to undo all that but there are still many I would think little of bringing Sounga down on them. My own powers have caused pain enough. I don't need Sounga."

"Then what shall you do with it?"

"My father, your grandfather, feared Sounga's powers. So he had it sealed and sent it away upon his death. However Sounga has returned and requires a master to keep it under control. I want you to do it."

"Me? Why?"

"Because you are kind and caring with a will that could control Sounga's. Most of all I believe in you my daughter."

Haruka gently lifted Sounga from Sesshomaru's. She pulled the blade from the sheath and watched as it glinted in the lantern light. "If you can master Sounga and support the barrier from without you may come with me for the next battle."

Sesshomaru watched as Haruka's eyes became big with joy and surprise. "Really?"

"Yes. I want you there at my side. I believe Sounga is the key to victory. There is apparently an ultimate move combining all three sword's most powerful attacks with a minko's arrow."

"I can't believe you're letting me do this."

"You're my child but it is time I recognize that you've grown up. You need to be allowed to challenge yourself and grow."

--

I could feel the build up of strength and preparations for something even thought I did know what was going on. I had the sense that it was arrangements for another battle, which would explain why I was out of the loop. I most likely would not be expected to participate in it so I was being left out. I felt hurt that I had been dismissed so easily. I knew that I was blind and not as strong as I once was but I still had power. My A.T. Field was as powerful if not more formidable then before. I was not done yet.

I decided that I should say something to Sesshomaru before I was left out completely. On top of that I found that I had a good reason to bring up the subject of the upcoming battle, I had a new plan to defeat Naraku. So I was armed with the motivation and reason to speak with Sesshomaru, all I had to do was talk to him when I saw him next.

The next morning I had a perfect opportunity when Sesshomaru came to see me. He was smiling and carrying breakfast for both of us. We ate together and talked over lighter subjects. Once I had finished the two of us sat back and relaxed. I knew it was time to talk but I couldn't find the right words. Sesshomaru answered my dilemma by speaking first. "I know you're aware of the build up of power and the preparations for war. It will be in spring when the snow melts, that's when Naraku will strike so we must be ready."

I took a deep breath and hoped that Sesshomaru would hear me out. "I have a plan to defeat Naraku." I told him.

"No." Sesshomaru said resolutely.

Silenced before I could even begin, I was offended. "Why?"

"Because you're still weak. We'll discuss this when you're stronger.

So he was worried about my health and safety because Naraku's poison had left me weak. Still I thought he would like my plan once he heard it. It didn't require me to do anything physically dangerous at all. In fact I wouldn't need to be anywhere near the battlefield. "Sesshomaru listen to my plan before you say no, please?"

He looked over at me and smiled. "You're serious, I can see that. Okay, tell me this plan of yours"

I smiled back grateful that he was willing to listen. "You told me that Naraku is a half-demon created from demons melded to a human soul."

"That's true but how does that help?"

"I can reawaken the individual demon's wills and cause Naraku to become physically and mentally unstable."

"Can you destroy him? Is it possible?"

"No. I don't have the power but you do. I believe that if I was to awaken the demons you and Inu Yasha should be able to defeat him in battle."

Sesshomaru nodded and I could tell he liked my plan. I relaxed a little but my hopes were about to be crushed. Sesshomaru began to frown and sake his head. "No." He said in a tone that meant he was not willing to negotiate.

Still I wasn't willing to give up so I decided to ask what he meant. "Because . . .?"

"Because I know the prefect place for you to go to execute your part of the plan. However to get there requires a long journey in the dead of winter. It's also near the boarder so you won't be as safe as you would be here."

"What's so special about this place?"

"It's the Inu Taisho Shrine. My father created it and it's the home of the top priests and priestesses in the Westernland. It's also the second key to the barrier. For it is the head priest or priestess who help with strengthening the barrier."

"Didn't you say that since the heads priests died and Haruka was ill, demon's were able to get though?"

"Exactly. That is why you cannot go. I won't risk a repeat of that."

"But that was a one and a million incident, it won't happen again. Someone must be chosen to assume the roll of the other head priests or priestess. Let me go. I can handle it and it will help with my attack on Naraku."

"Last time nearly got you killed."

"I was surrounded by a large group of people. This time I'll go alone. I can fly there and slip past the enemy spies."

"I'm going with you. No if and or buts about it. You're still not back to being yourself and I'm not taking any chances on you getting attacked."

I raised my hands in defeat. I had gotten what I wanted for the most part so I wasn't going to protest farther. I actually like the thought of being able to spend time alone with Sesshomaru. "Very well. Just the two of us will go. What will happen to Rin when I am gone?"

"I was going to leave her in your care but now that you're going to the shrine, I don't know."

"Can't see come with me? Certainly she'll be happier and safer with me then here?"

Sesshomaru nodded. "True. Do you think you could handle flying her with us to the shrine."

"Yes."

Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around me and I rest my head on his shoulder. We would be separating again soon. This time I knew that it would be for a while. Spring was over a month away but I would most likely have to go there long before so I could have time to prepare. Then there was the time it would take for Sesshomaru to return to the shrine afterwards. By then it would be my birthday or more likely later.

Not that I had an official birthday after all. I was the third in a series of three clones. However my birthday had always been counted as March 30, the day the first was awakened. That's how I had always counted the passing of the years.

So I determined to hang on to Sesshomaru while I could because all too soon I wouldn't be able to. I would have to leave so that I could help protect Sesshomaru. In all honesty I wished this would all be over but I knew that until Naraku or those against him were defeated this would go on and on.

When I told Rin about the plan that afternoon she seemed excited and glad that she was going with me. I was thankful that she would be there to keep me company.

Lady Ririko was not so pleased when she heard as Rin was. She came to see me directly frowning deeply. "So I hear you're leaving to the shrine."

"Yes, I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Do you really think you can defend Sesshomaru and bring him home safe?"

"Yes, I have before and I will do it again; for we have been saving each other from the very beginning. He will be under my protection so he will be fine."

Lady Ririko did not look pleased by what I had said. She placed her hands on her hips and starred down at me angrily. "What makes you think you can defend him?"

I rose to my feet and turned to face her. I took a deep breath and let my wings sprout from my back. "Because" I said, "I am an angel."

"Cursed." She whispered, "You're cursed."

"Yes and no. I was given neither of these wings; rather I inherited them. One came from each of my parents. The black one is from Lilith and the brown one from humanity. They're not so much who I am then what I am. A half angel-half human hybrid."

"But . . ."

"If I were truly cursed I could not so easily do this."

I transformed my wings into pure white ones. I faced her with a smile on my face and wings fully extended. "Believe what you will about me but I will protect Sesshomaru. You can count on seeing him again."

I sat down silently and returned to the things I had been sorting for my journey to the shrine. I could feel Lady Ririko watching me but I pretended not to. I had said all I had to tell her and now there was nothing more for me to say. For a long time she stood and I worked at packing, before she spoke again. "You're going to protect him?"

"Yes."

"Well. You better not fail."

"I won't."

Lady Ririko seemed to be just as displeased when she left as when she arrived. I could not understand why she didn't trust me. I had yet to fail in protecting Sesshomaru.

The next morning Eto woke me early and helped me dressed in the warmest kimonos to be found. Once I was fully clothed Sesshomaru appeared and presented me with a pair of leather boots. They were soft and warm, made of durable demon hide. They would keep my feet much warmer then priestess shoes. Eto helped me slip them on my feet and I was ready.

Next we had to get Rin before we left. Sesshomaru and I made our way to her room to find her fast asleep, which was to be expected since it was just before dawn. I lifted her gently in my arms, to keep from waking her. Sesshomaru gave me several heavy blankets to wrap around her. We didn't want her to freeze up at the high altitude. Once Rin was covered warmly with the blankets it was time to leave.

Sesshomaru led me out to the garden where I spread my A.T. field around us. I felt him flinch as it surrounded him but he only grunted. Rin made no response but continued to sleep silently in my arms. I pushed down on the ground and our feet slowly lifted up. Sesshomaru became frightened and wrapped his arms around me. I smiled at him and laughed softy. Then I pushed down even harder on the ground and everything began to fall away. As we rose I let my wings unfold from my back.

--

Sesshomaru flinched as Rei's A.T. field engulfed him. It felt like he had entered sacred territory and he should apologize for the intrusion. Indeed he knew Rei's A.T. field was the very core of her heart and soul and he should respect it.

Sesshomaru felt like Rei was all around him like an all-inclosing blanket. He could sense her mind there just beyond a thin barrier. He couldn't read her thoughts but he could get an impression of her feelings. Sesshomaru however had no way to mask his own mind and he was sure she heard every stray thought that crossed his mind.

Sesshomaru could feel her muscles, taught and tense, working to move her wings along to the beat. One, two, three four, steady and constant. Sesshomaru counted the beat to the down stroke of her wings. After a time he could feel her tiredness almost like a physical presence. Sesshomaru wrapped his fluff around her and summoned all the memories of strength to mind that he could; hoping to give her the power to go the rest of the way. She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder.

--

As we flew the cold air rushed by and it quickly penetrated the multiple layers of clothes I wore. Soon I was shivering and my body felt numb. Sesshomaru put his fluff around me but I was still cold. We continued to fly on for hours until it was past mid day. Rin awoke long ago and was curled up tightly in the blankets wrapped around her. None too soon the shrine appeared below us. Sesshomaru squeezed me tightly as if he was trying to keep me from giving out. "Don't worry. I sent a message ahead of us so everything should be ready." He said."

I forced my frozen lips into a thin smile of gratitude. Lightly our feet touched the ground and I heard footsteps approach. Kind hands threw fur blankets around me. "Lord Sesshomaru! What's wrong with you? Are you trying to get all your priests and priestesses killed?" Accused several angry young female voices.

"No. I'm not that heartless." Sesshomaru retaliated.

"Look at her. She's shivering uncontrollably and paler then fresh snow. It will be a miracle if she isn't frostbitten too. The child is nearly frozen solid too. If you don't want to kill people, treat them better!"

"I can't believe you brought her all this way when the poor girl is obvious still weak."

I hand took my arm. "Come priestess. We need to get you inside before you freeze to death."

I nodded weakly. Several hands took hold of me and lead me towards the door. They placed Rin and me in front of a large roaring fire. Rin was taken off to eat so I was left alone. By degrees I began to warm up and the blankets came off. Once I was warmed up they decided that I should be sent to bed. To my surprise Sesshomaru appeared to take me there himself. Before he left me, he gave me one last kiss. "I'm sorry, Rei. I should have realized how cold it would get."

"I forgive you." I told him as I embraced him.

"Well, since I won't be here when you get up I guess I better say it now. Farewell Rei. Good luck and take care okay."

"Sure thing." I promised him. "I'll see you again soon, right?"

"Yes. You will." He replied. "When's your birthday? I thought you said something about it coming up."

"I don't have an official birthday but March 30th is considered as my birthday for age counting purposes."

Sesshomaru smiled. "Right before the spring cherry blossoms. You will see me by then. I want you home in time to see the sakura display this spring."

I smiled happily with excitement. I had never seen a true sakura display since my world's climate had been disrupted by second impact. Sesshomaru squeezed me tightly and I clung to him. Then he turned and left. I waved my hand meekly at him as he disappeared. I prayed that Sesshomaru and I would meet again. We had to. I began to untie my obi and removed my formal outer robes in preparation of going to bed.

As I was doing this Rin arrived with a bowl of hot soup for me. She looked around the room and didn't seem to be pleased by what she saw. "Where is Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked me.

"He just left." I told her.

"Is Lord Sesshomaru leaving?"

"I believe he is Rin but I don't think he would go before he said good-bye to you."

That seemed to make Rin feel better and a smile once again covered her face. She suggested that we go to find Sesshomaru and I agreed. So we began our search for Sesshomaru.

--

Outside Sesshomaru ran into the head attendant Riri. "You like her don't you? Why did you bring that girl here anyway?"

"Because she's the new priestess."

Riri narrowed her eyes. "What's going on? She's blind and obviously was recently ill. Why is she here?"

"While she was indeed ill she has great powers and the Westernland needs her."

"Why bring her here. Oji could easily fill the position."

"But Oji was here when Mushi got ill and you know what is suspected about that. I want her to confirm the suspicion and then find the culprit."

"Can she do it?"

"Yes. She will. I trust she is able."

"Then I will too."

"Sesshomaru nodded. "Good. Take care of her for me."

"I will."

--

Rin and I caught up to Sesshomaru as he was pulling his thick fluff around him. He smiled at us and Rin ran to him. "Good-bye Lord Sesshomaru. Rin wishes to see Lord Sesshomaru again soon."

"You will Rin." Sesshomaru assured her with a pat on the head.

Rin smiled happily back at him. Sesshomaru meanwhile had turned back to me. "Rei there was something I forgot to ask you."

"Yes?"

"I need to get into Hell to free Haruna at some point. Do you know anything that could help me?"

"I could speak to my brethren who are on the other side and convince them to allow you safe passage. Just let me know when you are ready."

Sesshomaru nodded and leaned down to speak to Rin. "Take care of Rei and do what she says, okay?" He whispered in her ear.

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin exclaimed.

Rin ran back to me and the two of us waved good-bye to Sesshomaru until he had disappeared in a swirl of white snow. When Sesshomaru had gone, I took Rin with me back to our room to go to sleep. An attendant showed up and gave me some medicine and bandages for an eye infection building in both of my eyes.

I hadn't even realized that there was a problem with my eyes. I guess it was to be expected, if it was there it could be damaged or infected no matter what state it was in. After my eyes were treated and bandaged, Rin and I went to sleep.

The next morning I awoke late after a restful sleep to find Rin gone. She must be eating breakfast, if not off with the other priests, priestesses and attendants that lived here. I rose to my feet and wrapped a spare blanket around my shoulders. I left my room looking around for the others. I eventually made my way to the kitchen where I found Rin eating breakfast. I entered to join her, for I was starved.

We ate together talking softly. Rin was happy to see me and eased by my presence. She seemed uncomfortable in the presence of so many strangers. I however was a friendly face despite the bandages. I for my part was happy to have company who I could talk to and not feel so alone.

After breakfast Rin went back to our room with me and we spent the afternoon there, Rin practicing her writing with my help. This lesson wasn't as easy as others I had given her because it was hard for me to see but I managed to make do. I taught her two new characters that day, which she would need to practice more.

The next morning Rin was taken away to receive new clothing and training in shrine behavior. My lessons in how to be a priestess were not until later that afternoon so I was left to my own devices. I choose to enjoy the peace of my room and the sun's warmth on my skin. I had a Biwa in front of me that I was practicing playing. I was not the most skilled player at it but it helped calm my nerves while keeping my hands busy.

I could feel the approach of two of the attending priestesses and the other head priestess, Atsuko. I had only seen her briefly and had never spoken to the girl. She seemed calm and controlled the way one who had been trained as a priestess their whole life would be. I knew she found me strange and was uncomfortable in my presence. I think it was because of how different I was from other people.

I paused when I felt them reach the door. Atsuko was hesitating. "You may come in." I said softly.

I went back to playing the Biwa, pulling gently at the stings. Atsuko came in and knelt down beside me. "You're playing is quite beautiful how can you do it with those bandages over your eyes?"

"I can feel the strings with my fingers and I know which ones to pay."

I could sense her surprise at my response. "Aren't you blind with all those bandages?"

"My eyes are already blind so it does not matter if I cover them or not. They are useless."

I could feel that she was even more astounded at my response this time then before. She must think I'm even more bizarre and scarier then before. I could feel her tense beside me. "You must think I'm weak and sickly yet you fear me because I am strange. Do you wish to see under my bandages? I assure you I am only human."

She swallowed and nodded weakly. I reached up and began to pull away at the wrappings around my face. I let it hang limply in my hands and I turned to face her. "You're eyes, they're . . . they're red."

"Yes, I was born that way."

"You don't look so bad under all that." She said with a note of relief.

I smiled at her and I could feel her smile back. "You must be very brave to come here when you're ill and blind." She said softly.

There was a pause and then she said, "You used to have much more power in the past didn't you?"

"Yes, there was a time when I was a goddess with power over all creation. Then I gave it up because I had used my power to cause so much pain. I killed myself in the process but was resurrected with the powers I currently wield."

"So you defied death in a way?"

"You could say that. I prefer to think of it as a resurrection."

"A resurrection." She echoed.

"Would you," I asked "be willing to show me how to be a true priestess like yourself since I do not know what I must do?"

"Of course."

So with that my training began. Atsuko was a patient and knowledgeable teacher, which proved to be a great help to me as I had only a very basic understanding of priests and priestesses did. It did not take me long to see that there was much I need to learn. I spent the rest of the day with Atsuko learning what she had to teach me.

The next morning Atsuko, Rin and I were brought to the place where the relics and sacred objects of the priests and priestess were kept. Some of these where ancient and dusty, Atsuko and I scanned over them with care, taking in everything that was there. I noticed that in the very back of the room was a large oval object covered in a battered cloth. "What is that?" I asked.

"No one touches that mirror, my lady." Said the attendant who had accompanied us, when she saw what I was talking about it, "It is cursed and possessed by a powerful demon."

I allowed my senses to wander over the mirror. I expected to find a demon spirit there but I did not. Instead I sensed the soul of a young girl. It was only when I went behind her did I find the demon. She was sealing the demon within the mirror. This was very interesting. I carefully crossed the room to the place where the mirror waited.

I lifted the cloth from it, allowing the surface to see light for the first time in years. I gently placed my hands on the frame and allowed my mind to relax. "Hello?" Asked a small voice.

"Hello." I replied cheerfully.

I could feel suspicion from the girl in the mirror even if I couldn't see her. "Who are you?" She demanded.

"I am called Rei. Who are you?"

"I don't know who I am. I forgot my name." She said in a very soft whisper.

"How long have you been here in this mirror?"

"So long. I can't remember how long I've been here."

"Why were you sealed in the mirror?"

"I was placed in here to seal a terrible demon. There were problems at first, which is why this mirror is considered cursed. I can't leave because my body has been devoured."

"So there is no demon?"

"No, not anymore."

I smiled at her and an image of a small child arose in my mind. She appeared to be the same age of Rin with thick black hair and grey eyes. She was dressed in a simple white kimono. She seemed to be cheerful and kind but lonely. I wanted to help her because she did not deserve to be trapped here by herself. Still I was not sure how to do that. It was something to consider.

I rose and turned to face the others. "The mirror is not possessed. It contains the spirit of a lonely little girl." I explained to them.

"Really?" Rin asked eagerly.

I nodded. Rin hurried over to me and looked up eagerly at me. "Can I speak to her?"

"Yes, you may."

I took Rin's hands in my own and placed them against the mirror. Using my powers I allowed Rin to speak to the girl. I listened to their conversation with a slight smile. They talked happily about children things like toys, candy and games. Rin and the girl of the mirror seemed happy to have someone their age to talk to.

"Rei?"

I held myself very still and focused on Kaworu's voice. His face came slowly into view. He was standing with my sister, the second, who looked sad and troubled. "Yes, Kaworu? What do you want?"

"I would like to send your sister to stay with you for a time. Things have become tense around here. I feel she needs a much-deserved break. Maybe it would be good for you as well."

I studied my sister's face noticing how uncharacteristically upset she seemed. I felt troubled that she was in such a state of distress that she couldn't help but show it. I held my hands out to her and she took them. "Maybe. She may come with me then."

I turned back to the second and spoke again. "Come with me sister."

I looked over at Kaworu and he nodded and a look of relief crossed his face. I nodded to him and took my sister back with me through space and time. As I returned to my body I could feel the warmth of my sister's body next to mine. Rin seemed not to notice however as she continued to talk to her new friend. I turned to my sister and smiled at her. She gave me a small smile back.

When Rin was finished speaking to the girl in the mirror I led both of them back across the room to where the other two waited. Atsuko was watching me with a curious expression. "What just happened and who is she?"

"She is my sister, Rei. I just helped bring her here from another world."

"You can do that?"

"Yes, I can. It is not an easy job but it is possible."

As I explained things to Atsuko, I could feel Rei becoming tense beside me. She must feel taken aback and out of place with so many strange things around. I gently comforted her by saying, "Relax. I know it is all foreign but I am here to help you."

This did not seem to comfort her very much, so I insisted that Rin and I take Rei to our room where we could talk in peace. She followed us in an overwhelmed daze. Meanwhile Rin followed on my other side talking rapidly. "Is she really Rei's sister?"

"Yes, we are twins and her name is also Rei."

"Who is older?"

"She is the elder sister."

"Where has she been? Rin has never seen her before."

"She has been in the world I came from until a few minutes ago when she came here to stay with me."

"Yeah!" Rin cheered.

Rei gave me an odd look that seemed to ask what was going on and who was Rin? I promised her we would talk when we had reached my room. She did not like this but waited quietly for us to arrive at our destination. When we arrived at the door I opened it and wait for the other two to enter before I did so too. Once we were all inside and comfortably seated, I poured tea for all of us. Then I explained everything to Rei.

She listened patiently until my explanation was complete. By the time I was finished food was brought for lunch. We ate in peace and I then redressed Rei in more normal clothing for this time, a simple priestess kimono. She was beginning to gradually relax and I hoped that she would be able to make herself comfortable here while she was forced to stay.

One morning, almost three weeks later, I heard from Sesshomaru once again. I had talked to Sesshomaru briefly almost every day after my arrival at the shrine. However he had spoken little of his training and the subject of going into the netherworld wasn't mentioned at all. Today for a change he mentioned this subject for the first time. "Rei my work with Tenseiga is almost done. I will need to enter the netherworld soon. You said you could help me. It is time, do what you need to in order to arrange things."

I nodded in understanding. "I will speak to my cousins as soon as possible."

"Thank-you."

"You're welcome. I'll see you before long then?"

"Yes."

"Then until then."

I felt my connection with Sesshomaru dissipate and I focused my mind on the netherworld. After a few moments I could sense it and then I was there. I felt the cold wind of death blowing by me; trying to force me through the gates. I walked up to the guards and stood before them. "What do you want?" The one on the left demanded.

"I want to see my angelic ancestors." I requested.

They stared at me dubiously as if they weren't willing to what I said. "You realize that if you step beyond this gate you will not come back?"

"Yes. I know."

Just then the gate swung open behind them and a white-cloaked angelic woman stood in the opening. "Rei Ayanami. Zero, the false angel and Lilith's child, what are you doing here?" She said.

"Greetings Enmi. I did not expect to see you here. I had thought you'd still be on the other side. Did Thanatos bring you here?"

"Yes." She replied softly. "I joined mother as a guardian here but what is your purpose cousin?"

"I came to seek your aid." I explained.

"What would you need our help for?"

I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and explained why I was here. Enmi listen patiently. When I finished Enmi sighed and shook her head in disgust. "We angels have guarded the gates keeping them safely closed for eternity. Now you ask us to open them so a mortal can enter and mess with our affairs."

"I know how it sounds but this is important to me."

She sighed unhappily and pulled out a small bell from her sleeve. "Give this to him and tell him to wear him around his neck. It will help him resist deaths grasp. Also tell him to move quickly or we will take him into death anyway."

I took the bell and held it in my hand. "I will give him your message, but I was wondering, what part will mine be?"

"Your job will be to guard the main gate. You're the only one who can do it since you're alive."

I bowed respectfully and replied, "I see. That can't be too hard. Thank-you for your generosity."

"Your welcome. Now you'd best be getting back."

I bowed again and hurried off back to the world of the living.

--

What's next? You'll have to wait and see!

I've got one quick question: does everyone like the chapter length or should I make my posts longer/shorter?

Don't forget to review!

And finally the teaser:

Kagura felt a pair of arms wrap around her. She tried to move but was unable to. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you." Said a soft voice in her ear.