Chapter Five

The sun had finally cleared, the rooster finally called, the villagers returned to their usual daily work as if nothing had happened. Inuyasha waddled back to the village, dazed, with the jewel shards in one hand. He hadn't bothered to put his kimono shirt back on, and had it swung over one shoulder. In his eyes, he seemed to be hard at thought

No matter how hard he tried, he could never fully understand his brother, nor that little brat that traveled with him. But what surprised him was, when Sesshoumaru leaped into the attack, he felt that they somehow shared something in common. Sesshoumaru cared for Rin in some weird way, just as Inuyasha cared for Kagome and the others. Maybe, just maybe they weren't that different as Inuyasha first thought.

The next thing he saw, apart from the dirt path that he was so concentrated on, was Kagomes furious face, "So," she said sarcastically with more anger than amusement, "That's where the jewel shards went. You could have at least told us you took them so we wouldn't have had to turn the village upside down searching for them! Uh, you are hopeless!"

Inuyasha looked up at her taking her criticism rather well. He didn't have the energy or mind to explain to her what had happened. He simply tossed the jewel shards into her hands, "Here, their all there if you were thinking about accusing me of taking one," he said rather dully and walked away. I need sleep.

Sesshoumaru and Rin had been walking for a while now. They hadn't said a word to one another since the incident. Rin just felt awkward. She couldn't hold it in anymore, she had to know, "Lord Sesshoumaru?" she said as quiet as a mouse.

He didn't answer, but kept his eyes on the road ahead.

She gulped, "One day, when you build your mighty empire, would I be able to be a part of it? Would you be ashamed to have me by your side?" She felt their difference in race for the first time.

Sesshoumaru still didn't look at her, still concentrated on the road.

"I don't want to leave. But if you really want me to, then, I don't want other demons to make fun of you because I'm around," Rin choked back tears.

He still didn't answer.

Rin couldn't take the pressure anymore. She wailed out, "I don't want to be useless! I want to become strong, so I could do something for you! Something useful!" She used her dirtied kimono to whip the tears from her face, but left streaks of dirt instead.

Sesshoumaru still didn't look down but held his hand over her head, "Use my sleeve, it's cleaner than your."

Rin sniffled and gently whipped her face being careful not to make a mess of his clothing.

"Don't worry about that sort of stuff right now," her Lord placed his hand on her head, "You may leave whenever you wish, and I won't stop you." He finally looked down.

Rin looked up, almost surprised. Her face then changed from stunned to pure delight. She gave him that same smile she gave him years ago when they first met under that tree. Her face was even bruised like before, but his words had healed her pain.

Sesshoumaru softened his eyes a little. He rubbed her head gently. You have grown. One day, some day, you will want to leave and search for a life of your own. I won't stand in the way of that. But for now, rest assured, I will protect you until then, my Rin.