J: I know "WHERE WERE YOU?!" "WHAT HAPPENED?!" "WHY DID YOU STOP UPDATING?!" To answer these questions it comes down to two reasons. 1st: I'm attempting to pass a certain class for the third time and part of that class is a huge research essay that constantly needed to be worked on. 2nd: I had a drop of interest. It happens to me often where I will be in love with a certain fandom but then start straying towards another until I end up abandoning the other fandom. For this I apologize but I really can't control it very well ahha. To prove how sorry I am I spent all of today writing a nice long update, and since I'm horrible at keeping to the weekly update program all updates after this will be posted whenever I get them written then checked over with my beautiful Beta Angel-Rias.

THANKS TO: Kagome Past and Present, Lakeya2700, AintGotNone, Slytherin's Pimp, JaychAn, Hakusho14, Darksilvercloud, Bluumberry, Wren210, Wrecker RadioActive, Kagome Yuki Niwa, Angel-Rias, AkaNeko-Sesshy, MissNovel, Kairi8912, Unknown Exorcist, Monae31891, HalloweenDemon, CourtneyKramer94, Sweet-Lia, and Azumigurl.

J: Phew, that was a mouthful! And a HUGE thank you to everyone that reminded me that the Japanese word for wolf is "ookami." In future chapters with Kouga that will be last name. Alright time for you to get reading!

Chapter Twelve

Kagome spent the rest of the day and all of that night by Shippo's side. If possible Rin would have stayed in the hospital too; if not for Sesshoumaru promising to bring her to Shippo's house right after school Rin would have locked herself in the bathroom.

Sesshoumaru spent the time back at home reviewing the information he had on the three boys and their families. If they were clients or in the government then the situation at the school tomorrow would need to be handled with tact.

The bat demon child was Renji Zaki. 5th grade student, his parents were both in construction, the mother was an architect and the father a crane operator.

The twins were Zen and Yen Miyazaki. 5th graders like Renji. Their mother was a manager for a chain of stores that catered to parties, and their father worked for him as a customer service representative.

Seeing no threat from either family Sesshoumaru relaxed into his home office chair. Staring down at his claw tips Sesshoumaru thought over everything that had happened.

When he'd first adopted Rin he'd expected the worse to be a kidnap attempt or even assassination. With demons the possible dangers to her fragile life were endless. After the first year he'd gathered his senses enough to remember they were no longer in the Feudal Era. Kidnapping for ransom was a more likely scenario than assassination.

The second year with Rin brought to light the dangers of those that would use Rin's accepting nature to get close to him for benefits. That was the year he'd gotten Rin the necklace that protected her from illusions and physical danger.

This year Sesshoumaru now knew that he had over looked yet another danger. Rin risked being emotionally hurt by having real friends. This danger was inevitable in anyone's life; it was part of growing up. Wanting to protect her from everything that could hurt her was what he felt compelled to do as her pack leader, yet his sensible self knew that he could not protect her from everything. Some things were necessary for a person to learn how to handle life. Today Rin had learned that there would be times when she couldn't do much more but seek help for those she cared about.

The small mumbles and whimpers he could hear from Rin's room down the hall told him that it was a lesson Rin was still trying to understand and accept.

Shutting down the computer Sesshoumaru left his work room to go soothe his daughter, if necessary she would spend the night with him.

Throughout the day Rin did her best to pay attention to what Mr. Suikotsu was teaching them but her eyes constantly went to the clock that hung above the door.

At recess and lunch time her classmates would ask her what happened and where Shippo was. Everytime they asked Rin answered with a head shake and walked away.

Rin shifted on the edge of her seat as the last three minutes of school ticked by slowly. She was the first one up and running to the cubbies at the back of the room. Since the weather was still warm Rin only needed to grab her backpack. Hugging it to her chest instead of putting it on she raced out of the classroom and out of the school.

Her eagerness to see Shippo showed in her excited smile when she saw her Papa waiting in the car with the door open. To keep herself from being hurt Rin slowed down as she reached the car and got in and closed the door as if it was any other day. Her seat belt buckled she bounced on her seat, "Will Shippo be awake? I made him a 'Get Better' card and I want to give it to him."

Rin showed her Papa the card made of blue construction paper. On the front was a big sun made of cut and glued yellow construction paper, inside was a little purple flower she'd found during recess. Handing back the card he told her, "I called Ms. Higurashi and she says Shippo is awake and waiting to see you." The added scent of happiness that came into Rin's scent told him that this news was the best thing she'd heard all day.

Sesshoumaru was startled to discover that he was anticipating the visit as much as Rin. He was interested to know how Shippo was doing, but more than that he was going to learn more about Kagome Higurashi. His brother's report was made of facts about Kagome Higurashi that anyone could learn through investigation. The information he would glean from her home would be things that would seem small and insignificant to others but put together all the small bits would compose a more indepth look into who the miko and single mother was every day of her life.

The ride to Shippo's home from the school was brief due to Kagome deliberately choosing apartments within walking distance of the school.

The apartment building's crumbling brick walls and unkempt yard spoke of age. Having three floors with balconies attached to each apartment it wasn't hard to spot which one belonged to the Higurashis. The balconies around Kagome's were cluttered with garbage such as beer cans and broken lawn chairs. Kagome's balcony was clear of clutter except for a pink bicycle with a child's seat attached to the back and two flower boxes that flourished with pink and yellow tulips.

Inside the building Sesshoumaru was forced to breathe partly through his mouth the scent of unclean humans, stale beer, cigarettes and molding food was so strong. Glancing down at Rin as they took the stairs to the second floor he saw she'd become less enthusiastic after smelling the air and seeing the stained, peeling walls and chipped doors. Coming to apartment 2D Sesshoumaru had to raise an eyebrow in intrigue.

The door to the apartment was new and freshly painted, beneath the paint he could smell rather see the warding spell placed on the door. The strength of the spell spoke of three participants, two he recognized as Miroku and Kagome's. The third was new to him but he guessed it to be Kagome's original teacher Kaede. This warding spell would reject anyone from entering if they were intent on causing harm. Unless invited in they would be met by a wall of power that would purify even a taiyoukai like him. Not entirely sure if his curiosity would be considered as harmful Sesshoumaru chose to ring the bell rather than risk purification. "Coming!"

Kagome opened the door smiling first at Sesshoumaru then down at Rin, "Hello Mr. Taishou, hello Rin. You're right on time, please come in." She stepped aside allowing Rin to rush into the apartment eager to see her best friend's home. After Rin had passed Kagome reassured Sesshoumaru, "My warding spell won't harm you Mr. Taishou, I adjusted it to recognize your youkai as friendly." Needing no other reassurance he stepped into the room, there was a tingle against his youkai that left him feeling odd but unharmed all the same.

Sesshoumaru's eyes and nose took everything in with an inner sigh of relief. Intentional or not Kagome's purity had cleansed her apartment of any toxic stench that hung in the air outside her door. Her apartment smelt of various flowers, cookies, clean laundry and various cooked foods. Everywhere he looked he found a piece of Kagome's personality.

The room he stood in acted as the living room and kitchen with no wall to divide them. The living room portion held an old fashioned red fabric pull out couch, a small TV on a dresser that likely held moves for the VCR and DVD player, and blue green carpet on the floor that sported more than one stain from juice and food accidents. The kitchen had white tiled flooring, a single sink with a counter top dishwasher next to it, a burgundy round table that had a phone book under one leg, and four matching chairs. The walls and fridge were covered with pictures and drawings. The one wall had the sliding glass door that lead out to the balcony, these glass doors held the same warding spell as the front door. Any windows he spotted were also spelled to repel evil. 'Miroku's own home is nowhere near as protected. Experience and a heightened sense of danger lead to these actions. Who does she fear will come after her?'

Kagome's eyes were on Rin and Shippo as they sat on the couch. Shippo wore no shirt allowing anyone to see the bandages wrapped around his torso. The doctor had told her that morning that there was little chance of the wound reopening with the stitches and bandages to keep it pressed closed. The stitches would dissolve once the wound was fully healed but Shippo would still need to be careful moving for another day or two. Since human medication had an adverse effect on demons from thechemicals Kagome was given an herbal tea that would help Shippo sleep through any pain he was feeling. If not for the bandages she wouldn't have been able to tell he'd been hurt at all he was so happy with Rin.

"Does it hurt?" Rin had given Shippo the 'Get Better' card and he'd given her a careful hug in return.

Shippo shook his head, "Only if I try to bend or roll over in my sleep. The doctor said I can come back to school on Monday."

This news was accepted with a renewed burst of energy, "That's great Shippo! Papa says the bullies were taken out of the school so we don't have to worry about them anymore."

Shippo looked up at Rin's Papa, his eyes full of hope as he tried to restrain his fear from showing on his face, "Really?"

Sesshoumaru gave a nod, "Hn, they have been expelled. Their parents still need to be spoken to."

Kagome had been reminded about the meeting with the parents earlier when he'd called. Having calmed down Kagome had been uncertain if she'd wanted to meet the parents of the three boys. She was only human and her knowledge of demon behaviour was limited to kitsune at best. Now she felt the stirring of her anger again, "Shippo will you be okay if Jaken watched you and Rin?" If Shippo needed her then she would stay and leave it to Sesshoumaru.

Shippo could see and smell how much anger his Mama was holding back. She'd once told him that bullies were mean to others because their parents were mean to them first. If anyone could teach someone not to be mean it was his Mama. "I'll be okay Mama, I won't leave the couch."

The decision made Sesshoumaru called Jaken to come up to the apartment. When he reached the door Kagome had to lower the spell to let the toad demon cross the threshold. Going down to his eye level Kagome told Jaken, "If Shippo becomes tired or feels any pain his herbal tea is on the counter. Make sure he drinks half a cup. If anyone comes to the door you will refuse them entrance, and I mean anyone."

The emphasis and unspoken worry of a stranger coming into the apartment had Jaken feeling unsettled as he nodded agreement. He didn't need to be a seer to know death would be his punishment if not from her then from his Lord or the intruder.

The children settled in with writing desks on their laps, crayons and paper Sesshoumaru and Kagome left to have a few words with the parents that had bullies for children.

J: So am I forgiven? "Big innocent smile"

AND

Just because I like keeping the practice, the follower count has become : 156. LOVE.

P.S. I like to make title pages for the stories I write, so I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a picture? I'm horrible at drawing people but I am always willing to try.