Ever since our encounter with the other Naraku*, everyone has been very cautious, not letting their guard down. Its been very lively with everyone traveling together. Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha are still fighting constantly. It can be unbearable sometimes. But good things do come from it. For instance, when we got attacked by demons again during our traveled, the brothers would try to outdo each other, trying to see who got he most kills. My Lord always win. When it was time to eat, the boys would go hunting and bring back something amazing. Lets just say its not your typical camping food. It was quite cute to see Lord Sesshomaru so competitive. My feelings for him as grown and I cannot stop it. For some odd reason I feel that my lord knows i'm hiding something, but he hasn't said anything yet. I must pretend a little longer. It was unnecessary for anyone to know who I am right now.

We had stop by an open field to rest. Everyone is still tired from the constant fighting. Shippo, Kilala, Rin and Jaken went to play, Jaken mostly babysitting. I sat next to Lord Sesshomaru watching Rin play. It was nice to see her smiling and having fun again. I looked up to see my Lord and our eyes met. I smiled to him to show my gratitude. He must have understood cuz he turned his head away and closed his eyes. Ahh, what a gentle giant. Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha was watching the whole time, their faces with

Kagome-" Shiori, your always watching Rin so carefully. She safe now so relax."

Shiori-" I know, but ever since that day, I just can't bear to see her like that again. It hurts me to know I couldn't protect her"

Kagome-" There was nothing you can do. She's safe now. We are all here."

Shiori-" Thank you Kagome. That means alot."

Sango-" you sound like her mother more than a caretaker."

Shiori-" well, Rin is a beauiful flower that will soon bloom. I must care for her until then."

Kagome-" uh, wha?"

Sango-" She means when Rin becomes a grown up."

Kagome-" ohhh, speaking of grown up, you and Sesshomaru seem to be very close...hmm?

I was quite flustered. Did they realize my feelings for him already?

Shiori-" really? I hadn't noticed. As you already know my lord isnty partially fond of humans beside Rin."

Kagome-" awwe really.. for a second there, i thought-"

Inuyasha-" ah Kagome, quit it. It ain't gonna happen. You gotta be extra crazy to fall for someone like that.

At that moment, You can feel the tension between the brothers sparked again. Seem like these two love to fight... too much. They went at it again, well, more like sparring cuz everyone else, including the smalls one sat down and watched until they finished, well, technically until kagome interrupted with the "sit" command. Poor pup.

Kagome-" ok that enough, its already dark now! We gotta set camp since you two wouldn't stop fighting like a married couple!"

Shiori-" u-um... they are brothers... and I don't think married couples fight like that."

Kagome-" thats not the point!

I winced from her loudness. I think my ears pop. Kagome sure can get scary sometimes. Once we settle down and made a campfire. They were discussing their plans on how to defeat the other *Naraku. I wanted to get some exercise so sneak away from the group. As I was walking around, i felt a present. I turned around quickly to see my Lord Sesshomaru behind me.

Shiori-" My Lord!, you scared me."

Sesshomaru-" Do not wander by yourself again.

I nodded. Lord Sesshomaru was concerned for me. I smiled just thinking about it. We continued to walk til we reach a lake. It was just us two.

Shiori-" Its peaceful and quiet. With everyone traveling with us, it's been so loud that I've forgotten how much I like the silence. What about you my lord?"

Sesshomaru-"...yes"

I smiled. He replied back. Suddenly he walked towards me. His hands caressed my cheeks as he stares into my eyes intensely. He had a look I only ever seen on Rin, the look I dreamed of having from him. In his eyes, was love.

Sesshomaru-"you look just like her... those eyes... those lips..."

Shiori-"my lord?"

His face was leaning to towards me. Getting closer. Is he gonna kiss me? What's going on? He was only inches from me. Suddenly he stopped. He must have realized what he did cause he went back to his stoic, emotionless self. He turned around and began walking back to camp.

Sesshomaru-" you are to forget what happened."

I was shocked, but also hurt. I knew he would never give me that look. I only followed him back, quietly. Everyone seem to be asleep when we got back. I didn't realize how long I was gone for. I lay next to Rin letting her use me as a cushion so she may be more comfortable. The next couple of days was the same, although me and my lord have distanced ourselves more. It saddened me but after that night I couldn't bear to look at him. /

Rin-" Mommy?

Shiori-"hmm? yes rin?"

Rin-" are you and lord sesshomaru okay? you're not gonna leave me, are you?"

Shiori-" oh Rin, of course not. Mi lord just need space. Don't worry about us, ok? be a good girl."

As I hugged her, I felted a very strong evil present. An explosion happened in front of us and demons spawned everywhere. In the middle was *Naraku. I held Rin closer making sure that she was kept safe.

Naraku-" I think you kept her long enough. Now, come my dear, we have much to do.

He held out his hands as everyone got ready to fight. I glared at him. No way in hell am I going near that monster. I didnt respond and that must have irritated him.

*Naraku-" If you're not gonna come willingly, I will force you."

The demons began their attacks. Jaken protectively stood in front of us and burned any of them who came near us. These demons weren't stopping. They kept coming one after another. Again, I felt so weak. if i just transformed, I can help them. But i couldn't. I was afraid... afraid of how they will react when they know who I really am.

*Naraku-" Darling, how about we showed them who you really are. hehehe"

Rin was suddenly grabbed from me by Naraku. I looked up to him, scared that he might hurt her. Lord Sesshomaru noticed and came to her aid but stopped when *Naraku had his other hands towards her neck.

Shiori-" Please! Don't hurt her, I'll do anything, just give her back!"

He smirked at me and threw Rin down. Lord Sesshomaru caught her but as he and I were distracted, *Naraku shot a black beam to my chest.

Kagome/Sango-"SHIORI!"

Rin-" mommy?"

I stood there. I let my guard down and now my body was in pain. I fell to the my knees, screaming in pain. One hand holding my chest while the other keeping me balance from hitting the ground. I cried and scream. That was all I could do. Whatever he had hit me was disenchanting my human form. I'm turning back, back into my demon form, in the most painful way possible. Kagome rushed to my side. She tried to help me up, but I couldn't move.

Shiori-" get...get away from me."

Kagome-"no, you need help. we need to-"

Shiori-" I said GET AWAY!"

With my demon strength back, I pushed her hard as she flew. Inuyasha caught her. I'm sure they all had a surprised expression with what just happened. I couldn't take the pain anymore I screamed one last time, loud and clear. It caused a huge blast that caused everyone to stop fighting.