Here is the next chapter. Lol still won't answers all questions yet but where would the fun be if I did –grins- In this fanfic Rin is about 11 and Kags is about 18. And of course Sesshou is still missing one arm. I'm trying to post two chapters a week. Wish me luck!

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.

Chapter 2 – Trials

"What's going happen to us now?"

"I don't know… don't worry though. It'll be ok"

A small clawed hand took the human and gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze. Green eyes met chocolate brown ones. Both faces smiled and looked down below to their loved ones.

"Did we die like Jaken-sama?"

"Nah, we just can't go back in our bodies yet. That big guy with the funny eyes put us here…"

The orange haired kitsune looked down at his mother from the plane in between life and death, a small frown n his little face as he watched tears streak down Kagome's cheeks. Moisture began pooling at the corners of his own eyes and the little girl in the checkered kimono reached up to wipe his tears.

"It's ok Shippou-kun. Lord Sesshoumaru-sama will save us and so will okaa-san. You'll see. Rin knows it"

"You are right young one, but it will be some time before you are able to return to your loved ones. Many dangers await just beyond the horizon and they must be ready for what is to come"

Rin looked up with eyes wise beyond her years while Shippou nodded to the being who spoke, uncertainty dancing behind his eyes. He had been trying to be brave for Rin but his confidence waivered slightly by the fear of being separated from his mother. His head drooped slightly.

A soft glowing hand reached out to lift his chin.

"Fear not… all will be made well"

The children both walked hand in hand behind the spiritual being now guiding them, hope lighting their steps.

A gentle nudge to her side caused the sleeping miko to bolt upright, eyes glazed over from sleep and unfocused as her head snapped from side to side. She still had both children's hands in her own.

"Wha- what… is everything ok? Did they wake up yet?"

Her tone was frantic and yet laced with hope. It almost caused guilt to stir in his gut once again. Almost. Sesshoumaru knelt to gather his ward up in his arm then simply turned from her toward the expansive castle, indicating he'd woken her because they had arrived. He began slow, graceful strides to the gates.

"A simple no would have sufficed…."

She mumbled grumpily at the arrogant demon lord's back.

"Hn."

Was his only response. Her eyes fell upon her adoptive son as he lay on the mokomoko and immediately worry filled them once more.

It was just wrong to see him so unmoving. Her Shippou was always bouncing or jumping or running happily, never like this.

Slowly she picked the child up stood and followed Sesshoumaru while the other landed. Kirara shrunk and Miroku and Sango stood waiting. Inuyasha landed moments later with Kikyo at his back.

"Feels weird bein' back here after so long…"

Inuyasha looked to the castle he had only known from his youth before he'd been casted away. Kikyo gave him a reassuring nudge which earned a soft smile from the hanyou.

Kagome turned from the slightly intimate scene to look to Sesshoumaru and was surprised to see him almost glaring at his younger brother. Tilting her head in confusion she cleared her throat gently. It seemed to serve its purpose because immediately the Inu's face reverted back to emotionlessness.

"Come. There is much to be done."

Rin in arm, Sesshoumaru began walking toward the main gate.

"Welcome home my lord"

The two guards posted there greeted in unison. Slowly the gates opened to permit the group and they all crossed the threshold to the castle grounds. The troop followed Sesshoumaru silently until they had crossed the threshold to the house of moon and now stood in the main hall.

Without a sound two female youkai servants appeared with an stunningly beautiful woman. The woman was a bit more than five feet tall and thin in stature, though she looked no older than Souta. Deep purple adorned her lids which held beneath then bright silver eyes. Her hair was a dark gray and pulled from her face and tucked behind her ears, a swirl adorning her forehead just below her bangs. The aura coming from her was youkai but Kagome couldn't place which type.

With a kind smile she turned to the miko, her silvery eyes lightly milky and appeared somewhat glazed. Kagome let here eyes widen a fraction. This woman was blind.

A sweet melodious laugh came from the small youkai as she looked to Kagome's direction.

"Yes child, I am blind and as to my species I am a Kitsune. You may call me Misumi"

Kagome blushed deeply.

"Heh heh… you can read minds huh?", a hand went behind her head to smooth down the back of her head nervously.

"Not at all young one, I have just honed my ears well enough to hear thought as well. When one lives as long as I one learns a few tricks"

She liked this woman already. A gentle frown pulled at Misumi's lips as she stepped closer to Lord Sesshoumaru, a hand coming from the long sleeve of her kimono to rest on Rin's forehead.

"What has happened to young Rin my lord?"

Her voice was calm yet laced with worry. The other two servants looked to the young one with concern in their faces.

Rin was well loved among his home and Sesshoumaru knew this. She played with the servants and knew everyone by name. She had a smile for everyone and a kind word to any who would listen.

"Rin was injured during the final battle against the evil hanyou and one of his spawn has placed Rin's spirit within a Soul Stone."

The neko youkai to the left seemed especially troubled by this news, she was Rin's maidservant. Misumi nodded and looked to Inuyasha and the others.

"Lord Inuyasha. Good to see you again."

The hanyou blinked and nodded politely to the woman, obviously confused by her words.

"Rika, have the guest rooms prepared for the half-breed and his companions. You and the others are to join This Sesshoumaru in my study once you have been shown your rooms. Miko, come with me"

The demon lord said to the group before turning and walking in the direction of his study. Kagome looked to Misumi and the others before quickly following after.

"Ah.. my poor lord. That little girl means a great deal to him."

"Keh… that bastard doesn't give a shit about her. He just cares that he failed his oath to protect her and he thinks it'll hurt his honor or some nonsense. Makes him look weak"

Inuyasha scoffed. Sango and Miroku traded looks, somewhat agreeing. Kikyo was, surprisingly the first one to provide a contrary opinion.

"I don't believe Lord Sesshoumaru would defend the human child so fiercely if he cared not for her Inu-kun."

Inuyasha looked to his love as though she'd slapped him.

"What the hell?! What are you on the fucker's side for huh?"

His intended gave him a soft smile before placing a warm hand on his cheek, cupping it affectionately.

"I'm only stating the truth as I see it my love, nothing more. You have seen how the girl has changed him"

His eyes immediately softened and her turned his face into her palm, nuzzling it.

"Keh.. whatever"

He said with a resigned grumble. He knew she was right but he was too stubborn to admit it.

Sango sent a glare in the couple's direction before following the maid to their quarters. Her hand clutching the weapon at her back as she hurried through the hallway, Miroku had left the room not long after and was now walking in step with his beloved.

"Sango.. what troubles you?"

"It's not fair…"

"What isn't?"

He was slightly confused. They had won the final battle, the despicable Naraku was destroyed, his Wind Tunnel had disappeared. What more could she ask for?

"After all that Kikyo has done to him, to us, to Kagome. Kagome shouldn't have to hurt like that after she sacrificed so much…"

Her eyes began burning with angry tears as she stopped mid-stride, a fist darting out to connect with the wall beside her. The Houshi approached Sango slowly and took her into his arms, she didn't resist but let herself crumble in his gentle embrace.

She always the strong one, always held up her guard. The fierce warrior and protector but now, she was just Sango. Exhaustion and pain had finally caught up with her though she'd done a good job keeping them at bay. Miroku smiled softly into her hair. He couldn't help but feel a warmth flood his heart at her trust in him, to let herself be vulnerable in his grasp.

Her angry tears soon turned to a broken sob as she clutched his robes. Miroku simply stroked her hair to soothe her until she had cried out all her frustration. She had every reason to be upset. She had lost her brother, she feared for little Shippou and now her only sister was hurting after she had forgone her own life to destroy the evil plaguing their land and stay in a world she didn't belong to. It just wasn't right.

"She deserves to be happy…"

"She will be my dearest Sango, she will"

He tilted her chin up so their eyes met and slowly his lips descended upon hers.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she kissed him back gently, hands moving to hold his as he slowly pulled back and gazed lovingly into her eyes. Her smile was shy as a pretty blush colored her cheeks and she leaned against his taller form. Slowly his untangled his finger from her own but held her other hand to his lips to place a feather-light kiss to her fingers.

Suddenly her eyes widened and a loud yell of "HENTAI!" followed by the sound of her palm connecting with his cheek echoed out through the halls.

"There is my Sango" Miroku chuckled with a happy grin and glowing handprint on his face.

Kagome had looked up from the scroll held loosely in her hand toward the door to Sesshoumaru's study. The all-to-familiar sound of her friend yelling at the lecherous monk had caused her to shake her head gently before returning to her research.

It was now 5 hours later and working well into the night. The other had come in at least 4 hours before hand and Sesshoumaru had informed them that she and he would be looking for a way to free the children and that the group would be allowed to remain in his home until their task was complete. Inuyasha of course had raised a fit.

He'd gone on about not trusting Sesshoumaru with Kagome but of course he was reminded that since he had chosen the now living Kikyo Kagome was no longer his concern. The surprise came that it had been the miko herself to be the one to remind him.

She knew her words would cause him nothing more than a passing annoyance and sure enough his only response was "Keh…"

Eyes somewhat agitated, he relented and left the room with his mate-to-be's hand in his.

Again a sharp shooting pain filled her heart and she looked longingly to the retreating pair. Quickly she pushed all the thoughts and feelings from her mind save for the task at hand, finding a way to help the children. Sango and Miroku had given her hugs and words of encouragement before retiring for the evening as the servants would bring food to their rooms.

"Have you found anything yet miko?"

It took all the strength she possessed not to growl at the aggravating demon sitting at the desk before her. He had asked her that just about every five minutes for the past hour. It was staring to piss her off royally.

With just having engaged in battle, her son being in danger of loosing his soul, getting no rest, and not having bathed or eaten yet Kagome had very little tolerance for his arrogance and impatience.

So instead of biting his head off she opted to ignore him and continue researching.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes dangerously at the girl seated across from him. His beast was growling in the confines of his mind, demanding he punish the girl for her lack of respect. He did not appreciate being ignored and planned on making the fact known.

"This Sesshoumaru's tolerance for your insubordination wears thin wench, you will answer."

Something inside her snapped as she all but gaped at him. Maybe it was his cold demeanor or maybe it was being called wench as Inuyasha had callously done so many times before. She didn't know. All she did know was that she had had enough.

Her aura began dancing wildly around her as anger as rolling off in waves.

"How dare you! You think I'm just sitting here reading for the hell of it!? Well listen here buster I don't give a damn about your tolerance!"

She stood and slammed her hands down on his desk, eyes meeting his with a defiant flame burning in her sapphire gems.

"I'm working as hard as I can to help my son and Rin and so help me if you question my dedication again I'll purify you six ways past Sunday!"

Their eyes locked and neither of them spoke. Moments passed and her anger ebbed slightly but she'd be damned if she was going to apologize. Did he always have to be so insufferable?

She straightened and crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes still clashing with his, almost daring him to speak against her again. This was not the same timid 15 year old girl whom he'd met 3 years ago. She had trained and fought hard to become the confident woman standing before him now. Sesshoumaru gave a slightly uncharacteristic sigh and leaned back in his chair, eyes leaving hers to gaze toward the other door to the room, the one connecting his study to the room that housed his Rin and her Shippou.

"The inquiry was not posed because your ability or concern for the kit are being called into question, This Sesshoumaru is merely… anxious to help his ward. Patience, though practiced has always been the weakest of This Sesshoumaru's strengths"

Instantly her anger dissipated as if it had never been there and she sighed gently. This wasn't the first time Sesshoumaru had admitted a sort of weakness to her and it didn't shock her as much this time Kagome of course now felt a bit bad for yelling at him, but she replaced that guilt with determination.

Sesshoumaru looked to her with curiosity dancing behind his usually icy orbs of amber. How could one being feel so much in so short a time span. First aggravation, then anger, then shame, and then determination. It was slightly overwhelming.

"You're right… I know you're just concerned. But you pestering me about finding something isn't going to make it happen any faster ya know?"

She gave a soft chuckle before stretching and returning to her chair. A slight frown formed on the demon's lips as she did. He felt somewhat like a pup being scolded for misbehaving, but in all fairness she was right. His asking wouldn't help anything, but only serve to distract her from the task at hand. Though he would never admit it aloud.

Picking up another scroll Sesshoumaru looked to reading girl whose stomach he could now hear growling quietly. She seemed oblivious as she continued to pour over the parchment for some slight indication as to how to free her son.

"Miko, you require food."

It wasn't a question, and no sooner than the words had left his lips did a male servant appear.

"Prepare a meal"

Kagome couldn't help but flash the lord with a bright smile before turning her eyes downward to her work.

Though again, he would never admit it, Sesshoumaru felt a sort of respect for the young woman and how fiercely she was willing to cure his Rin and her own adoptive son.

The relationship between her and the youkai child didn't confuse him now as much as it had once. He was under the impression all miko hated youkai and would kill them at any given opportunity as this had been his experience. He still could not speak to her fellow miko but he knew by now that Kagome was special. She loved everyone regardless of their species or their downfalls.

This also brought into question the stark difference between her and the rest of her kind. Humans by default were selfish, dirty, weak creatures who only cared for destruction. This hadn't been the case with Kagome. Even when they had first met in his father's tomb she had shown courage and loyalty not common among her kind. During the many conversations they had since he'd joined the inu-tachi the demon lord had not only found her to not nearly as annoying as he'd once thought, but she was actually better educated than most noble women in the demon court.

Not to mention her scent was far better than any other human he'd encountered. He had originally chalked this up to her frequent bathing, but he'd soon discovered that though the Taiija went to the springs with the miko each time, she still had an underlying scent common among humans. Kagome smelled of spring rain and rose petals. Sweet and fresh, full of life and pure.

A scent jarred his conscious mind to the forefront. Shaking himself of his thoughts as they had wandered farther than he would care to admit, he watched the male bring in the tray of food very closely. It was the male's arousal he had scented, having raised ever so slightly when near the miko.

Kagome was seated on the pillow in the same battle garb she'd worn during the battle.

Her suit was the similar make of the taiija's demon hunter garb but instead the armor at her shoulders, knees, and stomach was a deep blue. Kagome's battle-wear also had a skirt slit up both sides for mobility, the color black but lined with a thin liver pattern she'd chosen. Her hair was in a loose bun at the nape of her slender neck, dirt and blood splotched here and there all over her from. He had to admit she looked rather stunning, even dirtied and bloody. What surprised him more was that she had not once mentioned bathing since their arrival. She was so focused and a small part of him smiled at her loyalty and dedication.

Kagome shifted she her head would rest on her open palm, turning slightly more to her side so her curves were in full view. The male's excitement spiked further and Sesshoumaru gave a low growl, only being able to be heard by the youkai. The poor male immediately stumbled back from the reading miko and bowed his head, embarrassed and afraid.

Clearing his throat Sesshoumaru dismissed the male. Kagome was none the wiser to the exchange between the two and continued her search. She obviously didn't notice the food. Sesshoumaru however did notice her stomach growling louder.

Sighing gently he moved soundlessly to kneel beside the girl with his stack of scrolls, his presence enough to rouse her from her work.

"Need something?" she asked curious as to why he had moved from his chair.

"You will eat"

Kagome opened her mouth to reprimand him again for ordering her around but clamped her mouth shut again once realization dawned on her.

'He wants me to regain my strength so I can help Rin, he's not just being an ass'

She shook her head gently and looked to the food.

Inuyasha did the same thing when he was worried for her, had had to make sure whatever he said distracted her from the fact that he was showing concern. Though she knew his concern stemmed from his love for Rin, not for her well-being she couldn't help but smirk. Were all Inu youkai bull-headed and emotionally challenged?

With a smile and polite nod she began eating.

Sesshoumaru quirked an elegant brow yet again, perplexed by the girl's actions. He was sure she'd yell at him for telling her to eat but when he saw something akin to understanding dancing behind those deep pools of sapphire he knew why she hadn't protested.

'She must believe I wish her to keep her strength up to assist This Sesshoumaru in his mission'

And that was all he wanted right?

'Is it?'

A feminine voice he was very familiar with echoed in his mind. A confused and agitated frown threatened to form on his lips for the third time in the last hour but he kept his face the picture of calm.

'Has This Sesshoumaru not specifically stated you are not to enter his mind?'

He asked within himself, nearly growling at the voice.

A female chuckle floated in his mind.

'As if I would listen. But I will leave you alone for now since you are busy my dear Sesshou-kun'

Had he been anyone else the Taiyoukai would have rolled his eyes at the pet-name he had ordered her not to use.

'Be gone troublesome onna, This Sesshoumaru has pressing matters to attend to'

'Oh very well Lord Icicle… just hurry and find a way to make Rin better ok?'

'Hn.'

With that the voice was silent and Sesshoumaru went back to the task of saving Rin.

It was well past midnight when the lord of the West felt a slight pressure on his arm. He looked down only to find Kagome sleeping soundlessly with three scrolls open on her lap and one still clutched in her hand.

He smirked and gently lifted her, standing gracefully and walking through the door leading to where the children laid.

Gently he set the sleeping miko on the bedding of furs between Rin and Shippou, where he knew she would rather be. Her maternal instinct almost surprised him for one so young, Granted human women reached mothering age relatively quickly by comparison to youkai but still.

Looking down a Kagome he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. She was so strong yet incredibly fragile.

'Will you ever cease to perplex This Sesshoumaru?'

With that last thought he paid Rin the same gentle goodnight and left the room, he required little to no sleep and would make the best use of his time.

Somewhere in another realm two children smiled as they readied themselves to be re-united with their mother, if only for a short while.

Glossary:

Onna – Woman

*Author's Note*

Neo: Phew, another chapter down. ^_^ I would like if you guys could give me some feed back as to chapter length.

Inari: Mhhmm phmm hmm phmm mhmhm. –squirms and wriggles beside Neo, trying to free herself of the rope and gag-

Neo: Heh heh…. Well if you'd stop trying to run away I wouldn't have to tie you up –giggles and kisses the top of her head-

Inari: -glares actual daggers-

Neo: -dodges-

Sess: -walks in and ducks under a flying dagger, quirking a brow- Right….. –walks back out-

Neo: No Sesshy wait! Come back.. I neeed youuuuuuu! –dramatic movie arm flail-

Kags: -shakes her head chuckling and munching on popcorn, waving to the readers- See you guys next chapter!