Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter 7

Survivor

Kagome stared confused at her surroundings. She frowned.

I thought I died…

She felt a warm body pressing against her and relief as well as happiness took over her for seeing her mate again and unharmed. She hugged him back and her lip trembled noticing the way Inuyasha's body was shivering violently like he had the scare of his life. He whispered with a strained voice.

-Don't ya ever do that to me again, Kagome! Do ya hear me?

She sighed. She was so relieved she could hold him again. She had been so scared when the moment death claimed her soul nothing but darkness awaited her. Was that what death was? The complete ending of a lifetime? She shivered and hugged Inuyasha tighter. She just wanted to be with him now.

Inuyasha breathed in her scent relishing in the returned life within. He nuzzled her neck and whimpered at the loss of the mating mark as well as his. Just like she had said.

Until death tear us apart.

Meanwhile, Kagome finally took the state of what was left of the cozy village she had lived in for some time now. Tears gathered in her eyes when she only saw corpses and destruction. It had happened so fast!

She heard a sob and her gaze landed on a young woman on her knees watching her with watering eyes while clinging to a long and strong leg. Looking up she saw the angelic features of none other than Sesshomaru with the sword of Heaven in his hand. She gasped.

He…revived me?

Rin gave one last heart clenching sob before crying out Kagome's name and throw herself in the miko's arms.

-We thought we lost you! Rin was so scared, Kagome-chan! So scared!

Hearing Rin speaking in third person again with a voice filled with despair and fear made Kagome finally hold on to the girl and burst in tears. She tried to calm Rin.

-It's alright…I'm fine now, Rin-chan. Please...please don't cry…everything is alright now!

Sesshomaru sheathed Tenseiga. The sword was humming in satisfaction for his right actions. He still couldn't believe he saved the miko's soul with something other than curiosity for the sword's power. He practically obeyed the sword. He growled in frustration but looking at Rin and seeing that she was happy and relieved forbid him to regret what he had done.

How she affects me so…

Rin and Kagome finally left each other's embrace and allowed a little smile to reach their lips. Inuyasha looked at his brother and the women did the same. The demon lord felt for the first time a little uncomfortable under someone's gaze.

His brother was the first one to speak. Looking up to eyes so similar yet so different from his he swallowed his pride once more.

-I still don't like ya…but I don't hate ya. You have my eternal gratitude, Sesshomaru.

And then Inuyasha bowed, along with Kagome and Rin. Sesshomaru's eyes softened. How could he regret his actions now?

He nodded, acknowledging their thanks. With that done they began to inspect their surroundings. Sesshomaru reached the conclusion that this was their home. Where will they live now? The villagers were slaughtered and the ones that were still breathing will die in minutes from their serious injuries. The houses and crops were destroyed beyond repair.

That's when they heard some loud noises coming from a ruined hut and from there came Miroku and Sango with two bodies in their arms. Rin and Kagome gasped and tears gathered in their eyes again when they recognized one of the bodies as Kaede's. Sango laid the old woman in the ground, sadness in her eyes. There were some moments of silence in respect for Kaede before Sango finally spoke.

-We found her under some heavy pieces of wood. The roof must have collapsed on her.

They nodded but said nothing. Miroku cleared his throat reminding them that there was a second body. He laid her on the ground too and Rin instantly recognized her as the demon woman from earlier.

-She's still breathing thought hardly. She was beneath Kaede. If I knew better I would say the old woman was trying to protect this demon.

They all absorbed this calmly but inside their heads were a tempest of doubt. Suddenly, Miroku's deduction didn't seem that crazy. But…Kaede protecting this stranger? Why?

With a determined nod, Kagome used the little she had learned about healing from Kaede and used it on the demon's injuries. Her hands began to glow and soon the woman's breathing was steady. With a deep breath she opened her eyes slowly and revealed their alluring crystalline blue color. She sat up, wincing, and looked around her. The state of this village was deplorable. She then noticed the surprised faces staring at her. Except one. And that one caught her breath, making her shiver from its lack of expression.

He was beautiful. Those amber eyes were inspecting her with suspicion but dare she say a tint of curiosity too. He looked her up and down and she felt naked in his eyes. Like he could see everything, not just beneath her clothes but beneath her soul too. As a gentle breeze sent her scent in his direction the color from her face faded when his lip lifted in a disgusted snarl. Soon enough she was roughly shoved on the ground with his boot pressed in her chest. She cried out when she heard one of her ribs breaking loudly. The others gasped and shouted for her release but only a young woman was bold enough to actually touch his arm carefully.

-I do not doubt your judgment, Lord Sesshomaru…but whatever she has done let her explain herself.

She stared at the petite human with admiration and awe. Her courage and wise words were unbecoming from someone who seemed so naïve. She now understood. This handsome demon was the one she has been searching and the girl must be his human ward. His eyes softened and he lifted his boot off her chest. She sighed in relief but the horrible pain was still there. Yes, he was powerful and absolutely ruthless. She managed to sit up again and the demon lord knelt on one knee so that he was at eye level but still looking down on her. She chuckled internally at his amusing arrogance. His deep and smooth voice instantly mesmerized her.

-Though faint you reek of that bastard. This Sesshomaru demands you to introduce yourself.

She knew he was talking about the eastern lord. Though unwillingly, she used to sleep with him so it was only logic that his scent latched onto hers. She gulped and prayed to the kami that Sesshomaru would find the will to spare her.

-I…I used to be a servant of the eastern lands. Specifically, a personal servant…of the lord himself…

He growled lowly and she shivered but she couldn't tell if in fear or something else. With a determined look she continued.

-I hate him with all my being. I abandoned my forced loyalty towards him a long time ago. I…I want to serve you, my lord.

Everything went silent and she closed her eyes. She began to doubt her sanity offering herself like that. She then remembered.

The battle plans!

She searched for them in her kimono but couldn't find them. Under the frustrated and impatient gaze of the demon lord she began to despair.

Watching her distress made Rin guilty. She must be searching for those scrolls. They must be important.

-My lord…

Sesshomaru looked at Rin and quirked an elegant eyebrow. Biting her lower lip, she revealed from under her kimono one of the scrolls, the only one that she could save. The demon woman gave a relieved sigh and Rin handed it to her. With grateful eyes she said.

-Thank you!

Rin nodded with a smile. The woman was on her knees now and presented the scroll to Sesshomaru.

-This proves my nonexistent loyalty towards the eastern lord and his lands. I give to you one of the so secret battle plans that can give you much advantage in this war. If you allow me to serve you I assure you have gained my true loyalty.

Sesshomaru examined the scroll and the demon woman with careful eyes. There was no deception in her aura or ill will. He took the scroll and guarded it inside his haori.

-What is your name, woman?

Her eyes glistened with hope and admiration.

-My name is Naomi, my lord.

He stood up and not bothering to look at her he said.

-This Sesshomaru will allow you to serve him but you still have yet to prove your worth. Do not make me regret this.

She never felt so happy in her life. She was free! Free from that bastard! With an enthusiastic nod she ignored her colossal pain and stood up as well.

-Thank you! I won't fail you!

Rin grinned. She liked Naomi. There was something about her that made her feel at ease. She approached her and carefully touched her hand.

-I'm Rin. It's a pleasure to meet you, Naomi-chan.

Naomi now understood why the cold demon lord was different with this girl. She was enchanting. With a smile of hers and kind words she could break the defenses of any evil soul. She was special. She smiled sweetly at the human.

-I am honored to meet you, Rin-sama.

Rin blinked adorably. She was not used at all being called with such respect. She pouted and squeezed Naomi's hand.

-Don't call me that, Naomi-chan! You and I are equals.

The human once again managed to surprise her. She was really humble. Still, she didn't miss the subtle snort from Sesshomaru when Rin said that. She found herself grinning like an idiot. Something told her that there was something more between the demon lord and the human ward than a friendly and innocent relationship. She could get used to this.

Rin then proceeded to introduce the rest of the group. Pointing to the handsome hanyou she said.

-This is Inuyasha. He is Lord Sesshomaru's brother.

The hanyou and the demon lord quickly corrected her.

-Half brother!

Rin giggled. Looking at the hanyou and Sesshomaru Naomi could tell they were related. Rin then pointed at the miko.

-This is Kagome. She is Inuyasha's mate, a miko and my best friend!

Naomi liked this miko too. The way she smiled tenderly at her showed the pureness of her heart. Naomi smiled back and nodded with respect. Rin pointed at the monk and demon slayer.

-These are Miroku and Sango. They are married and they're really nice people. I'm sure you will like them!

She liked them already. She blushed when the monk appeared to be checking her out but chuckled when Sango gave him a murderous look. Yes, they were perfect for each other.

-Rin.

The human turned to Sesshomaru and blushed lightly under his intense gaze. Naomi grinned once again.

There is definitely something more.

-Yes, my lord?

-This Sesshomaru, you and Naomi will leave tomorrow morning.

Rin's eyes looked puzzled.

-Where to?

-Towards the western palace, of course.

She felt butterflies on her stomach but relented. It was only fair. She stayed in the village even after Sesshomaru's warning and look what happened. It was for the best this way. She nodded in submission and said nothing more.

After the corpses were buried and the fires extinguished the group set up camp. Sango suggested that, while Sesshomaru, Rin and Naomi went to the western palace the rest could take refuge in the demon slayer's village. She was certain that they would welcome them with open arms. Besides, Shippo and Kohaku were there too. Thank the kami they didn't witness the village's tragic fate.

Around the cozy fire they chatted and with Inuyasha and Miroku's silliness they were laughing in no time.

Rin, though laughing, was thinking on a certain demon lord. She didn't thank him properly for reviving Kagome…for protecting her. Being the anti-social he was, he was perched in a tree. Something he did very often now that she comes to think about it. Sighing, she stole a glance at him. She frowned when she noted he was staring at someone. Following his gaze she was surprised to know that it was Naomi. The demon woman was laughing and blushing prettily at one of Miroku's bold compliments. Yes, Naomi was really pretty. Long, blonde hair, delicate and at the same time strong features and beautiful crystalline blue eyes. Crystalline! A tempting body too. Full of curves and a vast waist and breasts. Her lord's eyes were somewhat blazing. Their amber color almost golden and she could swear his cat like pupils were dilating, much like when she caressed his demonic markings the other night. Rin didn't know why but her heart was clenching inside her chest seeing him looking at a woman like that. Like he was ready to devour her. She swallowed the bitter feeling and remained silent the entire night. She would thank him later.

Right now all that mattered was that the people she cared the most were alright.

Author's Note: *gasp*