Pain raced through every nerve of her body, threatening to consume her as she struggled for breath. Things were slowly beginning to blur around her as warm liquid trickled out of the wound that had been created on her throat. Not deep enough to kill her quickly, but deep enough that she'd slowly bleed to death. Slowly and surely, Rin was sinking into the darkness that would surely offer comfort. A comfort that she didn't want to run from.

It had all happened fairly quickly, she thought distantly, a lazy smile fluttering across her lips as her eyes slowly traveled to her side where a still and small form lay in a crumpled heap. Amai hadn't suffered like she continued to; the katana had pierced straight through her heart and she'd died instantly, much to Rin's relief. She wouldn't have changed places if it was possible. Amai's once sparkling golden eyes were blank and staring at nothing, her lips blue.

One moment, she and Amai had been making their way to Sango and Miroku's, and in the next there were massive horses thundering across the ground, men laughing on their backs as they cut down anyone in their path towards the village, not seeming to care that the village was guarded by an easily angered half-demon.

The smell of smoke wafted through the air, reaching even she and Amai, who'd been among the first victims. The bandits had raced into the village without pause, lighting torches and burning down huts as they went along with their raid, letting the air fill with screams and death.

Most of their victims had gone down in the same fashion as Amai. Unknown to Rin, only one other was forced to suffer in the same way she was: a slow, torturous death as their blood pooled around them after they'd finally been disarmed.

A bubbling cough suddenly escaped her and Rin hacked up blood that had somehow gotten into her lungs. A race, she thought hysterically, it was a race to see if she drowned in her own blood or if she bled to death. The bandits had long since been chased off by a furious Inuyasha, she'd heard it all, but here she was, continuing to suffer for them.

Distantly, she heard someone shouting for Amai. She recognized the voice; Kagome was looking desperately for her daughter, sounding near tears. Rin struggled for a moment to make her voice loud enough, then gave up. There was no way she could get Kagome's attention, not with her voice the way it was. A sense of deja vu struck her; hadn't the previous Rin died in a similar fashion? Bleeding to death? Though she'd been waiting for a demonic lord...

Who seemed determined to confuse her further. When Rin had forced her eyes open again, barely able to do so, she thought she saw a blur of silver. A rasping breath escaped her in a small sigh. If she truly was the reincarnation of Rin, she thought sullenly, then Rin was destined to die like this every time! Bleeding to death as the dog demon Sesshomaru looked down upon her.

The smile that had left her face suddenly flickered back into existence. Despite his fury towards her, the demon hadn't been able to stay away, eh? Seemingly thoughtful, she sighed quietly and closed her eyes, the black swallowing up her vision completely as the last breath left her lips. So much like her previous life, she thought finally. Just like the last time.

Sesshomaru watched on silently as the woman that so resembled Rin went still. His cold eyes had gone narrowed, recognizing the sight before him. His thoughts were unkowingly similar to what Rin's had been moments before. So focused on the sight before him, he was startled when the miko suddenly appeared, wailing her daughter's name as she caught sight of her. She scarecely seemed to notice the woman beside her and Sesshomaru gritted his teeth furiously when he realized that it bothered him.

Kagome cradled Amai to her chest, smoothing her hair as tears rolled down her face. She made a soft soothing noise though the dead child was unable to hear her. "Amai," she whispered with a sob, "My little Amai..."

Sesshomaru tilted his head just slightly, unnoticable to anyone other than himself as a thought struck him. The Tenseiga left a hint of the scent of death on the people it saved. He'd noticed the scent on Rin when he'd saved her from death by wolves, and on the mother that Inuyasha had loved centuries before after the death of his father. Had his father looked at that human wretch with despair heavy in his heart before returning her to life?

His brother appeared. A furious growl that threatened the life of everything in the area thundered from his chest, and the eldest of the children appeared beside his parents with a confused and scared whine. Saisho was horrified, more so than anyone else there.

Sesshomaru gave an annoyed growl in return, stating irritably as the Tenseiga began to pulse, "Move aside, half-breed. Miko." Inuyasha bared his teeth, whipping around to snap something at him, but then recognized the sword that had been unsheathed. It took a few moments of coaxing, but he convinced Kagome to release Amai and set her down, pulling her back a few steps even as Kagome scowled and fought to return to her daughter's side.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, tightening his grip on Tenseiga. Of course his father's fang would want him to revive the little girl. He could care less; she was not a pup of his. But, nonetheless, the second he saw the spirits that would drag off her soul, he sliced through them. They screamed as they faded from existance.

It took a few moments, but suddenly Amai gave a gasp, sputtering desperately for air as she began to cry and sob hysteriacally in fear. Kagome rushed forward, gathering her daughter to her again. Inuyasha knelt before her, smoothing Amai's hair back soothingly and rumbling to her. To Sesshomaru's surprise, the half-demon girl's father gave him a thankful look. Amai buried her face in her mother's shoulder, ignoring the blood that had slicked both of them.

Sesshomaru turned to leave as he sheathed the Tenseiga, pausing only to glance back at the woman's body. Saisho had noticed now and gave a cry of "Mom! What's wrong with Rin?"

For some reason, Inuyasha realized as the demon stared blankly at Rin's body for a moment, Sesshomaru didn't seem to notice that this Rin could be saved. The thought struck him and he suddenly growled, ignoring Kagome's startled look. "Sesshomaru." The dog demon stopped, glancing back. "Help her. You can't just let her die again."

Sesshomaru stiffened angrily and he gave Inuyasha an icy look. "This is not Rin."

"Not the Rin we knew," Kagome said quietly, her voice the gentle and pleading tone that had gotten her Saisho. "But she's Rin, and she's right here, waiting for you just like she always was." That caught his attention and he seemed to actually stop and listen to her. "Please, Sesshomaru. She's not from here, she's lost, and there's something that attracts the demons to her. Even Inuyasha was affected. Please." As if working with her, the Tenseiga gave a meek little pulse.

Sesshomaru contemplated this. The miko wanted him to not only revive the human girl, but take her with him, as if she was his Rin? The girl he'd taken such careful care of only to lose? Humans were like insects; they didn't live long and they were so easily killed... His gold eyes shifted to the girl. Finally he gave a growl, unsheathing Tenseiga again. Kagome gathered Saisho to her so that he was out of the way.

Sesshomaru studied the woman a final time before he narrowed his gaze to search for the messengers that he was determined to kill, ignoring the reminder that he hadn't been able to save Rin previously. How did he expect to save her, even a different incarnation of her soul, this time? Upon seeing the familiar messengers, he sliced through them, then shoved Tenseiga into its sheathe and knelt beside the young woman as she heaved for air, coughing up what blood was left in her lungs. Unable to help himself, he let a clawed hand gracefully reach out to skim across her cheek, ignoring the blood that was there. He wrinkled his nose in disgust at the blood.

Kagome stood swiftly, tucking Amai closely against her. "I'll lend her a fresh yukata, we can get her cleaned up-"

Sesshomaru shot her an icy glare and Inuyasha automatically began to growl darkly, daring the demon to touch his mate. "Do not bother," he snapped, frowning when Rin suddenly rolled away and coughed harshly, gagging on the blood in her mouth. He seemed almost uncertain as of what to do with the human woman when she suddenly vomited into the grass.

Kagome glared back. "She needs a fresh yukata, Sesshomaru." That said, she said, "I'll be right back, Inuyasha. Saisho, stay with your father." She set Amai in Inuyasha's arms, hoping it would keep the half-demon from mauling his brother out of anger. "Stay here, dear," she whispered to her exhausted daughter, kissing Amai's head softly. A final look, and the woman was running back in the direction of her home.

Inuyasha watched after her with a low growl, not happy with the idea of his mate running around moments after bandits had been running around. But Kagome came back only minutes later as Rin exhaustedly rested her head in her lap, hauling along a new kimono for her daughter along with the yukata she intended to gift Rin.

Kagome settled down beside Rin, rubbing her back soothingly as she said quietly, "Rin? Are you alright?"

"Dunno," she slurred, gaze dull as it transferred to the concerned miko. "I feel sick."

"Let's get you out of that," Kagome coaxed, helping her stand on unsteady legs. She shot Inuyasha and Sesshomaru a glare that earned her a threatening one in response. "Stay here, we'll be right back." She led Rin into some nearby shrubbery, already tugging on the loose yukata to get it off of Rin after handing Inuyasha the kimono for their daughter.

As he gently tugged Amai's disgusting yukata from her body and wrapped her in the warm kimono, Inuyasha shot his brother a look. "You know what she was talking about. About Rin attracting demons. You feel it, too, you bastard, don't lie."

Sesshomaru stiffened, shooting his half-brother a look of annoyance. "Perhaps, he admitted finally after a few precious seconds. Understanding what Inuyasha wanted, he muttered, "I will look into this. I do not feel like fighting in another war due to some human girl's...scent." Even Sesshomaru could understand the urge that had Inuyasha's demon side flaring up dangerously close to the surface. A mixture of lusting need and the snarling wish to destroy her touched even Sesshomaru, though he hid it well.

"Inuyasha! Is Amai dressed yet?"

Inuyasha looked up at his mate, rumbling softly when he realized she was in a new yukata herself, ridding herself of Amai's blood. The bloody yukata was tucked underneath her arm along with the destroyed one that Rin had been wearing. The other woman was now dressed in a deep blue yukata that made her skin seem paler than it really was. Inuyasha looked back to his daughter, ears twitching. "Yeah, she's dressed." He soothingly rumbled when Amai sniffled, scrubbing at her eyes. Kagome took the bloody yukata and adjusted any rumples in the fresh kimono the girl now wore.

"We'll make you a new yukata; you can help me! How does that sound, dear?" Kagome promised, kissing her forehead. She shoved the dirty clothing at Inuyasha, then gathered Amai to her, hugging her tightly after pulling Saisho over to join in.

Rin, now uncertain and looking a whole lot better since she wasn't covered in blood, bit her lip, watching silently though her gaze shifted to Sesshomaru every now and then. He seemed to be waiting impatiently for something, his gaze locked on the trees. As if sensing her gaze, however, his eyes suddenly shifted to hers, a piercing look in them. Rin flinched, looking down with unease.

"Um, Rin?" Kagome said suddenly, capturing her attention. She had a kind, slightly apologetic smile, and Rin automatically knew she wasn't going to like whatever the older woman had planned. "How would you feel about going with Sesshomaru for the time being?"

Rin's jaw dropped and despite the gratitude towards Kagome a moment before, gave her a glare that was nearly as icy as Sesshomaru's. "You're pawning me off now, to get me away from the village," she accused, earning a snort from the full blooded dog demon not too far away.

To Kagome's surprise, Inuyasha interrupted the conversation. "There's something weird about your scent." His golden eyes were narrowed almost thoughtfully, and Rin turned her irritation on him. Ignoring the look he was given from more than just Rin, "S'like something demons really crave. There'll be demons coming 'cause of the blood, fire, and smoke, but they'll tear each other apart to get to you."

Rin looked at him with a look of shock upon her pale face. "Why do I have to leave?" she demanded, voice cracking with the nervousness she felt. So this was why he'd changed? Why she couldn't stay? Because he wanted her, even with his mate around? Rin mentally grimaced at that thought. She liked Inuyasha, he was a good guy. But not that much!

They didn't answer and she bit her lip. "Damn it," Rin whispered, casting Sesshomaru a nervous look. He was facing away, so she couldn't see the expression on his face. But she didn't think it was a happy one.

Saisho startled her when he stepped closer and tugged on her sleeve. She looked down at him and he paused, "Um, he saved Amai and you...he can't be too bad, can he?" Words said, he disappeared to hide behind his father when Sesshomaru gave a low growl. Inuyasha returned it, irritated with him for scaring his son.

Sesshomaru gave Rin a piercing look. "Come," he said sharply before starting away, heading for the trees. Rin's jaw dropped at the command. But not wanting to push her luck with what could kill her, she hurried to gratefully smile at Kagome. Even if she was being kicked out of the village for something she didn't believe, the other woman had supplied her shelter and clothes and had helped her out. Kagome returned it.

Pausing only to scoop up her Jihibukai, Rin scrambled after Sesshomaru, not enthusastic about this whole ordeal at all.

Soon enough, they were surruonded by foliage and any animals that might have made some sort of noise were scared away by Sesshomaru's presence. Falling into a miserable silence, Rin hugged her Jihibukai, lightly touching a spot where she knew the naginata had sliced through. Distantly, she could remember a multitude of things. A smiling girl, a powerful looking demon, a misty surrounding.

But nothing other than that.

A shiver ran through her at a cool breeze and she bit her lip, brown eyes studying the ground in front of her. The strange shoes she wore would wear out if all they did was walk, Rin realized. And then she'd be forced to go barefoot. Not something that sounded like too much fun to her.

Jihibukai thrummed somewhat comfortingly and Sesshomaru gave a growl in response to its flaring aura. "Throw the weapon away," he muttered to Rin, "You have no need of it."

Rin glared at him, tightening her grip on the wooden grip. "I'll be judge of that, thanks," she said coolly. "Forgive me, but I don't trust you enough to just do whatever you say. I'm not some obedient little pet, got that?" Did he really think she would blindly follow whatever order he gave? Of course not. If she was in danger, that was different, but throwing away the naginata Totosai had supplied for her free of charge? Was he stupid?

Sesshomaru fell silent again, practically bristling with annoyance, and Rin felt a sense of satisfaction. She'd ruffled him, annoyed him, and she was still alive.

For some reason, that made her want to laugh as much as his wrinkling of the nose had. She had a feeling that the demon wasn't all too fond of her, but would protect her a third time if it came down to it. She trusted him to do as much.

Sesshomaru paused to glance over his shoulder, past Rin. Rn frowned, twisting to look back, but saw nothing. "What is it?" she questioned.

"Demons have arrived at the village," Sesshomaru answered, surprising her. She hadn't expected him to explain to her. "Inuyasha has released more than just the Wind Scar." Rin frowned, uncertain of what the "Wind Scar" he had mentioned was, but realizing he wasn't going to explain, simply started continued after him when he started walking once more.

Silence filled the air between them and Rin bit back a small irritated moan of frustration.

This was going to be her own personal version of Hell.

Rin winced the second she felt a blister pop. Pain flooded her ankle and she yelped as she went down in a crumpled heap, finally getting Sesshomaru's attention enough that the dog demon paused and turned to see what had happened to her. Gritting her teeth, she muttered, "I can't go any further. We've already been walking for hours and hours, can't we stop and rest for a bit at least? My feet are falling apart." Not completely true, but her feet hurt horribly. Enough so to long for the comfort of passing out for a few hours.

Sesshomaru gave an irritated sound, something he'd been doing a lot since she'd been shoved upon him, she realized. She couldn't blame the guy. She loved her traveling, but on foot for hours wasn't part of the traveling she usually did. Hoping to gain at least some forgiveness, she said quietly, "Sorry."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Remain here," he suddenly said before vanishing into the trees, leaving Rin completely alone.

Wonderful, Rin thought, scowling. She placed a hand on Jihibukai for reassurance, and the naginata flared in response. Upset by suddenly finding herself alone , she threw herself onto a tree root and bit her lip. This guy was worse than the boyfriend she'd had months before. Of course, they'd been over long before this adventure, but...

A thought hit Rin and she didn't understand why she hadn't thought of it before. "Where are we going?" she murmured with narrowed eyes. "Can't have possibly been just wandering around..."

Her thoughts were interrupted by Sesshomaru suddenly appearing once more, this time slowly floating down from the sky. He landed quietly, nearly silent, and then smirked as she hurried to jump to her feet. Finding the expression a little bit scarier then his glares, Rin cringed away. But she was even more startled when a massive scaled creature thudded to the ground in front of her. With two heads, each head's jaws parted in a roar, the dragon creature shocked her by darting forward at full speed to bury his noses against her chest.

"Ah-Uhn," he said simply, "Will carry you."

Hesitant, Rin stroked one of the large scaled heads as Ah-Uhn practically purred, looking more than just a little happy to see her. A smile fluttered across her face and she curiously touched the metal muzzle of the other head. Deciding not to question it, she giggled. "You're a friendly one, aren't you," she murmured, happy to have a companion that wouldn't glare at her every few seconds. She glanced at Sesshomaru. "Um, why is it that he doesn't want to eat me?"

Sesshomaru blinked. "He recognizes your scent."

Rin gave each head a kiss, then moved to climb onto Ah-Uhn's back, cursing under her breath when he was too tall for her to get on by herself. "Err, Sesshomaru, could you- ah!" She gasped when she suddenly found herself easily lifted onto Ah-Uhn's back. Sesshomaru gave her a cool look as he released her, then started forward again.

Rin quickly clutched the front of the saddle on Ah-Uhn's back, struggling to stay balanced while keeping a grasp on her Jihibukai. It might have been part of Sesshomaru's plan to get rid of the naginata, but she kept a tight grip and refused to let go of it, knowing that if she dropped it, there was no way in hell she was getting it back.

Ah-Uhn seemed happy enough. He kept making a small growling purr, one head twisting around to check on the woman who rode on him, as if anxious that she would disappear from the position. And everytime he did so, Rin reached out to reassuringly pat one of the two muzzles. It turned into a game of some sorts, she reazlied with an amused smile, when a head snaked around again to nuzzle her.

After a while, he settled down, and Rin relaxed. So long as Ah-Uhn stayed at this pace, she'd be able to easily balance everything that needed balanced without falling off. Rin frowned. Just where was Sesshomaru taking them? After nearly an hour of contemplating the possibilities, she finally called aloud, "Um, Sesshomaru."
"Hn."

Rolling her eyes at his answer, she asked, picking her words carefully, "Would you tell me where we're going? I figured I might as well know since I'm going to the same place as you."

She was surprised when he actually answered, voice cold, "The capital of the Western Lands. The Western Fortress."

Rin had a feeling that she wasn't going to like the place. Wary, she used her knees to balance her Jihibukai and hugged herself. She wanted to go home even more than she had previously. Home was safe. Secure. People who loved her and would worry over her were there. Not send her off to some strange man who was dragging her across the countryside. Homesickness filled her and tears pricked the backs of her eyes, making her shake her head violently, nearly upsetting her careful balance. She couldn't think of that now.

Ah-Uhn suddenly gave an uneasy hiss, stopping. Both heads were raised, ears pricked with alertness as he tried to sense what was around them. Rin nervously grasped Jihibukai when Sesshomaru stopped and scented the air carefully, golden eyes searching the trees around them. He curled a lip. "How bothersome," the dog demon growled, slowly pivoting in his spot to face a darkened part of the forest.

A rumbling growl met his words and Rin watched with wide eyes as a large cat stalked into view, its tail twitching irritably, piercing eyes glaring. It hissed, pulling its lips back to show off, to Rin's surprise, rows of razor sharp teeth that could tear flesh from bone with ease. Sesshomaru's hand automatically dropped to the second of the two swords at his hip, and Ah-Uhn hurriedly backed up, tensed and seeming alarmed by this action.

So that sword wasn't something to be toyed with, Rin decided. The cat, a leopard, screamed its fury, black eyes glinting with malicious excitement that gave the human girl the chills. Its fur bushed up with a threatening look on its face, and Sesshomaru suddenly released the sword, instead giving a loud growl that seemed to loud and thunderous to come from him. Rin watched with horrified fascination as he bared his teeth, the magenta stripes on each cheek becoming ragged and his eyes bleeding red.

Much to Rin's surprise, the leoparad hissed, ears flattening against its head. Seconds later, it whipped around and darted off, disappearing with a twitch of its tail. Rin watched as Sesshomaru's face returned to normal, her eyes wide with shock.

Inuyasha hadn't been lying, she distantly realized, demons truly were smelling her and racing after as soon as they could- until they realized that if they tried to touch her, death would meet them. A smile encased her face at that thought, earning a raised eyebrow from the dog demon. He didn't want her there, yet he protected her. How strange.

Ah-Uhn relaxed then, rumbling under his breath as he twisted a head around to make sure that Rin was alright. Rin patted the head soothingly, reassuring him that she was okay. "Stop fretting about me so much," she scolded the dragon-like demon. He grumbled, facing forward again, and a giggle escaped her lips.

Though he didn't show it, Sesshomaru's interest peaked at the sound of the young woman's laughter. His golden gaze traveled over to rest on her and he frowned to himself as he watched her. She was talking to Ah-Uhn as if he were a person that could converse in return. She smiled kindly at the grumbling demon, then turned her head unexpectantly towards him, meeting his gaze with a determined one.

"Are we going," she asked, looking seemingly impatient, "Or not? Whyever we're going to this Fortress of yours, I want to get this over with. I'm not into the whole hanging around when I could be doing other things, I hope you know. Just a tip for the future."

For a moment, he had seen his Rin. Now the annoying young woman was back. He surprised her with a small sigh as he turned to start heading in the designated direction again, pausing once when Rin groaned in disappointment. Did the woman want to stop for the night before the sun had set?

Not that he would let that happen.

They would keep moving until the sun was just below the horizen, as he always did when accompanied by this soul's mortal body. Or, at least, he hoped. Even Sesshomaru had acknowledged the fact that the human woman wouldn't make much further. Annoyed, he curled a lip, deciding he would take her further from the territory of the leopard demon.

He didn't care if she lived or died, to be eaten by the demon, he told himself. He was simply studying her to see why she attracted the demons the way he did. That's what he told himself, anyways. The urge to make sure she was safe before he slipped off to deal with any nearby demon told another story, however.

He risked a final look back at the woman to see her gazing with a warm smile at one of Ah-Uhn's twin heads.

No. It wasn't his first instinct to make sure that smile stayed safely on her face.

The second Sesshomaru stated quietly that they were stopping for the night in a field of lush grass, Rin dropped from Ah-Uhn's saddle and sprawled out tiredly on the soft ground, inhaling the smell of the plants with a contented look. The day had exhausted her. Getting kicked out of a home after being abruptly awakened, getting killed, and then sent off to travel with a stoic demon that rarely said a word had tired her.

She set Jihibukai down on the grass beside her and Ah-Uhn rumbled as he lowered a head to rub the muzzle against her arm. Instinctively, Rin reached up and took off the metal muzzle, trusting the dragon not to hurt her now, she did the same to the other head, dumping both heavy muzzles beside her on the ground. Ah-Uhn made a reassuring rumbling sound as he flopped down, curling around her without pause.

Rin giggled, rubbing both muzzles gently, then looking up when Sesshomaru appeared in front of her. Blinking, she craned her head back to look up at him. His tone was commanding as he said, "Remain here. I will return."

"A-alright," Rin agreed, surprised. Sesshomaru turned without another word and left, leaving Rin alone with the dragon. Ah-Uhn didn't seem the least bit bothered and Rin returned her attention to him. "I wonder where you came from. He kind of pulled you out of nowhere, didn't he, big guy?" she cooed, kissing a nose. The other head became jealous and growled until she did the same to it.

Rin chuckled under her breath, then stood and stretched. "Come on, Ah-Uhn," she told him as he stood, looking uncertain now. "Why don't we go find some nearby stream to soak my feet in, hm? And possibly something to eat?"

Ah-Uhn lowered himself to let her onto his back, then stood and began strolling forward. Rin found herself giggling at his proud walk and she sat back to enjoy the ride as Ah-Uhn picked his way out of the field and into some the trees, easily finding a stream. She slid from his back again. Sitting on the bank, she let her feet splash around in the water with a small smile on her face. It was relaxing now that they weren't rushing to get to the Fortress.

After Rin was comfortable, Ah-Uhn nudged her, then stomped off further downstream, where he drank and then seemed to still and watch the water. It was only when both heads lashed out, each coming up with a fish in their jaws that she realized what he was doing. "Good job!" Rin called out with a bright smile.

She couldn't survive in a forest with no supplies, but she definitely knew how to gut a fish! She kept her feet in the numbing water until Ah-Uhn had caught a decent amount of fish, though the pile was more like a mountain so that the dragon could eat as well. When he'd finished, she shrugged off the kimono she wore, relieved there was a white yukata underneath it, and began to gather the fish up to bring back. "I'll need to wash this later," she murmured, wrinkling her nose at the smell.

She trailed behind Ah-Uhn back to where they were staying for the night, leaving her shoes behind. They were useless to her anyways. She'd just have to let her feet toughen up, no matter how much it ended up hurting. "Alright, now for the hard part," Rin sighed, dropping the fish and crossing her arms. "Now we meed a fire...I'll be right back!" She slid back into the trees, gathering decently sized sticks that she was sure would be useable. Thank you camping trips!

When she returned, Ah-Uhn was already devouring his fish raw, making Rin grimace in disgust. "Gross," she complained to the supposedly innocent dragon. Ah-Uhn simply looked at her with fish sticking out of his mouth. Rin laughed, setting up stones and sticks so that she could light a fire. A moan left her lips when she realized the problem. She didn't have a lighter!

"What do I do?" she sighed, glancing to Ah-Uhn. He snorted, as if mockingly saying, How should I know? She gave him a suspicious look. "You look like a dragon...can't you breathe fire or something?" Ah-Uhn looked at her with a sharp look. "Fine, fine. Too below your status then, huh?" She began to run her fingers along the ground, inspecting each piece of rock she found. "Let's see if we can find some rocks to start a fire, hm?"

By the time Sesshomaru had finally returned, Rin had managed to start a fire and had begun to cook the fish, munching on one that had been cooked already. She didn't bother to look up to greet him, as Ah-Uhn didn't get furious at the intruder. That meant it was a friend.

She did, however, offer a fish that had been stabbed onto a stick to cook, blinking up at him. If she was going to be stuck with him, she decided, she might as well try and make a friend out of the icy demon lord. "Would you like some?"

Sesshomaru curled a lip, looking strangely furious at the offer, silently reminded of the days before Rin's first revival. "I do not eat human food," he retorted, turning his face away. Rin frowned at his response.

"Fine," she muttered, glaring a hole in the dog demon. "Be a jerk, you stupid mutt."

Her response was not met well. A moment later, a slim clawed hand had her pinned to the ground by the throat, claws pricking her skin and threatening to bring blood to the surface. "You will not," he said in a dangerously cold tone, "call this Sesshomaru such names again. Is that clear?"

Rin's breath hitched and Ah-Uhn gave a low groan of disapproval, pausing in munching on his fish. Rin swallowed fearfully, automatically trying to pry his hand off. It was as if her pushing had no affect. In fact, he tightened his grip fractionally, making Rin hiss in pain when his claws nicked her throat and blood blossomed. "Is that," he stated, snarling and baring his teeth in her face. "Clear?"

"Yes," Rin choked out, admittedly scared. She gasped for air, shoving harder at his arm and writhing desperately to free herself. "Loud and clear." She gazed up at him fearfully and he blinked twice before ripping away as if he'd been burned.

Not once had his Rin ever been scared of him. His Rin had always put full trust into his abilities to protect her, even at the end of her life. Never before had she looked up at him with terror. And for some reason, the scared fear in this woman's eyes had him reeling back with a low growl at the realization that he'd caused it.

Rin sat up quickly, flinching away from the demon a few feet in front of her. The young American cupped her throat in her hands, eyes wide at the red that slicked her fingers just slightly. Ah-Uhn didn't hesitated to hiss his displeasure at Sesshomaru, protective of the young woman now that she'd been returned to them. Silence fell between them as Rin quietly finished her dinner before asking quietly, "Where did you go?"

He didn't look at her, staring into the nearby treeline. "There were other demons that would of interrupted the peace. I rid this world of them before they could be a problem to me."

In other words, Sesshomaru had murdered what might have possibly been peaceful demons all because he didn't want to fight them later.

Frustrated, Rin turned away without another word, tears boiling in her eyes.

At that moment, Rin decided a multitude of things. One, she hated Sesshomaru. She hated him with a passion. And two?

Karin Bane would find a way back home, even if it killed her. Because there was no way in hell that shew as going to live the rest of her life with an unfeeling bastard of a lord and dog demon.

As she curled up to sleep, her mind became overwhelmed once more by the desire to go home. Her thoughts were of her family, of the friends she'd left behind. At the same time, she thought of the feeling of plummeting through the air towards the ground thousands of feet below the passengers of the plane. She could remember screaming, tightly clutching the soothing hand of the man next to her as he stared stonily ahead, as if he'd already accepted the death that was sure to come. She remembered the way that, at the last second, he'd pulled something out of the breast pocket of his shirt, a crumpled picture of a beaming young woman.

When he'd caught her staring at the picture with terrified curiosity, he'd given her a faint smile. "My wife," he'd said quietly. She'd somehow heard him over the screaming passengers around them. "I called her a selfish bitch before I left. We fought viciously and now I'll never get to say I'm sorry."

Rin felt a flash of sympathy for the man and the wife that had been left behind, wondering if her husband would ever come back to her. It must hurt, she thought drowsily as sleep took over her. It must really hurt for that poor woman. She'll never get to say her apologies to him.

Sesshomaru watched intently as soon as he was sure the woman was asleep, an irritated huff escaping him. He could of so easily killed her, rid himself of her annoyance then and there. But he couldn't have brought himself to kill her. Warn her, threaten her, but not kill her. He sighed.

His mother had come to adore Rin in the times that she hadn't been teaching him the secrets of Tenseiga. She had been heartbroken when she'd learned of the girl's death.

He did not look forward to reaching the Fortress, where he knew she awaited news of whether or not he'd found himself a suitable mate.

A/N

Is it just me or are these chapters getting harder and harder to write...? I have no clue where Ah-Uhn came from, nor will I ever figure it out with the way my mind works. And yay! They're finally stuck together! Doubt they want to be, but nevertheless!

Names, Meanings, etc.

Reviewers

dragonroses: Thank you! :) I'm very glad you enjoy it!