With a soft moan, her eyes fluttered open. Confused, she took in the high ceiling above her, the snowy walls of the room she rested in, then reached up to press a hand to her aching head, hissing in pain when she accidentally pressed her hand against her swollen cheek. "Ow...where the heck...?" She couldn't have possibly left the Western Fortress, but where was she?! She didn't recognize this room...

Slowly, ignoring the pounding behind her eyes, Rin took in the futon she was in, took in the surrounding space, and came to a quick conclusion: this was a hell of a nice bedroom. And it certainly wasn't hers. Shivering, she hugged the blanket that had fallen to her waist around her shoulders, biting her lip and contemplating what to do. Do I wait or do I find out where I am...ugh. Not getting up, so waiting it is. She felt a pang of sickness, nausea swimming through her. Yep. Waiting it was.

She didn't have to wait long. Chiryoshi suddenly came bundling in through a finely decorated shoji door, a tub of objects held tightly to her chest...until she saw that Rin was sitting up. The tub crashed to the ground loudly, the sound making Rin grimace in pain, and Chiryoshi gave a small cry as she clapped her hands over her mouth. "Lady Rin! You're awake!"

"Uh...yeah," Rin said in response, confused. "I am. Where am I? I take it I've been out a while if you're freaking out..."

Chiryoshi merely grinned, holding up a hand to stop her questions for a moment before peering through the door. She spoke quietly to someone who stood outside, then came bustling over, gathering up the objects she carried. "You've been out for days, Lady Rin. Nearly seven, I believe. Lord Sesshomaru is worried, though he hides his concern as well as he usually does. Lady Kimi, Ringu, Kokoro, and Surudoi are concerned for you as well."

"A week then," Rin mumbled, allowing Chiryoshi to set to work on examining her head. "Okay then, that's nice. Apparently I'm just going around talking to people while I'm in a coma... Where are we? I haven't been here before..."

Chiryoshi chuckled softly. "These are Lord Sesshomaru's quarters, Lady Rin," she replied, nodding at the room around them, then laughing when Rin's jaw dropped. "Lord Sesshomaru ordered that you were brought here to have peace until you woke up; he didn't like the idea of the other demons staying in my infirmary around you." She dropped to her knees beside her, fussing immediately over the bandages that Rin realized were wrapped around her head, putting a light pressure on the injuries to hopefully help. "I can't say I blame him for such thoughts after what happened...I am not very fond of death since it takes away so many of my patients, but I must admit: the fact that Unarigoe is gone is very reassuring."

"I'll agree to that," Rin said quickly, flashing the other woman a faint smile. Chiryoshi beamed back, patting her hair lightly before pushing herself to her feet. "I believe all you require is bed rest, my lady," she reported, gathering up what she'd brought and leaving the tub for Rin. "Ringu and Surudoi are standing guard outside again. Both are healed to perfection. Either Lady Kimi, Kokoro, or even Lord Sesshomaru himself should be returning to the room shortly...have them fill that with water and clean yourself up when they arrive if you wish. I did my best to get most of the blood off, but Lord Sesshomaru was in such a fit that I wasn't able to finish."

"Thanks, Chiryoshi," Rin told her, giving her a look of gratitude. Chiryoshi gave a final wave, then turned and left, leaving Rin to sit in the futon by herself, peering around her at the room that belonged to Sesshomaru. It was simply decorated, nothing like her own room, the room that belonged to the previous Rin. It was nearly as cold as the lord himself, she thought, biting her lip.

"Lady Rin?" She glanced up at Surudoi's familiar voice. He grinned as she waved at him. "Nice to see you up and moving again," he said firmly, voice sincere before saying, "Lady Kimi is here to see you. Would you like her to join you? Kokoro should be arriving shortly..."

"Go ahead and let her in," Rin said eagerly. She's find out what she'd missed from the Lady of the West. There must have been some sort of event that had happened while she was out!

Kimi came bustling in with a brilliant smile on her face, her fangs gleaming in the light of the room. Her form was no longer splashed with red, her carefully styled hair in place without a single strand out of place and her clothes clean and unwrinkled. "Rin, dear," she greeted with a flash of her fangs, "It's good to see you awake. It's been rather boring in the Fortress during your unconsciousness..."

"Hello, Kimi," Rin greeted with a small laugh. Her head pounded and she winced, gingerly touching it before smiling brightly at the demoness. Kimi gracefully sank to her knees beside the human woman. "What have I missed?"

"Nothing important," Kimi sighed, "Sesshomaru has declared war on Mizuki. Mizuki offered to come up with some sort of peaceful treaty, but my son would have none of it and has sent Ippan to gather up all of his men. Not all of them are here, little one," she explained when Rin frowned, "Some are guarding other locations, you know. Our territory is large."

"I see," Rin mused, then tilted her head, questioning hesitantly. "Um...where's Sesshomaru? Is he coming?"

Kimi shook her head. "I am unknowing of what my son is doing at the moment. He comes to check on you at least once a day, however, so he will come eventually. He isn't very happy with anyone at the moment." She sighed. "He has been quite the snappish man as of recently. Everyone is wound up after the attack. I believe you being awake will help everyone calm down."

"I don't know why," Rin grumbled. "I'm not that important. Just a human girl Sesshomaru keeps around 'cause he has to."

Kimi chuckled, reaching out to lightly rest her claws on Rin's cheek. "You are not just a human girl he keeps around, Rin, dear. Otherwise, you would have been dead long ago. Oh!" She glanced up, a grin suddenly reappearing on her face. "As I said, you are not just a human, my dear."

"Lady Rin," Surudoi said, peeking in again with a nervous expression. "Um, Lord Sesshomaru has arrived...shall I let him in?"

"Yes," Rin sighed, "Go ahead. Not that you could stop him if he really wanted in," she added under her breath, making Kimi giggle. The demoness reached out to affectionately pat her cheek with a clawed hand, and Rin smiled faintly at her. "Please don't go anywhere. I don't think he's going to be too happy with me."

"Oh, you'll be fine," Kimi sighed, rolling her eyes. Nonetheless, she remained where she was, inclining her head respectfully when the Lord of the West stepped into the room, icy eyes locked on Rin. "Hello, Sesshomaru," the dog demoness mused. "You took your time to come. Is everything alright with the planning dear?"

Ignoring her, Sesshomaru growled softly, the sound nearly a purr in its quietness. Of course, not even the volume of it could hide the anger. "You are awake."

"Last time I checked...yeah." Rin crossed her arms, biting her lower lip with a wary look. "Err, Chiryoshi told me this was your room, right?" When he didn't answer, she chattered on, nervous now. She didn't remember doing anything to anger him...besides passing out for a week, that is. "So I had this interesting dream you might care to hear about..."

"Leave us," Sesshomaru ordered, turning a suddenly piercing glare on his mother. Kimi frowned, but stood, sweeping past him and giving him a growl of warning that Sesshomaru seemed to understand. He waited until she was gone, then flicked a piece of hair off of his shoulder, stepping closer in the light way that he walked.

"Seriously," Rin tried to insist. "That dream...err, Majo was kinda in it." He paused at this and Rin sighed softly in relief. He wasn't going to throttle her now! Hastily, she continued. "I think she kinda planted herself in my dream." She hesitated then, then said quietly, deciding the demon deserved to know, "Um, the other Rin, the one before me? Your...ward? Majo...she said that she wasn't supposed to die. She was, uh, supposed to grow up with Kagome and them in that village before returning here." Might as well not freak the pissy demon off too much... "I literally should not exist because of it."

"Rin," Sesshomaru growled, startling the young woman, though she quickly realized it wasn't her name he meant. "Was not supposed to perish?" His eyes had hardened into a look she recognized as the one she'd seen in his eyes the first time he'd learned of her name and who she was. A look of icy rage snapped across the dog demon's face. "Explain."

Slowly, Rin began to explain the dream she'd had, careful to go into as much detail as she could. "Majo...I don't think she wants to kill me. She really doesn't want to. But I shouldn't be alive." Rin dropped her gaze, fiddling with her hands in her lap. He continued to glare at her, growling softly as she talked. "I spoke with her in my dream, like I said. Rin was supposed to live." She paused, then forced herself to say softly, "She was supposed to grow up in the village, then return to this place," she waved around her, "and become the Lady of the West, Sesshomaru. And if she had, I would not be alive. I literally should have never existed. That's why she wants to kill me, she thinks it will fix it." She hesitated, then looked him straight in the eye. "Knowing that, Lord Sesshomaru...would you kill me? Would you willingly kill me if it got her back?"

Sesshomaru blinked slowly, tilting his head just barely as he studied the woman before him. Rin stared at him without blinking, sinking her teeth into her lower lip. Finally, he spoke, his voice a raspy tone that she wasn't used to. "Rin," he said, his voice longing at the name. The Rin before him bit back a soft sigh. This was not her name that he spoke. "I once saved her from a pack of wolves after they killed her. I used the Tenseiga to revive her. In an effort to teach me a lesson that my father wished for me to learn, she was killed again. The Tenseiga only revives someone once, whether they are demon or human. My mother," he scowled, "was not who she is now at the time. She revived Rin and grew fond of her afterwards. There are many that wish she would not have perished."

Rin scowled slightly, though she understood why he said such things. It was one thing saving and raising a girl from a young age. It was a completely different thing to find a carbon copy of said girl who refused to do anything they were told. "Better go find Majo then," she mumbled, "'Cause apparently she knows how to fix it."

"Majo," Sesshomaru growled sharply, "is uncertain of what would happen if such a thing was to happen." Rin's gaze snapped up to meet fierce golden eyes. "She does not know if such a thing would work. And this Sesshomaru does not make unneccessary risks. Your life will not be given up in favor of a hope that might not occur."

Unable to help herself, a hint of a smile flashed across Rin's face. "Good to know that you don't think so lightly of me, my lord." Despite her teasing words, her tone held a true gratefulness that, for some reason, resulted in Sesshomaru giving a reluctant rumbling sound from deep in his chest.

Happy, Rin merely smiled before shouting, "Hey! Ringu! Get me something to eat, would you?"

"You really shouldn't be up and walking, Lady Rin," Ringu scolded as he trailed along behind the young human woman. Surudoi nodded his agreement. Both had their weapons cleaned, sharpened, and sheathed at their sides, and Rin had shouldered her Jihibukai as they made their way through the Western Fortress.

Rin flashed him a reassuring look. "Don't worry, Chiryoshi gave me permission to walk around a little bit."

"Which doesn't include going to visit Ah-Uhn. Lord Sesshomaru is going to kill us if Lady Kimi doesn't," Surudoi muttered, frowning. Rin merely giggled as she ducked out the door she'd once escaped through, humming as she stepped into the courtyard. She squinted at the bright light, unused to it. It had been quite a few weeks since she'd last ventured outside, and now she found herself determined to enjoy it.

"I want to see the gardens, too, I have yet to go see those," Rin told them as she made a beeline for the stables. She entered without hesitation, waving off a bowing servant as she called, "Ah-Uhn?" Two heads popped over a stall door and she grinned, ignoring the other bickering creatures as the strange dragon creature chirpped in greeting, stretching to reach her. Lightly, she handed Jihibukai to Surudoi, reassuring him that the weapon wouldn't kill him, then scratched both heads' chins. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she cooed as one head whined, nuzzling her cheek. "I didn't come to visit you for a while, did I? I'm sorry, I'll come see you more often, I promise."

"He seems to have missed you, my lady," the servant that had bowed, a stablehand by the looks of it, commented lightly, casting a wary look at Surudoi and Ringu, who watched him cautiously, refusing to allow him to get too close. Sesshomaru had been fiercely firm when telling them that Rin was to not get hurt again. "Perhaps you would like to wash him? I'm afraid I haven't been able to reach him today with my partner sick..."

"Oh, that would be awesome," Rin agreed eagerly, taking the cloth he offered. She eagerly stepped into the stall, giggling when one of the heads rested itself on her shoulder as she began to swipe the cloth along Ah-Uhn's scales. "Maybe we can convince them to let you out for a bit later, hm?" she whispered to him. Ah-Uhn purred in amusement, rubbing a head along her arm as the other nodded eagerly in agreement.

Chuckling, she scrubbed at his scales, working diligently and cheerfully until the creature's entire body gleamed. Ah-Uhn's eyes sparkled as it made a happy sound, nuzzling her cheek happily before settling down to nap, clearly more comfortable then he had been moments before. Giving each head a kiss, Rin ducked out of the stall, latching the door behind her and tossing the cloth aside. Smirking as she took Jihibukai away from Surudoi and Ringu, she beamed. "Okay, let's go see those gardens now."

"Why don't we do that tomorrow, my lady?" Ringu suggested, waving at the sky around them as they stepped outside. The sky was darkening, Rin noted with disappointment, not eager to return to the large empty room she was still staying in. "It's nearly time for your supper."

"True," she agreed reluctantly. Then she shouldered Jihibukai, smiling brightly at her two guards. "Let's go back inside then, yes?"

With ease, the friendly trio made their way inside. They crossed paths with Kokoro, who stopped to greet them cheerfully and warn them to avoid an irritable Chiryoshi if they could help it - the healer had lost a patient over the night, and she wasn't happy about it - before going back to her work. The crane was in the process of scrubbing blood from clothing, which was still being worked on even weeks after their battle. After speaking to one of the many cooks, who told Rin her supper would be brought to her room, Rin decided she was tired of walking around ("Finally," Ringu had muttered.) and started in the direction of her room rather than Sesshomaru's.

"Um, Lady Rin?" Surudoi said uneasily. "Where are you going?"

"My room," Rin said with a shrug, "Chiryoshi didn't specify where I have to sleep. And now I want to go back to my own room. Is there an issue with that?"

"Not really," Ringu admitted, exchanging a wary glance with Surudoi. "Perhaps it is best that you alert Lady Kimi, Chiryoshi, or Lord Sesshomaru himself of your whereabouts first, though? Lord Sesshomaru would not be pleased to not be aware of where you are...he's been rather prickly these past few days. Please, for our sake at least? I don't feel like having my head ripped off quite literally because we didn't at least tell him..."

Rin rolled her eyes. "Wimp," she snorted, then patted her Jihibukai. "Fine. But I'm blaming you if I get banned from my own room or something that, Ringu. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," he agreed with a hint of a smile. "Though I think you should be alright so long as you alert my lord of where you're going."

"Then let's go do that...where is he?" Rin craned her head back to look over her shoulder. "Haven't seem him around today. He vanish out of the Fortress or something?"

"Not that I know of," Surudoi said with a shrug. "I assume he is conferencing with Ippan...who I am quite concerned about, actually. Ringu, you have noticed his uneasiness, yes?"

"He has seemed quite different since the battle," Ringu agreed, looking troubled. He shifted thoughtfully, folding his arms behind his head. "I'll speak with him about it...we can't afford to have a confused second-in-command at times like this. With the war with the east on the horizen, it could end badly...huh." He paused suddenly, gaze flickering over to the right. "That's where Lord Sesshomaru is. It appears Master Totosai has come for a visit."

"How do you know?" Rin demanded, looking curious. "I thought your nose wasn't as good as the dog demons'..."

"It's not." Ringu gave her a fanged grin. "My hearing's pretty good though." He stopped at a set of doors that Kagome recognized. This was where the four lords and lady had met. He knocked on the door sharply, calling, "Lord Sesshomaru? Lady Rin wishes to speak with you." There was a resposne that Rin was unable to hear, but Ringu swung the door open anyhow, and Rin ducked inside, giving him a dirty look. She didn't exactly want to interrupt a meeting between the blacksmith and Lord of the West..."

Totosai's large bulbous eyes were locked on her the second she swept into the room, her Jihibukai still shouldered. "Ah, it's you," he mused, "Doesn't surprise me. How is my naginata?"

Rin's lips threatened to quirk up in a grin. She liked Totosai. "I haven't been able to use it properly, as it leaves my hand every time I get the chance, but it's perfect. Thank you for forging it for me, Totosai."

Sesshomaru's gaze darted from the old demon to Rin. "You wished to speak with me, Rin," he reminded, tone an emotionless one that she hadn't heard in quite some time. Rin had to fight back the grin now with everything she had, yet failed, her lips curving into a graceful smile.

"Right," she mused, turning her face towards the dog demon, "I'm letting you know that returning to my own room. Your's is a terrifying empty space that has not a single fleck of dust and, as previously stated, terrifies me. See ya." She gave a mock salute, smirking at the look on Sesshomaru's face, then turned to leave.

"You've spoken with a witch, Rin." Rin paused, glancing at Totosai in surprise. His gaze was surprisingly serious, for once not his usual lost look. "It is not often that one speaks with a demonic witch and survives."

"So that's why you're here," Rin mused, tilting her head. She thoughtfully ran a finger through her hair, frowning as she messed with the ends of it. It was growing long, longer than she'd ever let it get. "To discuss Majo, huh? I can't give you any good information about her other then when what Sesshomaru's probably already told you."

"We haven't discussed her actually." Totosai frowned, looking thoughtful. "But if it is Majo...be cautious. I know of her. She is not the...easiest to nagotiate with, young one."

"No, probably not," Rin agreed, "but that doesn't mean I can't try. Anyways, I'll be off now. See ya." She gave a small wave before turning curtly and heading for the door, pretending she didn't notice the fierce glare resting on her back.

The second she'd left, Totosai turned his eyes back on Sesshomaru, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You are following closely in your father's footsteps, Sesshomaru. And it is nothing to be ashamed of. The Inu no Taisho was a great demon and good man, even if he did parade around a human woman. You should not be hesitant to do the same, no matter what you are told otherwise. Besides; if that mother of yours is supportive, what can you possibly be against?"

Sesshomaru gave a thunderous growl, annoyed with the direction the conversation had gone. "This is not why I called you here, Totosai. Can you or can you not make it so that the Tenseiga can revive a person more than once?"

Totosai huffed, holding a hand out. Sesshomaru handed his sword over, and Totosai ran his fingers along the blade that refused to cut. "The Tenseiga was only meant to save a life once. No one should be allowed to cheat death, let alone more than once. Why do you wish to change it?"

"For reasons that are none of your concern," Sesshomaru said with an icy tone, growling at the challenge in Totosai's voice. "Can you reforge it into a better tool, Totosai? Yes or no?"

"That depends on why and if the Tenseiga wants to," the stubborn old demon retorted, shoving the Tenseiga back into its wielder's hand. He crossed his arms with a frown. "Just because its master wishes for such a thing to happen does not mean the weapon will. Who is this for? Why are you so concerned about saving lives, Sesshomaru? The weapon will not agree unless you are willing to admit."

Sesshomaru glared irritably at the sword in his hand, then put it away with a growl, refusing to answer the offered questions.

Totosai shook his head, shoving himself to his feet. "Let me know if you have a change of heart, you dog. I will take my leave, though I do wish to converse with the Lady Rin. Her naginata could use with some sharpening despite its lack of use...I reccommend you teach her how to wield it. It may yet save her life if she knows how to summon it in the way that your brother is able to summon Tetsusaiga."

"I will arrange for Rin to be taught," the Lord of the West said stiffly, standing in a much more graceful way then the elder demon had. Totosai shifted the hammer he held to his shoulder, scratching at his head. "She alerted me to the fact that she was given some instruction by Inuyasha's demon exterminator. I will hope that she retains some of that information."

"I am sure she will once she is in proper clothing," Totosai muttered. "I know that she is a lady, but the poor girl looks uncomfortable in such clothing...see to it that she is comfortable. Taking care of someone is more than just clothing, feeding, and protecting someone, Sesshomaru. It means keeping them happy as well. Rin will not want to stay as long as you undoubtedly plan on keeping her if you do not even attempt to make her comfortable."

Sesshomaru clenched his jaw irritably. "I am well aware of how to care for a human girl, Totosai. How I keep her is none of your concern."

"It is," Totosai muttered, heading for the door of the room. "Because the girl doesn't deserve what she does not earn, Sesshomaru. Keep that in mind when you are angry with her."

"I have done nothing to harm her." Totosai smirked, as if amused by the hind of exasperation in Sesshomaru's voice, but said nothing as he left the room, leaving an annoyed Sesshomaru to glare after him.

Golden eyes flashed as they studied the trees that surrounded the village he and his family called home. He knelt cautiously atop of the roof of his own hut - the hut he had built for his mate a mere year before her return in hopes that she would live with him when she did. And she had; they had even succeeded in having two children, something he had never thought possible before meeting her.

"Inuyasha!" His gaze darted down to the woman he'd been thinking about. Kagome stood there, hands propped on her hips as she glared up at him with her fierce blue gaze. Despite her annoyance, amusement sparkled in those eyes, love for him as well. "Get down here! Your daughter is claiming you promised her a bedtime story, and because she won't go to sleep, Saisho won't either."

He rolled his eyes to the sky. "Tell her one yourself, woman. I can't."

"Why not?" Concern replaced her annoyance. "Is everything alright? Is there a demon?"

"Yeah." Inuyasha cocked his head, looking very much like a dog from Kagome's view. She fought the urge to giggle, knowing the situation was serious. But she couldn't help it; he had no idea how hard it was not to compare him to a canine when he did such things! "Dunno what kind though. Keep the pups inside, Kagome. You, too. I'm going to go check it out." He hopped down from his perch, halting just beside her. Anxious, Kagome pressed a loving kiss to his cheek and murmured quietly into his ear. He rumbled soothingly, resting his chin on top of her head. "I'll be back in a minute. Just stay inside. And don't let Saisho sneak out...I know he's been trying to."

Kagome gave a chuckle, giving him a proper kiss before sidling into their home, his golden eyes following her every step of the way, watching the sway of her body. He grumbled, looking longingly after her. He wanted her. Desperately at the moment, but that would have to wait until she was safe. He contemplated waking Miroku and urging the monk to join him, but decided against it. He could handle the demon.

So, without another word, he sprang into the trees of Inuyasha's Forest, following the demon's scent as he reached for his Tetsusaiga. He didn't unsheathe it yet, merely rested his hand lightly upon its hilt as he searched the darkness, growling lowly in his throat.

It struck out of nowhere.

Inuyasha winced at the loud crack that came from his chest as he was slammed into, thrown to the side and into a tree. The breath left him in a whoosh, and he snarled breathlessly as he staggered to his feet, gaze locking on his enemy.

It was a demon of the likes he'd never seen before. Massive yet quick, much like Goshinki, it looked more similar to a dragon then anything else. But various limbs had been replaced with stronger, more powerful ones, its face swapped out with that of an unrecognizable demon's. Inuyasha arched a single dark eyebrow. "Aren't you an ugly fu-"

The demon screamed, making him pin his ears to his head as it split into two. Within seconds, there were two versions of it standing before him, both uglier then its previous form. Inuyasha hesitantly readied Tetsusaiga, ignoring the pain in his chest. It had broken ribs, who knew how many. This wasn't good, he realized, his golden eyes darting from one demon to the other. This was not a demon he could defeat by himself. And as much as it pained him to admit it, it was true. So, he turned and darted off, a low growl in his throat.

The demon came flying after him - literally. Wings snapped out from its back and it shot into the air with another scream. Inuyasha cursed, leaping among the branches as he shot towards the village he called home, a signalling howl already built in his throat. He'd spoken with the men who guarded the village years ago; if he howled, it meant trouble.

The howl left his lips as the village came into sight. Immediately, bells begain to ring, and Inuyasha turned to meet the demons head on. The first came at him in an instant, still screaming blisteringly, but the other slid bast, heading for the village, where the villagers were rushing to meet it.

Inuyasha gritted his teeth, shoving on the Tetsusaiga until the demon was thrown back. He let a Wind Scar leave the blade, then turned to rush to his home. Kagome had grown far more capable of protecting herself and their children, but there was simply something about these demons that worried him. He landed in the doorway of his home, glancing back in time for the demon to lock gazes with him, an evil look in its black eyes.

Instinctively, he threw himself forward at his mate, who'd come out with a nervous look in her eyes. Slamming her to the ground and pressing her there protectively, he barked out in a tone that left no room to be argued, "SAISHO, AMAI! GET DOWN!" Both children, who'd peeked out, took one look at their parents and did as told just as the demon came slamming through the wall, screaming its head off. Amai's terrified scream accompanied it, and Kagome gasped, clutching his haori in shock. "Get the runts out of here," he said sharply in her ear, "Get 'em to the closest place that can protect them, and do not look back, you hear me?"

"Sango-"

"Wench!"

"Fine!" She pressed a quick hard kiss to his mouth then shoved him off of her. "Get Sango and her children out of here, please," she pleaded, then gathered up Saisho and Amai, shoving them in front of her. She paused in the doorway to snatch up her bow and quiver, then disappeared into the darkness of the night. Inuyasha watched after them with a grieved look as the demon screamed above him. Something told him that this would be the last time he laid eyes on the one he loved.

Without a word, he turned to meet the demon, a growl on his lips. The demon would be killed if it was the last thing he did.

And he had a feeling that it would be the very last thing he did.

Rin hummed thoughtfully as she brushed her hair from her face - only for a clawed hand to gently smack at her own. "Rin," Kimi scolded as she continued to work Rin's long dark locks into an intricate style. "If you keep messing with it, it will ruin my work."

Chiryoshi, who was watching from nearby with a careful eye, warned, "Just because you can finally mess with her hair again, my lady, does not mean you can be too harsh on her head. I do not want that wound reopened."

"I know," Kimi breezed, pulling back to examine her work. Rin made a face; her head felt heavy. "There. It is a beautiful style. You have just the right amount of hair for it, too...now. Let's get you into this. I have no idea why my son insisted on such a simple kimono...it really does not flatter you ver well, my dear..."

"I think it's lovely," Kokoro commented as she lifted the yukata that accompanied it. She assisted Rin into it, then took in the silk orange kimono with a crucial eye. "It'll go well with your complexion and hair color, my lady."

Chiryoshi scoffed as she gathered up the supplies she'd brought with her. "Just keep that Jihibukai of yours on hand, Lady Rin. Just in case. We never know what's going to happen now a days...it's better to keep it on you."

"I will," Rin promised, letting Kokoro help her shrug the kimono on as Chiryoshi left the room. As soon as the obi had been tied, Rin grabbed her naginata, and then twirled in place, eyes flashing with a smug look. "Look. I can move properly now."

Kimi sniffed. "You couldn't move properly before because you hadn't been trained. I should train you."

"I'm good," Rin told her in response with a faint smile, then rested her naginata against her shoulder. "Now, if you'll excuse me..." Her eyes flashed excitedly. "I get to leave the Fortress with Surudoi, Ringu, and Ippan, so. I'll see you all later." She bowed her head respectfully to Kimi, gave Kokoro a friendly wave, then took off at a run out of the room, eager to leave.

She wasn't sure how she'd gotten Sesshomaru to agree to this, but she had. And she couldn't wait to get out and walk among the trees that surrounded the Western Fortress... Happy, she easily navigated the many corridors and twists and turns of the Fortress, then paused, eyes flashing with surprise. She hadn't remembered remembering how to get around, but here she was, easily doing so! She'd been told to meet her escorts in the main entrance of the Fortress, though, so she continued forward.

But when she reached the main entrance, she was startled. It wasn't Ringu or Surudoi or Ippan who met her there, but the Lord of the West himself. Sesshomaru's golden eyes were wary as he took in Rin's appearance, then darted away. "Um," Rin said uncertainly, looking up at him. "What happened to Ringu and the others?"

"They have been assigned work," Sesshomaru said smoothly, "And I do not have enough confidence in them to protect you sufficiently after the wolf's attack."

"Oh." Rin blinked. "Okay. Then can we go? I've been wanting to go outside for a while now..." She touched Jihibukai, and it's aura flared comfortingly beneath her touch. It would keep her safe along with Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru gave a curt nod and the duo made their way towards the outside world. Sesshomaru, instinctively, remained a mere step in front, and Rin easily fell into step just behind him, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. There was silence between them as they made their way through the doorway and towards the gates that led to the outside world. Eventually, however, Rin tired of the silence and began to hum quietly under her breath, enjoying the decently warm weather by closing her eyes and tilting her head back to let the sun wash over her pale face.

Sesshomaru interrupted the silence, however, when he said curtly, "You approve of the kimono?"

Rin glanced to him in surprise, then studied the soft silk she wore with a bright smile. "Yes. Thank you, it's much nicer then those heavy layers I was wearing before...I don't believe your mother is happy with it, but I certainly am. Thank you."

"Hn." Sesshomaru fell back into silence for a few brief moments, then let his hands glide along the Tenseiga's hilt, where it rested at his hip. Rin watched the movement out of the corner of her eye, then tilted her head, speaking carefully. "Why was Totosai here a few days ago, Sesshomaru? He couldn't have been here for no reason. Ringu said something about him rarely stopping by...or being willing to speak with you for that matter. You scare the old man."

"I wanted him to reforge the Tenseiga. But it is impossible, as I will not give in to what the sword wishes." Sesshomaru shot her a glare, just daring her to add anything else, and she held her free hand up in surrender. She would ask no more about the subject.

Instead, she asked something far more dangerous. "Sesshomaru?" His exasperated and annoyed sigh made her pause before questioning, "Could you tell me more about Rin? When you traveled with her, I mean...before you defeated that Naraku guy. When you met her or something. I'm curious."

Sesshomaru tensed, a low growl building in his throat. Before he could answer, however, a piercing scream filled the air and his hand dropped away from Tenseiga and to Bakusaiga. He stepped closer to Rin, who let her grip tighten around her Jihibukai. "What was that?" she breathed anxiously. "It sounded like a child..."

"Remain here," he ordered, a growl bubbling past his lips as he started into the trees. "Do not move unless you are attacked. If that is the case, return to the Fortress."

Rin gave a frustrated sound as he disappeared amongst the trees. "You could at least let me come with you, where it's decently safe," she muttered under her breath, scowling. Silence fell over her, an uncomfortable one that made the hairs on the nape of her neck stand straight up. And then, there was another scream. But this one was quite unlike the first; this one was undoubtedly demonic...and coming from the demon that suddenly exploded out of the trees, fangs bared viciously as it scuttled across the ground after a smaller shape.

Rin recognized the silver hair and frightened face in an instant. "Saisho!" she gasped, catching him out of midair just in time for the demon to lunge up and over her head, trying to catch him. Saisho cried out in fear, cowering against her, and Rin pushed him behind her, wielding Jihibukai as the demon turned upon them. It curled its lips back in an unnatural way, showing rows upon rows of jagged teeth - and then lunged again. Rin narrowed her eyes, bringing Jihibukai down in a powerful swing that sliced right through the startled demon's face. It screamed again, stumbling and crashing, rolling towards and then over she and the young half-demon child. Rin yelped at the heavy pressure that sent Jihibukai scuttling from her hand, and Saisho shrieked as something pierced his arm.

But, she thought faintly, at least the demon was dead. Or, at least, she thought. Ignoring the sticky blood that soaked her new kimono, she reached out and dragged herself out from beneath the demon's body, searching out the whimpering Saisho, who had managed to get out from under it by himself. He clutched his heavily bleeding arm, fear evident on his face. She gathered the blood-slicked Jihibukai up, then staggered over to him, dropping to her knees in front of the boy. "Saisho, what's wrong? What are you doing way out here? What happened? Where's your mother and father, or Amai?"

"I-I don't know," he gasped, tears rolling down his pale cheeks. He gave a hoarse sob. "There was...a demon attacked the village, and Dad told Mom to take us somewhere safe, but one of the demons came after us, so we ran, and-and-" He cut off, taking a deep breath. "It caught up, and Mom told us to run-"

"Rin."

Rin's eyes snapped around to see a growling Sesshomaru, his golden eyes flashing with anger as he stared at the demon's body. In his arms, he held a limp Kagome, her chest stained red with blood and barely rising and falling, and a whimpering Amai kept close, one hand loosely grasping one of her mother's trailing sleeves, blood slicking one side of her face. "I'm okay," Rin reassured, waving at her now red silk kimono. "It's the demon's. I managed to catch it in the face with Jihibukai. It's dead. Is Kagome...?"

"Barely," the dog demon said gravely. "Bring the children to the Fortress. I must bring the miko to Chiryoshi. I will send Ippan, Ringu, Surudoi, and possibly a few more guards out to protect you on your return."

"Of course," Rin said, tightening her grip on Jihibukai. She held her free hand out to Amai. "Come here, Amai, I'll keep you safe while Chiryoshi checks out your mother, okay? You, too, Saisho. Stick close."

Silently, without another word, Sesshomaru slipped off into the trees with the unconscious Kagome, and Rin watched after with the two children gathered to her, an anxious look upon her face.

A/N

And it looks as if something serious has arrived! Anyhow...Sesshomaru got Rin a kimono, maybe a few. Isn't that lovely? Lol.

Names, Meanings, etc.

N/A

Reviews:

dragonroses: At last, I have finished the next chapter for you to enjoy. Lol.

Leonhart9: True, true. Majo does think in a way many of us agree with. Mizuki, however, has become quite the bitch, has she not?

Grumpy DelSan13: Things are going psychotic, I do agree. I'm glad you liked it! :)

rosaji: Rin's all better now, though, isn't that good? Majo's character is an interesting one...I haven't even figured her out completely just yet! Lol.

Jaylonni Love: I'm glad you think so! I do apologize for the length of the wait for the next chapter. :)

MrsMagnusB: I love that. That is beautiful. Lol. And we shall have to wait and see about the "Rin flashes", now won't we? ;)

Taraah36: Isn't that the mystery? How did the original Rin die if Majo didn't kill her? I agree. They should probably focus on getting that hourglass back. Lol.