Authors note:

I have not yet read InuYasha in manga form. I'm obsessed with the anime series, and have consumed every moment of it over and over again. All my InuYasha based fanfics will be canon to the anime.

What's covered in this chapter, is the time period in Episode 35, from the moment that InuYasha hit Sesshomaru with the windscar, until the time Sesshomaru walks away with Rin in tow.

Chapter 1

Darkness and exhaustion took him out of time and space. Numbing, all consuming exhaustion as he had never felt in his life. For a time, it seemed that he did not even breathe, no air seemed to move within his lungs. Trapped. His mind was trapped somewhere between life and death, and simultaneously between yokai and normal form. Rage and pain filled his soul, memories of the last moments of consciousness, the only cohesive thoughts he could cling to amidst the darkness. Pain seared across his flesh like white hot fire, burning his shoulder to the very bone. Sesshomaru knew not how long he maintained this state, or what unseen force had held him there, only that time had passed.

It was the faint floral scent of lilacs that roused him from his unconsciousness. He felt the sudden hot beat of his heart, the same as if his demonic energy had pulsed. Presuming it to be the warning of danger, Sesshomaru tore himself from his comatose state, wresting against the invisible bonds in his mind which held him trapped. Suddenly, as still as he had been, the great demon lord flared to a half seated position. His red eyes glowed, searching for the source of the danger which had made his blood pulse, mouth twisted with the snarl which had been originally intended for his filthy half demon brother.

Instead of the half demon, his glowing red eyes found the wide, open face of a young human girl, peering at him from the lush green foliage nearby. It was at that moment, he felt another kind of a pulse in his demon blood. Initially his senses registered the shock on her young face at the sight of his red glowing eyes and fierce snarl. It was quickly overcome, a subtle shift to wonder, then determination. Something deep within him roused with interest at the sight of the shifting emotions on her face. Confused by his internal interest, in the dirty face of a human child, Sesshomaru turned away from the sight. Rest. All he needed was some rest, he was simply overwrought and in pain from his near death experience.

It had been early morning when he had battled InuYasha, but now the sky flowed red with sunset. Could so much time had passed? How many hours had he lain unconscious? At the mercy of anyone who could have passed by.

Disturbed and internally tumultuous, Sesshomaru closed his eyes and reclined against the softness of his mokomoko and the comforting firmness of the oak tree behind him. Rest was all he needed. Soon, he would be back to normal.

Time passed in odd snatches for Sesshomaru. A restless sort of sleep interspersing with fragmented memories and thought. He'd had the upper hand… InuYasha was not strong enough to wield his own blade. The demon sword Tetsusaiga was too much for the half breed to even begin to comprehend, much less tap into. Sesshomaru had seen the damage Tetsusaiga could inflict first hand, when his father had wielded it many decades ago. As first born son — not to mention full blood demon — it was his birthright to wield Tetsusaiga. The very thought of InuYasha's wild flinging of the powerful blade, no better than a a Neanderthal wielding a club, made his blood seethe.

How had this happened? How could weak InuYasha have tapped into Tetsusaiga's power? Sesshomaru could hardly remember. He had been so close to breaking the blade with the dragon's claw, and suddenly light had hit him. Burning, white, searing light. It had burned through his body, tearing him apart from the inside out. As suddenly as he had felt it, the burning was replaced with the cool sensation of darkness. There was a calm sense of safety, and peace within the darkness. He remembered no more, until the moment his mind returned to his body many hours later. As much as he tried to puzzle it out and solve the mystery, Sesshomaru could not come to a definitive conclusion. Although he was certain, the memory of his time in the darkness, was just beyond his reach.

Whatever had transpired in that time — he knew not. At least not yet. Other than something deep within him had shifted. Something he could not yet explain. Disturbed by the sensation, he drifted out of thought, his healing wound absorbing much of his energy.

The moon was shining and full, when the great lord roused again. The lingering scent of lilac drew his gaze to the right, the girl whom it belonged to was nowhere in sight, though the scent of her skin remained on the wind. How could she have come so close, and he not be aware of it? The thought set him on edge. His golden gaze shifted to the place her scent ended, a couple feet away from where he lay. A canister of bamboo sat there, an offering — from the girl? He sniffed the air lightly, confirming that water was contained within. Again a pulse of energy from deep within. She had brought him… water? Why? His thoughts jumped ahead, why was a young human girl out alone at such an hour? Shouldn't her human parents have taught her that nighttime belonged to dark creatures? Like himself. He scoffed, she should know better at her age. Narrowing his eyes, he glared at the bamboo canister. One so young should not be risking herself for an injured yokai, a breed who would kill her without the merest thought and even less guilt.

The slightest shift of the wind brought a stronger scent of the lilacs to his nose. Sesshomaru closed his eyes, seemingly asleep to the world. But his senses were fully awake. Every part of him attuned to her presence, he listened as she approached. Her steps were hesitant, as if she was trying not to rouse him. Her feet were bare against the soft grass. She moved to the bamboo canister and placed something on the grass beside it. Though he could not see it, he could keenly smell the freshly baked fish and the earthiness of the mushrooms. Food. She had brought him nourishment. He inhaled again, smelling only her scent and that of the food, there was a notable lack of scent from any other human. A scent that, by all rights, should be lingering on her clothing. Parents, guardians, siblings. Humans were social creatures, they could scarce be living together and not collect scent from those around them.

A brief flash of anger welled within him. What an idiot of a human, to risk her life to bring him food. Had he more energy, perhaps he would have truly frightened her, showing her what she should fear at night in the woods alone. Instead he kept his eyes closed, determined not to look at the girl again as he had before. The pulse he had felt when looking on her previously, was enough to warn him away from making the same mistake twice. Still, someone should be guiding this girl, she should know the dangers of the woods. Of yokai and demons. The lilac on the air shifted, as she turned and began to walk away again. Something… he could not explain, burned to reach out and prevent her from wandering the woods alone. Woods dangerous and filled with other demons, who would be less generous than to ignore her presence as he had. Smelling of youth and lilac, surely she would draw unwanted attention.

Before he realized what was happening, he found himself speaking. "Mind your own business girl. Your generosity is wasted... I don't eat human food." It was a partial truth perhaps. One he hoped would warn her away from wandering the woods again. Surely his tone would frighten the human child. He sensed rather than saw, her turn back to him for a moment, before walking away slowly. There was a brief sensation of satisfaction, that he had guided her to the safety of her kind. It was quickly followed by a sensation of hollowness. He remained attentive to the scent of her skin, reaching out with his senses, until he believed she had truly returned to the human village. He willed her to remain. Away.

With a sound that could have been displeasure, he leaned back against his mokomoko, eyes closed, intent on regaining his strength as quickly as possible. He needed to leave this place, the strange enticing presence of the girl who elicited sensations within himself, that he was unwilling to acknowledge or consider. This Sesshomaru, had no need of someone to protect.

In his rest, Sesshomaru was drawn back into the memory of darkness which has enveloped and saved him from the death blow by the Tetsusaiga. In the darkness between, he felt those sensations again. The overwhelming feelings of — other. It was warm. Comforting. Almost… loving. The thought made him recoil. Amidst the sensations, he saw flashes of memories. Initially, he thought they were his own. But after long moments, he realized they were his father's memories. Images of himself, Sesshomaru as a child. The pride and joy in the sensations of the images astounded the yokai lord. Had Toga truly felt such things toward his son? In his adult years, they had disagreed so often, he had almost forgot the warmth that had been between them when he was but a pup.

The images blurred and changed. That of a dark and entrancing woman. Elegant. Clearly human. Within his own soul, anger stirred as Sesshomaru recognized the face of Izayoi. They had never formally met, but he knew her. The scent was unmistakable. But it was not so in the memory, where only warmth and love emanated for the beautiful woman. Sesshomaru was indignant. Who could love a human? Even one so aesthetically pleasing, one who enticed a great yokai lord away from his mate and child, seducing him into a mortal life, which eventually resulted in his death.

And yet, Sesshomaru's interest was piqued by the sensations — the feelings in the images. Izayoi was far younger here in the memories, than when Sesshomaru knew Toga had formally married her in the fashion of humans. She was perhaps fifteen in the images, on the cusp of adulthood, but not yet a woman. The memories flashed by so quickly that he barely had time to process them. It was clear though, that Toga had initially met Izayoi when she was quite young. The great dog demon had remained distant until Izayoi was a mature woman, prepared to make her own decisions about the course of her life. A fact, which Sesshomaru had not known. The sight of her, has elicited such a response of protection, compassion and love in Toga, that Sesshomaru had to struggle not to absorb the sensations of the memory himself. It was in that moment, that Sesshomaru suddenly understood the reason for Toga's death. The great yokai would have been unable to live, if Izayoi had died that day. Formerly, he would have believed it to be his fathers greatest weakness. But in this moment… through the eyes of Tenseiga. It seemed to be his fathers greatest strength.

Struggling against the overwhelming power of Toga's memories, Sesshomaru opened his eyes to the sound of bare feet in the grass. The sun was just peeking over the mountains above the forest where he lay. Lilac teased his nose. She had returned? There was the briefest flash of pleasure, before a surge of irritation. Why would she return? Had he not conveyed his displeasure at her innocent offerings?

"No thanks."

Her steps this time were halting, as if with a limp. Sesshomaru listened intently, senses focused on the girl without gracing her with his gaze. She made a soft sound through parted lips, then took a couple running steps before falling to her knees at his side with a bow of respect. Insistently holding out her offering to him. She was close enough to touch.

"I told you I don't need anything from you."

The soft sound of disappointment she made, nearly undid him. There was a swirling sensation within his chest, confusion and longing. For a heartbeat he was silent inhaling the scent of the lilac now that she was so near. It was then, that he realized what the scent was that touched his nose now. Blood. It pooled beneath the surface of her pale skin. The scent had been masked by the heat of the food she offered. Another sensation filled him. One that he would not have recognized, except from the memories of his father. One he had certainly never felt before.

"Where did you get those bruises?" It was spoken before he could consider what he was asking. The soft tone he used, surprised even himself. Did he care who had injured the girl? Deep within his chest came the answer — yes. The girl sat unspeaking, gazing up at him. He tilted his head, listening, waiting for a response.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Unable to bear the desire any longer, he turned his head, his golden gaze meeting hers directly for the first time. He heard the soft gasp from her parted lips, and saw the slight widening of her deep brown eyes. His eyes closely examined her for the first time, reading every bruise and mark on her pale skin. Surely having taken such a beating, she would be in pain. What sort of evil human would beat a child? Suddenly a wide smile broke across her bruised face, showing the gap where one of her teeth had recently fallen out. Her childlike laughter was musical, momentarily stunning him, as she leaned closer to him. The tips of her fingers brushed his mokomoko, in a both irritating and thrilling manner. Even Jaken, who had been his loyal vassal for many years, would not have dared to touch him without consent. Yet this human child showed no fear.

"What are you smiling about?" She didn't answer, but the smile remained bright, outshining the dark purple bruises. "I simply asked a question. I don't care… I'm just curious." He waited again, gaze intent on her face. Could she not speak? Perhaps she was mute. She reached out and touched his mokomoko reverently, the softness of his fur brushing her fingertips, sending a blistering sensation of awareness through him. Her eyes opened, gazing at him with awe and adoration, seizing his ability to speak for a moment. Just as quickly, she stood and skipped off into the trees, happy and childlike in her movements. Leaving Sesshomaru to stare after her in consternation. Who was this girl? Who could elicit sensations such as this, from one as powerful as he? It made him uncomfortable. There was a recognition deep within him, that these were similar sensations that Toga had become aware of, after meeting Izayoi. Frowning, Sesshomaru closed off such thoughts. He would not become his father. He would not give in to such thoughts… or feelings. He was not weak.

Some time later he decided it was time to leave, healed or not. He could not stay and risk becoming further compromised by such a strange human child. Moving to stand, Sesshomaru examined the remnants of his armor. Much of it had been destroyed by the power of Tetsusaiga. He would need to have it repaired. Glancing toward the sky, he pondered his next movement. Surely Jaken was searching for him, frantic for his masters return, not that he cared for the feelings of his underling. But, in his recovering state, he had no intention of flying under his own power and potentially delaying the healing of his wounds. His energy would have to be carefully measured until he was fully healed.

For a moment he hesitated. Thinking again of the girl. What would she think when she returned and found him gone? Steeling himself against such — human — thoughts, he huffed softly. The girl was human, she would live a better life if she never saw another demon again. Turning, he walked into the woods, heading for a clearing beyond the trees.

As loyal as a dragon's heart could be, A-un had brought Jaken near, though not quite directly to, his master. Perhaps sensing the turmoil of his master, and not wanting to disturb his rest. Sesshomaru entered the clearing, already irritated by the sound of Jaken's whining, and berating his master for some unknown reason. The rock hit Jaken squarely, knocking him from the back of A-un to the ground with a satisfying thunk and a scream from the imp.

The green imp leapt back up almost immediately, making some grating chatter. Sesshomaru's irritation flared, as he approached his vassal, only truly focusing on the ending of his screamed accusation. "—were you actually testing your sword on me?!"

"I expected a relieved welcome from you Jaken. Not an interrogation." The demon imp should have known well enough to never question his lord's motives. He was there to serve, however Sesshomaru believed his life would best suit his purposes. That the imp would question him was unthinkable.

The belligerent green demon laughed nervously. "R-Right — Im glad you're well! I thought you might be dead." Insufferable creature. Another rock hit him almost instantaneously, this time in the head, knocking him to the ground.

Even as the rock made impact, Sesshomaru's focus was far from the unpleasant interaction with his servant. Something called to his soul, pulling his focus instantaneously. Thoughtful gold eyes shifted, sensing, scenting the wind. Blood. Blood and the smell of wolves.

"I recognize this blood."

Behind him Jaken scrambled back to his feet for more punishment. "What did you say my lord?"

Without acknowledging the imp, Sesshomaru turned and walked in the direction of the scent. Something heavy settled deep in his gut, a dark sense of foreboding. He knew exactly what he would find when he reached the source of the blood. Yet, he continued toward it, as if driven to confirm what his nose had already discovered. Behind him, Jaken trailed nervously, muttering to himself as he followed.

The sun was falling again, when Sesshomaru reached the trail where the girl had fallen. He stopped a dozen paces away, his feet unwilling to carry him closer to inspect the carnage. From where he stood, he could see the vacancy in her brown eyes, the blood that had saturated the rags she wore, and subsequently pooled around her small form once her life force had been drained completely. The scent of lilacs were overwhelmed by the tangy scent of her blood, as if every trace of her living being had been eradicated. The scent of her blood burned his throat and eyes, giving him the sensation of being choked on it — which was ludicrous. He'd smelled human blood, been covered in it, hundreds of times before. For a moment he stood silent, gazing at the mutilated body of the girl. Remembering the laughter and adoring gaze she had offered him in parting, only hours ago.

"What is that?" Croaked Jaken beside him. "Phewww euuughh… she's a goner, that's for sure. She must have been attacked by wolves. Look at the teeth markings." Jaken turned to his lord. "Do you recognize this pathetic human?"

Jaken was correct. Wolves had torn apart the gentle souled girl, rendered her life meaningless and fleeting. Again he heard the musical sound of her laugh in his mind, the sweet and innocent smile she had offered him — a yokai lord. Someone's he should have been terrified of. She had a fearless soul, this child. It was not enough. Her compassion for his state, had been repaid with a violent and horrific death. In his mind, he recognized that she had been returning to the tree where he had rested. In truth, she had almost reached it, not knowing that he was already long gone. He could have prevented the death of this little human girl, had he been there. Had he cared.

Jaken's incessant sqwaking drew him back to the present, where Sesshomaru realized that he held Tenseiga in his hand. The blade pulsed with energy, urging him silently. With dispassionate assessment, he gazed down at the blade. Trying to understand its intent.

"Interesting." Was Tenseiga asking him to save the little human girl?

His eyes returned to the dead body of the girl. Now, holding the blade, he could see the minions descending to feast upon her cold flesh.

"I can see them. They're from the underworld."

For a heartbeat he watched them. How could he justify bringing a human girl to life? Humans who he so despised as worthless, pitiful creatures.

"I'll do another test. I'll use the Tenseiga."

Jaken gasped in horror behind him. "Another test??? What are you doing sire?! What are you doing?!?"

There was no effort to even acknowledge Jaken's persistent panicked questioning. No one would question his judgement. He was Lord Sesshomaru. No one would dare. With one smooth strike, he swept Tenseiga across the minions, they screamed and melted into nothingness before his very eyes.

Leaning down, Sesshomaru knelt beside the small bloody body of the girl, heedless that her blood soaked his hakama. Gently, careful not to cause any additional damage with his claws, Sesshomaru cradled the tiny broken body with his remaining arm. Pulling her gently against him. Somewhere behind, he registered the horrified gasping of Jaken, which he dismissed as insolence.

His entire focus was on the girl now. Gold eyes intense as he gazed at her frail form, willing her if possible, back to the land of the living. For a moment which seemed to last a lifetime, there was nothing. Then, a gentle sound reached his ears, the soft steady beat of her heart. Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he gazed down at her, hardly aware of the sharp intake of air that escaped him when he felt her body shift with life. Slowly, her bright brown eyes opened to gaze up at him with that familiar wonder. For the first time, he didn't break away when their eyes locked, he didn't fight the sensations swirling like a torrent within his chest. She lived. Something within him released, leaving him heady with the sensation of relief.

It was an unconscious decision, but a matter of fact one. Now, she was his. This strange human girl who elicited from him the desire to protect. His responsibility. His. He gently released her, and the girl rose to stand before him, her eyes never leaving his. In that moment, gazing into each others eyes, he believed she understood it too. A silent agreement passing between them. There was a finality to it.

"She came back to life. Lord Sesshomaru, you resurrected that human girl with the power of Tenseiga."

Jaken blathered on in the background, as Sesshomaru rose to his feet. Feeling an entirely new sensation of resolve and purpose on his shoulders. He would have to keep her hidden. Surely anyone who knew of the girl's existence, would try and use her against him. But it was of little concern, a minor inconvenience at best. She would be safe. With him. Turning, he strode back the way they had come, toward A-un.

"Hello? Lord Sesshomaru?!" The sound of Jaken's voice faded into the distance the further he walked. After several moments, he sensed the girl's movement behind, trailing after him unwaveringly.

Tenseiga. He mused to himself. You compelled me to save a human life today. He was now certain, whatever the shift in his soul had been… it was due to Tenseiga's interference after he faced death at the blade of Tetsusaiga. It mattered not. Now, he no longer had to fear death, for he wielded life in his very hands. He would not apologize for what he did, or explain himself. Not even to Jaken.

Perhaps… the Tenseiga was not as useless as he had once believed.