The Better Man

A/N: Wanting to throw the same warning up! This story does contain angst, it will contain a good bit more before the end. So you can expect much anguish and heartache in the future. *Shines her hammer* I also take great pride in having been called The Queen of Misunderstandings. I will try to keep the crown I was offered with relish. *Blows the readers a kiss as she puts her finger on the puree button* Thanks to all those that have reviewed so far!

Chapter Twenty-Nine


Kagome jumped off Hiei's back when they reached the castle. It stood proud before them beckoning them to enter. A barrier was in place stopping them from going any further. She notched an arrow bringing it down. Hiei and Kouga was the first to take off, racing each other to the door. She sighed at seeing the competition, idiots.

Rin climbed off Youko's back and looked at the large castle unsure. Seemed to easy for them to simply march right in. Fear filled her at seeing the pale woman once more. Youko's voice got her attention.

"Stay near me."

She nodded and followed the others inside to confront their enemy. As soon as she entered the doors slammed behind her locking them all in. Kanna stood before them with her mate, she was different than before. A small girl had killed Sango and the others, a mature woman had taken her place.

"Rin, it is good to see you again. It was foolish of me to believe you had died with the others. I will correct the mistake I made centuries ago. I will make sure you suffer for the insult." She smiled at the young girl.

Rin stood her ground even as the fear gripped her. A growl was heard coming from the man beside her.

"Enough talk, I grow bored. Love take care of the others, so I can play with the girl." Kanna spoke to the man beside her.

"Very well."

Rin screamed as everyone began to drop around her, Hiei was in midair heading for the man when he fell. Kagome stepped in front of Rin, bow aiming towards Kanna. She released an arrow, it struck the woman in the arm. The two girls were the only ones left standing, when the man was done.

"Your powers can't protect you forever Kagome, even know you can feel yourself wanting to sleep. Don't worry your death will be painless, I can't say the same for her."

"You will die first. Next time I'll take more than you arm." She notched another arrow feeling the man's magic trying to pull her into darkness. "Get out of here Rin, run."

"No, I won't leave you."


"What is it my lord?" The green imp stopped when the inuyoukai suddenly stopped in front of him.

Sesshoumaru scanned the area not sure what made him stop. The pulse happened again, the Tensegia waking up at his side once more. It hadn't called attention to itself in centuries, why now? The pulsing continued demanding a response from it's master. It wanted him to go north for some reason. "Come Jaken."

"Yes, my lord. What do you think it is? It hasn't reacted since the day you found young Rin gone." He saw his life flash before his eyes as the man turned to glare at him. "Sorry, Lord Sesshoumaru, I spoke without thinking." He sighed in relief knowing his life was going to be spared once more. Him and his big mouth he should have known better to mention the girl's name. His lord had never gotten over her death.

The traveled for half a day and night had fallen, they stopped in front of a large castle. "What now my lord?" Jaken looked at the place, it was odd.

His eyes widened in disbelief when a scent caught his nose, it was light but there was no mistaking the scent. After five centuries it still haunted his memories, ever since the day he'd found her gone. Regret had filled his every moment since he'd abandoned her. He had left her with the taijiya when she'd come of age believing she'd be happier if she found a mate and had a family. Her body had started to develop into a young woman, he'd taken notice of her. He'd thought leaving her would be best.

The Tensiega had reacted that last day and the need to see her had been strong. He'd went to reassure himself that she was well. Instead he'd found graves near the old hut, he wasn't sure if one of them were hers. He'd looked for her after that and she'd never been found.

How was it her scent was here? Was it a trick to lure him inside? If so then the one behind it would soon pay with their life. His steps took him to the front doors which were sealed tight. The smell of blood came through, his eyes widened in rage.

Jaken watched his lord kick the double doors open and walk inside. What had caused him to become enraged? The imp scurried after him, his eyes popped out at the scene taking place. Rin was on the ground with a man standing over her, her blood dripping off his claws. Could it really be his lord's ward? "Lord Sesshoumaru is that Rin?"

His eyes roamed over Naraku's offspring scowling, he could also feel the magic of the man trying to claim him. "You would dare insult this Sesshoumaru by trying to put me to sleep?" His eyes fell to the girl trying to get up at his voice. Her eyes found his in recognition, it was all he needed.

His hand came forth taking the man's head, Kanna's scream was heard. She seethed at seeing her mate being beheaded but she knew she was no match for the inuyoukai. Before he took notice of her she made a hasty retreat.

Rin looked up into his amber eyes, daring to believe that he was really there. Jaken came running up to her making a fuss. Her eyes closed as the loss of blood hit her.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, she is injured. And isn't that Inuyasha's wench?" His tiny foot nudged Kagome's sleeping form.

"Yes." He didn't bother with the others, he healed his ward. The others were merely sleeping, they would wake soon. He picked the girl up, cradling her against his chest. "Come Jaken."
He began walking out not waiting for the imp.

"Don't leave me." He caught up to them in time before they took to the air. The imp stared up at the girl, wondering how she was still alive. It had been over five centuries since they'd seen her last. Something told him Inuyasha's woman had something to do with it. Maybe Lord Sesshoumaru would be in a more agreeable mood from now on, he could only hope.

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