The Better Man

Chapter Thirty-One

"Master Jaken!" She ducked when the blast flew past her barely missing her by an inch. If they didn't do something soon then all three would soon be killed. Not long after the lord had left the estate had been attacked. It now lay in ruin, Jaken had barely gotten them out in time. Seeing their target escaping they soon gave pursuit. "Find Lord Sesshoumaru," She spoke to the two headed dragon urging him to go faster.

"This is hopeless we will be killed." Jaken sent a blast from his staff charring the vulture that flew past them. "Find the lord you foul beast."

"He's trying, don't kick him. Or I'll push you off."

"What did you say to me you brat?" His eyes widened when she went for the fans. One was tossed over his head, a scream was heard. "Rin don't do that again, my old heart can't take it."

"Next time I'll let him cart you off." She smiled at his fallen expression and then his outraged burst of curses. Her eyes scanned the area, several tiny dots were seen in the distance heading their way. "Look, it's Lord Sesshoumaru and hes with Kagome."

"Watch it Rin." The blast of fire came from the mouth taking out another youkai. "You pest, Lord Sesshoumaru will kill you all. Get us down there you oaf." The imp was glad to see the inuyoukai even if he was accompained by a few others. As soon as the dragon landed he jumped off and ran towards his lord. "My Lord please, they are trying to kill your faithful servant."

Sesshoumaru glared down at the imp, "Jaken." His eyes scanned the area, several dozen youkai could be seen circling in the distance. They had stopped advancing for some reason. "What is the meaning of this, I told you to stay put."

"We did but they destroyed the estate My Lord. They attacked we were forced to flee for our lives." He waited for the blow to land, his tiny hands covering his head.

Rin's eyes slid over the group, Hiei, Kagome and Kurama had accompanied him. Her eyes met Kurama's for a brief second, long enough to see the anger directed at her. She jumped off the dragon, not sure who to go to. Her heart wouldn't allow her to go to him, it hurt too much just to be near him. She had known he wouldn't miss her, now she had her proof. He was angry that she had returned. Why wouldn't he be? With her back, his chances of persuing another woman were dulled.

Sesshoumaru walked over to his ward, kicking the imp as he passed. "Rin, are you injured?"

Her head snapped up, "No, Jaken managed to get us out in time." She smiled up at him, seeing the quick flicker of concern pass his face. "But the estate is destroyed, Kanna came."

Sesshoumaru saw red at the name, the bitch had the audacity to attack his home? Then she seemed to be after Rin even after she had returned to his care. "Miko, I retract the offer of my assistance."

"Huh?" Kagome looked over at the two not sure what to think. They would need Sesshoumaru's help in order to defeat the woman. "But why?"

"You will take these three with you, see to their safety. In return I will bring the head of Naraku's offspring as proof of her death. Her death belongs to me now." His voice was cold and emotionless as he spoke.

Kagome almost felt sorry for the woman, she'd seen that look on his face before. "Okay, but do we really have to take Jaken?"

"What did you say you insufferable human?" The imp started jumping up and down. He stopped when the inuyoukai stood before him. "Yes?"

"You will see to it that the fox stays away from her. If you allow him to touch her in my abscense then you shall pay with your life Jaken." After issuing his threat he walked back over to his ward, his hand touched her face forcing her to look at him. "I will return for you shortly. Behave for Jaken, I'd hate to have to kill him."

"Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru." She smiled for him, he nodded to her then left. They watched him leave, once he was out of sight Kagome ran up to her.

Kagome hugged the girl, glad to see her again. "I'm so happy to see that you are okay. I almost feel sorry for Kanna. Come lets get out of here."

"Come Jaken or you'll be left behind." Rin pulled Kagome over to Uh and An, she hopped on his back. "Let's go, do you two want a ride?" She asked the two males.

"No they do not! I refuse to let them, Lord Sesshoumaru said to not let that bandit near you." Jaken puffed out his chest hoping they wouldn't kill him.

Rin sighed when neither man spoke, the ache back in her chest. He didn't look at all pleased to see her again, it stung. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself in his arms. Then the memories came back once more. That made her want to cry, as if she hadn't done enough of that these past two weeks. The dragon took off as soon as the imp was on.

Hiei waited for them to get out of hearing distance, "Well, are you going to tempt your death? You could always tell the girl how you feel to get her to change her mind."

"I will not, she has made her choice."

Hiei wanted to call his friend a fool but refrained from doing so. He'd enjoy watching the fox try to stay away from the girl. See how long his resolve lasted with her near. He was being as stubborn as the big oaf. Neither being open about his feelings, he felt sorry for both females.


Everyone came out to greet the girl when they returned to Genkai's. Keiko was the first to reach her having been outside already. Rin was suprised when the girl hugged her. Yusuke was the next to come out and make his way over.

He smiled at her, "There you are, you had us worried." He stopped in his tracks when a green dwarf jumped in front of him waving a staff in his face. "What the hell is that thing?"

"Master Jaken," She kicked the poor imp aside, he landed on his face. Yusuke went in to hug her, pulling her tight against his chest. "Glad to see that everyone made it out of the castle okay." Her eyes were looking at Kuwabara and even Kouga. She pulled out of his embrace and greeted the others.

Kagome stood back and watched the display between Rin and Yusuke. Then Kuwabara ran up to hug the girl, causing her own heart to cringe. Seemed Rin was in the same boat as herself, maybe a pity party was in order for the two. She had seen the way the girl had looked at both, Kurama and Yusuke. It was easy to see which one she was in love with, the one that was ignoring her. "Let's go inside Rin, I'm sure Genkai will like to meet you."

"Yes." She tried smiling past the hurt, she needed some time alone. Kagome grabbed her hand and pulled her inside to be greeted by an old woman. "Hello."

"Hnn. So you are Rin, nice to finally meet you." Genkai looked the girl over. She'd wondered what the girl would be like. She wasn't disappointed in what she saw, the fox had choosen well. Now if he'd only get off his ass and admit that he loved her.

"I believe now that Rin has been found we are going to head back to the shrine. We should be safe there." Kagome didn't care if they would be or not she had to get away. These last two weeks had been hell on her heart. It was killing her to have to see those two together. She was sure Kuwabara had spoken a maximum of four words to her since coming back.


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