Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha

Chapter 35 Resolution

"Nexus" Rin whispered, staring wide-eyed at the bird-demon that was towering menacingly over Astarte.

Sesshomaru's gaze slid over to the child still held by the Talisian. "This is the demon you saw in your dream?"

Rin nodded vigorously, "Oh yes, I couldn't forget someone like Nexus."

"Nexus? As in the Nexus all those scary stories are about?" Inu Yasha interrupted.

"It would seem so." Sesshomaru answered absently, intent on the drama unfolding on the mountain.

Rin glanced up to find Kephren transfixed by Nexus. "Do you know him?" the child asked, startling the Talisian.

"I have never seen him before." Kephren frowned thoughtfully, "But the power coming off him exceeds even that of the Foremost."

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Astarte gaped at the talons piecing her flesh. The metal of her armor was impenetrable, this wound should have been impossible. Her armor had never failed her. The possibility of it being unresponsive was unthinkable. Focusing her eyes on the creature, she measured his power. The silver eyes went wide as she realized she was facing a strength on par with her own. Who was this creature? How was it possible for someone with this degree of might go undetected?

With a flick of his wrist, Nexus sent her flying into the rubble that lay behind her. He sauntered slowly over to where she had landed. Looming over her, he had to lean down slightly to address her, "I am going to enjoy this." he waited as she regained her footing.

The Foremost studied the creature, determining what would be the most effective attack. Deciding, she attacked without hesitation. Pulling back her hand, she commanded her armor to assume her favored weapon, a deadly star ringed by a razor sharp circle. It didn't respond. Fighting her growing panic, Astarte instinctively improvised sending out a tremendous wave of energy. Dust billowed up as the attack ripped through the ground flattening everything around them. As the energy subsided, Astarte's eyes widened in disbelief as she realized the creature was unharmed.

Nexus laughed, a cold harsh sound. Then he was there, slicing into her skin with incredibly sharp talons.

"Who are you?" The inquiry spilled from her lips almost without her knowing it.

"An abomination like you. Can't you sense it? That vile blood we both carry. Though yours is far more diluted than mine." The demon's copper eyes flashed, the iris rapidly expanding then contracting.

Looked into the hate-filled copper eyes, she demanded "What are you talking about?"

"You don't know? Has it been so long?" the demon asked.

The dark figures of the Imperial Guard were moving to surround them, but Nexus paid them no heed. Breathing in sharply, his eyes once again flashed as he seemed to come to a conclusion. "They're dead." he realized.

Astarte frowned at his statement.

"The accursed race that created us. They are dead aren't they?" the demon growled.

"Created? What madness is this?" Astarte demanded as Nexus' deadly grip tightened, the talons digging deeper into her flesh.

"Has it been so long, that your people don't know?" he asked in suppressed rage.

"What is it that I am supposed to know?"

The demon laughed, a cruel humorless sound, "Tell me, what do you think you are?"

"I am Astarte, Foremost of the Imperial Guard. Leader of the most powerful race in existence."

"You are a fool. Your race is descended from an experiment performed by the true race of Talis. You are nothing more than manufactured servants, to do the bidding of the true Talisians." Nexus sneered.

"You lie." she hissed.

"Can't you feel it? Our blood demanding that only one of us, the strongest, survive?" Nexus demanded, hate evident in his the set of his face.

Astarte was silent for a moment, mulling over what he had said. She agreed that only one would survive, but that had nothing to do with his ridiculous story. Getting impatient, Astarte pulled back sharply, using her feet as leverage to push against his chest. With a quick movement she twisted free, jumping back. She needed to end this. The air crackled, electricity sparking around her as she released the energy held within her. Intense power flowed through the earth beneath her feet, the rubble lifting off the ground as the energy swirled beneath it. Suddenly the power stopped building, and Astarte paused, an alarmed expression crossing her face.

Astarte lurched forward, stumbling, and nearly falling as she desperately clutched at her throat. She gasped, a watery gurgling sound. Her eyes bulged as she looked around wildly. The silver armor began to move across her skin of its own accord, causing the Imperial Guard who had begun to approach to back up in surprise. A harsh rasping sound came out of her throat as she clawed at the armor that raced along her neck. Bright streams of blood flowed freely from where her nails had tried to dislodge the armor.

Nexus stood silently watching, making no move. A faint breeze ruffled the dark feathers lying on his shoulders. With a quick shake of his head he settled them back into place, watching intently.

The members of the Imperial Guard moved forward, skirting the demon as they closed in on the Foremost. Astarte was on her knees, clawing at her face. They stopped abruptly, back-pedaling in shock as the silver armor began sliding off her body.

The armor pooled on the ground under Astarte, who writhed in agony. Silver leaked from her eyes, ears, nose and mouth as the armor drained from her. Once free of the Foremost, the armor began to take shape. The silver liquid formed a column, bulging and rippling until it took a shape similar in appearance to the Talisians.

The silver being turned to the members of the Imperial Guard, who were staring in astonishment. Moving with unearthly grace the silver creature approached Nexus considering him for a moment, then turned toward the convulsing figure on the ground.

Astarte looked up through a haze of pain as she watched the armor walk over to her. Why had it turned on her? The silver being stared down at her, nothing resembling emotion showing on the perfect shining features. The armor extended a hand.

Threads of silver shot off the gleaming fingers, sliding and spreading over Astarte's skin. The strings of silver writhed along Astarte's body until she was covered in a cocoon-like net of thread. The silver fibers began to tighten, biting into her flesh.

"Why?" the feeling of betrayal evident in the pain-filled cry.

The armor stopped, holding her motionless in its silver web. It stared at her for moment, then spoke.

"You could feel our blood in the other. You knew then that this is a world of great significance, yet you would have destroyed it." the wind-like voice had a scratchy metallic quality to it that was like nothing the Foremost had ever heard.

"What do you mean?" Astarte croaked painfully.

"I am the last remaining part of the true rulers of Talis. Their genetic material was fused with the sentient alloy to create us. We contain the knowledge and memories of those who came before. It is our responsibility to maintain the directives. We are the only true law, and our word is final. You have knowingly broken the Law. Eliminating the problem is the most effective solution."

A scream of pure agony was ripped from Astarte as the threads mercilessly began to tighten.

The members of the Imperial Guard moved closer, bearing witness to Talisian justice. They watched dispassionately as the fibers of silver cut into Astarte's flesh. A river of blood flowed from the Foremost as the fibers worked their way through her, pushing her flesh through the shining mesh. Her screams echoed hideously, making the small group watching below wince at the horrific sound.

The guard watched as Astarte, unable to scream any longer, begged them with her eyes to end her torment, but the Law had been broken, and they knew no one escaped Talisian Law. Not even the Foremost of the Imperial Guard.

As the last vestige of life drained from the Foremost, the shining fibers withdrew, returning to the armor. The silver being silently examined its former host, before turning away dismissively, and focusing its attention on Kephren.

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Sesshomaru silently digested what passed for Talisian justice. He had seen any number of atrocities in his life, but this was different. There was a coldness, an indifference to it that turned the demon's stomach. He understood violence, and cruelty. It was lack of emotion he couldn't comprehend. The warriors had watched the entire process without the slightest hint of emotion. There was nothing; no disgust, no enjoyment, no horror, no fear, nothing. It was unnerving.

The sound of Kephren's voice broke into the demon's thoughts.

"Take the child, and leave this place." something in the grim quality of the Talisian's voice made him look over. Kephren was holding out Rin, who was silently crying. His stony expression made the demon cock a questioning brow.

"There is no time demon." the Talisian hissed impatiently, his sliver eyes slanting sideways. Following the Kephren's gaze, Sesshomaru saw the living armor moving in their direction.

"What does it want?" the demon lord inquired, taking the child.

"I may have broken the Law demon. Take Thryss and leave." There was an uncharacteristic edge of desperation in the Talisian's wind-like voice. It made the demon frown.

"You are to suffer the same fate?" for some unfathomable reason the idea did not please him.

"I believe so." Kephren said tersely, spinning around, and walking away from them.

Sesshomaru grabbed Thryss' arm as she made to follow Kephren, "He told you not to follow."

"I will not leave him to their mercy. I am the reason he is here." Thryss cried, the pain in her voice clawed at him uncomfortably.

"You once told me it was insulting to aid another."

Thryss turned to regard him out of tormented eyes, "I will not let them have him." she said with finality.

"Then I will accompany you." placing Rin on the ground, he motioned for her to remain with Inu Yasha, who had turned a rather shocking shade of green. Looking in the direction of Thryss' suicidal companion, Sesshomaru muttered, "I never thought the day would come when I would actually attempt to save that fool's life."

As they neared, Kephren wheeled on them angrily, "Have you come to enjoy the show demon?"

"I come, much against my better judgment, to save your pitiful life." the demon snorted. Kephren blinked in surprise, and for once didn't have a comeback. Nodding grimly he turned back to face the embodiment of Talisian Law, which was rapidly approaching them.

The gleaming figure stopped a few feet in front of Kephren, expressionless silver eyes silently regarding him.

"What law have I broken?" Kephren inquired.

"You have broken no law." the armor replied.

"Then why do mean to destroy me?" he asked frowning.

"I have not come to destroy you. I have come to claim you as my new host." Kephren reeled in shock. Claim him as its host?

"I do not understand." Kephren said cautiously.

"You were aware of this world's importance. You braved almost certain death, in an attempt to uphold the law. In your challenge, you once claimed to be one who was better suited to command. I accept your claim as worthy, and choose you to replace my prior host."

"You are choosing me to replace the Foremost?" Kephren asked in disbelief.

"That is correct." Having made its announcement, the armor liquefied, splashing onto the ground and slithering toward an exceeding nervous Kephren.

"No!" Thryss' horrified cry rang in Kephren's ears as the armor reached his feet, sliding over his skin and up his body.

Kephren gasped in pain, crying out as the silver armor merged with his black armor. His body convulsed, causing him to fall to the ground, shivering uncontrollably.

Thyrss broke the demon's hold, and raced to where her companion lay shaking on the ground. Tears ran down her face unheeded as she leaned over him. She watched helplessly as the silver metal absorbed into his body.

A short time later he stopped shaking, and drew an unsteady breath. The silver metal slid out of his skin slowly, gracefully highlighting his black armor. Pushing himself slowly off the ground, Kephren noticed that both Sesshomaru and Thryss were anxiously hovering over him.

"Demon, I didn't know you cared!" the Talisian crowed triumphantly. He moved carefully, though, as he still didn't feel quite like himself.

Sesshomaru stifled the totally unexpected feeling of relief that washed over him, "Hm." he said, moving back, now that it seemed likely the annoying thing would live.

Thryss pounced on Kephren, nearly knocking him back down again, "Don't you ever do anything so stupid again!" she hissed, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

Kephren reached up with a dark finger, catching a tear that had rolled down her face, "I don't believe I have ever seen you show such weakness." he chided, studying the tear with interest.

Thryss scowled, "I would not be in such a state if I had an intelligent companion." she retorted sourly.

Kephren grinned, pulling her close. Bringing his lips to her ear, he whispered softly, "I am sorry to have distressed you, it was the only way." Thryss pressed her forehead against his shoulder, letting go of the anxiety that had been eating away at her.

"I believe our problems have not entirely disappeared." the demon remarked. Curious to see what he caught Sesshomaru's attention, they followed his gaze to where the Imperial Guard were beginning to surround Nexus.

Kephren made an exasperated noise, "Remind me never, never to follow you into a rift again." he groaned, watching the increasingly agitated bird-demon.

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Astarte, Foremost of the Imperial Guard, was dead. The Talisian warriors gathered around her body, committing to memory the price she had paid for breaking Talisian Law. It was a price none of them ever wanted to pay. Turning in unison they abandoned the now dead Foremost, and regarded the outsider that had interfered with the challenge. He would need to be eliminated. There was no need for an order to be given, they knew what was expected of them, so there was no hesitation as they moved in for the kill.

Fanning out in standard formation they surround their intended victim. The guard paused to study the outsider. Talisians by nature were not a small people, but this creature towered over them. Despite how heavily muscled the creature was, they had seen him move with surprising speed. They wondered what the purpose of the feathers were that laid sleekly against his head; the long talons that tipped his fingers they could understand, but feathers? The creature snarled, a harsh, grating sound. A mental decision passed quickly through the guard. Immediately in tune to one another they converged on the outsider.

Nexus stood his ground, waiting for the attack he could feel was coming. The abominations circled the demon, inspecting him. The falcon's eyes flashed angrily as the feathers along his neck smoothed to make him more aerodynamic. The one thing the falcon had that was truly amazing was speed. As the abominations dove toward him, Nexus shot upwards, lightening fast. Landing outside the ring of warriors, he unleashed an ear-shattering scream.

As one, the Talisians clutched their head as the piecing sound knifed into their brain. Fighting the horrific sound, the Imperial Guard called up their weapons, preparing to rip this impudent outsider apart. They barely saw him move, but the falcon was suddenly in their mist, lashing out at them with wickedly sharp talons. The guards' armor defended, attempting to shield them from the attack, yet the falcon's speed exceeded the Talisians' mental control. Unbelievably fast, Nexus stuck again and again, ripping, slashing, and tearing. Soon the warriors were bleeding from dozens of wounds. Nexus stepped back, the muscles of his back tensing. The Talisians cautiously surrounded the demon as they felt energy begin to surge around them. With a sudden decisive move they attacked as one. A wall of sheer rage slammed into them, throwing them back. Before they could even regain their feet another monstrous wave of hateful energy lashed out.

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Rin stood by Inu Yasha biting her lip nervously. She watched as Nexus struck out at the dark warriors. He was hurting them, but still they came.

"No." Rin whimpered, she hated seeing people get hurt. She wanted it to stop. She had seen enough suffering.

"Don't look." Rin's eyes darted to Inu Yasha who was crouching in front of her. She saw concern in the golden eyes that looked so much like her lord's. The boy started, staring at her intensely. "Um, hey kid, what happened to your eyes?"

Rin blinked, focusing her silver-stained eyes on the half-breed, "My eyes?" she echoed blankly.

Kagome kicked Inu Yasha, giving him a meaningful look.

"Whaddya kick me for?" he squawked.

"Inu Yasha..." Kagome started to answer then stiffed, her eyes widening in alarm.

Following her gaze, the boy saw Nexus walking away from the Talisians that lay bleeding on the ground. The demon looked up, sniffing the air. His eyes settled on Kephren, who was slowly getting to his feet. Losing interest in the fallen warriors, the falcon started toward the new Foremost.

Rin made a small distressed sound before shaking off the boy and racing toward Nexus. The sound of Inu Yasha's frantic cry fell on deaf ears, Rin's only concern were the lives of her family.

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Kephren slowly, painfully struggled to his feet. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt this bad. A humorless smile twisted his lips as he watched Nexus make a bee-line for him. He was beginning to think that maybe should have let the demon kill him a few weeks ago, it would have been far less painful. He sighed ruefully, the only problem was the demon hadn't the strength to kill him. More the pity.

Sesshomaru and Thryss moved to his side, their eyes on the approaching falcon.

"Is there anyone you don't annoy?" the demon's exasperated voice made the Talisian cock an eyebrow.

"You think I am annoying?"

Sesshomaru's reply was cut short as his eyes caught Rin running toward the violent demon. Making an agitated noise, Sesshomaru took off in her direction, hoping to intercept her before she crossed the unpredictable falcon.

Unfortunately for Sesshomaru, Rin was too close to Nexus for him to reach her in time. The demon watched in abject horror as the small fragile child knelt in front of the enraged bird-demon.

Wheezing from exertion, Rin fell to her knees in front of the approaching demon. She saw his taloned feet stop inches from her nose. Rin swallowed uneasily, maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. She heard him breath in before he leaned down, plucking her off the ground. The grass seemed a long, long way down as he lifted her to eye level with him. The copper eyes that had haunted her dreams, flashed as he regarded her. Too scared to move, Rin shivered in his grasp. She had wanted to stop him from hurting anyone else, but had absolutely no idea how to accomplish such a feat.

Nexus breathed in, his copper eyes narrowing, "I know you. How do I know you?" the hissing sound didn't sound so much like a question, as much as an accusation.

"I freed you." Rin's small voice was barely audible.

Nexus tilted his head in a decidedly bird-like movement, "I have no such memory."

"It happened a long time ago. I thought it was dream, but it wasn't. You were held captive by the black vines, in the citadel. There were a lot of other demons, too, and there was a Talisian beside you." she said, her eyes drifting to where the warriors still lay.

Nexus eyes widened, "Impossible. You cannot be her, she would be dust by now."

"I don't know exactly how it happened, but I freed you about two days ago."

Nexus seemed to digest this information. Setting her down, "I promised you my strength." he remembered.

Rin nodded, "It's not your strength that I need."

Nexus waited for her to expand on the enigmatic statement.

Rin took a deep breath, "Please, don't kill my family."

"Family?" Once again the harshness of his voice made it sound like an accusation.

Rin looked to where Kephren stood with Thryss, "They are all I have." she said in a small voice.

"Abomination." he snarled, the copper eyes flashed menacingly at the Talisian. A stifled sob made him glance down at her, "Be thankful you are not one of them." he said indicating Kephren, "or I would end your life also."

Tears streamed down Rin's cheeks. She had failed. Despair settled over the child, making her sink to the ground in misery. A movement by her foot drew her attention. Her eyes rounded as a black vine curled brushed against her.

"Will you help me?" she asked, tentatively touching the vine. The slender black length coiled around her hand. "Stop him. Please, stop him." she sobbed.

Nexus stopped, looking at the ground as a deep rumbling vibrated under his feet. The dirt shifted. Massive black vines shot from the earth, twisting around the falcon. Nexus screamed in fury as the vines constricted him, pulling him down. His eyes shot to the child, who held a small black tendril of the vine.

"Betrayer!" he screamed, "I will rend the flesh from your bones!" The falcon's unrestrained fury made the child cringe, tightening her grip on the vine. As if sensing her danger the thick black length coiled around the enraged demon in a glittering embrace. Slowly, inexorably the vines dragged the screaming falcon toward the citadel.

The citadel had imprisoned the failed experiment from before recorded memory. It would ensure this particular specimen never escaped again. The fact that Nexus would remain conscious, and aware made no difference to the citadel. Its prime directive, given by the ancients, was to imprison the uncontrollable beast until its demise.

Rin covered her face with her hands, wanting to shut out the hate being directed at her. She hadn't wanted to hurt Nexus. She hadn't. Rin jerked back in fear as strong hands lifted her from the ground.

"You fool, you could have been killed!" Rin opened her eyes to see it was her lord who held her. Now that is was over the intense stress, fear, and trauma took its toll. Rin buried her face in the shining black cloth and sobbed for all she was worth.

Kephren and Thryss rushed to the demon lord who held the sobbing child, a befuddled expression on his elegant face. He had absolutely no idea what to do. Kephren stifled a laugh at the childs' unparalleled ability to shake the mighty demon's composure.

Sesshomaru ignored the amused expression on the Talisian's face, as he considered what would be the most effective way to stop the horrible noise the child was making. Nothing came to mind. Well it wasn't like this was something that fit into his quest for power. Looking around helplessly, he spotted the half-breed's human. Purposefully walking over to her, he held out the sobbing child, silently commanding her to do something.

Kagome's jaw dropped as a very uncomfortable Sesshomaru held out the traumatized child to her. Reaching out she took Rin from the demon, watching speechlessly as he spun on his heel moving away as quickly as dignity would allow.

Sesshomaru stiffened as he saw the dark figures of the Imperial Guard approaching. Kephren held out a hand, motioning for him to take no action.

These were the most powerful, and the most ancient of the Imperial Guard. Kephren waited silently as they stopped in front him, acknowledging his new rank.

"What are your orders." the one closest inquired.

"This world is protected. Recall the armies. No more harm is to come to this world." Kephren commanded.

The guard nodded, and sent out a psionic message to withdraw.

Sesshomaru watched in amazement, as the ships began pulling away with incredible speed. The precision required to move such a massive fleet was an impressive thing to watch.

The guard hesitated, turning its head in the direction of the child. Looking back to Kephren, he inquired, "A half-blood?" At Kephren's affirmative nod the guard gave into his curiosity, approaching the child.

Kagome looked up just in time to see an entire mob of Kephren-like creatures approaching. So she did what any sane girl would do, she shrieked, jumped to her feet, and ran in the opposite direction. Busy looking over her shoulder, Kagome didn't see that Kephren stood directly in front her. Running full force into his chest, she shrieked again, dropped Rin, and fell to the ground in an ungainly heap. Kephren cocked his head at her incomprehensible behavior, before gripping her arm and pulling her to her feet. Rin stood up as well, brushing the dust and twigs from her kimono, frowning at how dirty it had gotten.

Rin looked up as the Imperial Guard gathered around her curiously.

"What are they doing?" Kagome whispered, afraid to draw their attention.

"They are merely curious." Kephren replied calmly.

One of the guard knelt down in front of the child, touching the pale skin, and dark hair. Rin, deciding that if Kephren let them near her they must be okay, smiled broadly. The guard rocked back on his heels, perplexed by the odd response. Looking over to the new Foremost, the guard gave him a puzzled look. Kephren shrugged, having no explanation for humans. The guard would just have to figure it out on his own.

Kephren actually had to shoo the most powerful warriors in the known universe away from the child. Judging by their fascinated expressions, Kephren suspected that if he didn't take action, they might take a liking to the child, and decide to keep her. The Talisian shook his head at the thought of the awful noise the demon would make if they were to take his pet back to Talis. With the guard successfully sent back to their ships, all he had to do was convince the human female she would have to do without him for a while.

"What do mean, I will have to do without you for a while?" Kagome growled, footing tapping impatiently against the dirt.

"What is it you don't understand?" Kephren asked, perplexed.

"Why is it that you think I will wither away without your magnificent presence?" Kagome's dark eyes were beginning to glitter angrily.

"Because there are no others that will compare to me." he said matter-of-factly.

"Of all the conceited, arrogant,..." too outraged to find proper words, the schoolgirl stomped off, dragging Inu Yasha with her. Kephren shook his head. He doubted he would ever understand humans.

Sesshomaru was staring into the distance when Kephren returned with Rin.

"We are leaving." the demon lord announced, moving away.

Rin jogged to catch up with her lord. They were heading toward the castle. A thought occurred to her. "My lord, do you think Master Jaken and Ah Un are alright?" she fretted.

Sesshomaru golden eyes glanced down to meet her worried gaze, "Do not fear." It was then he noticed that he was being followed.

"Why are you still here?" the demon demanded.

"Because I haven't left yet." Kephren answered.

The demon considered unleashing his whip, but decided to be indulgent, there had been enough death for one day. With a disgruntled sound, the demon turned his back on the creature.

Grinning, Kephren trotted alongside him. The demon's eyes slid to the side warily.

"You like me."

"No." The demon's emphatic answer only encouraged the creature.

"You were worried about me." Kephren's silver eyes glinted mischievously.

"Ridiculous." the demon snorted.

"Ah, of course, I had forgotten how shy you are." Kephren said nodding wisely.

"Silence fool." the demon hissed, his good intentions beginning to waver.

Kephren trotted a little faster to keep up with the demon's increasing gait. Closing the distance he wrapped a dark hand around the demon's arm, "Not to worry demon, I won't speak of you weakness." he assured Sesshomaru.

The demon lord, stopped dead in tracks, and looked at Thryss, "Get if off me, or I will have pity and end its miserable life."

Smothering a smile, Thryss grabbed her suicidal companion, pulling him away from the agitated demon lord.

"Behave." she told him.

Kephren gave her an innocent look.

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They could see the shattered remains of the castle as they cleared the last hill. Standing at the crest of the hill, the demon's gaze roamed over what remained of the once beautiful castle. The supporting beams of the main gate still stood, although the huge metal banded doors now hung uselessly from the iron hinges. Most of the great wall had crumbled, with only small sections still standing.

Moving closer, Sesshomaru sadly noted nothing remained standing of the castle itself. Entering the courtyard, he saw the remains of many demons protruding through the rubble. Beside him, Rin remained strangely silent, perhaps too overwhelmed to know how to react. A distressed sound from beside him, drew the demon's golden eyes. Rin had covered her mouth with one hand, staring wide-eyed at a section of the ruined castle. A green webbed foot was barely visible. Rin raced over, trying to shove the huge pieces of rubble off the buried toad. Tears streamed silently down her face as she unsuccessfully pushed at a large wooden beam that had splintered in half.

Sesshomaru made his way to where the child was struggling to free his retainer, "Rin, move back."

Rin turned startled eyes upon the demon, then hurried to obey.

Placing one hand under the beam with must have weighed well over a ton, the demon easily flipped it over without any apparent effort.

Rin quickly rushed to Jaken's side, stroking a green warty cheek. A pudgy green hand waved irritable, "Go away Rin, can't you see I'm busy?" he moaned, obviously still somewhat delusional.

"Master Jaken! You're alive!" Rin squealed, causing the toad to wince and rub his head.

"Jaken, are you injured?" the demon inquired calmly.

Jaken sat up, an expression of sheer anguish crossed the toad's face, "My lord, they are all dead. I couldn't save them. I couldn't save them."

"You did well Jaken, do not concern yourself." The demon lord instructed him. As the toad pulled himself from the rubble, his tormented expression wasn't lost on Sesshomaru. The demon lord looked around at all that had been lost in the battle. So many had died.

"My Lord," the toad inquired, his normal subservience dulled by grief, "what will we do now."

Sesshomaru looked around once more, "We will aid in the healing of this land." he decided.

Jaken gaped at the demon lord, who raised a questioning eyebrow at the stunned expression.

"But what of your quest for power?" Jaken had to ask.

Sesshomaru sighed, his gaze resting on the destroyed castle, "My quest will wait. My land, and my people will not heal quickly. There are more pressing needs than my personal desires."

"Yes, My Lord." the toad said, his respect for his lord growing even more.

"Demon." Kephren voice ruined the moment. Sesshomaru turned irritated eyes on him. Undaunted, Kephren continued, "I believe the child should return with me."

Sesshomaru turned incredulous eyes on the creature.

"You saw the power she wields. Neither you nor Thryss will be able to teach her control."

"No." there was no question in the demon's voice.

"My lord." Rin's small voice broke in, "Please, may I go with him?"

"You wish to return to that place?" Sesshomaru couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Rin nodded, "It will not be the same as before." she hesitated before continuing, "When I used the power in the vines, it was so strong. I couldn't control it. Couldn't control myself. If that happens again, I could hurt or kill someone I don't mean to." she explained, catching her bottom lip between her teeth.

Sesshomaru studied her thoughtfully. She was right, but the thought of sending her back there sickened him. Turning to Kephren, "If I were to allow her to accompany you, can you guarantee her safety?"

Kephren gave the demon an insulted look.

"You truly wish to do this?" the demon inquired.

"Yes, My Lord." Rin said.

"Her safety is in your hands. Fail me and you will die slowly." Kephren supposed that was the demon's way of relenting.

"And let me remind you demon, if you make my companion unhappy, you will return to Talis with me, and I will let my warriors play with you." Kephren promised.

Rin looked from one powerful creature to the other, wondering why they just couldn't be nice to each other. Grown ups could be so weird.

"Come." Kephren said, holding out a hand, which Rin willingly took.

Sesshomaru watched them move away, to be joined by two of the warriors from earlier, "She will be well with him?" he inquired.

Thryss laughed, "You will be able to judge for yourself when they return to visit."

"They?" Sesshomaru had a bad feeling.

"Uh huh, Kephren will want to visit also." The demon turned to her with a stricken expression. Unable to help herself, Thryss laughed at the look on his face.

A sound to the side caught their attention. Sesshomaru noticed that his worthless brother had found the rest of his human companions. The demon grumpily stared at the humans encroaching on his land, and wondered if his life would ever be the same again.

The End.

Author Notes: Was the last chapter satisfying? I have a sequel in mind, which I am planning on doing. I would like to know if you would be interested in following this story. It will take place in about ten years, when Rin has become a young woman. I have to work out the summary, but I can tell you it will include all the characters from this story. This will also be a cross-over between the Inu Yasha universe, and the Forgotten Realms universe, specifically, Menzoberranzan, city of the drow (just in case you don't what a drow is; they are evil elves). Anybody like this idea? Myself, I think it sounds fun. Well, let me know.

I plan on posting the next story in 3 - 4 weeks, so if you are interested, just check my homepage. Thanks.

Frangiani: You were right! :)

Pumpkinpi: If you got this far, I hope you enjoyed the story. :)

ColdHeartedVixen: Yes, poor Sesshomaru, he will never know peace again. :)

RIN14: Thank you. Do you plan on reading the sequel? :)

MissQuigley: Did I surprise you? I didn't know how this was going to end until I finished writing it! :)

Mistress Ayako: Oh yeah, it was a long chapter! You want to know who Rin ends up with? That will be in the sequel. Keep guessing, I think it will really, really, surprise you. :)

06-Lost-In-Eternal-Bliss-15: Nexus is back! :)

Adeaneri: Argh...stress...was it as awesome as the rest of the story? :)

Missing'Nin'Akiko: The last chapter is finished! Yeah! I am so glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for the compliment. :)