Hold On For Me

Chapter 5: Powers

"I have to go," Sesshomaru stated, turning away.

"What?! You just got back, Sesshomaru!" InuYasha exclaimed.

Without stopping, Sesshomaru answered, "It's not like Rin will return while I am gone."

"And what if she does?"

"You've been saying that for three months now, and Rin has not returned," Sesshomaru snapped.

"Well, what-"

Sesshomaru was gone before InuYasha could finish, Jaken trailing behind him.

"He just got back!" InuYasha couldn't help but growl, reaching a hand down to Kagome, lifting her out of the well.

***

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken cried, running to catch up. "Where are you going, Milord?"

Sesshomaru didn't answer for a moment. "I am going to find the demon Asaki, who controls the Bone Eater's Well. I intend to gain the power to travel across time."

"Will that bring us to Rin, Milord?"

"I intend to visit Rin alone, Jaken. I have to speak to Rin first. Alone."

"Yes, Milord," Jaken answered, going silent. It was usually silent without Rin - such silence was deafening.

"Do you miss Rin, Jaken?"

"Why, yes, Milord."

"I'll bring her back. However, this is one mission I must do alone. Go back to the well in case Rin returns."

"But, Mi-"

"Jaken," Sesshomaru said sternly. "If Rin does indeed return while I am gone, you need to be there to tell her where I am and to make sure she doesn't strain herself."

"Yes, Milord," Jaken said miserably, turning back towards the village.

***

Sango prepared a cool rag and pressed it against Hatori's forehead, then prepared a second for Katori. "It seems whenever one of the twins gets sick, the other does too," she murmured to Miroku.

"It seems like it's a pretty bad flu. Maybe we should see Jinenji. They've been like this for a week."

"I know. When should we go?"

"No, Sango. you should stay here, with the twins and Houshi."

"If I found out you asked one beautiful woman to bear your child, I'll chop your hands off."

"Why, Sango, you think so lowly of me. I love you and only you," he assured her nervously, taking her hands and patting them.

Sango only smiled slightly, kissing his lips. "Be back soon, okay?"

"I promise."

***

"Are you the demon Asaki?" Sesshomaru asked the weeping form.

"Y-yes. But I have n-nothing of v-value for you," she answered, her once groomed fingernails digging into the dirt. Her hair - which once looked like it had been cared for with the utmost attention - was matted and tangled. Her eyes were bloodshot and held bags under them.

"I wish to pass through the Bone Eater's Well. Someone I care for doesn't have much time on the other side.

Asaki nodded, rubbing her emerald green eyes. "Kill me, and you'll have the power to control the well."