Creative Works

[Ranlsa]

Hey there. To make up for no anime tonight I have another anime fanfic for you guys. This is an Inuyasha one, and I hope you can read and review it tonight. We can't have anime...we can have this!

Blood Brothers- An Inuyasha Story

Chapter One: Kikyo's Revenge

The song is 'Won't Go Home Without You' by Maroon 5

Inuyasha made his way over to the Bone Eater's Well, a mixture of nervousness and excitement in his stomach as he walked through the late afternoon sunlight. His friends were walking along in back of him to give him moral support. This wasn't going to be just an ordinary day! Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and Shippo, all were there, each one a mixture of excitement and pure happiness. This was no doubt the day they had all been waiting for, no one more so than Inuyasha himself, for this was the day that he had finally made up his mind. After months and months of trying to decide his feelings for Kagome and Kikyo, he had realized at long last where, and to who, his heart truly belonged….to Kagome!

Inuyasha had harbored pent up feelings for Kikyo for the longest time….more than fifty years, to be exact. After all, Kikyo was the very first human, besides his own mother, who wasn't scared of him, or bullied him because of his half-demon status. She was the very first one who stood by him and supported him even in his darkest days. But, she really didn't accept the demon part of him, and tried to "help" him by trying to use the Shikon Jewel and turn him human to stop the bullying for good, before Naraku ruined everything.

Even though she was only just a clay zombie now, he believed that that the real Kikyo was still buried deep down inside somewhere in her. Being young and still immature, not to mention desperate for affection, he believed Kikyo truly loved him, even though she was trying to change him. It had taken a long time to realize that that really wasn't love. True, her heart may have been in the right place…but how could you say you love someone if you want them to change?

Kagome, on the other hand…she never wanted him to change, not at all. She had fully loved him for who and what he was, warts and all. She was one of the first humans, besides Kikyo, who wasn't scared of him and put up with him even when he acted grouchy and immature! He could talk to her about anything and everything and never run out of things to say. She had always been there for him though thick and thin just as he had vowed to be there and protect her. Heck, if it weren't for Kagome, he might never have even met Sango, Shippo, and Miroku.

Before Kagome, he had thought the only way to be happy was to become either fully human or fully demon to stop the bulling and be with someone in a normal way. He thought being a half-demon was being a freak. But because of Kagome, now he knew there was nothing wrong with being different. He was half and half…and he could actually be proud of it! Like Kagome had said, he had the best of both worlds, demonic strength and a human heart, which he now knew he wouldn't give up for anything.

Kagome, he thought with joy. Now that he knew for sure where his heart truly belonged, who his destined soul mate was, he knew he could never let her go! And today, he was gonna let her know that in no uncertain terms in the best way he knew how...he was going to surprise her by going through the well, meeting her under the tree, and declare his love truly for her and only for her. In the pocket of his red kimono was a very special gift that was given to him by a jewel maker after he, Miroku, and Sango rid her village of a huge snake demon. It was a simple chain of silver with a piece of red quartz dangling in the center. Using his claws, he had formed the quartz into the shape of a heart and carved Kagome's initials into it. This necklace was going to be part of his plan for the ultimate proof of his forever love for her and her alone…..right after he presented her with it, he was going to ask her to marry him! Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had been thrilled beyond belief to hear the happy news and were now following along behind him to give him encouragement, at the moment he was nervous beyond belief. He took a bath in the hot springs that morning, making sure it lasted extra long, and with Sango's help he had wrapped the necklace in bright red paper. Now they were finally on their way.

"I can't believe you're finally gonna ask Kagome to marry you!" Shippo said excitedly. "This is the best day ever!"

"Yeah," Inuyasha said nervously as the well approached his view.

"Relax, Inuyasha," Miroku said. "As soon as she sees that necklace, she'll jump right into your arms!" Inuyasha and the others reached the well, and Miroku said, "This is it, Inuyasha...your destiny waits on the other side of the well. Good luck, my friend...I'll see you and Kagome soon."

Inuyasha replied, "Thanks, Miroku. I can't believe this is actually happening...I've been so confused over Kagome and Kikyo for so long...only now have I finally realized where my heart truly belongs. I love Kagome so much, and I plan to make that totally clear to her when I ask her to be my wife."

Shippo said, "We'll all be here waiting for you, Inuyasha...tell Kagome that I said hello."

Inuyasha ruffled the kitsune's hair gently, and then he said, "You got it, kid. I'll make sure she brings back a bag of those potato chips that ya like."

Shippo smiled, and Sango said, "I'm sure she'll be happy to have you admit your love for her, Inuyasha. Kagome's told me that she loves you several times, and I've seen how much she loves you...and how much you love her. If there's anything I can do to help you, just name it...you're like a brother to me...and Kagome's like a sister." Sango sighed a bit enviously. "I only wish we could be there in person to see it. You're so lucky to get to go in there, Inuyasha. All I've ever seen in that era are the pictures in Kagome's books."

"Yeah," Miroku agreed. "She's shared so much information about her time...if only we could visit, just once. Just to experience what she does."

"I'd love it if you could myself," Inuyasha said. He looked at the well. "Hmm…ya know...I was thinking.."

"About what?" Miroku asked.

"Well, I can go through the well because of my connection to Kagome…but if you held on to me when I jumped…maybe you all could go in with me!"

Shippo perked up his ears. "Can we really?"

"We can try it," Miroku said.

"I'm willing," Sango said.

"OK, let's see if that works," Inuyasha said. "After all…this is gonna be one of the most important things I've ever done...and I want you all there with me. OK, Shippo, get on my back," he waited until the fox demon did so. "OK, Sango, take my hand. Miroku, take the other one. Hold on REAL tight. When I say three, we all jump into the well at the same time. DO NOT let go of my hands."

"Wow, this is so exciting!" Shippo said. "Kagome is gonna be SO surprised!"

"Just brace yourself," Sango said. "From what I read in Kagome's books, this is a totally different place."

"It's a whole other world, believe me," Inuyasha agreed. "OK, hang on, here we go."

Sango said, "Wait…one more thing before we go…"

Inuyasha answered, "What is it, Sango?"

With a smile on her face, Sango said, "I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all the luck in the world and to thank you for being such a wonderful friend all this time, and for trusting me even after the way I stole Tetsusaiga from you, when Naraku offered my brother in exchange."

Inuyasha replied, "Think nothing of it, Sango…you've saved my life, Kagome's life, and the rest of our lives lots of times, you're a great fighter, and I can count a whole bunch of times when one or more of us would be dead if not for you. You're always there when we need you, Sango…don't ever forget that."

With a smile, Sango replied, "Thanks, Inuyasha…that really makes me feel great. You're one of my best friends too, and I'll always be your friend, no matter what."

Inuyasha hugged the demon slayer, and Kirara meowed from her perch on Sango's right shoulder. The half-demon reached over and gently rubbed her behind her left ear, and Kirara purred softly. She jumped onto Inuyasha's shoulder and licked his cheek.

Sango smiled, and she'd just accepted Kirara back from Inuyasha, when the firecat hissed and jumped to the ground...meaning that trouble was nearby. Inuyasha pulled out Tetsusaiga, Miroku readied his staff, while Shippo got himself set. Sango went behind a bush and donned her slayer armor, and finally, Kikyo walked out, surrounded by an army of demons. She said, "Going to visit my copy on the other side of the well, Inuyasha...I don't think so. I've got special plans for you...and for her. First...I'll let my friends play with you."

Inuyasha shouted, "KIKYO…GET LOST! I NO LONGER HAVE ANY FEELINGS FOR YOU...NONE WHATSOEVER! I LOVE KAGOME, AND I'M ABOUT TO HEAD OVER THERE AND LET HER KNOW JUST HOW MUCH SHE MEANS TO ME."

Kikyo replied, "No, Inuyasha...revenge will be mine. I plan to cause you to die slow and painful...and you'll never see her again. Now then...boys, GET THEM, but leave the half-breed to me."

A massive three-eyed demon charged straight towards Kirara, only to have the firecat leap into the air and rake her claws down the monster's back. Sango finished it by hurling her boomerang through its midsection, to the call of "HIRAIKOTSU!" She then sliced seven more apart with her katana, and three more got their throats slashed by Sango's hidden blade in her arm gauntlet. Another demon charged her from behind, but Kirara crushed the beast's head in her jaws.

A huge swarm of demons went after Miroku, but the monk cut several of them down with his staff, burned at least sixty with his sacred sutras, and finally, he called out "WIND TUNNEL", #### over four hundred of the beasts into his cursed hand.

Shippo saw ten snake demons and several demon yellow jackets coming his way, and he called out "FOX FIRE!", incinerating the lot of them. He'd grown rather powerful of late, since he'd been practicing.

Inuyasha tore fifty demons to pieces with his claws, another one got it's head caved in with his bare fist, and he broke another demon's spine over his knee. The final demon stepped in front of him, and it said, "If you wish to go to the well, you must first defeat me. I will delight in carrying your human play toy off to our friend, once Kikyo is done with her plan."

Inuyasha shouted, "BASTARD! NOBODY IS GONNA TOUCH KAGOME BUT ME...GOT THAT? I LOVE HER, AND NOTHING'S GONNA STOP ME FROM BEING TOGETHER WITH THE ONE I LOVE! NOW GET THE HELL OUTTA MY WAY! ADAMANT BARRAGE!"

A huge storm of six-foot long diamond spears impaled the demon, and it fell over, dead.

Sango said, "Kikyo, it looks like you've lost. Why don't you just get out of here now, before I send Kirara up there to kill you?"

With an evil smirk, Kikyo said, "Oh…I'VE lost…I don't think so. In fact…my victory begins…NOW!"

Before anyone could react, Kikyo loaded an arrow into her bow and fired, straight at Inuyasha. Sango tried to leap into the way and use her Hiraikotsu to shield her friend, but it was too late. The arrow lanced into the half-demon's arm, and he went down, screaming in pain as his arm burned like it had been lit on fire.

Kikyo laughed intensely from her position in the tree where she had teleported and floated down. "I did it! I did it!"

"Did what you ####?" Miroku said.

"ARRGH…my arm…what the hell, Kikyo…"

"What's the matter you traitor? Can't deal with the pain? Some demon you are! That was easier than I thought!"

"KIKYO, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?" Sango yelled.

"Only my greatest spell I ever did! In case you've been wondering where I was this entire time, I've been practicing and perfecting my magic..and I finally was able to create the best magic spell ever! The Black Hate of Death!" She pulled out an arrow. "With just one hit of this arrow, the most deadly poison was just released, destined to slowly kill him but by bit in three days!"

"YOU NASTY, HORRID…" Sango said, charging at her.

"Not one more step, or I'll hit all of you! I'm the only one who has the antidote to this…which you will NEVER know!" She quickly teleported to the other side of the well before Sango could reach her.

Kikyo smiled smugly from where she had teleported and laughed menacingly. "Admit it, there's nothing you can do to get the antidote. At last, revenge is all mine! Nothing on Earth can stop this!" Suddenly an all too familiar blue-white light began to glow from a few feet away. "Why does this place love to prove me wrong? All rise, everyone, the King of Happiness is approaching!" She turned around as the familiar tall, dominating figure came forward, followed by his toad retainer and human ward. "Hello, Sesshomaru."

The Demon Lord glared at her. "What is all of this disturbance I have been sensing?" He narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing on my lands, Kikyo?"

"Oh, are we trespassing? Please do forgive me. Rest assured, as soon as we clean up around here, we'll gladly be on our way."

"Clean up? What are you talking about, Kikyo? Remove yourself from my land, you're unwelcome here!"

Kikyo pretended to pout a bit. "Now, is that anyway to thank me for fulfilling your wildest dreams?"

"You destroyed Naraku and have his body down there?" Sesshomaru said sarcastically.

"No, your other dream!" Kikyo said, melodramatically, stepping aside to show him the sight of Inuyasha trying to stand up while grasping his arm and gritting his teeth with a pale white face, finally falling down on the ground.

Sesshomaru gasped. He glared at Kikyo. "What did you DO to him?"

"A small peace offering from me to you, it's your dream come true! Isn't this what you've always wanted?"

"All I want right now is for you to leave my lands, AFTER you tell me what you have done to my brother."

Kikyo grabbed one of the arrows from her pack. "Look, listen, and learn! As they," she pointed, "know already, I have introduced your brother to my newest spell, the Black Hate of Death! As you can no doubt tell, I already shot him in the arm. This is the most deadly poison that has ever been made...you haven't seen the like of it before, and no one shall ever see it again! I shot him in the arm…and as we speak the poison is working its way into his stomach…and his legs...and his hips…and soon ..by the third day...his heart!"

Miroku was hunching over Inuyasha, holding the arm in his lap with Shippo's help, trying to use his powers to slow down the potion. "Sango, all I can do is slow this down...I can't stop it! I can't reverse what she's done!"

"Oh no!" Shippo cried out.

"What kind of fool do you take me for? Of COURSE your powers won't work on it! I made sure of that!"

Sesshomaru stepped forward. "If his powers won't, mine will!" He pulled out Tensaiga.

"Oh, don't bother with that! I can almost assure you, that will not work."

"What are you talking about, Kikyo?"

"You don't think I wouldn't take all necessary precautions, did you? Not even your sword can work!"

"Kikyo…"

Miroku gasped at what he suddenly began to notice. "Uh, Sango? Is this the night of the new moon?"

Sango turned. "No, it's the night of a half moon. Why?"

Miroku pointed to where Inuyasha lay. "LOOK!" Shippo screamed.

Sango gasped. "OH MY GOD!" For patches of black were slowly forming in Inuyasha hair, and his golden eyes were slowly turning violet.

Kikyo laughed. "Oh, did I forget to mention? Oh, how thoughtless of me! You see, that's another side effect of the spell! Seeing as how he's made up of two parts, the poison is slowly getting rid of both parts, starting with the demon part of him. By the middle of the second day, only his human part will remain. By sunset of the third day...he'll be dead!"

"GOD #### YOU, KIKYO!" Sango screamed, hurling the Hiraikotsu, which Kikyo avoided by teleporting out of it's way…but Sesshomaru managed to arrive where she was before she could blink and grabbed her arm.

"Kikyo, you will tell me how to reverse this curse, now. If not, I will kill you. Nobody harms my brother and lives…ESPECIALLY on MY lands."

The undead priestess smirked, and she said, "Sesshomaru…now why are you so upset? You've said so yourself…you HATE him…DESPISE him…you've tried to kill him, and threatened to do so on several occasions…MANY more than I have. You're just in a sour mood because I got him first. Look at it this way…you'll still be able to have him stuffed and mounted in the main room of your castle…if the slayer, her overgrown tabby cat, or the monk don't kill you first."

Sesshomaru released his grip on Kikyo's arm, but before she could think to teleport, the Demon Lord grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against a nearby tree…hard. He said, "I shall ask you again…how do I remove this curse that you have inflicted upon my brother?"

Jaken said, "YOU HAD BEST DO AS MY LORD SESSHOMARU ORDERS, YOU UNDEAD WITCH…OR YOU SHALL FACE HIS MIGHTY WRATH!"

Kikyo retorted with, "I'm not in the least bit afraid of you, imp. SHUT UP!"

Sesshomaru made sure that his face was right in front of Kikyo's, and he growled out, "HE is not the one you should fear, Kikyo…I am. I can rip you to pieces in seconds…and I WILL end your existence, unless you tell me how my brother can be cured. Talk, Kikyo…or you WILL die."

"Oh, please, you're not fooling anyone!" Kikyo retorted. "The only reason you want that antidote is just so you can take his life yourself the very moment you save it! You just can't accept the fact that YOU lost and someone else beat you to the kill."

Sesshomaru growled and shoved her up against the tree. "The antidote now, this is NOT a request."

"And if I don't?"

"I shall rip you apart with my own hand."

"Try it and your brother will die for sure. In case you didn't listen the first time, I'm the ONLY one who has the antidote…and even if I were to go mad and give it to you, you wouldn't be able to administer it. It only can work by using two thing you sadly weren't born with- compassion and a heart! You know a HEART, Sesshomaru…that tiny little organ in your body that enables you to actually FEEL!"

"I DO have a heart, Kikyo, get on with it. As you may or may not have heard, Kikyo, I have adopted a human ward...THAT requires a heart and compassion!"

"You expect me to believe that? You'll say anything in order to get the upper hand, won't you?"

"Jaken?"

"Yes, mi Lord?"

"Go get Rin, bring her here. But keep her a good distance away." Jaken bowed and brought her back a moment later.

Sesshomaru said, "Kikyo, meet Rin."

"My, my, what a charming young lady. What's she doing around you?"

"I told you before Kikyo, she is my ward."

"Ward?"

"Yes. I believe my brother's intended has another word for it. I believe she said I adopted her."

"Adopted? Well, that's a cute little word. You'll do anything to make yourself look good, won't you?"

"Don't talk about Lord Sesshomaru that way!" Rin said. "He DID save me, and I DO live with him! He's telling the truth!"

"I see she learned her manners from you, Sesshomaru."

"You do as he says you mean lady, tell us how to cure Inuyasha."

"Why?"

 In answer Sesshomaru tightened his grip around her throat. His fingers started to glow green as Sango took a firm hold on the Hiraikotsu, Miroku held his hand on his beads covering his Wind Tunnel. "The cure, Kikyo, NOW, or face my poison claws!"

"One way or another, you'll cause your brother's death, won't you? Even if you find the cure, you'll kill him as soon as he's well, just so YOU can say you did it! Sour grapes, not very becoming of a Mighty Lord!"

Sesshomaru growled. "I shall crush your neck with my bare hands, Kikyo. Slowly, painfully, so I can hear each bone break...now, the cure!"

Kirara had grown full size and was hovering over Inuyasha, gently licking his arm.

"Kirara…stay with me," Inuyasha moaned as he tried again to reach the Tetsusaiga, but his arm was by this time stiff and swollen and every inch he tried to move was absolute agony. Shippo tried to help Inuyasha raise the massive sword, but it was just too much.

The little kitsune said, "I'm…I'm sorry, Inuyasha…it's too heavy…I can't lift it."

Inuyasha groaned again, gritting his teeth as more waves of pain ripped through his body.

"Ha, it works! My poison works!" She then gasped as Sesshomaru started to apply pressure to her neck. "Yeah, go ahead! Go ahead and do this…do this and never see your brother ever again, not that you really love him. Oh, right, I forgot, no one can harm him except for you, isn't that it? Well, I'm not giving the cure. If there's one thing I can't stand is a sore loser."

Incensed, Sesshomaru replied, "I am NOT a sore loser, Kikyo…and if you wish to go on with your miserable excuse for an existence, give us the cure, or I will find a VERY painful method of getting you to provide me with the information that I desire."

Kikyo replied, "Not a chance…he deserves to die for all he's done. He attacked me after Naraku possessed him…I don't ever think he truly loved me to begin with…he just waited until my back was turned, so he could accomplish his real plan…steal the jewel and kill me. I wouldn't be surprised if he and Naraku planned this whole thing. If Kagome is stupid enough to love him in spite of him being a wretched half-breed freak, then I truly do pity her. I'm doing you AND her a favor by killing him…so I'd appreciate a 'Thank You'."

Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red, but briefly, and then he pulled out Tensaiga. He said, "I want the antidote, Kikyo…or I shall show you the true power of this sword. It does not only revive the dead…it can also DESTROY the undead…meaning you. If this blade comes in contact with you, it will obliterate you utterly. Perhaps a demonstration is in order…"

He lightly pressed the point of Tensaiga against Kikyo's right shoulder, and the blade pulsed a bright blue-white. Kikyo screamed, as waves of pain shot through her. Sesshomaru withdrew the sword from her skin, and sheathed it, before he renewed his grip on her neck.

Sesshomaru pinned Kikyo full on to the tree. "Now, the antidote, witch!" She felt bones start to snap as excruciating pain began to shoot through her. "Aggh…all right…all RIGHT! But the only one who can do this is his destined soul mate….in other words, his one true love. Seeing as how this is the Black Hate of Death, the only cure for that is pure love. His true love must go to him, place her hands over his heart, and channel her love into him. Only then the spell can be lifted, but she only has until sunset on the third day, or else he will die." Rin gasped.

"I suppose we should say thank you," Sango said sarcastically.

"Se…Sesshomaru.." Inuyasha gasped, again trying to stand up, "Quick, Sesshomaru…you're my brother…you...try to go through the well! Quick, jump in! You're my brother….I've got a connection to Kagome, maybe you do too!"

"You're going with me, brother," Sesshomaru ran to Inuyasha and helped him onto his back. As they were heading for the well, however, Kikyo pointed toward the well, and a bolt of her dark spiritual energy shot through her arm, breaking the well into pieces. Shippo screamed.

"No!" Sango cried.

"There, now let's see you go through!"

Inuyasha slid off Sesshomaru's back. "Sesshomaru, touch the tree! I can communicate with Kagome by touching the tree, you're my brother, maybe you can…oh God.." he sank down on his knees and held his stomach. "God...quick…do it.."

"Very well," but as he placed his hand on the tree, a burning sensation caused him to pull his hand away. "Aggh."

"Ha, do you REALLY think I'd leave the tree unguarded? There's a barrier around the tree. If anyone touches it, their hand gets burned off!"

"#### YOU, KIKYO! HIRAIKOTSU!" Sango hurled her boomerang, which Kikyo ducked by teleporting. But Sesshomaru pinned her up against the tree.

"THIS time I AM going to kill you, Kikyo! Not slowly or painlessly...RIGHT NOW!" His claws began to glow green…when the air was suddenly filled with wolf howls! The noise was so loud Sesshomaru had to let go of Kikyo and put his hands over his ears. Inuyasha had to do the same. Kirara had to put her paws over her ears as well as Shippo. Kikyo took that opportunity to teleport to the top of a tree.

"Those who spell and run away, live to spell another day!" With that, she left in a red glow. Sango tried to hurl her boomerang, just missing her. Sesshomaru slammed his fist against a tree, knocking it completely over.

"#### HER!" Sango yelled.

Inuyasha groaned loudly and held his stomach. "I…I'm sick...oh God, I'm sick…I'm SICK! I..I feel sick.." he doubled over with nausea. Miroku helped him up and took him into the bushes just in time. A few seconds later the sound of retching could clearly be heard from the bushes, causing Sango and Shippo to cringe, and Sesshomaru to gasp.

"Uh…OK, don't panic, don't panic...no one panic, just stay calm," Shippo said. "All we have to do is…put the well back together somehow...yeah.." he dashed over to where the ruined well was and tried to fit the pieces back together. Rin came over to help. But the wood had been pretty much smashed into such tiny parts, they couldn't fit together!

"Uh…uh...I can't do it, Shippo!" Rin said.

"Keep trying! We have to keep trying!" Shippo said, sweating profusely.

"It's no use, guys," Sango said. "It's a spell she put on it. It can't be fixed."

"No," Shippo said, in tears. "Does that mean…we'll never see Kagome again?"

Finally Miroku helped a moaning Inuyasha out of the bushes.

"Uh…don't anyone go over there for a while," Miroku said. "No, no, take it easy…lie down, you have to lie down." Inuyasha groaned in pain, holding his arm.

"Oh God…my arm...my stomach…what the hell did she do?"

Sesshomaru came over and knelt beside him. "Let me see it, brother," he slowly lifted up Inuyasha kimono and gasped. "My God." His arm had already swollen up to at least twice its normal size. It was blood red and absolutely covered with white scales! Kirara, still in full size, licked Inuyasha's arm to let him know she was there to take care of him, licked his cheek once, and helped him onto her back. "Quick, take him to my castle," Sesshomaru said. "My servants can make him comfortable."

Miroku climbed up behind him. "I'll prepare some potions to help ease the pain. Shippo, you'd better come too, I might need help gathering herbs." Shippo climbed up on Kirara and she took off.

Rin, Sango, and Sesshomaru stared after her. "What are we going to do?" Rin said, in tears.

Sesshomaru turned. "There is only one thing we can do. We have to go see Kaede. She's the only one who might be able to

help us."

"Yes," Sango agreed. "We have to see her right away. There's not a second to lose!"

"Pssh," Jaken said. "Mi Lord, if you don't mind me asking, are we going to try to help that half-breed…"

"No, Jaken," Sesshomaru corrected him angrily. "We're going to help my BROTHER."

"But, Sire, that half-breed was the one who chopped off your arm and…"

"Jaken!"

"Yes, Sir?" he trembled a bit. Sesshomaru picked him up.

"As of right now you will NO LONGER refer to him as a half breed! His name is Inuyasha, and you will address him as that

or my brother...do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir," He trembled.

"Good," he dropped Jaken. "Now, let's go."

Jaken stood in one place and watched them start off. "What is going on with my Lord Sesshomaru? He never used to act like this, especially when it concerned that half-breed brother of his! I don't like this, maybe that witch put a spell on him as well, if I go with him, I may wind up dead! "Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken called out then. Sesshomaru stopped and turned around. After a small pause... "GOOD LUCK, MI LORD!" He called out.

SLAP!

"Let's go, Jaken!"

"Coming, Mi Lord!" Jaken called out, toddling behind while rubbing his growing lump on his head.

'I asked her to stay

But she wouldn't listen

She left before I had the chance to say (Oh-oh)

The words that would mend

The things that were broken

But now it's far too late, she's gone away

Every night you cried yourself to sleep

Thinking: "Why does this happen to me?

Why does every moment have to be so hard?"

Hard to believe it

It's not over tonight

Just give me one more chance to make it right

I may not make it through the night

I won't go home without you

The taste of her breath, I'll never get over

The noises that she made kept me awake (Oh)

The weight of the things that remained unspoken

Built up so much it crushed us everyday

Every night you cried yourself to sleep

Thinking: "Why does this happen to me?

Why does every moment have to be so hard?"

Hard to believe it

It's not over tonight

Just give me one more chance to make it right

I may not make it through the night

I won't go home without you (Oh-oh-oh-oh)

It's not over tonight

Just give me one more chance to make it right

I may not make it through the night

I won't go home without you (Oh-oh-oh-oh)

Of all the things I felt but never really showed

Perhaps the worst is that I ever let you go

I should not ever let you go (oh-oh-oh)

It's not over tonight

Just give me one more chance to make it right

I may not make it through the night

I won't go home without you (oh-oh-oh-oh)

It's not over tonight

Just give me one chance to make it right

I may not make it through the night

I won't go home without you

And I won't go home without you

And I won't go home without you

I won't go home without you.'

Once they reached Kaede's hut, Sango stopped. There was a loud "Mew!" and Kirara, in her little kitten form, came back and settled on Sango's shoulder. She turned to Sesshomaru. "Let me go in first and tell Kaede what's happened. She's known me the longest so I should be the one to break the news."

He nodded. "Very well." Sango went over and knocked on the doorframe.

"Who is it?" came Kaede's soft accent.

"It's Sango, Kaede. May I come in?"

"Why, Sango! Of course, Dear! Come right in, I'll make some tea." She lifted the flap and went in.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked.

"Yes?"

"Is Inuyasha…going to die?"

Sesshomaru faced the hut. "Not if I can help it, Rin. He will NOT die...I'll do whatever needs to be done."

Jaken came up then. "Pardon me, Mi Lord?"

"What is it?" he asked worriedly.

"There's no question in my mind that Kikyo has perfected her black magic spells to dangerous point. This new

demonstration proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that to defeat her we need all the help we can get."

After a pause...

"Your point is?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Oh! My point…what was my point…I suppose my mind is growing weaker with age!"

Sango settled herself onto the floor of Kaede's hut, and she said, "Kaede, I need to speak with you…it's urgent."

Kaede said, "What's happened, Sango…you look worried…more like terrified."

Sango took a few deep breaths to calm herself, and Kirara meowed from her lap. As she gently caressed the two-tailed firecat, Sango said, "Kaede…Inuyasha…he's…oh God…"

Kaede said, "Would you like some tea, Sango…perhaps that will help you get your thoughts in order."

Sango smiled, and she replied, "Yes, please…I could use a nice hot cup right about now."

Kaede went out back and grabbed two cups, and then she crushed up some tea leaves and put them into the cups. She came back out with a bottle of water that Kagome had given to her on her last visit, and she poured it into the pot that sat on top of her hut's fire pit. Before long, Kaede poured the sweet-smelling mixture into the cups, and Sango accepted hers. She took a sip, and said, "Thank you, Kaede…I needed that, especially after what happened."

The elderly priestess got herself comfortable, and she said, "You mentioned that something had happened to Inuyasha. What's the matter with him, Sango?"

The demon slayer replied, "He's…he's been badly hurt, Kaede…it was Kikyo. We were on our way to the Bone-Eaters' Well, and Inuyasha was planning to go and surprise Kagome by telling her that he'd realized his true feelings for her. Inuyasha also said that since we're all such close friends of both him and Kagome, we might be able to pass through the Well with him, and we all decided that we'd love to go and witness Inuyasha confess his love to her…but just before we could go in, Kikyo showed up with a huge swarm of demons. We all killed her pack of miscreants, but she used the distraction to shoot an arrow into Inuyasha's arm…one that she'd made just for him. Kaede…it's slowly killing him by destroying both halves of him…human and demon. By the second day, his demon half will be totally gone, and by sunset of the third day…he'll be…dead. It's called the Black Hate of Death, Kaede…and only his destined soulmate can cure him by channeling her love into his heart. Miroku tried to use his sacred powers to stop it…nothing."

Kaede gasped. She said, "Oh my…this is terrible. I knew that this…creature that looks like my sister was cold…but I never thought she would do anything like this. Why didn't you go through the Well and bring him to Kagome?"

Sango had tears in her eyes, and she said, "Kikyo…destroyed the Well, Kaede…and she also put a barrier up around the Sacred Tree. We can't contact Kagome in any way…that's why I…we came to seek your help, Kaede."

"We, Sango? Miroku and Shippo are here with you?"

"No, Kaede. They went to stay with Inuyasha…someone..else is here with me."

That's part one. Hope you like it.

[studster1011]

Thats pretty good! Kikyo seems to be bat#### crazy though haha. When are you planning to release/write part 2?

[Ranlsa]

Well, as soon as I get a few more posts. Maybe tomorrow.  Glad you like it.

(hey, in a way Kikiyo IS crazy! Hee,hee. )

[MegaNaraku]

Kikyo sure is Crazy

In any case, this is an excellent story. I have read it already on fanfiction.net

BUT I READ IT AGAIN ^_^ and I liked it

[Ranlsa]

Thank you so much! Just for that old buddy, I'll upload the second chapter right now:

Chapter 2- Exit The Demon Lord

Kaede was surprised at first...if Miroku and Shippo weren't with Sango, than who else could it be... She said, "Sango, who did you bring with you...wait, you mean…"

Sango replied, "I came with Inuyasha's brother, Sesshomaru, Kaede. He's here along with his human ward Rin, and his retainer, Jaken."

Kaede was shocked...Sesshomaru had been against his brother for so long, and she'd seen the wounds that the powerful Demon Lord had inflicted on Inuyasha in the past. The elderly priestess had heard of Sesshomaru's change of heart from Kagome, but she'd only seen him a few times, and never for very long. She said, "If he truly does wish to aid in bringing Kagome to Inuyasha's side, then by all means, he's welcome to come in."

Sango opened the covering over Kaede's doorway, and she leaned outside. She said, "Sesshomaru, you and Rin are welcome to come inside...Jaken too." Sesshomaru nodded, and he walked inside, nodding his head slightly as a sign of respect to Kaede. Rin politely bowed, and Jaken was about to say something, when Sesshomaru glanced at him with a look that meant 'say it and you're dead'.

Kaede said, "Welcome, Lord Sesshomaru...it's been a long time since we last spoke. I must say...I am glad to see that you and Inuyasha have put your differences aside. Tell me, what brought about your change of heart?"

Sesshomaru sat down next to Sango, and Rin took a seat next to him, while Jaken stood off to the side, wearing a sour expression. The Demon Lord replied, "It started when I saw just how utterly he was able to destroy the ferocious Ryukotsusei...a demon that not even our father could defeat. Inuyasha, despite being only half demon, wiped him off the face of the Earth with a single blow from the Backlash Wave. He also prevented Naraku from absorbing my body into his, and I've seen for myself how much strength he gains from his trust in all of his companions...especially for Kagome. The two of them are practically soulmates to begin with, and the rest of you are so close to him, he seems to consider you as part of his family. The biggest factor however...is Rin." Rin looked up, surprised. "Little by little, ever since the day I revived her with Tensaiga, she has broken down the barrier of my heart, and allowed me to see that love and companionship are not signs of weakness...they can make you stronger. I have learned that my brother is every bit as worthy of being our father's son as I am...and that he deserves to live his life with the one he truly loves. As such, I ask you, Kaede...please aid us in finding a way to bring Kagome to his side. My brother... one of my last remaining family members...he does not deserve to die without having a chance to know true love."

Sango wiped tears from her eyes, and she said, "This is...all my fault. I should've been able to stop that arrow...I tried to use Hiraikotsu to shield him, but I didn't move fast enough. Maybe if I'd thrown it instead...hit the arrow in mid-flight...I should've noticed it before...but I was too slow...it's my fault Inuyasha's in such horrible pain right now...if we find Kagome...I don't know how I'll be able to tell her this…" The demon slayer cried, overcome with grief.

Kirara began rubbing her head against Sango's stomach, until the calm voice of Sesshomaru stated, "Sango, you are not to blame...you did everything that you could have done. If anyone is to blame, I should bear it. I am guilty of REPEATED attacks on Inuyasha...on all of you, and only recently have I come to accept him...to love him as a brother...as family. Sango, you are one of the finest humans that I have ever met...a strong, brave woman, and a formidable fighter. Inuyasha has told me that you are the only one out of your group that can actually come close to matching his fighting prowess. Sango, do not blame yourself for what has happened...instead, focus on finding Kagome, so that we may bring this ordeal to a happy ending."

Rin said, "That's right, Miss Sango...we'll all help you. Kirara, Lord Sesshomaru, and me...even Master Jaken, right?"

The toad imp replied, "AS IF I WOULD EVER CONSIDER HELPING THAT WORTHLESS HALF-BREED...uh...oh…" Several slaps sounded throughout the hut, as Sesshomaru, Rin, Sango, and even Kaede gave Jaken their opinion regarding his big mouth. Kirara hissed, and then she batted the toad imp outside.

Sango said, "Thank you, Kirara...I know I can always count on you to stay by my side." Kirara meowed, and then she jumped up onto Sango's shoulder and began to lick the slayer's cheek, while purring softly. "Thank you, too, Sesshomaru and Rin...I'm so glad to have such a wonderful band of friends...it's almost like having a family again. That's why I'm begging you, Kaede, please. To lose Inuyasha would be like losing a brother."

"Please, Kaede," Sesshomaru said. "Inuyasha is one of my only remaining family members, aside from my mother…and he is like family to Sango. If there is anything you can do, we would all be eternally grateful."

"Hmm…" Kaede said. "I don't think I myself can bring Kagome here.."

"No.." Sango whispered.

"But I think I might have a way to send YOU to HER time…but it's a very old Shikigami spell….I haven't used it in years. It might be risky for you, Sesshomaru.."

"I'm willing, Kaede. I will do whatever it takes to save my brother."

"Very well, Sesshomaru. I will go into the back room and find the scroll. If used properly, this spell has the ability to send you forward into Kagome's time so that you may find her."

She turned to Sango. "Sango, seeing as how you have read Kagome's books and have done research on her time, you will go with him and be his guide" Sango nodded.

"But, Kaede, I think it would be better if we posed as a family, to lift suspicion from ourselves while we're there. So, I think Rin should go with us as well." Kirara mewed.

"Oh, of course you'll join us too, Kirara. I'd never dream of leaving you behind."

Rin looked up excitedly. "Can I really go with you, Lord Sesshomaru? I've heard so many things from Kagome about her era, I'd love to see it up close."

"All right, Rin. But you have to stay close to me and Sango when we're there. It's a big place and none of us are familiar with it, so I don't want you wandering off."

"I won't," Rin said, but she couldn't hide her excitement.

"All right, I'll go out back and find the scroll and any ingredients I'll need."

Kaede walked into the back and reached up on the highest shelves, looking, looking, until she finally found what she was seeking. She took down a large, yellow, dusty scroll that had been placed up on the topmost shelf and opened it, reading it thoroughly and gathering jars and bottles from the other shelves, finally returning. She set all her contents in front of her and placed a small bowl on the ground. She unrolled the scroll and beckoned Sango, Rin, and Sesshomaru to come and sit in front of her. She took some more of the bottled water and poured it into the bowl. She scooped some sand from the ground and sprinkled it into the cup. She took a small bottle of gold colored liquid. "Snake oil," she muttered, holding it up and pouring a few drops into the cup. She took some dried leaves and crushed them between her fingers, causing the smell of cinnamon to fill the room. "Dried herbs," she explained as she added them to the cup. She held up a green bottle. "Liquid dragon scales," she said, pouring in some. She lifted up her head. "Sesshomaru, this is the part where I'm going to need you."

"What do you need me for, Kaede?"

"If you are truly serious about helping your brother, I'm going to need an important ingredient in this spell, which only you can provide."

"I will do whatever I can, Kaede."

Kaede reread the scroll. "In order for this potion to work...I will need two drops of demon blood to add to the cup. It must be a full blooded demon." She looked up. "Would you?"

Sesshomaru held out his hand. "Take it, Kaede."

Sango pulled her hidden dagger from her boot. "Hold out your hand to me, Sesshomaru, and don't move." She carefully stabbed his finger and held it over the cup, squeezing two drops of blood into it. He covered his finger to heal it.

"All right," Kaede said. "It looks like it's just about ready. Now, before I send you there, we have to put you in less conspicuous clothes. After all, it will be five hundred years in the future, so those clothes you've all got on now will definitely cause some stares, from what Kagome has told me. Now…let's see.." Kaede said. "I do believe Kagome left a change of clothes here with me the last time she was here…" she stood up and went to a corner. "Ah! Here it is!" she pulled out a bag and opened it. "Let's see…Sango, I believe you are the same size as Kagome…" she lifted out a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved T-Shirt.

"Those are jeans, right?" Sango said. "Kagome was telling me about those. She said I might like them! They're comfortable and easy to walk in."

"Well, by all means, try them on!" Kaede handed them to Sango. "You can go in the back there." Sango stood up and left. "Now, for you, Rin.." she reached in and pulled out a bright yellow sundress. "I think this will do nicely. Wait, let me make it your size." she passed her hand over the garment. Immediately, it started to shrink until it was just her size. "There, Dear. Now, you can go put it on. Just follow Sango."

 Rin did so, and after a few moments she came out. "Lord Sesshomaru, look!" she said happily, twirling around in the dress.

"You look very lovely, Rin," Sesshomaru said.

Immediately afterward, Sango entered in the jeans and T-Shirt. She stopped by Kaede's mirror to admire herself. "Wow…I love these! I love these! Kagome was right, these are comfortable! I bet these would be good to fight in too…all you'd have to do is attach some armor to them!"

"Oh, Miss Kaede," Rin asked suddenly, "What about Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Oh…ah…Sesshomaru.." Kaede said.

"I do not think there could be anything in that bag for me," Sesshomaru said.

"Well….ah…" Kaede said, taking Sesshomaru's hand and looking upon his claw. "This will definitely be much more difficult than it is to disguise Inuyasha when he goes in the well. All he basically needs is a hat to hide his ears…but seeing as how yours are much different, we might not be able to do that. Not to mention your claws are much more distinctive…can't hide those…not to mention your birthmarks…hmm…I suppose the only way to disguise you, Sesshomaru…would be to cloak you in magic and give you a human form."

"Cloak him?" Rin asked.

"Yes…just give him a magic disguise to hide his demon features so people in the future won't be alarmed. I guarantee it will not hurt. It will be merely so he will go unnoticed as he is helping you seek Kagome." She looked at Sesshomaru quickly. "By doing this I am not removing your demon powers. You will still be a demon. You will only LOOK like a human. You will retain all the powers you were given, you will only LOOK different." Sesshomaru nodded. Kaede took a golden pendant and passed her hands over it.

"I invoke this charm with the power of time,
Let it now take form as I finish this rhyme.
Make him look as he does not,
As I dip this charm into the pot.
Make a cloak of human form,
A demon we shall see no more."

The pendant then began to glow with a red-gold tint and she dipped it into the potion. As soon as she pulled it out it glowed for a few moments. She then stepped toward Sesshomaru. "Now, like I said, as soon as I put this pendant on you, you'll take the form of a human man. You will still have your demon powers, but I don't recommend you using them while you're in Kagome's time."

"No, Sesshomaru," Sango said quickly. "Kaede's right. You mustn't use your demon powers at all while we're there…and you also can't kill people. That's extremely important, Sesshomaru. In Kagome's time they have people called 'Police', they're kind of like the Samurai's of her time, only a lot more strict. If they saw you kill anyone, they would have you arrested and put in a place called 'Jail', where they would force you to stay in a room with bars out front, not too much furniture, and make you live there. They would also take Rin away and put her with a lot of other children with no parents called an 'Orphanage'."

Rin gasped. "NO! No, I don't want to go anywhere but where Lord Sesshomaru is! Oh, Lord Sesshomaru, please don't let them take me!"

"Don't worry, Rin. As long as Sesshomaru controls himself and doesn't kill ANYONE, regardless of who they are of whether or not they're in his way, we'll all be fine and you won't leave him." Rin breathed a sigh of relief.

"Now, Sesshomaru," Kaede began again. "As soon as I put this pendant on you, you will assume the form of a human man. Like I said, you will still retain your powers but you will resemble a human in every shape and form. You will stay like this until you remove the pendant, then you shall regain your true form. However, I don't recommend you do so in public. If you must take this off, wait until you are completely alone. Do you understand all of this?"

"I do, Kaede. And I am willing to put that on and assume that form, if by doing so I may help my brother."

"All right. Come stand in front of me."

Jaken, having finally regained consciousness, staggered back into the room to see Kaede put the pendant on Sesshomaru's kimono. Immediately a blue-white glow surrounded him. Jaken stood where he was with his jaw to the ground, not knowing what on Earth was happening…until the glow faded and he saw for the first time the transformed Sesshomaru.

"Huh? Who….wha…..wha…MiLOOOOOOOOOOOORD!" Jaken cried out before passing out in a dead faint!

Rin ran up to Sesshomaru and looked up at him. "Actually, Lord Sesshomaru, I think you look very handsome!"

"Thank you, Rin."

"Actually, you do," Sango agreed, pulling a small mirror out of the bag. 'Look for yourself!"

Sesshomaru looked. "Hold that differently. I don't see myself."

Rin giggled. "THAT'S you, Lord Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru stared at the unfamiliar face looking back at him. His once silvery-white hair was now jet black! His eyes of gold had been replaced with violet ones! His skin was darker as well, and his fur and birthmarks were gone! His teeth had nio fangs. He held out his hands…normal human ones! His claws and long fingernails were gone. He touched his ears. Round…not pointed. He leaned in closer to the mirror. In fact, if his kimono had been red instead of white…he would look exactly like Inuyasha in his own human form! "Interesting.." Sesshomaru said. "So…this is what my brother sees on the night of a new moon."

"Only you still have your demon power," Sango said. "Inuyasha doesn't…he doesn't like that too much. In fact, I'm one of the few people that can approach him when this happens. Usually he doesn't want anyone coming near him until the morning, when he gets his powers back."

"I must remember to speak to him about this when we come back."

Jaken finally stood up. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY LORD SESSHOMARU, YOU WITCH? YOU TURNED HIM INTO THE ONE THING HE HATES THE MOST! HOW LONG DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO STAY LIKE THIS, KNOWING THIS IS WHAT HE…"

"Jaken!"

"Yes, Sir?"

SLAP!

"I may look human, Jaken, but underneath I am still myself!"

"Aye, Mi Lord!"

Kirara mewed as if to say, "What about me?"

"Oh yes, dear Kirara, we must not forget you," she gazed upon Kirara. "Hmm…those two tails of yours will be difficult to hide…so I believe you need to be cloaked as well," she took an ordinary collar from one of her shelves and dipped it into the potion. "All right, hold still." She put the collar on Kirara, who also was cloaked in a blue-white light. When it went away Kirara was standing there, looking like a normal cat. Her tails had morphed into one big one, her diamond on her forehead had gone, and her eyes had shrunken.

"Mew?" she asked.

"You look sweet, Kirara," Sango reassured her. Kirara jumped upon Sango's shoulder.

"Now, remember, Kirara, you are still a full demon cat, and you still have all your demon abilities. However, like Sesshomaru, I suggest that you don't transform at all while you're in Kagome's time. It would definitely scare a lot of people and they'll run away instead of helping you."

"Are you understanding this, Kirara? No transforming while we're there."

"Mew."

Kaede read the scroll one final time. "Oh Dear.."

"What is it, Kaede?"

"This spell is really, really old. I'm afraid I haven't used it in many years…it isn't as powerful as it used to be."

Sango looked at her, worried to death. "What does it mean, Kaede?"

"It means that…I can only send you there for two days. By sunset of the second day, I MUST bring you back, or you will be stranded there forever. Once you come back, I can't send you there anymore."

"We won't fail, Kaede," Sesshomaru promised. "By the second day, we WILL come back with Kagome. I swear on the honor of our father that we will."

Sango went to the doorway. When she lifted the flap, she saw that the sun was beginning to set. "Sesshomaru, Kaede, the sun is starting to go down. We have to get moving right NOW."

"I agree, let's begin this journey. There's not a second to lose. I don't want the sun going down on my brother's life."

"All right. First, you must leave all your weapons behind. That Hiraikotsu will no doubt attract attention, as will your armor, Sesshomaru." Sango shrugged off her boomerang and placed it on the ground, followed by her hidden dagger, and then her katana. Sesshomaru unsheathed Tensaiga and Tokijin, unbuckled his armor, and laid it by the Hiraikotsu. "All right, now follow me outside, please."

"Pssh…like I have any desire to go into the land of Humans! Lord Sesshomaru, I beg you to rethink this! It's bad enough

that you look like a human, but to go spend two days surrounded by them, and nothing else.."

BAM!

"Oooh.." Jaken said, rubbing his throbbing head.

"JUST for that, Jaken, you will NOT be accompanying us! Take the weapons and take them back to the castle. Take Ah-Un, go outside and guard the castle. If you should see Kikyo, Koga, Naraku, or ANY other enemy of ours approaching, inform Miroku immediately."

"Y…yes, Milord."

"And know this, Jaken. If anything at all should happen to my brother….you will die."

"Oof…yes, Milord," immediately Jaken scooped up the weapons and was gone.

Kaede then took up a red amulet. "In the event that you find Kagome before the two days are up, Sesshomaru, wear this amulet. When you find her tap it three times, and that will be my signal to send you home." She put the amulet around Sesshomaru's neck. "All right, now follow me, please," Kaede walked outside, followed by Sesshomaru, Sango, Rin, and Kirara. Once they were all outside, Kaede gathered candles. She took a long stick and proceeded to draw a large circle on the ground. She set up the candles in a circular patters all around the edges and began to light them. While she was doing that, Sango looked at Rin.

"Remember, Rin, we're going to be posing as a family while we're there, so we don't look suspicious. So, I think it would be best if you referred to me and Sesshomaru as 'Mother' and 'Father' while we're there."

"OK," she smiled at that.

"All right, we're just about ready. Step into the circle, please." She held up the bowl while they did so. "Now, all join hands." Sesshomaru took Rin's hand, Sango took her other one, and Kirara leaped on Sango's shoulder. "Now, close your eyes…and concentrate on Kagome and her era. Sango, I know you read her books, so focus on what you read. Rin, Sesshomaru, focus on finding her. Remember, you only have two days! Go with God, all four of you…and good luck!" She blew the contents of the bowl into the circle, took up the stick, and waved it inside.

"Travel now, and travel far,
Faster than the brightest star.
Past 500 years you four shall go,
Enter the future as it did grow.
I send you now, with all my might,
As you go faster than the brightest light."

The four could hear the chant...but as it ended they felt as if they were flying. Not opening their eyes, they held onto each other's hands as the sensation overtook them. Bright colors swirled behind their eyelids…and soon they felt cool grass beneath their feet and opened their eyes to be greeted by bright sunlight…the beginning of the second day of Inuyasha's poisoning….and found themselves surrounded by grass and trees. In fact, it looked remarkably similar to the time they left behind...only Kaede wasn't there! Rin looked around. "Mother…was something supposed to happen? This looks exactly the same as what we left."

"It...it shouldn't be.." Sango let go of Rin's hand and walked around. "This is odd…where's…" She then realized they were standing on a grassy hill. Going down it a bit, she shielded her eyes and pointed. "THERE it is. We landed on the outskirts of town." Eagerly, Rin dashed down to join Sango and Kirara, while Sesshomaru merely walked. When they got to a stop next to Sango, what they saw took their breath away.

The huge buildings of modern Tokyo stretched as far as the eyes could see, and the brightly colored houses and shops made a colorful maze along their feet. The streets were unlike anything any of them had ever seen before and the cars and buses driving along it mesmerized them for a few seconds. It was unlike ANYTHING any of them had ever seen before, not even Sango. The pictures in Kagome's books were NOTHING compared to seeing it all up close and personal.

"Mother…it looks so BIG!" Rin said. "This is MUCH bigger than ANY village I've ever seen!"

"Well, a lot of people live here now. So they had to have room for all of them to live and work in."

"Most interesting," Sesshomaru said, "But we have to go down there and start off. We don't have a moment to lose, we're already on the second day."

"You're right, let's go," Sango said. She, Sesshomaru, and Rin made their way carefully and slowly down the hill. Suddenly a huge noise came from overhead, so loud it caused Sesshomaru to hold his hands over his ears and Kirara to clap her own ears shut. Rin screamed in fright and ducked behind Sango. Sango looked up at what was causing the noise. "Don't be scared, Rin. That's just an airplane."

"Airplane?"

"I read about those. It's a way people have invented to travel through the sky, kind of like a metal-covered Kirara."

"Mew?"

"Oh, don't worry, Kirara, I still think YOU'RE the best air travel we could ever ask for!" She stroked the kitten behind her ears.

"But airplanes are for humans who don't have the privilege of having a Kirara! It's surrounded on all sides by metal so humans can sit on seats inside of it. They can also eat and sleep in it too. Just like what we sometimes do on Kirara."

"MUST they be so LOUD?" Sesshomaru asked.

"They're only loud because of the special liquid they use…I think it's called 'fuel'…to power the jet engines. That's what enables it to fly." She looked down at the city again. "Rin, this place is very big and really crowded, so hold onto Sesshomaru's hand, and don't wander off no matter what. Kirara, stay on my shoulder, do not jump off."

"Meow."

They made their way into the busy city, weaving their way through the noisy crowds. "Mother?" Rin asked.

"Yes, Rin?"

"How are we going to find Kagome? This place is so big, and there's so many people here! It'll take us forever!"

"No it won't. I remember Kagome telling me where she lived a few times. In order to find the street we need a map." She looked at the stands that were set up on every corner, looking for one that sold maps.

"What are those you're looking at, Mother?"

"Those are stands, Rin. They're small shops, like we have at home, that sell things like fruit and drinks…and hopefully we can find one that sells maps."

"Oh! Like those trade posts in the villages?"

"Yes, exactly." She finally spotted a small stand with maps hanging down. "Sesshomaru, I found one. I'm going to go over there and buy a map."

"All right, I shall stay over here in the meantime."

"May I come along, Mother?"

"All right, but stay close to me." They made their way to the stand. "Excuse me?"

"Yes?" said the Lady behind the counter.

"I'd like to purchase a map of this area, please."

"All right," she turned around and took one down. "You vacationing here, Miss?"

"Um...no...my family is in town visiting a friend, and we're kind of lost as to how to get to the house."

"All right.." Sango then spotted a small book on a shelf that said 'Tokyo Guide Book'. Thinking that might come in handy, she pointed. 'I'd like that book there too, please."

"All right. That'll be forty yen, please."

"Uh…forty yen?"

"Yes, Ma'am, for the map and book. Forty yen."

"Uh…of course.." not knowing quite what to do or even WHAT a yen was, she reached into the pocket of the jeans, hoping she would find something to trade and make a deal…when she felt something smooth...and pulled out what looked like a leather purse! Opening it, she saw a whole bunch of yen plus a note from Kaede explaining just how much each one was worth! She sighed with relief. "Kaede thinks of everything!" She paid for her purchases.

The Saleslady then spotted Rin, gazing upon the little wrapped dishes of cookies in front. "Well, hello, sweetie!"

Rin bowed politely. "Hello."

The Saleslady beamed. "So sweet!" She looked at Sango. "You have such a polite daughter!" She turned to Rin. "Would you like a cookie, Sweetie?"

"Thank you! May I have one?"

"Of course you can! Here," she gave Rin a small plate. "On the house."

"Thank you! May I please have another one for my Father?"

"Sure. Where is your Daddy?" Rin pointed to the transformed Sesshomaru. The Sales lady gasped. 'Wow,' she said under her breath. "Wow, he's a handsome man!"

"Yeah, he is!" Rin said,. She bowed again. 'Thank you for the cookies!" She ran back to Sesshomaru.

"Wow...THAT'S your husband?"

"Uh…yes.."

"Figures, the good looking ones are always taken! What a hunk!" she whistled at Sango. "You're a lucky woman!"

Sango smiled, and she said, "Thank you. I'd like to stay and chat, but we really need to get moving in order to see our friend. Thanks again for the map, the guidebook, and the cookies."

The saleswoman said, "Think nothing of it, dear…I hope you have a nice time here!"

Sango waved to the woman, and so did Rin, before the four of them headed off. About ten minutes later, Sango noticed a

bench, and she said, "Here…we can sit down and find the way to Kagome's house using this map, and this guidebook. Sesshomaru, can you hold the map, and I'll look up the Higurashi Shrine in the guidebook."

Sesshomaru replied, "Very well. Rin, would you like to help?"

The little girl replied, "Yes, Lord…I mean Father."

Sango smiled, and even Sesshomaru couldn't help but allow a slight grin to grace his features. Sango looked through the listings for the shrines, until she finally found what she was looking for. She said, "Aha…here it is! Higurashi Shrine…586 Sakura Way."

Sesshomaru began searching the map, after glancing at the nearest street sign to get his bearings. He then traced his finger along the map, until he found the street they needed to travel to. He said, "Sango, from this map, it would appear that Kagome's home is a rather long way from where we are. Our best bet is to either allow me to teleport us there, or for all of you to…"

Sango said, "No, Sesshomaru. Remember what Kaede said…no using your demonic abilities…even if it would make things easier. If this was our era…I'd be more than happy to take you up on your offer, but since the humans here aren't used to your powers…or Kirara's, we'll have to walk…unless we can find a bus."

Rin asked, "Mother…what's a bus?"

Sango replied, "It's like…a big, metal version of Kirara or Ah-Un that the people of Kagome's era use to travel from place to place faster than they can walk or run. Kagome said that they're really noisy though…and I don't think we'd be able to take Kirara onto the bus."

Sesshomaru replied, "There is another matter…we'll need to eat in order to have the strength to make our journey."

As if in answer, Rin's stomach growled, and Sango said, "Good idea…it's almost noon-time, judging by the position of the sun in the sky…" She looked around, until she spotted a place called WacDonald's…Kagome's favorite fast-food restaurant.

Sesshomaru asked, "Sango, where are we going?"

The demon-slayer replied, "To WacDonald's, Sesshomaru. It's what the humans of this era call a 'fast-food' restaurant. Kagome's brought some of the food from this place back for us to try, and it's really good."

As they arrived, Sango said, "We'll be better off eating out here, since we can't bring Kirara inside with us…they don't allow pets, and we really don't want to start trouble with the police."

Sesshomaru nodded, and then Rin asked, "Mother, do they serve rabbit here?"

Sango smiled, and she replied, "No, I'm afraid not, Rin. They have something called a 'hamburger' though. It's a round patty of meat, made from a cow, between two pieces of bread, and they put stuff on it to make it taste better. You can have lettuce, mustard, ketchup…that's a really tasty sauce made from tomatoes. You can get pickles, and they'll even put cheese on it, if you want a cheeseburger. They also have French fries, which are little stick-shaped pieces of fried potatoes cooked in seasoned oil. They've got lots of stuff to choose from for drinks, too. There's water, milk, and my favorite…Coca-Cola."

Rin asked, "What's Coca-Cola, Mother?"

Sango replied, "It's a sweet drink, made with caramel to give it the dark brown color, sugar, and flavoring. There's also iced tea, and lots of other stuff." After looking over one of the menus, Sango said, "How's this sound, Rin…I'll go and get you a Kid's Meal…that's one cheeseburger, a small bag of French fries, a small soda, and a little toy. Is that alright?"

Rin replied, "Yes, that's fine. Thank you."

Sesshomaru said, "I think I'll have a hamburger, a large fry, and a large…iced tea."

Sango smiled, and she said, "Alright then. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Just before she went inside, she heard Kirara meow, and she said, "Don't worry, Kirara. I'll bring you a nice treat too, for being such a good kitty."

Kirara answered with a happy "Mew!", and then Sango walked into the restaurant.

As she and Sesshomaru waited, Rin said, "Father…I'm really worried. I hope we can find Kagome in time to save Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru replied, "Do not fear, Rin. I promised that we would find her and bring her back to Inuyasha's side, and when I make a promise, I always keep it, no matter what."

Kirara mewed in encouragement, and then Sango came back outside. She set the tray down on the table, and then she started to pass out the food. She said, "For Sesshomaru…one hamburger with ketchup, a large order of fries, and a large iced tea. For Rin, one Kid's Meal with a small iced tea. A cheeseburger, medium fry, and medium Coca-Cola for myself, and for you, Kirara…one Fish Sandwich, and some spring water." She set the sandwich down under the table, and then she poured the water into Kirara's bowl she had brought with her.

The adorable little cat let out an excited "MEW!", and then she began happily digging into her meal.

Sesshomaru unwrapped his hamburger, and took a small, exploratory bite. His eyebrows went up, as he allowed his sensitive taste buds to examine the flavor of the cooked meat, the bread, and the ketchup. When he finally swallowed it, he said, "Most interesting…I think I like this…hamburger."

Sango replied, "That's good, Sesshomaru…I knew you could learn to like human food, just as you've come to accept humans."

Sesshomaru sampled his French fries next, and then he took a sip of his iced tea. He said, "I still prefer fresh game, but this is still…a rather enjoyable meal."

Sango smiled, and then she went back to eating her own food. She heard Kirara meow from under the table, and she looked down. Kirara had just polished off her food, and Sango said, "How was it, Kirara…did you enjoy your special treat?"

The adorable kitten hopped up on the bench next to Sango, and she replied, "Mew."

A couple of young children came up with their parents, and the little girl said, "Is that your cat, Miss?"

Sango replied, "Yes…her name's Kirara. My name is Sango, and this is my husband Sesshomaru, and our daughter, Rin."

Rin waved to the young children, and the young mother said, "She's so cute and polite…and your kitten is adorable, Sango. You picked a real winner there with your husband, let me tell you."

Sango blushed a bit, and Sesshomaru looked puzzled.

As Sesshomaru sat down next to Sango, eating his hamburger, he gazed around him. Several other humans were enjoying themselves...talking, reading books, and there were a few small children playing in what was called a 'Play-Place'. They were climbing up ladders, going down slides, and gently tossing small, multi-colored balls.

Rin swallowed the last bite of her cheeseburger, and she said, "Father, may I please go in there and play with the other children until you and mother are done eating? I promise I won't go anywhere else."

After swallowing a couple of his French fries, Sesshomaru replied, "Very well, Rin. Just stay where I can see you."

Rin smiled, and she said, "I will, Father." Rin threw away her trash, after Sango showed her wear to put it, and then she headed into the play area.

For the next twenty minutes, Sesshomaru and Sango watched Rin as she went down the slides, played hide-and-seek with the two children she'd met outside, and then they joined her in the ball pit. However, the calm and tranquility was shattered, as a tall human male entered the restaurant. Seconds later, Sesshomaru saw the man pull out a shiny metal object from under his jacket and aim it at the woman behind the counter. Even from outside, Sesshomaru could hear the screaming of the people inside, and the man saying, "I want all the money you've got, both in the safe and in the register...or someone's getting a lead migraine!"

Sesshomaru said, "Sango, what is that human holding that's frightening those other people so much?"

Sango looked inside, and she said, "Th-that's a gun! Kagome told me about those...they're deadlier than an arrow. If it hits you in the heart, head, or a lung, it could even kill you." Kirara hissed, and she jumped down off of the bench. She was about to transform, when Sango said, "No, Kirara. Remember...stay in your smaller form. One of us will have to deal with this punk."

Just then, the gunman spotted Rin as she made her way out to try and join the others, and he said, "Where do ya think you're goin', sweetie? I think I just found my insurance policy. Anyone tries to stop me, and I'm gonna pop the little tyke."

Sesshomaru entered the building, and he silently approached the man from behind. His first impulse was to crush the man's throat with his bare hands, but he remembered what Sango said about the police. As such, he grabbed the man by the shoulder, and said, "If I were you, I would take your hands off of my daughter." Startled, the man released Rin, and turned around, coming face-to-face with a tall, black-haired man...Sesshomaru in his human disguise. Rin hurried outside and hid behind Sango, while Sesshomaru raised his fist. He said, "You've frightened these people rather badly...and that makes me very angry. Also...you attempted to kidnap my daughter. I hope the police have fun questioning you." With that, Sesshomaru punched the thug in the head, and then he dropped him head-first into a trash can. He said, "To quote my friend Kagome…put garbage where it belongs."

All around him, everyone rose up and began clapping. The woman behind the counter said, "Oh God…thank you so much, Sir…I was so scared, especially when he grabbed that cute little girl. Would you like a free piece of apple pie, or is there another way I can thank you?"

Sesshomaru was startled at first, until Sango entered. She said, "Sesshomaru, they're thanking you for saving their lives…they're happy. Besides…if you hadn't stopped that man, Rin might not have been the only one to be hurt."

The disguised Demon-Lord replied, "I'm glad that none of you are hurt…and as for thanking me…I would like some of that Apple Pie you mentioned. May I have three slices, please? One for myself, one for my daughter Rin, and one for Sango, my wife."

The woman at the counter smiled, and she said, "Coming right up…and thanks again."

Three of the other children that had been hiding in fear of the now-unconscious gunman walked up to Rin, and one of them, a young boy of about seven, asked, "Is that your dad? He was really cool when he beat up that robber."

Rin replied, "Yes, that's my father…and he's the best father on Earth…and I've also got the best mother, and our little cat Kirara is a real gem herself."

The children all walked up to Sesshomaru, and a little girl said, "Thank you, Mr. Sesshomaru, for keeping that bad man from hurting anyone here. Until you beat him up, I was so scared that he'd hurt me or my mommy."

Sesshomaru replied, "He is nothing but a coward, and he got what he deserved. I'm glad that you aren't hurt…and thank you for making my daughter Rin happy. She enjoys making new friends."

Just then, the woman behind the counter called out, "Mr. Sesshomaru…your Apple Pie's ready. We just took it out of the oven, and we cut up three slices, one for you, your wife, and your adorable daughter. Thanks again, and come back anytime."

Sesshomaru accepted the slices of pie, and Sango broke off a small piece for Kirara. The sweet little disguised firecat mewed in pleasure, and then she ate her treat. She purred against Sango's shoulder, and then the group of four headed out once again to find Kagome.

Back in the Feudal Era, at Sesshomaru's Castle…

"Oooh...uh..," Inuyasha muttered, finally waking up. He had collasped in pain from the poison while on Kirara's back, and only now was he starting to regain consciousness. When he, Miroku, and Shippo had arrived at the castle, Miroku had explained the situation to the servants, and that Sesshomaru and ordered them to take care of his brother. With the servants help, Miroku was able to carry him to the best guest room in the palace. He now shot up from the chair where he was sitting in.

"You're awake!" he said, hurrying over to him.

"Hmm..wha..where.."

"Do you recognize where you are?"

Inuyasha looked around. "This...this is my brother's castle.."

"Yes," Miroku said. "Don't worry, he told us to take you here. His servents took you to this room. How do you feel?"

Inuyasha tried to sit up, but gasped from the pain in his arm. Miroku tried to help him sit up, but his legs now felt like extra sharp needles were stuck into them! He cried out and grabbed his legs. "It's...it's spreading! God, my legs..I can't move them...feels like I'm laying in a bed of nails!"

"Lie down my friend, let me see." Miroku pulled away the bedding and lifted the kimono. His legs looked very much like his arm- bright red and full of white scales. Gasping, he pulled the kimono back over them. Shippo had helped gather herbs outside and Miroku had managed to make some medicine to slow down the pain. He took the glass of bright blue liquid from the nightstand. "Here, Inuyahsa, drink this, it'll help." he helped him sit up to drink. After a bit, he lay down again.

"I think it's starting to work. The pain's fading. But I can't feel my legs...or my arm."

"How does your stomach feel?"

Inuyasha swallowed hard. 'Better." he said after a minute.

"Hungry?"

"Yeah." Miroku made his way over to where Shippo was sitting worredly.

"What else can we do for him, Miroku?" Shippo asked.

"Well…now that his stomach feels a bit better, we can give him something to eat so that he can keep up his strength. Now…what were those things that Kagome usually brings that he likes so much….what were they called...Ramen noodles!" Miroku went over to a bag that he had with him, which he had put on a chair. Opening it, he began to go through it's contents. "Ramen….Ramen…noodles..." He began to toss out object after object. A flashlight, several bottles of water, a blanket. "Noodles, noodles…where the hell are those Ramen noodles?" Miroku said, starting to panic a bit. Shippo came over to the bag.

"Are they there?" Shippo asked, leaping into the bag and rummaging around inside it…finally bring up three containers of the food. "OK, beef, chicken, and roast chicken flavors."

"Thanks, Shippo," Miroku took them and held them up so Inuyasha could see them. "Look, Inuyasha! Which one do you

want?"

Inuyasha managed to sit up. "Chicken."

"Ok, lie back down, we'll heat it up." he gave the containers to Shippo. "Tell the servants to heat these up and bring them back up here." Shippo nodded.

"Which one do you want?" Shippo asked.

"I'll take beef," Miroku said. Shippo nodded and left, returning a few minutes later with the steaming hot containers. Miroku took the chicken and went over to Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha, look! It's your favorite. Are you hungry? Come on, my friend, lean on me." He helped Inuyasha to a seating position. Seeing as how he could no longer move his arm, Miroku held the bowl while Inuyasha ate slowly with his good arm. Seeing as how poison had now spread to his legs, Shippo began rubbing some pain-relieving cream on Inuyasha's legs, in an effort to ease his friend's agony.

Inuyasha said, "Th-thanks, Shippo…and Miroku, I wanna thank you too…for helping me eat…I was almost ready to pass out from lack of food. I just hope it's not my last meal…"

Miroku replied, "Don't talk like that, Inuyasha. Sango, Rin, Sesshomaru, and Kirara are gonna make sure that you and Kagome are reunited, and you'll be cured of this awful curse. They've gone to see Kaede now to ask her help. We're your friends, Inuyasha, and we won't let anything happen to you. You've always been there for us, and we'll always be here for you."

Shippo ran out of the room, and came back minutes later with a bottle of water, and some of the herbal potion they'd been using to slow down Kikyo's dark magic. Miroku held Inuyasha up, while the half-demon poured the medicinal liquid down his throat, and followed that up with a long sip from the water bottle.

When he'd finished, Inuyasha said, "Thanks, guys…I'm just gonna take a nap now…I'll talk to you later."

Inuyasha was asleep soon after, and Miroku said, "I'll take first watch, Shippo. Why don't you go and gather some more herbs?"

The kitsune replied, "Sure. I'll get Ah-Un, and we'll be back soon. See ya, Miroku…and tell Inuyasha that I said to be strong 'til Kagome gets here."

Miroku nodded, and then Shippo headed out. The monk picked up his own bowl of Ramen, and he began eating it, knowing he'd need to keep his strength up in order to stay with Inuyasha throughout this terrible ordeal.

Jaken said, "Why all this fuss over that miserable half-breed anyway? If you ask me, Kagome would be better off with the wolf than with him…uh-oh…"

Miroku shot Jaken a look of death, and he growled out "GET OUTSIDE, YOU LITTLE BEAST!",before booting the toad imp down the stairs.

Meanwhile Kikyo made her way through the forest glen, her eyes soon falling upon a huge campfire in the distance with some familar shapes around it. One of the biggest ones came to meet her and snatched the bow from her hand. "Gimmie that!" he ordered. "If it wasn't for me, sesshomarou would have finished snapping yuor head off!"

"Well, we didn't exactly have an escape route planned, did we?" she answered her companion. "What happened anyway? I thought that his brother hated his very existance!"

"He does," the shadow answered. "He's just sore cause WE were able to do this FIRST and not him! Ya know what a poor loser he is!"

Kikyo rubbed her neck. "Yeah, I found that out the hard way."

"He just can't bear being surpassed by anyone, ESPECIALLY not a resurrected human!"

Kikyo smirked. "Well, don't worry, i think we made out point very clear...Koga." Her campanion came into view.

"You're right," he agreed. "Now, you're SURE that spell on the well is gonna wear off by the fourth day?"

"By sunrise on the fourth day Inuyasha will be dead and the spell around the tree and well will be lifted...and it'll be like nothing happened. You'll be waiting by the well, just like we planned it, to meet her when she decides to come over."

"And I can take her to my cave and show her what a REAL man is like," he smirked. "After a few hours with me, she won't even remember the half breed...least not until the wedding."

"And if she DOES decide to grieve.."

"Her loving husband will comfort her!" he grinned. 'Oooh..I can't wait!"

"Spekaing of which.." Kikyo said.

Koga nodded and lead her over to the campfire, where several of his wolf pack pulled out a huge trunk and gave it to him. He handed it to her. "Exactly. My end of the bargen. here you go, a trunk full of fresh himan souls. Me and the boys got em all this morning."

"Ah..yum! Thank you very much."

"Thank YOU very much," Koga motioned for Kikyo to sit near him and opened up a bottle of saki wine. "Kikyo..I think this is the beginning of a beautful partnership! What say to a toast? To our new friendship?"

"And to the fourth day when we BOTH have what we want!"

Whew! Bet ya didn;t see that one coming, that Koga was the one teaming up with Kikyo!

Hope ya like this. Read and review.

[studster1011]

The WacDonalds part. Sesshy is a badass! Although i enjoyed the WacDonalds part its kind of unfitting as they are supposed to be in a hurry right? lol. And that dam dirty Koga teaming with bat#### crazy Kikyo! Very nice.

Thats not the end though right? Need more!

[Ranlsa]

Well, ity's like Sesshomaru said, they have a long way to go so they have o eat to get strength. But can you picture Sesshomaru in the guise of a human?

Yeah, were you surprised to learn Kikiyo wasn't alone?

Oh of course there's gonna be more, a lot more. I'll upload more chapters in the next few days, promise.

[studster1011]

I suspected that Kikyo had an accomplice/accomplices because of the howling that saved her but i was surprised to learn it was Kiba.

Can't wait to read more!

[Ranlsa]

Tell ya what, I'll upload some more tomorrow, OK?

[studster1011]

Sounds good

[Ranlsa]

Ok, deal! I'll let you know tomorrow night when the next part is up.

[Ranlsa]

OK, as I promised, here's the next part of the fanfic wait till you see what Koga has in store:

Part 3: Journey In A New Land

The song sung here is 'Here I Am, Lord'.

In Modern Tokyo….

Three teenage girls were sitting, spawled across a bed. One of them with curly hair was counting a huge pile of bills while the other two looked with interest.

"365...366...367...368...369...370! Whoa, Santa baby, put this under MY tree, thank you!"

"Wow..I can't believe we raised all that money for the Graduation Committee!" One of the girls with long back hair said happily with her familar cheery grin. She turned to her friend. "Ayumi, hello? That's a school record! Amazing!"

Her other friend with shorter hair turned around. "Ya know what's REALLY amazing! That we're SENIORS! Just four more weeks, and we've made it! We are OUT of high school for good!" The other two cheered happily. "So, Ayumi, did ya send in your college appilcations yet?"

"Yep! Man, I never thought I'd survive taking that college entrance exam! I think they're more nerve wracking than high school entrance exams!" She turned to her other friend. "Kagome? Have you decided where you're going to college yet?"

"Oh...ah.." she blushed a tiny bit. "Um..not yet."

"What are you gonna do, go traveling with your boyfriend for a year or two?"

"Um..yeah, in fact."

"Oh wow! I can't believe your Mom let you do that!"

"Well, she's met him. She really likes him. Practically accepted him as family."

"Yeah, he's super hot stuff, if I do say so myself!"

"Yuka, stop it!"

"I'm just saying! God, Kagome, you're lucky, my Mom would NEVER let me do that! Is he coming to the graduation?"

"Well, I'm gonna see him this weekend. I'll invite him then. I think he might come," Kagome quickly changed the conversation. "So...what colors should we use for the auditorium? Let's not go with our school colors.."

"No, no, no.." her friends said. Just then another girl with short hair stomped into the bedroom and slammed the door so hard the pictures on the walls jiggled.

"Geez, louder next time, Eri! Kagome's mirror didn't QUITE break!" Yuka said as Eri flopped down on the bed. "Whats the matter with YOU?"

"I am shocked...no, I'm angry...no, I'm FURIOUS!"

"No kidding! We couldn't figure that out by the colorful way you came in here!" Yuka said. "What's going on?"

"You will never guess what happened! My sister JUST joined the Graduation Committee! I can't BELIEVE it!"

"Well, that's one of the rules of the school. Any Junior that's in the Honor's Program can participate in the Graduation Committee." Kagome said.

"I don't care! That #### witch of a sister...she just can't stay out of my business. I know her, she'll disagree with everything we do, she'll insist on her own way even though SHE'S not the one graduating...we'll fight all the time.."

"You do anyway," Ayumi pointed out.

"But worse than ever now! I swear, that movie 'The Bad Seed'? They may as well change it to 'The Aiko Story'! HOW am I gonna figure out our Graduation Song with HER all over me? I can't even plan one of the biggest events of my life with my own friends..oh NO, NOW I gotta include HER!"

"Well, if she comes to one of our meetings, PLEASE don't go fighting in here," Kagome said. "Take it outside!" Under her breath she muttered. "I've had enough sibling fights to last quite a while."

"What'd ya say, Gome?"

"Oh, nothing. Just please don't fight with her in here. Now...let's go back to figuring out our graduation colors.."

Sango led her three companions along the sidewalk, past several stores...some large, some small, each one selling a variety of goods. Rin looked through the windows in each of them with fascination and curiousity. She stopped at the window of one store in particular, and she said, "Mother, what's that box with the moving pictures in it?"

With a smile on her face, Sango replied, "That's called a television, Rin. You can find pretty much anything you could ever think of to watch on there, from what Kagome's told me. News, sports, movies...and it looks like that one's showing cartoons."

Rin blinked in surprise, and she asked, "What are cartoons?"

Sango said, "They're...like those pictures that Shippo draws, except that they move, and they make sounds, all with the aim to make people laugh."

Rin said, "Oh...that sounds nice!" Just then, Rin saw one coming on, and she said, "Mother, Father...there's one of those cartoons now!"

Sango walked over to join her, and Sesshomaru stood there as well, eager to learn more about this time period and the wonders that it had to offer. The cartoon that was playing now was a Bugs Bunny cartoon, and on the screen, Bugs and Daffy were doing the famous 'Rabbit/Duck' scene...and then along came the hilarious bit when they saw the last sign underneath...'Elmer Season'. Elmer Fudd, the hapless hunter, took off, while Bugs and Daffy sought him out. They said, "Be vewwwy vewwwy quiet...we're hunting Elmers...HAHAHA!"

Rin laughed, and Sango chuckled at the cute scene. Sesshomaru had a puzzled look, until Sango explained it to him. She said, "That man, Elmer Fudd, was trying to hunt down Bugs and Daffy, and Daffy was ORIGINALLY trying to one-up Bugs...but then when they saw the Elmer Season sign...they turned the tables on him. Elmer is prone to bad luck, and he's not all that bright either...where Bugs is really smart. That's what makes these cartoons funny, Sesshomaru."

The disguised Demon Lord replied, "Most interesting...and what is that on that...television..over there?"

Sango looked, and she said, "That's a sport called baseball, Sesshomaru. The object of the game is to score more points, called 'Runs', than the other team, and you score by either getting a player from your team to run across home plate...that's the diamond-shaped white thing in the ground, or by hitting the ball over the fence. When a player takes a turn, a man from the other team pitches a ball to him, and he hits it with a bat. If it doesn't make it over the fence the other team tries to catch the ball while the hitter runs on that sandy path toward home. If he makes it, that's a run. If he doesn't make it, he has to stay on one of those bases- those white squares- until the next player hits the ball. Each player is allowed three chances to hit the ball on each of his turns, and if he misses three times, he's out, and has to sit down until his turn comes again."

Sesshomaru replied, "I believe I understand now. As much as I would like to see more, we must go. Finding Kagome and saving my brother is our goal...and I will not allow my one remaining chance to reconcile with my brother to slip away."

Sango looked at him. "You've already reconciled with him, Sesshomaru. You know he's forgiven you."

"Yes...and I didn't gain him in my life to lose him permanently. I haven't come close to fully making up for all I've done...there is so much I need to do...I intend to do it."

Sango nodded. "Come, Rin." They walked past a few more stores.

"Mother? What's that store there?"

Sango looked up...this she had to look up in the guide book. "That's called an antique store Rin. They sell old and valuable things that people no longer want to keep."

"Oh?"

"Yes. People sell their old things to the people in this store, and other people can buy it."

"I think we have stands like that at home!"

"Yes, I think I've seen a few," Sango smiled. They continued to walk.

"Mother, look! Clothes, like you've got on."

"Yes, those are clothing stores."

"Interesting," Sesshomaru admitted. "Very much like some stands I've seen in our time. But where are the people that make the clothes?"

"Here the clothes are made by many people in places called 'factories.'"

"Factories?" Rin asked. "What are factories?"

"Those are places where a lot of people get together and make things like clothes. But rather than one person making one sweater, in factories people make different parts. A group of people make just sleeves, another group make collars, another group make the front. Then at the end all the parts are sewn together."

"Why?"

"It saves time. There are a lot of people in this town. To make individual clothes for them all would take too long. People in factories make the parts, all the parts are sewn together, then they're delivered here to sell."

"Amazing," Sesshomaru said. "How do you know all this Sango?"

"Kagome told me. You can learn a lot from just talking to her. But it's so breathtaking to see it all up close."

"Yes...very," Sesshomaru said. They started of again, but Sango's words about Kagome echoed in his mind.

They had gone a few more miles when Sango stopped at a bench. "I'm getting a bit tired. Let's sit down here for a minute and check the map so we can be sure we're going in the right direction."

"All right, but let's not take too long," Sesshomaru said, looking up at the position of the sun in the sky. He then looked around at the place Sangp had entered. It was a huge grassy field that reminded him a bit of home. But along with the trees and birds, he saw a lot of children, a great many of them Rin's age playing on various equipment he had never seen before. They resembled what Rin had played in in the Play Place at WacDonalds, but much bigger. Sango took a seat on one of the white benches that were scattered around. "Sango..where are we now?'

She looked around her. "Oh, this is a playground. This is where children go to play on all this equipment." She pointed to a long piece of metal set at an angle. Children were climbing a ladder attached to the end of the metal to reach the top and slid down the other side. "That's called a slide. " She pointed to a group of metal rods that had been fit together in a very large somewhat funny looking pattern that a lot of kids were climbing on. "That's a jungle gym." The then pointed to a group of leather seats fashioned to a metal bar by chains. "Those are swings." People build places like this so children have a safe place to play."

"Oh, Father, may I please go play until you and Mother finish looking at the map?"

"All right, Rin, but stay where I can see you. We're not staying too long, so be prepared to go when we say its time."

"All right." Rin made her way over to the swings. Sesshomarou saw a little girl trying to get on one of the swings herself. She was struggling and grunting, but it was obvious she was far too small to get on by herself. Finally she flopped on the ground, frustrated.

Sesshomaru came over to the little girl. "Do you need any help?" The girl looked upon Sesshomaru and gasped at how tall he was. "No need to be afraid, I will not hurt you. Can I help you?" After getting over her shock she nodded. Sesshomaru gentily picked the girl up and put her upon the swing.

"Thank you," the girl said. "Can you please push me so I can go?"

"Of course," Sesshomaru gentily began to push the little girl. Rin took the swing next to her.

"Father? Can you push me too?"

"Of course, Rin," He genily began to push her.

"Your Father is so nice!" the girl said to Rin.

"He's the best Father ever!" she agreed, giving Sesshomaru the sweet smile he was so familiar with…and that he liked so much. Hearing both girls laugh and giggle as they were being pushed upon the swing caused Sesshomaru to feel a bit….glad. The worriness and fear he still felt for Inuyasha was there still…but this new feeling…this gentile feeling of gladness…of being happy because someone else was…this was so rare….and unlike anything he had ever felt! He looked up to see Sango smiling at him.

 He looked down. "Rin, we must leave."

"Do you have to, so soon?" the little girl asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid. We only stopped here to rest a bit. Now we must go."

"Coming!" Rin said happily jumping off the swing. She turned to wave goodbye to the girl.

"Thank you, Sir!" The girl said, waving.

He stopped and turned back. "You may call me Sesshomaru." They made it back to Sango. "Are we on the right way, Sango?"

"Yes, we are. It's still a long way off, we may not reach it by tonight."

"We have to try our best to," Sesshomaru said. "Inuyasha can't die…not yet. I will NOT allow anyone to harm him, and I swear I never will ever again!"

As they made their way down the road, Sango couldn't help but smile a bit at Sesshomaru. "I couldn't help but notice you actually helping out that little girl."

"She needed help."

"That's so…unlike you…or unlike how you were before."

"I know, Sango. I guess…I'm trying to prove to myself …and in a way to Inuyasha…that, I truly do wish to change…and like my brother, I can too help people."

"And how was it?"

"I can honestly say…it's like nothing I have ever felt before. I had just as much sense of acccomplishment as if I had gained some more land!"

"You did gain something, Sesshomarou! It's something even better than more land!"

About twenty minutes after they'd left the park, Sango and Sesshomaru stepped out into a part of modern Tokyo that was a bit less crowded, but they were still a long way from Kagome's house. Sango said, "That was really nice of you, Sesshomaru...helping that little girl up onto the swing, and then pushing her so she could enjoy herself. She really appreciated what you did for her, and if we could've stayed longer, I'm sure Rin would've made a new friend."

Sesshomaru replied, "I know, Sango...I only wish I could have seen the error of my ways earlier, before any of this happened...before Inuyasha had to endure this hell. Rest assured...I will not let him die, and I will do EVERYTHING in my power to help in our quest to bring Kagome to his side. He deserves to be happy...and I want to know for sure that he has forgiven me, so that I can forgive myself."

Sango said, "I know he's forgiven you, Sesshomaru...he's said so himself. He even asked you to be his Best Man...so I know that you and him are reunited as family now. I've forgiven you too...and I think Kirara has as well, right Kirara?"

The firecat replied, "Mew!"

Rin said, "Father, Mother...look! That man over there...I think he's having trouble with his...his..."

Sango said, "Looks like car trouble...Kagome told me that flat tires are a common problem with these vehicles. He won't be going anywhere until he can fix that up."

Sesshomaru said, "Rin, remain here with Sango. I believe I am going to go and offer some assistance."

Sesshomaru walked up, and he said, "Excuse me, sir...my family and I were on our way to visit a friend, and we noticed your problem. Is there any way I can help?"

The man replied, "No, not really...", but then the jack he was using broke, causing the car to fall back into place. Luckily, nothing was damaged aside from the already broken tire.

Kicking the sidewalk in frustration, the young man said, "Great...now I'll have to call a tow truck. I was hoping to make it home in time to surprise my wife...it's our anniversary tonight. So much for that idea."

Sesshomaru said, "If you will allow me, I think I can help you. Excuse me." With that, he gently gripped the car by it's rear fender, and effortlessly lifted the rear of the vehicle into the air, high enough so that the man could change his tire.

Once he'd gotten over the shock of what he'd just seen, the young man set to work on mending the tire, and within five minutes, Sesshomaru gently set the car down, careful not to allow his disguised claws to tear into the metal.

The man said, "Thanks so much, honestly. If there's anything I can do to pay you back..."

Sango walked up, and she said, "Actually, we're looking for the Higurashi Shrine. Our friend lives there, and we've come here to pay her a visit. How much further is it?"

The man smiled, and he said, "It's about fifteen blocks straight down from the Cherry Orchard Hotel...that's twenty blocks straight down that way.", he said, pointing down the street leading to the right of where they currently stood. "It's pretty far away from here to go on foot, actually. Ya might have to take a bus to reach there before it gets dark."

Sango replied, "Thank you, sir...and enjoy your anniversary."

The man said, "I should be thanking your husband here...I still don't know how he managed to lift my car like it was a toy...but I know that I wouldn't want to tick him off."

Sango said, "He works out daily...both of us do. We teach advanced martial arts and strength training classes. My name's Sango Nishimura, and my husband's name is Sesshomaru. This is our daughter Rin, and our pet, Kirara."

The young man reached down to scratch Kirara's ears, and the little fluffball purred softly. He said, "She's cute...and so's your daughter. Thanks again for the help...my name's Kinsuke."

Sango and Rin both waved good-bye, as did Sesshomaru, and then Kinsuke drove off. Several women nearby looked enviously at Sesshomaru, and one of them said, "Man...all the good ones always get married first...I wish I had her luck."

"SSShh!" Her friend whispered. "Ya want his wife to hear you?" Sesshomaru looked in their direction, causing the women to turn away quickly.

"Oh Lord, do you think he heard me? Oh, I'm gonna die!"

"Well, if his wife heard you, you got your wish, cause she'll kill ya. Is he still looking at us?"

"Yeah, he is. Oh….OK…he's just nodding toward us. Just wave back and try NOT to drool." The women waved politely at him. He nodded again and went off, leaving the women to breath a couple of sighs of relief.

As Sango and the others continued on their way to find Kagome, Rin looked up at Sesshomaru, and since they were currently out of earshot of anyone else, she said, "Lord Sesshomaru, that was really nice of you to help that poor man out when he needed his car fixed. I hope we can get to Kagome in time to bring her to Inuyasha...I don't want him to die, or Kagome to be sad. I really like them both."

Sesshomaru replied, "They will be together again, Rin...I swear on the honor of my family, and the memory of my father...Inuyasha has not seen the end of his life...nor will he for many thousands of years. When his day does finally come, he and Kagome will be together, and they shall both ascend to Heaven in each other's arms, just as their lives shall be spent together. I have learned that love and family are not weaknesses, Rin...they are the path to true strength, the kind that Father possessed, and that which my brother possesses, along with Kagome and the others. Once Inuyasha is well again, I intend to make it clear that our bloody past is behind us, and that from now on, we will face life together, as a family."

Sango said, "I like the sound of that, Sesshomaru...and I know that Inuyasha would like nothing better than to be at peace with you...other than to be with Kagome for the rest of his life."

The four of them made their way out into a small neighborhood, and then the sounds of two small children desperately calling out for someone, or something, reached their ears.

"Snowball, please come down! Kira chased off that nasty dog that was running after you...come on down, you'll be okay now."

The little girl was soon joined by her brother, and the boy said, "Mika, did you get her down yet?"

Mika said, "No, Kira...she's still up there. Mom and dad won't be home for at least two more hours...what are we gonna do?"

Hearing the plight of the two children, Sango and Sesshomaru entered the yard, and Sango said, "Is there anything we can do to help?"

The little girl turned around to find a tall, dark-haired man standing next to a young woman in her late teens, with long brown hair and dark brown eyes, along with a small girl about her age, with midnight-black hair and brown eyes. On top of the woman's right shoulder was a small, adorable-looking kitten with a black diamond-shaped mark on her forehead, and the rest of her fur was a light yellow, aside from the black fur on the tips of her paws, and the end of her tail.

Mika said, "Please...could you help get our cat down? She's up there in that tree because this really mean dog chased her up there, and I'm afraid she'll get stuck up there. Our mom and dad won't be home for a long time, and I'm really scared for our kitten."

Sesshomaru said, "Allow me. I shall retrieve your pet." With a quick leap, Sesshomaru caught hold of one of the branches, effortlessly lifted himself up, and after a short climb, he reached the branch where the kitten was huddled. He said, "Come now, little one. You are safe now. I will not harm you...I want to bring you back to your family."

The small white cat mewed softly, and then she sniffed Sesshomaru's hand. Once she was sure that he meant no harm, Snowball climbed into Sesshomaru's arms, and he then jumped down, landing softly on his feet. He walked up to the two children, and placed their cat into the loving arms of the little boy. He said, "There you are...safe and sound."

Kira said, "Thank you so much, Mister...you're really cool, and nice too. What's your name?"

Smiling his small half smile, the disguised Demon-Lord replied, "My name is Sesshomaru, and this is my wife Sango, our daughter Rin, and our cat, Kirara."

Mika joined them, and she said, "Thanks again, Mr. Sesshomaru." She then turned to Rin, and she said, "You're really lucky...your daddy's a really awesome guy."

Rin smiled, and she said, "Yes...he's the best daddy I could possibly wish for."

After that, Sesshomaru and Sango excused themselves, followed by Rin and Kirara, and the four of them soon resumed their journey towards Kagome's house. Continuing down the busy streets of modern Tokyo, Sango and her three companions tried to keep from getting lost among the hundreds of people that were currently bustling around them. Sesshomaru said, "Rin, I believe it would be safer for you to ride on my shoulders, so you don't get lost in the crowd."

Rin nodded, and she said, "Alright, father."

Sesshomaru gently scooped the little girl up, and set her onto his shoulders, while Kirara hopped up onto Sango's shoulder. She mewed, and Sango said, "There you are...good kitty, staying right where I can see you."

Kirara purred against Sango's cheek, and then Sango gave her a cat treat that she'd bought from a local store. Kirara mewed happily, and then she licked Sango's cheek. Rin said, "Father, why are there so many people around here? Is there a public gathering?"

Sesshomaru replied, "I do not know, Rin. Perhaps if we continue onwards, we will discover why all of these people have gathered here."

Sango replied, "I agree, but we'd best stay together. We can't afford to get separated now. If we lose any time in searching around for each other with as big as modern Tokyo is...we'll be too late to bring Kagome to Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru nodded, and he said, "We will not fail, Sango...more importantly, I will not fail. I made a promise to my brother, and I intend to keep it. More than anyone else alive, he deserves to be happy after all he has suffered through...and a good part of that was my fault...but this will allow me to prove not only to him, but to myself, and to our father and to Izayoi, that I truly have changed."

Sango smiled, and then they came upon a young woman struggling to load several bags of groceries into her car. She looked on the verge of crying, as she tried to keep from dropping several of the bundles. Rin said, "Father, that young lady looks like she needs help with her bags."

Sesshomaru replied, "Yes...and this will allow me another chance to prove that I can help humans, and not treat them as though they needed to be exterminated. I shall return, Rin. Stay here with Sango and Kirara."

Rin nodded, and Sesshomaru walked up to the young lady. He stepped into her view, and said, "Excuse me, miss. I was just passing by with my family, when I noticed you in need of a helping hand. May I offer my aid?"

Smiling, the young woman replied, "Thank you so much...I work all day, and then have to buy groceries, and then end up having to bring them home and put them away myself...my son is so lazy, he never does anything to help. I don't know what to do with him anymore."

As he helped load the woman's car with her groceries, Sesshomaru replied, "I have a suggestion...tell him that if he wishes to continue living under your roof, he needs to start contributing to the household. In my family, we all work together...none of us does anything without the help of the others. My brother and I...we weren't always very close, but now, I couldn't imagine life without him. He's gravely ill, and so I've come here seeking a special...medicine...that can only be obtained here, so that he may live. I promised him that I would help him no matter what...and I will keep that promise, at all costs. My brother is more than a sibling...he's become my closest friend, and I do not want to lose him."

The woman said, "I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, and I hope you find the medicine you need. My prayers are with you, and thanks so much for the suggestion about my son...I'll bring it up and make sure he pays attention, even if I have to unplug his X-Box to get him to look at me. What's your name, so I know who to thank?"

Sesshomaru replied, "My name is Sesshomaru, and this young lady is my wife, Sango. This is our daughter Rin, and our cat, Kirara. It was a pleasure to help you, and I wish you luck. Have a good day, miss."

The woman gave Sesshomaru a smile, and she said, "Thank you again, Sesshomaru...and here, give this lollipop to your daughter. I buy a bunch of them whenever I shop here, so she can have one. A girl as sweet as she is deserves a treat."

Rin thanked the young woman, and she said, "Thank you, miss...and living with my mommy and daddy...and Kirara...is the most special treat I could ever have. I love them all. Oh, by the way, why are there so many people around here?"

"Oh, this is rush hour, sweetie. This is a really big city and around this time a lot of people get off of work, and pick their kids up from school. A lot of them are on the streets at the same time, so be careful and stay with your parents."

"I will, thank you !"

With a smile, the young woman climbed into her car and drove off, and Sango said, "That was wonderful, Sesshomaru...not only did you help her out, you even gave her advice on how to solve a problem with her family. If it's that easy for you to do that, I know you can make the final touches in forming your renewed bonds with Inuyasha. I have faith in you, Sesshomaru...and I'll be right behind you."

Sesshomaru said, "Thank you, Sango...and I want you to know this...you are like family to me as well, Sango...all of your friends are. Miroku, Kirara, Shippo, and of course, Kagome. I will have a family...and Inuyasha will occupy a special place of honor in it, as will all of you."

A little while later, the crowd of people had grown bigger, and soon Sesshomaru, and Sango felt themselves being pushed a bit. "Sesshomaru, let's sit down for a moment until this crowd calms down."

"I do not recall ever seeing this many people all at the same time."

"Well, like that woman told us, there are a lot of people in this city. Even more so than we're used to! Not only that there are these big buildings here where they work and streets for the cars, so the places they can wealk are restricted a bit."  They all sat down upon the bench. Sango opened the map to see how much further to go. Rin then heard the jingling of bells across the street. Looking up, she saw an ice cream man. She had heard about this strange dessert from Kagome, but had never tried it. Allowing her curiosity to get the better of her, she stood up quietly and began to walk across the street toward the stand.

At that very moment a construction worker was yelling at his crew, "I told you, not on the asphlot! I told you, stay off the asphlot, take that wood, move it over there." He looked up as his eyes fell on Rin making her way over to the ice cream man. She had to stop for a bit and gaze upon the concrete beneath her feet, stepping on the hard substance with surprise. She had NEVER seen anything like this before…it was so strange…so NEW! She bent down to feel it. Hot from the sun..yet so smooth!  "Hey, look at her!" the worker grinned. Suddenly he spotted a large red car heading in her direction. From his view he could see the driver was on the phone and didn't even notice what was happening right in front of him!

Meaning right where Rin was!

"Oh no! Little girl! Little girl!" The man tried to call to Rin. "Watch out! Watch out! Little girl, watch out!" Rin seemed to stop then and look up...just as the car was coming toward her! She stared at the sight of this monsterous red creature coming right toward her face, and screamed in fright, seemingly frozen with fear. The construction worker dropped his plans and raced toward her, but before he could reach her a dash of white and black light seemed to fly by and grab her! Confused for a moment, the worker put up his hands to stop the car, then glanced in the direction he had seen the light. To his relief he saw Rin with her arms around the disguised Sesshomaru's shoulders, crying into them. Sango had come over to. Believeing those to be Rin's parents he made his way over to the driver. "What the hell are you doing? Ya can't see a little kid right in the road?"

"What's she doing right there in the road?"

"What are YOU doing on your phone while driving, you could have gotten her killed, ya idiot!"

"How'm I supposed to see a kid that small?"

"Ya hadn't been gabbing ya would've! What's the matter with you?"

Meanwhile Sango and Sesshomaru were with the crying Rin. "Rin, are you alright?" Sango asked. Rin managed to nod. "Oh, Rin, we told you not to wander off! Things like this can happen."

Rin raised her head. "I'm sorry, Mother...I'm sorry, Father. I didn't mean to, really I didn't.."

"Why did you, Rin?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I saw that man across the street, selling ice cream. I heard Kagome talking about it a while ago, and I wanted to try it...and I wanted to get some for you and Mother. I forgot all about those...what are they called? Cars? I just wanted to try ice cream...I'm sorry."

Sango touched her shoulder. "Well, Rin, next time you ask Sesshomaru or me. I'd take you across the street myself. Those cars are big and they move very fast Rin. You're very small and they might not always see you. This time is very different from our own. You HAVE to be extra careful where you go here. There are fascinating things, but a lot of it can be just as dangerous as back home."

The worker, guessing what Rin was after, went across the street after yelling at the driver to get an ice cream cone, then came over to where they all were. "Hey, is she alright?"

"Yes, she's fine," Sango said. "Thank you for stopping the car."

"Are you her parents?"

"Yes, we are."

The worker knelt down by Rin. "You shouldn't wander away from your Mom and Dad like that, Hon. You could get really hurt running across the street without looking. Idiots like him can't see you while they're talking on the phones."

"Phones?" Sesshomarou asked.

"I'll tell you later," Sango quickly whispered to him.

"Yeah, that jerk should KNOW not to be talking on the phone while driving, it's against the law here. But these uppity dopes don't wanna pay attention!" He knelt to Rin. "You alright, Honey?"

"Yes, thank you," Rin said.

"Well, I got you something to make ya feel better," he gave her a vinella cone. Rin gasped with joy.

"Thank you, Sir!"

"You're welcome. Be a good girl for your Mom and Dad, OK?"

"I will."

"You be careful, this is a busy town."

"I will. Thank you."

The worker stood up. Sesshomaru shook his hand. "Thank you for making her feel better." Sango shook his hand too.

"You're welcome. You folks aren't from around here, are you?"

"No," Sango admitted. "We're just visiting a friend."

"Oh. Well, have a good rest of the time." He looked to Rin. "You be good for your Mom and Dad."

"I will. Thank you." The worker waved and went back to work.

In Feudal Japan…

Inuyasha moaned a bit in his sleep. Miroku shot up from where he was dozing off in the chair with Shippo in his lap. What Shippo saw caused him to gasp out loud. The spell was settling in…meaning Inuyasha's demon half had almost completely faded away. In fact, all that remained of his demon hood was a few locks of silvery-white in his mostly jet black hair and long fingernails on his tan, mostly human-looking hands. Shippo gasped at the sight and Miroku gave Shippo a warning look to tell him not to say anything about this to Inuyasha, he was in enough pain. The last thing he needed to hear was that his powers were almost gone.

Inuyasha tossed and moaned a bit more, Shippo reached for his hand and held it tight.

Jaken took that opportunity to peek inside. "Is he dead yet?"

Shippo whirled around. "Shut up, you imp!"

"Why should I? This is my Master's castle, he's just a nusiance who's polluting it with his presence. I don't know what that witch shot Lord Sesshomaru with, but I hope it wears off soon so that he can come back and kick him out of here…"

"KNOCK IT OFF!" Shippo yelled.

"You shouldn't even be here, didn't your Master tell you to stay outside?"

"I came in for a drink, I'm allowed to.."

"Then get it and get out!"

"You're starting to annoy me, ya shouldn't do this to someone in pain!" Inuyasha then gasped out loud and held his side. "OH, GEEZ! THIS ####, WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOIN TO ME?"

Miroku rushed to his side. "Where are you hurting?"

"In the side…" Shippo grabbed the cream while Miroku got another glass of medicine ready. "I SWEAR, THIS ####! I'M GONNA KILL THIS #### ZOMBIE, I'M TEARING HER LIMB FROM LIMB!"

"Calm down, lie back down so we can lift your shirt."

"What can I do?" Jaken asked.

"What can you do? Be quiet." Inuyasha gasped

"Get outside and guard the castle like Sesshomaru said to do," Miroku ordered. He held up a scroll. "Just thought you'd like to know, I'm writing down every single time you disobey orders. You'd better hope I do NOT show this to Sesshomaru!"

"Glup! Going, going!" Jaken quickly scampered outside.

"Inuyasha?" Shippo asked, rubbing on the cream. "How does this feel?"

"Sides still numb…but it doesn't hurt as much. Keep…keep doing that."

"OK, I will, Inuyasha…just…don't close your eyes..OK? Please, don't close your eyes."

"Mmm…better.." Inuyasha said. "Miroku?"

"Yes?"

"I..I had such a great dream, just now. I was in the field…heading for the well…and Kagome..she was right there, waiting for me. She…was so beautiful….the sun was on her, and she looked like such an angel. I ran to her, and held her in my arms. I kissed her…her lips were so soft, and so tender, her hair was so soft…"

"Keep holding on to that image, Inuyasha. Keep holding on to it. She'll be here. She'll be here soon…just hold on."

"Yeah, Inuyasha," Shippo said, biting his lip to keep from crying. "Kagome's on her way. Just keep holding on."

"Ohhh," Inuyasha said, holding his side. Shippo began to apply the cream.. "But…in my dream, angels began to come down just then.,.and I heard my Mothers voice..she was calling my name…"

"Here, drink this," Miroku thrust the medicine at Inuyasha. He took it and swallowed the blue liquid.

"Thanks," he took a long, quavering breath. "I'm so hot…it's getting so hot in here.." Miroku opened the window. "Thanks..…look, Miroku…I wanna tell ya something…if that dream's right.."

"Later, Inuyasha. Right now you need to rest."

Shippo stood up. "I'm gonna go to Kaede's hut and see if she has any more herbs we can use."

"Good idea, Shippo, we don't want to use up all the herbs in this field." Shippo scampered out. "Inuyasha? Just rest now…gather your strength."

"My dream.."

"Later, Inuyasha, rest right now."

At that moment, almost the entire village had gathered at Kaede's hut. Word had traveled fast in the small village and soon everyone had head about Inuyasha, and Kaede had organized a candlelight vigil to pray for him. Everyone had gathered around the entrance of the hut where Kaede stood, holding up her candle as she began to lead them in a song Kagome taught them:

I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin,

My hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night,

I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

Just then a little movement in the back caught Kaede's attention, and she held her hand up to signal the villagers to stop. "Oh, hello, Shippo."

Shippo quiety made his way over to her "Hi, Kaede. I came to ask you if you had any spare medicinal herbs we can use?"

"Of course, right in that bag over there. How is Inuyasha doing, Dear?"

"Not well, Kaede. Not at all well. He's deterioratig fast…and…his demon half is nearly gone! His human part is all that's left of him."

"Oh my," Kaede gasped.

"Oh no," a village woman said quickly.

"Can we do anything for him?" A man said.

"Just keep hoping and praying…that's all we can do."

Shippo looked around him. "What's going on?"

"We're having a candlelight vigil for Inuyasha, Shippo. Would you care to join us?"

"Well...for a little while, but then I have to get back." Kaede gave Shippo a small candle to hold and lead him out beside her. Giving him a copy of the song, she lifted her hand up, signaling the villagers to start again:

I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have borne my people's pain.

I have wept for love of them.

They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,

Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my words to them.

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

But soon an unwelcome voice came from the side of the hut, joining in the last two lines of the song off-key. Kaede and Shippo turned swiftly to see Koga walk in smugly, holding a cup of saki wine and flanked by two of his henchmen. "No, no, no, Kaede. I don't want ya to sing THAT song…I want you to sing THIS song..'ALL POWER TO THE WOLVES OF THE NORTHERN LAND, ALL JOIN US AND SING ALONG TO THE WOLVES, AND OUR SONG!'

"What are ye doing here, wolf?" Kaede said through clenched teeth.

"Now, Kaede, don't get like that to me…I only came to pay my respects! I heard what happened to poor Inuyasha, and I wanted to show ya that I'm not so bad.." the henchmen started to quietly snicker behind him….but a cold look from Koga quickly silenced them.

"Sorry," one muttered.

"Yeah right," Shippo mumbled to himself.

"What was that, runt?" Koga said.

'I said, I don't believe you. You've always hated Inuyahsa. You're probably here to make sure he's dieing!"

Koga pretended to pout. "Now, would I do a thing like that?"

"Wouldn't surprise me," Shippo mumbled.

"Uh…sight question there, Wolf….how DID ye know that Inuyasha's been poisoned by Kikyo?"

Koga pretended to be shocked. "KIKYO? SHE did this? Gee, who would have thought she had it in her? Well, of course YOU probably did, after all, she's your sister."

"WAS my sister, Wolf. But she's not anymore. She's just a cold hearted lump of clay that LOOKS like her."

"She's your SISTER, Kaede, weather you weant to admit it or not, she's your sister," Kaede didn't answer him, but bowed her head and concentrated. "and that sister has DEFINITEY gone too far, after all .." suddenly the bottom of the cup fell out and the ice cold wine spilled all over his feet, causing him to gasp with the shock.

 Kaede looked up to Heaven and mouthed 'Thank you.'

"Look, Kaede, you know word travels fast in this small village! I heard what was happening LONG ago! Can't I just offer my prayers?"

"You'll only offer prayers that he dies quick!" Shippo said.

"Hey, I'm not the only one who wants him dead!"

"So, you admit it!"

"No!"

"Come off it, Wolf," Kaede said. "You don't care for poor Inuyasha and you ever did!"

"Hey, not even his own family cared about him!"

"That's ENOUGH, Wolf! I'll thank you to leave this place right now!"

"Besides, we all know YOU had something to do with this!"

"How DARE you accuse me, I had nothing to do with this you brat!"

"Oh yeah, than what were all those wolf howls we heard when it happened?"

"Got news for ya, brat, we aren't the only wolves around here!"

Kaede stood up. "Leave, Wolf! We KNOW you were responsible!"

"Look, Old Woman, whatever you think I did, I did NOT do it! Furthermore, I'M not the only one who wanted to do him in!"

"No, we KNOW Kikyo wanted to, and she DID, but YOU were in on it!"

"Was NOT!"

"Get out, Wolf!" a man cried.

"Beat it, you beast!" A woman cried.

"Yeah, beat it, go, get out of here.." The people cried out loud.

"All right, all right, I'm goin...take it easy.." Koga said, inching toward the flap with his arms held out. 'BUT...let me tell ya all something, to you.." he gestured to the crowd. 'And to ALL of you...Kikyo may have shot him with her arrow, but did it ever occur..to ANY of you...that he may never have been in this predicament in the FIRST place, had it not been for a certain incident that happened 255 years ago..HUH? Think of it...think long and hard...if, maybe...possibly...his DEAR OLDER BROTHER had only taken him in when his Saintly Mom died...oh yeah, if he did..he would never have met Kikyo..he would be co-owner of these lands..and this whole thing would NEVER have happened!" The crowd began to stir a bit. "yeah...yeah, you all know it! Ya DO, don't you? Think some more! Think!" He came back to near the middle of the hut." Yeah Inuyasha has done a lot for you...for these lands, NO ONE is desputing that! Hell, I'D even admit that...but what of his only living relative, huh? Has HE done anything for you? For ANY of you?"

"He never would! He hates us!" a man said.

"Not so loud," came another.

"Why not? The wolf's right!"

"I can't even go NEAR those lands!" a woman said.

"Yeah...yeah!" Koga agreed. "Yeah...and how many of you here have witnessed the very depth of his hatred for his own brother? Huh, let me ask all of ya...how many here have seen Lord I'm-So-Great actually try to KILL his own brother?" Many hands went up...and the villagers stared at each other in surprise. "Yeah, that's what I thought. In fact...I wouldn't be surprised if he's in his castle popping open a bottle of saki wine and cheering this demise!"

"That unholy bastard!" Came another woman.

"How can ANYONE do that to their family?"

"I'll tell ya how!" Koga said. 'Cause that beast has a heart as black as NIGHT!" The crowd began to yell in agreement. "Yeah, you know it! BROTHERHOOD! BROTHERHOOD!" Koga made his way around the hut, waving his arms and yelling, stirring up the crowd more and more. "If ya ask me, Kikio isn't fully to blame..HE'S TO BLAME!" The crowd began to yell. "HE'S the real murderer! He plotted this 255 years ago! BROTHERHOOD!" The crowd began to cheer.

"STOP this!" Kaede said, standing up. 'Have you all gone mad?"

"No, Lady Keade, they've all seen the truth!" Koga said. "The one to blame is in the Western Castle!"

"He won't get away with this!" screamed another man.

"Torch the castle!" Came another.

"Make him pay!"

"He kicked Inuyasha out of his rightful home, let's kick HIM out!"

"Someone give us torches!" Came a samurai

"And some logs and pitchforks to break down the door!" Came another.

"Do it! Do it for Inuyasha!" Koga said.

"For Inuyasha!"

"For all he's done!"

"For ALL HE'S DONE!"

"STOP!" Kaede said. "Stop and listen to me! You're all channeling your anger on the wrong one! Kikyo is to blame for this!"

"No, Kaede, she's just partly to blame!"

"Get that Lord! De-throne him!"

"He made Inuyasha miserable, let's return the favor!"

"Yeah! For all Inuyasha's done, for all he's given to you, yet he lived a life of misery cause of his BROTHER!" Koga said.

"He's OUR brother!" came a woman.

"We didn't know he was so alone! He could have come to us!"

"He could...but that #### demon pride," Koga said, pretending to be sad. 'Same pride that makes Sesshomarou act the way HE does."

"#### SESSHOMAROU!" Came another woman. "#### THAT BEAST TO HELL!"

"Inuyasha is OUR brother!"

"We'll welcome him! He's OUR family!"

"We don't care about his heritage! He's a good man!"

"#### SESSHOMAROU! #### THE REAL KILLER!"" Koga said. "He's only mad cause he didn't get to do it! The beast deserves no better than death himself!"

"Yeah!"

"Storm the castle!"

"Get that killer!"

MURDERER!"

"BROTHERHOOD! BROTHERHOOD!" Koga said, waving his arms as the villagers got more and more agitated, practically formin a mob scene. The riot got more and more loud as Koga yelled more and more. 'BROTHERHOOD!"

"Stop this! Stop it, I say!" Keade said, despirately trying to get the forming mob under control. 'Stop it, the enemy is out there!"

"No, Keade, the enemy is OVER THERE!" Koga said, pointing to the Western Lands.

As the crowd was stirring up, a rather large group backed away and gathered in their own private group. "I never thought I'd say this…but that wolf is right! He's DEAD right! If it weren't for Sesshomarou, none of this would have EVER happened!"

"Bastard!"

"Monster!"

"Beast! Heartless beast!"

"Inuyasha is dieing, Kagome can't come to him, he's going to the true Lord in one more day…and Sesshomaru's to blame!"

"Enough is enough, I say! THIS time that horrid monster has gone TOO FAR!"

"Inuyasha…poor dear Inuyasha….to have to live the life he did, deprived of even family love!"

"At least he's going to die surrounded by friends…he never thought THAT could ever happen.."

"That monster of a brother of his….he's either grouchy cause HE didn't do this first, or he's popping open a bottle of saki wine!"

"Well, that's the LAST thing he's ever gonna drink! Brothers and sisters, for 255 years all of us have held our tounges while this beast with his prejudices, and his hatred has been allowed to make his own brother's life a living HELL…well, I say THAT'S IT! We have all just watched this happen to poor Inuyasha, and he's paid the price! He and his friends! While we all cower in fear at this demon! Well, NO MORE! Let's us do what we should have done YEARS ago! Put an end to this fear, this hatred, this prejudice once and for all! For Inuyasha's sake, let's go end the reign of the Mighty Demon Lord!"

"YEAH!" the villagers with him said.

"Let's do it for Inuyasha's spirit!"

"Just how are we gonna do this?" Another villager said.

"You forget the one effective way to kill a demon? You need special purified weapons that'll cut through his aura! We go to the next village, I got a good friend there who's a Priest, he'll purify our weapons and fill them with spiritual energy. Once he does that, there's no stopping us!"

"YEAH!"

"For Inuyasha, and for all he stood for! For all the hell this horrid being put him through! Did he DESERVE such treatment at his own family's hands?"

"NO!"

Just then one hand went up into the air. "One question, though, if I may?"

"Yes, yes?"

"Well, once we get these weapons purified...how are we gonna kill Sesshomaru? Cold blooded murderer that he is, he's still way more powerful than any of us, faster, stronger...I don't know how we can do it!"

"We HAVE to! Inuyasha is going to pass on to Heaven cause of him!"

"Well, I KNOW that...but how are we gonna do it?"

"Like this! No matter how powerful that monster is, he cant watch in all directions at once! So, a few of us confront him head on, then some more of you hide in the trees, some more of you hide behind him, some more of you hide in the bushes on the side. Some more of you will be in various places. When I give the signal, some more of you jump out and start to scatter. Make him try to chase you, but go in many directions at once. He can only go after one at a time. The rest of you take that opportunity to fire your weapons. Go home, get as many weapons as you can get and meet me right here. We'll purify everything, arrows, swords, everything we got. When we ambush him, we throw everything we have. A few are bound to hit, and we got him!"

"I can't wait to make him suffer!"

Another raised his sword. "Murderous beast! Follow your brother!"

"He can't. Inuyasha's on his way to Heaven...THIS beast will rot in hell!"

"YEAH!"

"For Inuyasha!"

"For Inuyasha!"

"For the love he wanted and never got!"

"Amen!"

"Let's go! Go home, get as many weapons as you can carry, meet me right here! Oh Vile Demon Lord of the Western Lands, THIS IS YOUR JUDGEMENT DAY!" He turned toward his fellow villagers. "Brothers and sisters, we're about to embark on a dangerous mission! More dangerous than anything. There's a large chance a lot of us won't survive this. So, go home, get as many weapons as you can, and say goodbye to your families. Afterwards, if anyone still wishes to help, meet me here on this hill tomorrow so we can go to the East where the Priest is and he can purify our weapons so we may put an end to this murderer."

Meanwhile back with the rest of the villagers, Shippo finally crawled on top of a tree trunk. "SHUT UP!" He yelled at the top of his lungs to the villagers still at Kaede's, causing everyone around him to be quiet. "Thank you."

"Thank you, Shippo," Kaede said. "Look, all of you...let's not be a mob. Listen to me first. Sesshomarou may have done those things in the part...but he's changed. Honest. He's not the man he was before."

"He's a cold blooded killer with no trace of humanity in him, Kaede."

"WRONG, Wolf. In case you didn't hear, his whole attitude toward humans has turned around. He no longer wishes them dead, and he no longer wants to be against his brother."

Koga snickered. "You expect me to believe that? He's cold blooded, no emotion, hates everyone except other demons...I can't even believe them two are related!"

"Koga, she's telling the truth," Shippo said. "He's adopted a human girl!"

"A who?"

"A human girl!"

"Yes," Kaede answered the villagers. "In fact, he himself showed up..WITH THE GIRL..and Sango...and begged me to try to help bring Kagome here. He begged!"

Koga turned to the crowd. "You buying this? The great Lord No-Heart begged?"

"Yes...he did. So, that disproves your theory, Wolf. Now get OUT of my hut! You were in on this, Wolf. I just know you were."

"ME?" Koga said, pretending to pout. 'Now, Kaede, would I do a thing like that?"

"Yes, you would," Shippo sad. "YOU would do ANYTHING to get Kagome. If you teamed up wth Kikyo, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Listen, you pipsqueak, I did NOT! Geez, I only came here to pay my respects, like the lot of you, and to tell you who you should REALLY be mad at...and this is the thanks I get?"

"You deserve no such thanks, Wolf! YOU definitely had something to do with this..I could feel it in your aura. You have a lot of ill will toward Inuyahsa, and YOU would love him dead! YOU get out of this hut..NOW!"

"Fine...but I'm still not buying this!" He turned to go. "You all listen..he probably wants to find Kagome so he can kill HER and then watch his brother die!"

"OUT!" Kaede pointed. Koga finally left.

"Lady Keade, I'm still tempted to agree with the wolf. We all know Sesshomaru's heart was coal black as night."

"I wouldn't trust him with my life."

"Nor do I , I hate him!"

"But you all trust Sango, don't you?"

"We do with our lives, Kaede."

"Well, she's with him. They're trying to find Kagome. If anything happens, you know she'd do something. You ALL know that!"

The villagers nodded.

'But still," One man said. "I refuse to believe Sesshomarou's fully changed until I see him openly admit..to ALL of us..that he's a jerk..and if I see him with his hand on Kagome's shoulder, and NOT hurting her! Otherwise I will not believe it."

Keade walked toward a mirror she had. "Then see for yourself," she waved her hand, and the images of Sesshomarou in his disguise, Sango, Rin, and the disguised Kirara appeared before them. "Look, there they are in Kagome's time. I sent them there with my Sikigami spell to find Kagome."

"All I see is Sango, Rin...and Kirara with one tail. Who is that with them, a guide?"

Kaede smiled. "Watch," she touched the image..and Sesshomarou's disguise vanished, causing the villagers to gasp. "There! Believe me now? He's THERE, and he's HELPING! And Sango is with him just in case. You know she can put him in lne." They all nodded.

"But he still has to prove himself, Kaede. I still want him to admit he's a jerk."

"Me, too."

Just then a movement to the right caused the villagers to turn around swiftly. A whole group of people were coming toward the hut. But what made the villagers gasp was the huge horse demon marching behind them. Finally the Head of the grup step forward. "Excuse me, is this where the candlelight vigil for Inuyasha is being held?"

"Yes, yes, it is," Kaede answered.

"Oh, good, we've found it. We're from a village near the East. We've heard about what happened to him and we want to pay our respects."

"Oh? He's helped you out?"

"Greatly," the man beckoned to the horse demon. "This is Jenenji….we're proud to say that he's now our friend. Of course, if it weren't for Inuyasha, he might not have been."

"What do ye mean?"

Jenenji stepped forward. "Like Inuyasha, I too was bullied a lot as a child. I too am a half demon, horse demon and human. The villagers were suspicious of me, and tried to run me off the lands, very much like Inuyasha." Several of Kaede's villagers exchanged guilty looks. "However, with Inuyasha's help I was able to overcome the bullying and help the villagers get rid of a massive snake like demon haunting them. With tat I was able to gain their trust."

"He's our friend now," the head villager said. "He's helped us find useful medicinal herbs for our sick, and thanks to his strength and expert with gardening, we have more crops than ever. But if it weren't for Inuyasha…we might still be treating Jenenji as an outcast, and blaming him for all the demon attacks. As such, we wish to participate in this vigil."

"He has helped us, so we wish to help him," Jenenji said.

Kaede, smiling, passed out some more candles. An elderly villager came up to her. "Lady Kaede…" he said with his head down. "I have sinned.."

"I too, Lady Kaede," another villager said.

"And I," said a third.

"What is this sin?" Kaede asked.

"When Inuyasha was first freed from the tree by Kagome, he was ruthless and scary…and we said to you that we would have been better off with the Centipede Demon. We'rte very sorry we said that now….we didn't know.."

Kaede smiled. "He has forgiven you completely for that….and so have I. Do you think he would have saved you all those times if he didn't? Let us not dwell on the past for now, we shall concentrate on our vigil. After our song, Shippo, I think ya should take the herbs back to Inuyasha."

Inuyasha opened his eyes again wearily. "M..Miroku?" he asked.

"I'm here, Inuyasha," the monk answered, moving a bit closer to him. "But, you shouldn't try to talk, just rest.'

"Rest? I could be history any minute! Listen…there are a few things I have to tell you…you two…" he winced and grabbed his side.

"Shippo," Miroku said pointing. Shippo nodded and began to apply the cream

"Listen," Inuyasha continued, when he found his voice. "I…I just wanna tell you…you both..and Sango..and Kagome, if they don't find her in time. I wanna tell you all…you guys…You all…are the most important things in my life. I know it's taken me a long time to show that, I'm not an affectionate person. But..you guys are."

"From what you had to go through in your life it's perfectly understandable," Miroku said. "We feel that way about you as well."

"I'll probably see my parents in Heaven. I'll finally be able to meet my Dad. It's been 255 years."

"Don't talk like that, Inuyasha," Miroku said quickly. "Sango, Sesshomaru..they're doing what they can to try to bring Kagome here. Hold on for her. She'll be here."

"Yeah," Shippo agreed, climbing onto Inuyasha. "In your own words, Inuyasha…don't you dare die on us! We NEED you!"

Inuyasha fluffed Shippo's hair.

"Huh…never in my life did I ever think I'd hear that. Someone needs me…I didn't think I'd ever matter to anyone ever in my life."

"You matter to US, my friend," Miroku said, holding his hand tighter.

"I'm an idiot."

"Why?"

"I didn't think this would happen! I didn't think this through."

"What?"

"Death. I'd never thought I'd die so soon…before I can even see Kagome again."

"Inuyasha…maybe someday, but NOT today!"

"I'm not ready…God..I'm not ready! 255 years old and this comes as a complete shock!"

"You are NOT going to die!"

"I don't want to.."

"Who does?"

"Ya know, I'd settle for just one more week….just a few more hours with Kagome..just…to tell her I love her. God all I want is to finally be able to say that to her!"

"You WILL, Inuyasha! You'll be able to tell her all of that yourself."

Inuyasha sighed. "Ya know what?"

"What?"

"Death ####."

Shippo laid his head on Inuyasha's chest. "Inuyasha…hold on…please…hold on!" He tried his best to hide his tears. He looked at Inuyasha's now jet-black hair and tanner skin, knowing how upset he'd be if he knew that. "Inuyasha…please…we all need you…you're the one who can best lead us. I really don't want you to die…you…I know I picked on you a lot...teased you...but I only did that cause..you remind me of my own brother!"

"Brother? I didn't know ya HAD a brother!"

"It's hard to talk about. But yeah, I did. He was the first one killed. He acted…just like you. But he was older than me, and I used to pick on him and tease him a lot. I guess that's why I did that to you." He buried his head in Inuyasha's chest.

"Inuyasha…teasing you was almost like bringing my brother back..and I thought of you like I thought of him. Please…please…hold on. Don't die! I...I love you."

Inuyasha rumpled his hair. "I love you, too, Kid. Even though ya drive me crazy…you don't make the journey boring." He reached over and gave Shippo a one armed hug. "Miroku…come here.." Miroku moved over to stand right by Inyasha's bed.

"Inuyasha…"

"Don't 'Inuyasha' me, listen. Before you know it I could be gone, and we won't have a chance to say some important stuff. God knows when my Mom died….I thought she'd live for a long long time and I never got a chance to say so many things to her…things that I wanted to say….so many things to tell her…and before I knew it she was gone. Look…this is hard for me…ya know that. I'm not that good at expressing myself…but I want you to know that…you guys are the best friends I've ever had, and I mean that. All my life, I was alone. I didn't have anyone, besides my Mother, who cared about me….when she died, Kikyo..the REAL Kikyo, became my only friend. When Naraku ruined everything….I thought that I'd never be able to trust anyone ever again. I thought I was destined to be alone….until I found all of you. I…don't know where I'd be without any of you in my life. Thank you for coming with me and Kagome during our journey. It was some treat. You really made the travels exciting."

"We all love you, Inuyasha," Shippo said.

"This is nice, to die with friends around me…I never thought I'd ever have this opportunity. I thought..I was gonna die alone….by myself.."

"You're not gonna die, Inyasha, not for a LONG, LONG TIME. Not for several thousand years. We won't let you die, she won't let you die, your brother won't let you die. You're gonna be with her for the rest of your life."

"Thanks, guys…"

"Hold on, Inuyahsa, please…"

'I'll…I'll try…I'm gonna close my eyes now…but I'm only resting," He lowered his eyes and they waited until he was breathing deeply before they went out in the hall.

"Miroku?" Shippo asked., "I'm scared. This spell is different from any other spells I've ever seen…what if…what if they cant get Kagome in time…what if he dies?"

"He won't die, Shippo, believe me, he won't."

:But wehat if he does?"

"He's a tough half demon, Shippo. He's come through a lot more than this."

"Oh God, I don't know what I'll do…I love him so much. He's my family."

"We're your family too, Shippo…we're all family. We may nt be blood, but we're here."

"I miss him already. What are we gonna DO without him…if the worst should happen…"

"Well…we'll choose a new leader for our group, and keep on fighting Niroku in his name."

"What about Sango, Miroku? I think she'd be a great leader."

"I do agree…but lets not think about that right now."

"Miroku…I really hate to say this…but.,..I don't know if we can trust Sesshomaru? He's put Inuyasha through so much for so long….and he still scares me! Can he REALLY be trusted?"

"We have to trust him, Shippo. He and Sango are the ones we must rely on to help us through this."

"I hate to even suggest this, Miroku…but what if Koga's right? What if…Sesshomaru's only helping get Inuyasha better, only so he can be the one to kill him? Or…what if he's in Kagome's time to find her and kill her so she CAN'T save him? I know Kaede trusts him…but I don't. If Inuyasha gets better in front of Sesshomaru, what's to stop him from chopping off his head? Or from killing Kagome so she can't get to Inuyasha?"

"We can't believe that, Shippo. Remember, as a monk I can sense Sesshomaru's aura…and from what I sensed, he does want to change. Believe me, Shippo, I wouldn't speak these words if I wasn't sure, but his aura is no longer black as night…its slowly turning as white as his kimono. We must trust him, for he is sorry for what he' done, and he does want to be a true brother now. Besides, if he gets out of line Sango is there, ad she'll set him straight. She knows what to do."

"What can we do in the meantime, Miroku?"

"Pray," Miroku said, kneeling down. "We can watch and pray, come Shippo. Pray with me."

In The Modern Era…

The sun was slowly beginning to go down. Sesshomaru stopped where he was to look worriedly at the sky above him. "Sesshomaru," Sango said, "I really don't think we're going to make it tonight."

"We must try, Sango," Sesshomaru said. "Every moment we hesitate is one second left in my brother's life."

"I agree, Sesshomaru, but…Rin and I aren't demons, like you. We can't stay up all night and still have strength, like you can. Believe me, Sesshomaru, I REALLY hate to say this myself, but Rin and I have to rest, otherwise we won't have any strength to go on in the morning."

"I'm getting tired myself, Father," Rin said. Sudden;y her eyes lit up as she saw a sign. "Mother, Father, we found Sakura Way!"

"Number One Sakura Way," Sango said, reading the sign. "We have to go to 586." She sighed. Rin's stomach growled just then. "You hungry, Rin?"

"Yes. Father, may we please stop to eat?"

"All right," Sesshomaru said. "Then I suppose we may stop for the night to rest," he began to look around him.

"What are you looking for, Sesshomaru?"

"Someplace to ay dow for the night. I don't see too many trees in this part of the town, maybe we should go back to that…what was it called.,..playground?"

"No, we cant go there. You're not allowed to sleep in there."

"Why not?"

"There are theives ad pickpockets that take adavantage of you if you sleep and rob you of your belongings That's why that law was made."

" I can protect you.."

"I know that, but the police don't, and for obvious reasons we can't tell them. So we can't sleep there. There are places here…I think they're called hotels…they're like a bigger form of the inns that are in our village. You can buy a room for a nght or two to sleep in."

"Very well, let's find one of those." Sango looked at the map. "Here's one, not too far from here.." she looked it up in the guide book. "Good, it allows animals. Come on, Kirara, we can go pay for a room for the night, then go find a place to eat." As they went on their way, Sango had to turn and smile a bit at Sesshomaru. "You know, Sesshomaru, I was really impressed with you today."

"Oh?"

"Yes, helping out those humans like you did."

"They needed help. I was glad to be of assistance."

"Bet that feels much better than just attacking if they get in your way, doesn't it?"

"Very much," Sesshomaru agreed, stopping a bit and gazing around him. He took in the sight of the many humans walking around and past him, some with small children, some with pets, some carrying objects. "I had never fully noticed before….how many of them there are…how different they are from each other…"

"They ARE different. Some are bad, but some are good…and a lot of them like to be helped."

"Yes.." Sesshomaru said softly.

"So…they're really not all bad, are they?"

"No.." he realized softly. "I….I like humans!"

Never thought you'd hear THAT from him, huh?

Talk about playing dirty, huh, Koga?

Hope you like it. Leave a review.

[MegaNaraku]

For part 2 - That was GREAT! Sesshomaru is one BADASS dude. The WacDonalds made me laugh for a few minutes

And for Kikyo. SHE IS CRAZEH

For part 3 - This might be one of my favorites. That last quote i liked a lot.
"No.." he realized softly. "I….I like humans!"
GREAT

[Jingai]

 Kikyo sure had a big cup of betch for breakfast didn't she?

That is a nasty poison, for sure.

Why would she tick of Sesshomaru. that doesn't seem to be very smart at all.

Jakken. He's such a goof ball.

WacDonald's.

Good thing Kaede is around to help, and not being crazy like Kikyo.

[Ranlsa]

---

Jingai wrote:

 Kikyo sure had a big cup of betch for breakfast didn't she?

That is a nasty poison, for sure.

Why would she tick of Sesshomaru. that doesn't seem to be very smart at all.

Jakken. He's such a goof ball.

WacDonald's.

Good thing Kaede is around to help, and not being crazy like Kikyo.

---

I'm so glad you liked this story. I knew you would. What did you think of Koga and how he riled up the villagers into believeing sesshomaru is to blame for what happened to Inuyasha? he's gonna get a lot worse, believe me.

Were you surpised that he ended up being the one that was helping Kikyo?

What do you think of Sango and sesshomaru exploring our world?

[Ranlsa]

---

MegaNaraku wrote:
For part 2 - That was GREAT! Sesshomaru is one BADASS dude. The WacDonalds made me laugh for a few minutes

And for Kikyo. SHE IS CRAZEH

For part 3 - This might be one of my favorites. That last quote i liked a lot.
"No.." he realized softly. "I….I like humans!"
GREAT

---

Thanks, I'm so glad you liked it. What did you think of the part where Koga is riling up all the villagers and making them believe Sesshoamru did it? It;s gonna get worse before it gets better, believe me.

Yeah, I wanted to end chapter 3 with something you never thought you'd here.

[MegaNaraku]

You did well :3

[Ranlsa]

Wairt til you see what Koka does next. Man, he is crafty.

[studster1011]

More good deeds from Sesshomaru! haha i wish he was my dad

Great Chapter. Koga that dirty basterd!

[Ranlsa]

I'm glad you're all liking this so far. Here's the next part.

Part 4- Bonding

The song is "I'll Be Blue For You', 'Gomenisai' by TATU, and the Birthday Song

DISCLAIMER: Just to pacify some people, this is NOT going to be a Sesshomaru/Sango story! Some people might think that, but it's not! Sango and Sesshomaru do bond in these next few chapters, but they bond as FRIENDS! No more, no less. Just friends. They become friends and nothing more. All clear?

OK, on with the chapter.

Shippo knelt down beside Miroku and grabbed his hand. Miroku raised his staff in the air and began to chant. Jaken then came inside "What's going on there?"

"We're praying," Shippo explained. "Kneel down and join us."

"Hmmph…as if I don't have anything better to do. Lord Sesshomaru gave me strict orders to go out and guard the castle."

"So guard it!"

"I came in here to find out why it suddenly got so quiet in here."

"He's resting and we came out here to pray. Come join us, the more prayers we say, the quicker they'll get to Heaven."

"I have no desire to pray for the health and well being of a half breed! In fact, I could go so far as to say,…"

WHAP!

"Oh….ah….I'll be joining you right now…" Jaken said groggily, rubbing his growing lump where Miroku had slammed him with his staff. He hobbled over.

"Kneel down like you mean it, Jaken.."

"Oh…I'd rather stand.."

Miroku grabbed Jaken's neck and forced him to his knees. "I said like you MEAN it!" Jaken bowed his head and Miroku finished the prayers. "Now, go back out and guard." He proceeded to pick him up and toss him out the window. Jaken hobbled away, while Miroku scribbled a bit in his scroll.

"I think I'm gonna go gather some more herbs," Shippo said, standing up.

"Mmm…Miroku.." Inuyasha said weakly. Miroku and Shippo looked in on him, and Shippo gasped…Inuyasha was now completely in his human form! All of his demon traits had gone! "Shippo.." Inuyasha said. They both went inside and Inuyasha turned his head painfully.

"We're here, Inuyasha," Miroku said.

"Good…look…you guys…I want ya to listen…I…I don't know if I'm gonna…"

"Don't say it, Inuyasha," Shippo broke in. "Please don't say it!"

"I gotta, Kid," with his one good arm, Inuyasha cupped Shippo's face. "Shippo..listen….I got an important job for you…if anything goes wrong.,..if I'm not here in two days…I want you to take care of Kagome. You're gonna watch over her now…that's your job. I'm entrusting you with the most important thing to me. Promise me you'll do that?"

"I..I promise..I'll take good care of her.." Shippo said. Tears filled his eyes, and Miroku gestured to him to go outside so Inuyasha couldn't see him cry. But when Miroku approached Inuyasha, the sounds of Shippo's sobs could clearly be heard in the hallway.

"Miroku.,..is that…Shippo? Crying?" Miroku nodded. "He's…crying? Someone's crying…for me?"

"Of course he is…he cares about you, Inuyasha….like we all do.."

"I…I never thought anyone would ever care about me…the only one who ever cried when I was seriously hurt was Kagome…a long time ago…"

"Don't think of that now, Inuyasha…just rest. We're getting you some more medicine."

"Miroku.."

"Yes?"

"Look…I gotta tell you…something important…listen carefully…I want you to know…if I don't make it.."

"You will, Inuyasha, don't talk like that…"

"Will ya listen? If I don't make it, I'd like to make sure I say these things before I go…if they can't being Kagome here in time…I just need ya to know this, will ya hear me out?"

"All right."

"Look…if…they can't bring Kagome…if I don't make it at all…promise me…if I go...you'll take the Tetsusaiga, and give it to Sango. Tell her…I want her to take care of it…if I don't make it."

"All right."

"Listen to her, like you would to me."

"We will."

"She's a great fighter…it wouldn't take her long to learn the Backlash Wave and the Wind Scar."

"No….she pays attention to when you fight. She'll learn in no time."

"Miroku…if I don't make it…I want all of you to keep hunting the jewel…don't stop until it's all assembled…and destroy that bastard Naraku! Don't give up until he's dead! Do it…for me."

"OK."

"Tell Kagome…I'm so sorry for putting her through all of this…I'm so sorry. Tell her…I love her. The package is in my pocket…if I die…give it to her…tell her it's from my heart…take care of Kagome….watch over her…give my love to her family…it's getting so hot in here…God, its so hot…" Miroku opened up another window. "Thanks. Anyway, will ya tell her…"

"You're going to tell her yourself, Inuyasha. She'll be here."

"But in case she doesn't get here in time…will ya do that?"

"Of course."

Inuyasha closed his eyes to sleep. "And…Miroku?"

"Yes?"

"One more thing.." he was whispering so softly Miroku had to lean forward. "Tell my brother…..I forgive him." He began to breathe deeply, and Miroku knew he was asleep. He pulled the blanket up over Inuyasha.

Meanwhile Shippo was heading back inside with the herbs, blinded by tears of fear and worry for his friend.

If I could make a wish,

and have that wish come true,

I'd take us back to yesterday, when you were good as new.

Until we meet again,

you're still my closest friend,

and I'll be blue for you.

When I say I'm sorry,

it's coming from my heart.

I mean it, I really truly do.

And I'll be blue for you...

I remember taking walks,

you'd always hold my hand.

I didn't have to talk to much,

and you'd still understand.

We've got memories,

and I'll take special care of these.

I'll be blue for you,

(oh please get better)

I'll be blue for you.

When he got back, he almost screamed at the sight of Inuyasha laying very still in the bed until Miroku rushed to him. "No, no, Shippo, he didn't die yet. He's just sleeping." Shippo sighed with relief as Miroku took the herbs. Just then they heard a slap on Shippo's shoulder. They glanced down to see Myoga staring up at them.

"Master Miroku, Shippo, I've been looking all over for you! Tell me, did something happen?"

Shippo stared angrily. "Did something happen? Did something happen…." suddenly Shippo grabbed Myoga and started shaking him angrily. " DID SOMETHING HAPPEN? WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN YOU COWARDLY STUPID INSECT, YOU'RE ABOUT AS RELIABLE AS KOGA YOU USELESS BUG, YOU STUPID BEETLE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE NEEDED YOU?"

"Shippo, Shippo, take it easy!" Miroku took Myoga from Shippo. "Well? Where WERE you, Myoga?"

"I was trying to find the both of you! I overheard Koga saying something about Inuyasha being gravely ill and I went looking for him."

"Koga?"

"Yeah, he was at Kaede's hut, trying to disrupt the candlelight vigil," Shippo said.

"Figures," Miroku said.

"But, did something happen to Master Inuyasha?"

Now it was Miroku's turn to scowl at him. "Did something happen? Just look for yourself!" He flung Myoga inside, and he gasped at the sight.

"Oh my….what's happened to him?"

"Kikyo, that's what. She poisoned him with a special arrow that had a spell on it- the Black Hate of Death, and only Kagome can cure him. Kikyo destroyed the well, so Sango went to Kagome's time thanks to Kaede's Shigagami spell, to try to find her, and Rin and Sesshomaru went with her."

"Sesshomaru?"

"Yes, Sesshomaru, Myoga. In case you haven't heard, he's changed his ways. He and Sango have gone to try to find Kagome, and they've only got one day and a few more hours to do it, or Inuyasha dies."

"Oh my.."

"Yes, so make yourself useful for once and GET IN THERE AND #### OUT AS MUCH POISON AS YOU CAN!" He threw Myoga onto Inuyasha, who proceeded to gentily #### and #### until he was the size of a beach ball and could #### no more.

"I'm going downstairs to prepare these. Will you join me?" Miroku asked Shippo.

"I think I'll stay here and pray some more, Miroku." Miroku nodded and went downstairs. Shippo then went to the sleeping Inuyasha, knelt down by his bed, and folded his arms in prayer. "Lord," he began. "I know I haven't always been the nicest person in the world to Inuyasha, but if you would please answer this prayer, I would be so grateful. Please…watch over Inuyasha. Please take care of him…and please don't take him away from us yet. Please…please spare his life! He's a wonderful leader for our team…and we NEED him! Sango is a great fighter…but without Inuyasha, I don't know HOW we'll defeat Naraku. I don't think we CAN do it without him! He's like a big brother to me…and I love him just like one. Even though I haven't always shown it..I DO love him! Please…don't make me lose another one I love. I just lost one family…please, don't make me lose another. Don't hurt Kagome either. She's like my Mother, and I can't bear it if she were to be heartbroken! Please, spare Inuyasha, for Kagome, for me…for ALL of us! Say it's not his time yet…please, don't take him! Please let Sango, Sesshomaru, Rin, and Kirara find Kagome soon so he can get better."

When Miroku got back to the room, he found Shippo laying down on top of the bed sheets, having fallen asleep right on top of Inuyasha. Myoga, small again, was now sleeping on his chest. Miroku gentily picked Shippo up and put him into the other bed that was there. After tracing a cross on both Inuyasha's and Shippo's foreheads, he sat down upon the chair and fell asleep in it.

Meanwhile Koga made his way back over to where his wolves had gathered with Kikyo over the fire. He grinned slyly. "It's been done!"

Kikyo quickly turned to him. "It has?"

"You bet, I managed to get those villagers all worked up over Sesshy that they won't be thinking of hunting us down for QUITE a while! Long enough for me to claim my Queen, you to skip town directly after the wedding. Thanks for agreeing to be the Maid Of Honor, by the way."

"Even though I can't stand that goody-two-shoes clone of mine, it's gonna be worth it to finally have revenge against Inuyasha."

He picked up the bottle of wine near his feet. "More saki?"

"Don't mind if I do," she held out her glass. Taking a sip, she sighed. "Mmmm! I didn't get to drink stuff this good as a Priestess!"

"Well, technically you ain't a Priestess anymore!" Koga pointed out. "Anyway, from what I heard Lord No-Heart has built up QUITE a reputation in this place. It was kinda easy to get all the blame shifted to him."

"No kidding.." Kikyo gestured for Koga to lean in close. She whispered, "I even heard a rumor that he almost attacked his own father at the last day of his life when he refused to give him Souaga and Tetsusaiga before he went to rescue Isoyoi."

"You're kidding!"

"Nope, that's what I heard"

:"His FATHER? The one he was always so proud of and constantly boasting about and wanted to follw in his footsteps? THAT father?"

"Yes, yes. That's what I heard. He wants an Empire so badly he's willing to attack first his father, then his brother to get the sword he thinks will help him!"

Koga laughed, "Boy, is he in for quite the surprise!" They all laughed hysterically. Koga then stood up. "All right, Boys!" he called out. "As you all know, the day after tomorrow is a special day for us. That's the day we shall bring home our Queen!" All the wolves howled and clapped. "Thank you, thank you very much!"

"Yeah, what a Queen!" a wolf cried out.

"You're a lucky Wolf, Koga!" came another.

"Thank you, thank you again! Now, our friend Kikyo had just volunteered to be the Maid-Of-Honor. The rest of you…" he pointed to the oldest and wisest wolf. "You will be in charge of officiating the wedding ceremony."

"Thank you, Boss, what an honor."

"Yeah, make it short and sweet. Just exchange of vows and rings, a nice poem or two, and that's it."

"I'll start composing it now."

"Speaking of rings, that's your department."

"Ok, no problem." said another wolf.

Koga took out his sword and gave it to another. "You're in charge of the Coronation Get the sword nice and shiny for the big day."

"You can count on me."

To another wolf, "You're in charge of making the crowns."

"I'll make hers big and fancy, with lots of flowers. Yours will be nice and royal."

"Perfect. Now, remember the plan. Morning of the 4th day, while everyone else is morning for Inuyasha and wanting Sesshy's head, I'll be waiting at the newly rebuilt well. As soon as Kagome comes, I grab her, quickly take her to my cave…and….heh, heh,heh…show her the REAL meaning of manhood!"

"Oh yeah, oh yeah.." the wolves laughed.

"After all, once you have a wolf, you have it all!" came another.

"So, make sure the cave is all clean, and maybe put some nice flowers all over it."

"But boss?' one said. "She's pretty headstrong and a fighter.."

"Yeah, I know…" Koga said dreamily.

'But what happens if she might not wanna go with ya…what if she puts up a fight…"

"I can move faster than that dog boy.."

"We know, but what if she resists…ya know…"

"We got that covered. Kikyo?" Kikyo produced a bottle from her skirt. "One of Kikyo's newest creations. This potion will make anyone completely hypnotized for three hours. During which time she'll have sooo much excitement and enjoyment she'll forget that dog boy existed and fall head over heels with me!"

"Just put this into any liquid and have her drink it," Kikyo said. "Works right away and lasts for three hours."

"Excellent!" Koga took the potion and put it in his pocket, "Now, you and you," he beckoned to his two henchmen Ginta and Hakkaku, and handed them a scroll. "Invite the guests on this list. The rest of you, decorate the outside all nice and pretty for the big day. I think the ceremony will be near the waterfall."

"Yeah, boss, that's lovely."

"Yeah…so make it fit for a Queen!" He laughed. "And you two," he gestured to two more. "Guard the cave when I take Kagome in there. Heh heh..make sure we're NOT disturbed!" They all snickered.

"Uh, Boss?' Ginta said.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, I get it how you're gonna bring Kagome here…but what about her friends? Ya know…the Slayer? The Monk?"

"Those two will be so busy crying, morning, and planning the funeral for that dog boy who's better off dead anyway, they won't have TIME to think about her…until a bit too late. I can make it so she'll have SUCH a euphoric experience she'll NEVER wanna leave my arms!" All the other wolves laughed hysterically. "And that #### brother-in-name-only will be too busy fighting off the villagers. By the time he does….or they win…the ceremony will be over, and Kikyo will be able to skip town." He paused to help Kikyo up. "Boys…here's to our new partner, Kikyo…and to the best day of our lives!" They all joined in a big group howl….except for Ginta and Hakkaku who stood side from the pack and looked at each other worriedly.

In the Modern Era…

Sango, Sesshomaru, and Rin went into the hotel lobby. "I'll go get us a room for the night," Sango said, walking up to the front desk.

"May I go up there with her, Father?" Rin asked.

"All right, Rin, but stay right beside her." Rin nodded and ran over. As Sango was booking the room, he turned around to see several women gazing upon him with longing in their eyes. A few waved at him. Not understanding too much of what

was going on, he raised his hand and waved back at them, causing several of them to sigh. A few finally walked up to him.

"Hi," one of them said.

:"Hello," he greeted them with no reaction.

"So…uh…how are you doing tall, dark and hansme? I don't believe I've seen you around here before. My name's Myoshi."

"I'm Sesshomaru."

"Wow, handsome name for a handsome man! So…wat are you doing in this part of town?"

"We're on our way to see a friend and are stopping here for the night."

"Oh? Where does your friend live? If you need directions, maybe we could go down to the bar for a drink, and I could give you some directions…"

"Hey," another woman said, coming up to them, "Why should YOU buy him a drink? I can buy him a drink, thank you, I know my way around Tokyo better than you!"

"Says who?" said a third. "I saw him first anyway!"

Sango then came over to the group of girls. "Oh, I see you've met my HUSBAND," she said, threading her arm through Sesshomaru's.

The women stared. "Husband?" one said.

"Yes, husband…and daughter," she smiled and Rin came up to join them. Rin smiled and gave the women a friendly wave.

One of the women backed up. "Sorry…we didn't know…" the women backed away. Sango looked up at Sesshomaru.

"Lets go up and see our room, Dear. Then we can go to the restaurant here and have dinner. Come on, Rin."

"All right, Mother," Rin bowed low to the ladies. "It was nice meeting you."

 The women watched enviously as the three of them disappeared up the stairs. "Man, some girls get ALL the luck!"

"Figures the good looking ones are already taken!"

"Yeah, story of my life!"

When they were out of sight, Sango dropped Sesshomaru's arm and took the lead up the stairs. "I got us some good rooms on the second floor. That way we can leave right away tomorrow."

"Yes, we must rise really early so we can try to reach Kagome's home before sunset."

As soon as they reached the room, Sango put her passkey in and opened the door. Rin was the first one in. "Mother, it's so dark in here! Where are the candles?" Sango instead flicked on the light switch on the wall, causing the room to light up. "Wow! Mother…how did you DO that?"

"With this," she indicated the switch. Rin and Sesshomaru stared at it.

"What s that, Sango?" Sesshomaru asked.

"It's called a light switch. See, in this era they don't use candles. They have things called lights. They're powered by something called electricity which flows through something called wires in the walls, ad they make the room light up. Kind of like automatic candles."

"Wow!" Rin said.

"So many strange things here…more than we could ever hope to imagine.."

"Yes," Sango agreed. "In fact, Kagome left a few of her books with me. They help to explain everything here. let's go to dinner, then I can show you some…I think I brought several with me.." she put down the pack she always had with her, and opened it up. "Yes, here are some. Let's go have some dinner, and then I can show them to you, if you'd like to see it."

"I would, very much."

Once they got down to the restaurant, Sango asked the Matre'd for a table and he seated them at a quiet outdoor place. As Rin opened the menu she cried, "Father, look! They serve rabbit here!"

"So they do. Is that what you would like, Rin?"

"Yes, please. You can have it too."

"So I shall."

"I'll have the rabbit too," Sango said.

"Mew!"

"Oh, Don't worry, Kirara, I'll order you some fish. Would you like that?"

"Mew!" Kirara said excitedly.

When the waiter arrived, they gave him their orders and asked that Rin's rabbit dish be a bit smaller and cooked very well done. When they got their orders they all began to eat. Sango put the fish plate on the ground where Kirara was, and she dug into it with a happy 'Mew!'

 "This is delicious, Mother!" Rin said. "What kinds of herbs do they add to it when they cook it over the campfire?"

"Oh, they cook this inside, Rin."

"How would they bring a campfire inside? Do they have a indoor fire like Kaede does?"

"In a way, Rin. They gave things called stoves here, its kind of like an indoor fire surrounded by metal, so it doesn't burn anything. They can cook anything by putting the meat on little metal bars that are on top of the fire, instead of sticks like we have."

"Most interesting," Sesshomaru said. "Do you have any pictures of these 'stoves'?

"I think Kagome has pictures in her books. I'll try to look them up when we get back to our rooms." Kirara, having finished the fish, came over and rubbed against Sango's leg. Sango looked down, amuzed. "Did you enjoy your dinner, Kirara?'

Kirara 'mewed.' her agreement.

After they had finished the rabbit, the waitress came back. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Oh, yes, it was soo good!" Rin said.

"Would you like some dessert, Sweetie?"

"What do you have?"

"We have rice pudding, cheesecake, ice cream., chocolate cake.."

Rin's eyes lit up. "Ice cream?"

"I'll bring you some, Sweetie."

Sesshomaru looked at the waitress. "I believe I would like to try some ice cream as well." Sango ordered the chocolate cake. As Sesshomaru tried the ice cream, his eyebrows rose up. Sango noticed this.

"How is it, Sesshomaru?"

"Its cold…but very pleasant. Now I see why you wanted this, Rin. It's very enjoyable." As the waitress put down the bill, Sango reached for her purse. Sesshomaru reached into the pocket of his kimono and brought up a purse of his own. "Sango…you have paid for lunch and our room, so I will pay for this dinner." After reading Kaede's note, he left the right amount of money, and some extra, after Sango explained about tips. When they reached their room, to Sango's surprise, nightshirts were laid across the beds, one Sango's size, and a smaller one for Rin. Shaking her head with wonder at Kaede's quick thinking, she settled down on one of the beds and pulled something out of her backpack. Rin explored the room.

"Mother, Father, look! There's one of those…televisions here! Can we try it, please?"

Sango stood up. "Ok, let me see if there's anything for you on…" she flipped through several channels..a movie…a sports program…the news…finally landing on a Wile E Coyote cartoon. "Here we are, Rin. A cartoon…I think this is Wile E Coyote."

"Oh! Kagome's told me about these shows!" Rin settled on the floor. Saesshomaru came over to her.

"What are you watching there, Rin?"

"It's called a cartoon, Lord Sesshomaru. It's about this funny coyote- Wile E Coyote- and he's trying to catch this bird- a Road Runner- and eat him. He build all these inventions, but they never work right, and the bird it very fast….almost as fast as you, Lord Sesshomaru. The coyote ever manages to catch the Road Runner."

Sesshomaru settled on the bed. "Most interesting. I believe I shall watch this with you." Rin settled quietly on his lap. The cartoon was one of the funniest eps of Road Runner and Rin was laughing hysterically at each and every mishap that fell upon the coyote, even Sesshomaru had to smile. Meanwhile Sago had gathered her bathing stuff and Kirara had made herself comfortable on one of the bed pillows.

"I'm going to go take a bath right now. Rin, stay in the room with Sesshomaru."

"OK, Miss Sango," Rin said. But when Sango began to head for the bathroom Rin called out, "Miss Sango? Aren't you going outside?"

Sango turned around. "I don't need to, Rin."

"But, the hot springs are outside. "

"There are no hot springs out here, Rin. If we want to take baths, we go in here," she indicated the bathroom.

"In there?" Rin asked.

"Yes, its called a bathroom," she gestured for Rin to follow her inside. Sesshomaru follwed her in. Sango pointed to the bathtub. "Kagome told me that you can fill this with water, and it's kind of like an indoor hot spring. You can bathe right in here." She pointed to the huge metal hook-like thing right on the edge of the tub. "The water comes out there. The water is in a huge lake, ad metal things called pipes are in the lake. When you turn on this," she spun a small wheel to the left of the hood, and immediately a jet of hot water came out of the hook. "The water comes from the lake, flows through the pipes, and comes out here." she pulled a long stick on top of the hook. "You also pull this to plug up the tub and let it fill with water, otherwise it would all flow into this drain and into another place." She pointed to the left wheel. "This is for hot water, this is for cold," she pointed to the wheel to the right."

"Wow," Rin said. "Look, Lord Sesshomaru, an indoor hot spring! That's so neat. Miss Sango…what's that thing hanging up there?"

"That's called a showerhead. It's kind of like a mini waterfall. If you turn this," she pointed to the large wheel that was against the wall. "Water comes out of here, and flows like a waterfall."

"Neat."

"Fascinating," Sesshomaru said. "All ight, Rin, let's go back to seeing those cartoons and let Sango bathe."

As they settled back into their places, Rin looked up at Sesshomaru. "Lord Sesshomaru? I'm really enjoying our time here, but I'm still worried about Inuyasha. He's nice…I hope he doesn't die. I don't want him or Kagome hurt, they've been so good to me."

"I know, Rin," Sesshumarou said. "I also am worried. But I will NOT fail my brother. He's in a lot of pain right now…and I don't lie, it will probably get worse before it gets better. But once he sees Kagome, I know she'll give him what he needs. We have to depend on her, and do whatever it takes to reach her in time."

"I wish I could do more, Lord Sesshomaru. I like both Inuyasha and Kagome. Can I do anything more to help you?"

Sesshomaru gave his small half smile. "Just being here, Rin, is doing plenty."

"It is?"

"Yes…before you came into my life, Rin, I didn't always treat my brother well, Rin. There were times when I didn't want to have anything to do with him…I'll tell you most of the reasons when you're old enough to fully understand…but mostly because I was so obsessed with building an Empire, and wanting the best weapons in all of Edo in order to do it."

"Oh yeah, Master Jaken did say something about you gaining enough power to build the Great Empire after you defeat Naraku."

"Yes…that was my original plan for my life. But now….ever since you entered my existence, Rin…you've helped me to see that an Empire ISN'T the most important thing. It's like I explained to Kaede, you've helped me to see that friendship, cooperation, and kindness don't make you weaker…in fact, they make you stronger and more determined. I don't think I would have known that if it wasn't for you."

"I'VE helped YOU, Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked. "But…you're always the one helping ME!"

"Well, sometimes YOU help ME, Rin. Having you here, right beside me as we go through this new world, you help me more than you can ever know." With a smile, Rin moved closer to him.

When Sango bathed, changed into the nightshirt, and got out of the bathroom, she had to smile at the picture in front of her…Rin on Sesshomaru's lap, enjoying cartoons with him. Rin looked up when Sango came out. "Oh, Miss Sango, you're back." She jumped off Sesshomau's lap. "I was wondering?"

"Yes, Rin?"

"May I try these indoor hot springs as well?"

"Of course, Rin. Get the nightshirt off the bed and meet me in the bathroom, I'll fix the bath for you."

When Sango came out after filling the bathtub (only halfway seeing as how Rin was still so little) she saw Sesshomaru on the bed wating something else.

"What are you watching, Sesshomaru?'

"This…I believe they called it the news, Sango. I just want to know what's going on in Kagome's time."

"That's smart to do," Sango agreed. She picked up the black book she had put down on the bed and opened it, gazing at what was in there. She would flip through it with a smile occasionally laughing…but then the smile disappeared and sadness crept over her. Sesshomaru turned from where he was sitting.

"What is that you're looking at, Sango?"

She lifted her head up. "They're called 'pictures', Sesshomaru." She showed them to him. "In Kagome's time, they're like small little paintings. Kagome has this thing called a 'camera' that can quickly paint a small picture like this in seconds. She's taken all kinds of pictures of all of us and put them in these small books called 'albums' so we can look at them whenever we want. She made one for each of us."

"I see."

"Would you like to come and look at these with me?" Sesshomaru walked over and sat next to Sango. She laid the album across both of their laps so they could look at it together. Sango pointed to a picture of the group pf them, minus, Kagome, gathered around a campfire. "This picture was taken during a quiet time, when we were just resting." She pointed to another one, this one showing Sango and Miroku stting very close together. "She took this after Miroku and I became engaged." She smiled tenderly at the picture before she turned the page. Her eyes it up when she saw a picture of the whole group gathered in Kaede's village with Kaede and a few villagers in the backgrund. "This was taken when we saved Kaedes village from a Bear demon. All the villagers gave us a bit of their dinners to show their gratitude." Sesshomaru looked o with interest.

"And what is this picture here?" he pointed to one that had all of them gathered on a red checked blanket. It looked like a picnic lunch that had been set up on the blanket, the centerpiece of which was a round white brghtly decorated pastry with flowers and just blown out candles upon it. Inuyasha himself was beaming, and Sesshomaru noticed a few tears brimming. All of them had ear-to-ear smiles.

Sango's eyes took on a pleasant, faraway look as she gazed at the memory. "That picture was taken at Inuyasha's birthday party."

Sesshomaru raised his eyes. "Bithday party?"

"Yes. Kagome told me that on the anniversary of someone's birth,…that's called a 'birthday'…in her era people celebrate by throwing a special party and giving the person gifts."

"Oh?"

"Yes…what happened on the anniversary of your own birth, Sesshomaru?"

"My parents would throw a grand feast for me…ad they would give me gifts. This kimono that I wear in fact, is the last gift my father gave to me before he died."

"That's why you wear it almost all the time?"

"Yes. Tell me….what did you do for Inuyasha on his birthday?"

Sango smiled. "That was just a few months ago…I can still remember…"

Kagome and Sango were finishing fixing the food around the checkered tablecloth Kagome had brought with her from her time. Finally they stood back to admire thier work. "It looks great! thanks a lot, Sango!" Kagome said happily.

"You're welcome, I had fun doing it," Sango said. "He's gonna be really surprised when he sees this!"

"Mew!" Kirara agreed, moving closer to the ramien noodles.

"No, no, no, Kirara," Sango said laughing and scooping up the little kitten. 'Not yet! You have to wait till Miroku bring him back here!"

"Mew," Kirara said sadly.

"I know, I know, you're hungry. They'll be back soon, but for now your little paws have to stay out of here." Kagome finished pouring glasses of tea and putting them next to the paper plates.

"There! OK, now for the centerpeice!" Out of the picnic basket she lifted out a plastic container. Setting it in the middle of the spread she opened the top and took out...a huge chocolate birthday cake!

Sango whistled. "Wow, Kagome..that's beautiful! What's that called again?"

"A birthday cake, Sango! When it's someone's birthday where I'm from, they celebrate with a big meal and have this for dessert. They put these wax sticks called candles on it and sing. Then the birthday person makes a wish and blows them out. Just a fun little tradition."

"There's so many fun traditions where you're from, Kagome!"

Shippo happily ran over to where the picnic was. "Hi, Kagome, hi Sango! Wow, that looks great!"

"Thanks, Shippo. I think we're all ready, you can get them now."

"OK."

"Does he suspect anything, Shippo?"

"Nope, not a thing. Miroku's taking him fishing and he's managed to distract him with conversation. I can't wait to see his face!"

"OK, you can get him, Shippo!" As Shippo ran off Sango smiled at Kagome.

"I didn't even know today was Inuyasha's birthday!"

"Yeah, he doesn't like to share things like that."

"I wonder why?"

"Maybe because no one ever really cared before...so I guess he thinks no one should care now."

"That's so sad."

"Well, you know he's not very emotional..but I wanted to do something." Sango nodded. She then saw the familiar shaped of Inuyasha and Miroku coming up the hill with Shippo leading the way. She also noticed Miroku was walking aslightly ahead of Inuyasha. Sango and Kagome sat down upon the blanket to wait.

"I don't care what you say, you scared almost all the fish away with your talking!"

"We still have enough for a few days!"

"Yeah, a FEW days! We could get a lot more if you had only stopped chatting for a second."

"But these were the best ones in the lake! Come, let's pertake of them."

"All right, all right, but if the girls want more, you're explaining it to them!"

Suddenly Miroku quickly turned around, unveiling the picnic to Inuyasha along with the sitting girls and excited Shippo.

"SURPRISE!"

Inuyasha for a moment looked stunned. "Huh?" Kagome stood up and hugged him tight.

'Happy Birthday, Inuyasha!" Inuyasha stood puzzled. "Don't tell me you forgot your own birthday!"

"No, no, but...how did they know?"

"I told them!"

"But why?"

"So we could do this!" She indicated the whole picnic.

"Huh?"

"It's for YOU, Inuyasha! It's all for you today! Look, I brought your favorites! Fresh sushi and ramein noodles!"

"Chicken?"

"Of course!" She lead him to the head of the blanket.

"You did all this?"

"We all did, my friend. It was my job to distract you all day while the girls prepared this!"

"You big.." Inuyasha said sarcastically...but he couldn't hide his smile.

"Come on, Inuyasha, let's eat!" Shippo said.

"Not yet, Shippo," Kagome said. "First we have to give him his presents."

Inuyasha looked surprised. "Huh? Presents?"

"Yes," Kagome lifted a small brightly wrapped object ut of the basket. "When a person has a birthday, their friends traditionally throw them a party…or a picnic, like we do, and we give them presents. Just to say we're glad you're with us for another year!" she gave Inuyasha the object. "Here, Inuyasha. Happy Birthday! Go ahead, open it."

Inuyasha stared at it for a moment, "A….a present? For me?"

"Yes, just for you!"

"I..I haven't gotten a present like this in years… "

"Well, you have one now. Go ahead, open it." Inuyasha gentily used his claws to tear it open…there was a small gold pin engraved with everyone's name on it. "That's our way of showing that you'll never be alone ever again, Inuyasha. You'll always have us, and we'll never leave you, ever." Kagome pinned it to Inuyasha's kimono. Inuyasha squeezed her hand.

"Thanks, Kagome."

Sango then pulled out a large wrapped gift. "here you go. Happy Birthday." Inuyasha unwrapped a whitting stone. "Now you can sharpen your sword easily no matter where you are."

"Hey, thanks," Inuyasha said. Miroku then handed him his package.

"There you are, my friend. Birthday greetings." When Inuyasha unwrapped it, there sat some brand new brown sandals.

"For when it gets cold. Now you have some shoes to walk in."

Inuyasha tried them on, and they fit perfectly. "Thanks, Miroku. They're a perfect fit."

"You're welcome."

Shippo jumped up happily. "Here, Inuyasha. Happy Birthday!" Inuyasha took a picture from Shippo's hands that he drew, one of him and all his friends gathered around a campfire.

"Thanks, Shippo," he rumbled his hair.

He heard a 'Mew!' from his shoulder. He turned to see Kirara holding a small flower in her mouth. Dropping it into Inuaysha's palm, she purred against him and licked his cheek. Inuyasha patted her behind her ears before she jumped back into Sango's lap.

"Is it time to eat now, Kagome?" Shippo asked.

"Yes, Shippo, we can now." She gave Natasha a containher of his favorite Ramien Noodles and sushi. After everyone had eaten hearty, Kagome reached for the cake right in the middle of the blanket.

"What is that, Kagome?"

"Another thing just for you, Inuyasha. See, when someone has a birthday, after they've eaten they also have a special dessert. It's called a birthday cake! It's a special pastry that's only baked once a year for someone on their birthday."

"That looks good!" Shippo said. "So, can we cut it and eat it?"

"Oh, not yet. First we put these tiny candles all around it and light them up."

"Then we sing, right?"

"Right."

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows. "Sing?"

"Yes, on someone's birthday they sing a special song to the person. Then the birthday person blows out the candles and makes a wish. It's a special tradition." She turned to everyone. "Ok, you all remember the words?" She put the cake in front of Inuyasha and started the song.

"Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday, Inuyasha.

Happy Birthday to you.

Birthdays are a time for celebration,

A time when all around you is good cheer.

So we'll all raise our glass,

And hearty may we laugh,

And toast this merry fellow that is near.

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday Inuyasha,

From us who love you!"

At the end of it Inuyasha had his face down and his hair hidden from view…but they could all plainly see him reach up and brush something off his cheek. They knew it was a tear, but they knew better than to say anything. Instead Kagome reach

up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, as did Sango.

"That was one of the few times I ever saw him cry," Sango remembered.

"He cried?" Sesshomaru asked, surprised.

"Yes…he was so touched that we did tat for him. He never had a birthday party ever in his life….he was so happy..,."

Sesshomaru looked at Sango. "When is his birthday, Sango?"

Sango looked shocked. "You don't know your own brother's birthday?"

"I…don't remember…we haven't been close at all…not until a few months ago…"

"It's May 14...the day before your Father died."

"Oh yes…" Sesshomaru said. "Brother..I promise you…when this day comes around again, I will give you a grand feast..and gifts…you will never celebrate this day alone again." He turned to Sango. "When is your birthday, Sango?"

"August 9."

"And Miroku's?"

"April 19."

"Shippo's?"

"October 17. Kagome's is January 15, Kirara's is March 22." He looked at Sesshomau. "When is yours, Sesshomau?"

"December 15. Rin's is June 9. Jaken's is November 22. I do give him a feast and a gift. He does appreciate it greatly. Rin as well."

Sango gentily took the picture from the photo album. "Would you like to have this picture?"

"Me?"

"You're his brother. You should have a photo of him."

Sesshomaru took it. "Thank you. What is that picture of?"

Sango looked at another picture of a dirty and brused Inuyasha sleeping against a full grown Kirara, who was looking at him happily and covering him with her tails. "Oh, Kagome took that picture after he fell asleep after a huge fight he had with Koga. He was injured and Kirara helped him first fight off Koga, then when she saw how the fight had tired him out she let him sleep on her."

"She really loves Inuyasha, doesn't she?"

"We all do, even thopugh sometimes we don't act like it.." she said softly.

Kirara went over and lightly pawed the picture, going 'Mew?' in a worried voice.

 "Don't worry, Kirara. We'll find Kagome and bring her to Inuyasha. That's a promise." Rin came out of the bathroom.

"Miss Sango, that was so nice! Not as much fun as a hot spring…but I enjoyed it."

"I knew you would, Rin."

"What are those you're looking at, Sango?"

"They're called pictures, Rin. They're like little mini paintings that you take with something called a camera. Would you like to

look at them?"

"Oh yes!" Rin took the album and began to flip through the pictures.

Sesshomaru stood up then and moved toward the window. Sango noticed and came up to him. Kiara jumped on her shoulder. "Sesshomaru? What's wrong?"

"I'm still very worried abut Inuyasha."

"I am too," she looked up at the stars.

"You are truly blessed, Sango. More blessed than I have been."

Sango turned to him. "I'M more blessed than YOU? What do you mean by that, Sesshomaru? I mean, I'm a human. You're a Demon. If anything YOU'RE more blessed. I mean you have amazing powers far beyond what I have! You can teleport, you have your poison claws and Demon Whip, you have massive strength…"

"Yes…but you have something I do not have. Your heart is much bigger than mine."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you can feel easily…and you can experience all kinds of things that comes very hard for full Demons like myself. Full Demons have smaller hearts than Humans do…I suppose when I learned that years ago, that's why I thought they were so weak. I was under the false impression that a heart can get in the way of your overall goals. Now I know I was wrong. It's easier for Inuyasha to help people and to express emotions because his heart is one of a human, so it's about as big as yours. My own heart is much smaller….so it's harder for me…it was hard for my parents as well to express emotions. That was one of the reasons why I had such a disdain for Izoyoi…when Father was around her, he started to open up and express feelings I never saw before…and I guess I was confused."

"What do you mean? Your parents never showed love?"

"Oh, they did….but just between them. You see, Demons only show intimate love in private. Kisses, and hugs…like my brother and Kagome share…only Demon husbands and wives do that. That's the only time they kiss and hug."

Sango was shocked. "So…you were never hugged? Never kissed as a child?"

"No, I never was."

Sango's eyes grew wide…it started to make sense! "Well, if you were never hugged or kissed.,..how did you know you were loved?"

"My parents told me they loved me….every day."

"They never did anything?"

"They did. Hold out your hand, Sango, I'll show it to you." She held out her hand. Sesshomaru took it, held it to his heart, and rubbed it against his heart gentily.

"That's it? That's all you do?"

"Aside from saying I love you…yes. That's how demons show love to each other. It's symbolic, you see. It means we're giving the person our heart."

"So…you've never been hugged? Or kissed on the cheek?"

"No. The only Demons I've seen do that were my parents, and other married Demons that were friends of theirs. I never thought it was unusual that only married couples hug or kiss."

"ANY kind of kiss? Even one on the cheek is forbidden?"

"Unless you're married. I never thought too much of it. But when I see my brother and Kagome…or several other humans hug…sometimes I do wonder.."

Sango shook her head sadly. "You missed out on a lot."

Sesshomaru turned his head. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…hugs are wonderful ways of expressing love. They don't have to be intimate. They're just a way of showing love to anyone. Not just your husband or wife…anyone. Your family, even your friends."

"I know my brother has no problem hugging or kissing…I have even seen him hug you on occasion. I know his human heart…and how his mother raised him…had a lot to do with it."

"He did tell me his mother used to hug and kiss him every night, just as mine did. I still remember my parents hugging me every night before I went to bed, or when I came back from slaying demons." She smiled slightly at the memory. "That was one of our nighttime rituals, and one I enjoyed so much. Sometimes I can still feel my Father's arms around me…it was a nice feeling.."

"What did happen to your family Sango?"

Sango bowed her head at the painful memory. "Naraku, that's what. My Mother, she died from pneumonia before the massacre happened, so she was spared it. But…what happened was my brother, Kohaku…Naraku took the form of a Lord of a Castle and sent a Snake Demon to ransack the village. He then called us to exterminate it, but that was only to distract us. He then took possestion of Kohaku and put a shard of the Shikon Jewel into his back which allowed Naraku to control him." She blinked back tears. " He…made Kohaku kill my entire village…our father…all our friends from the village…and he almost killed me. But, I know he didn't mean to do it…he doesn't even know what he's doing! Naraku still has him under his power…"

Sesshomaru growled at that. "Naroku….possessing a child…forcing him to kill his own family…I thought he was evil before…but this…" he said angrily. "His reign of evil WILL end!" He bunched one of his hands into a fist…but had to stop himself from slamming his hand into the balcony, instead he put it on Sango's shoulder. . "You are no doubt a veery strong woman to have lived through all that. Sango, I promise you…as soon as my brother is well again and we stop Kikiyo, I'll help you get your brother back from Naroku…and we'll all destroy him."

"Thank you."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Now that I now the true value of family, I will help you get yours back, the way you're helping me get mine back." He removed his hand.

Sango smiled. "That's what friends do for each other."

Sesshomaru looked at Sango. "That's another thing I've noticed, Sango. Just how close you really are to my brother. How you've all allied with him, and how devoted you are to each other. How much you care."

Sango nodded. " I guess because he's been through a lot in his life, just as I have. I can really TALK to him. Sometimes when I'm having problems with Miroku and Kagome's not here, I can talk to Inuyasha late at night by the fire, after everyone else has gone to sleep. He just listens. We have the most pleasant talks…" her eyes filled with tears slightly, which she blinked away.

"After all I put him through, I'm the first one to say he needed that in his life. It's so hard for me…to show I care.."

Sesshomaru sighed. "You know, Sango..one power that Demons don't have….that I wish we did?" she shook her head. "The power to go back in time. Just…erase everything I have ever done to Inuyasha….take him in when he was six…be a true brother to him."

"There's still time to make it right with him, Sesshomaru. I know he'd never say this out loud, but he does want to get to REALLY know his family. You're the only one he has left, and I know he HATED having to defend himself against you. You can do it, Sesshomaru, I KNOW you can. You've already reconciled with him…now you can take the next step and really get to know him. After all, Sesshomaru…when he decided a few days ago that he wanted to propose to Kagome, who was the first person he told? Even before Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, and me? You. His older brother. He wanted YOU to be the first one to know this. He wanted your blessing."

"You're right, Sango."

"You've both taken steps to reconcile…you can take more. You have plenty of time to make it up to him."

Sesshomaru stared at the stars. "I hope so…"

"Me too." she turned to Sesshomaru. "You know what's a good way to start?"

"What?"

"Tell him you do love him…and hug him. You can do that…he would like that, I KNOW he would."

"Hug him, Sango?"

"Yes. You can hug him, its alright to. You know, Sesshomaru, just because your parents did things a certain way doesn't mean YOU have to just because YOU'RE a Demon! You can be your own person. You can do things differently. Just because you're a full Demon doesn't mean you HAVE to do EVERYTHING like all Demons do. I mean, look at me! Do you know what women at my village did? They cooked, kept their houses clean, looked after the children, made the clothes, polished the weapons. I mean….that's not ME! Don't get me wrong, Id love to have children of my own someday. Miroku and I already decided on children after we marry. But that's not ALL I am. True, my Mother wasn't too thrilled when I told her I wanted to follow my father and become a Demon Slayer, but she understood this was MY life and MY choice. As much as I loved my Mother, I wasn't my Mother, I was myself. The same way you're not your Father, however much you might have loved and respected him, you're not him."

Sesshomaru lowered his head. "I have been in my Father's shadow for so long, trying to become as powerful as he."

"But you're NOT him, Sesshomaru. You're you. And you CAN do things differently. It's not disrespecting him if you do…it's just you living your own life. "

"It IS my own life, Sango…and I DO intend to change it. I no longer want an Empire…I want a family."

"You already have one, Sesshomaru. You always have."

"Yes…and now…I can add to it. Not just Rin…but Kagome…and you, Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara."

"You don't have to follow every single Demon tradition just because you ARE one Doing things like hugging doesn't make you any less of a Demon."

"I'm not quite sure I really know how."

"How to hug? Oh, it's easy. Here, I'll show you," she stood back a bit. "Here, hold out your arms." Seeing as how he now had two, so he could do it easily. Sango walked into his outstretched arms and put her own around her shoulders. "Now, close your arms around my wait, and squeeze very gentily." She squeezed his shoulders gentily and then pulled apart. "See? That's a hug. A friendly hug. No intimacy, no romantic feelings, nothing at all. Just something shared between friends. It's not bad, is It?"

"No," Sesshomaru realized. "That…felt nice."

"Hugs do feel nice. Hugs can do so much. Like your parents, it can show affection, or it can cheer someone up if they feel sad, or it can just show a friend you care. Lots if uses for hugs. "

Sesshomaru stared at his right arm. "Yes," he lifted his head. "That will be the first thing I do once we find Kagome and get her to Inuyasha. Once my brother is well…I'm going to hug him."

"That's good. See, you CAN be your own person. You can love you Father still…but you know you're not him. You CAN do things differently."

Rin then came up to them. "Lord Sesshomaru, would YOU like to try these indoor hot springs? I left some water in the bathtub for you."

"I would, very much. Thank you, Rin. I also think I'll try that indoor waterfall as well."

"I'll show you how it works.." he lifted Kirara from her shoulders. "Kirara, stay with Rin." she waked him into the bathroom. "Here, I'll give you some fresh water," she let the water ut of the tub and filled it with fresh water. "The shower…that's the indoor waterfall…come from here," she indicated the showerhead. "You turn it on with this."

"All right," he took off the pendant and gave it to Sango, assuming his normal demon form again. Sango left the room and closed the door behind her, sitting beside Rin again as she continued to look at the pictures.

"Miss Sango? What's this picture here?" she pointed to a picture of Inuyasha and Sango, standing very close to the fire. Her hand was on Inuyasha's shoulder, and they were both smiling.

"That was after Inuyasha and I had a talk over the fire late at night when neither one of us could sleep. I didn't even know Kagome woke up, but she did and took that picture suddenly."

Rin giggled. "And what's this picture? Were you hugging Inuyasha?" She pointed to another picture that had Inuyasha and Sango with their arms around each other's waits and their other arms were up with thier hands clasped together.

"Oh," she giggled. "That was when I taught Inuyasha how to dance."

Rin giggled. "You taught Inuyasha how to dance?"

"Yeah.." she smiled at the memory…

Sango came across Inuyasha sitting down ith his arms folded, just staring out at the sky with no expression, Miroku and Shippo had gone to gather firewood and were setting up a campsiite around the well, waiting for Kagome to come. Sango couldn't help but notice that Inyasha wasn't facing the well this time. She waked over and sat down next to him. "Hi," she said.

Inuyasha turned around. "Hi."

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Yeah, nothing. Why?"

"Cause whenever you sit like this, I can tell something's bothering you. You're not even facing the well. Come on now. What's wrong?"

"Nothing wrong, OK? Nothing at all."

"The why are you facing AWAY from the well? Like you didn't want Kagome to see you. What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Did you guys have a fight?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

"Maybe I just don't wanna talk to her right now."

"Why? DID you have a fight?"

"No…" he looked down. Sango touched his shoulder.

"Did something happen? Come on, talk to me…you know you can."

"It's just that….you ever notice all she's been talking about lately is this stupid dance her school's having?"

"Oh yeah, that Senior Dance."

"Yeah, it's al she's been talking abut day after day after day, I can't stand it anymore! Wish she'd just shut up about it."

"Why?"

"Hmmph….she's probably gonna want to talk about it more today.."

"So? Why don't you want to know any more about it?"

"Cause…she might think I was interested."

"And?"

"And….she might want me to go with her…"

"So?"

"So…" Inuyasha looked around. "So….I don't know how to dance."

"You don't know how to dance?"

"Nah..never danced in my life…never had any need to."

Sango stood up. "I can teach you how to dance."

"You know how?"

"Sure, it's easy. Come on," she grabbed Inuyasha's hand and gentily pulled him up. "It's actually simple to dance. Just first put your arm around my waist," he did so. She put her arm around his shoulders ad took his other hand, holding it up in the air. "Ok, now all you do is sway, like this." She began to sway. "You feel my hips? Now you move your hips exactly the same way…like this…OK…yeah, back and forth, just like that. There, see? You're doing it! See? It's easy to dance. OK, now, hold these hands up," Sango then let go of Inuyasha's waist and moved in a circle before putting her arm back around Inuyasha's wast. "There, tat's another move."

"Oh?'

"Yeah…now if you want to say dip her, it's easy to do that to, as strong as you are. First, pull me a little closer," he did so. "Now, I step back with my right, you step forward with yours, and then I'll lean back, and you use the hand around my waist to balance me." He succeeded in dipping her. "Very good! See, you CAN dance!" But when they stood up, they both turned white at the sight of Kagome sitting by the well watching them. Sango quickly let go of Inuyasha's waist. "This ISN'T what it looks like!" she began.

"I know, I've been watching you," Kagome said happily, holding up her camera. "Hope you didn't mind, you just looked so cute." Inuyasha turned bright red. "You can dance really well, Inuyasha! But you forgot one thing…"

"What's that?"

Kagome reached into her back and pulled out her mini stereo. "Music!" She turned on a slow romantic song and moved over to Sango and Inuyasha. "May I cut in?" Sango nodded and stepped away as Kagome stepped into Inuyasha's arms. Sango silently coached him as he swayed with Kagome. Catching Sango's eyes, they both smiled.

Rin giggled at the memory. "That must have been so sweet to see, Sango."

That was, Rin." Her eyes gazed over at the memory. Sesshomaru came out of the bathroom just then and accepted the pendant back from Sango, putting it on as he assumed his human cloak again.

"Did you enjoy your bath, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I did, Rin. That indoor waterfall was the most pleasant." He looked at the clock mounted on the wall. "It's time for you to be in bed now, Rin." Sango turned off the television and put away the photo album. Sesshomaru picked up Rin and carried her to one of the beds, tucking her into it gentily. "Pleasant dreams, Rin.":

Rin happily snuggled into the bed. "Pleasant dreams, Lord Sesshomaru. Don't worry, we'll find Kagome tomorrow." She reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly before she closed her eyes.

Sango watched the touching scene in front of her with a gentile smile. "Hey," she said as Sesshomaru returned to her. "Who says you don't know how to care?" She nodded at Rin. "I think you proved right there that you DO know how to care! When that little girl was killed by those wolves, you restored her to life. You took her in cause her village was all killed by wolves, you feed her, you clothe her, you teach her, you always have her with you, you protect her with your life. In my book…that shows you CARE. You DO know how to care. It just took someone special to bring it out!"

Sesshomaru looked upon Rin. "Rin…Rin is truly special, Sango. More special than I could ever express in words. At first I didn't know why I wanted to protect her so badly….now I can't picture my life without her. She's brought so much joy….and so much meaning. If anything were to happen to her…a part of me would also die."

Sango smiled even bigger. "You know what that sounds like to me? It sounds like love. You DO love that little girl, Sesshomaru."

"I do," he realized. "I honestly do love Rin. She IS my daughter."

"You know…I think you're as good a father as your own."

"Thank you, Sango. I only wish…I culd speak to my own Father…and to Izoyoi…to tell them how wrong I was..and to tell them how sorry I am,..

"Talk to their spirits, Sesshomaru. I talk to my Father all the time. Just say what you want, and the angels will bring your prayers to Heaven," Sango yawned a bit. "I think I'm ready to go to bed.." she looked at the room, realizing there was only one bed left! She glanced uncomfortably at Sesshomaru.

"Why don't you take that bed, Sango?" he said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm not tired yet. I'll just look at the stars for a while…then I'll probably sleep on that couch. Demons don't need to sleep as much as humans do." Sango nodded and climbed into the bed. Kirara made herself comfortable on a pillow right next to her. "Sango? Thank you for our talk. It was most enjoyable."

Sango smiled. "You're welcome. Good Night, Sesshomaru," she said as she turned off the lamp.

"Pleasant dreams, Sango." He sat upon the windowsill and stared up at the stars in the sky. He turned toward what he hoped was the way to the well and tried to send a telepathic message to Inuyasha. "Brother…"he thought. "Hold on. Hold on, Inuyasha…we're on Kagome's street…we're almost there. Hold on, Inuyasha….so I can apologize to you….and we can be a family. I love you, Brother…hold on…"

What I thought wasn't mine

In the light

Wasn't one of a kind,

A precious pearl

When I wanted to cry

I couldn't cause I

Wasn't allowed

Gomenasai for everything

Gomenasai, I know I let you down

Gomenasai till the end

I never needed a friend

Like I do now

What I thought wasn't all

So innocent

Was a delicate doll

Of porcelain

When I wanted to call you

And ask you for help

I stopped myself

Gomenasai for everything

Gomenasai, I know I let you down

Gomenasai till the end

I never needed a friend

Like I do now

What I thought was a dream

A mirage

Was as real as it seemed

A privilege

When I wanted to tell you

I made a mistake

I walked away

Gomenasai, for everything

Gomenasai, Gomenasai,

Gomenasai,

I never needed a friend,

Like I do now

Gomenasai, I let you down

Gomenasai, Gomenasai,

Gomenasai till the end

I never needed a friend

Like I do now.

Sweet talk that Sango had with Sesshomaru, huh? Please read and review.

[Jingai]

Koga is a total tool.
Sesshomaru watching Wile E Coyote cartoons.
Just the general technology interaction is funny, but that struck me as really funny.
Jakken deserves to get smacked around more, on general principle.

[Ranlsa]

You bet he is. It was kinda scasry how he was able to stir up the crowd like he did. Wait till a few chapters later and you'll REALLY see just exactly what he's capable of just be using his words...and that's really scary.

Yeah, well when you figure that Sesshomaru and Rin have never seen the things we have before, and Sango's only seen pictures in books, it would probably be natural that they would be facinated by all that stuff.

Did you like the parts when Sango and Sesshomaru bonded?

I'll upload the next parts soon.

[studster1011]

Another great chapter! Now i want SangoXSesshomaru

[Ranlsa]

Uh...you didn;'t read thre disclaimer? That's not happening. Sorry. As much as I;d like sango wiith ANYBODE else but Miroku, that's not happening.

Sorry. Just friends here and NOTHING more.

OK, here's the next part. it's rather short, but chapter 6 will be a LOT longer.

Part 5: Don't Cry For Him Sango.

The songs are 'Brother Mine' by Vic Mignogna and 'If Only Tears Could Bring You Back.' by Midnight Sons

(again, Sesshomaru and Sango only bond as FRIEND here. No more, no less. Just friends.)

Sesshomaru gazed upon the stars in the sky, wishing with all his heart for the sun to come up so that they might all continue on their journey. Being a demon he could stay up all night for several days and not get tired. His mind was on his brother, suffering in so much pain that he knew would only get worse and worse with each passing hour. It was almost ironic…now that he WANTED Inuyasha to live, any moment he could breathe his last….without him..

How can I repay you, brother mine?

How can I expect you to forgive?

Clinging to the past

I shed our blood, and shattered your chance to live

Though I knew the laws, I paid no heed

How can I return your wasted breath?

What I did not know has cost you dear,

For there is no cure for death

Beautiful Mother,

Soft and sweet, once you were gone

We were not complete

Back through the years

We reached for you

Alas twas not meant to be

And how can I make amends

For all that I took from you?

I led you with hopeless dreams

My brother, I was a fool

Don't cry for the past now, brother mine

Neither you nor I are free from blame

Nothing can erase the things we did,

For the path we took was the same

Beautiful Mother,

Soft and sweet, once you were gone

We were not complete

Back through the years

We reached for you

Alas twas not meant to be

My dreams made me blind and mute

I longed to return to that time

I followed without a word

My brother, the fault is mine

So, where do we go from here?

And how to forget and forgive?

What's gone is forever lost

Now, all we can do is live

A sudden noise startled Sesshimaru out of his thoughts. He turned around swiftly to see Sango sitting up in bed. Her knees were up to her chest and her arms were wrapped around them. Her head was resting on them, but Sesshomaru could make out the sounds coming from her….she was crying. Raising his eyebrows, he quietly got himself down from the windowsill and went to stand over her. "Sango?" She raised her face. "Are you alright? Are you still thinking about your brother?"

Sango looked down. "No…no..it's not that this time. I…I'm scared, Sesshomaru. I keep thinking….what if we get there too late…what if he dies….things that happened…keep going through my mind.."

"I know, you told me. All those pictures you showed me. You must have truly been a light in his life when he needed one."

Sango started to #### again. "No, I haven't…not always!" She lowered her head to her knees.

"What do you mean, Sango?"

" I mean…so many times..when he and Kagome would have arguments…a lot of the times, I would take Kagome's side. Even when he wasn't fully to blame, I would just assume that he was, or I refused to understand. One time…oh God, it's so painful to remember…one time Kagome caught Inuyasha right in the middle of Kikyo trying to seduce him again."

"That heartless witch…I know it would be JUST like her to play on his emotions and try to seduce him….she was his first love.."

"I know.,.a fact I should have kept in mind…a fact we ALL should have kept in mind. He wasn't FULLY over her yet…and Kikyo WAS still playing with him. But all Miroku, Shippo, and I could do was see it from Kagome's side….and we just turned against him….we all turned against him! I even said he should change his name to 'two-timer'…TWO-TIMER…oh God, why did I call him that?" she started to #### again. "He didn't MEAN to hurt her, I know he didn't want to. Why didn't I just stay out of it? It wasn't any of my business, or Shippo's, or Miroku's…yet we wouldn't listen to him…we wouldn't listen! Inuyasha's been such a good friend to us…and we instantly chose Kagome instead of listening to both of them!"

"Maybe it's because you're so close to Kagome. I've seen you two together, Sango, and you both are like sisters."

"But Inuyasha…I've always said I think of him as a brother….some sister figure I turned out to be for him! Constantly blaming him for all the disagreements….more often than not standing off to the side while HE fought the battles!"

"If I recall, Sango, you did a lot more to me that one time rather than just stand there." he rubbed his shoulder. "I still have the scars from when you and Kirara fought me."

"But much more often I did nothing. You know that. I just ran where it's safe. I'm a TRAINED WARRIOR, and I ran where it was SAFE…like a coward would."

"Sango, you are ANYTHING but a coward. I can truly attest to that, I have seen you fight and you are one of the most amazing fighters I have ever met."

"I should have done more to help him fight."

"No matter how good you are at what you do, Sango, you are not perfect. A lot of those demons and monstars would have been too much for you to help with."

"I could have tried."

"I don't think my brother would have let you., He would not have wanted you to be hurt. Sometimes things happen that not even you can fight against. I found that out the first time Inuyasha used the Wind Scar."

"I still don't know why I did that. One other time they were having an argument, and I came in near the end of it. I actually said to Miroku, 'I don't know what happened here, but it was clearly Inuyasha's fault!' All because Kagome sat him again! But I didn't know if it was his fault..I didn't KNOW!"

"You were standing up for your friend, Sango."

"But HE'S my friend too! I should have stuck up for HIM too! It takes TWO people to have an argument, and I only saw from Kagome's side, not Inuyasha's!" She wiped her eyes. "What kind of friend DOES that? I mean, I love Kagome…but I love him too! I know Kagome knew how much she meant to me…but did HE ever know?"

Sesshomaru moved over and sat down next to Sango. "He DID know, Sango."

"How could he? I've been a TERRIBLE friend to him! Did I ever show him how important he is to me? He…he was so good to me. He forgave me numerous times. The first time we met, when Naroku tricked me into believing that Inuyasha was behind the massacre in my village so I'd kill him…he didn't even fight back when I attacked him before passing out from blood loss. When I came too, I found out that not only did he and his friends nurse me back to health they buried the dead in my village and wanted me to join them! When Naroku tricked me again into stealing Inuyasha's sword in exchange for my brother, even though he was mad at me and threatened to chew me out, he never did. In fact, he forgave me AGAIN for it! And how did I thank him..I blamed him for all the arguments he ever had with Kagome…I always comforted HER instead of just being quiet! I ever tried to see it from HIS point of view, or even listened to him! Now…he might die…and I might never have the chance to tell him how sorry I was for doing that..Oh God, I'm so sorry…"

"He will NOT die, Sango. I'm going to personally see myself that he doesn't. If it cost me all I have…no matter what I have to give…no matter how far we have to go, how far we have to walk..we WILL find Kagome and he will NOT die!"

"Yes," Sango agreed. "He won't die…and we WILL stop Kikjyo. The minute..the SECOND I even see that ####, I'm gonna do what I SHOULD have done the very first time…I'm gonna tear her limb from limb! I'll rip her #### head off!"

"I think you should save that honor for Kagome. I'm sure she would love to do that herself."

"Yeah..but I AM gonna beat the crap out of her. I should have done that years ago, but I was so concerned for Kagome I didn't…and I should have…I should have done it and set it up so it looked like Koga did it. THIS time I wont be so fancy…I'll just turn her inside out! It's the least I can do for Inuyasha."

"Sango, you have already done a lot for him. More than enough for him to forgive you for everything. He told me about a lot of times when you have all helped each other through many obsticles. He told me about when you saved him from drowning when that fake water god held him underwater and you flew on Kirara to save him. Also there was the time that you and Kirara attacked me when I provoked him into transforming into his demon self. Also when I had provoked him the first time, Kagome may have thrown herself between us, but as I was leaving I noticed you all were supporting him and helping him when he woke up. Also when he and Koga were fighting against Juromaru and Kageromaru you used your poison to slow them down. You also helped Kagome plan a birthday party for him."

"That was mainly HER idea to do that."

"And you helped her with it. You also taught him to dance when he didn't know how. My brother has forgiven you long ago and thinks very highly of you."

"He does?"

"Yes. In fact he has told me that if Kagome were not with him and he could only fight with one other to defeat Naroku…he would want to fight with you."

"He…he said that?"

"Yes, while we were talking but three days ago, when he told me about his plans to propose. He thinks very highly of you. He told me he enjoys sparring with you because you're the only one that can make him break into a sweat!"

"He's the only one who can make ME sweat as well!"

"He has forgotten the past Sango, so do not think of it anymore. I think we can both agree that I am mostly to blame for the pain Inuyasha has had to endure for most of his life. I am guilty of far worse than you have ever done. You have never physically attacked him on purpose, Naroku tricked you that time. I did that again and again, ever since he was born. Naroku tricked me that one time, but all the other times I did it of my own free will, and for far worse of a reason than you ever had. I wrongly blamed him for Father's death and was extremely envious that he received the Tetsusaiga. If anyone should carry guilt, it is I. The fact that Inuyasha has forgiven me for what I have done is proof of his huge heart, He never wants to openly show it…that's the demon part of him doing that…but his actions are all I need. He has forgiven you, Sango He has forgiven me, and I am guilty of far worse."

"I do know one thing…I'm not taking sides anymore. If they have an argument, I'm going to stay out of it. I'm keeping my mouth shut, I am NOT getting involved. No more taking sides, no more defending. It's up to THEM to sort it out, I will NOT say anything. I won't get involved."

"No, Sango…there is one fight you SHOULD get involved in…the fight against this horrid zombie that started this entire thing."

"For Inuyasha and Kagome, I'll pound Kikyo so bad she won't even be able to blink…the minute Kagome gets her she wont be doig too much of that anyway!"

"I would appreciate helping you with that myself. I do owe her for attacking my family. Now that Inyasha and I have reconciled, no one…and I do mean NO ONE…will ever attack him again without answering to ME as well!"

"With your Dragon Strike AND Inuyasha's Backlash Wave, whoever would be that stupid would NOT live to see another day!'

"Thank you, Sango. Do you feel better?"

"Yes. Thank you, Sesshomaru."

"You're welcome, Sango. I know we both have to forgive ourselves for our mistaskes, but be assured, Inuyasha HAS forgiven us both."

Sango nodded and pulled the blankets up over her as Sesshomaru moved back to the windowsill. "Good night,

Sesshomaru."

"Pleasant dreams, Sango." Sesshomaru sat back down on the windowsill and stared up at the stars again. "Brother," he thought, " I know you have forgiven me, as you also have forgiven Sango, Shippo, and Miroku. Hold on, Brother. I know you are in a great deal of pain, but rest assured, we WILL bring Kagome to you by tomorrow. I promise you that from the bottom of my heart. I love you, Dear Brother Please believe me. Sango and I love you very much. Stay strong as I know you are, Inuyasha. We will bring you Kagome soon."

How will I start

Tomorrow without you here

Who's heart will guide me

When all the answers disappear

Is it too late

Are you too far gone to stay

This one's forever

Should never have to go away

What will I do

You know I'm only half without you

How will I make it through

If only tears could bring you back to me

If only love could find a way

What I would do, what I would give

If you returned to me someday

Somehow, someway

If my tears could bring you back to me

I'd cry you an ocean

If you'd sail on home again

Waves of emotion

Will carry you, I know they can

Just love will guide you

And your heart will chart the course

Soon you'll be drifting

Into the arms of your true north

Look in my eyes

And you will see a million tears have gone by

And still they're not dry

If only tears could bring you back to me

If only love could find a way

What I would do, what I would give

If you returned to me someday

Somehow, someway

If my tears could bring you back to me

I hold you close

And shout the words I only whispered before

For one more chance, for one last dance

There's not a thing I would not endure

If only tears could bring you back to me

If only love could find a way

What I would do, what I would give

If you returned to me someday

Somehow, someway

If my tears could bring you back to me

Very shor, I know, but the next part is a dozy. Keep your eyes out in the next part for a few familar faces.

read and review.

[MegaNaraku]

It took me a while to read both 4 and 5 but I finally read them. They were very great chapters indeed. The more you keep writing these Fanfics makes me think that I should write some as well. In due time.