A/N: Sorry guys, Senior year really sucks! (So do boyfriends…) anyways I'm back and I feel a little better now. I finally got my ability to create again. I know boys shouldn't effect you as much as they do but I was with him for almost 2 years…ANYWAYS-sorry about the long wait and I hope this chapter will be worth it and make a review! (A good review hopefully!) Good or bad, help me out here! Should I keep going or no? Is it good? Yes…no? maybe? I'm clueless guys! Lol help me here! I'm going to shut up now so READ ON!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything of Inuyasha…it all belongs to Rumiko Takahashi! All of it! (So depressing)

Previously:

I was still a little flushed that Inuyasha had spoken to me and said that he would be back. When Azucena came, it was already night time. "Well Kagome-chan, I will teach you about the ways of the demon." "Before we begin, can I ask you something?" She beamed. "Of course Kagome-chan." "What was that thing you shouted when you went out the window?"

She grinned. "Oh, you mean Crescent Ripper Slash? That's what my attack is called." "How do you do that? You moved so quietly, but soft and beautiful at the same time? How do you do it?" She giggled only slightly. "Would you like to learn? I could teach you the way or combat if you so desire." My eyes had lit up. Fighting like Azucena? That would be so awesome. "I would love to learn! When do we start?" "We start now."

Chapter 3

Unexpected

The moon glistened off the water like a beautiful gem stone. The trees surrounding us were surprisingly silent. A sudden breeze made the hairs on my back stand as I felt the tension. Azucena's eyes glowed wildly as if ready to attack. Her figure, only a few feet from my own. I could feel her energy, her aura encircling me. It was so thick and heavy, I felt like I was suffocating. It was crushing my heart.

"Channel all your energy Kagome. You have to relax, be confident, and breathe. Don't let my energy overpower yours." I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. I felt a sudden burst within me, it felt so warm and calm. "Good." She smiled as I felt myself breathe more easily. "Now that you know the basics of channeling your energy, you will learn to fight in combat with nothing but what you were born with…your own two hands."

I opened my eyes to see the seriousness in her face. "You must learn how to defend first, and predict my every movement." Before I could even blink she had struck my face HARD, then a blow to the stomach. "Block and predict my movements Kagome." She calmly spoke striking me everywhere in my body. I tasted the blood in my mouth as I finally managed to block a punch. When I started to block more and more of her blows, she started to get faster and faster.

"Azucena I don't have your speed! I'm only human!" I cried as my body started to feel weaker and grow more tired. Her hits were so accurate and painful; I thought I was going to be knocked out any second. "Predict my movements Kagome, it's not that hard. Read my energy paths. The faster fighter doesn't necessarily win." She sounded so calm it was frustrating! I tried breathing but she would hit my mouth, I would try to relax but she would hit me in my chest, when I would try to be confident she would hit me right underneath my eyes…

I had an immediate realization. 'She is hitting me where I am channeling myself from, and it's making me more tired in the process. She is reading me because of my technique…' I tried one last time to breath, successfully blocking her blow. When I relaxed myself I also blocked her blow to the chest and blocked her movements completely.

She had finally stopped which had seemed like forever, and grinned. "I told you it wasn't hard." I heaved, hurt and tired. "Sure…" I sighed as she frowned slightly. "Was I too hard?" She asked concerned as I shook my head. "Good, because we are done, tomorrow we will learn basic attacks while learning to defend at the same time. Come now Kagome-chan. You need your rest."

Next Morning

Training with Azucena in the middle of the night so no one would know took its toll on my body. It was sore and bruised. Rin had woke me with her magical laughter. I forced myself to stand, walking into the room with Rin and Azucena eating. "Oh Kagome-chan, I made you some. Your plate is right here."

When we were done eating, I had went to take a bath with Sango and Rin.

"Kagome…not to be rude, but it looks as if you have been beaten. Are you ok?" I looked at my body and blushed. "It's ok, I'm just training myself that's all." "It looks like someone was sparring with you." "That's crazy Sango! Who would I spar with Rin? There is no one." She eyed me suspiciously but decided to drop it. "Anyways how are things?" "They're ok I guess…but that incedent with Naraku yesterday, what was that about?"

When I had explained to her what happened she shivered. "That gives me the creeps. He is up to something I can feel it. He has to know by now that the dog demons are "sheltering" us. "Hey Sango…I know this is weird to ask but do you know…Inuyasha?" She looked at me questioningly. "I know of him why do you ask?" I swallowed hard…"Well…do you think it's wrong that I-"

"NARAKU HAS COME! Everybody stand your ground!" A female demon shouted as I grabbed Rin and dressed her first, quickly dressing myself as Azucena appeared. "Get all the children out of here!" She screamed as she led everyone back to safety. She was wearing her armor and I had never seen her look angry…it was a first for me. It just didn't suit her.

When we had gotten back to safety we saw everyone else there just as confused as we were. We could feel the rumbling beneath our feet. It seemed like the earth was angry. It shook with such ferocity that the dirt was cracking from under us. "What is that?" Miroku had asked as none of us could think of a single answer. My jewel around my neck had started to glow along with my earrings as I tried to take it off. What the hell was going on? What was it doing? The jewel was stealing my energy! I could feel myself fading as I saw Sango and Miroku running towards me.

Inuyasha

"He's here." Sesshomaru growled, drawing Tokijin from its sheath and walking out of the hall. I drew Tessaiga, running outside to smell his filthy scent along with his army. 'What the hell is he doing?! Invading when out father isn't here-he thinks I can't hold my own?! The bastard.' "Guards, get ready for the fight we have been waiting for!" Sesshomaru ordered as I smiled. 'I couldn't wait to bring him to his knees and claim his head.'

When we had formed our lines, I could see the zounds of humans…if they were humans. They had the body of a human…but their eyes were blank, as if they were undead. "Where is the bastard?" I growled as Sesshomaru and I stood at the front of the lines. "I will deal with Naraku, and claim his corpse." "No way! I'm definitely dealing with Naraku!" "I said...he is mine." I could do nothing but gape at his remark! 'What are we 30 years old?! He was acting like a child!'

"I'm flattered you both are fighting over me but please, be nice." I turned to see Naraku grinning like the sadistic bastard he was. Surprisingly he was by himself but his army wasn't too far behind him. "Please! You won't be talking once I have your head as my trophy!" I yelled as I saw Sesshomaru running toward him. 'Great, count on Sesshomaru to steal all your glory…'

When I was running to catch up with Sesshomaru to split the bastard in half, I stopped, stunned at the wicked grin plastered on his ridiculous face. "SESSHOMARU You BAKA! The army is right BEHIND him!" but it was too late. When Sesshomaru had done his Souryuha (dragon strike) Naraku had disappeared into nothingness and out of harms way as the blast hit nearly half his army disintegrating them…He had just killed at least three thousand humans in one strike…

Sesshomaru had just stood there as Narakus laughter was heard echoing through the air. "You're definitely not like your father at all. I must keep my eye on you. Your name truly fits you, "destroyer of the circle of life". By the way, you have nothing to worry about…your father is already dead so you won't get in trouble anyways."

"Don't you dare slander my father in such a way! He would never fall to the hands of a pathetic half breed such as yourself you vermin!" he growled as I could do nothing but believe what was happening. 'Dead? No…there's no way he's dead…' Sesshomaru had tried to catch Naraku but with Narakus specialty being "fleeing and running away" he had vanished along with his army and his dead.

"Sesshomaru what the hell were you thinking!? You just killed-" "I know you fool! You think I don't know what I was doing! I know precisely what I'm doing!" I stood quiet only for one reason. I had never seen Sesshomaru like this. Where his eyes let out his emotions and I could read him so easily. "I'm going to go and find father. You stay and protect the Kingdom." "I'm going too Sess-" but he was gone. 'Damn him and damn Naraku. Damn everyone!' My people had stood behind me astonished at what had happened. "My Lord…if your father is dead…that means that Sesshomaru-sama will inherit all that is his."

All this information was too much for me. I could only absorb so much knowledge. "I know…" I mumbled. "Naraku might have said that just as a distraction to get Sesshomaru out of here which would leave only me with the rest of you here. Stand your guard."

Kagome

When I had awoken Azucena was above me along with Sango, Miroku, and the rest of the gang. "Oh Kami I'm so glad you're awake!" Hojo exclaimed as he wrapped his arms tightly around me. "What happened?" I grumbled, still hazy from what had happened. "That jewel around your neck…I knew I had seen it before…but I only thought it was legend…" "What…what is it? Tell me." "It couldn't be though Miroku…it was destroyed along with the priestess who protected it." "Who? What's going on?" "Sango…why does she have it then? There is no explanation. That is the same jewel…there is no mistaking it, but how did she come to have it?"

"That's it! I'm tired of you all ignoring me! I want to know what's going on now!" I screamed as I felt myself feel more dizzy. I fell back down onto the pillow as Azucena placed a wet rag over my forehead. "No need to get all worked up. You need your rest…the jewel had taken a lot from you. All will be explained when you awaken." She brushed my hair back soothingly as I nodded drifting back to sleep.

Inuyasha

"My Lord…Azucena wishes an audience with you." I nodded as they opened the doors. "Leave us." She commanded them as they left the room. I could feel her aura, it was heavy with worry. "What happened?" she said straightforwardly as I scoffed. "What else happened? Naraku had come, and Sesshomaru had killed at least three thousand. Naraku alleged that he our father was dead and that set Sesshomaru off to go and look for him." "I…I see…do you think-" "That he was lying? I don't know." She had put her arm to my shoulder. "I doubt your father is dead. He will be back you'll see. Who could believe Naraku? He's just trying to play his mind games I assure you. Your father has not fallen to anyone…and why should he now? He will be back in no time." 'I had secretly wished what she said was true but you could never be too sure. I didn't want to have false hope. I hated hope…because the odds were always against me.

"Azucena…do you know what this means if it IS true that he is dead?" She sighed. "Of course…your brother will be our ruler from now on."

"Azucena…you are my most trusted friend here…I need you to do me a favor." She smiled sweetly and bowed. "Of course my Lord. What is it that you wish?" I took in a deep breath to prepare myself for what was to come of her reaction. "I need you…to go to the Forest of Epoh." She frowned. Her eyes said all. "For what my Lord?" she gritted through her teeth. "I need you to get Kainin for-" "No."

"Azucena just listen-" "You know how I feel about Kainin. Anything you wish but this my Lord. I will not go to him." I rolled my eyes. "Azucena," I stood up and looked right into her sparkling blue eyes. "I need you to do this for me. Could you just once put your past differences aside and do this one thing for me? You know I would do it myself but I cannot leave my Kingdom. Just this once…" She crossed her arms and turned away from me. She bolted out the room to the South. 'Thank you…' It was a day travel so she would be back with Kainin by tomorrow.

2 days later

It had seemed an eternity since they were gone. Maybe father really was dead. Who knew…I was left contemplating like an idiot. I think that Naraku was only trying to heal and regain his number from what Sesshomaru had done from his Souryuha, but I'm not sure. Kainin had come to my aid and told me something just as horrible. His father was missing as well, as were the all the leaders of each direction. All of them were missing. A sudden panic had begun to overcome me.

Azucena had come to visit me numerous times today to assure me that both were safe and that Naraku was just trash talking, but then why hadn't they come back yet? What was keeping them?

"Inuyasha, there is definitely something wrong with this situation. Naraku is up to this no doubt. I had sent some of my best men to receive word from my father but they had returned unsuccessful, claiming he was nowhere and couldn't smell his scent at all." I heard what he was saying, but I could do nothing but stare into the distance. My curiosity was growing and growing, on the edge of insanity. I had to know what was going on.

"Sesshomaru had left to go and find him, but he hasn't returned at all." Kainin remained silent after my comment. What was he going to say? He was just as worried as I was. Plus since we were united as two kingdoms along with his people, we were stronger now. I needed my right hand man to see if he knew anything valuable which he proved to be more than profitable. His information troubled me. ALL the leaders of the directions in the world were missing? What did this mean?

He interrupted my thoughts with that unfamiliar tone. His voice filled with guilt which was only when…- "Azucena is coming." He stated as she walked through the doors for about the hundredth time that day. Every single time she spotted Kainin, she gave him an evil glare, and then turned her focus to me-except this one time…

She had stared at him for a long time and her eyes were watery. "Don't stare at me like that Azucena…you know how it makes me feel when you stare at me." He said not looking at her but definitely feeling the tension. "No…it's not about that this time."

He finally turned to look at her as she nodded. His eyes grew wide as I felt clueless. She gave him a look of…was that pity in her eyes? "What is it?" I asked turning to see them as Kainin grabbed his sword Yukeno and struck it deep into the ground with fury. "My Lord…" she barely whispered, putting her head down. Butterflies danced in my stomach as I then took in what she was going to say. "No…I don't want to hear it…don't say it Azucena…"

"Inuyasha… My Uncle…Lord Plixis of the North is…dead, along with Lord Tisian of the East, Lord Kai of the South, and your father…Inu No Taisho." Tears escaped her eyes as everything seemed to stop. "How do you know this?" I asked. I had to be reassured. I had to be sure it just wasn't a lie. "Come with me."

She walked us to the outskirts of my Kingdom as I looked to see none other than Sesshomaru…holding all four in his arms dead. He looked horrible. He had gaping wounds and looked as if any second he would collapse. Azucena had already ordered men to help Sesshomaru but he refused to be helped. All three of us had rushed to him as he stopped in his tracks and finally fell to his knees. This was something new to me.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Azucena cried as Sesshomaru growled. He had put them down and lined them up-all except father. When Kainin had seen his father Kai lying there, he also fell to his knees and slightly touched his fathers neck to check for a pulse. He withdrew his hand quickly, shocked that his nightmare was true. "They have been dead for awhile already." He roared irritated. Balling his hands into fists and hitting the ground, he trembled.

Sesshomaru surprisingly did nothing when I had tried to touch father. He just stared long and hard at our father. "A proper burial is needed." He said as if he didn't even care. Maybe he was done feeling sad already or just truly didn't care at all. "All of them had been saved by the Tensaiga before…their time is up. They have lived for more than a thousand years. It was their time." "BULLSHIT!" Kainin screamed as he got up in Sesshomarus face. Azucena had intervened just in time pushing Kainin back. "My Lord, please forgive him, he is only upset about his father as I am sure you were when you had first witnessed this truth."

Sesshomaru stared at Azucena as she prayed silently he wouldn't do anything. When he had tried to stand up he nearly collapsed over as she caught him. "Let me go." He demanded as she set him down. "My Lord you need rest. Your wounds are still bleeding." "I can…take care of myself." "Nonsense my Lord, let me help you."

When I saw the scene unpeeling before me with my brother and Azucena, Kainin had walked away, upset at about everything I suppose. I had called for people to come retrieve them as I went after Kainin who stormed off. I could leave Sesshomaru with Azucena because she was the best person to be around and she was a damn good healer. She's the best medic we have. She would be best to be around whenever your in need.

"What the HELL was she doing?!" He roared as I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know, maybe she was helping you both out?" He huffed, pissed at my remark. "Now's not the time to be a smartass Inuyasha! Our fathers are dead along with the Tisian and Plixis. What do we do now?! I now inherit everything my father has making ME the leader of the South direction and your stubborn BROTHER the leader of the West direction. Do you not understand my anger in this situation?! NO ONE gets along with Sesshomaru, and who will bring all four directions together? We are now more divided then ever so how should we take our sweet revenge in killing Naraku?! Also, what the HELL was Azucena DOING?! She was all over him! You saw her! Practically babying him! Her taste in men is so much worse than I thought!"

"Look Kainin, I know it looked like that but you of all people should know how Azucena is. She is always helping others no matter what and she is the nicest person anyone could ever know. I wouldn't put it past her if she was dipped in some purification river and made pure and sweet. We're talking about Azucena here. It's obvious you both still have feelings for each other even after all this time and I know she doesn't like Sesshomaru like that." "SHUT UP! I am over her just like she's over me! There is nothing there! What we had died a loooong time ago along with our child of ten years Vileit. It wasn't my fault Inuyasha! She blames me for her death but she just doesn't listen! That's why we have grown apart! She doesn't listen!"

I was getting upset. I didn't want to think about death anymore now that my father was dead let alone their own child which was like my niece.

"No BOTH of you need to listen to EACH OTHER! I have been telling both of you this for about how long now?! Both of you are too stubborn to listen to what the other has to say. Why do you think she blames you? We still don't know because she doesn't like to talk about her and you just gave up so it's both of your faults! Damn it I hate that both of you are my most trusted friends but can't get along with each other!"

"I liked when you guys got along and were married! You guys seemed that everything was perfect and I looked up to that! Now look, you gave up and she only assumes what happened. If your fathers death doesn't teach you to talk to her and confront your past, I don't know what will! You have to talk to her and listen to each other. Talk about being divided…we ALL need to get our shit together first in OUR lives before we start saving other peoples lives!"

He was stunned at my outburst but remained still as a statue. His eyes showing how angry, but concerned at what I had said was true. "The truth is Inuyasha…I do blame myself for our daughters death. Yes it's true I was the one watching her, yes I was with her at the time of her death and Azucena was making dinner for us at our home…but it was so…unexpected. I guess everything that has happened was unexpected huh?" he sighed as he shook his head and laughed at himself. "Now my father is dead…who else is going to die? Azucena? No way…I would rather die myself than allow that to happen."

After that was said nothing else could be said. The air was just as still as our words. There was nothing to say. We were baffled as what to do now. I did know one thing I had to do…bury them.

Moments later, Azucena came in the room with a healed up Sesshomaru as she put her head down. The burial will take place within the hour. I suggest all of us get dressed properly and appropriately for the ceremony.

Kagome

Azucena had put me in the care of Sango as I awoke to realize she was gone. I had heard everything that had happened and everything that was going on. "Inuyasha and his brother must be upset…" I sadly thought out loud, feeling their pain along with my own. I know what it's like to lose a father.

When we had attended the ceremony, I had glanced at Inuyasha to see that he was dressed entirely different. His hair was pulled back nicely into a pony tail and he wore an elegant armor that had looked a lot like his brothers but a different color, a royal blue.

Many demons cried except Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. His own sons did not shed a single tear. Even Azucena was crying, she had told me her uncle was the Lord of the North but she wept for them all. I started to feel old feelings well up inside as tears ran down my cheeks. How I wish I could see my family, just at least once to make sure that they are safe and ok or if they are even alive.

When everything was done, we had all went back to get a good nights rest. It was already late but of course I wasn't getting any rest, I was going to train tonight. I had enough rest for the past few days and I was behind. I needed to train tonight no matter what the cost.

I had waited for Azucena but she still hadn't come yet. Was she ok? She said she was coming and it's not like her to keep anyone waiting. She told me she would be awhile but since I was waiting I started to practice channeling my energy until she arrived. When I inhaled slowly to rejuvenate myself, I opened my eyes and she had appeared. How was she so damn silent!? I smiled, but she was breathing raggedly as if she was…scared. "Oh my goodness are you ok?" I ran to her, embracing her as she didn't seem to relax.

"Azucena relax it's ok." I rubbed her back as she finally began to regain her composure. "Sesshomaru-sama…has…admitted his feelings towards me publicly just as Kainin has done so as well."

"What happened?" I rushed full of concern for her.

Inuyasha

"Kainin if you don't talk to her, I swear to Kami I will slice you in half with my Tessaiga!" "Ok sheesh! I'm going to go to her now." He mumbled annoyed at my consistency. "Now you know how I feel with you." I told him as he shot me an evil look. "Don't even go there Inuyasha. You are much worse than I am when it comes to consistency."

"Stop stalling and go already!" "Stop what?"

Azucena had asked curiously as she walked into the room looking more beautiful than ever. Kainin could do nothing but ogle her to death as I whistled my way out of the room. "My Lord where are you going?" "I'm just taking a quick stroll-" "But my Lord, there is something I must tell you." "I think it can wait-" "I'm sorry it cannot. It is about the girl…Kagome. I had tried to tell you before, but I didn't have time to since you had requested me to do that "task" of yours that you bestowed me with."

I had turned to all seriousness now. "Oh, you mean that girl he likes?" "Damn it Kainin, you better shut your trap before I MAKE you!" "Precisely right Kainin, but my Lord the jewel around her neck, there is something you must know about it." My ears definitely perked up. I knew there was something about her that was unique…something hidden about her that she herself didn't even know. "It's-"

The doors had slammed open and we all looked to see none other than my half brother standing there in all his cockiness. He HAD to come at this time. "My Lord." She bowed respectfully. "What do you want Sesshomaru?" I questioned bitterly. Whenever he was around, there was no good of it. "I desire to speak with Azucena alone." "Whatever you have to say to her, you can say to all of us. I'm not going anywhere." Kainin growled as Sesshomarues gaze darkened. "It matters not."

He approached Azucena rather straightforwardly and came a little too close for her comfort. I could tell she was uncomfortable. He was so close to her, her cheeks had turned pink, but she had stood her ground with him of course. Azucena was just as stubborn as Sesshomaru, almost as strong as Sesshomaru for a female, smarter than he was that's for damn sure, their speed was equal, and she could be just as merciless as he was if she wanted. She was practically the female version of him. The only differences was that she was sweet like honey, had emotions, and was only slightly weaker then he was.

He was taller than her by at least a foot, but she still stared at him. Suddenly it became unnerving for her and the heat had appeared to her cheeks making them more than pink, but red. She still stared with all her pride and dignity, but her look was asking, "why are you staring at me so closely?"

"You will be my mate from now on." All of our jaws nearly dropped to the ground including Azucenas. "Sesshomaru-sama seriously is this a joke?! This isn't funny!" "I do not know this…"joke"…you speak of." He then turned his attention back to Azucena. "Will you or will you not accept me?" Kainin and I could do nothing but stand there in utter shock! "What makes you bring this up all of a sudden?" Kainin suspiciously asked obviously pissed of at the proposal

"I have no need of explaining myself to the likes of you but so be it as it would have to do with all the directions of our clan. I plan to marry Azucena, princess of the Nothern clan due to joining of the Kingdoms, including her more than admirable intelligence and combat skills. She can also stand her ground with me, defies me, and doesn't seem to be infatuated with me just like every female. Must I say more reasons for this proposal? I could go on, but those are only the few of many."

Azucenas heart was beating so loudly I could hear it. She was panicking, and she was scared. I had never seen her so scared since the incident with her and Kainin. Her eyes were wide with fear as she looked into Sesshomarus ice cold look and managed to speak. "My Lord…is this true? Do you really, truly feel this way? Would you not reconsider another?" "There is no other. You are the only one fit for a Lord such as myself. Will you or will you not accept me?" He repeated

Kainin interjected.

"I don't think so. She doesn't want you." Kainin interjected. "What makes you say this? Are you declaring she rather have you than myself? Don't be such a fool Kainin. I know of what happened between you two. She no longer desires you as you desire her. Besides, who would want to be with someone who didn't even have enough responsibility to save their own child from a simple beast? You were too busy fighting a pathetic demon and toying with it instead of finishing it off, when you should have been watching your daughter when another demon had planned to kill her and use the demon you were attacking as a distraction with the end result, the death of your daughter. You're a pathetic father as you are a pathetic excuse for a demon let alone a leader now that your father had been murdered."

I said nothing, but saw the look on Kainins face. What Sesshomaru had said, wounded him greatly. His countenance had fallen and it hit him where it hurt most. Kainin then looked at Sesshomaru and gripped his sword Yukeno. "We shall see who is pathetic!" He had raised Yukeno with such hate towards Sesshomaru his sword had glowed a dark purple instead of its original light blue. "You will meet your end by my sword! Lightening of the Heavens!" He shouted as Lightening had shot out of his sword when the worst possible thing that could happen came true. Azucena stepped in front of Sesshomaru…leading to something so unexpected…

A/N- I know I know! Please don't yell at me…:Runs from blunt objects being thrown.: I can explain. The next chapter is coming out real REAL soon I just have to make up an ending. I was going to post both up here but I just couldn't come up with a conclusion for the next chapter. I promise it will hit me though when the time is right. Anyways, I know Kagome wasn't in this that much…but she will be in the next one a LOT. It's mostly fluff though with her and Inuyasha and the love hate triangle that has started between Sesshomaru Azucena and Kainin. I don't know who she should be with but what I do know is that it will be interesting even for me to find out. Anyways I will be back soon and please tell me how you feel about this chapter. Was it rushed? I sorta rushed this one but took my time with the other chapter that I'm trying to finish. Please tell me if it was good or bad?

Much love

Angel of Gods Grace