Hello all, Caleesci here! Here is the next chapter in Letters Through Time, The Final Letter. I really hope you guys like it! Took me FOREVER because I couldn't quite get it right! I am pretty happy with its turn out and I hope you are too. As always, I really would love to hear your feedback! Thank you.

****************~ Six Years Later~****************

Sesshomaru looked up at the imposing castle, a flicker of annoyance passing through his gaze. Beside him stood his mother, an unusual look upon her beautiful face.

"I never thought I would be here again." She remarked dryly. Sesshomaru snorted. It was not a place he wanted to be either. The past six years had been bathed in blood, the war between the four territories long and harsh. The Eastern lord had been a ruthless combatant, but in the end Sesshomaru had ended his worthless life. The reign over the east had passed to Gentaru's father's younger brother, Dieskei. Lord Dieskei was a younkai that Sesshomaru could not understand. He was wise, and yet mysterious. His motives were unclear, a fact that annoyed the daiyoukai greatly.

"Reign in your temper my son, lest you offend my senses." His mother scolded, though he could sense her amusement. Sesshomaru watched as the new Eastern lord opened the doors, holding his arms open in an odd display of greeting. His eyes were a sparkling blue, and his face was darkened with two solid black stripes

"Welcome! Welcome my new allies! I trust your travels were well?" The overflowing excitement in his voice grated on both stoic daiyoukai's nerves.

"Lord Dieskei." Kimikyo said with a slight tilt of her head. His eyes landed upon her, and a lavish grin spread across his face.

"My lady, you are more breathtaking than I remember." A silver brow arched, and Kimikyo gave him a playful look.

"Such flattery is cause for unease." If Sesshomaru were a lesser man, he would have chuckled at his mother's ability to make any situation awkward. Instead he simply remained silent, letting his mother have her fun. He gave her a somewhat soft look, a fleeting bit of sadness that intrigued the female daiyoukai.

"Unease is expected, yet in time I hope it will pass. After all, we have been at war for six long years in which both sides have lost heavy numbers." He paused for a moment, his face reflecting some unspoken tragedy. As if catching himself in his silent reverie, he gave the same dazzling smile he had entered with.

"Now now! Come my Lord and Lady Mother, come come! The feast is set to begin, and how would it see if the guests of honor, and the hosts are not present? Yes yes now come!" He turned on his heel, his cloak flying out behind him. Kimikyo and Sesshomaru followed, yet nothing could prepare them for what lay before them.

He was torn between glaring, or blinking in confusion. He spared a glance at his mother, and the normally stoic woman had slightly widened eyes, and a soft parting of the lips. Apparently she was as shocked as he was. Standing before them was a small table filled with food, surrounded by the dignataries of the other territories. Lady Akira sat, looking mildly entertained as a dark hair hanyou fawned over her, his dark red eyes seductive and charming. Lord Ostukito, the lord of the north was near drooling over a kitsune who was sitting in his lap. His mate was nowhere to be seen.

"Welcome, the guests of honor, Lord Sesshomaru of the West, and the Lady Kimikyo, Mother to the West!" Lord Dieskei said warmly and excitedly. At once, the red haired hanyou spotted the Lady Kimikyo, his eyes widening. A feral smirk graced his lips. He made a motion behind his back, and another handsome male came forward to charm the blushing Akira. He moved towards Kimikyo, ignoring the narrowed eyes of her son.

"My lady Kimikyo, I am humbled by your presence." He said as he bowed low.

"As you should be, hanyou." She remarked coolly. There was an edge of playfulness to her tone that seemed to spike the hanyou's interest.

"Please, allow me to escort you to your seat my great lady."

"Of course." His mother seemed to snub her nose, but went anyways. Sesshomaru watched with masked annoyance as the hanyou dared to touch his mother, yet a soft voice distracted him.

"My lord!" It was a soft gasp, the voice was warm and soft. He turned to find a young human woman. She wore a gilded mask that covered her eyes, and was dressed in the soft black cloths of servitude. She was holding a gilded tray, and upon it lay a drink. He gave her a cold stare, and she blushed. "Forgive me, my lord, please allow me to offer you a drink, courousey of the Eastern Lord." Her voice dipped with nervousness, and Sesshomaru was suddenly annoyed that the eastern lord would dare send a human to serve him. He took the drink, sniffing it delicately. Feeling that it was to a satisfactory quality, he downed it in a quick gulp. He placed the cub back on the tray, ignoring the eyes of the human. His gaze was focused on the hanyou that was fawning over his mother, who was adamantly refusing the drink he was attempting to give her. He growled at the hanyou, who seemed noticed him and bowed away respectfully.

The night progressed uneventfully, the talks of peace seemed to be more forthcoming than anyone had thought, though Kimikyo was certain it was due to the generous supply of beautiful beings the Eastern lord had thrown at them. The kitsune was getting bold with the northern lord, running her fangs across his neck, and her hands down his stomach. Akira was acting like a young pup, the light blush staining her cheeks as the youkai whispered into her ear things that Kimikyo was certain she did not want to hear. Her gazed landed on her son, who seemed within control. Then she noticed it. The slight glance to her left to a young human woman who was sitting delicately on the floor, he gaze upon her feet. Kimikyo narrowed her eyes, suddenly suspicious. The girl seemed familiar. Her train of thoughts were interrupted as the Eastern Lord shot up, a grin upon his face.

"Lords and Ladies, I must say this meeting has been most beneficial, but as the hours draw late, I say we should all retire to our chambers. I am sure you are all most exhausted." He gave a wry smile to the dark haired, crimson eyed male in the corner. The northern lord jumped up almost too quickly, voicing his agreement. Akira was lead away by the handsome male, the scent of her lust annoying Kimikyo's delicate senses.

"Come Sesshomaru, let us retire." Kimikyo stated.

"Please, my lady, allow me to show you to your chambers."

"No no, worry not. It is to be expected that I show her." Lord Dieskei interveined, the crimson eyed male forcing the glare from his face. Lord Dieskei offered his arm, and Kimikyo took it. Sesshomaru stood, feeling a slight wobble to his step.

"My lord," Came that same sweet soft voice from before. "I have been directed to take you to your chambers. Please follow me." She turned, and Sesshomaru caught a scent that seemed almost familiar, yet his mind seemed too hazy to place it. He followed after her, noticing the way her hips swung back and forth in a near hypnotizing manner. Her felt his beast stir to the surface. He noticed the way the soft black cloth clung to certain parts of her body, accentuating her modest curves. She was young, that he could tell. Her scent confirmed she was not pure, yet there was a pureness about her. Even through the fog he found himself in he could fell her miko powers just beneath the surface. She was powerful, but insignificant compared to him. Even in his sleep she would not be able to harm him. No, the Eastern Lord was not playing afoul. The tantalizing woman slowed and opened the doors to the chamber. It was large, and fitting for his station. He heard the door close, and he turned to the young human woman, who was staring at the floor.

She seemed to hesitate, then lifted her hands up to grasp the edges of her kimono. Slipping it easily from her shoulders, Sesshomaru watched it fall and pool to the floor. He felt his lust stir to life as she was bared to him, yet the fear and nervousness in her scent cut through it like a knife.

"Miko." He said. "Leave." He said slowly. Something was urging him to take what was so freely offered, yet his honor would not allow such a thing. The woman's gaze shot to his, and he felt his memory stir. Blue, a beautiful blue.

"But my lord, do you not find me acceptable?" She asked.

"I will not take something that is not given." She gave him a confused look. He stepped towards her, his claw catching her chin and lifting her gaze to his. "I can smell your fear." Her eyes showed him more than he needed to know, the broken soul calling to him. She had led a hard life.

"You always were the noblest of men, Sesshomaru-sama." She whispered softly. He did not question how she knew, or why there was such admiration and familiarity in her voice, for the fog was getting thicker.

"You must leave." He reiterated, the control over his beast beginning to slip. She gave him a warm smile, as she reached up to his hands.

"To you, and only you, my lord, I would give anything." It was a shy whisper, and she placed her lips upon his palm. Sesshomaru was lost, though whether it was to his beast, or the strange fog that had clouded his senses, he knew not. All he knew was the tiny frame molded against his, and the soft lips that he had suddenly captured against his own.

The morning came swiftly, and Sesshomaru awoke to the sunlight streaming through the thin paper of the shoji screens. He looked to empty spot beside him, his face unreadable. Her scent was old, it had been a while since she had left. It annoyed him that he had not awoken to her departure. The smell of their activities still entrenched the room, and he could not say whether he was pleased, or displeased by it. He stood, noticing his mind was clear. He narrowed his eyes as his memories flooded back to him. Whatever that drink had been, he did not like the side affects. Not only had it rendered him incapable of controlling himself, but it had resulted in his coupling with a human. The Eastern Lord would surely feel his wrath. He stood, unabashed by his nudity and quickly dressed. As he made to leave, something caught his gaze. Beside the mat was the mask she had worn. He did not know what compelled him to do it, but he leaned down and picked it up. He tucked it into the folds of his clothing and exited the room.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Golden eyes were continuously upon him, an amused expression on her face. It was annoying to say at least. He felt his temper begin to rise, and he shot her a glare. He knew why she stared, and he knew what she smelled. They had left the Eastern lands just a few hours ago and were already drawing closer to the western lands.

"So, my son, how was your night?" She mused. A silver brow was raised and a dainty smirk upon her face. Sesshomaru growled low, his eyes flashing.

"This Sesshomaru does not wish to speak of it." He snapped somewhat childishly. Kimikyo tilted her head to the side, a bored expression covering her face.

"What a cruel son, always so rude to his mother who has done nothing but love and nurture him." She lifted her hand to her head in a dainty dramatic pose. He growled again, and the pout turned to a grin.

"Oh my son, sleeping with a human is falling dangerously close to the steps of…"

"Do… not… compare… me… to… him!" Sesshomaru all but snarled. Kimikyo dropped her hands, her dramatic mood dissipating.

"Yes yes yes, I know your still having a father complex. Either way, I hope she was at least pretty. Though if I remember correctly, she was a promising beauty." His mother said thoughtfully as she placed her finger to her chin as it in deep thought. Sesshomaru ignored her, sulking at her comment. Suddenly, his brow furrowed. With a burst of speed, he caught up to his fleeing mother.

"Explain." He demanded. She gave him an odd look.

"Eh?" She asked with confusion.

"Explain how you knew what she looked like." She gave him a gentle wave of her hand, as if it were isignificant.

"I have met her before. Sad girl, she was sold to that vile hanyou. You remember right? The one with the red eyes? Truly disgusting, though I must admit he had an air of charm about him." She mentioned as if it were an afterthought. Sesshomaru's heart nearly stopped.

"His name." He said, the rise in his voice causing her perfectly sculpted brow to raise once more.

"I could hardly be bothered to remember the name of a Hanyou." She said. At the somewhat defeated look that passed over her son's face, albeit very briefly, she continued. "Though if I had to guess, I would say it was Naraku." Kimikyo watched in near worry as her son suddenly stopped, his eyes wide and his fists clenched. Then, with renewed vigor he flew passed her at a speed even she could not match.

He raced to his home, his mind whirling with thoughts. It took only hours to reach the castle that was his home, the moon hanging in the sky almost mockingly. He tore through the castle, startling the servants as he made for his room. Entering, he threw open the doors and pulled out a small trunk. Lifting it open, he grabbed at the small scrolls of parchment, reading them one by one, starting with the last one he received.

I was sold to a man whose name will forever be burned into my soul, a man whose existence is a blight upon the gods. A man named Naraku.

He read the words as if they were the blade that tortured his mind. He rushed through the scrolls, finding the very first one he had received when he was but a child.

You see, I am a miko, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and now a mother.

His breath caught in his throught, his eyes widened. Could it be? Could it be her? His mind and heart were throbbing in tandum, when a small glimmer caught his gaze. As he turned, he felt everything come to a halt. There, in the spot where all the other's had spawned, was another scroll. Slowly, almost tentatively, he reached for it. As he picked it up within his grasp, he felt a bit of anxiety flood him. He was not sure if he wished to read it. Slowly, he unrolled the scroll, and the beautiful script was revealed.

Dear Tomodachi,

It would seem the Kamis have given me one more day to live, though I am not sure whether I am thankful for that. My body grows weak from the torture. Even now, the wounds are becoming infected, and I know that my death will come soon, either by execution, or infection. My time is limited, and all I can hope for is a painless death. Who am I kidding? Has anything been pain free in this life? My life, as you may have guessed, has been one torment after another. Where did I last leave off? AH that's right, I had spoken of Naraku, the vile beast that bought me that fateful day, and the great lady who gave me the greatest gift, knowledge.

Lady Kimikyo's advice saved me from a harsher fate than the one I had. I was a slave, and I had seen many slaves suffer the fate of becoming pregnant to the beast named Naraku. Thankfuly, the yukiza flower worked beautifully for me. For many years, I was tortured, raped, and abused by Naraku, and any man he saw fit to throw at me. We were forced to work as entertainment to the guests at different social gatherings Naraku had managed to secure. We were forced to seduce the guests, and give them a night to remember. More often times the patrons became violent, acting out their darkest fantasies with someone who could not tarnish their reputation. Yet no abuse compared to what Naraku was capable of. He is not a man, not a man at all. He is a creature from the depths of the underworld where honor and kindness do not exist. He is cruel, vindictive, and brutal.

I had nearly given up on there being any kindness, any greatness in this world until the night I saw him again. My lord, the lord that I remember so fondly. Everything else was drowned out by the feel of his youki against my senses. It was as if no one else was in the room, and as I sought him, I found him standing away from the crowds of other youkai. I brought him his drink, and I can't say that I did not find him breathtaking. I found that I looked at him differently than I had as a child. I did not know it at the time, for it was a feeling I had never felt before, but I know it now. It was lust, no it was more than lust, it was complete and utter devotion. It was not lost upon me that he wore the very same kimono my father had given to him. It warmed my heart in ways I cannot express. It meant he remembered my father, remembered us.

I watched him all night, though it is shameful to admit. And when it came time to escort him to his room, I felt terrified. I knew what was expected of me, yet I was terrified to do it. Not because I did not want to, but because I was unworthy of him. But he eased my fears. He told me to leave, that he would not take what was not offered. He was the first man to ever say that to me, and I was not sure if I should be insulted. But then the gentle way he spoke, the great honor he displayed, I knew it was no insult. He is the greatest man to show that kindness to a whore.

He was the first, and only man I ever gave myself to. I know it means very little coming from the mouth of a used harlot, but it is true. The showed me things that I never knew existed, he did not use my body, but worshiped it as it if were something precious. In my dreams, I have never imagined that something could feel so exilerating and wonderful. I know you do not wish to hear the exploits of a slave, but let me just say that no man could ever make a woman feel more wonderful than he did that night. He was a god, and I love him for it.

When I left him in the morning, it broke me to do so. I wished so bad that he would wake, and suddenly remember who I was. Perhaps he would take me home, to the village I had once know so I could rebuild it. I was not such a silly girl to think he would want me, but perhaps he would wish to save me once more. As I left the room, I felt as if I left a part of myself behind.

But that was not the only thing that was parted. My lord left something with me, something even more precious than I could ever give to him. You see, the lord gifted me with life. I was with child. I knew it was his, because it felt like him. I was terrified, and thrilled at the same time. I did not know for a month, but as soon as I did, I ran. No one had ever escaped from Naraku, but I had never tried. He trusted me in some odd way, trusted that he had broken me to the point that I had lost my will to fight. Perhaps he had, until my lord had filled me with a reason to fight. I would not let my child become a tool for Naraku. In the dead of night when Naraku was coupling with some poor soul, I ran. It was easier for me, as I was the only miko. I could mask my scent.

I hid for two years. It was the greatest two years I had ever had. Though I had no means to make money, and no way to find proper housing, I headed north and lived in an abandoned hut on the edges of a small field. A traveling miko had happened by me when I was four months along, and offered to stay for a short while. She told me many stories of the world, and what was happening within it. So secluded was I, that I did not know anything outside of the walls of my hut. She stayed with me for a long time, even helped me deliver my son, who I named Meiyo, meaning honor. It was a fitting name for his father was one of the two most honorable men I knew, the other being my own father Kenji. He was born with the same white hair of his father, the crescent mark upon his brow, yet the stripes across his cheeks were blue. He was handsome, strong, and beautiful. Atop his head were soft white ears that marked him as a hanyou, yet it bothered me not. He was perfect, my little Meiyo.

The three of us lived in peace for over a year. Meiyo grew slower than I expected, but Misaki, the traveling miko, said it was common for hanyou to age much slower than humans. She informed me that more than likely, I would die before he reached his peak of adulthood. Though it saddened me, I despaired not. I swore I would raise him to be strong like his father, and he would do well.

But alas, a good life was not meant for me. He found us, I have no idea how, but he found us. Naraku came with vengeance, a harsh vengeance that left destruction within his wake. He destroyed the entire forest in his rage, the flames of his fury reducing the once prosperous land to ash. He slaughtered Misaki before my eyes, and went for Meiyo afterwards. I have no idea how it happened, but in my efforts to save my son, my power reacted in a way I had never felt before. His entire army, the group he had brought to bring me back, were reduced to dust. Within my hands was a small pink jewel, one that I knew all to well.

You see, the Higurashi clan has a closely guarded secret. We are the keepers of a legendary jewel. It is passed to the eldest daughter born to our line to guard. I had always thought it went to Kikyou, as she was the elsdest. Yet there it was before me, glowing a vibrant pink. With his fury, Naraku attacked, and I was so distracted by the fact that the jewel had responded to me that he was able to knock me unconscious.

When I awoke, I was trapped in this cell. My son, he is in the cell beside me. I cannot reach him, and it kills me. I hear his cries and it breaks my heart. They torture me by putting him so near, yet I am unable to hold him. He is so young, he knows not why I am not coming to him. He cannot move yet, and he reaches for me. It is the worst torture I have ever felt. Yet I am glad to know that somehow, they cannot cause him any harm. I can feel it. The Shikon no Tama is protect him, it is within him, out of Naraku's reach. Naraku's taint, his poison, his malice cannot harm my son. It is the one thing that I am thankful for. Naraku will never be able to kill my son. It is why he tortures me everyday, trying in vain to get me to give him the jewel. He promises he will allow my son and I to go free, but I know better. If I give him the jewel our torture will have us begging for death. No, the jewel is safest where it is, protecting my son.

No matter that soon I will die, as long as my child lives on I am fine. I hope, and I pray that the great Sesshomaru will hear of his son and destroy Naraku. I have heard of his great dislike of hanyou, but I hope he makes an exception, just this once. I hope one day he learns of our Meiyo and saves him from the tyrant Naraku before it is too late. I can only pray.

My deareast Tomodachi, I fear that I must leave you now. I grow too weak to continue writing, and I know my end is near. This shall be the last you hear of me, of that I am certain. Before I go, let me say this. Ikihaji kaku yori, shinu ga mashi. Better to die, than live in shame. I know it seems rather odd for someone who is so ashamed of their life to say, but think on it. Do I wish death upon myself? No, because I have a reason to live. Am I ashamed of my life? Perhaps at times I felt that way, but then I remembered, as my lord had shown me in his actions, that you must always take responsibility for your actions, and not take responsibility for the actions of others done unto you. I have lived my life to the best of my ability, and I impart my love onto my son, and to his unknowing father who has always been carried so close to my heart. As I lay here departing from this world, I hope they both know that I will watch over them with fondness. Goodbye Tomodachi, I will keep you within my heart as well. You have heard my story, heard my heart, heard my thoughts. I take your memory with me, sweet friend. I wish you all the happiness I could not have in your life.

K.H.

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Love,

Caleesci