Prelude

Many years had passed and the pup, Shippo, had grown into an extraordinary child. His IQ level was that of a scholar and his physical abilities were outstanding. Kagome had so much that she loved about him yet one thing that she had many times wanted to pull her hair out over.

He was one very mischievous pup. But as if that didn't help matters, he looked exactly like that demon who sired him. His presence from his hair to the cold glint in his eyes when he was displeased with something all of it measured up to Sesshomaru.

Speaking of children, Rin had grown into a young woman who no longer had a knack for running around the castle chasing her poor little retainer in her fit for wanting to dress her up. 'Her' meaning Lenai. Lenai is a toad demon that she had found one day while walking to the little village surrounding the castle. Very young she was, but well educated in manners and being civil.

InuYasha still retained some of his childish ways yet he grew more mature than anyone would ever think he would be able to. He stood beside Kagome as she taught her pups about growing up and he supported them like they were his own but he let it be known that he was their uncle.

They would ask about their father yet both adults could only give them vague descriptions of the Demon Lord that they wished to know. Many would wonder why Rin didn't tell her younger brother all about their father but in order for her to do that she would have to remember him. When Rin had awoken from her impact induced coma her memory of anything pertaining to her father and the life she had with him for the first 100 something years of her life were blurry.

Yet one thing remained that hunted her in her dreams even to this day, the image of a large white dog with big, red eyes snarling viciously at her. No matter how many times Kagome and even InuYasha would comfort her she felt that it wasn't a dream. That it was a memory. One probably resulted in why she couldn't remember her father.

Kagome had asked many doctors when, perhaps, her memory would come back and many of them replied the same. Either she has another tragic episode in her life or she just wouldn't regain them again.

Kagome, herself had grown more mature. She stood tall when facing doubts from others. She was outspoken and even men were afraid to stand up to her not only in wits but in strength. She would make any demon more powerful for just having her at their side. Not only did she come with a large dowry but many connections.

Though many didn't see what lay behind her eyes. If they did they would see the soul of a woman whose heart was lost with the one who had stolen it twice and shattered it to the winds. Before when she would cry her loss on the shoulder of her only friends, Sango and InuYasha, now she stood facing the world with a smile that, if you knew her, was nothing like the one she had when she was in the arms of the one she loved.

Chapter 12 Lost

"IIIIIEEEEE!" screamed Lenai as cold water was splashed on her.

Shippo laughed at the once dry toad demon from his spot in the middle of the little pond that he was swimming in. "Lenia-sama, one would think that you enjoyed water since you are a toad." Snickered Shippo as he dove under the water to dodge a rock that said demon had thrown at him.

"You little demon! For the life of me and my beautiful kimono you would ruin it! Come out of there you little delinquent." She yelled from the sidelines.

Kagome and InuYasha just lounged underneath a tree both enjoying the little comfort they could get from the other. Rin went walking some distance away with one of her many suitors. Since she had come of age it had seemed as if there was an endless supply of suitors fighting for her attention. She would give it but when those who fancied themselves in love with her came to ask to court her in the ways of the Inu, Ookami or Kitsune they would be heartbroken to find that her father was not present therefore, he could not give them the ye or ne that they needed in order to accomplish their goals in having the beauty as theirs.

Today was one of the rare times that they would come from the sky and wander Earth. You would think that after so many years the place would have changed yet so much had remained the same. All except new inventions like hybrid cars and IPods a lot was the same in little Japan. The family relaxed in the little cove a good distance to the west since here many of Earth's gifts still lived.

Kagome looked up into the clear blue skies. 'I may seem alright but yet I feel so empty.' Absentmindedly she reached up to touch her courting mark. As long as it was there then that meant that Sesshomaru had not relinquished his claim on her and that he still lived.

InuYasha had noticed her movement. In his mind he could kill his brother a thousand times for hurting one as pure and innocent as Kagome. 'Rotten bastard. You don't even know that what you threw away was the best thing for you.' He wouldn't alert Kagome to his thoughts and he wouldn't even let it slip into his scent.

Unaware of his observations Kagome looked his way only to catch his eyes. A slight blush formed on her pale cheeks making the blue of her eyes and stripes stand out a little more. "InuYasha…I have a question."

InuYasha just looked at her before looking away and crossing his arms across his chest. "Keh…shoot then."

Kagome giggled at her friend and brother. She turned her head to look at the skies once more. "InuYasha, the castle, even though it is nice and spacious, it's just not home for me anymore." Casting a glance at him from the corner of her eye she could tell that she had piqued his curiosity. "How would you think that instead of staying there we find us a place here on land for a while?"

InuYasha couldn't believe what she just said. 'She wants to stay here on land instead of up there? Talk about a weird female.' "You sure you won't miss all of your finery and servants up there?" he had to ask her. If she hesitated in the littlest he could say no to her request but just his luck he didn't get his desired answer.

Kagome smiled. She knew for a fact that he being who he was would know that riches were nothing to her. She had money enough to have her, InuYasha and her pups living in comfort for the rest of their eternal lives. She would only use enough though to have a comfortable home. Nothing to large but spacious enough for them all to have room. "No InuYasha. There is nothing there for me and therefore there is nothing that the finery can keep me there for besides,…" she looked at him and smiled a smile that almost reached her eyes. "I am not in to the whole money thing and you know that."

He knew but damn he just wanted to keep her off the land that his brother ruled even though the rule of Demons had diminished him was still the one who many a demon knew as their Alpha. And if they were to just look at her pups then all hell would break loose.

He let loose a long sigh and rested his head against the tree. "Kagome, you know that I only have your best interest in mind. But if you want to settle here on land then who am I to stop you. I will stay by your side for however long you need me to stay there."

Kagome just smiled. She knew that it was hard for him and she knew without a doubt what was going through his mind. She scooted closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder. "Thank you InuYasha." With that said she closed her eyes and rested. After some time InuYasha did the same enjoying the heat of the sun.

Shippo was waiting. This was his golden opportunity. He knew sooner or later that his mother would rest and when he sensed her slumber he got out of the water and hit poor little Lenai over her head and effectively knocked her out. He dressed and made down a path going further west.

Just as he was leaving Rin was coming back. She had just saw her 30th suitor off and was on her way back when she saw her little brother's retreating form. She did a quick scan of the area and noticed that her mother and uncle were asleep and Lenai was unconsciously on the ground.

'I'm going to so kick your little ass brother.' She made off into the trail behind him.

Some hours later as the sun lost it noon day warmth Lenai awoke and looked for her misbehaving charge. It didn't dawn on her that fast but once it did…."AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Her blood curdling screams jolted Kagome and InuYasha awake.

"Lenai, what is the matter?" Kagome made it to her side as she watched the little toad run around in circles holding her head and screaming her son's name. "Lenai," Kagome looked around. "Where is…."

Kagome didn't have much time to finish her question as her son's and daughter's scent drifted to her on the western wind. Turning she sniffed the air again. InuYasha had just made it to her side as she was turning. "InuYasha…they have gone west."

InuYasha didn't need an invitation as he started to sprint into the dense forest as they followed the scent trail left by the pups.

Alone in a room sat a man at his desk. His fingers had long since stopped their movements and his monitor's screen saver had appeared. A little girl's face flashed before his eyes and the smile she wore showed only content and happiness. He caressed the monitor lovingly as he contemplated how much she looked like her. Still to this day he could remember how she smelt. Her wild floral scent would be forever imprinted on his mind. Then he would remember that day. It never ceased to fail. The day that he had heard her voice, seen her face and smelt the salt of her tears as he turned away from her. Almost 500 years had passed since that day yet the memory would stay with him for the rest of his life. He was once content and he could actually say that he could smile back then when his family was almost whole.

Sitting back in his chair he closed his eyes as he thought of his intended some more along with his pups. Yes he had been snooping around and had discovered that his daughter had grew into a young lady of mating age and his son…the one who had almost never seen the light of day, had come into the world looking almost like him. His heir. He would watch them from a distance and since technology had surpassed that from way back then he was able to see pictures of them whenever he chose to. A snarl escaped his lips as he thought of his intended and photos he had seen of her in the arms of his half-brother. She was smiling as InuYasha held her princess style. Her hair was blowing in the wind all around them and her eyes showed all of her emotion. His 'brother' looked at her like a man in love and it didn't just end with that one picture. There was more like them almost of the same quality. He stood and stalked to his balcony and thrust open the doors hoping that the air would calm his raging nerves.

Once the pink had receded from his gaze a ding from his door bell sounded. He didn't bother for he knew that one of the few servant would answer and send whoever it is on their merry little way but once he heard the little patter of feet coming towards his office he could only feel annoyance. 'Useless…' he thought as a servant burst without so much as a knock and quickly fell into an ungraceful bow. "My lord, please forgive this humble servant but this Jaken has come to inform you that there are two pups at the door and you might want to see them. I have escorted them to the lounge but…" the little toad known as Jaken could not utter another word as he found himself kissing the wall on the other side of the hall. The man could not process his thoughts as he made his way down the hall and a flight of steps. Her scent hit him and made him pause, before he could calm himself he was already down the steps and standing at the entrance. Once he saw the two pups a breath, he didn't know that he was holding, escaped him.

The oldest turned at his approach mostly because she felt the brush of his aura and slid to stand in front of her brother ready to protect him if need be. She placed a pleasant smile on her face and gave a low bow. "Good evening. I presume that you are the lord of this fine estate?" The man nodded his head out of pure shock. 'This isn't right.' "Yes I am. My name is Sesshomaru." Little by little he wanted to think that the pups weren't his since she didn't recognize him but that went down the drain when her next words came to him. "Sesshomaru-sama allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rin and this is my brother Shippo. If it would not be a bother we would like to spend a few hours here till our mother comes to retrieve us." Sesshomaru, try as he might, could not detect a single hint of falseness in her which could only mean that she legitimately didn't know him. Before his rage could set in, Jaken came into the room. He gave him the short order to show them a room and made his way to the front door to get out of the house.

Once Rin and Shippo was settled into a room, one they were sharing since this was unfamiliar surroundings, Rin set up a barrier so they could feel a little safer. Shippo, who had remained quiet throughout the whole exchange, finally spoke. "Sister, is it me of did that Sesshomaru guy look familiar?" Rin had been thinking the same thing. "I do think that he reminded me of Uncle InuYasha and you. Maybe he is a relative somewhere down the line. Uncle would probably let us know." With that settled the laid down to rest but as Rin closed her eyes a thought came to her. 'There is something else about him that gives me the nagging feeling that I am supposed to know him.'

Kagome had been running on their trail for what seemed like forever when in actuality it was probably only 5 minutes. 'Hold on my babies. Mama's coming.' As she put more speed behind her steps, almost giving the appearance that she was flying, InuYasha met up with her. He had Lenai on his back, who was hanging on for dear life. No words were passed between the two as a looming structure came into view. 10 yards away they stopped and Lenai got off of InuYasha and ran into the thickets around the forest. They slowly took steps towards the property but as they were moving the door burst open and stood the last person that they was prepared for.

Sesshomaru thought that today just couldn't get worse as his gaze settled on InuYasha and then Kagome. His rage built as he noticed the close proximity that they had towards each other. He could even smell InuYasha's scent on her. His eyes bled and he snarled, rushing towards them.

They were unprepared for the turn of events as InuYasha was flung into the forest and Kagome was snatched up by her neck. She wouldn't submit even though she knew that would be the only thing that would save her.

Sesshomaru brought her closer to him and her scent wafted to his nose. He wanted to relish it but having that weakness started to anger him. So he thought it better to just get down to business. His golden eyes returned and his mask of indifference was in place yet his hand was still around her neck. "Wench…" he didn't miss the jump of the stiffness that swept through Kagome "you would dare to take all knowledge of this Sesshomaru away from his first born?"

"I did no such thing." Kagome all but squeaked past her enclosed throat fighting to stay conscious. "You did that Sesshomaru. Not I."

Sesshomaru released her to instead grab her by her hair and snatch her in the air not caring for the yelp her let loose in reply to her damaged scalp. "I did no such thing you say…well who is the blame for this Sesshomaru cannot take away memories."

Kagome knew that he would bring that up and she had the best come back. "If I was to take her memories then I would take away the image of a huge white dog with red eyes. The same dream that has given her nightmares to this day."

Sesshomaru was slightly taken aback until he glared at her. She got the message as he let go of her hair and she started to massage her abused scalp as she talked. "110 years ago Sesshomaru. Do the math."

He made a low growl telling her that his patience was running thin. She sighed and looked him in his eyes. "When you went into rage your bestial side didn't realize it but he lashed out at her and she hit her head. The doctors said that it would probably come back and for me not to interfere so I left her and slowly she started receiving images but they only consisted of your beast so far."

He stood and took it all in. He couldn't even be mad. A movement to the side alerted him that InuYasha was once again up and was heading their way.

Kagome cleared her throat bringing his attention back to her. "May I see my pups Sesshomaru?"

"Our." Sesshomaru announced and turned his back on her leading them back to the house.

InuYasha walked up to Kagome with Lenai beside him. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I will ever be." Truth be told she wasn't but she straightened herself and raised her head up high as the all stepped up to the last place they ever thought they would be again.

Meanwhile back in the Castle of the Clouds Sango and Miroku was in a heated discussion.

"You can't do that Miroku! She has a right to say rather or not she wants a mate!" Sango yelled much to the other demon's dismays.

Miroku sat with patience as his mate said her peace. He had come to terms with how his wife worked but she would not win this argument. When she finally started to cool he spoke up. "My dear Sango, I know that you love our sister but it has come to pass. The deadline for her is reached. She is to have a mate that I pick and seeing as Lord Sesshomaru has yet to make her his mate I, as the head figure in place of our late father, am given the task to pick one for her. She knows the risk of being unmated past 500 years. I have given her 10 extra years of leeway but now she will have to submit."

Sango knew she was lost but it still didn't settle right with her. "Who do you deem worthy enough for our sister?"

Miroku smirked a little knowing that all of the fight was out of her. He reached for some papers on his desk and withdrew a couple which Sango took in hand. Looking at them had her gaping. "You can't be serious!"

"But my dear I am. Seeing as our sister is not pure I didn't have that many options. There are three candidates. Sesshomaru being one as he is the sire of her pups, InuYasha as he is the uncle is also in regards for her favors and last but least for some unknown reason we also have a minor lord named Seiun who wishes for her."

Sango couldn't believe it. She knew the relationship between Kagome and InuYasha was nothing but family but this lord Seiun was a whole different subject. "How long does she have left to have Sesshomaru?"

Miroku thought on it for a while and sighed. He knew anything less than a year would make her go on another rage but he would deal with this one. 'Hopefully the make-up sex will be just as fiery.' "Six months." And just as he thought the battle was on once again.

HI HI! I know I know it's been a minute but I have way too much shit that I had to deal with so I plan on finishing this one up and then possibly starting on another one inbetween as an apology. R&R 3

Hana Love