Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all related characters do not belong to me and are the property of the genius Rumiko Takahashi.

AN: Time has passed and there will be several different viewpoints the story will follow now, some at slightly different time intervals too until they meet up, hope it's not too confusing

Chapter 14

"Mitsuo! Takeshi! Be careful with those swords in that tree!" A pretty white haired lavender eyed young woman called out to the two boys playing behind the house.

"Mommy why can't I play too?" asked a little girl clutching several dolls to her body. She had her mother's white hair and gentle features but her father's vivid green eyes.

"Because sweetie the boys aren't interested in playing Princess Mandi and Princess Hana come to tea right now." The woman smiled down at her six year old daughter.

"Are they playing pirates again?" the little girl scrunched up her nose.

"It would seem so." Her mother chuckled. "Maybe you could be the damsel in distress Aimi?" she offered.

Aimi thought about it for a second and then shook her head "Nah that's ok. I'll just stay here." And she took her dolls into the next room and started her own game.

Smiling Shiori turned her attention back to her two boys outside. The younger one had red hair and green eyes and looked so much like his father but with his mother's complexion. The older boy also had a very fair but healthy complexion that went well with his silvery white hair and his sometimes startling golden eyes. At first look this boy could appear to be one of her own but another look with experienced eyes would speak of a different parentage. No one else in the family had the faint blue stripe on each cheek and his arms and any experienced person could tell you he didn't act quite like a fox part bat demon. Indeed this child was full demon and for being so young was already strong for a youkai child.

He may not be theirs by blood but they had raised him with all the love of one. Takeshi knew he was not their biological son, they had told him long ago something of how he had come to them and he had taken it well but every now and then she could see the wanting curiosity and uncertainty in his eyes. The boy had a naturally reserved temperament but growing up with mischievous Mitsuo had probably helped bring about the more open and cheerful manner he would slip into during his more carefree moments. That was not to say Takeshi never instigated some of the mischief the two boys often got into. He was just more appreciative of quiet observation than his younger brother.

"Boys I said be careful!" She called to them again when she saw an overly excited swing of a sword narrowly miss a head."In fact I want you both to come in now. It's close to dinnertime and you need to clean up." When they didn't stop she said "Did you hear me?"

"We're coming." They both answered finally stopping when her voice reached that warning level.

'I wish Shippo would have waited until they were a little older for the swords' she thought with a roll of her eyes '. But her husband had been so excited after seeing the great and eccentric sword maker Totosei when he had passed through the little town they had moved to those eleven years ago that he had immediately commissioned two swords for the boys who had very enthusiastically received them on their tenth birthdays. Of course they could only use them when in practice with their father. Although she still saw the occasional large bruise from their wooden practice swords. Having wanted to be a Sentinel when he was younger Shippo had had some training which he had been passing along to the boys at an early age. He always said they should know how to defend themselves just in case as they were always out and about. And of course both boys took to it but especially Takeshi whose powers felt slightly different but certainly strong.

Aimi would receive the same training in a couple of years. Both parents agreed about the importance of self defense for the children of a mixed parentage but Aimi was not one to go wandering like her brothers much to her mother's relief. In fact that was why they had moved away from the larger city of their youth. After they had taken Takeshi home and with her impending birth of Mitsuo they had wanted a safer environment to raise their kids. Shippo had easily found another job working as a paralegal for a father and son otter demon team while Shiori had studied to become a nurse from a nurse's aide. And now that her schedule was better able to accommodate the children Shippo was able to start his studies to become a lawyer. It had been a little hard for him at first when his demonic friends had found out he was not going into the Sentinels but Shippo was very happy with his life as it was now.

Overall life was going okay for the young family and everyone was looking forward to seeing the grandparents on both sides of the family come summer break in the children's school in about five weeks. They always stopped to see Shiori's parents first and then Shippo's family. The children always looked forward to the road trip and Shippo and Shiori both hoped the latest conflicting happenings wouldn't interfere.

/

Pulling his sword back the body slide to the ground with a thump. This had been a good fight and he had even broken a light sweat from the exertion. Looking over at his teammates Inuyasha and Koga were already bickering about whose turn it was to make the report and fill out paperwork while the other got a head start in relaxing a bit before being given a new assignment or being sent home for some time off.

"Inuyasha I believe it is your turn to file the report." Sesshomaru said as he walked past them.

"What! Says you!" was his reply

"Hah!" Koga smiled smugly.

"You shut it!" Inuyasha snapped.

"I'll do that while relaxing in a hot tub with Ayame while you're still doing paperwork." Laughed Koga as he ran off in a small whirlwind leaving Inuyasha sputtering angrily.

"Yo Sesshomaru?" Koga stopped to walk alongside the daiyoukai.

"Hm."

"Will we see you at Ginta's party next week?"

"Kagura wants to go so I think so." Sesshomaru responded dryly.

"Alright then catch you later." and Koga was off in a flash.

Sesshomaru had been dating Kagura for almost two years now. They had been introduced at a party by Inuyasha's then girlfriend Kohana and others had since made the comment of possibly joining the two families' two businesses by their match. Most in their business circle agreed the union could only benefit either company. Sesshomaru was young for a demon, powerful, and very good looking and Kagura was a very talented and attractive wind demon. And although an heir for his father's line would be most welcome Sesshomaru's father never pushed his son knowing what is was to truly find that someone and suspecting his son had already suffered something even though that was a long time ago now.

But for all her seductive charms Kagura had yet to get Sesshomaru to pop the question. She had plans to get pregnant as quickly as possible ensuring her place with this demon so many others desired. It would also make her parents very happy as Naraku and Tsubaki had never been able to reach the level of the Nishikaze family. She was sure Sesshomaru would make an excellent mate and their children should be strong.

For all his time spent with Kagura however Sesshomaru still avoided the question. He knew the opinions of those he worked with and as the first born and his father's heir he also knew a son would be most welcomed into the western lands. Sometimes he felt Inuyasha was lucky in that matter. Kagura was an attractive female who would give him full demon offspring but there was just something holding him back. Inuyasha had teased that it was just cold feet about giving up the easy ways of a bachelor but Sesshomaru knew it was something more. There seemed to be a grey shade to his life after that one day. He had thought about her and even gone back to see if he might catch a glimpse of her those first few years even though he had told himself he wouldn't. But he hadn't even heard anything about her name from Guardian ranks and so in time had stopped trying. Maybe it was time to give this union some thought and maybe truly move on with his life.

"Geeze thanks for backing me bro." Inuyasha caught up with him and interrupted his thoughts.

"We all take turns filing the report."

"Yeah well how can you be so sure it's my turn after four assignments back to back?" Inuyasha snorted.

"I was not the one hit in the head two assignments ago and so my memory works just fine." Sesshomaru smirked at his brother. They had become a little closer over the years but still liked to banter although on a much lesser scale then Inuyasha did with Koga.

"Keh, taking that wolf's side over your own brother."

"I'll see you at home when you're done Inuyasha. After this we should be getting some time off." Sesshomaru said as he began to form his sphere of light. He really needed to think about certain things right now.

Inuyasha was left to trudge back to the base of operations up north they currently stayed at in an area of restlessness they had been assigned to a year ago. It was good news for Koga since Ayame's clan lived up this way and she was staying there for a while as her grandfather was in poor health. The northern wolf clan would probably have a new leader soon enough.

/

Kagome was smiling as she was walking along holding the hand of the little girl who was desperately trying to remember the name of the plant to the question asked.

"I know it, I know I do. Don't tell me yet." She said as her blue eyes fixed into a deeply concentrated look hoping to force the answer out.

Kagome gave a small chuckle.

At last the child gave a defeated sigh and said "Alright tell me."

"Shiso can be used for allergies, hay fever, and asthma." Kagome said, "Now what part is used?" She asked as they stopped before reaching the end of the playground they walked through.

"Oh oh the leaves and stems." She child replied enthusiastically.

"Right! Good job Aya you're doing very well." Kagome praised

The little girl smiled brightly and then gave Kagome a hug which was happily returned.

"Aya." Another woman called out to them as she walked over.

"Mommy!" Aya called out as she skipped over to her.

"Thank you so much for keeping her a bit after school Ms Higurashi-sama." The woman bowed.

"It was a pleasure Mrs. Hamacho." Kagome replied and waved goodbye to them. Watching the two walk away hand in hand she felt a small pang of sadness. It had been eleven years ago since she had left home and she hadn't been back. The memories of what she had lost had been too hard.

She had been living in Kyoto these past five years having moved twice before that. She had not finished her training to become a Guardian but had instead taken private lessons to learn everything a proper miko should and of course still kept in shape regarding her weapons training as well. Now she was relatively happy teaching girls aged seven to thirteen gifted with holy power the arts of being a miko. She found being a teacher for the young girls very pleasant and provided them with a solid base for higher levels if they chose to become a Guardian.

She turned to go home when suddenly she stopped in her tracks as she saw the once very familiar face.

"Kagome!" an excited Rin exclaimed as she made her way over.

"Rin oh my gosh look at you! How are you and the others?" Kagome did keep in touch with her family, mostly Kikyo, and by extension Rin and Sango. They sent pictures and notes and cards but rarely got the time to visit living so far away. They had both heard about the attack at the house but were away at the academy and never got to wish Kagome well before she left home.

"Everyone's fine we're all here just passing through from Osaka now that the boys have been transferred back home. Well your brother went on ahead as Hitomi decided to stay with your mother this time around." She answered as she sat down on a nearby bench followed by Kagome.

"Where are the others? I want a chance to see the kids." Kagome looked around.

"Sango's at the other end getting the kids ice cream I just had to sit down so they'll meet me here." Rin said patting her swollen midsection. "And Kohaku and Miroku will be here shortly to pick us up. They went to get a few things before we leave tomorrow afternoon. The kids just needed to work off some energy so they dropped us off."

"How far along are you again?"

"Six months and I think this will be it. Four is going to be plenty especially when Kohaku leaves on assignment and I have them all to myself." Laughed Rin. "Thank goodness for grandparents and that I can do my work at home if needed."

Kagome gave a somewhat melancholy smile, "You always wanted lots of kids." she chuckled. Sometimes when she got a letter from her mother she would be asked if she was seeing someone yet, her family really hoped she would pass on those strong powers she had inherited. Powers that had come back stronger and easier to call up after events and that she should have put to use for the Guardians.

"They can be quite the handful but are a joy-"

"Aunty Kagome!" exclaimed six children as they mobbed her and Rin.

"Kagome! We were meaning to get the kids settled for the evening and then take you out for a girl's night." Sango said as she gave Kagome a hug. "We weren't going to pass this way but then decided to stop and say hi at the last minute as it wasn't too far out of the way and we have a little bit of time off."

"It's just good to see you all." Kagome's genuine smile of happiness returned.

"You can all keep playing but just right here until your dads get back." Sango and Rin told the kids.

"Ok!" and then five little heads ran off in unison except the smallest who wanted to sit in her mother's lap but couldn't quite manage so Kagome happily took her from Rin.

It was another hour before the two men arrived and another 40 minutes of talking after that before some of the children started noticeably needing a nap. The visit was wonderful and informative. Not being a Guardian Kagome wasn't privy to the most recent of happenings until they were released in the news. Apparently lots of unrest was starting to stir and tensions had increased in many high density cities. Though nothing irreversible had happened yet the Guardian high council had called for a meeting and both the Higurashi and Tagawa families were asked to be present. It was something like this that made her think of being a Guardian again but then the thought of possibly meeting him on the battle field was still painful.

On one of her rare visits Kikyo had let it slip that she had seen his brother on the field a couple of times when she was on assignment these past years. It had been a surprise for both and they had mostly traded insults rather than fight, he really hadn't seemed inclined to cause her terrible injury. She had made Kagome smile though when she mentioned how rude the hanyo could be.

Kikyo was a beautiful young woman and any male would be hard pressed not to notice but she didn't seem inclined to get married and start the family she had always said she wanted yet. After Shoichi's death two years out of the academy she had not really been serious with anyone else she dated. And their mother apparently dropped hints to her to sometimes about her singleness.

Walking back to her apartment that was above her small herbalist's shop and next to the small field where she trained the girls she hoped things wouldn't get to crazy. If they did she knew her family would more than likely call on her to come back and she would want to help but didn't know exactly how much help she would be.

/

Kikyo was looking forward to this next break in about eight week's time. After several successful but stressful assignments it would be a welcome relief. She had recently moved back into her parent's house when her assignments kept her team close by and was glad to spend time with her nephews and niece on any time off and talking with Hitomi was always nice. Souta's wife had turned into a good ally with peacekeeping whenever Kagome came into the conversation indeed his hot headedness had seemed to calm down some with his domestic bliss. They all still kept in touch but the family hadn't seemed to get completely over the rift that had come on them eleven years ago. Kikyo still felt some guilt over her part in it and felt sorry for the loss of closeness between herself and her sister. But the last time she did visit Kagome she seemed happily situated and moved on now which was very good especially if the recently brewing tension did come to a head.

The last time she had spoken to her grandfather it seemed a couple of Guardians had stumbled onto some sort of conspiracy that had taken their lives before they were able to pass on any information. Whoever was responsible had covered their tracks well and all traces of any information had vanished. The high council was keeping a very tight lid on this until more could be learned and it was only thanks to their grandfather's contacts that they were truly aware of what was happening. The greater concern was that whatever it was that had been stumbled on was responsible for the growing unrest but was so quickly and thoroughly covered up that it was sure to be something for concern. For as much animosity as there still was at times no one wanted another outright war again. They might have to approach the high council of the Sentinels with what little was known before the death of those two Guardians if things really started to happen.

She knew the Sentinels might have some other information that could help but both sides were trying to be the first to solve the problems at hand and probably wouldn't share anything crucial until things got too serious or were found to have a true connection. It was things like this that had Kikyo thinking that maybe Kagome with her peace preaching might've been a good influence if she had finished her training and become a Guardian. At least her sister kept herself in fighting shape still should things get a little rough. As soon as Souta was of an age and thought experienced enough he would more than likely become a council member just like his grandfather and father had been. Azumi could have been on it as well but had declined to be more at home with her children at the time. Then their information would be fresher and immediate. But for now she was headed up north with her team for their last mission before a well earned rest hopefully.