Disclaimer: Inuyasha doesn't belong to me.

Characters: Sesshomaru

Genre: Angst

Alternate ending to the battle with Naraku

It was done. The Shikon No Tama was whole and Naraku was gone forever. But it had come at a cost. Kagome had managed to purify Naraku, but not before he inflicted the wound that had her bleeding out in Inuyasha's arms.

"Kagome hang on!" Inuyasha begged, "You're going to be ok, I'll"

With a pained cough, Kagome slowly shook her head.

"No," she rasped, "The Shikon jewel never grants your true wish. There's only one correct wish."

Sesshomaru stood off to the side, watching the scene with an impassive expression. He'd give credit where it was due. Despite their combined strength, it had become clear that Naraku could not be killed by a sword. Kagome had seen the answer and hadn't hesitated. He grudgingly admired her bravery.

He watched his brother his fist around the shining pink bead.

"Shikon jewel," he said in a wavering voice, "disappear, forever."

At his words, the jewel disappeared in a shower of shimmering light. Tears streaming from his eyes, Inuyasha pulled Kagome close and pressed his forehead against hers. She was smiling when her last breath left her.

Sesshomaru heard the thump of Ah-Un's landing behind him. Rin, Jaken and Kohaku hurried to his side. Rin's eyes filled with tears and her hands flew to her mouth.

"Oh no," she whispered. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

"Rin. Why do you cry?"

"She meant the world to him, and he's lost her!" Rin sobbed, "That's awful!"

Sesshomaru looked from Rin's tearful face to the form of his brother, still clutching Kagome to his heart and shaking from the sobs that wracked his body.

He'd never admit it, but he was stumped. Rin didn't love Kagome the way Inuyasha clearly had. But that didn't matter. Inuyasha was in pain, so Rin was in pain too. Father had insisted that compassion and empathy were important traits to possess, but why? Where was the benefit in letting the misery of others affect you so? What would Father do?

He knew the answer before he finished forming the question. Father would look into his son's eyes and resurrect the woman he loved.

Father. All my life, I dreamed of defeating you in battle. You were the Lord of the West, one of the most powerful demons to have ever lived. I wanted to prove myself worthy of your legacy and surpass you if I could.

But I see now that the legacy you left behind was not one of conquest. You could have brought this country to its knees, but you didn't. The two swords forged from your fang were created to protect and restore life. You sired a half-breed and gave your life to protect him.

It was easier to hate Inuyasha when I couldn't see how much he resembles you.

"Rin, don't cry anymore." Sesshomaru said tersely, stepping forward. Inuyasha's ears swiveled towards him, signalling that he knew of his approach, but his attention stayed on the lifeless girl he held.

"Put her down."

Inuyasha's red rimmed eyes snapped to him, lips drawn in a snarl, but his gaze fell to the sword in Sesshomaru's hand. Looking skeptical, yet hopeful, he obeyed Sesshomaru's command.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, seeing the messengers from the netherworld. One slash of his sword and it was done.

Kagome gasped as her lungs filled with air, the colour rushing back into her cheeks. Eyes wide in disbelief, Inuyasha pressed a trembling hand against her face. She smiled and leaned into his touch.

He turned to thank Sesshomaru, but his brother was already walking away. Jaken was spluttering with shock, but Rin was crying tears of joy.

I still don't completely understand, but I want to live up to your legacy Father.