Hello all I am glad to announce on time I have the next chapter!

I realize that month is a long time to wait for a chapter but at least I am no longer leaving the story hanging like I did before I told myself I wanted to finish this story and I didn't want to just drop it a disappoint anyone who reads it.

I would like to apologize if this is confusing and that it is a little bit of a shorter chapter than my last two chapters

Thanks please read and review and ENJOY!

Kagome POV

I thought I was dreaming…sort of…after my talk with Sesshomaru I was caught in a blissful emptiness. I welcomed its cooling embrace when I drifted off. Not even Mayumi and Kokone visited me during the deep slumber. I had never felt so tired in my life. I had used so much energy…more than I realized and at certain points as I would feel very weak and then for a little while I would feel stable again. Then again I would feel weaker, but after a while they seemed to even out. What I found really odd about this particular sleep was that I didn't dream…nothing filled the darkness that engulfed me. It seemed like it was only a few hours before it felt like my body was being moved slightly, but I was still too tired to care. Finally the moving stopped and I snuggled in deeper to whatever was holding onto my body at the moment. It felt warm safe and soft.

"Kagome…"

I open my eyes and all I saw was darkness again...

'That's odd I could have sworn someone called out to me.' I twitched the ears on my head straining to hear folding one up and pinning the other down. I did this for a few seconds trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. But I got nothing and I stood up slowly.

"Kagome…"

'Hello!?' I asked a little louder this time, but still I got no response. I was starting to get really worried and the darkness was no longer blissful it was quickly becoming the terror it is known for. The idea of the unknown around you at that moment in time was quickly becoming prominent in my subconscious. 'Please who are you? …Where are you….hello!?' my heart began to race and my spine tingled with fear. My eyes wide as I darted my head back and forth and sweat began to tickle my senses. I started running as fast as I could in any direction…anything to get away from the never ending darkness that was setting in. It licked at my feet and tried to caress my soul as I kept on running. Soon I was huffing and puffing I didn't know how long I had been running and I was so tired.

'Please anybody… please help me...' I felt tears start to cascade down my face and the impending darkness was starting to sink into my every thought. 'PLEASE!' I screamed again. 'MAYUMI…KOKONE…SANGO …MIROKU!' I was starting to give up hope my horror of the darkness was taking me over. I fell to my knees when my heart felt like it was going to give out. I felt my tears fall off my face as they gingerly hit the floor. I could feel it creeping in even closer…

'please…someone help me…Sesshomaru…' I closed my eyes and I felt so lost as if I had completely given up… then I tried again. It was the first person I thought of when I woke up, the boy who had stolen my heart, and the man I would gladly give every piece of my love too. The man who took my heart and broke it so many times, but also the one that always seemed to mend it back together…I missed him so much. I missed his scent, his beautiful golden eyes and I missed his warmth…his smile…his voice

'Inu…ya…sha' I whispered.

'Kagome'

I shot my head up and just a few feet in front of me was a soft yellow light. A new surge of energy shot through me as I raced towards the light and let it engulf me. It was warm, soft, and loving and it chased away the darkness and the fears I felt. I could feel it…I could feel him and slowly the entire darkness was turned to fuzzy images of bright blues and greens. Then I could see red…My body felt heavy as if I was waking up which looking back on it I was but that wasn't exactly how it felt. I was starting to hear the birds and the soft breeze rustling through the leaves. I felt myself yawn and then my vision finally started to clear up. I could see Inuyasha looking at me and his tired eyes looking as if they had given up hope and then I saw a small smile as he crumpled to the ground in front of me.

I felt my body freeze and my instincts kicked in.

"Inuyasha!" I half screamed half whispered as I started to reach out for him. I had seen it right before he fell. His face…those smooth marks on his face with just the one jag in the middle. His aura had seemed to be more powerful but his eyes shown that he was still there. The red as crept its way in but his normally blue irises weren't there. His hazel eyes stayed through it all. I tried getting up but found that I was sitting on something other than the ground. When I looked up I saw that it was Sesshomaru and he seemed surprised but what had just transpired.

"Sesshomaru please let me go it will be okay." I told him as I firmly pushed myself off his lap.

"Ka-gome…" he whispered. Then to throw even more surprises at me Koga who must have heard my voice jumped down from somewhere and took in the scene before him.

"Kagome!?" he said and it was at that time that Miroku and Sango had gotten on their feet to address the situation it seemed.

"Kagome!"

"Lady Kagome!" then right after that chaos broke out as I was surrounded by my friends whom I love don't get me wrong, but at the moment I needed to get to Inuyasha. Everyone started to grab at me and kept on talking I only catching my name or a few words here and there. I was so aggravated I felt like I was about to burst then I heard a defining voice that cut through all of them with superiority.

"Move if any you wish to keep your life… the miko wishes to pass." Sesshomaru calmly ordered and everyone quickly took a step back allowing me passage to Inuyasha. I would have to remember to thank Sesshomaru later for this and as I knelt down beside Inuyasha I started checking for any serious injuries and when I found none and smelled no blood on him I was confused. Tilting my head and bit and letting one ear fall to the side I looked at Miroku and Sango and at that point Shippo jumped up from behind the log where I guess he had been hiding and came running towards me. I caught him in my arms as he sniffled a little.

"Is Inuyasha going to be okay Momma?" he asked sadly.

"Shippo you know he will be alright, he is practically invisible with that attitude and ego of his." That earned a small chuckle from a few members of our group and a smirk from Sesshomaru, but it still didn't answer the question in my head. What the hell was wrong with him if he didn't have any injuries… I looked back to Miroku and Sango.

"Mind explaining to me what happened while I was gone?" I asked calmly. It seemed that both of them really didn't know what to say until Koga spoke up.

"Heh that mutt didn't hardly do anything while you were gone besides mope around and run all over the god damn place. Then he was out for almost a day I don't really know for sure. We never got attacked at least while I was here anyways …"

"I believe Inuyasha has made some difficult decisions that past few days and his mental state was not that of his normal standing." Miroku cut of Koga making sure he was heard and it seemed that Sango wanted to as well.

"He hasn't eaten anything really since before you left four days ago…I know he is a half demon, but even demons need to eat every so often. Plus I might have said some things I shouldn't have this morning… and he ran off kind of angry."

After hearing everyone's statement I basically came up with one idea.

"So what I am hearing is that he ran himself ragged for the past three days, and hasn't eaten in four and only slept for maybe six hours in that amount of time." I asked to no one particularly.

"Yes that about sums it up." Miroku said. I turned back to look at Inuyasha.

"I am going t his ass into next week when he wakes up!" I growled through my teeth. I let my anger subside the best I could as I tried to fix Inuyasha's predicament. I gently fell to my knees and looked at him again…I was going to have to move him to start this process. I had only learned my healing abilities from Granny Kaede recently so I was happy to try them out but I had to be able to touch the wounded's chest.

"Koga help me move Inuyasha to that log sit him up." I asked nicely.

"What! Why do I have to…" I glared at him and I could practically see the sweat drop form on the back of his head. He immediately walked over and picked him up roughly and walked over to the log and again roughly set him down with him leaning up against the log. Even though he was being rough at least it was done I gave him my thanks and started working on Inuyasha. I first set Shippo down next to Inuyasha on the log and then I folded my hands together in prayer. Once I recited the words of healing I placed my hands on Inuyasha's chest and began to heal his clouded mind and weary soul. I didn't understand how he could carry this much anxiety in one soul but then again he was a half demon. I gave him just enough too clam down and let him sleep soundly for…Kami I don't know how long with him sometimes it could be a few minutes other times a few hours. With a sigh I sat down in front of Inuyasha and collected my thoughts before asking my next question.

"Mind telling me why his face was like that before he fell unconscious. I know everyone saw it except Shippo so start talking guys." I really felt an uncomfortable atmosphere set in as I turned around to confront everyone. No one would meet my gaze and with a huff I decided changing back into my human side would do me some good with the temper at the moment. Once everyone saw that I was human again I felt some relief of the tension but still there was something that was causing their unease. "Guys come on something had or is happening to him…please tell me what happened while I was gone?" I asked almost pleading something was very wrong.

I searched their faces for anything that could have given me an answer, but all I could see and sense was restlessness and again Koga was the first to speak.

"I saw him have that same face when we had a fight the other day about you…Kami damn mutt almost killed me." Koga said with a huff. Now that wasn't so surprising fights between them were usually typically but it must have really hit Inuyasha hard to change again. I raised my eyebrow at him but didn't say anything as I looked at Miroku and Sango. They both tensed under my gaze and stressfully I let out a sigh closing my eyes in frustration. I picked up Shippo and set him on my shoulder before walking over to Sesshomaru and sitting down next to him and leaning against his chest on his left side. With my eyes closed I was starting to figure out why everyone was acting so nervous besides Koga. It was because of Sesshomaru, so maybe it I straighten things out a little bit they would start to open up to me.

"Guys look whatever Sesshomaru has told you if he has told you anything, it is true. I have been traveling with him the past three days and I promise you he will do nothing to harm any of us. Not even Inuyasha I promise guys…" I saw the pair look at each other and then look back to Sesshomaru, I could tell it wasn't quite enough. I sighed again and looked up to my older brother asking the question I knew he could understand. After one glance he simply nodded and looked back over to the nervous couple.

"This Sesshomaru gives you his word that no harm shall befall anyone in your group. Should I go against this word my life shall belong to the miko's for punishment." Okay so no exactly what I was looking for the first part would have been enough but it seemed to have worked because the two calmed down enough to again sit down with us and begin talking.

"Inuyasha has been under much stress lately and I have seen his demon blood take over on more than one occasion as of late. When I had a conversion with him I had asked him some…difficult questions. Shortly after this he passed out and as Koga had said earlier he slept from midday to about dinner time. But I don't believe he was really resting. When he had passed out I saw the marks from his demon blood appear on his face and for a while they stayed there…I waited until they were gone to drag him back to camp until he awoke." Miroku concluded as he seemed to be himself in deep thought.

"I didn't really ever see his face like that but I did hear its voice but it sounded very different…Whenever Koga and him had a small fight around the camp fire his voice it….it wasn't all his demon and it wasn't all him…it sounded like they were mixing." Now that was interesting.

"Besides what happened just now was there any other incidents that you all know of that caused these?" Everyone just simply shook their head or remained quiet. Well I was stumped I had no idea what was going on with him.

'Mayumi, Kokone can either of you think of any reason as to what is happening to him?'

'I am sorry Kagome, but Kokone and I are just as stumped as you are…I cannot understand his predicament as much as I would like, due to the fact that Takumi and I are very different is some ways such as being able to complete thoughts and not just relying on instinct to get me through things."

I sighed out loud again, Kami sake I was only gone for three days and he is having a…I don't even what to call it freaking breakdown. I just didn't know what to do anymore with him…

"Miko this Sesshomaru would believe it to be in the best of everyone's interest if you would explain what has happened to you these past few days." I guess that would help some things.

"What have you already told them?" I asked still my eyes closed and my head on his chest.

"Simply that you and this Sesshomaru had set out to the village to recover the shard and that you had deducted the identity of the demon to actually be a Janjan. Then this Sesshomaru would have explained how you dealt with the creature had that annoying wolf not so disrespectfully interrupted and then so surprisingly and quite accurately explain how you dealt with the Janjan. He then decided to take his anger out on Inuyasha with physical confrontation."

'What!?' I was about ready to send some nasty words and glares to Koga before Sesshomaru stopped me.

"His anger was not misdirected Miko he was concerned about you and took it out on the person that was the cause for all the distress you felt." I guess that was true enough but still…

"I understand that may have been how he felt, but…" I turned to look at Koga. "Did you not hear what I told the Janjan that ultimately allowed me to be able to set its soul free?"

"Keh yeah but…" he tried to counter but I wasn't having anything of it. I had heard gasps coming from Miroku and Sango as well but I need to deal with Koga first.

"There are no buts Koga that is how it is and always will be, I am human…"I paused because even though it was still such and short time ago that statement was no longer true. "I am half human…therefore I am allowed to feel those feelings, they are what keep my heart from becoming tainted. If I had only felt hatred and anger then I would have been a horrible person that fact that I felt guilty about those feelings lets me know I am only human and that I have a pure soul Koga…but learning to accept them and moving on to the decision I made…its all apart of human life Koga." I looked at him with a small smile and turned to look back at Sesshomaru and spoke again. "You two don't have to make such contradicting feelings or choices because you have what seems like an eternity to live and go through these lives over and over again." I looked over to Miroku and Sango. "But we only have a short time before life is gone…literally in a blink of your eye we are gone. That's why sacrifice, love, and friendship is so important while we have it. We cherish the moments we have together because one day we know we will be gone. But the memories still remain." Both Miroku and Sango smile at me pulling each other close and for once Miroku kept his hands to himself and Shippo hopped up on my shoulder again.

"But you're going to stay Momma right? Now that you are a hanyou you will live longer!" he said as he snuggled up against my cheek in affection. It is funny how something so innocent can bring your entire world crashing down. I wanted to break down, to cry, and to scream at the gods for doing this to him to my friends. But I couldn't right now they needed me to hide my feelings away and be strong.

"I don't know honey there are still so many things about my demon side that we don't know yet Shippo. That's why I will cherish everyday with you…with everyone. Just because I am a Hanyou Shippo doesn't mean I will live forever it in fact does not change what that Kami have planned for us in this world." I brought him down to my chest to hug firmly even though I had no idea what was to come I knew myself and I knew I had to be the one to destroy the jewel and I would not put the people or demons I loved in harms way.

'Kagome…'

'It cannot be helped Mayumi it is in your nature as well to protect…I will not let him harm any of them no matter what.' I promised in my own mind and even though Mayumi whimpered my mind was made up about the decision.

"Its okay Momma I will protect you no matter what so we can be together always!" He squeaked as he hugged my chest tight and I couldn't help it I loved him so much wrapping my hands around him tighter I tilted my head down and hid my face but I knew they could smell it. I felt the drop roll down my cheek and off my chin. "Momma!?" Shippo whispered concern obviously in his little voice.

"I'm okay sweetheart I'm just happy that's all…" Shippo made and affirmative hmph before snuggling deeper into my chest and I could only smile and feel my heart rest at ease for just a minute again. I looked back up with a new freshness and the same calming feeling when I have pushed past a barrier in my way. I looked at everyone as I spoke and broke my barrier down just enough for them all to feel what I was feeling to let them know I was alright.

"So do you all understand now…I cherish what I have even if it brings pain because it lets me know that I am still part human and that I strong enough to move past it and still live a happy life with the ones I love." I could see their faces a demeanor relax and with a sigh of content Koga nodded his head smiling at me. Miroku and Sango still held each other close and Sesshomaru…well I knew what he was really thinking and he would smile me with deep respect had no one else been around. I gave him a big grin and sent some sisterly love his way before Miroku spoke up.

"I agree with Lady Kagome our lives are very short and causing so much stress over things we should just let come and go naturally is a waste of energy and emotion. I think it would be wise if we all took this time to cleanse our aching hearts and minds and enjoy the day. It is a beautiful day with the sun gently shining and the breeze running through the fields of flowers. Nature understands and offers her beauties when we need it most so shall we take heed to her offering and simply be friends and newly acquired acquaintances and let them become our ally and friend." I couldn't have said anything better. I smiled at Miroku and simply nodded before getting up and sitting Shippo on my shoulder

" I think that would be a wonderful idea Miroku …Shippo would you go and fetch Rin, Jaken, Ah and Un and take to the field just over the rise I will be there in a few short minutes."

"Okay Momma!" He hopped right off as happy as could be and slowly one by one they all head over to the rise leaving just me and Sesshomaru. I knew he could see through people in and instant but I knew I was a challenge for him. He cold eyes eased into the now molten expressive gold orbs I had been so lucky to know.

"Are you truly at ease Kagome?" he asked with deep concern and love. I could only smile as I looked back at Inuyasha who was still resting on the log just a few feet away and my soul smiled.

"Yes Sesshomaru I am…I have a feeling of what the future might bring…I want to enjoy that time that I have with all of you and the times we share together not just as friends, but as a family…" I could see it in his eyes. He was proud of me. I didn't need my powers or his words to confirm it his eyes alone told me that he was happy with my decision. He walked over to me and pulled me into a soft and soothing hug.

"It still baffles me that is three days I have seen you grow so much and have learned even more. I cannot wait to share these moments with you Kagome…to be apart of our family." He spoke softly and with definite love and secureness. Placing his clawed hand on the back of my head he gently pulled me in and kissed the top of my head before giving me such a humbled look. I could only smile and my happiness grew even more. Shortly after he pulled away a small smile still on his face before turning walking to head over the rise where I could already hear the children and Koga playing together. I smiled before turning back to Inuyasha. He was just as much a part of this family as any of us and deserved to be included. So I once again let my human part slip into the inside and replacing it with this wonderful gift he had given me. I wiggled my nose and my ears as I open my eyes to the world and took it all in.

'Beautiful…' I thought

I leaned down in front of Inuyasha and could tell he was still fast asleep. I smiled knowing it might take actually take a while for him to wake up but he needed a deserved this rest for now. I turned around taking his arms and putting them over my shoulder and taking one huge leap to reach the edge of the rise and then once more to land next to Sango. I had her help my position him so that he head could rest on my lap and she then returned to Miroku who was having a real conversation with Sesshomaru and it seemed that even Sesshomaru himself was enjoying the monk's company. The wind pushed through the taller grass blowing a few leaves and flowers here and there through the air. Sending my attention down to Shippo, Rin, and Koga. Rin was hard at working making flower crowns again and it seemed that she had already gotten one of Koga's head. But it seemed he didn't mind and enjoyed being in her company as Shippo and him played the game of tag that I had showed him. Jaken and the dragon Ah and Un were soundly resting in the warm rays of the gentle sunlight. I looked over everyone again and for the first time in forever I felt complete happiness and content I felt like I belonged here.

"Its beautiful Inuyasha … my family …our family is beautiful…I just hope one day you can see it." I ran my claws through his slightly knotted hair absently as I just listened the silent melody of our blended family and taking in the smells that accompanied it.

"Serenity…"

Asha: so there you have it folks I hope this wasn't to confusing as I just wanted to create some peace in this craziness that I have written…or maybe it is a reflection of how my past month has been with my family… either way I was glad I could make something eaiser for the group. I will say however if I find the time since this chapter was alittle shorter I will try to post an additional 2000 word chapter to make up for the difference! Well until next time I love you all!

Rin: Please read and review Asha would really like to receive at least one constructive review so that way she knows what to do for the next short chapter Thank you!