Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

Chapter Thirty Five:

The Western Palace was quiet, and to Inu no Taisho that could be both good and bad. Good because it meant his lands where at peace, and no great threat loomed on the horizon. Bad due in fact that the silence indicated trouble among his family, normally there was never a time when at least one of his children were not having some form of tantrum, or his siblings quarreling over some petty argument. No silence was not a welcome occurrence to the great daiyokai, for it signaled that deep set dread that someone was not well.

Now for a yokai that always meant a mental issue such as depression, which if left untreated was worse for others, and not the one afflicted. Yokai were immune to most normal diseases, and even hanyo could only catch very few human or yokai illnesses. A depressed yokai on the other hand was a serious matter. His younger brother could attest to that fact.

So knowing his scarred brother was the logical source of the issue he searched him out. The scarred one was in his quarters, which was not uncommon. What was uncommon was he wasn't alone. As Inu no Taisho approached he could make out his brother's voice along with that of Airi…it was well known that Airi usually took most her problems to her uncle before going to her father, unless it was a matter that was better handled by her stepmother or one of her aunts.

Inu no Taisho knew his brother would have sensed his presence, but he had not come close enough for Airi to get a clear enough sense to her father's exact location. The yokai lord listened as his youngest spoke.

Airi's voice was tired as though from lack of sleep, "…was she like uncle?"

His brother's voice was its normal serious tone, "She was a great woman, and she loved both of her children greatly. Airi, I find it strange that you bring these questions to me. She was your father's mate, and I had very limited contact with her. In those days I was still dealing with renegades and quelling disputes."

Inu no Taisho heard his daughter shift in her seat, "I know I should ask father, but…I know he misses her. I don't want to cause him any more pain."

The yokai lord bowed his head, but was eagerly listing for his brother's response, "Airi…to lose someone you care about…that you truly love…that is a pain that never goes away. These scars on my face are a testament to that fact. It is true that your father misses his mate, just as your brother misses his mother, and I do not doubt that you too miss her even though you barely knew her. My brother's pain is well hidden, for unlike me he has no visible scars to show. Yet, it is more painful to try and hide or forget your pain than to actually face it…to pull yourself from the darkness is something that you cannot do on your own. My advice to you is to seek out your father, speak to him of these things, because you both share the same pain."

Inu no Taisho stepped toward the door and slid it open. His brother stood next to the window, with his back to the room in general. Airi sat on the stool of her uncle's writing desk fidgeting with her wrist guard. She turned a surprised expression on her father, "Father?"

Inu no Taisho nodded to her then turned to his brother, "Well spoke brother…" He turned back to Airi, "…come Airi, let us not intrude on my brother's personal space any longer."

Airi stood and walked to the door then turned back to her uncle and bowed, "Thank you for speaking with me uncle."

The scarred one merely nodded then watched as they left.

Airi followed her father through the halls until they made their way back to her room. He slid open the door and entered, as she followed him in she noted how he was scrutinizing the room. She huffed at his action, "I'm not stupid father…Koga has never been in here. The only males that have been besides you and the servants are my brothers…oh, and that one idiot of a suitor, but you dealt with him."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "As long as your wolf knows his place…" He sat on the corner of her bed and motioned her to come closer. She walked and sat on his lap, "…You've grown up too fast, feels like only yesterday that you came running into my study crying because Kenshirou chewed the heads off all your dolls."

Airi scoffed, "I wasn't crying…maybe whining a little."

Inu no Taisho smirked, "Of course you paid your big brother back for that little indiscretion quite readily…he still does not sit down without checking for arrow tips hidden in cushions." The yokai lord frowned, "I do have to wonder who gave you such an insidious idea as that."

Airi grinned, "I'll never tell."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "I'm fine with that…as long as you remember that revenge does not solve all problems. More often than not it may cause more."

Airi frowned, "Is that why you imprisoned Takemaru in my spear?"

Inu no Taisho growled, "Has he been speaking to you?"

She nodded, "Not often…he says he only helps me because I remind him of mother."

Inu no Taisho sneered, "Takemaru does not have a choice in aiding you…he is not the true spirit of your spear, otherwise its name would be Takemaru. His presence was used to make it so a full yokai could never wield that weapon…Totosai was quite clever in how to use that retch's tainted soul."

Airi bowed her head, "What was mother like…Inuyasha always gets all quiet when I ask him, and everyone else says that I should ask you. It's like they didn't even know her."

Inu no Taisho smiled grimly, "It is not their place to tell you about your mother…they all knew her well. It is the fact that around the time of your birth anti-hanyo sentiment was at an all time high, we spent so much time protecting her and your brother…we lost focus on what was really important."

Airi frowned, "I've never known anyone to hate hanyo…"

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "Then I've been doing my job." He became serious, "The reason we've been so harsh on those who've come to court you is truly do to their reasons. Most only view you as a way to gain prestige…having my only daughter as their bride would be a great boon for their tribe. While some would just ignore you after mating ritual…others would do things that I don't even wish to think of."

Airi looked at the floor, "What about Koga?"

Inu no Taisho sneered, "While personally I'd like you to find a nice Inuyokai to settle down with…there aren't very many males that are of an appropriate age. Trust me, your uncles would slaughter any choice that was more than fifteen years your senior…I know because it has happened to a couple suitors that have come with proposals…unfortunately they encountered your uncles before I got to them."

Airi grinned mischievously, "So they didn't suffer as much then."

Inu no Taisho shrugged, "It's hard to say. My youngest brother has ways of killing that even I don't fully understand…and other ways that are just better off not thought of."

Airi got up and went to her night stand and picked up a portrait of her mother, and returned to her father, "Was this very accurate?"

Inu no Taisho examined the painting closely, "Very…from her appearance I believe this was done just prior to her becoming pregnant with you. Obviously one of my youngest sister's works…her ultimate status is tactician…she took that position after my brother's exile…in a way she was destined to replace him in that regard. Outside of battle her ultimate tactician skills also make her a master of most art forms…something uncommon among our tribe, as we're warriors the creative arts don't come high on our priority lists."

Airi spoke with her father for most the day about her mother…at least until Kenshirou barged in asking if they were planning to come down for evening meal sometime before end of the week. He summarily got wacked atop the head by Airi's spear.

Far from the Western Palace Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo are continuing their search for the jewel shards. Shippo rides around on Kagome's shoulder, he'd originally tried Inuyasha's head, but the hanyo wasn't inclined to be the kits personal transportation.

As they approached another village Kagome tensed, "You don't think these people will start chasing us like the villagers in the last one?"

Inuyasha snorted, "Probably…Shippo, better have some fox fire ready if we need to run."

Shippo's stomach started to growl, "I'm so hungry…I'm not even sure if I can transform let alone make fox fire."

Kagome nodded, "I know, we haven't been able to get fresh supplies since we left Kaede's village the last time. I can't believe these people can be so ignorant."

Inuyasha led them past the first few huts, "I don't smell any yokai around here, and if you don't sense any jewel shards we should just try to get through this village quickly and scavenge some crops from the farms on the other side…then we can get away quickly if we're caught."

The trio started walking through the village proper when they noticed a group of young women clustered around someone. From appearances it was a young traveling monk. Inuyasha immediately went on guard and began snarling. Kagome frowned at him, "What's wrong Inuyasha, it's just a monk?"

Inuyasha growled, "Self righteous holy men…think they know everything. Bet this one's just like all the others…he'll attack first without cause."

Kagome huffed, "Come on Inuyasha, let's just keep moving. He's got a lot of people over there, so we should be able to get past without him even seeing us."

The trio was passing buy the group when the monk looked up to see the dog eared boy and a beautiful yet strangely dressed girl with a Kitsune kit on her shoulder. The monk bowed to his flock, "Excuse me ladies, but there seems to be a situation that needs my attention."

The monk stepped out in front of the trio, "Halt you troublesome yokai…release the girl you've enslaved, and prepare to be sent back to where you've come."

Shippo glared at the monk, "Yep, Inuyasha was right…and who's he calling troublesome."

Kagome noticed a pinkish glow coming from the monk's robes, "Inuyasha he has jewel fragments!"

The monk frowned at the girl, "You must have strong spiritual powers to see those shards…how did these yokai ensnare you?"

Kagome frowned, "Ensnare? What are you talking about?"

The monk gave a cocky grin, "No need to fear my dear, for Miroku will protect you."

Shippo frowned, "Is this guy for real?"

Inuyasha snarled, "You better get out of our way you pathetic little monk…I've seen better men than you get chewed up and spit out."

Miroku held up his right hand, "Surrender now or face oblivion in the endless void of my wind tunnel!" Miroku was about to unleash the wind tunnel when a large weapon came spinning out of nowhere and knocked him down. Miroku rubbed his head as he sat up, "What was that?"

A girl wearing the uniform and mask of a yokai exterminator jumped from the back of a cat yokai. Landing between Miroku and Inuyasha, "Lord Inuyasha…your uncle sends his regards." She raised her hand and the weapon returned to her, "Sorry about the dramatic entrance, but you guys are a hard lot to track. Kirara and I have been searching for you for the last two weeks."

Inuyasha frowned, "Do I know you?"

She removed her mask, "We've never met, my name is Sango, I'm the daughter of the headman of the exterminators' village, and the latest student of our village's First Teacher."

Inuyasha frowned, "You do know he hates that name?"

Sango smirked, "Trust me; I can get away with it."

Suddenly Miroku appeared in front of Sango, "Sango…what a beautiful name. I must ask you a very important question."

Sango glared at the monk, "What?"

Miroku dropped to a knee and grabbed her hand, "Will you bare my child?"

Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo all had blank looks on their faces, while Sango's expression was some sort of mix between anger, annoyance, and shock. There was a sudden slapping sound Miroku was now sporting a Sango sized handprint on his face.

Miroku rubbed the spot as he watched Sango turn back to Inuyasha, "My Lord…I apologize for my outburst, but the monk was being quite…" Sango seemed to be searching for a word.

Kagome supplied, "Perverted?"

Sango looked at her and nodded, "Yes, that is a good way to describe it." Kirara transformed into her smaller form and landed on Sango's shoulder. Sango turned to Inuyasha, "I received orders from your uncle that I'm to accompany you on your quest."

Inuyasha huffed, "Eh, doesn't he think I can handle things myself?"

Sango bowed her head, "Actually…it's the other way around. I've fully trained and have as much experience as any other exterminator, but your uncle feels I'm lacking something…even he doesn't know what it is, but he also doesn't have time to continue my training."

Inuyasha crossed his arms, "So he's offloading you on me?"

Sango grinned, "I think he figures it will be easier to watch over us both if we're in the same place, plus I know a few things you don't. Like that this monk isn't as much of a joke as he's made himself look."

Miroku looked wounded, "My dearest Sango…I'm nothing less than sincere."

Sango glared at the monk, "Can it lecherous monk…your old man visited my village many years ago. He told us about Naraku."

Inuyasha frowned, "Naraku, who's that?"

Miroku held up his right hand again, "He's a hanyo…or more precisely an abomination…"

Inuyasha snarled, "Careful monk."

Miroku held up his hand placating, "…let me rephrase that…He's an abomination. A human that joined in a pact with yokai, he willingly allowed evil yokai to consume his body, and in return they gave him a new stronger body. I know little else about him save he first appeared fifty years ago when he supposedly tricked a miko and a hanyo into killing each other. The miko was guarding an ancient artifact called the Shikon no Tama."

Inuyasha growled, "What?'

Miroku looked at the others, "Was it something I said?"

Kagome bowed her head sadly, "The hanyo you spoke of is Inuyasha, and he was sealed to a tree for fifty years before I freed him."

Miroku nodded, "I see…Naraku is a dangerous foe. I've been searching for him for most of my life. Many years ago he cursed my grandfather with the wind tunnel. It has passed down the generations to me, and eventually will consume my body."

Inuyasha snarled as he turned toward the road leaving the village, "Come on Kagome, we have to find the jewel shards…and if we encounter Naraku along the way…I'll kill him for what he's done."

Sango and Kagome shared a look while the yokai on their shoulders shook their heads at the hanyo who was storming off. Miroku stepped up between the two girls, "Well ladies, I do believe we should follow our hotheaded friend…least he gets himself into some form of trouble."

Sango and Kagome share a curious look at the monk as they all head after Inuyasha.

Sesshomaru watched as his brother and his motley crew of traveling companions walked across a clearing in the forest. Sesshomaru had the wind is his favor; there was no way his little brother would smell him coming. Jaken had tried to convince the daiyokai that his plan was ill conceived, but Sesshomaru was convinced this was the only way to claim Tessaiga. Sesshomaru bowed his head and closed his eyes, "I'm sorry little brother, but I have no choice."

Inuyasha stopped suddenly as he felt something was wrong. Something was following them, and he wasn't sure what it was, the hunter was using the wind to their advantage. He turned to his companions, "Do any of you got the feeling we're being watched?"

Sango nodded, "Something is out there…Kirara is tense."

Shippo nodded, "I feel it to."

Miroku brought his staff up in a defensive stance, "There is defiantly an ominous aura in the air."

As if on cue Sesshomaru dashed across the field too fast for human eyes to see. Appearing directly in front of his brother Sesshomaru drove his poison coated claws through his brother's gut. Sesshomaru snarled as his brother's expression showed shock and pain.

Immediately two Inuyokai appeared. The male, wearing black ninja gear, appeared directly behind Sesshomaru and tackled him into a pinning position. The female, appeared next to Inuyasha and gently lowered him to the ground. She then turned to her brother, "Why'd he do that?"

The black clad one snarled as he applied pressure to the back of Sesshomaru's neck, "Not sure, but…"

Kagome interrupted him, "There's something in his left sleeve!"

The black clad one frowned then pulled up the sleeve, and growled at what he saw, "A parasite!"

The female looked confused, "Our mokomoko's prevent us from being susceptible to lesser yokai parasites."

Kagome shook her head, "It has a jewel shard."

The black clad one tore the parasite from the stump that remained of Sesshomaru's arm, and then ripped it in half to get at the shard. He tossed the shard to the miko then examined his nephew who'd apparently passed out as soon as the parasite was removed.

The female then stabbed her own poison coated claws into Inuyasha's wound. The acidic smell of Sesshomaru's poison quickly evaporated. She then turned to the miko, "Do you have any bandages?"

Kagome dropped her backpack and dug through it for her first aid kits, luckily she thought to bring several. She and Sango aided the female Inuyokai in tending to Inuyasha while Miroku placed a restraint seal on Sesshomaru under the watchful eyes of the male Inuyokai.

After several minutes the female Inuyokai nodded her head, "My poison has worked its way out of his system."

Kagome had Inuyasha's head in her lap and was absentmindedly stroking his hair, "Why did you use your poison on him?"

The black clad one snickered, "Because calling what my sister has poison is the biggest joke in the entire world…her 'poison' actually works as an antidote to most common poisons, and can sterilize any severe wounds. She may be the ultimate tactician, but that's because the ultimate medic was already taken."

A half hour after the attack Miroku, who had been guarding Sesshomaru, turned to the Inuyokai, "This Sesshomaru guy is waking up…why'd he go after Inuyasha."

The stealth master knelt next to his nephew, "Let's find out…" He slapped Sesshomaru across the face, "Wake up! You have some serious explaining to do…why did you try killing your brother?"

Sesshomaru's eyes shot open at that, "What?"

The stealth master nodded, "That's what I thought…how long has that parasite been on you? It was above where your arm was severed."

Sesshomaru looked confused, "When was this one's arm severed?"

The stealth master frowned, "Sesshomaru…what is the last thing you clearly remember?"

Sesshomaru frowned, "The staff of two heads notified me that Inuyasha was free, seeing as I knew he held the secret to finding the Tessaiga. When I went to investigate there was a disturbance…I joined a battle with father and uncle…I was disposing of the lesser yokai, then I felt something sting me…that's when things get foggy."

The stealth master nodded, "My elder brothers both retrieved jewel shards, there were three gained from that battle correct?"

Kagome's eyes widened, "I never noticed! There were four shards, but before he left Inuyasha's father only gave me three. I didn't even notice…"

The female Inuyokai smiled sadly, "It is not your fault…you were overwhelmed with everything that happened following the battle. I doubt you would have thought to look for more shards after the battle had ended."

The stealth master nodded, "I need to take Sesshomaru back to the palace so Coyote can examine him and make sure there is no lasting damage from the parasite. Sister, help them get Inuyasha back to the old miko's village…I'll send eldest sister to examine him fully."

Miroku released the seal on Sesshomaru's movements and the daiyokai stood. He walked over to his brother and knelt down, "This one should not have been so easily manipulated…this one is very sorry little brother…"

The stealth master placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder, "Come Sesshomaru…we'll walk back to the palace. It will allow you to clear your head, plus we need to find that servant of yours, and make sure he's not being manipulated as well."

The female smiled sadly to Sesshomaru, "Don't worry pup, I'll make sure he's alright."

Several miles away Koga was not happy...well, okay he was not as happy as he should have been because Airi arrived at his packs den that morning. What angered him was one of the smaller packs of the southern tribe had gone rogue and was attacking villages. So of course instead of spending time with Airi doing something entertaining like hunting, running through the trees, or just relaxing by the water fall. He was stuck with Ginta and Hakkaku as the three wolf yokai along with about a dozen wolves chased down the rogues.

They were just about to catch up with the rogues, and were certain they could prevent anymore loss of innocent life and the eventual backlash from Inu no Taisho. The was a slight hiccup, Ginta had informed Koga the enemies had just divided their forces, half the forces were now heading toward a human village and would be there in two days. The other half appeared to be turning to face the pursuit force. Koga cursed as he knew they'd be delayed in saving the innocents in that village.

The next day…

Sesshomaru, his stealth master uncle, and Jaken had stopped in a small clearing as Sesshomaru needed to rest. Between the parasite, which his uncle had begun to believe to have injected some sort of paralytic toxin before being removed, and the restraint seal that had been temporarily placed on him, had weakened the young Inuyokai.

The stealth master glared at their surroundings, "I don't like leaving you in this condition Sesshomaru, but I think it best I go on ahead. Your brother needs healing, but I was afraid to try and move him all the way back to the palace in his current state. I'll send my eldest sister to look after your brother, and bring Coyote here. I should not be more than a day at most; I'll also need to explain what's happened to your father."

Sesshomaru nodded, "Do as you see fit uncle…Inuyasha's wounds were grievous. I will survive; no doubt I'll be recovered by morning. I just need to rest."

The stealth master nodded, "Very well…" He turned to Jaken, "…Watch over your master Jaken…anything happens to him, I'll hold you personally responsible."

Jaken bowed and watched the black clad Inuyokai transform into a sphere of light and vanish through the trees. Jaken then turned to his master, "My Lord…is there anything you need?"

Sesshomaru growled low, "No Jaken…this one is fine. Please check the perimeter and gather some firewood."

Jaken bowed and soon vanished into the forest. Sesshomaru was not alone long before he heard a rustling sound in a nearby bush and a little girl crawled out. She looked curiously at the daiyokai then smiled. Sesshomaru merely watched the girl as she watched him for a minute. Then as quickly as she appeared she vanished back into the bushes.

Jaken returned sometime later and began setting up as small fire. He'd been having trouble with getting the fire to start, and was surprised when the small girl appeared next to him with some flint and struck them to start the fire. Jaken, after regaining his composure noticed that the girl had also brought a basket of some sorts, and the smells coming from the basket were definitely edibles.

The girl pulled out some of the food and offered it to Sesshomaru. The daiyokai frowned slightly, "This one does not need sustenance."

The girl looked at him curiously then offered the food again.

Sesshomaru remained stoically silent as the girl continued to offer him the food.

Jaken huffed from next to the fire, "Cease you fool girl, Lord Sesshomaru does not require your common peasant food, or your charity."

The girl returned the food to the basket then pulled out a rice ball and offered it to the daiyokai. Sesshomaru allowed a momentary expression of amusement before accepting the offered food item. He ate it slowly, and watched as the girl observed his every bite. After finishing the rice ball Sesshomaru spoke, "What is your name child, do you live near here?" If this child did live nearby Sesshomaru would need to keep his guard up, for where there was a child, there was most likely adults…or even holy people that could actually harm him in his current state.

The girl bowed her head, and seemed to be unable to speak. Jaken not realizing this stood and marched over to the girl, "Well, speak up you stupid girl, Lord Sesshomaru has deemed you worth enough to grace you with his words. You should not ignore him."

Sesshomaru glared at his servant, "Jaken! Be silent. It is obvious this child cannot speak." Gently reaching forward the daiyokai probed her throat with his figures keeping his claws away from her skin, "There is no physical damage, nor abnormality. So the cause must be mental trauma."

Jaken scoffed, "Why should we care My Lord? It is but one worthless human."

Sesshomaru remained silent. The girl eventually left, most likely to return to her home.

The next morning…

Sesshomaru awoke feeling much better, but he knew it would be unwise to depart before his uncle returned. Coyote may be a lesser yokai than the Inuyokai, but he was well respected by most the daiyokai…not to mention he'd delivered all of Inu no Taisho's children except Inuyasha. He thought of the young girl that had brought him food the previous evening, and wondered if Coyote could be of some help to the poor child.

Thinking about the child Sesshomaru was surprised to see she'd once more returned. This time with some more food, but Sesshomaru didn't really notice the food. The girl's peasant clothes were dirtier than they'd been the day before, and she now had several cuts and bruises. He knew it was futile to ask how she got the injuries, seeing as she could not speak.

Once more the girl left after seeing that Sesshomaru had eaten some of the food she'd brought him. It was only a short while after she'd left that Sesshomaru began hearing screams, and the sounds of wolves. Getting up he went in the direction of the sound. He found five wolves looming over the body of the little girl. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the wolves; their scents revealed that they betrayed their pack. Sesshomaru used his energy whip to slay the rogue wolves in a single blow.

With the wolves dead Sesshomaru looked down at the girl. She'd been mauled by the wolves as she'd attempted to return to him for safety. The screaming from where he assumed a village to be had long since ended. He felt Tenseiga pulse and drew the sword. The underworld imps appeared and Sesshomaru slew them in as single swing of his blade. As the girl revived Sesshomaru noticed all her wounds heal. Curious he spoke, "How do you feel?"

The girl looked at him curiously for a minute before she spoke, "I'm fine Lord Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru nodded, and was about to walk toward the village when Tenseiga pulsed again. Sesshomaru frowned, "Tenseiga…you do not wish to aid the villager?" Sesshomaru then turned to the girl, "Girl, those wounds you received had when you first came to my camp this morning…how did you get them?"

The girl bowed her head, "I was caught stealing food this morning…the villagers only ever gave me scraps to eat, but I knew a great lord like yourself would find those scraps offensive."

Sesshomaru turned back toward his camp, "Come child…my uncle and a healer should be arriving soon. Then we'll be leaving."

The girl smiled then jumped up to follow the daiyokai.

Sesshomaru stopped suddenly, "Child? Since you now have the power of speech, will you answer this Sesshomaru's question from last evening?"

The girl smiled up to the daiyokai, "I'm Rin…this village wasn't my home my lord. My home was destroyed by bandits last winter, and I had no family to take me in. I eventually made my way here, and the villagers let me sleep under their steps, and gave me scraps."

Sesshomaru nodded, "Then come Rin, my uncle is near."

The stealth master wiped the blood of another rogue wolf off his claws then turned to Koga, "That is the last of them is it not?"

Koga nodded, "Yes my lord…thank you for the assistance. If you don't mind me asking, what were you doing in this area?"

The stealth master shook his head, "Don't tell Airi any of this when you get back to your den. Sesshomaru's not to far from here recovering from having a parasite attached to him. It's been the cause of some of his unusual behavior as of late, including challenging his father…and attacking Inuyasha two days ago."

Koga snarled, "What?"

The stealth master shook his head, "Inuyasha will be fine. His humans will no doubt take good care of him, plus two of my sisters are looking after him as we speak. Just keep that all from Airi, that's a direct order from her father…so unless you want to literally lose your tail I'd listen got it. We're already having a hard enough time restraining Kenshirou from charging out to check on his brother. The less hot headed pups we have charging around recklessly the better."

Koga nodded, "Then I better get going…I'll check on Inuyasha after Airi returns to the palace."

With that the wolves departed as the stealth master turned to Coyote. The old yokai shook his head as he stood up from another dead villager, "There's nothing to be done…they're all dead. Those wolves were very efficient killers."

The stealth master nodded, "Just not as efficient as myself…we should continue on. A monk will no doubt be along soon and handle this mess."

The stealth master was quite surprised when he came to the clearing to find Sesshomaru watching a little human girl doing cartwheels and summersaults. He sent a curious look at his nephew, "I see we've made a new friend pup…and where might I ask did you acquire this child?"

Sesshomaru related how the girl had appeared and kept offering food. He also told of her treatment at the hands of the villagers, and without saying as much that he intended to let the girl journey with him and Jaken.

The stealth master shrugged, "Who am I to argue with the heir to the Western Lands? Just remember being a guardian is a very big responsibility."

Once the old Coyote had examined both Sesshomaru, and his new charge he gave them both clean bills of health and went on his way back to the palace.

The stealth master took on a serious expression once the healer was gone, "Sesshomaru…your father understands that you were not in control of yourself when you attacked your brother. For that you won't be punished…yet your father has also placed a restriction on you. You will not go looking for your brother, if your paths cross by chance that is fine. For the time being you are released of your orders to aid your brother's quest. Your father wished you to spend time sorting out your thoughts, because that parasite could not have forced you to do something that you weren't thinking of doing already…it merely suppressed any inhibitions."

Sesshomaru nodded, "I will do as father asks."

The stealth master nodded, "Be safe nephew…I will not be shadowing you any longer…I've been reassigned to your brother. I think you should seek out Totosai…that old blacksmith is much wiser than he lets on."

Sesshomaru watched as his uncle took his true form and took off into the sky.

End Chapter Thirty Five

A/N: Well, just about everyone is accounted for. Okay, next chapter we check back in with Inuyasha's gang. Yes, and before anyone says anything I know Kikyo was revived before Miroku and Sango joined the group, but it's just another twist. Cause in cannon Sango didn't go seeking Inuyasha to join up with him; she went to kill him at first. Well, that's it…guess you all will be waiting for chapter thirty six…wow that's a lot of chapters. Goodnight and Good luck…