Howdy!

In honor of Valentine's Day I have done two things. One gotten this chapter done. Two released the first chapter of my next fanfic. Don't worry, this is still my main priority, but feel free to check out my other one. Unless that one gets like a thousand reviews, it will be on the back burner until I finish this one. :D

Get ready because after this chapter this story is going to pick up and action is going to be all over the place. As we enter the final stretch, it's going to be a wild ride. So I suggest you buckle up, if you don't have a buckle go buy one. :)

I think that's it for now, so I bring you the next chapter of 'Where I Belong'.

Enjoy! ^^

~Year Ten~
~Time to go Home~

~Sesshomaru~

This ten year prison is finally over.

Izu has gone through the ritual needed to release my inner demon. I was, and will never admit, momentarily stunned at how strong a rush of power washed over me as I returned to full strength. Even Izu voiced his surprise. He claims that the spell should have released my inner demon slowly and over a period of half a moon. Yet the moment Izu finished the spell my inner demon awoke completely and in one giant rush.

The rage at being locked away and the longing for Kazuko provided a powerful rebellion of my control over the beast within, but I have managed to quell it for now. As soon as my beast was released it reached out to Kazuko, through our mating markings, and quickly found her somewhere in the eastern lands. In a passing thought I realized I could probably locate the Shogakko training place with our mating marks, but that was quickly pushed away. Initially there was a pause and then a feeling that she was heading towards us at a speed that I didn't know she was capable of. My inner demon was put at bay with the knowledge that she was approaching fast.

Even I wonder if my control can last long enough for her arrival.

~Shippo~

It feels more like centuries than just ten years since I came to the northern castle.

The other foxes have done pretty well in accepting me as one of their own; something I hadn't thought would happen when I first arrived. When I first arrived they hadn't understood or accepted my connection to Ryo and the others, but now that have at least accepted it, though I doubt they fully understand it. But I don't fault them for it. If I hadn't been living this, I wouldn't be able to understand it either.

Even though it has been thoroughly advised against, once I return to the west I plan to sneak a visit to Miroku and Sango's slayer's village where I last heard Rin was. I can't help but want to see her. Maybe if I can explain why Sesshomaru sent her away, for her own safety, it will change how she feels about demons. No matter how hard I tried to ignore or cast aside my feelings for Rin, I just can't.

It's a small chance but I just have to try.

~Ryo~

I can't believe we spent ten years with the Ryu-Okami.

Just a few months before this all started, Katina and I had been nothing more than mere human slaves of the eastern castle. During our time there I had always thought if we somehow managed to escape, I would never willingly spend another second near a demon. But then the kamis sent Kazuko to rescue us and show us what who and what we truly were.

Now we've returned to the village that we are from, the Ryu-Inu village. I don't remember much from before the massacre, I had been so young, but the village is starting to look and feel more like how I remembered it for those brief years. I had missed the other guardians and now having the former orphans here has made a huge difference. I would still like to see Kazuko to ensure with my own eyes that she is alright, but judging by a very large aura pulse that came from the western castle, I can guess the village will not be her first stop.

Oh well, I've waited ten years, what's a few more days going to hurt.

~Claw~

After ten years the others are back, or at least most of them.

Having Katina, Ryo, Dagger, Hawk, Leaf and Oak back was a cause of celebration in the village. The newest members of our village, former orphans and castaways, who were forced into hiding after the massacre because of their Ryu-Inu parentage, were thrilled to meet two of the last three pure-blooded Ryu-Inus.

Ryo and Katina welcomed the newest members with equal excitement and acceptance. Ryo seems satisfied with his father's swords. It would appear he's gotten a good grasp over how to use them and even showed off a bit for us. Masaru is now asking that Ryo help train the new warriors and Katina is helping Sage train the other new mages. Our village is almost like it used to be.

Now all that's left is to wait for Kazuko.

~Naraku~

I've waited ten years for this.

Soon the council meeting will be held. Toro and I shall present ourselves in a non-threatening way to ensure that no one thinks we have any ulterior motives. We shall present a lie to the other demon lords and leaders. Part of the lie is to say Toro is considering mates and will be taking request from demon leaders for their daughters as potential mates. I will present myself as the new advisor of the east. Most of the idiots in the council will not even know who I am since I have kept my activities mostly to the west, and Sesshomaru is too proud to admit that I am a foe he has been unable to take care of. Instead the dog will say nothing and no one else will be any wise of my plans.

Once the council meeting is over, I will contact Zao and tell him to begin bringing in his full army. Thankfully the west is between the east and the continent. Once the war starts Zao will land on the west's shores and there will be no way for the west to fight off two large armies that are coming from two different sides. It will be simple to divide and conquer them.

I've waited ten years for this, and the time draws near.

~Inuyasha~

I can't believe it's been ten year since we've seen Kazuko.

Her training should be over or coming to an end by now. Kagome says she wants to travel to the western lands to see Kazuko and the others. There is no way I'm letting her leave the village to travel that far so soon after giving birth to our pup.

At the end of spring she gave birth to our son, Takeshi. Knowing the life that awaits a half-demon's son it only made sense to give him a name that means warrior. He inherited my demon side, making him a half-demon like myself, though his appearance could easily pass him as a full demon. He has the golden eyes that mark my bloodline, but his hair is black like Kagome's, and instead of dog ear like me he has pointed ears like Shippo and Kazuko do. I can only hope that maybe his life will be easier since his appearance does not automatically give him away as a half-demon.

I've told Kagome we've waited ten years and we can wait a little longer. I know when the time is right, Kazuko will come to us. She knows we want to take down Naraku as much as, if not more than, anyone else.

So until then we will wait.

~Kazuko~

Wow it's been almost ten years.

"That's all I have for you Kazuko. You have my blessing and it is time you fully joined our ranks." Jiro said as we came to a stop, the forest around us swaying gently as if applauding.

"Do you really think I'm ready?" I asked, placing my hand on one of the trees and sighing slightly. "I don't feel at all ready. Don't get me wrong I've learned so much here, but it seems so miniscule compared to what I'm about to go up against." Jiro and I had spent who knows how long in this forest. It was peaceful and Jiro had told me stories of our clan and important figures. He also explained secrets of the clan as well as informed me of our allies that I hadn't know we had.

"You have learned what you came here to learn. We've given you what we could in the time we have had. Once you have dealt with the east you can return and resume your training. While you have learned a lot of what normally takes centuries to learn, you haven't fully learned what we have to teach you, nor have you mastered everything that you have learned."

"I know that somewhere in there you were trying to make me feel better, but all I heard was 'I still have a lot to learn and even more to master'." I responded running a hand through my hair and watching the violet strands slip through my fingers.

"Essentially." Jiro said with a chuckle at some inside joke I wasn't aware of. "But take solace in the fact that all you have yet to learn is purely mental. Physically you're more than ready to take on the east, shall I refer you to your little disagreement with Eri."

"That was as much of a disagreement as there is only a pond between here and the continent." I said with a shake of my head.

"Regardless, you have the ability to take on the foes you will face and we have given you the wisdom to come out victorious." Jiro said with a knowledgeable smile.

"So you think we will win." I stated though my tone suggested it was a question.

"I believe you will have everything you need to win." Jiro said his answer both reassuring and annoying me at the same time. His answers were always cryptic and led me to find my own answers. Just as I was about to confront him on it, he turned his attention past me, as if something were coming. I turned but could not see anything. "Someone draws near; I believe it is time we went back. Plus your time draws near."

"Don't tell me, we've been at this for a year?" I asked looking around at the unchanging forest. It was still lush and green, and if we really had been in here for a year the leaves should have fallen off by now, if not at least have changed colors.

"Not quite, but close enough." Jiro said as he placed his hand on the tree. "Call your element to return you to your body, as I showed you before. I will see you back in the real realm." The vines and branches of the tree morphed into a long bodied dragon that wrapped itself around Jiro. There was a strong breeze and then the tree reverted to normal with no trace of the oldest Ryu-Inu Shogakko.

I looked up to the hidden sky that was blocked out by the leaves. I did as Jiro had instructed me to do to get into this elemental realm. Closing my eyes, I focused on the energy of my surroundings and drew it to the yellow dragon around my waist. I fought through the familiar feeling of nausea as I felt the energy storing up. Once I felt I had gathered up enough I brought my hands together and a bright flash of lighting in the form of a roaring dragon shot down from above the trees and engulfed me.

The feeling of willing myself between the real realm and the elemental one, was something I had yet to get used to and doubted I would anytime soon. It felt as if my body were being torn apart bit but bit then being thrust back together.

When the lighting has faded away I looked around to see Jiro, Eri and Noro looking at me as well as Koru.

"As I was saying she was on her way from the elemental realm." Jiro said to Koru who nodded in response. "Allow us a few minutes and then she will be all yours." Koru gave another short nod, transformed and left the training area.

"What was he doing here?" I asked as I waited for the feeling of vertigo to leave and had to sturdy myself by using my staff as a walking stick.

"He wanted you to know you have a month until the council meeting and it was time you headed back to the west." Noro said with his familiar smirk.

"Before you go, we must give you our blessing." Jiro said. "Turn and kneel Kazuko and accept our blessings so that you may become a true Shogakko of the Ryu-Inu clan."

Slowly I turned so my back was to them and kneeled a feeling of excitement and unease playing tug-of-war in my stomach. Out of the corner of my eyes I could have sworn I saw others standing in the clearing.

"I have seen your ability and welcome you as Shogakko of the Ryu-Inu clan. My blessing is one of strength so that you may defend those who cannot defend themselves." Noro said and I felt his heavy palm land on my back. Before I could wonder what he was doing I felt a sharp pain as if I had a mountain dropped on the spot where Noro's hand was, all at once I was stormed with every memory of battle Noro had, including his final battle. As quickly as the pain started it was over, Noro's palm left and I could sense he was stepping back.

"I have seen your ability and welcome you as Shogakko of the Ryu-Inu clan. My blessing is one of strategy so that you can prevent the unnecessary loss of those who you fight beside in battle." Eri's voice still had a bit of an edge as her palm came down on my back. I expected hers to be more painful due to her clear dislike of me, but I was surprised to feel a spreading cool wash through my body as if rinsing my insides, her memories were equally as intense as Noro's but held an underlying sense of control as she lead each battle party and came up with plans for attack. I could feel myself relaxing and gaining a clearer perspective. Again the feeling left as soon as it started and Eri stepped back.

"I have seen your ability and welcome you as Shogakko of the Ryu-Inu clan. My blessing is one of wisdom so that you may lead those who look to you for guidance." Jiro said as he placed his palm on my back and I felt the same sense of calm and understanding I had when we entered the forest of the elemental realm. Jiro's memories were numerous and seemed overwhelming as he was not only the first Shogakko, but also the first leader of the Ryu-Inu clan and had to bring order to a clan with new found abilities. The pain at the end caught me by surprise and I had to hold back a snarl as Jiro stood back.

"Rise and face us as a full Shogakko." Jiro commanded.

As I stood I felt a bit out of it as the three blessings settled within me, but I turned with my head held as high as I could to show I was ready. When I turned I realized I had been right earlier when I had thought there were others around. Standing around Jiro, Eri, and Noro were several others who looked on in quiet acceptance.

"These are the former Shogakkos of all four clans." Noro whispered quietly as if he could ready my confusion. "They are here to welcome you."

"Fellow Shogakkos I present to you Kazuko of the Ryu-Inu clan. She has proven herself ready to take on the responsibilities and duties of a Shogakko. Do any of you find reason that she may not deserve this title?" Jiro questioned the group. He continued when he was met with silence. "Then I, Jiro, first Shogakko of the Ryu-Inu clan, bestow the title of Shogakko upon Kazuko of the Ryu-Inu clan."

"Welcome Shogakko Kazuko." A chorus echoed after Jiro spoke and I felt a small smile spread on my face.

"Thank you; I will do what I can to honor you who have put your trust in me." I responded and received several nods.

"Good luck kiddo." Noro said as he came over and gave be a quick bear hug, and the rest began to fade.

After a few moments the only one who was left was Jiro.

"There is one last thing I will give you. Hold out your hand." Jiro said and I did as instructed. He turned my hand so that my palm was up and he placed his palm on mine.

As soon as his hand touched mine a powerful wave ran through my body and right to the core of my inner beast. The wave was an aura so strong that for a brief moment I thought the sheer power of it would rip me apart. Instinctually I tried to pull my hand away, but Jiro's grip was firm as he refused to let go. The power flowed through me for what seemed like forever, but was most likely only a few seconds. Once the power subsided Jiro pulled his hand away from mine.

"What was that?" I asked, my breath coming out in ragged pants. As I looked down at my right palm I saw a multi-colored dragon, similar to the one on my staff, wrapped around a white dog. The marking faded until it was completely gone.

"That is your last resort." Jiro said his tone grave and his expression serious. "Focus all five elements into the mark and release your inner beast completely to unleash a power stronger than anything you will ever experience. But you can only use it once; you must only use it when the time is right and when you have no other options. Avenge our clan Shogakko Kazuko." Jiro said as he too faded away leaving me alone in the clearing.

"Hey Koru you can come back now." I called out into the sky in the direction I remember Koru going.

A few minutes passed before I saw a growing dot descending on the clearing. Koru landed and transformed back into his humanoid form.

"Welcome Shogakko Kazuko." He said with a smile and gave a small bow. "I'm glad you were welcomed as a full Shogakko."

"Thanks, so you said there was one last thing you wanted to teach me before I could leave." I said raising an eyebrow in question.

"Yes I did." Koru said reaching into his shirt and pulling out something. He grabbed my right hand and placed something inside of it. "This will help you." He said pulling his hand back and I inspected what he had put in it. It was a small paper that almost looked like one of Miroku's sutras. "Toss it in the air and call the names of your former Shogakkos. It is a pathway from the spirit world here and the real world. Your former Shogakkos will come to your aid, but the portal only lasts for an hour, use it wisely."

"I'll keep that in mind." I said wrapping the paper around the hilt of my sword. "Now what?"

"Now you go home." Koru said walking over to the side of the clearing where the mountain wall enclosed the area. He placed his hand on the stone wall and the earth shifted revealing four tunnels. "This tunnel," he said standing next to the second one to the right, "will lead you into the western lands and dumps out a few miles north of the Ryu-Inu village. I assume you can get back to the western castle from there." Koru said as I came over to stand next to him.

"What about the others?" I questioned as I looked into the dark tunnel. "And why can't I just fly back."

"Don't worry about them. Katina, Ryo, Dagger, Hawk, Leaf and Oak have already headed back to the village. Shippo is going to stay in the northern castle until after the council meeting then he will come back with you then. We can't risk anyone knowing you're here without Sesshomaru they might think we are forming some kind of secret alliance. Nor can we risk someone following your scent trail to this place." Koru said with a smile. "I'd go on if I were you and I'd run fast." He gave a quick glance at the rising sun. "If you go full speed and don't stop you can make it to the western castle by sun down tomorrow." As he was speaking I noticed he was closing in so close that I had to take a few steps back to avoid being knocked over by him.

"Why are you rushing me?" I questioned as I realized that he had cornered me into the tunnel and was blocking the opening with his body.

"See you in a month." Koru said as be held his hand up and the rocks slid back in place blocking off the tunnels and trapping me in the one that led to the west.

"What the hell was his problem?" I grumbled to myself as I turned and waited for my eyes to adjust to the tunnel's darkness. When that didn't happen I huffed and began to walk hesitantly down the tunnel with my hand brushing the side. "How am I supposed to go full speed when I can't even see what's in front of me." I shouted back towards the entrance as I bumped into the wall when the tunnel curved.

A few minutes later, as I bumped into another curve of the tunnel, I was about to let out a string of curses when I felt two distinct feelings wash over me.

The first hit like someone had put a blow torch inside of me and was letting it incinerate me from the outside in. So that's why Koru was in such a hurry, he had sensed my heat coming. Ten years of pent up sexual frustration descended on me until I couldn't keep myself up on my shaking legs.

The second feeling sprouted from my mating mark and spread through my body causing an even stronger desire to arise, one that got my inner beast going crazy. I don't know how I was so sure, but I knew Sesshomaru's inner demon had been unleashed and it was calling to me.

My breathing became ragged and my vision bled purple as I felt myself transforming into my smaller form. Thankfully the cave was large enough for me to move. The moment I had fully transformed I took off through the tunnel. It was as if I had locked onto Sesshomaru's aura like a beacon and was charging towards it. No longer did the dark tunnel bother me as I sped through it with a sureness I didn't know I possessed.

My inner demon was out and ready to mate the demon I had fallen for and hadn't seen in almost ten years. For once I gave myself freely to my inner beast and let it take over my consciousness completely.