A/N: Please read my notes at the bottom. It's a lot, but it's important to me. If you take the time to read all my hard work, please take a few extra minutes to read my notes.

Disclaimer: I own nothing other than my ideas, and my own made up characters, Aiko and Ryuu.

Warnings: Sexual content. Language.

Dedication: All of my readers, and especially those of you whom I still talk to after so many years, you know who you are

A very special thanks: To the notorious Inugrrrl for proofreading this final chapter and helping me make it the best it could be for you guys. She was amazing and really pointed out all of my flaws. Mainly grammar…

Chapter Thirty-Six

New Beginnings

Last time:

Looking up from the small pond that was in the corner of the garden, Ryuu could see something on the horizon heading towards the castle. As the creature came closer, he saw that it was a neko-youkai.

Now:

Daybreak came with a slightly warm breeze and a sense of tranquility in the air. The birds began to sing their songs of joy and the animals around the castle began to come to life. Even the trees swayed ever so gently in the wind, whispering through the leaves, letting the forest know that everything was alright.

As the cat came closer, Ryuu took a deep relaxing breath, letting the wildlife around him send peaceful waves of energy through his body. It was almost as if the mornings' events of reviving Inuyasha had put nature itself at ease; like nature had accepted and welcomed home the fallen comrade and was showing it's appreciation. The dragon man smiled when he recognized the feline and gestured towards the flying twin-tail to land in the courtyard.

Kirara descended, and in a burst of flames, the cat transformed into a much smaller and much less threatening bundle of fur. Ryuu chuckled as the cat leapt up on his shoulder and licked his chin. Scratching the neko behind the ear Ryuu headed back towards the castle, hoping he wouldn't get lost in the complex corridors when trying to find Sesshomaru.

"Don't worry Kirara, everyone is fine," Ryuu mentioned with a sigh of relief and happiness. "Everyone is perfectly fine." The kitten let out a soft meow and rubbed her head against the man's face, displaying her understanding.

Luckily for Ryuu, Sesshomaru had been wandering the first floor when the dragon re-entered the castle. Walking up to the proud tai-youkai, Ryuu bowed slightly, now respecting him for what he had done. At first, the hanyou didn't like him, but after he'd saved Inuyasha, he discarded his initial judgment.

"Sesshomaru-sama," he greeted formally, "I'd like to thank-you for saving Inuyasha. I was also wondering how long you would allow us to stay here. Inuyasha and Kagome will probably need to take some time to recover, so I was hoping you wouldn't mind if we remained here until we could head back at nightfall."

Hardly glancing at the half-demon, the older youkai grunted in response, "I care not what you do, just as long as you stay out of this Sesshomaru's way." Walking away from the stunned dragon he added, "And while my servants will accommodate your needs, this Sesshomaru suggests that you do not overstay your welcome, seeing as you were never welcome to begin with."

Standing with his mouth slightly agape, Ryuu wondered what happened to bring about this attitude. Didn't he just save his brother and bring him back to life? In doing so, he assumed the demon would be a little friendlier toward them. Nevertheless, rather than be upset, he was simply grateful to have Inuyasha alive.

'Still, that was kind of cold.' Brushing his thoughts aside, he and Kirara ventured back to his room.

With Inuyasha and Kagome:

The hanyou rolled over onto his side as he woke from his slumber, the bones in his body cracking and popping as if he'd been in hibernation. He opened his eyes to see the most beautiful face looking right back at him. Long raven tresses flowed like a waterfall, cascading down her smooth porcelain-like skin. Her cheeks were flushed a little bit, accenting the contours of her face. Long eyelashes fluttered open to reveal the most gorgeous eyes he'd ever seen. Deep pools of brown clashed with amber, and the half-demon had to swallow the lump in his throat.

"Hey," he managed to croak out, suddenly at a loss for words.

"Hey yourself," Kagome responded with a radiant smile, that made her hanyou gulp again, not quite knowing how to respond.

"I… I was so scared that I'd lost you. That I'd never-"

Quickly overcoming his previous bout of shyness, Inuyasha brought his claw up and gently placed his finger over her lips, effectively cutting off anything his miko was about to say. He only removed his finger to replace it with his own lips, kissing her with all of the passion and emotion he could possibly muster.

Inuyasha wrapped his arms around the small of her back, drawing her near and Kagome's hands found themselves bundled in his red haori, bringing him as close to her body as she could. The miko didn't want so much as a puff of air between them as delicate fingers traveled to flowing white hair, entangling them. In response, the half-demon rolled over, pinning the object of his affections beneath him.

Needing to take a breath, yet not wanting the slightest hint of separation, the two reluctantly broke apart for much-needed oxygen only to have their lips reunite, succumbing to the feral desire to quench a thirst that had gone unsatisfied for far too long. The woman moaned as deadly fangs brushed against her lips, sending waves of electricity through her very core.

Panting heavily and propped up on his elbows, Inuyasha did the one thing that he thought was impossible and stopped his assault, managing to seize the small thread of self control that kept him from going over the edge. He stared down at the flustered beauty before him and saw true love in the depths of her cocoa eyes. He saw the love, the commitment, the faith, the trust, and the pure, unconditional acceptance.

'Acceptance… that was the one thing I thought I would never obtain. Mother accepted me, but was that out of love or obligation? How could she possibly accept what I was? My very existence was the cause of her death.'

Inuyasha continued to stare at the futuristic maiden, remembering how she'd changed his very world by practically flipping it upside down on him.

'I have a family now, a family all my own. A family that will always be here for me and she's the one who made it happen. Kagome… She judged me for who I was, not what I was… Maybe that's how mother felt as well.'

Kagome looked up at her hanyou with pleading eyes, silently telling him that this was what she wanted. This was what she needed. She wanted nothing more than to be the solace to his aching soul, to be the unmovable rock that he could cling to in times of uncertainty. She wanted to be his everything.

Realizing that she would have to be very forward when dealing with her tentative hanyou, Kagome sat up and pushed him off of herself slightly. Before Inuyasha could protest, his miko –in record time- shed all of her clothes, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. Her half-demon's mouth hit the floor at the sight and he seemed to be frozen in place. Kagome, surprising even herself with her confidence and boldness, took the opportunity to untie his haori as well and push it off his shoulders.

"Don't make me wait any longer Inuyasha. You can do more than look," the miko rather bashfully proclaimed.

Certainly not needing to be told twice, the now very naked hanyou pushed the women back onto the bed, straddling her waist. Realizing that his miko wanted everything that he wanted, Inuyasha descended onto her, his mouth and tongue running across every square inch of flesh it could find. His mouth sought hers and their tongues dueled for dominance as his hand found its way to her breasts, massaging and pinching her nipples.

The blanket was kicked to the end of the bed, the pillows lay forgotten scattered across the floor. Clothing had also been tossed aside, its owners not caring where it landed in the slightest. Inuyasha hovered above his miko, waiting for one final confirmation; he was aching with desire and ready to make her his mate. Trusting, confident eyes looked back at him, her answer clear.

With the others:

By the time the monk had awoken it was nearly mid-day. Miroku could feel a change in the atmosphere. Inuyasha's forest had been crying the previous night, restless and angry, mourning the loss of its protector. This afternoon, however, the tree's almost seemed…happy.

Walking to the edge of the forest, the monk stuck his shakujou into the ground and closed his eyes. The rings on his staff danced in the wind, a calmness and understanding settling over the monk. While Miroku couldn't decipher the significance, he hoped that it meant something good for all of them. Best case scenario, Inuyasha was now back in the land of the living. Worst case, this change in the wind could simply mean his soul was put to rest and he was at peace. Which wouldn't be bad news, but not the news the monk would want to bring back to the others. Dismissing the eerie sense of peace, Miroku yanked his staff from the ground and strolled back inside Kaede's home, pondering what had just occurred.

When the houshi entered the hut, he found the demon slayer rising from her cot in the corner of the small room. When she stretched, he couldn't help himself but admire her beauty. Approaching his target quietly and stealthily, his hand began to reach out…

"Monk, if that hand comes one inch closer, you're going to lose it."

"Now Sango, my dearest, I was simply coming inside to ask if you had a nice rest," the monk in question answered a little too quickly.

Turning around to glare at the hentai, the exterminator's glower turned into a frown of frustration and sadness. Sensing this wasn't the time for another wisecrack, Miroku motioned for the slayer to join him outside to avoid disturbing the children.

Walking with no true destination, the couple was silent for a good while, letting the calmness of the wind placate their tired and weary souls, they found themselves in an interesting location.

"The sacred tree," they acknowledged in unison.

Sitting down at the base of it, the monk pulled the youkai slayer onto his lap and leaned against the aging bark with a deep and heavy sigh, questioning how he'd live with himself if he'd ever lost her, but also wondering how Kagome would survive if she lost Inuyasha again.

Disturbing his thoughts, Sango spoke up. "Your thinking about Inuyasha and Kagome, aren't you?"

"I know you are too. I know that you are feeling the same as I."

Leaning her head back on the monk's shoulder and resting her head in the crook of his neck, she took a deep calming breath. "Yes, I am. I can't help but think about what's happening. I'm scared, and I don't know what to do. I'm so worried, and yet there's no way to fight my fears. Images of that battlefield haunt me and it seems hopeless, Miroku. I feel completely helpless because there's nothing I can do but wait."

Not wanting to make her feel worse, the houshi decided to take her thoughts in a different direction. Glancing up into the large branches, Miroku felt as though the Goshinboku was holding them in a protective embrace. Its leaves rustled lightly in the wind, trying to calm their fears and the branches creeked ever so quietly, telling them that it would be okay.

"This tree means so much. A lot more to Inuyasha and Kagome, but still, it holds meaning for us as well. While we may not have the same link to the tree of ages, we do have a strong connection to Inuyasha and Kagome. Our hanyou friend has been though so much since he was released from this tree, many good things, as well as many bad things. Do you recall, Sango, when Inuyasha prevented you from killing your brother?"[1]

Not exactly enjoying the thought at first, the slayer grimaced, "Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. He… saved Kohaku that day. He saved me from myself as well."

Sango realized that this wasn't a bad memory, but a good one. She remembered how determined Inuyasha had been to look out for her, to save her brother. His eye's said it all when he stared her down after he knocked her sword away. His intense gaze penetrated her barriers and spoke to her soul… The golden orbs promised her that he would always fight for her, help her, and protect her. While his outward demeanor was usually unruly and abrasive, the look in his eyes had always sworn her the thing she thought she'd lost forever… a family.

"Do you remember Miroku, when he stopped you from the very same thing?"

He remembered it for sure; it would be a memory never forgotten. When he thought he couldn't bare the burden of the wind tunnel any longer, he decided to take the easy way out, rather than risk the lives of his comrades. He wanted to give up. He wanted to throw in the towel. [2]

"Inuyasha is a man of few words my dear Sango. He saved me that day, not with a long speech, but by simply reminding me of what was important, by reminding me of what I hold dear and what I should fight for. He wasn't condemning, he didn't even act like he knew what I was planning… but he knew exactly what to say."

Sango smiled at Miroku's words. No, the half-demon was never one to talk much, nor give sound advice. The thing he never once failed to do, however, was be there for them when they needed him. Without faltering, he was always the one they could count on to never give up.

"To think, we had both given up hope, but we had Inuyasha there to guide us and help us understand what it means to fight for something. Yet, he… he never had anyone. How many times did he go through our very situations, Sango?

He had to deal with being alone nearly his entire life, but he never gave up. When I compare our situations, our reasons for wanting to give up seem stupid. It shows how strong he truly is."

The exterminator nodded her head in agreement. Yes, their half-demon comrade was more of an influence and idol than he would ever give himself credit for. His life was basically a model of what it would take to become someone amazing. Despite the trials, difficulties, persecution, and disappointments he had to endure, he always stayed strong.

"Do you feel that Sango? Do you feel the sacred tree speaking to us?"

Smiling and relaxing, Sango inhaled deeply, letting the aura of the tree surround her. She had a had a good feeling about toady, and she wasn't going to give up hope because she knew even in the darkest of times, that Inuyasha, her friend, her brother, her family… would never give up on her. She felt Miroku's arms tighten around her, and she knew with out words, that he was thinking the same thing.

With Inuyasha and Kagome:

Blue eyes lazily opened and stared at the white ceiling above her, her eyes following the embroidered pattern that stretched from one end of the room to the other. Leaning her head to the side, the young women noticed an open door, leading to a bathroom. Upon the sight of the 'Oval Office' the girl began to squirm with a need to… preform a certain bodily function. Not quite understanding why she was unable to reach her destination, she took an exasperated huff, and looked down at the arms that were locked around her waist. Trying with all of her might, the miko attempted to unlock the chains that bound her to the confines of the bed –to no avail. She would have to resort to drastic action: If he wouldn't let her go, she would just have… distract him by using any means necessary.

With a smirk as sly as a fox, Kagome relaxed until the arms around her loosened their grip. Hoping that her plan wouldn't backfire, she reached under the covers, searching for her leverage in this situation and smiled devilishly when her hand reached its destination. She grabbed the object firmly and began to massage it. The shaft quickly began to harden and the body it was connected to started to squirm and buck, wanting to heighten the sensations.

The arms around her loosened enough for an escape, and while she could have easily left it at that, she decided a little more torture was in order. Kagome positioned herself on her hands and knees at the foot of the bed, her hand still grasping the object of her torment. Fully erect and practically pulsing with need, the girl slipped her mouth over the member, sheathing it completely.

He was enjoying his mate's strokes, wanting nothing more than for her to continue. He released her and let her adjust herself on the bed and waited for her to continue, his golden eyes shooting wide open when he felt the heat of her mouth completely engulfing him in one motion. Propping himself up on his elbows, to make sure he wasn't dreaming, what he saw made him roll his head back in pure pleasure. His usually timid miko had the full length of him submersed in her mouth and began to roll her tongue across the top of him, making him squeeze his eyes shut. She sucked hard and brought her head back up, letting the crisp air hit him with force. She then grabbed his butt in both her hands, pushed him closer to her, and slammed her mouth over him again taking him all the way, letting him hit the back of her throat. The action made the hanyou grip the headboard of the bed so hard, that it split down the middle, breaking under the pressure.

Her torture now complete, while her half-demon was panting heavily, she gave him one last lick. Then, in an instant, she jumped off the bed and ran into the bathroom grinning so evilly it could have put Naraku's to shame. Bewildered, and now angry, Inuyasha lay back on the bed with a pulsing need below his waist that was not satisfied.

'She did NOT just do that. Who in the HELL does she think she is?!'

After Kagome gave in to her need to pee, she sat on the lid of the toilet wondering what was going on beyond the closed door. She was afraid that she may have gone a bit too far in her torture for it was quiet… too quiet.

Getting up, she inched closer and closer to the door like a mouse approaching a trap. Praying that the trap didn't spring on her when she emerged, Kagome shakily reached for the handle, griping it and taking a gulp before turning it ever so gently.

Peeking from a small crack, the girl couldn't see her hanyou anywhere, but knowing all too well that he could be hiding, she didn't come out right away. But a few cautious steps showed no sign of him anywhere. She checked under the bed, looked in every corner… How did he vanish?

'He didn't get so mad that he left, did he?'

Instantly feeling guilty of what she'd done, Kagome called out for him a few times, but received no reply. Preparing to put on her robe and go looking for him, she stopped when she heard running water.

'That's strange, how could he have gotten in there with out me noticing?'

Not really knowing if it was a good idea to follow the sounds back into the bathroom, Kagome threw caution to the wind and threw the door open… Standing there in all his glory was Inuyasha, with a smirk on his face. He was still fully aroused and the look of love and desire in his eyes clearly told her that he was far from finished with her. Her hanyou didn't like being tricked and she was going to pay for her actions.

She took a few involuntary steps backward, not out of fear, but because she realized she had inadvertently set herself up for this. The miko may have initiated the trap, but she was the one ensnared and there was no escape. Squeaking in surprise at the feel of his arms around her, she was shocked by the fact that she never even saw him move. Kagome was a goner.

"You know Kagome… it's not nice the entice your mate that way and then not finish the job. I think I'm going to have to teach you a lesson."

His voice dripped with passion and lust, his words rolling off his tongue slowly, traced with conviction. She was now at his mercy and there was nothing she could do to stop him. Drawing back the curtain to the large bathtub, Inuyasha stepped in with his miko still in his arms and closed it behind him. With a smirk that was just as evil as the one he had received, he pushed her back against the wall.

One thought went through her mind before he made his all out assault and she inwardly giggled, 'Yup… it backfired, but if this is what being mates is going to be like, I think it's something I can get used to.'

With the others:

Miroku and Sango returned to the hut a while later feeling much better and a bit more relaxed. They weren't sure what to tell the children yet, but they both knew that they had to keep an optimistic attitude, if not for themselves and their own worries, then for Shippo and Aiko.

Miroku was concerned that if they didn't keep their optimism at a maximum it would make it that much harder for the children to move past this. The monk thought back to last night, and felt bad for the children.

~x~x~x~Flashback to last night~x~x~x~

The demon slayer was already sound asleep, a slight frown marring her beautiful face. The houshi brushed a loose strand of hair from her face and smiled a weary and apathetic smile, not at all hiding the emotions that he wanted to keep inside. While he had been contemplating the course of action the group would take come morning, the girl that had been curled up next to Sango sat up with droopy eyes. She rubbed at them, trying to fight away the sleep. Glancing up, Aiko saw that the monk was still awake and was looking back at her.

"I have to pee. I can go by myself, but where should I go?"

Realizing that Kaede's home didn't have a proper facility for the girl, the monk stood.

"You'll have to use one of the bathrooms in the main huts closer to town. Come, I'll take you. There's no way I'm going to let you wander around alone at night." With a small smirk he added, "We both know Inuyasha will have my hide if I allowed that to happen."

With his mentioning of the hanyou, he had hoped to cheer the girl up, indicating that he would be fine and back to his old grumpy self. The smile on the girl's face proved him right, and together, they headed out of the hut.

While they were walking, Miroku noticed the girl walking extremely slow, not at all hurrying to relieve herself. Realizing that maybe the girl wanted to talk, the monk cleared his throat with a small cough.

"You may not know me very well yet, but if there is anything you want to talk about, I'm all ears."

Miroku knew from watching her, and from what Inuyasha had told him, that this girl's mind was way ahead of her age.

She peeked up at the monk, gazing into his soft, understanding eyes. She realized that if he was such a good friend of Inuyasha's, he could be easily trusted.

"My whole life I was an outcast. No one wanted to be around me other than my mother. My father died before I was born, so I never knew him. For six years… my mother and I were trapped in a world of nightmares."

Her voice was quiet, but slightly ragged, her emotions showing how much she'd been through at such a young age. Miroku guessed that with her difficulties, she was forced to grow up quickly, much like Inuyasha. He looked down again with sad eyes, waiting for the girl to continue.

"I don't like to think about where she might be now; the fire, the pain… Then papa- I mean, Inuyasha came along and he changed everything."

The girl felt nervous calling the hanyou her papa, but from the monk's warm smile, she guessed he didn't mind it. She cleared her throat and continued, "I'm just scared. If he doesn't come back then what's going to happen to me? I have no one else, I have no where to go!" Aiko sniffled a bit, trying not to cry and look weak.

"It's okay to shed tears for the ones you love Aiko. It's okay to be afraid, but don't let the fear make you lose hope. Don't let the panic control you. Inuyasha is going to make it. I know it because you and I both know how stubborn he is, right?"

The young girl smiled and nodded, realizing that she couldn't lose hope; she would stay strong for her new father.

~x~x~x~End flashback~x~x~x~

Miroku understood that if Inuyasha didn't make it, two more lives would be greatly affected. Shippo was no longer the only one who looked up to the gruff half-demon as a father, but Aiko was now added to the picture. The monk knew that he and Sango would gladly care for both of them, along with Kagome, if death had claimed the hanyou. He was just hoping the fates were on their side. As the monk and slayer went about their daily chores, time slowly began to eat away at their racing minds.

It was nearly mid-afternoon when everyone sat down for a late lunch and there was still no word from the west. Kaede had told them that she'd sent Kirara to the demon lord's castle to find out what was going on and everyone was a little apprehensive. The neko should have returned by now and no one understood why it was taking so long.

As everyone sat down in a circle around the giant pot of mushroom stew the elder priestess had prepared, she began scooping the hardy soup in to the bowls. When the last bowl was served, they slowly began to eat, occasionally blowing on the hot liquid to cool it down.

The group sat in silence, everyone thinking the same thing, but not knowing what exactly to say. However, silence wasn't the best way to pass the time, so Miroku decided to speak up first. But when he opened his mouth, a scream of agony flew out instead as a bowl of scalding stew landed on his lap.

The monk, now burning in pain, thrashed around rather violently, glaring at the kit that unexpectedly leapt onto his shoulder and then jumped over the pot, causing Miroku to spill his hot food on himself as he raced outside.

Desperately trying to help the houshi, Sango rushed to his aid while Aiko chased after Shippo.

"Shippo!" the you girl screamed, wondering why he'd taken off so suddenly. She ran as fast as she could to catch up with him, and luckily, he didn't get far before he stopped. The sun was just beginning to set and she didn't think either of them should be out alone.

"Shippo," she repeated between breaths, "what are you doing?! What's going on?" Doubling over, she sank to her knees, gasping for air. Man, that kit could run fast!

"I smelled Kirara, she should be here any second!" The young kit proclaimed with enthusiasm and eagerness.

Just then, a ball of flame could be seen on the horizon, steadily getting larger, and from what Shippo could tell, Kirara had a piece of parchment in her jaws.

After a few moments, the houshi settled down and the intense burning on his thighs subsided. Grabbing his staff, the monk voice hi concern for the children. "I don't know what had Shippo so worked up, but we need to find them. Neither of them should be outside alone right now. They couldn't have gotten too far. Come Sango, let's go look for-"

With an 'ooof', the wind was knocked out of him and Miroku staggered back. Three bodies had collided with his own just as he turned to leave.

"Kirara! You're back!" the exterminator exclaimed, instantly seeing the parchment in her mouth and taking it. Giving her feline a pat on the head and ignoring the grunts of pain from the monk who was sprawled out on the floor, Sango opened the scroll. As she began to read, the children, Kaede, and the doubled over monk listened intently to her every word.

By the time she finished the letter from Ryuu, the monk was now crushing her in a hug, which she happily returned and both the children were jumping up and down with tears of joy. Kaede left quietly with a smile on her face, deciding to make her evening rounds at the village.

The dragon had apologized for keeping them waiting, but Kirara had to take a rest before beginning the long journey back to the village. He gave them the good news that they're stubborn hanyou was alive and well, refusing to stay down with out a fight. Sesshomaru had revived him, through an unexpected occurrence, which Inuyasha would have to explain later. Their new companion to the group said he, Inuyasha, and Kagome would all be returning at nightfall, when he could transform and easily transport them all home.

Back at the castle:

Slim arms wrapped around a muscular chest as golden eyes scanned the courtyard from a third floor window in the castle. Inuyasha sighed happily as his mate tightened her hold around him, resting her head on his back. The half demon turned around and scooped her up, depositing her in his lap as he sat on the edge of the sill, watching the sun slowly set. He absentmindedly began to run his fingers through the woman's hair, removing the tangles and effectively making it silky smooth and shining in the bits of sunlight that danced along the horizon.

Everything was finally right in his life. Kikyo's soul had been set free, Aiko was released from her nightmare, his family was finally safe… and Kagome. Now his Kagome, loved him just as much as he loved her. They were mates and his life was looking up. He knew that from this point on, things could only get better. His trials and tribulations were over, and the only new challenges that lay ahead were one's that he welcomed. Thinking of the future made him think about a family of his own. He already had one, but his mind drifted to the thought of having his own pups. A notion that, before he met his miko, he never once considered could befall someone such as himself. He knew that Kagome accepted both Aiko and Shippo wholeheartedly, but he also knew that she, too, would want pups of her at some point. That challenge, he mused, would be one he looked forward to.

A light knock was heard at the door, and from the scent, Inuyasha could tell that is was Ryuu. Not exactly wanting to relinquish his hold on his mate, he begrudgingly let her out of his lap so she could answer it.

"Inuyasha, Kagome, I'm glad the two of you are rested well," Ryuu spoke as he entered the room. He continued after he closed the door behind him, "But as you can see my time is very limited before I begin to transform. I reasoned that you could both travel on my back as you did when we arived, so we can get back faster. I sent a note with Kirara to our friends letting them know when we will arrive and the good news regarding your… revival, Inuyasha."

The hanyou nodded with a small smile at his new friend, "Very well then, let's head back now. I'm sure that bastard of a brother of mine wants us out of his castle anyway."

Slapping his arm at his language, the miko shook her head. "You know, you could be a little more grateful. That 'Bastard' did safe your life after all!"

"Keh, He probably only did it so he could torture me more later." With a small smirk the hanyou watched his mate throw her hands in the air, swing the door open, and stomp off down the hall.

"While I am extremely grateful, I will agree with the fact that Sesshomaru might want us out of his home. He didn't seem too pleased when I talked with him earlier." Thinking back to his conversation with the tai-youkai, he added, "He's not very pleasant to talk to, is he?" It was more of a statement than a question.

With a sneer, the hanyou retorted, "Yeah we don't talk much, I normally just shove my Tetsiagua up his-"

"Inuyasha! Hurry up!" yelled an irate miko from down the hall.

Now situated aboard a rather large dragon, the couple glanced back at the castle as it began to disappear into the distance. Even though he didn't really like his brother too much, Inuyasha had to admit that things were changing between them. He never hated the demon, but what he did despise were Sesshomaru's actions and feelings toward him. His sibling never accepted him because of the human blood that ran through his veins. Inuyasha realized now, however, that perhaps time had changed his brother.

As Ryuu steadily increased speed, Inuyasha tightened his grip around Kagome and buried his face in her hair, taking in her scent. Kissing her neck softly, the hanyou smiled at the thought of them being reunited with their family. Kagome leaned in and kissed her mate on the lips, smiling a radiant, loving smile that was full of life and happiness.

With Sesshomaru:

White knuckles gripped the banister on the balcony, claws digging into the old wood, nearly splintering it under the force. For the life of him, Sesshomaru didn't understand why he'd gotten so angry when his fang refused to breathe life into his brother. He realized his animosity for his brother may have faded over the years, but he still didn't particularly like him. So why was he so upset if the sword wouldn't bring him back?

'Be honest with yourself. You knew it wasn't his time, and regardless of your feelings on the matter, you were upset because you should have been.'

That begged another question for the demon lord to contemplate. What exactly were his feelings on the matter? Taking in a deep calming breath, the older brother let the serenity of the wind and quiet, soothing aura from forest envelope and calm his racing mind. Looking out over the vast landscape and seeing how tranquil the view was beneath the moonlight made him release his death grip on the banister and smirk despite his prior thoughts. Nature was calling out to him, thanking him for returning the one that had been lost far too soon. The wind and the trees were telling Sesshomaru that he had done the right thing and it was time to let go of the past. Long ago he had already let go of his bottled up hatred, but could he completely change and actually accept Inuyasha?

'Yes, I believe it is a time for new beginnings for me as well as you, little brother. My past of hatred and disgust and your past of pain and suffering will both end now.' For the first time in the tai-youkai's life, a ghost of a smile graced his features.

At the village:

Sitting around a campfire, and enjoying the company of friends, everyone had a smile on their face. Ryuu, Inuyasha, and Kagome returned to a huge welcome, complete with tears, jumping for joy, and hugs from their cherished ones. The hanyou's usual gruffness was forgotten on this night, for he was overwhelmed by the love and acceptance from the people around him.

Ryuu took a bite from the roasted boar and stared at the katana at his hip, still completely bewildered. Kaede had taken it upon herself to procure a talisman that could keep his demon blood at bay as long as he was near it. She then infused its power with a spare katana that the slayer had. Much like Inuyasha's fang, this sword would keep his demon blood in check as long as he was near it, and during the night, it would allow him to keep his human form.

"I have to hand it to the old hag on this one," Kagome elbowed her hanyou, "she did a damn good job with that katana. Even though it's nothing compared to the Tetsiagua, it's a fairly nice blade."

Ryuu smiled and flipped the blade over in his hands, "I am still surprised something like this was even possible, but I guess after hearing about your fang, Inuyasha, I knew there had to be some way to do it. I am so grateful to all of you, but are you positive it's okay for me to stay with you all?"

"You already know too much. If you leave now, I'll just have to kill you anyway." Even though everyone knew his words meant that Ryuu was already part of their family, his remark earned him another elbow from his mate. As a result, the food in his mouth flew out, unfortunately hitting the monk in the face. Laughing at the houshi's usual misfortune, the gang began to tell stories of their journeys to the young dragon.

Aiko was snuggled up against her father's side, his left arm protectively wrapped around her, and his right arm, around his mate in much the same manner while Shippo was on her lap curled into a ball. Kirara snoozed by her mistress' feet as the slayer and the monk sat beside each other, their hands clasped together. Ryuu was off to the side, speaking with Kaede and Inuyasha smiled with pride. His family was with him and he finally felt complete.

This was a time for a new life and new beginnings.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The End

[1]&[2]- Referring to two episodes from the anime (if my memory serves me correctly), where Sango and Miroku had times of indecision and weakness. Both instances they were going to kill themselves, but Inuyasha prevented both of them from doing so. I don't remember the episodes, and after nearly an hour of searching, I still had no luck…sorry

A/N- After two years on hiatus I can't say this is perfect but it's the best I could do. I apologize if this chapter seems out of place, but due to being away from this story for so long I just didn't have the same connection with it as I once did. After I sent it away to be scrutinized and corrected by the 'Notorious One', I think it came out nicely, though she is probably the only reason it is acceptable. My first draft was full of grammar mistakes and with her help, it became presentable for you guys

For my readers: I would like to express my gratitude to anyone and everyone who read and enjoyed this story. Even more so to the people who started this story with me and saw it through to the end, supporting me the whole way. I want to thank every person for reviewing this story and always giving me those words of encouragement when I really needed it. You guys are what made me get back into gear and find the determination to finish this story.

I love all of you so much, and thank-you!

Sincerely yours, theruthlesscow