A/N: The section in italics is the last section of the last chapter, in case anyone needs a reminder, lol. I know I did.

Thank you all for everything - for your ongoing support and encouragement. You all have NO IDEA what it means to me as I continue to deal with RL and health. You've brought me smiles and happiness when they were sorely needed, and for that I can't thank you enough.


"Lose something, puppy?" Ryutakami's voice drifted through the air above him, and Inuyasha growled.

His gaze darted skyward, eyes narrowed angrily on the dragon youkai floating lazily above him. He would've preferred to kill the water creature, filet the scaly beast from chin to tail for all his earlier threats and clan law bullshit. But there just wasn't enough time to indulge himself.

Not now.

Not tonight.

He had to find Kagome.


The Color of Hope: Chapter 52: Unlikely Cooperation


The dragon watched as Inuyasha searched for Kagome's scent, but the familiar feel of something in the distance pulled at his attention.

Disregarding the puppy's silent treatment, Ryutakami focused instead on the unmistakeable draw he felt in the darkness.

He and Ryutakashi had been close during their youth, and he knew his brother's youki as well as he knew his own. Though slightly changed now, merged as it was within the priestess, he still recognized it's familiar pull.

Kagome wasn't far from here, flying distance anyway.

Kibou was with her; Ryutakami could feel the boy's contentment and trust flooding the bond they shared. The strength of their telepathic link would take some getting used to, but Ryutakami could feel that his nephew felt safe and unmistakably happy.

With Kibou's safety secure for the time being, Ryutakami redirected his attention, eying the restless half demon instead. He could ease Inuyasha's worry; it wouldn't be difficult to guide the hanyou to his female and the children if the dog demon would just listen.

The hanyou's ongoing silence was proof that working together tonight was highly unlikely. But not knowing where Lord Sesshomaru stood in his fight with Naraku's puppet made it imperative that the group be reunited sooner rather than later.


A/N: These chapters aren't the versions I intended to post, but I felt the original pieces were too long and drawn out and I feel like the story needs to move forward. I opted to do it this way as I hate that I've kept you all waiting so long already and I want to get this story moving again.

HUGS to you all for your ongoing kindness and your sweet reviews. It's been that kindness and your sweet comments that have kept me going.

I plan to post again in a few days. I have a few more chapters ready, but I don't want to flood your inboxes. But, if I am mistaken, lol, please do let me know.

I owe you all so much for sticking with me all this time, and if you all want something faster and without the delay, I WILL make it happen.

Please, don't hesitate to let me know- either way, however, I really can't wait to hear from you all again.

HUUUUUGGGGSSSSS

I have missed you all more than I can say!

Neisha