Welcome back friends! Ah...great to be back and running again. The tribute picture is now being displayed on my site. Go to my biography and find the link. It's not too extravagant but, its for all of you who love Kenshin and Inuyasha as much as I do. I have heard some things about the last episode of the Inu series in Japan and I will have to say....nice. But remember, in my own opinion, I think the series will continue after a short pause so that the mangas will finish.

I can only honor everyone by placing your names in my author notes. Nothing fancy, but whoever reviews will see their name here. But if there is a important question then it will be answered. If you scroll down the list, you might figure out why I won't respond to everyone, but you guys will see your names here no matter what! But please! Don't stop reviewing, without you guys this story would have never unfolded like it did!

Kiyana Va Sala.....Wolf of Fire.....Penny W.....FoxylilRaven.....Inugurl229.....Spike of Doom(Yeah just like the series with the filler episodes...don't you hate that?).....Putz-6.....Dragon Man 180(Bug spray! Muh HA HA!).....Hatira.....Owlman114 (Giggle! Silly you!) FacePlant02.....My Way (Poor baby!).....Zir (SPRINKLES!).....xAkix(Kuso! Not Stairway to Heaven!).....NordicaVB.....Kirby16.....Demonchik39 (A little bit longer).....Bloomz-Baby.....Anime-Moon-girl16(I have the 2nd one too).....Muse of the Stars (Great word, ne?) Secret-punk-rocker16(I have plans to lower the sexual content).....Seabreeze-Yami/Anzu-fan.....Crying Crystal Teardrops(I'm glad you feel better!).....The Female-Inuyasha(Thanks my friend!).....Inuyasha's girl(He sends his regards).....American Goddess.....Hanyou-Lover-Always(I want CHOC COVERED PEANUTS! Please).....Sintar (Thanks Bunches!) Spumante.....KonekoMiyabi(Check it out now, arigato!).....Inuangel82.....SSP51201.....Fiery Demon Fox(Thanks!).....Inutaku13.....Jaden Blythe(Rock on!).....Umi Breeze(Around $20.00).....Chibi Senshi of Saturn.....Darkness-Kitsune.....Sesshomarufan17(Yeah! Come on over!).....Chibikins.....Inuchick06(Thanks my friend!)....TheFanaticInTraining.....RainVixen(He's here...).....Yoyo person .....loverofangels73069(okay!) InuDemon711..... WhiteFang25.....Kila.- ShaineRaizel.....Kikaru1617.....Kiki 2020. animegirl75....Flip555(Arigato!).....Valese.....Chichiri-sama .....Inuyashaismylove.....Jimsessouni-Kudokenshin(I will try my friend)..... .xXMistressNarakuXx(My biggest Fan? Sweet!) .....Lavadude Sunshine07 .....MC..... Muki Hyperchild01(Hey, thanks for the tips!).....MelMuff ( sounds Intersting).....Tory.....Inu-Taiyoukai6501.
Inuyasha is not mine and belongs to Takahashi-sama. But I do use him for my own personal reasons....

Chapter 45: The Secret Spot

A warm breeze filled the air as our group strolled toward the Bone Eater's Well. The smell of flowers filled the surrounding area with an aroma to appease every living creatures senses.

A taijiya walked close to a houshi while a hanyou held onto a miko's hand. The nekotama sat on her master's shoulder and a kitsune sat comfortably snug inside his adopted mother's backpack.. Kagome filled the pack half-way to give Shippo room to sit. Since Inuyasha packed an extra bag with who knows what, there was no reason to fill her school bag. The hanyou insisted that Kagome would not change her attire until they reach the desired spot he talked about. What was inside the pack to keep even more secrets from Kagome?

The houshi dragged a cooler full of food and sodas. Sango had a net sack containing extra clothes and blankets. A lot of things ran through Kagome's mind, wondering what was going on. She couldn't wait to find out.

Miroku's mind kept him busy as well. Ever since Mrs. Higurashi and Miroku conversed about Inuyasha's secret plans, but what was this about wanting to talk to Kagome's mother in private. Not having Inuyasha tell him started to drive him insane. The only thing he could do was wait until they crossed over.

The group reached the shrine as the houshi walked up to the stairs and slid the door open. He bowed to the girls and replied "Ladies first..."

"Arigato Houshi-sama..." Sango giggled, climbing the stairs.

"Thanks Miroku..." Kagome smiled, accepting Miroku's hospitality.

Inuyasha helped Kagome up the stairs, gently lifting her with his hand. As the hanyou attempted to walk inside the shrine Miroku replied sarcastically "Age before wisdom..."

(There has been a lot of talk on how old Inuyasha really is, but from what I understand is around 150 -170 years old, including the years he was pinned to the Goshinboku...another topic to consider)

"Uh, huh...well at any rate, I still look prettier than you..." Inuyasha answered back smugly.

Miroku twitched an eyebrow "You wish...." entering the shrine following Inuyasha, closing the door behind him.

Sango looked over to Kagome and asked "Kagome-chan...how are we going to do this?" standing next to the well.

Miroku nodded "Hai...I would like to know my self."

Kagome looked over to the two and answered "You guys will have to go first."

"But why is that?" Miroku asked confused.

"Because...." Inuyasha interrupted "There is no way that we can all fit down that well together. Just go ahead and jump in first."

"But I thought we couldn't be transported unless you were with us?" Sango asked.

"You'll be fine...." Kagome answered "I will have to use my powers from here to send you."

"I don't know...." Miroku looked unsure of the situation.

Inuyasha walked up behind Miroku and pushed him down the well. The houshi fell in as Kirara jumped in after, she transformed before catching him and caught Miroku so he didn't hit the bottom "We can't wait for your happy ass all day, monk!"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome scolded the hanyou "Come on! Be a little more courteous. They are not used to being transported back and forth."

"Keh...." The hanyou snorted "If we waited for Miroku then we will never get there."

The miko sighed, trying to keep her blood pressure in check "Okay Sango...you are next."

Sango nodded and climbed over the lip of the well. Throwing the net sack into the well first, she looked down to Miroku who was holding his arms out "Come down my sweet...I will catch you."

She blushed while she slipped down to the monk. Instead of getting caught, Sango fell on top of Miroku's back "Miroku? Are you okay?"

Poor Miroku was laying face first on the ground. He replied "Now I know how Inuyasha feels when Kagome-sama subdues him."

Kagome overheard the houshi's comment and giggled. Looking into the well she suggested "Okay everyone, please hold onto each other. This will be a lot easier if you stick together."

"And one more thing...." Inuyasha lowered his head inside the well "The fog is disappearing but there are still traces of it lingering around. Have Kirara fly you guys up when you arrive."

"Alright..." they answered back. Not before long, Kagome's barrier was placed around her friends. It felt strange with the barrier, but like what Inuyasha felt, it was a warm sensation. Kagome closed her eyes and chanted the spell so her friends could begin their journey, concentrating with the bottle of shards inside her hands.

A few minutes passed by before Kagome halted the spiritual chants. She could feel that her friends made it back to their own time. She had no clue if they were safe or not as she opened her blue-grey eyes. Wanting to go and see if her friends were out of danger, her mind began to tell her to hurry up and get back. But, there was one problem. She began to feel weak and almost passed out. It was apparent that the spell took its toll on the miko, even with the bottle of shards at her disposal.

The hanyou noticed Kagome's face was pale from her recent transition. He walked up to her and placed an arm around her back, holding her up so she wouldn't fall. "Are you okay?" a concerned hanyou asked. "Do you need anything...."

"I'm okay..." Kagome weakly smiled "We need to go check on the others."

He softly smiled back "You always worry about everyone else....never yourself."

"Gomen..." she apologized. Her body became limp and her head fell back. Inuyasha palmed the back of her head as she fell into her slumber. It was to be expected, he knew she would tire from the usage of her spiritual power.

"Is Kagome okay Inuyasha?" the kitsune asked, worried about his mother.

"She'll be fine..." he muttered loud enough so Shippo could hear. "She just needs some rest."

"But, if she's not awake...then how am I going to able to go back?" Shippo asked., leaning against the side of Kagome's backpack.

"Eh...you'll be able to go just as long as I'm here...don't worry...." Inuyasha assured the kitsune "I have the ability to go back so there should be no problems."

"If you say so..." Shippo shrugged his shoulders in doubt.

"Hey..." Inuyasha leered at Shippo as he kept his grip on Kagome "Don't forget, Kagome is asleep so....." he squinted his eyes and a smirk overcame his face structure "There will be no one to protect you if you smart mouth me."

"Um...." sweat poured down Shippo's face. He knew he was in a tight spot. "O...okay..Inuyasha...I believe you."

"Good..." Inuyasha nodded smugly. "I knew you would see it my way." the hanyou unlatched the backpack from Kagome's shoulders and wrapped it around his. He placed her limp body gently on the side of the well. The Tetsusaiga was in one hand as the unknown stuffed pack was in the other. Shippo did notice Inuyasha was carrying a heavy load...so what about Kagome?

"Inuyasha?" Shippo asked "Are you leaving Kagome behind?"

"Just for a moment..." answered the hanyou. He lifted a foot to get inside the well "I have a heavy load plus I'm carrying you too."

"Will she fine by herself?" Shippo looked down to the mikos body.

"She'll be fine. I will be back for her as soon as I drop you off." Inuyasha was now sitting on top of the well, looking down to his destination. His feet hung inside as he told the kitsune "Hold on!"

Inuyasha jumped inside the Bone Eaters Well while the dark engulfed the two youkai...one being a hanyou. Shippo remembered this from last time. He didn't like it back then. And he doesn't like it now. The kitsune covered his eyes from the darkness, trying to escape reality. He nudged his face inside Inuyasha's hair for added protection.

The two arrived back to the other side. Inuyasha pounced as fast as he could to the lip of the well and looked around, trying to find any site of his friends. "Over here Inuyasha!" Miroku called out. Kirara was already transformed carrying the taijiya and houshi on her back way above the hanyou's head. Inuyasha placed both feet to the well and prepared for his leap. He pounced high as he could to the nearest tree, close to the group. He landed to the top of the highest tree overlooking the scenery.

Inuyasha coughed slightly. The mist surrounding the area still had the lingering smell of the miasma. He cleared his throat a bit and asked "Is everyone alright?"

"We are okay." Sango answered "Where's Kagome-chan?"

"I'm going after her next. I had to bring our supplies first and the runt with me." Inuyasha answered with another cough.

"Hey!" Shippo whined. He halted his complaint and turned his worries over to Inuyasha, who seemed to have a hard time with his breathing. The kitsune patted him on the back and asked "Inuyasha? Are you going to be fine?"

"I'm fine..." the hanyou handed the extra bag he was carrying to Miroku and began to unwrap the book bag from his back "I have to go get Kagome....I'll be right back."

Miroku suggested as he grabbed the hanyou's cargo "Here give me the Tetsusaiga, too. You will need the extra hand to carry Kagome-sama."

"Fine." Inuyasha nodded with another cough "I'll be right back." Leaping to the forest floor as quick as possible, in the process the group began to converse about Inuyasha's condition. "Did you see him coughing Houshi-sama?"

The monk nodded "Hai. I can imagine why."

Shippo asked "Is it because Kagome is not here with him?"

"Mostly..." Miroku answered. Placing the back pack on top of his own lap "Without her barrier protecting the stench, he has no other way but to breath in the vapor. His canine alter ego is too sensitive."

"Poor guy..." Sango sadly said "He would do anything for Kagome-chan....even give his own life."

Miroku smiled "He would. Kagome-sama has helped Inuyasha so many times as well as us. I think in a way he is trying to make it up to her."

Shippo replied "He better."

It didn't take very long for Inuyasha to arrive back to the Sengoku Jidai with his precious treasure. Fast asleep in his arms. But unlike the last time, she had no fever or chills. Just a peaceful slumber overtook Kagome. Maybe when she wakes up, she will find herself in that spot Inuyasha was talking about.

The hanyou leaped once more to the spot he once was perched on as he coughed heavily. The group looked worried about their friend "Inuyasha? Do you want us to take Kagome-chan?" the taijiya asked holding out her arms.

Inuyasha cleared his throat shaking his head "No...." he stopped coughing long enough to ask "Did anyone show up yet?"

"Show up?" Miroku asked blinking his eyes "Who are you talking about?"

"Hey guys, long time no see!" a gust of wind overcame the friends, floating high above the forest ground. They were almost blown away by the sudden gust of wind. He stood atop of another tree close to the group "Yo!"

"Nani?" Miroku asked "Koga? Are you suppose to meet us here?"

"Yep, Dog-turd asked me to the last time we spoke." the wolf youkai smugly said.

Inuyasha growled under his breath, pinning his ears back "Nice to see you too, Koga."

Koga's smug smile was replaced with a troublesome expression. He growled back "Hey! What happened to Kagome? Did you do something to her Mutt-face?"

"She's fine!..." Inuyasha yelled back in his defense, not before another cough overtook him "She used her powers to send everyone back here, like it's any of your business wolf!"

Koga did notice Inuyasha having a hard time with his breathing as well. "Hey, what's the matter with you?" tilting his head.

"I'm fine. Come on we have to hurry up. I want to get there before night fall." Inuyasha cleared his throat one more time, pretending to be alright.

"Al right..." the wolf youkai nodded "This way guys..." Koga turned in the other direction so the others could follow. Kirara carried Miroku, Sango and Shippo on her back while Inuyasha carried Kagome in his arms tightly.

As they floated above the forest Miroku noticed the fog about on the ground. There was indeed traces of the miasma lingering still, but not as fearsome as he thought. He noticed the trees. The leaves had fallen off. The branches as well as the bark of the trees were an awful shade of black as if the forest was ablaze from the miasma. The smell was very overpowering. No wonder Inuyasha had troubles breathing without Kagome's help. The odor was similar to charred youkai and animals. But for all he knew it was. Miroku remembered when Kagome would tell the stories of the perished animals and various youkai who left their bones behind. It made the houshi queasy.

'How is this special place going to be any better than where we are going?' Miroku questioned himself inside his head. 'It's hard for me to concentrate just so that I can keep a level head. The smell is unbearable, if it's hard for me then I know it has to be tremendously awful for Inuyasha.' he glanced over to his hanyou friend. He was alright for now. Maybe having Kagome with him made it better for the half youkai to concentrate on her and not his inability to breath.

Inuyasha followed behind Koga. The wolf youkai kept an easy pace so that the group can keep up. It would seem a little strange to have the half Inu youkai follow after Koga. Why of all people, would Inuyasha ask the leader of the wolf youkai tribe to lead him and the rest of the group to this unknown destination. They never got along. They would always argue whenever the subject of Kagome came around, even the mere presence of Koga was suffocating to Inuyasha's constitution. Koga did have Ayame as his mate but he still is very protective of the miko. So, why all of a sudden for Koga to help him?

It took quite awhile until something in the distance appeared. A barrier seemed to be covering this sort of area to which Koga was leading. It went on for miles as far as anyone could see. If you looked close enough you were able to see a flourished forest, untouched by any traces of miasma. Is it possible the barrier protected the healthy growth?

"This way guys..." Koga waved his arm to show everyone the way. He led them to an undergrowth close to the barrier. The fog was very thin around this area so the half Inu youkai would not have another coughing fit like last time. Kirara followed the wolf youkai thru the thick brush of trees. Branches fell off the dead foliage while the group descended. Inuyasha covered Kagome's body while he jumped tree to tree so she would not receive any scratches. Miroku did the same with Shippo and Sango, he held Sango's head down while Shippo was securely locked into Kagome's backpack.

The group landed safely as Inuyasha looked over to Koga "Hey, hold Kagome for me for a minute."

Koga blinked his eyes confused. Inuyasha was never willing to let Koga hold Kagome willingly. Only when he had to save her life from the black cloud that swallowed the youkai back then. Koga nodded his head without a word. He held out his arms and held onto the sleeping miko. Watching her expression change from a tender smile to a worried expression. Kagome's eyes scrunched together and she formed a frown to her face. 'Huh....' Koga went to his thoughts 'I can't believe it. She actually has memorized Dog-turds heartbeat. No wonder she is at peace in his arms.' But it made the wolf leader's heart melt. He was happy to know that Kagome was indeed happy to be with the Mutt-face. Just as long as he treated her right.

Inuyasha walked over to Miroku and grabbed his fang. Releasing the Tetsusaiga from its sheave. He held the sword by the handle as it began to transform to its magnificent state and glowed a crimson red. Koga had to take a step back. He was still a little edgy of the fang that Inuyasha welded. He can still recollect the first time he went against the sword. It made his fur stand on end.

The half Inu youkai raised the sword over his head and cut a deep gash into the strange looking barrier. The others watched, a bit amazed with the swords abilities. The hanyou pulled back his sword and placed it back into the sheave. "Okay everyone....hurry up!" Inuyasha pronounced.

No words were said. The group followed after one another one by one. Kirara transformed back into her little kawaii state to let Sango, Miroku and Shippo enter first. Koga followed next with Kagome still I his arms and Inuyasha was the last to enter. He wanted to make sure everyone got inside alright. The barrier closed back up and surrounded the group.

Miroku was the first to comment as he scoured out the trees "Where are we?"

Koga looked over to the houshi and answered "We are in the Western Territory of Musashi's domain..." holding onto Kagome "This is Dog-turd's territory....."

"And mine as well.." a figure approached the group. His hair resembled Inuyasha's but the clothes were distinctly different.

"Hey...I was wondering when you would show up." Inuyasha remarked to the familiar voice.

"I have been here for a while now. Waiting patiently I might add." the youkai said with a little irritation to his voice.

Sango asked confused "Why is Sesshomaru here?"

Inuyasha answered Sango "Because he owns these lands, too." he said under his breath "Unfortunately..."

Sango changed the subject as she held onto Kagome's backpack. "So, what is this place exactly? It's untouched by the outside world."

"Hai...." Miroku intervened "This place seems...."

"Unnatural?" Sesshomaru finished the sentence. "It seems that way because it is well protected by youkai."

"No humans live here?" Miroku walked up to the regal Inu youkai "Is this the place where youkai court their future mates?"

"Only the high ranking youkai..." Sesshomaru explained "We of the court protect this place with our lives."

Sango looked astonished "So it is true....incredible. I have heard of this certain place from my village teachings..." Sango shook her head "I never imagined it to be a real place."

"It's very real.." Koga replied next "We would give our lives to this sacred place..." he smiled "This is the very same area where I courted Ayame..."

"How touching...." Inuyasha remarked as he walked up to the wolf youkai "Give me Kagome back. I will take care of her now..."

"After what you just said...no way!" Koga yelled out to the hanyou, swaying his body so Inuyasha couldn't get any closer.

"Koga!" Inuyasha clutched a fist "Don't make me get violent on your ass!"

"Huh..." Koga chuckled in his face "Let's see you try Mutt-face...."

"Excuse me...." Miroku interrupted "I hate to break this love triangle but....shouldn't we be thinking about Kagome-sama and not the two of you bickering...."

Sesshomaru nodded "I will have to agree with the houshi...."

Inuyasha took a breath from the argument, lowering his fist to the face " Keh! You're lucky this is Kagome's birthday wolf!"

"Whatever Dog-turd...." Koga handed Kagome's sleeping body back to the hanyou "Just don't do anything to hurt Kagome or you will never hear the end of it from me!"

"Whatever...." Inuyasha grumbled, holding onto Kagome once again.

"Shall we go? I have other pressing matters to attend to...." the regal Inu youkai stated.

"Yeah..." Inuyasha answered his brother "Come on guys, we need to get going."

Sesshomaru lead the way as Inuyasha was next to follow. Sango held onto Kagome's back pack with Shippo snugly inside as the Tetsusaiga was in her other hand. Miroku carried the cooler and net sack with Koga following after.

Another strange occurrence was happening. Why is Inuyasha conversing with Sesshomaru all of a sudden? Are they not enemies like Inuyasha and Koga? Sango thought about that for a moment as they walked the path. Strange on how everything in this vicinity looked so unnatural but extremely beautiful. It looked like something from a fairy tale book. Trees and plants had a healthy glow as the animals....they have never seen animals in all of Japan that looked like these. The birds had an assortment of colors to every single feather they possessed. The leaves of every tree was the same. Instead of the Spring blossoms to only one in a few trees....there were more than could be counted. The leaves and blooms had every color imaginable. While the group strolled down the path, there was even a aroma to the air around them. It was fresh and pure.

No wonder the high ranking youkai treasured this land, it was way too beautiful for words. Sango wanted to ask as they almost reached their destination. "Um...not to be rude. But, why is it that ningens can't live in this area?"

"It is sacred to only youkai." Sesshomaru quickly answered "Ningens would rape and pillage this land for their own greedy intentions."

Sango flinched from his answer "Oh....okay."

"So...." Miroku asked in Sango's defense "Why is it that we were able to come inside Sesshomaru? I'm ningen as well as Sango and Kagome-sama...."

Sango smiled at the houshi. For she was interested in the question as well.

Sesshomaru turned his head so he could answer "You are here only because Inuyasha asked the court."

"The court?" Miroku blinked his eyes "Inuyasha?" the houshi walked up next to his friend "You asked the high ranking youkai to let us in here?"

"Yeah..." the hanyou nodded, holding Kagome bridal style "Why do you ask?"

"Because I thought there would be a catch if you were to talk to the youkai court officials." Miroku scratched the side of his cheek.

"There was...." Inuyasha said.

"What was it?" Shippo asked.

Inuyasha looked down to the backpack Shippo was being carried in and explained "I was to protect this place with my life over the past week. That is why you seen me with scratches and bruises."

Miroku knew of his cuts but didn't know the full reason why he would be gone the whole day. Now he understood. "You did this for us?" Miroku asked.

"Keh!" the hanyou remarked stubbornly "I did....but mostly for Kagome."

The houshi was touched. Inuyasha was showing affection to his friends. "I..I..I don't know what to say...." Miroku smiled from ear to ear.

"Miroku...." Inuyasha glared back at Miroku "Don't look at me like that..I am not that kind of guy."

Sango did wonder about something as she asked one more question "If this place is protected from a barrier, how is it that it needs extra protection?"

"Because..." Koga answered from behind the group "There are some youkai that do have the ability to squeeze inside the barrier. Not many but there are some who can."

"So Inuyasha...." Sango looked to the hanyou "You protected this place so that we may come here? You would do that for us?"

"Is it really that hard to believe!" Inuyasha snorted back to the taijiya "I did it for Kagome's birthday and then you. There! How's that?"

Sango smiled as well as the houshi. It was clear that Inuyasha indeed care for his friends, but had a hard time admitting it. You could tell by the expression on his face.

Sesshomaru lead the group to a clearing in the middle of the lush forest. He slowed his pace as Sango, Miroku and Shippo gasped at the scenery. A lush, green field with a sparkling lake was engulfed by the trees surrounding the immediate area. A cascading waterfall adorned the lake. More unusual plants and animals were scattered across the greenery. Another beautiful site to witness, Sango was the only one to say a word. "Kami...." her jaw dropped "Now I know why you protect this land with your life."

A light breeze passed by as Inuyasha looked to the group "I'm going to place Kagome by the waterfall. Is everyone coming?"

"Yeah..." Miroku nodded, still enchanted by the miraculous view.

Inuyasha turned to the direction of the sparkling waterfall as his friends followed. Keeping their eyes locked around their surroundings. Some trees were close to the water as Inuyasha stopped underneath one of them. "Hey Sango..." the hanyou asked "Could you pull out one of the blankets and spread it out over the ground? I want to place Kagome on top of it."

"Sure..." Sango acknowledged. Placing the Tetsusaiga down on the ground first then the back pack after. Shippo jumped out and stretched.

Miroku did the same with his cargo, handing the extra bag he carried on the ground so Sango could sort thru it. The tajiyia rumbled inside the pack and found one of the blankets. She then shook the blanket and laid it on the ground underneath the tree like Inuyasha asked. "How's that?"

"That will work..." he replied while bending down and laying Kagome gently on the blanket. He turned his direction to the group as he asked "I need to ask you guys something...."

"Sure...what is it?" Miroku asked, pulling out more of the items in the packs.

"Whatever you do...do not ask Kagome for any favors today." the hanyou said seriously.

"What do you mean by that?" Shippo asked jumping on top of Miroku's head.

Inuyasha sat himself down next to the miko and explained calmly "We have always asked for something from Kagome, but it seems we would never give back in return." he sighed, trying to explain the best way he could "I guess what I'm trying to say is we don't appreciate her enough."

"I think I know what you mean Inuyasha..." Sango nodded with a smile "She always helps us out with her medicines and food and...."

"And her kind words..." Miroku intervened "Hai..I understand too. What do you propose my friend?"

"All I ask is to spend some time alone with her." the hanyou replied.

"No problem with that..." Miroku smiled over to Sango "I would like some time alone with my beautiful Sango..."

Sango blushed slightly "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt."

"Hey! What about me?" Shippo asked.

"You can go and play with Kirara." Sango answered "It's been a long time since she was able to play in the wide open fields. You don't mind do you Shippo?" the Taijiya smiled back at the kitsune.

Shippo's eyes squinted "Why do I always get left out on all the fun?"

"Just do it Shippo!" Inuyasha snorted back.

"And what are you going to do with Kagome?" Koga walked up to the group.

"I will be taking care of her!" Inuyasha barked back.

"In what way?" Koga crossed his arms against his chest.

The hanyou bared his fangs, yelling at the wolf "That is none of your business! I'm only going to help her relax, so butt out!"

"Are you two done yet?" Sesshomaru observed from a short distance "Koga...it is your turn to scour the grounds."

"Yeah, yeah..." the wolf youkai responded back "Fine I'm going....." he turned back to Inuyasha and warned him "Like I said, don't do anything to harm her or you will answer to me!"

"Get lost!" Inuyasha replied "Your giving me a headache."

"Later losers!" Koga smugly said as he trailed off in a gust full of wind.

As Koga left the area, some of Sango's hair flew on her face. She lifted a hand to wipe some of the hairs away "Does it sound like that Koga still has feelings for Kagome-chan?"

"I think it's more like a brotherly love...." Miroku stood back on his feet "Ever since Kagome-sama helped with the Gokuraku-chou, she has been like family to the wolf youkai tribe. He will always be protective of her till the day he dies." He lowered a hand to Sango to help her up back on her feet.

Sango grabbed his hand as he pulled her back up "That does make sense. Just like Inuyasha is protective of her."

"What are you talking about?" Inuyasha looked up at his friends "I protect her more than anyone here on this planet! No one and I mean no one will protect her but me!"

"We know...." Miroku nervously smiled ay the hanyou "We will leave you to take care of Kagome-sama while we go for a walk." the houshi grabbed one of Sango's hands and asked "Shall we go Sango?"

Sango nodded "Definitely..I would love to see more of this place."

"Then I guess I will go and play with Kirara, she's more fun to play with than Inuyasha anyway..." Shippo said under his breath.
"That's fine by me...." Inuyasha overheard Shippo's remark "I have plans to take a nap anyway, so buzz off!"

Sango and Miroku walked to the other side of the field as Shippo and Kirara went their own way. Inuyasha was finally left alone with Kagome for the first time. No one to bother them, no interruptions, just the two of them to keep each other company. Inuyasha looked around the area, taking in the beauty of the forest and the plants. It seemed so peaceful and serine. Sitting next to Kagome like this felt like the most natural thing to do. For once in his life, he felt complete, happy and content. He turned his attention to Kagome sleeping on the blanket next to him and couldn't help but smile. Would this be the day show his true affections to the miko?

He didn't care. All he wanted was to spend time alone with Kagome and he got what he wished for. The hanyou yawned and stretched. His body was sore and tired from coming here earlier during the day to protect this sacred land. A nap was what he wanted. He shifted his body to lay next to Kagome's and wrapped a arm around her waist while laying in his side. He pushed her body closer to his, leaning her back against his chest. Curling his body with hers, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "When you wake up Kagome, I will show you your surprise...." the hanyou whispered, almost asleep "I still can't believe we made it this far."

Sleep finally overcame the hanyou, holding his Kagome snugly inside of his protective arms. The day had turned out alright so far. Sango had Miroku, Shippo and Kirara were playing together and a hanyou held on to his most precious treasure, a miko he loved dearly. Would the day turn out as planned or will someone pay the ultimate price by sneaking up on Inuyasha? Let's hope no one does and thinks before they do.

End of Chapter 45. Okay kids, yeah, like I said there has been problems at the Kenuyasha household. But here is the latest installment. I do have some friends helping me with my problems and one personal friend who keeps in contact with me. You know who you are. For all you who do e-mail me, my e-mail address had changed, go to my biography and you will see it. My web server only supplied me with so much room so I went to Yahoo. Keep reading and I will keep posting, ai shiteru!

Our chibi glossary:

Chibi: small.
hanyou: Half-human half-demon.
youkai: demon.
miko: loosely translated as a priestess but is..a virgin girl residing in a Shinto shrine- there are 3 types of Mikos 'pure' as in virgin, dark and live...

Tajiyia: Demon Exterminator (Sango.
Houshi: monk(Miroku.
kitsune: fox demon (Shippo.
Tetsusaiga: Inuyasha's fabled sword made by the fang of his father (The Steal Cleaving Fang.
Inu youkai: demon dog.
Kawaii: cute.
Sengoku Jidai: Warring States Era or Feudal Japan (approximately 1467-1568.
Gomen: sorry.
Goshinboku: The Sacred Tree, Time Tree.
arigato: thank you.
nekotama: two-tailed cat (Kirara.
Nani: what.
Gokuraku-chou: Youkai birds or Birds of Paradise.
Ningen: human...