When I approached Sesshomaru, he was every bit the haughty canine I so fondly remembered.

He raised a brow at me and I laughed and threw my arms around him.

"Go on, then," I said, eyes wet as I grinned up at him. "You've earned it, after all."

"Didn't this Sesshomaru tell you to not doubt him?"

Laughter bubbled out of me- if it was a touch hysterical, it was completely earned. With Sesshomaru's flippant tone and character one would think taking care of a calcified brain tumor was a walk in the park. InuYasha put my skull back together and stitched me back up, then must have called upon Tensaiga- nothing short of a miracle.

But then again, hadn't Sesshomaru mentioned to me that Tensaiga didn't play a role in this?

"Yes, you did. I should let you know you succeeded."

His brow raised. "My success was cemented the moment I thought of the idea."

I laughed, raising my hands up. "I meant no offense, big brother." I rocked back on my heels, smiling gratefully. "Thank you."

He reached over and patted my head. Right where the scar was, like he was checking to see if I was real.

"When will I see my boys? Don't make me wait long, it's cruel."

Sometimes Sesshomaru seemed to forget my life was so much shorter than his. When Rin was young, I think Sesshomaru had trouble judging the way the human body and mind perceived time versus the physiology of a yokai. Hell, once when Rin was around eleven Sesshomaru grounded her for fifty years. I had to drag my brother out and calmly remind him that in fifty years Rin would most likely have a spouse and family, not still be a little girl pouting in her room.

Rin's teen years would have been hell had I not been there to muzzle her father.

It's weird, being able to draw conclusions and memories about the man who, just this time last week, I'd forgotten his name and face. I was further assured by the recovery rate that I'd soon be released.

Sesshomaru still hadn't spoken, and became very still. I grew fearful, and in my fear, impatient.

"When can I see them, Sesshomaru?"

"Sometime soon," he said carefully. "When they get back from visiting with their families."

I paused. Something wasn't right. Sesshomaru wasn't lying- he never lied to me- but he was hiding something.

"Were they filled in on what happened?"

"They know you died, yes." End sentence.

I looked to him, waiting for a continuation until I realized that was it. "You didn't tell them I came back? You're letting my-" I stumbled over the M word, still clumsy on my human lips. "-my partners just... grieve me?"

Sesshomaru stayed silent, and my gaze eventually was drawn to him. He put a clawed hand onto my shoulder, and placed a hand mirror in my palm. As soon as I saw my reflection, I flung it far away from myself.

"So you see why we have a bit of an issue," Sesshomaru said quietly. "We had to give you a direct blood diffusion. You were hemorrhaging."

Unrecognizable. My reflection was a stranger- my hair and eyes were all wrong, all wrong. The pigment of my hair had bled out almost entirely. The color of my eyes was different. My skin had stayed a healthy tone, had even darkened like I was in the sun.

In my shock, I stared at my hand, still outstretched as if to ward off the truth. At the edges of my fingertips were claws. I was no longer fully human. The ugliest feeling welled up inside of me as I realized something:

I could not go home like this.

With that thought I felt defeat curl up on my chest and settle in. I couldn't go home. My own landlord wouldn't even recognize me. I hadn't even fully explained what was going on to Kyoya and Tamaki when we were last together, and now they thought I was dead- what the hell would I do, walk up and tell them I'm alive but not a mortal?

And on that hand, there was no use disparaging against Sesshomaru's actions. I was his pack, and he did what he thought was best for me. By turning me, a shrine maiden, he had quite possibly made himself a traitor to his own people. I couldn't possibly spit in the face of everyone's sacrifices.

"Thank you for everything, my lord."

Sesshomaru sighed, then gently folded me into his arms. I lasted two whole seconds before I began to cry.

Tamaki and Kyoya would continue to think me dead unless I could somehow convince them to sit down with me to talk it out and explain everything.

God! I dreaded having to do it though! The whole thing seemed unbearably cruel. I couldn't just step back into their lives and keep ruining it like this. I needed a plan. I needed time, and resources. This would be difficult but not impossible. I would get back to them- I would. Death itself hadn't been able to stop me.

Kyoya, Tamaki... I'll find my way back to your side. Just give it a bit of time...

A.N.

Sequel? :)

Not totally sure if I liked this fic, but it's basically wrapped up. Let me know what you think!