Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I wish I did but I do not. However, any OOC that is brought into this story belongs to me.

Author's Note:Hello everyone! I am back with another chapter. I feel really bad about not posting any chapters in months so I wrote another one for my loyal reviewers. I apologize if the chapter seems off. My muse has been all kinds of weird lately and this chapter was really hard for me to write for reasons I can not tell. Flashbacks will be in italics. Thoughts will be in bold italics. Also, Shihai-tekina means dominant one. Anyway, if you choose to flame me, BRING IT ON, but I would prefer constructive criticism. Thank you for all the reviews. It is wonderful to know that people are really digging the story.

:: offers apple pie ::

Anyway, sit back and enjoy the next chapter of Regaining Time Lost.

Chapter 10: Tears On A Dagger

"He's bleeding too much. Even if we stop it, I don't think he'll survive the night," Sango said as she removed another blood soaked cloth to replace it with a clean one.

"We have to try. We can't just let him die," Kagome stated.

"Kagome-san, we do not have what your era has. This is all we can do for him,"Kirara replied. She could already smell the horrid stench of death upon him, "We can not allow him to suffer. If you two can not do it, I will."

"You will not harm him," Inuamaya hissed startling the three women. They had not realized that Inuamaya had awoken or even moved from her spot near the tree. There was a glowing blue aura that made Kirara retreat a few feet away from Inuamaya and pulled Kagome and Sango with her. They watched as Inuamaya kneeled next to Ryu and pulled him into her arms. "I will not let you die." Her aura engulfed them both.

"What is she doing?" Sango asked.

"She is using the necklace to heal him," Kirara explained.

"What's happening to them?" Kagome exclaimed as she noticed the change to both the children. Inuamaya's hair was growing longer, her body was becoming more mature as well as Ryu's.

"You must separate them both," Kirara stated, "I can't touch them. She will purify me. You Kagome-san have to get them to stop or she will accidentally kill she and the boy. She doesn't know how to control this power."

Kagome didn't need to be told twice and quickly rushed forward. She gripped Inuamaya's arms and attempted to pry her from Ryu but she was holding on tightly.

"Inuamaya it's okay. You can let go," Kagome pleaded with her but she didn't budge.

"I must save him. You will not stop me," Inuamaya responded with a voice that was not her own.

Kagome tried prying her off again. Frustrated, she cocked her hand back and slapped Inuamaya. Inuamaya released Ryu and fell backwards wailing in fear. The aura disappeared and Inuamaya clutched her face as she stared up at her mother with questioning eyes.

Kagome stared at her daughter who was stroking the hair of the young boy's head that was now in her lap. Her daughter had changed so much in just a few hours that she would have never believed it if she hadn't seen it. The necklace hanging on her neck was a gift as well as a curse from Lady Midoriko herself but because of Kagome's lack of judgment it was not Inuamaya's burden to carry. The necklace was meant for her and if she hadn't been so enthralled in Myouga's story the necklace would have been given to her. She could not blame Myouga on this. She took the blame upon herself as she knew that Miroku and Sango also did. They almost lost their children twice today and even though Inuamaya may have been a youngster she came into her own. She protected them. Inuamaya may have the body of the child but her mind was that of someone far wiser, far smarter and the necklace was only aiding to bridge the gap between body and mind.

"Kagome-san you can not blame yourself," Sango stated as she came over from the fire to sit with her friend. Worry was etched all over her face. She could understand this. Her only daughter was now put in a terrible position that neither one of them knew how to get her out of.

"I should've been watching. I should've known better," Kagome said.

"This was meant to happen. This had to happen," Sango explained.

"Look at her! Look at my daughter! In a matter of minutes, she has aged by at least five years. What if there is a next time? Will we be able to stop her then? Will she become an old woman trying to save one of us?" Kagome said.

"We will stop her. I promise you that Kagome-san. You have to see this as a blessing. If it wasn't for Inuamaya, we would've..I would've lost my children as well as Kaede-sama. I know you may not receive this well but I am glad that the necklace was given to Inuamaya," Sango replied.

Inuamaya was her father's daughter. She had the same mindset, passion as her father and she was glad for it. There was nothing wrong with Kagome but she often hesitated and things got out of hand before they got better. Inuyasha albeit arrogant and cocky acted without thinking and in most situations that would be a very bad thing to do. However, that slim chance where it was appropriate Inuyasha always came through. Inuamaya acted like her mother in calm situations but she acted like her father in the heat of the moment. She would not allow any harm to come to her family no matter the case. If it was any other way, her daughters may not be with her right now.

"How can you say that? After seeing all this, how can you say that?" Kagome questioned.

"Because Sango can see that Inuamaya has proven more than once that she is no longer a pup," Kirara stated.

"She is still a child, she is my child!" Kagome exclaimed.

"If she was simply just a child Kagome-san, the necklace would have not chosen her. This necklace chooses its wearer. The only thing I can tell you is that the necklace will mature the user to a physical state where it can handle its power every time it is used. She will not age into an old woman in minutes but if you wish to keep your pup as a pup, " Kirara explained, "we must take care to never allow ourselves to be put in a position where we will have to need it."

"Is there a way to reverse this?" Kagome asked.

"As far as my knowledge, no," Kirara replied, "I will go tend to Kaede-san. She is bleeding again."

Blood. There was blood on the wind. He couldn't decipher who it was yet but it was there. What the hell had happened while he was away? It wasn't Kagome nor Inuamaya. He would've felt it straight away but someone else was wounded, dying and he had not been there to defend his pack. This was unforgiveable. Whoever had attacked his pack while he was gone like a coward would pay dearly. Inuyasha found himself running face first into an invisible wall and then dodging fox fire.

"What the?" Inuyasha growled.

"Inuyasha! Where have you been?" Shippo exclaimed as he walked forward after Miroku pulled off two yukadas to allow Shippo to breach the barrier.

As Shippo approached, Inuyasha could smell the fear, anger and anxiety coming off in waves as well as the scent of Kaede's blood. Had someone injured Kaede?

"Why is Kaede-sama's blood on your clothes?" Inuyasha questioned.

"Where were you Inuyasha?" Shippo growled as he stepped up to Inuyasha.

"Are you challenging me runt?" Inuyasha questioned. Inuyasha could not help but notice that Shippo had dropped the formalities. It immediately had Inuyasha's hackles raised. Yes Shippo was taller than him but he was Alpha here and he would prove it no matter what. He already did not like having to play #2 when Sesshomaru was around but he would not have Shippo trying to take his place as Alpha of his pack.

"And if I am? I was here when my pack needed me. Where were you?" Shippo replied, "If I didn't know Kikyo-san was dead, I would have said you were back to your old tricks."

"ENOUGH!" Miroku snapped as he stood between the two demons. It was apparent there was hurt hidden deep behind Inuyasha's eyes. Shippo had delivered a low blow that was unnecessary. "Wherever Inuyasha-san went to do is between he and Kagome-san. I am sure there was a good reason and if he believes that we need to know why, Inuyasha-san will tell us when the time is right. But this is not the time to hurt one another. There will never be a time for it. Kaede-sama needs to speak to all of us before her time here is over."

It was Sango who saw their men coming with Inuyasha leading the way. She wanted to beat him over the head with the hirakatsu for not being here but she couldn't bring herself to do it knowing that this was equally her fault. Sango, Kagome and Kirara said nothing as Inuyasha went to Kaede's side near the fire. They followed him silently. Neither one knowing what to say at first.

"What happened?" Inuyasha asked as he kneeled next to the sleeping Kaede. Death was so thick on her scent that it almost made him gag.

"It was my fault," Inuamaya said. Her ears were back against her head as she swallowed hard. She was in trouble. No trouble was not the word for this. She had done the unthinkable. She placed her pack in danger and now Kaede-sama was going to die because of it. Inuamaya watched her father's eyes widen at her and she slumped down to her knees. She brought her hands stretched out and placed her head down. "Forgive me. It was my foolishness that has called all this."

"What…Inuamaya? What sorcery is this? What happened to my daughter?" Inuyasha stammered as he stared at his teenage daughter.

"Inuyasha-san, please calm yourself. There is much to explain and we must do it quickly," Kirara replied.

"Who the hell are you?" Inuyasha said.

"Kirara," Kirara replied and raised her hands to stop Inuyasha from asking another question, "You want to know what happened. We will tell you now but please Shihai-tekina remain quiet until we are finished."

Kagura stared at her torn and tattered kimono. She could fix it but she didn't want to. She didn't want to ever see it again. It held memories that she did not want to relive. Kagura manipulated the wind to dry her body as she kneeled in the grass. She could sense Sesshomaru. He was not too far away but he was out of seeing distance. His reaction to her…was surprising. If she needed any more proof that Sesshomaru had feelings for her, what had just happened was it. But she was still confused. Was he just acting like any male in close proximity of a female or was there something deeper to it? One moment he was angry with her, then he becomes aroused and then he disappears. He was surely keeping her on her toes.

Kagura closed her eyes and allowed her body to shift into her true form. She shook her body as if trying to throw the events of tonight off of her. Kagura did not want to talk tonight. There was too much that she had to take in and ponder. Being in this form was the safest. Kagura didn't want to risk trigging another reaction out of him. She couldn't honestly say she didn't want that type of attention but she didn't want him to do this if he was simply trying to mark his territory. She wanted him with a calm mind when he made his decision.

Kagura gave one snort to the damaged kimono before walking off to find Sesshomaru. He was sitting on a log tending to a fire. He said nothing as she approached him. Sesshomaru stood and quickly removed his kimono. "Change. We need to talk," Sesshomaru said as he sat the kimono on the other end of the kimono. He turned his back to Kagura to allow her to shift. Yes he had seen her naked form already but he at least wanted to give her some privacy. His behavior before was vile. Sesshomaru had no idea why he felt what some would say fear that Kagura would leave his side due to his lapse of control or at least put distance between them. However here she was willing to be in his presence. Secretly he knew he was not looking not for her but for himself. Sesshomaru wasn't too confident that if she kept up with the attitude he would be able to resist his urges. His lost of control shamed him even if was only for a moment. If he had proceeded with what he wanted, he would have never been able to look upon her again and vice versa. He had never taken a woman aggressively and nor would he no matter what the circumstance.

Kagura quickly changed and put on his kimono. His scent was comforting and she sat down on the log after saying, "You can turn around Sesshomaru-sama." He didn't look at her immediately because he knew she was staring at him. She was admiring his back and he was sure his eyes would betray his emotions. He would allow her to gaze since he had seen her naked. Sesshomaru finally turned around and sat back down on the log. She was blushing slightly but her face held no sign of what she may have been thinking at the moment nor did her scent.

"You will never leave this Sesshomaru's side without my permission. Is that clear?" Sesshomaru stated. Kagura nodded and he raised an eyebrow that she was silent. He was pleased. He was in no mood to go back and forth with the female. "It is apparent you do not know much about your body or the ways of our kind. Once we reach the castle, you will be instructed on how to behave."

"Yes Sesshomaru-sama," Kagura replied, "I am tired. I just want to sleep now."

Sesshomaru nodded and watched her move off the log to find a comfortable place near the fire. He was sure Kagura would be back to herself in a few days. Sesshomaru had never been around a female besides Rin. She hadn't reached puberty while traveling with him. He wasn't sure how to deal with a woman but he knew violation was violation. Sesshomaru would give her time before speaking on a more important, personal matter.

Shippo muttered underneath his breath. He had really messed this one up. All he could think was how stupid he was to allow his anger to get the best of him. Of course Inuyasha had an important reason for leaving the pack. Shippo had been so angry for allowing that woman to get away that it clouded his judgement. Inuyasha needed to leave. There was no telling what Sesshomaru would have done if Inuyasha wasn't there. He knew Inuyasha was going to beat him senseless. There was no escaping it. He would take his punishment like an adult when the time came.

"Thank you Shippo-san and Kirara-san. If you hadn't been there…" Inuyasha started.

"Shihai-tekina, you should be proud of Inuamaya-chan," Kirara said, "She defended them well. There was nothing she could have done about Kaede-sama but she protected them all in the end."

"I am proud of her but that doesn't change the situation," Inuyasha said, "I told her, we all told her to stay with the pack."

"Aie child. This is so but blame not Inuamaya. The child could not resist the call of the necklace. It would've driven she mad. No blame on any of ye. This was meant to happen. How is ye brother and Kagura?" Kaede added. The voices had finally woke her from her slumber. She was conserving as much energy as possible to tell them all what they needed to know. Kaede was glad Inuyasha was here. She wasn't sure how much longer she could hold on.

"They are fine. What is it that you need to tell me?" Inuyasha replied.

"Ah. I am glad to hear it. He was always a stubborn one. Glad to see he is still changing," Kaede-sama explained, "Much to tell but ye must forgive Inuamaya. This could not be helped."

"If I hadn't listened to the voices, If I had obeyed, I..I disregarded a direct order," Inuamaya stated, "This is my fault. I will not hide behind Akane and Akemi-chan this time. I can fix this. I know how to fix this. Let me fix this." Inuamaya reached for Kaede-sama but Kirara restrained her. She pinned her to the ground and Inuyasha instinctively moved to defend his daughter. Miroku stepped in his way and held his staff out to keep Inuyasha back.

"You must let Kirara do this. The child can not use the gift until I have said what is needed to be said," Kaede said, "And you will not use this gift on me child."

"But Kaede-sama…please!" Inuamaya pleaded.

"Nai child. My time would be ending soon no matter the dagger. Child ye did nothing wrong," Kaede explained, "Ye protected Akane and Akemi when I failed to do so. Remember that."

"Hush now Inuamaya. We are not mad at you. It will be ok. Let Kaede-sama tell us what we need to know." Kagome said. Inuamaya stared at her mother for a moment and stopped resisting Kirara. She placed her head down on the ground and quietly sobbed while Kirara purred to calm her.

"Inuamaya was lured away by the call of this necklace. This necklace was given to that boy's father by Kikyo. The necklace originally belonged to Lady Midoriko. Like she created the shikon jewel, she created this necklace. It embodies all that was good and pure. She created it for such a situation that ye are in now," Kaede explained, "There is an evil that has resurfaced. I have no knowledge of what it is or where it came from but it is out there and ye must be glad that it did not awaken when Naraku plagued these lands. It is not like Naraku for it has no purpose but to destroy ally and enemy alike. That necklace is key to stopping it. It can never be stolen. If the necklace is destroyed or even tainted, ye are all doomed."

"The poisoning, corpses walking, this must be part of it," Shippo added.

"Aie child. Long ago, this evil appeared when there were more mikos. They were able to drive it down into the bowels of the earth in what they thought was an eternal slumber. I have no idea what awoken it but it must be stopped no matter what. Ye will need an army for it. Inuyasha, you will have to claim your birthright," Kaede explained.

"My birthright?" Inuyasha asked.

"Ah yes Inuyasha. You are the son of the Great and Terrible Inu No Taisho. He…" Myouga was cut short in mid sentence as Inuyasha proceeded to stump him repeatedly. The damn flea had the nerve to show himself after everything that happened. It was his fault that his pack was blinded to what was all going on.

"Continue Kaede-sama," Inuyasha said after he felt sure that Myouga received enough punishment for the time being.

"As Myouga-san said ye are son of nobility because of that part of Sesshomaru-sama's lands belong to ye. Ye must go to Sesshomaru-sama and take back what ye owns. He will tell ye all ye need to know," Kaede said. She coughed and blood trickled down the side of her mouth. Kagome moved to wipe the blood away.

Inuyasha was grimacing. The smell of death was thick on her now. He had no idea how she was still alive. "Rest Kaede-sama. We can…"

"No child. I will be resting soon. This is all I can tell ye. My time is up," Kaede-sama replied.

"Let me heal you Kaede-sama. We need you!" Inuamaya pleaded as she struggled to get Kirara off her back.

"No child. I am old and I wouldn't have it either other way. Ye don't need me anymore. Ye are strong. All of ye are," Kaede said with a smile. She was proud of them all. Kaede had not been able to have children because of her wound and her duty to the village but all of them had become her family. They had treated her with far more respect and love that she never thought she would have ever been given. This was far more than she could have ever asked for.

"Inuyasha would ye do an old woman a favor?" Kaede said as she placed her hands on the hilt of the dagger embedded in her chest. Inuyasha stood there for a moment and swallowed hard. He went to her and gripped her hands. His hands trembled over hers.

"I can't do this," Inuyasha said.

"Ye are my Alpha and only ye can give me death," Kaede stated.

Inuyasha couldn't help but laugh bitterly. Yes only he could. Not she nor anyone else could give her her sweet relief. But this woman was the closest thing he had to a mother since his own mother passed away. Inuyasha grit his teeth as the tears started to flow.

"Ye take care of them Inuyasha. I'll haunt ye if ye don't,"

"I wouldn't expect anything less, old hag," Inuyasha laughed softly, "Goodbye Kaede-sama,"

Author's Note: No cliffhanger with this one. This chapter was really hard for me to write. I couldn't get it right and it also made me cry a few times. I made Kirara more formal since she was around during the days of Midoriko. Anyway, hopefully, you all like it because I still kind of sort of hate it. I intend to have another chapter up as soon as possible. Please review and stay tuned for the next chapter of Regaining Time Lost.