Chapter 11

War!!

Part One

Siege of the Castle

Itaru watched as Anjera approached him. It had been three days since they had over thrown both their parent and assumed rule over the northern and eastern lands. He had meticulously put together a fell proof plan. There was only one obstacle that remained in front of he and Anjera's way, he thought as he ran his clawed hand down the portrait of Sesshomaru ripping it to shreds. Lord Sesshomaru. My dear cousin, you are the last who can pose opposition to my infinite reign. I can not allow you to foil my plans. I have lain in wait for far too many years to rid myself of you weakling's demon and human alike. I will rule as a true demon lord. Not as some weakling like my father. The world was made for the strong, not the weak, he thought as ripped into the last of the painting.

"May be you should reserve you're frustrations for Lord Sesshomaru when you meet on the battle field ,my love." Anjera said as she walked up behind Itaru encircling his waist with her arm as she rest her head against his back.

"You have news for me?" Itaru questioned

"Hai, my lord." Anjera began "I have received word from the watchers. It seems that Akihiko and a few of the other soldiers were able to make it to the western lands."

"NAN!? That would mean that Sesshomaru now holds the scrolls with the map to the Red Wolf of Moon armor." Itaru growled as he tore free of Anjera's embrace.

"Hai indeed it seems that he has acquired the map. As troublesome as that bit of news is, I still have more, my lord."

"What could prove more troublesome then what you have just informed me of?" Itaru hissed as he turned to face Anjera

"Well , it seems that your brother lives, and not just he, but the human wench as well, and she has given birth to twin pups." Anjera finished folding her arms across her chest as she watched Itaru who paced back and forth in front of her.

"Damn!" Itaru growled as he continued to walk back and forth." I can not run the risk with Miyohiko. He is not as much a threat as Sesshomaru, but I want him gone for good. Both he and those damned half ling that wench has brought into this world. Anjera you are to gather half of our ranks and head toward the fort Just inside of the western Lands. Once there you are to finish what I started. They can not be allowed to live at any cost do you understand this?"

"Hai. I will kill them all." Anjera responded a malicious smile gracing her small mouth." What of you, my lord? What will you do?" She questioned her cold green eyes fixed on Itaru

"I have unfinished business with my little cousin that I will be attending to. He will never make it to retrieve that armor in time. I swear it!"

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Sesshomaru finished applying the last of his armor as he stared down on a sleeping Rin. Slowly she begin to move beneath the covers. Sesshomaru smiled as he watched her hands move across the bedding frantically searching for his form. He attached his sword at his side before walking over toward the girl kneeling next to the bed just as her eyes came open to meet his. Quickly Rin sat up in the bed the look of panic on her face.

"Is it time already?" she questioned her voice trembling from the emotion that threatened to come forth.

"Hai." Sesshomaru responded reaching out and taking a strand of her ebony tresses between his finger.

"But the sun has not yet risen. Must you leave now?" She asked her tone was bordering a plea.

"Hai. We can not prolong this any longer. I must travel east to retrieve something very important before heading north."

"I don't want you to leave me." Rin said reaching out stroking the youkai's face.

" I have no choice. You know as well as I do that Itaru will wreak unfathomable havoc if he is not stopped."

"Hai, " Rin responded dropping her gaze to the covering on the bed.

"Please do not look like that Rin. My Love, I promise, I will do my best to return to you safely."

"I Love you." Rin said as she leaned forward wrapping her arms around his neck.

"And I you, more than you know." He said as he wrapped his arms around her form drawing her close to him.

Rin leaned away from Sesshomaru their eye locking.

"Rin when I return there is something very important we must discuss. I had hoped to discuss it with you before my departure, but time will not permit me to do so. Until I return I need you to be strong my love. Will you do this for me?" Sesshomaru questioned as he stroked her face gently.

"Hai." Rin responded

"My Lord it is time. The soldiers have all gathered. We await your orders." Hiroo called from outside the chamber door.

"I will be down shortly Hiroo. Tell the men that." Sesshomaru responded his gaze still locked with Rin's.

Sesshomaru's ear twitched slightly. With his keen sense of hearing he caught the sound of the girl's heart beat quickening as the youkai spoke. He stared at her, the human wench whom had laid claim to his heart when no other could. Kami she was beautiful, he thought as he watched her. If fate would permit him, he hoped that this would not be the last time that he stared into her beautiful brown eyes. Smelled the sweet scent of her hair or caressed her soft skin. Slowly he rose from his kneeled position her eyes following as he did so.

Rin moved from the bedding so that she stood in front of him. It was taking everything in her not to plead for him to stay. Not to break down and cry. She loved him there was no denying it. The thought of loosing him left her more frightened than any other time she could remember, yet she would have to be brave for his sake, she thought as she stared into his golden eyes. She could see that he was suffering with great turmoil himself, even if he were not willing to say so, she had sensed it.

"You must leave now." Rin said forcing a smile

"Hai. Sesshomaru said as he pulled her toward him. He needed to feel her being against his once more, he thought as he closed his eyes savoring the way she felt. He stood holding her a few moments before breaking contact and slowly moving away from her.

"Be strong Rin, until I return." He finished as he turned and walked out the door.

Rin watched as the door closed behind him. Slowly she slid the floor as she released all the emotion se couldn't while he stood there.

"Sesshomaru." She called in a low voice. Heavily the tears began to come as she let out a painful wail. A feeling of foreboding and unexplainable grief gripped her soul sending her heart into the blackest depths of sorrow.

"Return to me. Please return to me."

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Sesshomaru stood outside the chamber door. He felt his heart break as the soft sounds of her cry reached his ears.

"Rin." He whispered resting his head against the door. Kami it pained him to hear her cry. To know she hurt, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"I will return to you, I promise." He whispered as he moved away from the door and headed down the long corridor.

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Miyohiko stood on his chamber terrace staring after the departing youkai. So it has begun. This war you have caused Itaru. Bastard! If only I had not been so naïve, maybe I could have stopped you. Now Sesshomaru will seek vengeance on my behalf. It should not be this way Sesshomaru. I should be the one who deals with my brother, not you. If something should happen to you, I will never forgive myself, Miyohiko thought as he dug his clawed hand into the stone railing that lined the terrace. If you should fail it will be up to me to finish Itaru. I pray you succeed in your efforts for Rin's sake. May the heavens be with you, he thoughts as he watched after his older cousin. May they keep you safe.

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Hours had passed since Sesshomaru had departed for the eastern lands. Rin paced back and forth as she held the small brown haired bundle in her arms, pausing ever so often to gaze out of the chamber window towards the horizon.

"You're going to walk a hole through the floor if you continue on like that." Bikki said as she glanced up from the blue haired infant she nursed.

"Nani? What was that? I apologize I didn't here what you said." Rin said stopping and turning her attention to Bikki.

"I said you're going to walk a hole through the floor, if you continue pacing back and forth like that." Bikki said a smile coming onto her face

"Gomen-nasai. I suppose I must be annoying you with my incessive pacing." Rin said sitting in the chair next to Bikki's bed.

"Don't apologize. I know how you're feeling. You're worried about Lord Sesshomaru and that's understandable. I felt the same way when I thought I might loose Miyohiko. There is nothing like that sort of fear. The fear of loosing the one you love." Bikki stared at Rin as the girl's face tinted red "You do love him, don't you?"

"Hai,, more than anything." Rin responded in a low voice.

"Then believe in your love of him. I know it may not seem as though he understands your feelings for him, but he does, more than you know. Have faith in what you feel Rin. Your love is what will bring him back to you safely." Bikki finished as she turned her attention back towards the infant she held.

"Kami I pray you are right" Rin stated turning towards the open window once more.

Sesshomaru rode in silence his mind locked on thought of Rin and their last moments together. The sad expression she wore had spoken volumes. I will do my best to return to you, but will you regret your request once I have told you of your brother? Sesshomaru questioned silently.

"My Lord." A mans voice called as Hiroo rode up along side of him.

"What is it Hiroo?" Sesshomaru questioned turning his gaze to the red headed youkai that sat atop of the mount next to him.

"Well my Lord according to these scrolls the armor you seek should be just inside of a cave on top of that mountain." Hiroo said pointing to a large mountain that sat off in the distance.

"Very well." Sesshomaru stared as he dismounted his horse. "I shall go there along with ten men and return quickly." Sesshomaru said as he motioned towards a group of youkai soldiers.

"My Lord is it wise to take soldiers with so little experience. Why not take Koji and Zenko. They are worthy men that I trust with even my life." Hiroo finished as he motioned to the two large youkai both having blonde hair and red eyes.

"Alright Sesshomaru said as he turned facing the mountain once more. "We'll return shortly." Sesshomaru stated as he was engulfed by a blue light ,vanishing up into the sky.

Sesshomaru landed on the mountain top along with the few youkai soldiers who had accompanied him to retrieve the armor.

"You soldiers are to remain here. I will return shortly." Sesshomaru said as he turned and headed toward the entrance carved into the side of the mountain.

"I am afraid, I can't let you go any further, Lord Sesshomaru." A mans voice called from within the shadows of the cave entrance.

Sesshomaru clenched his hands into fist, dropping his gaze , eyeing the figure as he came into view.

"ITARU!!" Sesshomaru exclaimed a low growl following in pursuit.

"Hello, Cousin."

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Rin walked in a hurried manner through the make shift infirmary, that had been set up in one of the castles extra room. She followed behind Aya, as the older woman treated the injured youkai soldiers. Her eyes moved across the room taking in the sight of the men, who by appearance couldn't have been any older than her brother Daijiro when he had left seeking to make a name for himself. Their bodies were riddled with injury. All of them had met Itaru and his minion in battle to return with this result. Why, Rin questioned mutely. Why did these men need honor so badly? Did they not know the grief the loved ones they left behind felt over their loss? Some of them had nearly been torn asunder. Some would not return to those who loved them.

Sesshomaru Rin whispered a knot forming in her brow as she thought about the perilous task that lay before him. She was quickly removed from thought as one of the young youkai let out a heart wrenching scream.

"Come girl! I will need you help, the older silver haired woman called as she moved towards a young youkai soldier who lay in the corner of the room.

Rin nodded her head acknowledging the woman's order as she gave pursuit.

"Help me Aya said motioning toward to youkai males. Without hesitation the two men moved in grasping the thrashing arms of the young yellow haired youkai, in an effort to subdue him.

"What should I do?" Rin questioned as she stared down on the youkai. He looked so young, she thought as Aya flung the blanket that covered him aside revealing the bandage that snaked his waist.

Rin covered her mouth fighting the nausea that the sight of his injury had introduced. The bandage seemed to be disintegrating, a black sludge mixed with blood and a horrific stench dissolved his binding.

"Cradle his head child." Aya ordered as the boy coughed up blood sending forth spatters coating his golden locks in the crimson.

Rin moved quickly cradling the boys head in her lap, stroking his head gently. She watched as Aya moved her wrinkled hands feverishly ripping away at the bandages. The boy's eyes shot open locking with Rin's. His violet eyes were so sad, she thought as his chest began to rise and fall briskly.

'You're going to be alright. You're going to be ok." Rin whispered in an attempt to soothe the youkai. Without warning the boys body began to shake violently, his eye rolled to the back of his head.

"Damn it..DAMN IT!! We're loosing him!" She heard one of the men who restrained his arms call , his tone was alarming.

"HOLD ON BASHO! HOLD ON!!" The men called their voice had become strained with emotion.

Rin stared down at the youkai , watching as his chest rose and fell for a final time.

"No..no.please..no." She cried in a low voice.

She watched as Aya leaned away from the boy., her face vacant as was the common expression for most youkai.

"He is gone." The woman said in a cool voice.

"What do you mean gone?" Rin questioned, her gaze moving to meet Aya's

"There is nothing more to be done for him. Let go, please." Aya said placing her hand on Rin's. Rin stared down at the youkai; she hadn't realized she'd been holding on so tightly. Slowly she lowered his head onto the futon. She rose to her feet, watching as the men covered the boy's remains with a quilt.

"Was there someone?" Started her throat constricting from the pressure of the sob, which beckoned to be released. "Rin turned her gaze to the older woman who now stood across from her.

"Was there someone waiting for his return?" Rin questioned, a tear falling free of her brown eyes.

"Hai, he has a mate. They were joined only a month ago." One of the male youkai responded as they moved away to care for the remaining injured men.

"Child, it may be wise that you should return to your chamber. I don't think my lord will take to kindly to you witnessing things of this nature." Aya stated in and even voice as she turned and headed off in the direction the two male youkai had headed in.

Rin stood staring after the woman unable to move. So the young man had a mate. How would she feel when she received word that her love was lost to her forever? Rin turned and hurried from the infirmary. The entire scene had become too much. The fate of that young youkai had been a stinging reminder that this could very well be the fate of her and Sesshomaru. He could quite possibly loose his life in battle and never return to her.

Rin leaned against the bricked walls of the corridor. She stared down at her hands and her clothing, she was a mess. The pink kimono she wore was completely covered in crimson and black..

Suddenly warm hands gripped her by her shoulders spinning her around. Rin's eyes moved of the form Slowly, her sys locking with the blue eyes of the blue eyed youkai that stood in front of her.

"Miyohiko!" she cried leaning against the youkai. He wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her head as she let free a full sob.

From the scent of sickness and death that emanated off her, he gathered that she'd gone to the infirmary. What were you thinking Rin , he questioned wordlessly as he tightened his hold her slightly. I know you are worried about Lord Sesshomaru, but he will be fine, he thought, wishing he could say those exact words to bring the girl comfort.

"Gomen-nasai, Miyohiko." Rin said pulling from the youkai's embrace. "I should be fine now" she said using the back of her hand to wipe her cheeks dry.

"Don't worry." Miyohiko mouthed as he stared at the girl.

"I'll try not to." Rin responded honestly

Without warning a loud explosion ripped through the court yard sending both Rin and Miyohiko to the floor of the castles corridor. Black smoke rushed in through the open windows, darkening the hallways. Miyohiko rose to his feet quickly rushing towards the open widow. He stared down to the court yard, immediately panic engulfed the youkai. The gates that surrounded the compounded had been blown off the hinges. Hoards of youkai rushed in overtaking the men on the grounds.

Rin rolled over slowly. Her wounds had not completely healed from Kuro's attack. Her eyes fell to Miyohiko, she recognized the stunned expression the youkai wore and ascended to her feet moving to the window where he stood.

"Oh no." she gasped as she watched the battling me on the grounds. Their attacker's numbers were great. Could they possibly hope to survive this onslaught? Rin stared up at the youkai who's breathing had increased. The blue stripes on his neck began to swell as his eyes glazed red.

"My Lord we are being over run!" a youkai called from behind them. "We will need as many able bodied men as we can get to stop this onslaught. The castle shook Rin grabbed hold of the wall bracing herself. She glanced out the window Once more towards the huge beast that battled one another in their beast forms.

Miyohiko turned his gaze to Rin. His eyes were red and pupil less.

Immediately Rin understood the youkai's concern.

"I will go for them." Rin said as she turned and rushed down the hallway.

Miyohiko watched for a few second. His mate and pups were once again in danger. He would have to stop his brother's minions if he hoped for their survival. He had no choice but to leave them to Rin's care he thought, turning and giving chase to the youkai soldier.

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Rin bust through the door to her chamber, quickly she removed the blood stained kimono, replacing it with her hakama and haori. She grabbed her katana from the corner where it had been positioned against the wall before rushing from the chamber once more. I'm coming Bikki Rin called as she rushed towards the opposite end of the castle to retrieve the girl and the pups.

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"Damned fools!" Anjera hissed as she tore through the courtyard taking down one soldier after the next. "How pathetic! Look at all of these weaklings. Had they actually thought that they had a chance in hell to defeat my lord?" Her eyes moved toward one of the windows catching the site of a figure moving quickly down the castles hallways. She let out a low growl narrowing her eyes to slits. "THAT BITCH!!" So Sesshomaru brought his whore here?

"Is there a problem, mistress?" One of her escorts questioned "Shall I go and take care of that wench for you?"

"No Natsu. I will take care of her myself." She said, rising from the ground, heading toward castle.

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Rin rushed through the doors to Bikki's room. Her eyes immediately fell to Aya who held one bundle while Bikki gathered the other.

"Rin!" What is happening "Bikki questioned as they moved from the room.

"Itaru has sent soldiers to attack us." Rin responded as they rushed through the smoke filled hallways.

"Come quickly girl's." the older woman called, as she followed behind two guards who'd been assigned to them.

"Where are we going Aya?" Rin questioned

"We are going to a special chamber that was built into the castle for times like this. Even if the castle should collapse the chamber will stand. It is stocked with supplies we will need. The injured have already been moved there. Once we have arrived they will seal the room. So we must hurry. The women said as they entered into the lower levels of the castle.

One of the twins let out a small cry. Bikki bounced slightly trying to soothe the agitated infant as they continued their docents to the bowels of the castle. The lower they went the thicker the air became with the scent of mildew.

"Quiet her quickly child. You don't want her cries to be heard by our attackers." Aya said glancing across her shoulder towards Rin and Bikki.

"Hai" Bikki responded as she tried to shush the baby. "It's ok.It's ok." she said speaking in a soft voice as she stroked the child's head gently. "Good girl." Bikki said turning her attention in front of them once more.

Rin Stared at Bikki and the infant she held. Even in a time like they were facing Rin couldn't help but feel warm when she stared at her friend and the infant she carried.

"There we are." Aya said as they passed into a large room with a large iron door in the center. "That's strange." Aya said frowning.

"What is it?" Rin questioned moving to the older woman's side.

"That door, it should be open." Aya responded signaling to the two male youkai who escorted them, to open it.

Abruptly the Iron door swung open. Rin brown eyes shot up to meet the green gaze of The golden haired female that stood in the door, her green silk Kimono dripping crimson. She reached up running her bloodied claws across her mouth licking her hands clean before turning her attention toward Rin and the other's.

"It's about time. I was beginning to get bored." Anjera said running her tongue across her blood stained mouth

"She is ferule!! She has killed everyone in the room!" Aya said stepping backwards tightening her grip on the small bundle she held..

"I, ferule old woman?" Anjera said smirking " Don't make me laugh. I merely did what we are supposed to do. What is in our nature. I am ridding the world of the sick and diseased, making way for the strong. It is inevitable that we will rule, we are just how shall we say, hurrying things along." Anjera hissed as she moved towards Aya to have her motions cut short by the two male guards that escorted the women.

"Step aside, unless you wish to meet the fate of your comrades." Anjera barked as her features darkened. "So you won't move, very well."

Rin watched in horror as the female youkai began to attack the men. Her hand passed through the chest of one while she lift the other up off the ground her claws digging into his neck.

"Your next!" Anjera said jeering at her on lookers

Rin reached to her side placing her hand on the hilt of her sword as she positioned herself in front of the medicine woman.

"What are you doing girl? You are but a human. You are no match for her." Aya Said her eyes widening at the sight of the obviously mad youkai female.

"I will not let her have their life. I can't! Take Bikki and the pups and flee from here Aya."

"I will deal with her human!" Aya barked

"You will do no such thing! If my lord should return from the battle and he has injury, you will need be prepared to take care of him." Rin said glancing across her shoulders towards the older women. Rin watched as the woman's expression softened.

"You will die here, you know this, yet you will still try to protect this girl and her pups?" Aya questioned

"Hai" Rin responded turning her gaze toward Bikki and the small swaddled bundle she held.

Deep down she wished it were her that had been taken as a mate. As Sesshomaru's mate, but if her dream could not be, at least Bikki and Miyohiko would have theirs come true she, thought as she turned to face the female youkai just in time to see her drop the lifeless bodies of the soldiers.

"I have been honored to know you, human." Aya said as she turned as rushed toward Bikki,

"What is she doing!?" Bikki questioned in an excited voice as she watched Rin draw her sword.

"Come quickly we must leave from here." Aya ordered grabbing the small girl by her arm pulling her back through the passage.

"No, I won't leave her. She can't sacrifice herself like this." Bikki cried "Don't do this Rin!" Bikki called as she was pulled along behind Aya.

"Do not make her sacrifice be in vain girl!" Aya barked drawing Bikki's attention "She is doing this for your happiness. You must live, for her." The older woman said dragging the girl behind her. Bikki watched the girl as she ran back the way they had come until she could see her no more.

"RIN!"

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Rin reached behind her gathering her long raven colored tresses up into a single pony tail before reaching to her side drawing her sword from within it's sheath. She closed her eyes briefly steadying her breathing before turning her attention towards the female youkai once more.

Anjera smirked as she watched the girl who stood before her sword positioned for attack.

"You are foolish human. You are just a small obstacle to the inevitable." Anjera laughed

"You think?" Rin questioned her face and voice void of all emotion much to the aggravation of Anjera

"Humph.It looks as though lord Sesshomaru has taught you a little more than how to be his whore," The female youkai hissed. "Let's see what else he taught you Anjera barked as she launched for the girl.

Rin dodged out of the way quickly just as the youkai's fist hit the wall sinking into the concrete.

Rin landed crouched in a position her sword extended at her side, speckles of crimson dripping off the tip. She glanced across her shoulder in time to see Anjera realize she'd been struck by her blade.

"Looks as though I underestimated you, human." Anjera barked as she pried her fist free of the wall.

"Look as though you did , demon!" Rin retorted as she moved to her feet.

"It won't happen again!" the youkai barked as she made a second launch for Rin.

Again Rin dodged out of the way. She heard a loud howl come from the youkai female and quickly turned to see where her blade had made impact.

"MY FACE!!!! MY BEAUTIFUL FACE!!!" The youkai cried letting out a howl that shook the room. "I will kill you HUMAN!!" Anjera barked as she launched for the girl once more this time Rin was unable to avoid her attack in time. She was struck hard hitting the adjacent wall before falling to the floor with a loud thump.

Rin chest rose and fell fast as she moved to roll over onto her back. The injury from her battle a few days earlier was hindering her movements. Rin rose until she was on her knees . She suddenly found the wind knocked out of her as she was met with a hard kick to the abdomen. Rin went down again her face hitting the cement floor.

"Who's laughing now BITCH!!" Anjera barked, lifting Rin off the floor by her hair.

She clamped her clawed hands around the girl's neck as she held her pressed against the wall.

"I am going to enjoy this!" Anjera hissed lifting her hand above her head

Rin watched impassively as the youkai's hand began to glow green. Bikki and the pups had made it to safety. That's all that mattered. It looks as though I will not be here when you return, my love. Rin thought as her mind wondered back to Sesshomaru. She watched as the female hand s moved forward. It was unreal, so unreal.. she would not have imagined she would meet her end in such a way. Rin felt a sharp pain as a dark figure came to stand behind the attacking female. Suddenly the female youkai was yanked away. Rin slid to the floor leaving a trail of blood down the wall as she did so. She saw the female hit the adjacent wall as Miyohiko came into view. She could see them wrestling through the room.

Her eyes suddenly felt heavy as struck with the taste of her own blood in her mouth. Her body felt cold and weightless. I am dying, she thought as a tear slid from her eyes. The room was becoming a blur. I can't keep my eyes open, Why can't I keep my eyes open. Sesshomaru, I am sorry. I wanted t...o...wa..it for you. She said as she was encompassed by nothingness.

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Sesshomaru suddenly dropped to one knee as and overwhelming pain ripped through his chest. His breathing became labored. What is this feeling he questioned silently. What has happened?

"Now. now Lord Sesshomaru. I have not told you to bow just yet." Itaru said taunting the youkai lord.

Sesshomaru rose unsteadily. Was what his instincts told him true? There was no mistaking it? He had not taken her as a mate , but his love for her was no less than if he had. This allowed them to share a bond. Sesshomaru turned his back to Itaru moving towards the mountains edge as he stared towards the fort. He clenched his chest as he was ent thrust into deepest realm of despair. He'd lived long enough to know the signs.

"But why her? Why!? Is it true Rin!? Are you dead!?" He questioned dropping to his knees

"RIN!!"

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*SNIFF* *SNIFF* Damn this chapter was hard to write. I kept crying. Anyways as always review. Oh and Thanks to my faithful readers as always. Sorry KagomeReborn I hadn't mean to not Acknowledge you last time I acknowledged those who continuously support my fics. THANKS AS ALWAYS AND please continue to read.