Chapter One: Sesshomaru's Return

InuYoko had just returned from the mountain of the Demon Dragon, where he had been honing his skills. He was only four, but later was his birthday party. His father and mother said that they had a special gift for him, and the curious quarter demon could hardly wait to find out what it was.

He glanced around the Shrine excitedly, nearly jumping out of his square pattern kimono that his mother made for him for special occasions. Moments later, the six-year-old Miro-Kashato burst through the front door, calling for InuYoko. His younger sister Mori then entered followed by Sango and Miroku.

Mori and Miro-Kashato rushed over to the quarter demon, almost as excited as he was. Kagome walked in from the bedroom and greeted the guests.

"Good afternoon, Kagome-san!" Said Miroku, using his natural charm, which was tinted obviously in his voice. Sango lightly punched him in the ribs, flashing him a look that said, "You're married to me, remember?" Kagome smiled.

"Hello there, Miroku-sama. And hello, Sango-san, Miro-Kashato-chan, and Mori-chan." she replied. InuYoko was re-enacting his battle with the Demon Dragon for Miro-Kashato and Mori as the adults conversed. Kagome looked out the door.

"Where is Shippo-chan?" She wanted to know.

" Probably on another tryst with Kaori." Miroku said. Kagome giggled.

"Shippo is growing up.." she said.

InuYasha ambled in, carrying a small box. He was wearing pleasant smile as he looked at his young son.

"Happy birthday, InuYoko!" he smiled, handing the box to his son, who gladly grabbed it and tore the lid off. His orange eyes grew wide as they reflected the shimmering half of a shiny light purple jewel, sitting in some tightly wrapped hay. He picked it out of the box, trembling.

"T-the...Sh-shi-shikon...n-no...t-tam-tama!!!!!!" he stuttered, staring at the jewel. Kagome walked over to her trembling son and picked the jewel half up. She gently turned his face toward her and placed the jewel on his cheek. The jewel shimmered even brighter and disappeared into the quarter demon's flesh.

He was about to go ballistic over his gift when the cloth over the door fell down. Everyone turned to look and they all gasped. Standing in the doorway was a tall demon who looked almost human. He had flowing silver hair and wore a fluffy boa on his right shoulder.

"Sesshomaru?" InuYasha exclaimed.

The demon grinned. He disappeared, then reappeared next to the wall where InuYasha's sword was leaning. He picked it up and put it in his belt, then walked out the door. Before he left, InuYasha jumped on to Sesshomaru's back and clawed at it. Sesshomaru reached to grab his brother by the hair, and he flung him to the ground.

"Daddy!" InuYoko yelled. Sesshomaru disappeared.

"D-darn it.." InuYasha managed, picking himself off the ground. He sniffed the air and followed the scent of his brother.

InuYoko started to run after his father.