Chapter 41

~~*~~ Keitaro

I stared down at the still form on the futon, and clenched my jaw. Around me I could hear the soft sobs of my family. Father stood at my side, and I knew that he was also doing his best to keep an emotionless face.

"Kei," I heard her whisper and I knelt by her side, taking her pale small hand in my own.

"I'm right here, " I whispered and she gently squeezed my hand.

"You must have faith, and courage. I know this is hard for you, but I have lived long enough, far longer than most women can say, even in this time. Promise me to take care of Kohana, and watch over our family always. I'm counting on you," her voice was growing fainter with each word.

Father knelt across from me and took her other hand and I watched as she turned her head to look at him, and a silver tear slid down her cheek slowly.

"We had some amazing times, didn't we?" she sighed and Father nodded, and for a moment I thought I saw his eyes shimmer, or maybe it was a trick of the firelight.

"Everything we faced, everything we saw, I always thought that we could overcome this, but even time must receive its dues. Inuyasha, I want you to be happy, and if the chance comes, I want you to love again. Do not live your life mourning me, or else I'll have to make sure I come back again to torment you with more s words."

Father cracked a smile and whispered, "I'd take a million sits so long as I could see you again." She smiled and more tears slid down her cheeks, "I didn't want to cry, I wanted to go with a brave smile on my face for all of you to see."

Her eyes lifted to the group assembled around her, "My family, my pride and my joy," her eyes slowly closed and I felt the faint pulse in my hands grow even weaker. Kohana fell to her knees, and Maeko gently placed her hand on our sister's head, rubbing the base of her ears trying to comfort her.

Father leaned forward, and placed a soft kiss on the still lips, "My love forever Kagome, may your spirit rest well until we can meet again."

I bowed my head and nuzzled her hand, and realized that the pulse within had stopped. Kohana looked into my eyes and saw the truth there, and began to weep openly, joined by all the women assembled. I leaned forward and kissed her soft cheek, lined with many years of time and struggle, but never one crease that didn't show that she had indeed lived this extraordinary life, one that great stories are made of.

"Until we meet again Mother, I will protect them all," I whispered.

~~*~~ Francesca

I ran up the flight of stairs of the guesthouse, and ran through the door so fast that Yuki almost transformed in the middle of the floor out of fright. I laughed and quickly bent to rub down her raised fur.

"I have the best news Yuki," I said happily as I pulled out my suitcase from the small closet and tossed it atop one of the many piles of boxes that were littering the walls of the room. She padded into the room and hopped up on the bed with a soft mew. A few weeks of living together had begun to open up the lines of communication between us, and I was starting to understand her mews.

"I found a new place! It's this great apartment, huge living room, a huge bedroom for me, and a balcony that goes the whole length. Can you believe it!" I pulled hangers from the small closet in the wall, and began rolling clothes up into spirals to pack my suitcase tighter. Yuki mewed again softly.

"And the strangest thing, is this woman knew about my mark! I mean, she didn't feel like a youkai, just a normal old woman, but she just knew!" I paused a moment, as the sensible logical side of my mind kicked in.

"How do you think she knew?" I asked Yuki, who simply blinked her eyes at me and mewed again. I bit my lip, and shook my head quickly, "You know what, I'm not going to overanalyze this. So what if she knows, she's giving me this apartment and barely even discussing rent with me. I'm not going to look this gift horse in the mouth." I shoved as many of my clothes as I could into my suitcase, grabbed my briefcase with tests and homework that I needed to grade for Monday and my backpack, still full of my gifts from the past. Yuki jumped up on top of my suitcase, and held on.

I couldn't wait, I just knew I had to get into that apartment as quickly as possible. It was the stepping stone the old woman had promised, and I couldn't wait to find out what other wonderful things were going to happen. Maybe, just maybe, I would see Kei soon! The rest of my belongings could wait!

Yuki moved to my shoulder as I grabbed the suitcase and shoved it in the back seat with me, at the same time as I gave the address to the cabdriver. She nuzzled my neck affectionately, purring contently from her perch. I lifted my hand to scratch her chin as I watched the streets fly by, and before long, I was back at the building, looking up.

"That's it up there Yuki," I said, and hurried inside. It felt like I was opening some great treasure that I had found as I unlocked the door for the first time, and opened it. Yuki hopped off my shoulder and padded inside quietly and I quickly took off my shoes, placing them near the door. No scuff marks on these floors, I swore and left my suitcase inside the hallway as I walked up behind the kitten.

"So, what do you think?" I asked her. She seemed to look around deciding, before turning and leaping into my arms, purring contently. She approved. I grinned and scratched under her chin as I looked around the living room again, yes, this was my home, my very first home.

"Yuki, you hang around here, I think I'm going shopping!" I said with a giggle, and grabbing my purse, made my way out the door.

By the end of the next week, all my boxes and belongings had been moved from the guest house, and the furniture that I had seen on my shopping expedition had been delivered. I always had to pause in the doorway when I returned home from work, amazed that it really was mine.

I invited Kaede over for a house warming dinner, and prepared her some Italian dishes, which she found very enjoyable. Yuki enjoyed the extra company as well, especially since Kaede didn't seem to mind in the least that Yuki was sucking up all the attention.

"About the rent, Kaede-sama," I began, as we sat in the living room sipping tea. She shook her head, "I told you not to worry about that," she said and I blinked.

"But the cost of this place, "I began and she shook her head. "I told you, it belonged to my sister, and was deeded to me after she died. There's no cost to me for you living here, my sister left enough money behind that could cover any taxes needed."

I paused a moment, "Wait, are you saying that you don't want me to pay ANY rent?"

She smiled slyly and nodded, bringing her teacup to her lips before looking around, "You have done a marvelous job decorating, you have wonderful taste."

I blushed, "Well, it's not much, but I'm hoping to add a few more things when I can."

She placed her empty teacup on the table and raised an eyebrow, "Planning on entertaining much?"

"Well, I don't really know anyone in town, besides you. I have a few friends in Tokyo, but I don't know if they'll ever come here to see me, and I haven't really gotten to know anyone at work," I said and watched a sly grin spread on her lips.

"I was talking about any male visitors," she said and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks.

"No!" I shouted and then whispered, "No Kaede, I don't think I'll have any of those visitors here."

Kaede tilted her head to the side, "Pity, a lovely young woman like yourself shouldn't live her life alone."

I looked down at my cup, "I'm not alone, I have Yuki. Besides, I do have someone in my life."

Kaede blinked, " Oh, perhaps you do not like men?"

I almost spit my tea out through my nose, "No! No, nothing like that! I mean, I'm- I have a husband."

Kaede made a soft ooh sound and moved closer, the age vanishing from her face as she smiled excitedly, "Oh, really? What kind of man is he?"

I blushed, "He's tall, and strong. When I'm around him, I feel like nothing in the world could ever hurt me. He's got these amazing eyes, they're amazingly bright and clear," I smiled and sighed wistfully at the image of Kei in my mind.

"Oh, young love is so wonderful," Kaede sighed, pressing her hands to her cheeks, "I remember when I first met my husband, I thought God had come down and personally placed him in front of me. Did you know right away?"

I smiled, remembering, "Not at all. In fact, we didn't get along at all when we first met. But over time, we became friends, and then close friends. We were both struggling against something- " I paused, "Something serious, and it brought us closer together."

"So when will I get to meet this husband?" Kaede teased, nudging me with her elbow gently.

I felt the smile slide off my face, and a lump rise in my throat as the time caught up with me. 3 weeks had passed, and he still hadn't appeared. I felt a tear slide out of my eye.

"Oh dear, did I say something wrong?" Kaede asked softly.

"I- I don't know if you will get to meet him," I whispered softly, "We were separated, by something we couldn't stop or control. He said he'd find me soon, but it's been so very long."

Kaede placed her hands in mine, "He's not dead, "she whispered and I saw something in her eyes that glowed around her whole body. My empathy felt it too, it felt like pity and almost some joy.

"You couldn't possibly know that, "I said, wiping the foolish tears from my face.

"He's the one who placed the mark on you, right?" she asked, her hand drifting up to my neck. I paused and then nodded.

"Well, that proves it then. The mark fades from the skin when one who placed it there is dead, and as you can see, it's still there. Don't fret, I'm sure he's trying to find his way back to you right now."

I stared at her, as she quickly rose to her feet, reaching for her cane, "Alright child, I must return home before it gets too late, an old woman like myself can't stay awake as long as you younglings. Oh, before I forget," she paused and pulled something from her pocket. It was a ticket.

"My neighbor gave this to me, asked me if I knew of a young lady who could use a night out. It's good for two people, perhaps you could ask one of your co-workers to go out with you. You should enjoy yourself a little, I'm sure your husband wouldn't want you moping around in the dark."

I smiled and took the ticket, "Thank you Kaede, I think I'll do that."

~~*~~Keitaro

I looked up from another mind-numbing scroll, another stupid treatise with the smaller clans of the Western Lands, and stared out into the darkness of the room. Dawn was approaching, and I had been awake all night, reading over this new document. Every hundred years, a new one had to be written and negotiated and Uncle had given me this particular task.

'Probably because he's sick of looking at them himself,' I thought to myself as I stretched out my legs and arms with a long yawn. My scalp itched and I longed to visit the hot springs, but I wanted to get this finished. The last time I left something incomplete, I thought Uncle was going to beat the hide off my back, or worse, force me to play with my cousins for an entire day. Now that was a nightmare in the making. Particularly since the younger of the twins discovered gnawing on my ankles to be a pleasant pastime, I cringed thinking of it.

Of course, the fact they were even born was a surprise to all of us, and Megahna has softened up, I almost believe that hell has frozen over. Not that my Aunt would ever let any of us know she had softened up.

I picked up the brush and carefully dipped it in the ink, drawing up a few more provisions that had changed since the last treatise, and carefully made my mark within the wax.

"Finally," I sighed and stood, reaching for the ceiling as a few joints popped. I grunted in satisfaction and blew out the candle that had been lighting my work. However I was more tired than I thought, and missed the candle completely, instead blowing the scrolls all over the floor.

"Kuso," I swore and knelt to gather them up, when one in particular caught my eye. It was an old treatise, dating back from beyond my great- grandfather's reign as Lord of the Western Lands. I recognized the symbols on the seal, but I hadn't bothered to even look at it before, thinking it was too old to be of any use.

The seal had fallen off, taking a bit of the scroll with it, and I sighed. Uncle was definitely going to have my hide for this. I carefully unrolled the scroll, to see how much damage was caused, and glanced over what was written. It wasn't too different than every other treatise that I had seen, and as I started to roll it back up again, I noticed something near the bottom.

I moved the candle closer for more light, and stared at the writing near the bottom. The ink was faded, but it was defiantly there, and very familiar. Quickly I rose to my feet, hurrying to the chest in the corner where I kept my most valuable possession. The scroll that Francesca had left for me.

Returning to the treatise, I opened the scroll and placed it side by side with the other document. The characters looked the same. I held my breath as I stared down at my discovery.

"Jaken!" I shouted loudly and heard the immediate patter of feet on the wooden floors outside rushing to my room. The door slid open and he hurried to my side, bowing overenthusiastically.

"Yes Keitaro-sama," he huffed. I sighed, his distinct disdain for me had quickly become submissive, especially since Uncle made it perfectly clear that I was to be treated no differently than him.

"Call the ambassadors from the southern provinces here immediately. Tell them to bring some of their oldest scholars with them, anyone who can read this," I said, taking a blank piece of parchment and quickly copying a few of the symbols onto it.

"While you're at it, pass the word along to the provinces south of them as well," I said after a moment of thinking.

"But Lord, those are the lands of the Southern Lord, "he stammered. I sighed, "Well, then inform the Lord that I wish to have an intellectual discussion with some of his laymen. We have a binding treaty with them, thanks to my Aunt, so there should be no suspicion towards us. Now go! I want them here by the end of the week, or we will be dining on frog legs for dinner the next day." Jaken squawked and ran out of the room as if the hounds of hell were chasing after him.

I smiled, feeling a warmth light up in my heart for the first time since my sister had passed on from this life. I stared out as the sun rose on a new day for me, hell, it could have been a whole new year. For the first time, something bloomed in that morning light, a hope.

'300 years Rose, just 300 more and I'll get to see you again,' I thought as the sun kissed my skin as it peaked over the rim of the mountains.

~~*~~ Francesca

I paused, looking up over the kitchen counter at the bright orange light that was coming through the glass. I could almost hear him whispering in my ear, "Almost there Rose, hold on." I shook my head, almost laughing at myself as I washed the last of the dishes and dried my hands with the dish towel. No, I couldn't have heard him.

I walked over to my radio and put in a CD mix that my brother had sent me in the mail, and listened as the piano keyed in. It was the perfect song for how I was feeling.

Got a picture of you I carry in my heart

Close my eyes to see it when the world gets dark Got a memory of you I carry in my soul

I wrap it close around me when the nights get cold

Kaede's questions sparked a new wave of nostalgia within my heart. Of course I thought about Kei every waking moment, but I had forced myself not to think of the fact that he hadn't come to me yet. I slid open the doors of the balcony, letting the warm summer evening air into the apartment, and stood in the threshold, feeling the warm kiss of the dying light on my bare arms.

If you asked me how I'm doin' I'd say just fine

But the truth is baby, if you could read my mind

"Kei," I whispered into the wind, and leaned my head against the frame of the door. It was a large world, I realized as I stared out over the cityscape wistfully. Was it too much to hope that he could live that long? But what Kaede said, about the mark, was that true? I lifted my hand and touched the side of my neck, feeling the tingle of the small dots of silver on my neck. Yuki strolled over and rubbed against my ankle comfortingly and I smiled.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you

After all this time you're still with me it's true

Somehow you remain locked so deep inside

Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by

"I'm glad Kirara gave you to me Yuki, you're like my tie to that world, that life. I should be grateful for the experience that I've had, shouldn't I?" She mewed again, and I couldn't tell if she was agreeing with me or not. I stepped away from the balcony, singing softly with the music.

I still wait for the phone in the middle of the night

Thinkin' you might call me if your dreams don't turn out right

And it still amazes me that I lie here in the dark

Wishin' you were next to me, with your head against my heart

I strolled out onto the balcony as the music grew louder, and I poured my heart into the song, singing out into the growing twilight, not caring who heard me. This was my song for my Kei, wherever and whenever he was at that moment. My song to tell him that I hadn't given up, and I hadn't forgotten.

Minutes turn to hours, and the hours to days

Seems it's been forever that I've felt this way

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you

After all this time you're still with me it's true

Oh, somehow you remain locked so deep inside

Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by

That I don't think of you

I opened my eyes as the music ended, beginning to feel the cool breeze of night washing over me. The magic of my song ended with the piano, and I sighed.

"Well Yuki, let's get some work done," I said with finality and closed the balcony doors.