Chapter 44

After dressing warmly for the cold day, we headed out to pick out something to wear for the reunion. I even managed to sneak Yuki into my pocketbook so that she could give her input as well. After all, she was just as much a part of my family as Kohana.

By the time we returned, we were all very pleased with our purchases, as well as very chilled. The temperature was crisp and cold and even though the sun shone brightly, we were both very red cheeked and out of breath as we entered the building. I had taken Kagome and placed her inside my jacket, zipping her close against me, and although she had fallen asleep during the walk, she did stay very warm. Kohana seemed very comfortable in just her cloak, despite the fact that it did not cover her as well as a jacket would. But what had really surprised me the most, was how just before we left, Kohana pulled out a tiny beaded rosary and slipped it around her neck. Before my eyes, her ears shrunk and her face became rounder, softer. Her eyes darkened to a dark brown and her hair darkened to a rich midnight black. My mouth opened to form a question when she smiled.

"Maeko came up with these for Kei and I, so that we could pass as humans when we were hanyou. It seems that it works just as well when we are youkai, and as for why," she shrugged delicately. "I do not wish to have the entire town staring at me when I travel."

I agreed with her, but I didn't feel comfortable with her new image. In my mind, I still saw Kohana as she was, and should be able to remain, silver and beautiful.

In the end, we both decided on soft sweaters, and warm black pants that flared stylishly at our ankles. Kohana's sweater was a pale blue the color of a summer sky and did wonders for her porcelain like coloring. My sweater was more of an earth tone, a mix between burgundy and black, quite becoming to my own hair and eyes. . I bought a pair of comfortable black boots that zipped up to my ankle, with just enough heel to be attractive, without being too uncomfortable. Kohana settled for a pair of low dress shoes, her height not needing any alteration. For Kagome, we bought a warm cotton dress, and shoes that matched, and I found a head band normally used for baby's heads, that Yuki liked. She didn't seem to mind the idea of dressing up for the occasion either.

I watched Kagome, and fed her a bottle as Kohana took the first turn in the bathroom, and then I washed. We were both dressed and ready with plenty of time to spare, and after finding Yuki a more comfortable riding arrangement, we headed out for the train.

Kohana sat silently and perfectly still the entire trip, and I could feel her nervousness shimmering around her. I placed my hand on hers gently and she smiled, a little of the nervousness dissipating.

I stepped off the train, and was very surprised to see Sato standing there, bundled up and wearing normal clothes, something that was a rarity for my eyes. He smiled and waved me over, and I gently lead Kohana up to him. She shifted faintly on her feet, and I could feel the tension riding over her.

"Sato-sama," I said warmly and gave him a light hug, which he returned before turning to Kohana. I opened my mouth to introduce them, when I saw the look on his face. His mouth hand fallen open in surprise.

"You're-" he whispered, and Kohana tightened, as if she was going to run. I almost placed my hand on her arm to stop her but before I could, Sato had moved forward and wrapped the very frightened woman in his arms. I could see his shoulders shaking visibly.

"You can mask your true features with enchantments, but you can't hide from those who know your face the best," he whispered hoarsely. "You don't even realize who you look like, do you?"

I blinked and really looked at Kohana, who was staring at me from over his shoulder, and then it hit me. Kohana's enchantments transformed her features to those of a human, and the human who she most naturally resembled, was her mother. She looked like Kagome.

"Francesca-sama," he said, releasing his hug from Kohana, but never breaking contact as he looked at me, "You have done me a great honor by letting me see the beautiful face of my sister's daughter."

Kohana took in a sharp breath, as he faced her, "Kohana, am I right?" With that she smiled, her lip shaking as the emotion overtook her.

"You must be the little Sato that my mother always told me about, though not so little anymore," she replied, and they hugged again, both with the joy of finding family and the tinge of sorrow for both their losses.

"Sato, why are you here? I know the way to the shrine very well," I said, breaking the emotional cloud in the air.

He nodded, "Mother didn't realize how cold it was going to be, and changed the location. I have the car to take you there."

There was a feeling of something in the air that seemed just a little strange, but I shook it off slightly and nodded, following Sato down the stairs, through the tollgate, and out onto the street. The snow was light here, and I could tell by the graying skies that we were probably in the way of some more before night fell. I shivered a little as a cold chill tickled my neck and I carefully checked on Kagome. She sighed softly, but still slept warmly inside my jacket. Yuki mewed from inside my bag and I smiled, "We're almost there Yuki," I told her and felt her settle back down.

I slipped into the back seat, giving Kohana the more leg room in the front and we took off. I was surprised to see that we headed past the shrine, towards the same hotel where I had stayed on that fateful day, and even more surprised as when we stopped before it, the doorman rushed forward to open my door for me.

"Sato?" I questioned under my breath, knowing full well that valet service was not something normal for this place.

He smiled and shrugged, "Perhaps they have misplaced us, let's not question it too much," he said and I glanced around. Instinctively, my senses went on full alert. Perhaps that month in the past, perhaps my own personal insecurities, but I felt that something wasn't right, that it wasn't as simple as it appeared and this worried me.

My eyes darted around over everything, taking in ever single person in the lobby as I walked behind Sato, practice allowing me to keep my features as normal as possible. Everyone seemed oblivious to us, and with the exception of the doorman, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Something alerted me, however, just before we reached the doors we seemed to be walking toward and I glanced to my right. Standing beside a pillar, one leg crossed before the other, and looking rather comfortable was a familiar face. I felt my heart jump and I instantly placed an arm around Kagome protectively. I knew that man, he was the leader of the wolves who had attacked me the day I met Kaede. I glanced around and realized that placed in various points around the room, were more of the same pack, most of which had not recognized me, and were eying everyone else.

I moved forward quickly to warn Sato, but was interrupted as the doors before us flew open and his mother came out towards us, enveloping me in a warm hug.

"I'm so glad you could come," she said happily and stepped back, noticing the bundle in my jacket, a fact that Sato had overlooked.

"Francesca," she said, a smile on her face, "You did not tell us-" she began and I blushed.

"No, this child isn't mine, she's-"I began before taking a breath and smiling at Kohana, who stepped forward to take Kagome from my arms.

"This is Kagome," Kohana said softly, "She is my great-granddaughter."

Sato's mother smiled brightly, "So you must be Kohana," she said, and pouted, "But Francesca said you looked like your father, where are your cute ears?"

I laughed softly, covering my mouth with my hand as Kohana looked a little surprised but laughed as well.

"Perhaps I will show you, when we are far away from such prying eyes," she replied graciously and didn't seem as uncomfortable when Mrs. Hirotomo stepped forward and hugged her warmly.

"Come come, everyone has arrived and they are all anxious to meet you Francesca," she said, "I have told them all such wonderful things about you."

I smiled and slipped my jacket off, folding it over my arm as she lead us through the large wooden doors before us. Soft music was playing inside, and I instinctively glanced down at my feet, feeling strangely shy. The doors behind us closed, and I turned slightly, jumping at the sound. Standing against them, was the wolf pack, grinning at me.

'Oh no,' I thought as I turned to face the rest of the room, and froze. Everyone was looking at me, and smiling. I suddenly felt very very intimidated. Kohana had stepped away from me, and stood beside Sato and his mother, her lips curved in an equal smile. Yuki mewed and pawed at my bag and pushed open the covering to leap out. She must have sensed my fear because she instinctively transformed into her larger form and growled protectively.

"No, Yuki," I said, but too late. I prepared myself for the scream of shock, or the wave of fear, but felt neither. Instead, I heard a soft growl, followed by another, and from the far end of the room, a shadow walked slowly from behind a table. I dropped my bag and jacket on the floor when I realized who it was.

"Mistero," I whispered and he growled again, leaping towards me. I fell to my knees as he reached me and I wrapped my arms tightly around his thick neck, hearing him purr loudly against me.

"Mistero, my friend," I whispered softly, and felt a nudge against my arm. There stood Kirara as well, and I switched cats, hugging her tightly. Yuki growled softly and pressed her head against her father in greeting, and I watched in joyful awe as my friend was reunited with her family.

One by one, everyone stepped up, and the introductions began. The descendents of Maeko and Naoko came first, beginning with Kaede, who greeted me with a shy smile. "I hope you are not angry with me," she whispered as I hugged her.

"No, I am not," I said, "I knew there must have been a reason, but I never guessed it was something this wonderful," I smiled and greeted each one of them. The line of Kaemon came next, and I laughed as one particular young man stepped forward and introduced myself. "You are the splitting image of your ancestor," I said with a bright smile, and then took a cautious step back. He looked at me surprised until I asked, "You don't grope women, do you?" Everyone laughed, probably having heard the tales through the lines. Kohaku's descendents came forward, and then Aiko's. I smiled and greeted each of them equally, feeling as though with each introduction, I was coming home.

Kohana stepped up beside me and whispered, "Not all of the family is here," she explained. "Some of the lines drifted away from the family and do not know us." She motioned the people gathered before us. "These are all those who know the true nature of our past and our heritage." I nodded, understanding.

"Francesca-nee-san," I heard softly beside me and I turned. Standing there, grinning mischievously, were two very familiar faces. Older, handsomer, and probably even more clever, but there was no mistaking their complexion. They both sported the same long red hair in ponytails and now instead of green vests and pants, they were wearing casual green sweaters, and black dress slacks.

"Kin, Kioshi," I breathed and they glanced at each other before looking back at me. My hand lifted to my lips as I stared at them, unable to move, "You've grown up!" I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion as Kin grinned.

"Well I grew up, Kioshi is still a shy boy," he laughed and got an elbow as reward from his brother. I stepped forward and wrapped an arm around each of their necks, pulling them close. I couldn't help it, but cry softly as they both embraced me tightly.

"Oh, you've grow so handsome," I whispered in their ears, and I felt the heat from their blushes on my own cheeks. After a moment I pulled back, and wiped the tears from my cheeks, smiling. "Did you keep your promise?"

They both grinned and simultaneously pulled out a small green leaf from their pockets, and with a poof of kitsune magic, stood before me in the forms of two very well known illusionists. I blinked in surprise, and gasped, "You were them!! I used to watch you on TV all the time!!"

"And they cannot resist the urge to show off," I heard behind them and opened my eyes to see Shippou standing there, trying to look older and more parental, but his eyes gave away his humor. I laughed, and stepped forward to give him a warm hug, feeling him blush.

"Yes, they are certainly just like their father," I joked and he grinned sheepishly. Kin and Kioshi laughed as well and stepped back, as a very familiar figure stepped forward. The years had aged him, but only a little, and it was his eyes that revealed the true number of years that he had seen pass before him.

"Sesshomaru-sama," I said softly, bowing respectfully to him, and felt surprised as he lifted my chin with his hand, shaking his head.

"It is I who should be the one to bow to you," he said, his voice deep and melodic and I watched in surprise as he did so, followed by most of the company there, including Sato and his mother. Even Yuki, and her parents bowed their head.

I turned around, looking at everyone. "Please, don't," I whispered, my cheeks feeling red, "Please don't bow to me, I don't deserve it."

"Don't you?" asked Kouga, stepping forward from the group, his face lined only slightly with the wear of battles and years gone by. Ayame stood at his side, looking as young and energetic as ever. "After all, if it were not for your efforts, your battles and your losses," he paused, and gave me a sympathetic smile, "We would all have died long ago. For you see, you defeated the Sorrow, you gave many of us or our ancestors the strength to face all the trials that the years would bring."

"You gave my children hope, where they could not find any," came another familiar voice, and I spun on my heel as those ever familiar golden eyes captured mine. Inuyasha no longer wore his red traditional robes, but his shirt was just as brilliant a red, making him look very dashing in the black slacks and shined shoes. His long silver hair was pulled back with a tie, but it was still him. I felt my breath get swept away at the sight of him. Despite his elegant look, I could feel the dark pull of sorrow that still surrounded him, the loss of his great love still haunted him. I couldn't help myself, I ran to him and wrapped him up in a tight embrace, and cried the tears he couldn't. He seemed to understand and held me close, gently running a hand over my hair, as a parent would comfort a child.

"Do not cry so," he whispered to me. "Kagome would not like it, she would want this to be a joyous reunion, and I know that she is here with us in spirit, as well as in memory," he whispered gently in my ear. It was amazing to me to see how much time had changed him, time, and perhaps Kagome who was the one who had changed him the most. I stepped back as he kept his hands on my shoulders, smiling down on me.

It was only this close that I felt the differences in him. His ears had not shifted from his head, and I smiled, grateful for that one similarity for me to cling to. His face was the oldest in the room, the light laugh lines that graced the edge of his mouth and eyes only enhancing his beauty. I smiled, "Yes Father, you are right," and watched as a warm inner light glowed from his eyes.

"We bow to you daughter, " gracing me in return with the acknowledgement of family, "for one more great reason," he said, a soft smile crossing his lips.

"They bow as is fitting, to the Lady of the Western Lands," came another voice. I froze, my skin tingling with electricity as that wonderful voice filled my ears. I felt a knot form in my throat as I moved in the slowest motion. My mind screamed not to bother, that I would turn around and be wrong, or that I would suddenly wake up from this wonderful dream, but I continued to turn. The group in the room had parted, and, standing down at the very end, his hands folded neatly before him, was the face I had dreamed of since the instant I returned. His hair was snow white, just like his father's, with one distinct exception: One long streak of black drifted from above his right eyebrow and down through his hair. His hears had shifted to the side of his head, and were slightly pointed. Along the side of his cheeks, were faint blue streaks, and his face had elongated only slightly. He resembled his father in his transformation, even more so than his uncle. Those eyes were the same though, they were the golden eyes that found me in that well, the golden eyes that haunted me as I traveled to recover my memory, and the golden eyes I saw in my dreams every night as I prayed that he would find me.

Now, they were the golden eyes that shimmered with the tears that they had held for centuries, tears of longing and loss. I took a step forward, or perhaps I stumbled in my attempt and suddenly he was there before me, holding me. I breathed slowly, staring up at him, my eyes felt like they would come out of their sockets as I stared at him, absorbing the sight.

"You're too quiet," he whispered, and I felt the insecurity flow off him like water, "Are you angry with my choice? Are you disgusted by me now?"

I blinked only once, and without thinking, I grabbed a hold of his hair and pulled his head down to mine with an aggressive passion that I didn't even realize I was holding inside. I poured everything from my soul into the kiss and opened up every sense at my disposal. The link between us flared wildly and I felt everything he had: surprise, desire, pleasure, joy, and years of endless longing. His arms gathered around my waist and lifted me up against him, and I never broke the kiss. Our lips spoke to each other in a language that only lovers know, a language that has no words, but only feelings.

'You're here, you're here, you're here,' my heart cried to his as I wound my hands into his hair and I felt his grip tighten even more.

'Never again, no one will ever part us again, we will never be lonely again,' his heart responded and I felt our tears flow together over our respective cheeks. I heard the roar of applause and the hollers of pleasure surround us and I smiled, slowly breaking the kiss if only to breathe for a moment. Our mouths separated but he pressed his forehead to mine, keeping the intimate contact.

"My love," he whispered.

"You're late." I said, my lips curving into a smile and to my surprise he laughed loudly, throwing back his head in mischievous laughter as he spun me around.

"500 years, and that's the first thing you can say to me?" he roared happily and everyone around us joined in the laughter. I grinned and held on tightly as the world revolvedaround us, and only for us.

"Yes, that's exactly what I have to say," I said softly pulling his head close to mine for another deep kiss. It was as necessary as breathing for me. I needed to feel the heat of his touch against my lips, as if my very existence depended on that touch and the knowledge hit me that I could never live without his kiss ever again.

Only a polite coughing broke us apart from this second round, and Kohana stood there, her hands on her hips.

"I thought you were going to give me 24 hours?" she demanded and I glanced between them curiously. Kei laughed and held up his wrist, showing off what I assumed was a golden Rolex as he glanced at the time.

"24 hours to the second of my entrance, little sister," he grinned mischievously. "I never promised I wouldn't make a classy introduction, now did I?

Kohana made a face and I laughed. I could forgive them by whatever means they made it happen, all that mattered was Kei was here, his arms were around me, his breath warm on my cheek, and that we would never be separated again. For the first time since I had returned to my own time, I smiled- really truly smiled. And it felt wonderful.

"Rose," he whispered against my skin and I looked into his eyes curiously. He smiled and kissed my nose gently, "Come, let's enjoy our dinner." With all the elegance of a regal court, he gently took my hand in his, and led me to the head table.

It was a joyous time, as people joked, and laughed and shared stories, and I sat there and absorbed them all, smiling so much that I felt my cheeks ache with the exhaustion of it. Kei's hand never left mine the entire evening, and when someone turned on some music, we all rose up to dance. I took my turns with all my old friends, but spent most of my time in Kei's arms. After so long a separation, neither one of us could really bear to be parted for too long, even if it was only a few feet.

As the night dwindled down, the questions began to arise, mostly from the human parts of the family, who began questioning me insistently for information on their relatives. I smiled and took center stage as I began telling them of their ancestors, and after that was done, a lone voice rose up. It was a small girl, probably no older than Kohana was when I first arrived. She walked over and climbed into my lap comfortably.

"Nee-san," she asked innocently and everyone fell quiet, interested in what was going to happen.

"Yes?" I asked her, glancing at Kei for a name. He whispered gently that she was of Kaemon's line, the sister of the young man I encountered earlier, and her name was Aikia.

"Is it true that you knew my Jii-san?" she asked softly and I nodded, "Yes, I knew him a very long time ago."

She smiled, "But you're so young and pretty," to which I blushed, "Can you tell us how you knew him?"

I settled her comfortably in my lap and looked around the room at the eager faces, before turning to Kei.

"I'm sure they've heard this story a million times," I said and was astonished by the resounding shaking of heads.

"We've all shared a little of the story, but it was decided a long time ago, that the best person to tell this story, was you."

I blushed and nodded, "Alright. Well, I suppose it really all starts in August of this year, when I came to Japan for the first time, and I was traveling around Tokyo. The hot summer sun beat down on my shoulders, making the backpack feel twenty times heavier."

And so I told the story of the second time the members of our family took off in a quest, and everything we went through. I was as fair and honest to the story as I could be, but I did leave out some things that were meant to be personal between us and only us.

As I finished, I felt every eye in the room on me, and the weight of their gaze was heavy. I blushed, and cleared my throat, realizing how dry it was. Slowly everyone stood and began to applaud. I blinked in surprise as even little Aikia clapped her small hands, a bright grin on her face.

Kei's arm slid around my shoulders and he whispered in my ear, "You did a wonderful job, but I think you need to rest. You're tired, I can tell and I know there is much we have to talk about between us." I smiled and nodded as he rose.

"I know that much is still left to be said, but it is very late, and Francesca needs to rest. You've had her talking for hours now. I want to thank all of you for coming tonight." Simply said, everyone rose and came to our table, bowing respectfully before me before heading out into the night.

Taking up the end of the line, was Kouga and the band of wolves that had attacked me. He stood, arms folded over his chest as the leader stepped forward, and if it would have been visible, I was sure his tail would have been planted firmly between his legs.

"Francesca-sama, I am very sorry about what happened. Had we known-" he began and I shook my head.

"I have forgiven you for what you did, but I only worry that I was not your first victim nor was I your last." I felt the shame rise off all of them, and I couldn't help but grace them with a gentle smile.

"If you can promise me, from here on out, that you will lend your services to protecting, instead of accosting, then all will be well," I said and watched as they looked towards each other, and nodded in unison before hurrying off. I smiled at Kouga who bowed and then backed away.

"We've made arrangements for the two of you to stay here for the night," Inuyasha said, placing an electronic key into Kei's hand. "It would be only fitting to spend the night together before you leave in the morning."

I felt a grip of panic slide over my throat as I looked to Kei, "You're leaving?" I couldn't keep the whine from my voice, try as Imight. I placed my hands, which suddenly felt so cold, in his.

"I have a few loose ends to tie up in America, but I will return to you within a few days, and this time it will be to stay," he whispered soothingly. I suddenly felt the world shrink around me, and a feeling of dread filled me.

"Do not fear," he said and pulled me close, "Nothing will ever separate us again, I swear it!" I nodded and pulled back, feeling very embarrassed at the moment of complete weakness at the thought of him leaving. I had survived all these months without a clue as to his whereabouts, and the few days he was to be apart from me, where I would know where he was and that he was safe shouldn't send me into such a panic.

"Come, let's go talk," he said softly and led me towards the elevators, his hand in mine. I smiled and laced my fingers with his, very much aware of the looks that everyone was giving us as we passed through the lobby. The jealous eyes of the women whose looks they threw my way could kill, and those of the men who cast envious glances at Kei. I couldn't blame any of them, really, Kei was both beautiful and successful, a man truly to be envied. I turned my gaze towards him, only momentarily worried that his appearance would cause some trouble when I realized that he looked just like any normal man. I opened my mouth to question but he smiled and very lightly tugged at his collar. Just below the line of material, I saw the same beads that Kohana had slipped on. I hadn't even noticed the motion as we were walking, he was so discrete.

He rang for the elevator, and as we entered, Kei slipped the key card into the slot that read 'Penthouse' and the elevator instantly began to rise, noiselessly. We remained silent the entire way up. I think that we were both a little nervous, being alone together again after so much time, though for him it was far longer. His hand slipped from mine to move around my waist and I looked up at him, feeling my heart suddenly speed up.

"You're scared," he whispered gently and I shook my head. He smiled and gently bowed his head to brush his nose against my forehead and I could feel him inhale slowly.

"You're scared, not of me, but you're scared," he repeated and I felt a flush rise up onto my cheeks. The elevator door opened to a large living room, quite elegant with antique furniture everywhere. My eyes opened wide as Kei quickly scooped me up in his arms and carried me in.

"I heard it was a Western tradition," he said in my ear and I smiled, nodding my head. Once we were across the threshold, however, he didn't let me go. Instead, he insisted on carrying me bridal style throughout the entire penthouse, showing me all the rooms. I smiled and enjoyed the attention until I was suddenly airborne, falling through the air onto a large mattress. Kei was at my side in an instant, a sly grin on his face.

"Kei!" I yelled and hit his shoulder as he laughed.

"Well, I got impatient," he said. I glanced around, and, as the setting finally hit home I turned a bright red.

"Don't get shy with me now, Rose," he whispered against my neck as he placed a kiss on my mark and I felt my heart leap through my throat. He nuzzled just below my earlobe and I felt my whole body melt in response.

"I'm so sorry," he breathed and I opened my eyes to see him looking down at me, his hand gently brushing some hair from my face.

"For what?" I whispered, almost fearful of the answer. It had been 500 years, all the things that could have happened flew through my mind and I felt a knot form in my stomach.

"For not being there when you returned like I so desperately wanted," he replied and I smiled.

"That was my fault Kei, you didn't know about my name, it wasn't your fault," I soothed and he closed his eyes.

I could feel the pain roll off of him, "I missed you for so long Rose, so very long. I almost-" he paused, "I almost gave up." He rose off the bed, turning his back to me, his body tense. I slid off the bed and moved behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist to press my cheek against his back.

"Kei," I whispered, "I don't blame you, and I'm not angry. Kohana told me what you went through. You had to face so many years, and so many hardships, I was only here for a few months. Its only natural to feel weak. I understand."

I released his waist to move in front of him, to look up at his bowed head, his mouth closed in a tight line. I stood up on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him close. His head naturally bowed to my shoulder and I ran my fingers through his hair gently.

"I don't deserve you," he sighed.

I smiled, "I often thought the same thing about you," I confessed. "You were this wonderful, strong, handsome, amazing man and I couldn't believe that you fell in love with me of all people," I focused for a moment in the way I could feel his heart speed up under my fingers at his neck and I sighed. "But you taught me something that no one else could," I continued. "you taught me to trust again." I swallowed back the emotion in my voice and nodded decisively. "I think we deserve each other, we were made for each other, and all that we've seen has only proven that even more."

He lifted his head, smiling, "The woman who didn't believe in soul mates-" he began as I kissed him lightly.

"Until she found hers," I finished and took his hands in mine, pulling him back with me, "Now shut up, we've got a lot of catching up to do." He grinned, and as the night passed, we did just that.

AN: Don't worry everyone! This isn't the end.I have one more card up my sleeve! *pouts* But only a few people reviewed! Don't you all love me anymore??