I'm back!! Sorry it took so long, but I had to study for midterms and
such. So many people wanted at least one more chapter before I closed the
book, but I couldn't draw it out anymore without ruining it.
Also!! One or two people figured out the secret of the puppy, and one person figured out why Kouga left in such a hurry!! *hands the lucky people copies of the first and second Inuyasha movies, as well as a plushie of their choice!*
If by now you haven't figured out that I don't own them, consider getting help.
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Epilogue: The Pup's Story
Well, that's the story, I guess. After the introduction of myself to everyone, Sesshoumaru finally got his ass in gear and started being more serious in his courtship of Kagome. Maybe it's because Kouga and Hojou stopped coming around, or maybe because after that first kiss, he knew she loved him, too. I don't know.
I'm still surprised how it all happened. I remember when I met Kagome like this, and it seems like only yesterday. Staring at her from behind that damned glass wall while she walked around with some boy. He looked like a weak little human, and I decided he was NOT fit to be the mate of MY Kagome. After all, the last time I saw her, she had just helped defeat one of the most powerful creatures to exist, hanyou or youkai.
And I left her.
I went off with the woman I had once promised my life to, merely because I HAD promised. That, and I knew that no matter how much I loved Kagome, I would always have Kikyou in my heart, as well. I didn't want to hurt Kagome like that. When I left, I prayed to any gods that may have been there to let Kagome fall in love again. But I didn't know I'd be reincarnated and assigned to protect her and her future mate. I guess when I promised to protect her long ago, the gods decided that meant for me to keep protecting her until her death, like I did Kikyou.
But I don't want to think about Kagome dying.
Back to the topic at hand, or in my case, paw.
I had thought that the idea of Kagome and some pathetic human was a bad idea. Then she had picked me up, held me, petted my fur and played with my ears. I practically fell in love all over again. I wanted her to be my owner, but that would make her my mother, then. I decided that if I couldn't love her like a mate, I could love her like my mother. I could live with that.
Then HE arrived. The one person I had never, in a thousand years, thought would become soft enough to show interest in a female, let alone a human one. Sure, there was that little girl he had hanging around him 500 years ago, but our canine blood makes us feel like we have to protect anything that once tried to help us, especially if it's younger than us. Haven't you ever fed a stray dog, only to have him stick around? It doesn't just want more food (though that's good, too), it's the need to return the favor.
I was delighted almost, since I knew who he was, and he was a dog, like myself in a way, and not holding a cat like that idiot human was. I tried to jump over to him, the pup in me wanting to play with this big dog. Also, he didn't seem to be evil now. Used to, his cold aura had driven everyone off, but now, it was almost warm, as though he was slowly warming up to people.
Very slowly, if it took him 500 years.
Of course, he ended up treating me as a parent would its pup, tapping my nose to tell me to stop jumping around. I relaxed some, but growled at him when he got too close to Kagome and I. He ended up getting the basic message, and growled back, saying that he wouldn't remove me from her. Finally, I lied down in Kagome's arms, being content just to be near her again.
Then the smell of cats became stronger, and I watched Sesshoumaru's cold, indifferent mask appear again, making the almost-warm parent-figure look just as he had when he would fight me ages ago. That idiot human who had been talking to the cat-demon employee had come over, and draped his arm over my Kagome's shoulders possessively. The neko-youkai was also obviously moving too close to Sesshoumaru for his comfort. Last time I had seen a look that annoyed on his face, someone died.
The baka ningen began to talk to Sesshoumaru, and mentioned he and my (hopefully) new mother were on a date. That was obviously the WRONG thing to say to my older brother. That glare made the fur on the back of my neck stand up. Or it could've been the youkai energy emanating so thickly from him, that I could've cut it with the claws I used to have. In any case, I could only stare as very familiar markings began to appear, and his fangs and claws both lengthened back to their old shape.
The cat demoness had the right idea to back away. This human had no idea what he had just done.
I nearly yelped when Kagome went to Sesshoumaru and put her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her for a second, and I swear his face softened before his markings faded away again. Very freaky thing for me to see, believe me. It took all my will to pretend I was asleep.
Then the bastard picked me up and went to the near-drooling youkai and paid for me with that little chunk of plastic I've seen people use. Then she mentioned his fight with a stupid wolf. That got my attention. After all, I could only think of one idiot ookami youkai who would fight against Sesshoumaru. Especially if it was over Kagome, which I decided it probably was. Kouga.
I decided I might like Sesshoumaru a little more after that.
When he handed me back to Kagome, who was now officially my owner, and new mother, I swear I could've actually thanked him. Instead, I merely made a contented sound when he scratched behind my ears.
Sesshoumaru left after that, saying he was going to find Shippou. Big shock for me, there. The runt was still causing trouble around here? Keh. He never learns, I swear. And neither does that human boy, apparently. Although I still remember how that date ended. I think the moron learned that my Kagome wasn't interested in him anymore, if she ever was.
"Well, Hojou, I had better get home, I promised Souta I would help him with his Solar System project, and I don't want him to think I forgot. Sorry, and thanks for coming along with me. See you at school!!" If I could've, I would have been laughing as she ran off in the direction of her house, Hobo-boy's yells of "Kagome!" and "Call me!" being completely ignored by my new parent.
When we walked in the door (well, she walked, I was carried), Souta ran over to us and immediately began asking questions, and petting me. I let myself be held, scratched, rubbed, and petted until finally I felt like my fur was going to be rubbed off of me. I got a break, though, when Kagome's mother reminded us of that school project-thing that Souta needed to have done.
"But Mom, can't we do that later? I wanna play with him some more! He reminds me of Inuyasha!" Everything had stopped, I swear, and I barked at Souta in agreement. Damn right, I reminded him of Inuyasha. I WAS Inuyasha! Their mom laughed when I barked, and said that my ears reminded her of the ears I had in my past life. Gah, I remember her messing with them. Tugging and flicking them, wanting to see them move.
Everyone agreed, and I ended up being named after myself. I was now known as Inuyasha.
Things were great after that. Well, except for the whole gooey-paper incident. Honestly, how was I to know it wasn't food? Oh well, Kagome corrected me, and I made a note to never try that disgusting stuff ever again.
I went to bed happy that night, after being petted by the whole family again, although her grandpa had said that I would terrorize Buyo. Hell yes, I would. I'd teach that fat fuzz ball not to mess with me, if he so much as looked at me. But I was getting to sleep next to my Kagome, so I was happy for now. I ended up curling against her stomach, licking her hand a couple of times before I drifted off in the best sleep I've ever had.
But then she tried to leave me at the house by myself the next day. I had been training, attacking and tearing up some old fake animal while she got dressed, then she told me goodbye and went to leave. I put on my most pathetic face and crawled after her, whining. I didn't want to be left there alone! I mean, sure, her family was there, but who would save me from them?! My fur really WOULD be rubbed off, then!
Finally I broke her down, and she took me with her. I was pretty shocked to see the brat all grown up, too. Him and his mate. And their children. And the children's children. And the children's children's children. You get the point, I'm sure.
And I thought rabbits were bad.
I barked at Shippou and ran to him, glad to see another familiar face. When he picked me up, though, the temptation to finally get my revenge for all those times he would bite my ears was too great. I bit down on that pointed ear with full plans on how I would get my vengeance, but Kagome's command for me to stop changed that. After all, I couldn't very well disobey her, could I? Plus, everyone had gone really quiet and still.
My adoptive mother must have understood something I didn't, because she told them about my name and a lot of the youkai relaxed. Then Sesshoumaru showed up. I wanted to laugh and tell him the truth. I wasn't just named Inuyasha, I WAS Inuyasha! But with the attention taken off of me, I was able to try and get one more bite in before Kagome caught me.
When I could smell my half-brother coming closer, though, I decided I'd go mess with him some. He picked me up away from Shippou, and I barked at the other canine until he decided to prove who was the dominant male here. I growled at him, saying I was the leader of Kagome's house (so what if I wasn't?), and that I knew what was good or bad. He came back with the usual response, saying he was the leader of his own home, and that he was older and bigger than I was. Before I could even respond, though, he said something that completely got my attention.
"I'm also courting your new mother. I want her to become my mate."
I stared at him in shock, my eyes wide and my growl gone. It's one thing to think that, but another to be told directly. My brother, my "I hate humans" brother, wanted to mate my full-human Kagome! He'd be my father!! How wrong is that?!
Plus, if he's my father, even if it IS by adoption, then I have to accept his dominance. Damn it. I dropped my eyes and looked away, still reeling over the meaning of his mating Kagome. My thoughts were interrupted when I was scratched behind the ears by my possibly soon-to-be adopted father. His tail appeared, and he wrapped it over his shoulder as my own tail wagged in response. Traitorous bastard, that tail. But I did kind of enjoy it when he put me down on the ground and let me play with the tip of his own tail. And he has become slightly warmer around people, as long as they don't make idiots of themselves.
Maybe I could put up with this asshole, so long as Kagome was around.
Then she came over and hugged him. If that wasn't enough of a surprise, HE HUGGED HER BACK! I had definitely missed more in the past 500 years than I had first thought.
Shippou and his family ended up breaking up the two whom I was still having trouble calling a "couple". Kagome was embarrassed at their teasing, and it showed on her face when she picked up me, moving her fingers in front of my face. I tried to catch one in my teeth, or at least lick one. Finally I succeeded, and got to chew on my captive prey for a moment before giving it an apologetic lick and releasing it. After all, I didn't want to hurt my adopted mother. My former love. I can't very well call her my love anymore, after all, although I'll always love her. And if Sesshoumaru ever hurts her in any way, he can expect me to rip that fluffy appendage right off his body.
I watched him as he put his hand on her lower back, and realized that she was walking the perfect speed to keep his hand there. At first, I wanted to bite his hand until he removed it, but then I just felt jealous and kind of saddened at the fact that Sesshoumaru was getting the chance I had been too afraid to take. My loss would become his gain.
Back inside, I was taken from my thoughts by Kagome's soft touch on my ears, stroking softly to calm me down and put me to sleep. She tried to put me on a blanket that reeked of kitsune, so I whimpered as soon as she started to move away, my legs kicking a little bit. The result? Being carried around by her, Sesshoumaru, Shippou, and his mate, Kohana, I think they called her. I actually found myself wanting to spend time with Sesshoumaru, wanting to see how much he's changed and find out what he's like now. Plus, a dog is much more welcome to my poor nose than a fox.
I was wrapped up in Sesshoumaru's tail by the time the party was over. I had never been allowed to even pet my former half-brother's tail when I was a pup in my last life, so I enjoyed it while I could. When Kagome coaxed me from my spot, I noticed her petting the full-demon's fluffy tail as well. Nice to see I'm not the only one who was interested in how it felt.
When she declared her intentions to walk home, I began to wish she could hear me, just so I could tell her how idiotic that idea was. Sure, I could defeat a hundred humans in my old form, but now, I had a hard enough job against one! She told Sesshoumaru that I would protect her, and I barked my agreement, though I figured if he intended to make her his mate, then he had better care about her safety.
His concern was proven when he ended up walking with her back towards her home, so I let myself relax some while she played with my ears and rubbed my belly. When she stopped petting me to wrap an arm around Sesshoumaru, his own arm resting on her shoulders, I only let them have a moment before demanding attention again. What can I say? Being a pup again, with a mother like Kagome, it's expected for me to be this spoiled.
Before we could even go up the stairs to our new home, though, Kagome had to stop and make a wish on a star. I thought it was kind of childish, and I could tell Sesshoumaru was amused at how she was acting. But I made my own wish. I wished for Kagome to be happy, and to accept the love given to her by the living, and stop wishing for the love of the dead, as I was never able to.
I barked at my mother in question, wondering if she was done yet, and she ended up blushing again. What is it with her and blushing?
Then the bastard kissed her.
He kissed her!! MY Kagome!! Well, I mean, MY Mother!! Gah, I can't win. I mean, sure it was on the cheek and forehead, showing he cared for and respected her, but STILL! She must have felt me getting ready to growl at him, because she started to scratch me behind the ears, distracting me while they talked. Until I heard my name, that is.
Kagome was talking about how I would keep her from leaving in my past life. If only she knew that I didn't want her to leave because I missed her. Her smile, her laugh, her kindness. Her warmth that Kikyou never really had. I never wanted her to leave, but in the end, I'm the one who ended up leaving her...
When she started to rub on my belly, I could hear her sad voice mention myself and Kikyou... She was right, I wouldn't go after her if she had seen Kikyou and I together. I felt guilty. With Kikyou, I felt like I was betraying Kagome, as the dead miko had tried to kill the time-traveler before, but when I was with Kagome, I felt as though I was betraying Kikyou because I was happy, while she was not.
I was glad to hear that my memory was hurting Kagome less, but her guilt over it made me wish I could do something to help make her feel better. I almost welcomed Sesshoumaru's assistance, if it wasn't for the fact that he kissed her AGAIN! And she kissed him back!! Now I knew how Kagome felt when she saw Kikyou and I kiss that one time. I finally had to look away when I saw tongues being used. There's only so much I can handle.
Finally, after what felt like forever, we were flying through the air, courtesy of my half-brother/future adoptive father, landing in front of the door to the house so Sesshoumaru could kiss her again before petting me and telling me to keep her safe.
When she put me down inside, I did my job and searched the house for demons or bandits that might want to hurt my new mother, and finally finished my rounds as everyone was being sent out of the living room. Souta immediately grabbed me and started playing with me, giving me a chance to work off some extra energy I had after all that resting during and after the party.
Kagome came and got me a little while later, taking me outside to play in the grass while she went to the God Tree. I glared at it for a minute, still able to catch the faintest scent of fire-rat fur and myself from around that tree. For fifty years I had been sealed to that thing, and in the end, that was where I chose to hide a few items for Kagome to find later.
But when my new mother spoke my name, I looked over to her, only to see her standing with her hand on the kanji for my name. I crawled over to her, and listened as she told me goodbye, and how she'd always love me, but not spend her life mourning. If I could, I'd have smiled.
I nudged her ankle with my head, gaining her attention, which was rewarded with a lift up into her arms, where I gained enough of a balance to lick at her cheek. She showed me my name carved into the tree, sounding out each symbol for me. I barked at her in appreciation and licked her cheek again before she set me down and walked back towards the house. I started to follow her, but a familiar scent caught my attention. With a couple of sniffs around the base of the tree, I could tell that the items I hid for her were still there, as well as some things that must have reeked with Miroku and Sango's scents, if I could smell them from where I stood.
A sharp whistle and the mention of food, though, had me running back to Kagome's side, and I didn't think of the smells for the rest of the night.
When Souta walked into Kagome's room the next morning, I could smell the youkai on him. Kouga had arrived. I began to bark excitedly, wanting to go see how much damage Sesshoumaru had gotten to inflict on the wimpy wolf. As Kagome was running around getting dressed, I got my chance. I tore off into the living room, and found a familiar ookami prince standing there, arms crossed in that damned arrogant way of his.
He spun around when I barked at him, asking what the hell he was doing here. Idiot wolf didn't catch my scent yet? I knew he was thickheaded, but please. Shippou could smell me, even with his fox nose!
After that, it became the battle of the canines. Dog vs. Wolf. I got a good laugh when I told Kouga that Sesshoumaru and Kagome had kissed the night before, and that the inu-youkai was planning on making Kagome his mate, and was obviously doing a very good job of convincing her. He growled that I was lying, which really pissed me off. I barked back that I was not, and that Sesshoumaru was the one who had bought me for my new mother. Now he leaned down, getting in my face, and growled on and on about how I was a lying little mutt-face. I barked back at him, calling him a yaseokami like I once did.
Before the idiot could respond, Kagome herself appeared on the scene. Immediately, I ran over to her and pawed at her ankles, asking to be picked up. I watched as Kouga turned an icy blue glare at me, which I returned until my mother cleared her throat, getting our attention on her again.
I listened in satisfaction as Kagome told off the stupid bastard, getting annoyed when he returned to his smooth-talking self after she forgave him. I swear, she's too nice. The moment he grabbed her hand, though, I had enough. I snapped at him, snorting at the "Dog-face" comment. I'd like to hear him say that to my half-br- I mean, my future adoptive father's face! No one told off a Taiyoukai and lived! Well, except me, but that's because Sesshoumaru couldn't kill me. I was too damn good for him.
Kouga growled at me, baring his fangs, telling me to back off and shut up, and I returned the sound, answering that he wasn't going to be my father, so I didn't have to listen to him. His focus was drawn away from me, though, when Kagome mentioned my name. When he asked about it, I barked out a "HA!" at him, silently adding "I told you so" to the message.
"Yeah, Sesshoumaru bought him for me the other day..." I watched the wolf's face as Kagome continued, and noticed the realization hit him. About damn time. He glanced down at me, and I puffed up in pride, glaring at him and nodding slightly. He now had his proof that I had been telling him the truth earlier. His face darkened slightly, and his eyes became shadowed. I knew that look. I had seen it too many times on myself. He had given up, and accepted his fate.
He left quickly after that, which obviously confused Kagome. I gave her a lick on the cheek in reassurance. She put me down and asked if I wanted breakfast. Then she mentioned Ramen. I was already in the kitchen by the time she caught up with me. I wanted a whole bowl to myself, but ended up only getting a few noodles, and a couple gulps of broth. At first, I had whimpered, wanting more, but she told me that too much Ramen wasn't good for a puppy. Damn, I hate being a pup.
Over the next few weeks, I began to get used to the food they forced me to eat, although Souta and sometimes even Kagome or her mother would sneak me some table scraps. Did I mention her mother's a good cook? Well, she is.
Also, I saw Sesshoumaru more often, and less of Hobo-boy and the wimpy wolf. Sure, Kouga still came around, but he ended up telling Kagome that he had accepted that she didn't love him like he loved her, and that though he'd always care for her, he wouldn't stand in the way of her happiness. That had to be the smartest thing he's ever done. Especially since he was standing in front of the infamous Taiyoukai when he said it. And the human? Well, after seeing Kagome on a date with Sesshoumaru, he had gotten the point. I had gotten the wonderful luck of hearing that conversation, too, since he had come by the shrine to tell her of his realization. It was really almost too bad she forgave him, since I had been almost ready to relieve myself on those nice shoes of his.
The big surprise came a month or so after this confrontation. Sesshoumaru called the house, but talked to Kagome's mother, rather than Kagome herself. I had been chewing on a new bone that Souta had bought for me when the boy answered the phone, saying "Hi Sesshoumaru!" before calling for Mrs. Higurashi. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I swear I haven't seen the woman this happy since the first time she played with my ears after Sesshoumaru bought me, almost three months before.
A week later, Kagome came back from her date with Sesshoumaru crying, but with a large smile on her face. I left mine and Souta's game of tug-of-war so I could find out what happened, only to find Kagome and her mother hugging each other, crying happily while Sesshoumaru just stood nearby, his hands clasped behind his back while he looked on, a true smile on his face. If I could have, I might have died from shock then.
I think I almost did when I saw the diamond engagement ring on Kagome's left hand.
Using my nice little dog-ears, which I am happy to report still hear better than humans', I listened to the whole story as Kagome told her mother that night.
"After dinner at Kouga's restaurant again, by the way, I saw Ayame there. She told me she had finished another decade of training, and had come for Kouga's approval. I swear, they're made for each other, they're both so persistent. Anyway, afterwards, he took me to the park, and told me that he had already gotten your permission to say what he wanted to say." Her mother nodded, and I could feel my eyes trying to widen as they would have done if possible. "I nearly fainted when he told me he cared for me like no one else before! I asked how he cared for me, and he told me that he wanted to spend his life with me, and me alone. And when I asked if that meant he loved me, he just smiled and kissed me, he's such a good kisser, Momma, and gave me this ring. He said he had to ask Shippou to make sure he had permission from him, and he had found out all the details of a human "mating ceremony" as he put it, so he could do the right thing for me. It was so sweet!!!!"
I spent the rest of the night listening to Kagome tell her mother and I about everything, letting her play with my ears and tail as I heard about how much Sesshoumaru changes when it's just the two of them together. She claimed that he seemed more open, and less cold and indifferent then.
The next time he came over, though, I made sure to give him a piece of my mind.
"You're my father now, aren't you?" I barked at him, watching as he smirked at me.
"I will be soon. We still have to perform the marriage before I can be considered that." He seemed to drift off for a moment, and the urge to ask became too strong.
"Are you going to ask her to perform the youkai mating ceremony as well?" Sesshoumaru's head snapped around to look at me with a shocked look on his face, one of the only times I've seen such a display of emotion from him.
"Inuyasha?" I merely sat down, lifting my chin up proudly. His eyes narrowed, and he kneeled down in front of me. "You're not just named that, are you? You ARE my half-brother. Am I correct?"
"Took you long enough. But it looks like you can't really call me that anymore, can you, FATHER?" He smirked again.
"Well, well, it seems we are both correct. You were my half-brother, but apparently, you were reincarnated as an actual pup, and just happened to be adopted by your former companion, who has agreed to be my mate. This really is too ironic." I snorted. So he thought he had it all figured, out, huh?
"Actually, I was assigned to protect Kagome, and would have found a way to her one way or another. But I do thank you for buying me for her. Too bad you missed all the fun, what with Kouga learning about Kagome loving you, and Hojou getting to hear that Kagome wasn't interested in him." My future father smiled at me, and scratched behind my ears.
"I expect to hear it from you soon, pup. That sounds to be an interesting story." I nodded at him, then made a realization.
"Hey Sesshoumaru, you can't talk bad about us half-demons anymore, can you? After all, if you and Kagome have your own pup, it'll be a hanyou as well, won't it?" He tilted his head in agreement before looking at me curiously.
"Kagome doesn't know about you yet, does she?"
"No! And I don't want her to know. After all, she's just moving on in her life. I don't want her to get back to focusing on me when she should be happy with you. Besides, even if I wanted to, and I don't, she's my mother, after all, I know I would never have a chance with her again. I don't deserve one. I just want her to be happy. So if you break her heart, I'll rip your throat out while you sleep!"
Sesshoumaru just chuckled and tweaked one of my ears. "Like you could, pup."
Less than a year later, they were married. Sesshoumaru did ask her to perform the mating ceremony with him, including the part where blood was exchanged, making them closer than any words of love ever could. Her senses soon became more sensitive, and he seemed to know her feelings better. Of course, the blood link also lengthened her lifespan, which made me one happy pup. Although, I could no longer be called a pup once their own child was born 2 months before their first anniversary.
I had been allowed to live with them in Sesshoumaru's home, although I stopped sleeping in the same bed as Kagome, since she usually slept in the same bed as him, and my poor ears didn't need to hear them in the middle of the night, doing what married couples do. My room was actually used as the nursery as well, once their puppy was born. Kagome had ended up on the youkai floor of the hospital, which humans rarely had access to. I hadn't been with her while she was giving birth, but when they returned that night with a white ball of fluff, I had gotten the story from the two as I made myself known to my new charge.
My adopted brother was welcomed by the kitsune family as well, and Shippou ended up finding out who I really was, thanks to Sesshoumaru.
It was also my father who came to me after the birth of his own flesh and blood pup, asking me to help him raise the child. I had been shocked at first, asking why he wanted MY help. He just smirked at me, and petted my back before answering that I had been right, his son was a hanyou. And no one knew what being an inu-hanyou was like, better than me.
The moment I agreed, though, I asked if we could go back to the shrine for something. He hadn't understood until after we arrived, and I sniffed around the base of the God Tree again. A grown dog now, I was easily able to find where the items were buried, and began my digging. Sesshoumaru offered to help, but I told him he'd only get in my way. So he took my brother into the house to see his grandmother, uncle, and great- grandfather. I was honestly worried the old man might slap some of those blasted ofudas on the pup, but he seemed to have calmed down since his granddaughter's marriage to a youkai.
When Sesshoumaru returned, he was greeted with the sight of a familiar rusty sword in it's black sheath, a beaded necklace with fangs on it that was far too familiar for my tastes, a set of fire-rat clothes, and an old bow an arrow. Among those items, there was a familiar face mask and set of youkai exterminator armor, as well as a purple glove and blue rosary beads that I recognized as Miroku's seal for his kazaana.
We took the gifts home with us, causing Kagome to burst into tears at the sight of them. When she was finally calmed down, she looked through them, gasping and saying that wrapped in the cloth of Miroku's glove was a letter to her. I looked up from my training session with the pup, and Sesshoumaru asked for her to read it aloud. I gave him a grateful bark, knowing that he had asked for my benefit as well as his own curiosity.
"Dear Kagome,
It has been a week since you were taken from us. Shippou still cries for you, as does Sango. We know you would not have us mourn for you, but you have become part of the unusual family our group had formed. As Shippou once said, you were our heart. I was the mind, Inuyasha was the determination and strength, Sango was our courage, and Shippou was the laughter, but you, Kagome, you were our heart.
This letter, however, is meant to tell you of our findings as well as our feelings. So perhaps I should explain what happened after you disappeared.
We were all still distraught, but managed to make our way to Kaede's village to recover. Before we left, though, we saw that, on the spot where Inuyasha had last been seen, his sword, clothing, and rosary had appeared. We could only decide that they had been left for you, Kagome, so we began to talk about what we could each give to you. Shippou told us he would survive to your time, and so didn't need to add anything, but Sango has included a set of demon slayer armor she made for you, using one of your odd outfits we had found in Kaede's hut. She said you had left it there just in case the one you were wearing was ruined or dirty when you wanted to go home.
I have included my seal for the wind tunnel, which you helped remove from my line and myself. I thank you, Kagome. You have helped us all in more ways than you could ever know. We all thank you, miko from the future. We can only hope you find this where we hide it. Kaede has told us that Inuyasha took a bow and a set of arrows from her once, and she had found a patch of freshly-dug earth under the God Tree. She said she thinks he buried it in hopes you would find it in your time, as your name had been carved into the wood of the bow.
We are leaving to bury these now. Shippou has asked to finish off your candy in your honor, so don't forget to have him thank you for it. We all love you, Kagome, and hope you lead a happy life full of love, as you deserve.
Sincerely, Your friend and favorite houshi, Miroku"
I picked the pup up and placed him in our mother's lap as she cried and hugged her mate, getting a hug of my own from her, and a good scratch behind the ears from the man who had once been my enemy.
All in all, I'd say we were one happy family.
~*~ Four years later ~*~
"No, not like that!" I barked at my younger brother. He sighed and raised his tiny claws up into the air, preparing to try again at the Sankontessou (Iron Reaver Soul Stealer). A happy giggle drew my attention away from him and towards my baby sister, who was toddling toward us, her arms outstretched for a hug. I let her embrace my neck and shoulders before licking her cheek, and turning back to the older of the two, who had his father's hair color, unlike his sister.
"Can I take a break, Inu? I'm tired of practicing." If I could have sighed, I would have. Some half-demon he was turning out to be. Actually, he reminded me of myself as a child. I hadn't wanted to learn to fight until I ended up having to in order to survive.
"Yeah, can you tell us the story again??" Our sister asked, looking at me hopefully. I barked in agreement, getting a pair of happy cheers in return. They both plopped onto the ground, their ears perked towards me as I began their favorite story once again.
"Over 600 years ago, a powerful dog demon ruled the Western Lands with his mate and son. One day, though, his mate died in battle, her unborn child dying with her. The demon mourned the loss of them both, but knew he needed another heir, in case something happened to his son. So, he mated with another and had a son by her. Unfortunately, she was a human, and her son was a half-demon, which caused them to become outcasts from both humans and demons. Then the father died, followed closely by the human mother. The two brothers, who were named Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha, could never get along, and Inuyasha left in order to find a jewel called the Shikon no Tama, so that he could become a full demon, and finally be accepted by his only living family left.
But the jewel was guarded by a powerful miko named Kikyou. They ended up falling in love, and he agreed to become a human for her, only to be tricked by another half-demon named Naraku into attacking her village, as she was tricked into attacking and sealing him to a tree. But Kikyou ended up dying from the wound given to her by Naraku, taking the jewel with her into the next world. 500 years later, a girl named Kagome was pulled into the Bone Eater's Well by a demon, and she was taken to the past, 50 years after Inuyasha was sealed away, and Kikyou's death. She was Kikyou's reincarnation, and had the jewel inside of her body, but it was ripped out by the same demon who had pulled her into the past. In the end, Kagome awoke and freed Inuyasha, but put a rosary on him in order to keep him from attacking her. Then she shattered the Shikon no Tama, and the two had to work together in order to put the jewel together again before any other demons could use it for their own evil purposes..."
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The End!
I hope you liked this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!! I honestly am saddened to have finished this fic, but I see it as an opportunity to get back to work on some of my other fics. I can only hope that you like my future stories as much as this one!
Thank you for reading and reviewing this story as much as you have, I really couldn't have done it without all of you!!
Thanks again, and Ja ne,
Kai
P.S. Btw, this chapter was 13 pages long... wow, huh?
Also!! One or two people figured out the secret of the puppy, and one person figured out why Kouga left in such a hurry!! *hands the lucky people copies of the first and second Inuyasha movies, as well as a plushie of their choice!*
If by now you haven't figured out that I don't own them, consider getting help.
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Epilogue: The Pup's Story
Well, that's the story, I guess. After the introduction of myself to everyone, Sesshoumaru finally got his ass in gear and started being more serious in his courtship of Kagome. Maybe it's because Kouga and Hojou stopped coming around, or maybe because after that first kiss, he knew she loved him, too. I don't know.
I'm still surprised how it all happened. I remember when I met Kagome like this, and it seems like only yesterday. Staring at her from behind that damned glass wall while she walked around with some boy. He looked like a weak little human, and I decided he was NOT fit to be the mate of MY Kagome. After all, the last time I saw her, she had just helped defeat one of the most powerful creatures to exist, hanyou or youkai.
And I left her.
I went off with the woman I had once promised my life to, merely because I HAD promised. That, and I knew that no matter how much I loved Kagome, I would always have Kikyou in my heart, as well. I didn't want to hurt Kagome like that. When I left, I prayed to any gods that may have been there to let Kagome fall in love again. But I didn't know I'd be reincarnated and assigned to protect her and her future mate. I guess when I promised to protect her long ago, the gods decided that meant for me to keep protecting her until her death, like I did Kikyou.
But I don't want to think about Kagome dying.
Back to the topic at hand, or in my case, paw.
I had thought that the idea of Kagome and some pathetic human was a bad idea. Then she had picked me up, held me, petted my fur and played with my ears. I practically fell in love all over again. I wanted her to be my owner, but that would make her my mother, then. I decided that if I couldn't love her like a mate, I could love her like my mother. I could live with that.
Then HE arrived. The one person I had never, in a thousand years, thought would become soft enough to show interest in a female, let alone a human one. Sure, there was that little girl he had hanging around him 500 years ago, but our canine blood makes us feel like we have to protect anything that once tried to help us, especially if it's younger than us. Haven't you ever fed a stray dog, only to have him stick around? It doesn't just want more food (though that's good, too), it's the need to return the favor.
I was delighted almost, since I knew who he was, and he was a dog, like myself in a way, and not holding a cat like that idiot human was. I tried to jump over to him, the pup in me wanting to play with this big dog. Also, he didn't seem to be evil now. Used to, his cold aura had driven everyone off, but now, it was almost warm, as though he was slowly warming up to people.
Very slowly, if it took him 500 years.
Of course, he ended up treating me as a parent would its pup, tapping my nose to tell me to stop jumping around. I relaxed some, but growled at him when he got too close to Kagome and I. He ended up getting the basic message, and growled back, saying that he wouldn't remove me from her. Finally, I lied down in Kagome's arms, being content just to be near her again.
Then the smell of cats became stronger, and I watched Sesshoumaru's cold, indifferent mask appear again, making the almost-warm parent-figure look just as he had when he would fight me ages ago. That idiot human who had been talking to the cat-demon employee had come over, and draped his arm over my Kagome's shoulders possessively. The neko-youkai was also obviously moving too close to Sesshoumaru for his comfort. Last time I had seen a look that annoyed on his face, someone died.
The baka ningen began to talk to Sesshoumaru, and mentioned he and my (hopefully) new mother were on a date. That was obviously the WRONG thing to say to my older brother. That glare made the fur on the back of my neck stand up. Or it could've been the youkai energy emanating so thickly from him, that I could've cut it with the claws I used to have. In any case, I could only stare as very familiar markings began to appear, and his fangs and claws both lengthened back to their old shape.
The cat demoness had the right idea to back away. This human had no idea what he had just done.
I nearly yelped when Kagome went to Sesshoumaru and put her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her for a second, and I swear his face softened before his markings faded away again. Very freaky thing for me to see, believe me. It took all my will to pretend I was asleep.
Then the bastard picked me up and went to the near-drooling youkai and paid for me with that little chunk of plastic I've seen people use. Then she mentioned his fight with a stupid wolf. That got my attention. After all, I could only think of one idiot ookami youkai who would fight against Sesshoumaru. Especially if it was over Kagome, which I decided it probably was. Kouga.
I decided I might like Sesshoumaru a little more after that.
When he handed me back to Kagome, who was now officially my owner, and new mother, I swear I could've actually thanked him. Instead, I merely made a contented sound when he scratched behind my ears.
Sesshoumaru left after that, saying he was going to find Shippou. Big shock for me, there. The runt was still causing trouble around here? Keh. He never learns, I swear. And neither does that human boy, apparently. Although I still remember how that date ended. I think the moron learned that my Kagome wasn't interested in him anymore, if she ever was.
"Well, Hojou, I had better get home, I promised Souta I would help him with his Solar System project, and I don't want him to think I forgot. Sorry, and thanks for coming along with me. See you at school!!" If I could've, I would have been laughing as she ran off in the direction of her house, Hobo-boy's yells of "Kagome!" and "Call me!" being completely ignored by my new parent.
When we walked in the door (well, she walked, I was carried), Souta ran over to us and immediately began asking questions, and petting me. I let myself be held, scratched, rubbed, and petted until finally I felt like my fur was going to be rubbed off of me. I got a break, though, when Kagome's mother reminded us of that school project-thing that Souta needed to have done.
"But Mom, can't we do that later? I wanna play with him some more! He reminds me of Inuyasha!" Everything had stopped, I swear, and I barked at Souta in agreement. Damn right, I reminded him of Inuyasha. I WAS Inuyasha! Their mom laughed when I barked, and said that my ears reminded her of the ears I had in my past life. Gah, I remember her messing with them. Tugging and flicking them, wanting to see them move.
Everyone agreed, and I ended up being named after myself. I was now known as Inuyasha.
Things were great after that. Well, except for the whole gooey-paper incident. Honestly, how was I to know it wasn't food? Oh well, Kagome corrected me, and I made a note to never try that disgusting stuff ever again.
I went to bed happy that night, after being petted by the whole family again, although her grandpa had said that I would terrorize Buyo. Hell yes, I would. I'd teach that fat fuzz ball not to mess with me, if he so much as looked at me. But I was getting to sleep next to my Kagome, so I was happy for now. I ended up curling against her stomach, licking her hand a couple of times before I drifted off in the best sleep I've ever had.
But then she tried to leave me at the house by myself the next day. I had been training, attacking and tearing up some old fake animal while she got dressed, then she told me goodbye and went to leave. I put on my most pathetic face and crawled after her, whining. I didn't want to be left there alone! I mean, sure, her family was there, but who would save me from them?! My fur really WOULD be rubbed off, then!
Finally I broke her down, and she took me with her. I was pretty shocked to see the brat all grown up, too. Him and his mate. And their children. And the children's children. And the children's children's children. You get the point, I'm sure.
And I thought rabbits were bad.
I barked at Shippou and ran to him, glad to see another familiar face. When he picked me up, though, the temptation to finally get my revenge for all those times he would bite my ears was too great. I bit down on that pointed ear with full plans on how I would get my vengeance, but Kagome's command for me to stop changed that. After all, I couldn't very well disobey her, could I? Plus, everyone had gone really quiet and still.
My adoptive mother must have understood something I didn't, because she told them about my name and a lot of the youkai relaxed. Then Sesshoumaru showed up. I wanted to laugh and tell him the truth. I wasn't just named Inuyasha, I WAS Inuyasha! But with the attention taken off of me, I was able to try and get one more bite in before Kagome caught me.
When I could smell my half-brother coming closer, though, I decided I'd go mess with him some. He picked me up away from Shippou, and I barked at the other canine until he decided to prove who was the dominant male here. I growled at him, saying I was the leader of Kagome's house (so what if I wasn't?), and that I knew what was good or bad. He came back with the usual response, saying he was the leader of his own home, and that he was older and bigger than I was. Before I could even respond, though, he said something that completely got my attention.
"I'm also courting your new mother. I want her to become my mate."
I stared at him in shock, my eyes wide and my growl gone. It's one thing to think that, but another to be told directly. My brother, my "I hate humans" brother, wanted to mate my full-human Kagome! He'd be my father!! How wrong is that?!
Plus, if he's my father, even if it IS by adoption, then I have to accept his dominance. Damn it. I dropped my eyes and looked away, still reeling over the meaning of his mating Kagome. My thoughts were interrupted when I was scratched behind the ears by my possibly soon-to-be adopted father. His tail appeared, and he wrapped it over his shoulder as my own tail wagged in response. Traitorous bastard, that tail. But I did kind of enjoy it when he put me down on the ground and let me play with the tip of his own tail. And he has become slightly warmer around people, as long as they don't make idiots of themselves.
Maybe I could put up with this asshole, so long as Kagome was around.
Then she came over and hugged him. If that wasn't enough of a surprise, HE HUGGED HER BACK! I had definitely missed more in the past 500 years than I had first thought.
Shippou and his family ended up breaking up the two whom I was still having trouble calling a "couple". Kagome was embarrassed at their teasing, and it showed on her face when she picked up me, moving her fingers in front of my face. I tried to catch one in my teeth, or at least lick one. Finally I succeeded, and got to chew on my captive prey for a moment before giving it an apologetic lick and releasing it. After all, I didn't want to hurt my adopted mother. My former love. I can't very well call her my love anymore, after all, although I'll always love her. And if Sesshoumaru ever hurts her in any way, he can expect me to rip that fluffy appendage right off his body.
I watched him as he put his hand on her lower back, and realized that she was walking the perfect speed to keep his hand there. At first, I wanted to bite his hand until he removed it, but then I just felt jealous and kind of saddened at the fact that Sesshoumaru was getting the chance I had been too afraid to take. My loss would become his gain.
Back inside, I was taken from my thoughts by Kagome's soft touch on my ears, stroking softly to calm me down and put me to sleep. She tried to put me on a blanket that reeked of kitsune, so I whimpered as soon as she started to move away, my legs kicking a little bit. The result? Being carried around by her, Sesshoumaru, Shippou, and his mate, Kohana, I think they called her. I actually found myself wanting to spend time with Sesshoumaru, wanting to see how much he's changed and find out what he's like now. Plus, a dog is much more welcome to my poor nose than a fox.
I was wrapped up in Sesshoumaru's tail by the time the party was over. I had never been allowed to even pet my former half-brother's tail when I was a pup in my last life, so I enjoyed it while I could. When Kagome coaxed me from my spot, I noticed her petting the full-demon's fluffy tail as well. Nice to see I'm not the only one who was interested in how it felt.
When she declared her intentions to walk home, I began to wish she could hear me, just so I could tell her how idiotic that idea was. Sure, I could defeat a hundred humans in my old form, but now, I had a hard enough job against one! She told Sesshoumaru that I would protect her, and I barked my agreement, though I figured if he intended to make her his mate, then he had better care about her safety.
His concern was proven when he ended up walking with her back towards her home, so I let myself relax some while she played with my ears and rubbed my belly. When she stopped petting me to wrap an arm around Sesshoumaru, his own arm resting on her shoulders, I only let them have a moment before demanding attention again. What can I say? Being a pup again, with a mother like Kagome, it's expected for me to be this spoiled.
Before we could even go up the stairs to our new home, though, Kagome had to stop and make a wish on a star. I thought it was kind of childish, and I could tell Sesshoumaru was amused at how she was acting. But I made my own wish. I wished for Kagome to be happy, and to accept the love given to her by the living, and stop wishing for the love of the dead, as I was never able to.
I barked at my mother in question, wondering if she was done yet, and she ended up blushing again. What is it with her and blushing?
Then the bastard kissed her.
He kissed her!! MY Kagome!! Well, I mean, MY Mother!! Gah, I can't win. I mean, sure it was on the cheek and forehead, showing he cared for and respected her, but STILL! She must have felt me getting ready to growl at him, because she started to scratch me behind the ears, distracting me while they talked. Until I heard my name, that is.
Kagome was talking about how I would keep her from leaving in my past life. If only she knew that I didn't want her to leave because I missed her. Her smile, her laugh, her kindness. Her warmth that Kikyou never really had. I never wanted her to leave, but in the end, I'm the one who ended up leaving her...
When she started to rub on my belly, I could hear her sad voice mention myself and Kikyou... She was right, I wouldn't go after her if she had seen Kikyou and I together. I felt guilty. With Kikyou, I felt like I was betraying Kagome, as the dead miko had tried to kill the time-traveler before, but when I was with Kagome, I felt as though I was betraying Kikyou because I was happy, while she was not.
I was glad to hear that my memory was hurting Kagome less, but her guilt over it made me wish I could do something to help make her feel better. I almost welcomed Sesshoumaru's assistance, if it wasn't for the fact that he kissed her AGAIN! And she kissed him back!! Now I knew how Kagome felt when she saw Kikyou and I kiss that one time. I finally had to look away when I saw tongues being used. There's only so much I can handle.
Finally, after what felt like forever, we were flying through the air, courtesy of my half-brother/future adoptive father, landing in front of the door to the house so Sesshoumaru could kiss her again before petting me and telling me to keep her safe.
When she put me down inside, I did my job and searched the house for demons or bandits that might want to hurt my new mother, and finally finished my rounds as everyone was being sent out of the living room. Souta immediately grabbed me and started playing with me, giving me a chance to work off some extra energy I had after all that resting during and after the party.
Kagome came and got me a little while later, taking me outside to play in the grass while she went to the God Tree. I glared at it for a minute, still able to catch the faintest scent of fire-rat fur and myself from around that tree. For fifty years I had been sealed to that thing, and in the end, that was where I chose to hide a few items for Kagome to find later.
But when my new mother spoke my name, I looked over to her, only to see her standing with her hand on the kanji for my name. I crawled over to her, and listened as she told me goodbye, and how she'd always love me, but not spend her life mourning. If I could, I'd have smiled.
I nudged her ankle with my head, gaining her attention, which was rewarded with a lift up into her arms, where I gained enough of a balance to lick at her cheek. She showed me my name carved into the tree, sounding out each symbol for me. I barked at her in appreciation and licked her cheek again before she set me down and walked back towards the house. I started to follow her, but a familiar scent caught my attention. With a couple of sniffs around the base of the tree, I could tell that the items I hid for her were still there, as well as some things that must have reeked with Miroku and Sango's scents, if I could smell them from where I stood.
A sharp whistle and the mention of food, though, had me running back to Kagome's side, and I didn't think of the smells for the rest of the night.
When Souta walked into Kagome's room the next morning, I could smell the youkai on him. Kouga had arrived. I began to bark excitedly, wanting to go see how much damage Sesshoumaru had gotten to inflict on the wimpy wolf. As Kagome was running around getting dressed, I got my chance. I tore off into the living room, and found a familiar ookami prince standing there, arms crossed in that damned arrogant way of his.
He spun around when I barked at him, asking what the hell he was doing here. Idiot wolf didn't catch my scent yet? I knew he was thickheaded, but please. Shippou could smell me, even with his fox nose!
After that, it became the battle of the canines. Dog vs. Wolf. I got a good laugh when I told Kouga that Sesshoumaru and Kagome had kissed the night before, and that the inu-youkai was planning on making Kagome his mate, and was obviously doing a very good job of convincing her. He growled that I was lying, which really pissed me off. I barked back that I was not, and that Sesshoumaru was the one who had bought me for my new mother. Now he leaned down, getting in my face, and growled on and on about how I was a lying little mutt-face. I barked back at him, calling him a yaseokami like I once did.
Before the idiot could respond, Kagome herself appeared on the scene. Immediately, I ran over to her and pawed at her ankles, asking to be picked up. I watched as Kouga turned an icy blue glare at me, which I returned until my mother cleared her throat, getting our attention on her again.
I listened in satisfaction as Kagome told off the stupid bastard, getting annoyed when he returned to his smooth-talking self after she forgave him. I swear, she's too nice. The moment he grabbed her hand, though, I had enough. I snapped at him, snorting at the "Dog-face" comment. I'd like to hear him say that to my half-br- I mean, my future adoptive father's face! No one told off a Taiyoukai and lived! Well, except me, but that's because Sesshoumaru couldn't kill me. I was too damn good for him.
Kouga growled at me, baring his fangs, telling me to back off and shut up, and I returned the sound, answering that he wasn't going to be my father, so I didn't have to listen to him. His focus was drawn away from me, though, when Kagome mentioned my name. When he asked about it, I barked out a "HA!" at him, silently adding "I told you so" to the message.
"Yeah, Sesshoumaru bought him for me the other day..." I watched the wolf's face as Kagome continued, and noticed the realization hit him. About damn time. He glanced down at me, and I puffed up in pride, glaring at him and nodding slightly. He now had his proof that I had been telling him the truth earlier. His face darkened slightly, and his eyes became shadowed. I knew that look. I had seen it too many times on myself. He had given up, and accepted his fate.
He left quickly after that, which obviously confused Kagome. I gave her a lick on the cheek in reassurance. She put me down and asked if I wanted breakfast. Then she mentioned Ramen. I was already in the kitchen by the time she caught up with me. I wanted a whole bowl to myself, but ended up only getting a few noodles, and a couple gulps of broth. At first, I had whimpered, wanting more, but she told me that too much Ramen wasn't good for a puppy. Damn, I hate being a pup.
Over the next few weeks, I began to get used to the food they forced me to eat, although Souta and sometimes even Kagome or her mother would sneak me some table scraps. Did I mention her mother's a good cook? Well, she is.
Also, I saw Sesshoumaru more often, and less of Hobo-boy and the wimpy wolf. Sure, Kouga still came around, but he ended up telling Kagome that he had accepted that she didn't love him like he loved her, and that though he'd always care for her, he wouldn't stand in the way of her happiness. That had to be the smartest thing he's ever done. Especially since he was standing in front of the infamous Taiyoukai when he said it. And the human? Well, after seeing Kagome on a date with Sesshoumaru, he had gotten the point. I had gotten the wonderful luck of hearing that conversation, too, since he had come by the shrine to tell her of his realization. It was really almost too bad she forgave him, since I had been almost ready to relieve myself on those nice shoes of his.
The big surprise came a month or so after this confrontation. Sesshoumaru called the house, but talked to Kagome's mother, rather than Kagome herself. I had been chewing on a new bone that Souta had bought for me when the boy answered the phone, saying "Hi Sesshoumaru!" before calling for Mrs. Higurashi. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I swear I haven't seen the woman this happy since the first time she played with my ears after Sesshoumaru bought me, almost three months before.
A week later, Kagome came back from her date with Sesshoumaru crying, but with a large smile on her face. I left mine and Souta's game of tug-of-war so I could find out what happened, only to find Kagome and her mother hugging each other, crying happily while Sesshoumaru just stood nearby, his hands clasped behind his back while he looked on, a true smile on his face. If I could have, I might have died from shock then.
I think I almost did when I saw the diamond engagement ring on Kagome's left hand.
Using my nice little dog-ears, which I am happy to report still hear better than humans', I listened to the whole story as Kagome told her mother that night.
"After dinner at Kouga's restaurant again, by the way, I saw Ayame there. She told me she had finished another decade of training, and had come for Kouga's approval. I swear, they're made for each other, they're both so persistent. Anyway, afterwards, he took me to the park, and told me that he had already gotten your permission to say what he wanted to say." Her mother nodded, and I could feel my eyes trying to widen as they would have done if possible. "I nearly fainted when he told me he cared for me like no one else before! I asked how he cared for me, and he told me that he wanted to spend his life with me, and me alone. And when I asked if that meant he loved me, he just smiled and kissed me, he's such a good kisser, Momma, and gave me this ring. He said he had to ask Shippou to make sure he had permission from him, and he had found out all the details of a human "mating ceremony" as he put it, so he could do the right thing for me. It was so sweet!!!!"
I spent the rest of the night listening to Kagome tell her mother and I about everything, letting her play with my ears and tail as I heard about how much Sesshoumaru changes when it's just the two of them together. She claimed that he seemed more open, and less cold and indifferent then.
The next time he came over, though, I made sure to give him a piece of my mind.
"You're my father now, aren't you?" I barked at him, watching as he smirked at me.
"I will be soon. We still have to perform the marriage before I can be considered that." He seemed to drift off for a moment, and the urge to ask became too strong.
"Are you going to ask her to perform the youkai mating ceremony as well?" Sesshoumaru's head snapped around to look at me with a shocked look on his face, one of the only times I've seen such a display of emotion from him.
"Inuyasha?" I merely sat down, lifting my chin up proudly. His eyes narrowed, and he kneeled down in front of me. "You're not just named that, are you? You ARE my half-brother. Am I correct?"
"Took you long enough. But it looks like you can't really call me that anymore, can you, FATHER?" He smirked again.
"Well, well, it seems we are both correct. You were my half-brother, but apparently, you were reincarnated as an actual pup, and just happened to be adopted by your former companion, who has agreed to be my mate. This really is too ironic." I snorted. So he thought he had it all figured, out, huh?
"Actually, I was assigned to protect Kagome, and would have found a way to her one way or another. But I do thank you for buying me for her. Too bad you missed all the fun, what with Kouga learning about Kagome loving you, and Hojou getting to hear that Kagome wasn't interested in him." My future father smiled at me, and scratched behind my ears.
"I expect to hear it from you soon, pup. That sounds to be an interesting story." I nodded at him, then made a realization.
"Hey Sesshoumaru, you can't talk bad about us half-demons anymore, can you? After all, if you and Kagome have your own pup, it'll be a hanyou as well, won't it?" He tilted his head in agreement before looking at me curiously.
"Kagome doesn't know about you yet, does she?"
"No! And I don't want her to know. After all, she's just moving on in her life. I don't want her to get back to focusing on me when she should be happy with you. Besides, even if I wanted to, and I don't, she's my mother, after all, I know I would never have a chance with her again. I don't deserve one. I just want her to be happy. So if you break her heart, I'll rip your throat out while you sleep!"
Sesshoumaru just chuckled and tweaked one of my ears. "Like you could, pup."
Less than a year later, they were married. Sesshoumaru did ask her to perform the mating ceremony with him, including the part where blood was exchanged, making them closer than any words of love ever could. Her senses soon became more sensitive, and he seemed to know her feelings better. Of course, the blood link also lengthened her lifespan, which made me one happy pup. Although, I could no longer be called a pup once their own child was born 2 months before their first anniversary.
I had been allowed to live with them in Sesshoumaru's home, although I stopped sleeping in the same bed as Kagome, since she usually slept in the same bed as him, and my poor ears didn't need to hear them in the middle of the night, doing what married couples do. My room was actually used as the nursery as well, once their puppy was born. Kagome had ended up on the youkai floor of the hospital, which humans rarely had access to. I hadn't been with her while she was giving birth, but when they returned that night with a white ball of fluff, I had gotten the story from the two as I made myself known to my new charge.
My adopted brother was welcomed by the kitsune family as well, and Shippou ended up finding out who I really was, thanks to Sesshoumaru.
It was also my father who came to me after the birth of his own flesh and blood pup, asking me to help him raise the child. I had been shocked at first, asking why he wanted MY help. He just smirked at me, and petted my back before answering that I had been right, his son was a hanyou. And no one knew what being an inu-hanyou was like, better than me.
The moment I agreed, though, I asked if we could go back to the shrine for something. He hadn't understood until after we arrived, and I sniffed around the base of the God Tree again. A grown dog now, I was easily able to find where the items were buried, and began my digging. Sesshoumaru offered to help, but I told him he'd only get in my way. So he took my brother into the house to see his grandmother, uncle, and great- grandfather. I was honestly worried the old man might slap some of those blasted ofudas on the pup, but he seemed to have calmed down since his granddaughter's marriage to a youkai.
When Sesshoumaru returned, he was greeted with the sight of a familiar rusty sword in it's black sheath, a beaded necklace with fangs on it that was far too familiar for my tastes, a set of fire-rat clothes, and an old bow an arrow. Among those items, there was a familiar face mask and set of youkai exterminator armor, as well as a purple glove and blue rosary beads that I recognized as Miroku's seal for his kazaana.
We took the gifts home with us, causing Kagome to burst into tears at the sight of them. When she was finally calmed down, she looked through them, gasping and saying that wrapped in the cloth of Miroku's glove was a letter to her. I looked up from my training session with the pup, and Sesshoumaru asked for her to read it aloud. I gave him a grateful bark, knowing that he had asked for my benefit as well as his own curiosity.
"Dear Kagome,
It has been a week since you were taken from us. Shippou still cries for you, as does Sango. We know you would not have us mourn for you, but you have become part of the unusual family our group had formed. As Shippou once said, you were our heart. I was the mind, Inuyasha was the determination and strength, Sango was our courage, and Shippou was the laughter, but you, Kagome, you were our heart.
This letter, however, is meant to tell you of our findings as well as our feelings. So perhaps I should explain what happened after you disappeared.
We were all still distraught, but managed to make our way to Kaede's village to recover. Before we left, though, we saw that, on the spot where Inuyasha had last been seen, his sword, clothing, and rosary had appeared. We could only decide that they had been left for you, Kagome, so we began to talk about what we could each give to you. Shippou told us he would survive to your time, and so didn't need to add anything, but Sango has included a set of demon slayer armor she made for you, using one of your odd outfits we had found in Kaede's hut. She said you had left it there just in case the one you were wearing was ruined or dirty when you wanted to go home.
I have included my seal for the wind tunnel, which you helped remove from my line and myself. I thank you, Kagome. You have helped us all in more ways than you could ever know. We all thank you, miko from the future. We can only hope you find this where we hide it. Kaede has told us that Inuyasha took a bow and a set of arrows from her once, and she had found a patch of freshly-dug earth under the God Tree. She said she thinks he buried it in hopes you would find it in your time, as your name had been carved into the wood of the bow.
We are leaving to bury these now. Shippou has asked to finish off your candy in your honor, so don't forget to have him thank you for it. We all love you, Kagome, and hope you lead a happy life full of love, as you deserve.
Sincerely, Your friend and favorite houshi, Miroku"
I picked the pup up and placed him in our mother's lap as she cried and hugged her mate, getting a hug of my own from her, and a good scratch behind the ears from the man who had once been my enemy.
All in all, I'd say we were one happy family.
~*~ Four years later ~*~
"No, not like that!" I barked at my younger brother. He sighed and raised his tiny claws up into the air, preparing to try again at the Sankontessou (Iron Reaver Soul Stealer). A happy giggle drew my attention away from him and towards my baby sister, who was toddling toward us, her arms outstretched for a hug. I let her embrace my neck and shoulders before licking her cheek, and turning back to the older of the two, who had his father's hair color, unlike his sister.
"Can I take a break, Inu? I'm tired of practicing." If I could have sighed, I would have. Some half-demon he was turning out to be. Actually, he reminded me of myself as a child. I hadn't wanted to learn to fight until I ended up having to in order to survive.
"Yeah, can you tell us the story again??" Our sister asked, looking at me hopefully. I barked in agreement, getting a pair of happy cheers in return. They both plopped onto the ground, their ears perked towards me as I began their favorite story once again.
"Over 600 years ago, a powerful dog demon ruled the Western Lands with his mate and son. One day, though, his mate died in battle, her unborn child dying with her. The demon mourned the loss of them both, but knew he needed another heir, in case something happened to his son. So, he mated with another and had a son by her. Unfortunately, she was a human, and her son was a half-demon, which caused them to become outcasts from both humans and demons. Then the father died, followed closely by the human mother. The two brothers, who were named Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha, could never get along, and Inuyasha left in order to find a jewel called the Shikon no Tama, so that he could become a full demon, and finally be accepted by his only living family left.
But the jewel was guarded by a powerful miko named Kikyou. They ended up falling in love, and he agreed to become a human for her, only to be tricked by another half-demon named Naraku into attacking her village, as she was tricked into attacking and sealing him to a tree. But Kikyou ended up dying from the wound given to her by Naraku, taking the jewel with her into the next world. 500 years later, a girl named Kagome was pulled into the Bone Eater's Well by a demon, and she was taken to the past, 50 years after Inuyasha was sealed away, and Kikyou's death. She was Kikyou's reincarnation, and had the jewel inside of her body, but it was ripped out by the same demon who had pulled her into the past. In the end, Kagome awoke and freed Inuyasha, but put a rosary on him in order to keep him from attacking her. Then she shattered the Shikon no Tama, and the two had to work together in order to put the jewel together again before any other demons could use it for their own evil purposes..."
~~~~~~~~~~
The End!
I hope you liked this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!! I honestly am saddened to have finished this fic, but I see it as an opportunity to get back to work on some of my other fics. I can only hope that you like my future stories as much as this one!
Thank you for reading and reviewing this story as much as you have, I really couldn't have done it without all of you!!
Thanks again, and Ja ne,
Kai
P.S. Btw, this chapter was 13 pages long... wow, huh?
