Act Ten: Scene One.
Nearly a year later Kagome laid in bed one morning looking at her shiny gold ring and thinking about her wonderful new husband. She had never been so happy before. What did it matter that she wasn't in love with Sesshomaru. He loved her and she was happy. At least, she thought that she was happy. Now that she really stopped to think about things, she wasn't all that happy, even though their wedding had been one for the Kyoto record books. The most lavish state affair ever. Even the Emperor had been in attendance. Her marriage to Sesshomaru was the talk of the town for weeks afterwards. Now that she actually thought about it though, she wasn't all that happy. More like content. Content to be the wife of a highly respected government official and content to know that every little whim of hers was treated like a command from God. Sesshomaru had been good on his word and restored Edo to it's former stated of gloriousness. The fields were green again, there were horses roaming about the grounds again, and there were brand new windows installed all over the house. Stain glass windows too with a new shrine on the grounds and even a house for her sisters to live in separate from the main house.
"How are you this morning, child?" Keade asked when she brought in Kagome's breakfast tray.
"Just fine Mammy." She answered and sat up to eat. Things were just as they had been back before the war. She was eating breakfast in bed and that afternoon she would attend a garden party over at Hojo's new estate. He'd bought her out of her house and business like he'd promised and now he was as filthy rich as she was. The Emperor's new war on the other islands was bringing in business by the cartloads. The army needed supplies and thanks to Sesshomaru's connections, Hojo Wilkes Incorporated was the soul supplier of food, blankets, cooking utensils, and tents for the army. He was raking in the money. Money which Sesshomaru collected from the people in taxes and he saw to it that his friends paid as few of those as possible.
"You know Lord Sesshomaru has been waiting for you down stairs." Keade reminded Kagome.
"Oh, well tell him that I'll be down presently." She said getting up. "Take this tray away Mammy, I'm done." Keade could hardly believe it but Kagome had packed all that food away in nothing flat. She hadn't seen a girl eat that fast or that much since…
"Oh Kagome." She said taking her aside. "You've polished off that whole tray already. Let me have a listen to you girl." Kagome was puzzled but she obeyed. Keade put her ear to Kagome's belly and listened hard. Nothing got past her ears. For an old woman she could hear dirt rustling under your feet. "Oh my word." She gasped. "Kagome, you're with child!"
"What?" Kagome couldn't believe it. "Are you serious?" She asked.
"I can tell, my dear, and believe you me. I hear within your womb the half demon spawn of Lord Sesshomaru." Old Keade said. Kagome went over to the mirror and looked at herself. She couldn't be pregnant. Not now, not when things were going so good, and she was finally accomplishing something with her life. Babies meant work and she was tired of working hard. This was supposed to be the fun time in her life when she could lay back and let other do the work for her. Then, she registered something else… Half-demon!?! What would this baby look like? As the question popped in her head, Kagome pictured Inu-yasha, with white hair, yellow eyes and dog ears. Would this child have such ears? Would this baby have claws and teeth and eyes like it's father and uncle? And worse… People may treat the poor thing like an outcast! She dreaded thinking about any child of hers being treated poorly because it was half-demon. She expressed all these things to Keade, who simply put a caring, gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Do not fear, child. As long as the babe is loved by it's parents, then that is all that truly matters," Keade said.
"I suppose you're right, Mammy Keade," Kagome said, looking down at her still small stomach. "You always seem to talk sense into me when I'm being irrational."
"It is my duty, my child." Keade said with a smile.
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Act Ten: Scene Two
Nearly two years after he'd left, Inu-yasha returned to Japan. His ship docked in the port of his home town, Kyoto. As he looked about the city from his carriage, he marveled at how it had grown. As the landmarks became more and more familiar, he saw a sign that last he'd seen, had two names on it. Now the Kennedy and Wilkes General Store was Wilkes Incorporated, and it was now a two story tall building, with a large warehouse in the back. In his mind, Inu-yasha was happy that a guy Hojo had finally mad a break…but he hope this meant that Kagome hadn't gone broke, and was without her beloved Edo. After he checked in with his older brother, he might go look in on her and see how she was doing.
Soon, his carriage pulled up to the familiar sight of his childhood home. It was still as large and as grand as ever. He jumped down from the carriage, and with his attendant close behind him, carrying his trunk and other luggage, Inu-yasha walked up to the door. He knocked on the door, waiting for the usual attendant to open it, when all of a sudden, the door opened on it's own! Inu-yasha was taken back a bit, and looked about for the invisible servant who opened the door.
"I'm down here, you idiot!" Shouted a familiar little voice. Inu-yasha looked down, and saw Shippo, Kagome's doorman, standing there in his family's colors. This clenched it. Kagome had to have gone broke if she'd parted with Shippo. He was her second favorite, and second most loyal, servant. Inu-yasha didn't stick around to jabber on with the little rat boy. (AN: Shippo's a fox, you heathens!) He dropped his coat, and rushed inside to find all the furniture rearranged. This did not bode well. Not only was Kagome apparently broke, but now his fool brother must have gotten married (cause the first thing a woman does when she moves in is rearrange the furniture ). Now he had more aggravations to deal with. He had to find that stupid brother of his, and fast! Just then, he heard giggling coming from the study. A very…familiar… giggle… Inu-yash went cold as he walked slowly towards the study. He said not a word, made not a sound, as he silently approached the scene before him…
Kagome was as big as a house! Her cheeks were rosy, and she was laughing as she held Sesshomaru's hand to her huge belly.
"See," Kagome said, her face beaming, "The baby's kicking." Inu-yash watched her look up at Sesshomaru, her eyes filled with affection… And his brother smiling down at her, looking devoted and in total rapture…
Inu-yasha growled, and charged at lightening speed at his treacherous brother. Kagome screamed as Inu-yasha, standing inches in front Sesshomaru, lifted the older, stronger brother by his neck off the ground.
"D&%$ YOU!" Inu-yash shouted as he strangled his brother. "You did it, didn't you!?! You married her right out from under me!! I'll kill you, and use your bones to make pudding!"
"Inu-yash, STOP!" Kagome shouted, grabbing his arm. "You can't kill him! I'm going to have his baby!" Inu-yaha's face went white as he dropped Sesshomaru. The older brother fell to the ground, gasping for air. His little brother had gotten quite strong while he was away.
"I can see that your having his baby," Inu-yasha sneered, "What's up with THAT!?"
"It's not my fault." Kagome said, getting defensive. "Babies just happen. Besides, what did you expect me to do? Sit and wait for who knows how long for you to come back? I want a real life, now. I want a family of my own. And that means having a baby."
"But HIS!?" Inu-yasha screamed. "He's a demon! You want that thing poppin out, looking like me!?!" He shouted, grabbing his own dog ears for emphasis.
"Like having your mongrel puppies would have been better?" Kagome argued, holding her belly protectively.
"At least they'd been more human!" Inu-yasha shouted, crossing his arms. Then, he turned to the traitor, and said, "And YOU! You made the biggest deal out of my birth! Now you're just like father!"
"I am nothing like father," Sesshomaru said, "At least I married the human bearing my child. Father sought comfort from my mother's death by taking a common concubine from the lowliest Geisha in the country. " Inu-yash punched him for that remark. He'd always held a sot spot for his mother, and he wouldn't tolerate anyone insulting her. Not even this poor excuse for a brother.
"Will you two stop fighting!" Kagome yelled at them. "This is not good for the baby! Whoa…" she said, going pale, and staggering back.
Inu-yasha looked at the floor, and stuttered, "Uh.. Kagome… You're, uh…. You're leaking…"
"I know that, you moron!" Kagome shouted. "The baby's coming!"
"Keade!" shouted Sesshomaru, running out of the room, looking for the mammy. "It's time, NOW!"
"I'm coming!" Keade said, "Give an old woman at least one second to move!" The old woman took one look at Kagome, and sighed. "Yes, the baby's coming, and it looks to be a particularly harsh birth."
"Ohhhh!" Kagome whimpered in pain and frustration.
"You," Keade said, pointing to Inu-yasha. "Get some water boiling, now, and send Eri into the parlor with clean linen and towels."
"Me?!" Inu-yasha grumbled. "I'm no servant!"
"You are a birth attendant as of now," Keade said. "I have delivered two generations of her family's children without any losses or complications, and I'm not about to start either now. Now get going, or I shall rip every one of your hairs out by the roots."
"Fine, I'm going," Inu-yasha said, dashing out of the room, hearing Kagome say, "Oh well… I was going to get a new couch for the room anyway… YOWWWWW!!!!!!"
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Act Ten: Scene Three.
Kagome was tired, sweaty, and out of breath when Keade had handed her the baby girl she'd just given birth to. The child was perfect. Normal, human ears, a round shaped head, not a claw or tail in sight, and two beautiful, deep brown eyes. The baby girl looked up at her, and smiled a big, sweet, toothless grin. Kagome felt in her heart a love for this baby, her baby, like she'd never felt for anyone or anything else. She also knew that this smile that her daughter gave her was a smile only for her.
After the room was cleaned up, Sesshomaru and Inu-yasha were permitted in, along with Shippo, who'd been waiting anxiously.
"She's beautiful," Sesshomaru said softly, looking at the small baby.
"What's the big deal?" Inu-yasha said, still acting hurt.
"WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!?!" Kagome yelled, "She came out of me! That's the big deal!" At once the baby started wailing, making all but Kagome and Sesshomaru cover their ears.
"That must be the half-demons part showing!" Inu-yasha cried, sticking his fingers in his fuzzy white ears.
"I've never heard anything scream so loud!" Shippo yelled. Kagome tried to quiet the abby, but nothing was working. Suddenly, Sesshomaru came over, and picked the child up from Kagome's arms. The baby stopped crying instantly. Everyone looked to Sesshomaru, their mouths gapped open. He was holding her so gently and carefully in his one arm. And the baby girl looked up at him, and smiled double what she'd smiled at her mother. The tiny thing reached both her arms out to her father's face, making happy, giggly baby noises as she did so.
"My little Rin," Sesshomaru said. "A single, perfect lily in a sea of imperfections. The only person I have ever known who was truly, and completely mine from the beginning."
"What about me?" Kagome whimpered. "She's my baby too… And didn't spend half the day bringing her into this world."
"I am sorry, Sesshomaru, that she is not boy," Keade said. "I now how much you wished for a son."
"Sons are of no consequence," Seshomaru said, rather lightly, "My brother and I are proof enough of that."
"Hey!" Inu-yasha snapped.
"And, I think now, I would have wanted this child more than all the sons in the world." Sesshomaru said as he carefully laid the now drowsy Rin back in her mother's arms. Both the mother and the baby soon were fast asleep, as Keade shooed everyone out from the room.
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Act Ten: Scene Four.
"She's a beautiful baby." Songo said to Kagome as she stood over Rin's cradle as the rain poured outside. Sesshomaru was positively beaming with pride over his little family. He held Kagome close and kissed her on the forehead. The three of them did look so happy. Mommy, and Daddy, and Baby.
"She's going to be received by the finest families in the Empire and she's going to attend the finest schools. She'll have only the best." Sesshomaru told them all. Hojo was kind of skeptical though of what Kagome had planned for her daughter. More than likely she would be spoiled and just as hard a business woman as her mother.
"Oh, wouldn't she make the finest kind of bride for my little Souta." Songo supposed. "Let's arrange a marriage for them, right now." She turned to Sesshomaru. He thought about it and then decided that was a fine idea.
"Very well then when our children grow up they shall marry and be the finest family in Kyoto." He stated. "They will want for nothing." Kagome just shrugged her shoulders. After all she was only the child's mother. What say did she have in how her life would be planned out.
"So if you're finished marring my baby off now, it's time for my little miss to go to sleepy town." Kagome said rocking the cradle.
Inu-yasha watched them all fussing over the baby from his seat in the corner. They all seemed so happy without him there. His brother seemed to have the perfect family, the perfect friends, and the perfect life. All Inu-yasha had was his sword and his free time. He got up and left then for the comfort of an old friend of his own and the familiar pleasures of a feminine touch. He was soaked to the bone and shivering like a lost dog when he knocked on Kikyo's door. She opened up her home to him once again and welcomed him back into her life. The same way she had always done when he got tired and lonely and sad.
"God I'm miserable over there." He told her as he lay in bed with her. "Sesshomaru and Kagome are just so…so…"
"So much what you want to be." Kikyo told him. "Face it Inu-yasha, you want Kagome for yourself, and you wish that you had what Sesshomaru has with her. You're poisoned with Kagome like a well that's been diluted. She's seeped into your heart and you can't get rid of her. Now that she's with your brother though, it's worse than if she'd married you. Because now you want her but you still can't have her." Inu-yasha sighed and turned over to rest his head on Kikyo's chest. She held him close and kissed him. "I love you Inu-yasha, and I'm content to have you with me like this, for now. But I do wish that you loved me instead of her."
"I wish I did too." He replied. "I'd give anything if I could feel for you the same as I do for Kagome. I just can't though. I'll never love any woman like I love that girl." It was plain for anyone to see how exceedingly sad this made both of them. For what is love really? Is it a want or a need to be with another human being? Is it desire of the flesh? Is it lust? Or could it be a desire of the spirit to be whole and together again. Ancient mythology says that once upon a time, human beings were two in one, and that we loved one another. Then the gods came and split man asunder. Now no longer whole, we seek out the other half of ourselves. To find our missing half is truly a wondrous thing indeed. And now, Inu-yasha's heart felt like fragile glass, knowing that he'd found the missing piece of his soul, but that both pieces could never be one.
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Act Ten: Scene Five.
It rained for a week straight and Inu-yasha stayed gone from the estate for a week straight. Kagome thought that it was really rude of him to just run out on the family, but what could she do. She really missed him, even more so than when he was gone abroad. When he was abroad they were not so close to one another and therefore she could afford to let herself forget about him for a time. Now, though, he was right there in front of her, and yet so out of reach. She was married to his brother, she'd had a baby, and they had missed out once again on any chance of being together. Kagome sat in her room, which she kept separate from Sesshomaru's private chamber. It was just easier this way. Easier for to sit and pine away for Inu-yasha. She kept a small wallet size black and white still of him in her drawer. It was not a very good still of him. Inu-yasha was scowling at the camera and he looked so serious that it almost spoiled the shot. Every now and again she would get it out and look at it and want him so badly.
"Kagome." Old Keade said, coming in with her dinner tray. "Lord Sesshomaru says that he'll be taking dinner in his room tonight as well, but that he would appreciate your company, if you would like to join him."
"No Mammy Keade, I don't think that I will join him. I'd like to eat alone in my room tonight." She told the old woman. "Just send him my apologies and…" suddenly an arm came around her shoulders. It was Sesshomaru's.
"I got your message. Is there anything the matter with my eating in here with you?" He asked her.
"No I suppose not." She replied and quickly put the still away. It was too late though, Sesshomaru has seen a glimpse of it, and he immediately opened the drawer and took it out again.
"So, you still love my brother." He said sadly. "I suppose I should have expected this. The two of you are just alike."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kagome asked him, getting up from her chair.
"It means that I don't blame you, only do not go around pining for him like you do. At least have the courtesy to hide your affections for him a little better." He said then left the room in a huff. Kagome felt so bad for doing this to Sesshomaru but she couldn't deny how she felt. It also kind of made her mad that Inu-yasha and Sesshomaru were so much alike. They were both so serious all the time and now they were both so mad at her. It was the most impossible situation on the face of the earth. Kagome felt like pulling her hair out.
"Oh those two make me so mad!" She screamed. "That does it, I won't have any more of Sesshomaru's babies!" She shouted through the house. "Maybe I'll go find Inu-yasha and pop out a few puppies for him!" She went over to her bed, plopped down, and started stuffing her face.
"That won't do to get so angry child and then start eating. You'll get indigestion." Keade said. "Chew slowly and don't swallow until you've had some tea." She told Kagome as she poured her a cup.
"I'm just fine." Kagome said, choking the dry food down. She coughed and Keade shook her head.
"You're a stubborn child, just like when you were little, and don't think that I haven't noticed how you feel for Lord Sesshomaru. You respect him and would never cheat on him. Otherwise you'd have done it already." Keade stated. Just then the baby started to cry. Kagome went over to the cradle and picked her up.
"Oh, hush darling, don't cry, mommy didn't mean it. It's okay, mommy, and daddy were just having a little fight. That's all. It's okay." She held Rin close and patted her on the back until she stopped crying. Sesshomaru came back inside just then and went over to them.
"I'm sorry." He told Kagome.
"I'm sorry too, I didn't mean it. I don't know why I said it." She apologized.
"I think that I do. Come on and pack your bags. We're going on a trip back to Edo in the morning." He said taking her free hand in his.
"To Edo?" She asked joyfully.
"Yes. I'll take you home, and then maybe you'll recover a little from all this. You've been so drained lately with the baby and all. I think that going home will replenish your strength, and mine too. You get your strength from the soil of Edo where you were born. Just as I get my strength from seeing my family happy. Little Rin can see where her mother grew up and know that things will be alright. Who knows, I may even buy her a pony of her very own so that she can learn to ride and jump and play like a real lady." He let go of Kagome and tickled the cooing baby. Kagome smiled and kissed her daughter on the head then laid her back down in the crib.
"I think that tonight we could eat together." She told Sesshomaru.
"I'm glad." He replied. "Keade, bring my tray, tonight we're dinning in here." Keade bowed then went about her work. Things had settled down that evening and cooler heads had prevailed all thanks to the newest edition to the family who seemed to be as intent on putting her two cents worth in as everyone else was.
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Act Ten Scene Six.
Sesehomaru took Kagome and Rin back to Edo where they whiled away the summer, winter, and following spring with Sesshomaru making occasional trips back to Kyoto to perform his duties. In the afternoons they took lone walks in the gardens and at night they made passionate love. It was like a second honeymoon for the two of them. Under the bright blue sky and green leaves of the Edo Countryside, Kagome flourished, and Rin grew to be a very happy child. She was getting bigger and bigger with each passing year and she and Souta played together when the Wilkes summered in the restored estate of Musashi.
One day, during their fourth summer at Edo, while Kagome and Sesshomaru were sitting outside on the veranda, Songo came to visit them with Souta. She and Kagome embraced one another like two old friends should and they let the children run around while the girls gossiped about all that was going on in Kyoto and in nearby Tokyo and Fuji.
"The city government of Fuji has finally decided to honor Sesshomaru for his gallant actions at the last battle of the war." Kagome told Songo as they sat sipping tea together.
"Yes and the Emperor has raised Kyoto's property taxes to raise money for his new war. Inu-yasha has been a busy little bee, going around collecting money, and the people just hate him now. He's living with Kikyo again and they're rumored to have a baby on the way. I don't know if that's true or not but so many people talk about them. It absolutely disgraceful, the old snobs running their mouths about him so. Inu-yasha may be a varlet and a scoundrel but he's always been one our closest friends. We have him over to tea every now and again but he mostly keeps to himself." Songo informed Kagome.
"Well that's to be expected of him. He was pretty heart broken over me. I guess that I should at least write him a letter sometime." Kagome said. "He is my brother-in-law and I do miss him." All the pleasantries in the world couldn't hide how she really felt about this news. That Kikyo might be baring Inu-yasha's child was killing her. She twisted and tied her napkin in knots all while they talked that afternoon.
"You know Doctor Totosai and his wife have been seen opening up a new clinic in Kyoto. Remember back during the war when we lived together, Kagome, at my Aunt Kagura's and the Totosai's would use to have us over for tea?"
"How could I forget? little Shippo still has the stain on her dress pants from where I spilled my cup on his behind." Kagome laughed. Sesshomaru smiled to see his wife enjoying herself again. These visits with Songo always seemed to brighten Kagome's day. Rin seemed especially pleased as well when Souta would come to play with her. The two of them would run around the yard kicking rocks, playing ball, and on the weekends they would ride their ponies together. They were the best of friends and it all seemed that one day they would be happiest of couples. Then one day, Rin was outside jumping over rails on her pony with Sesshomaru and Kagome watching.
"Daddy watch, I can jump the high bar!" She said riding around the yard.
"I know you can, but don't try today, the ground is too wet." He told her.
"Oh Daddy, just watch, I can do it." Rin said.
"She's just like my Grandpa, stubborn and hard headed." Kagome stated.
"It's probably an inherited trait from my father. He was hardheaded as well, as is my brother, " Sesshomaru said. "The best thing we can do is watch, and when she falls off and bumps her knees, we'll say that we told her so."
"I don't want her jumping and falling off, stop her, please." Kagome begged.
"Alright." Sesshomaru said and got up from his chair. "Rin, get down, it's time to go in." He told her but the brave little girl didn't listen. She just looked at her father and scowled
"I can do it Daddy, just watch!" Then she took off on the pony towards the rail.
"Rin stop!" Sesshomaru shouted but it was too late. The Pony jumped and caught it's bag legs on the rail. Pour little Rin was thrown forward through a loop and landed head first on the ground. Kagome screamed and fainted while Sesshomaru leaped over the fence and ran to where his daughter lay, dead. Her tiny neck snapped in two. He bent down and picked her tiny little body up in his arm. He held her and cried and cursed the pony and the day and for ever letting her ride. It was all he could do to control himself. All he could do to restrain himself from going mad. Then when Kagome finally came too, and ran to them, she knew that Rin was dead. Her baby girl was dead and everyone around them mourned. Old Keade, Eri, Shippo, Ayumi, and Yuka. It broke all their hearts to see Sesshomaru carry the broken body of the child he'd loved into the house hold shrine and lay her out on the alter.
"Leave us alone!" He cried and threw things about at anyone who came near them. He stayed that way for days and Kagome fought with him through the door.
"You let me in there!" She would shout and scream. "Let me in to see my baby! You murderer! She never would have jumped if you hadn't taught her to ride!" It went on and on like that for days. When at last they sent for the only doctor they trusted, Doctor Totosai, they hoped the old man would talk somne sense into Sesshomaru. But as they waited in the house, the old doctor staggered into the room.
"Well?" Kagome asked.
"He refuses to let me in," Totosai said. "I keep telling him that the child must be burried soon, but he refuses. He says that she's afraid of the dark. Then, when I suggest burning, he yells and throws htrrows the candles and insense about, shouting that he won't let anything harm her. I fear that he may have lost his mind."
"Let me go talk to him," Songo said, standing up, and marching to the shrine.
"I doubt it," Totosai said, "If he won't let Kagome, the child's mother in, then he won't let you in."
"All you do is shout," Songo said, "Try a calm voice." She went to the door, and knocked lightly.
"Go away!" Sesshomaru bellowed to them.
"It's me, Songo. I've come to see Rin."
"I said leave!" he replied.
"Sesshomaru, I know you're hurting. I myself would be to, if I lost my son. But think. She wouldn't want you to suffer like this. And Kagome's heart is just as broken; even more so, since you refuse to le her see Rin. Please, if you won't let anyone else in, then at least let Kagome in."
There was silence for a very, very long time. Then, the door opened, and he said, "You may enter, Songo. But only you." Songo slowly entered the shrine, and closed the door behind her.
She looked about the lit up room, and Sesshomaru's face, usually handsome and composed, was wrought with grief and madness. He was ashen, and his eyes red from his demon blood, stirred by this tragedy. On a platform lay Rin, her face pale, but still unmarred by death. She looked only to be sleeping, though she did not breath.
"She will not decompose," Sesshomaru said hoarsely. "No matter how much time passes since her death. That is the mark of her demon blood. It appears now, when in every other instance, it was not found."
"I'm sorry, Sesshomaru," Songo said, taking his hand in hers. He looked at that hand, like it was an alien thing for a moment. Then, he collapsed to his knees, and began to cry. Songo had never seen him cry. She supposed that no one had. She held his head, and waited for his tears and howls of mourning to pass, before she helped him sit up.
"Songo," he said quietly. "Listen to me carefully. I want Rin buried in a modern mausoleum, in a casket of clear glass. I want candles placed about the walls, and I want them kept lit for all of eternity."
"Yes, Sesshomaru," Songo said.
"And, one more thing," he said, turning to look at her. "Give my sword to Inu-yasha. And tell him to protect Kagome for me. I never had her love. But she has always, and will always, have mine."
"Sesshomaru," Songo said, "I don't understand. You can tell them all those things yourself."
"No," he said, "You must do this." He handed her the sword, and used his powers to throw her from the shrine. She went flying back, hitting Hojo's chest, and the doors slammed shut. They all ran to them, and pounded on the doors, demanding to be let in. Then, only moments since Songo was thrown from the room, the doors went slack, and opened. The women screamed, covered their eyes, and looked away, while Hojo covered his son's eyes. Sesshomaru lay dead, a dagger in his hands.
AN: Please Review
Nearly a year later Kagome laid in bed one morning looking at her shiny gold ring and thinking about her wonderful new husband. She had never been so happy before. What did it matter that she wasn't in love with Sesshomaru. He loved her and she was happy. At least, she thought that she was happy. Now that she really stopped to think about things, she wasn't all that happy, even though their wedding had been one for the Kyoto record books. The most lavish state affair ever. Even the Emperor had been in attendance. Her marriage to Sesshomaru was the talk of the town for weeks afterwards. Now that she actually thought about it though, she wasn't all that happy. More like content. Content to be the wife of a highly respected government official and content to know that every little whim of hers was treated like a command from God. Sesshomaru had been good on his word and restored Edo to it's former stated of gloriousness. The fields were green again, there were horses roaming about the grounds again, and there were brand new windows installed all over the house. Stain glass windows too with a new shrine on the grounds and even a house for her sisters to live in separate from the main house.
"How are you this morning, child?" Keade asked when she brought in Kagome's breakfast tray.
"Just fine Mammy." She answered and sat up to eat. Things were just as they had been back before the war. She was eating breakfast in bed and that afternoon she would attend a garden party over at Hojo's new estate. He'd bought her out of her house and business like he'd promised and now he was as filthy rich as she was. The Emperor's new war on the other islands was bringing in business by the cartloads. The army needed supplies and thanks to Sesshomaru's connections, Hojo Wilkes Incorporated was the soul supplier of food, blankets, cooking utensils, and tents for the army. He was raking in the money. Money which Sesshomaru collected from the people in taxes and he saw to it that his friends paid as few of those as possible.
"You know Lord Sesshomaru has been waiting for you down stairs." Keade reminded Kagome.
"Oh, well tell him that I'll be down presently." She said getting up. "Take this tray away Mammy, I'm done." Keade could hardly believe it but Kagome had packed all that food away in nothing flat. She hadn't seen a girl eat that fast or that much since…
"Oh Kagome." She said taking her aside. "You've polished off that whole tray already. Let me have a listen to you girl." Kagome was puzzled but she obeyed. Keade put her ear to Kagome's belly and listened hard. Nothing got past her ears. For an old woman she could hear dirt rustling under your feet. "Oh my word." She gasped. "Kagome, you're with child!"
"What?" Kagome couldn't believe it. "Are you serious?" She asked.
"I can tell, my dear, and believe you me. I hear within your womb the half demon spawn of Lord Sesshomaru." Old Keade said. Kagome went over to the mirror and looked at herself. She couldn't be pregnant. Not now, not when things were going so good, and she was finally accomplishing something with her life. Babies meant work and she was tired of working hard. This was supposed to be the fun time in her life when she could lay back and let other do the work for her. Then, she registered something else… Half-demon!?! What would this baby look like? As the question popped in her head, Kagome pictured Inu-yasha, with white hair, yellow eyes and dog ears. Would this child have such ears? Would this baby have claws and teeth and eyes like it's father and uncle? And worse… People may treat the poor thing like an outcast! She dreaded thinking about any child of hers being treated poorly because it was half-demon. She expressed all these things to Keade, who simply put a caring, gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Do not fear, child. As long as the babe is loved by it's parents, then that is all that truly matters," Keade said.
"I suppose you're right, Mammy Keade," Kagome said, looking down at her still small stomach. "You always seem to talk sense into me when I'm being irrational."
"It is my duty, my child." Keade said with a smile.
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Act Ten: Scene Two
Nearly two years after he'd left, Inu-yasha returned to Japan. His ship docked in the port of his home town, Kyoto. As he looked about the city from his carriage, he marveled at how it had grown. As the landmarks became more and more familiar, he saw a sign that last he'd seen, had two names on it. Now the Kennedy and Wilkes General Store was Wilkes Incorporated, and it was now a two story tall building, with a large warehouse in the back. In his mind, Inu-yasha was happy that a guy Hojo had finally mad a break…but he hope this meant that Kagome hadn't gone broke, and was without her beloved Edo. After he checked in with his older brother, he might go look in on her and see how she was doing.
Soon, his carriage pulled up to the familiar sight of his childhood home. It was still as large and as grand as ever. He jumped down from the carriage, and with his attendant close behind him, carrying his trunk and other luggage, Inu-yasha walked up to the door. He knocked on the door, waiting for the usual attendant to open it, when all of a sudden, the door opened on it's own! Inu-yasha was taken back a bit, and looked about for the invisible servant who opened the door.
"I'm down here, you idiot!" Shouted a familiar little voice. Inu-yasha looked down, and saw Shippo, Kagome's doorman, standing there in his family's colors. This clenched it. Kagome had to have gone broke if she'd parted with Shippo. He was her second favorite, and second most loyal, servant. Inu-yasha didn't stick around to jabber on with the little rat boy. (AN: Shippo's a fox, you heathens!) He dropped his coat, and rushed inside to find all the furniture rearranged. This did not bode well. Not only was Kagome apparently broke, but now his fool brother must have gotten married (cause the first thing a woman does when she moves in is rearrange the furniture ). Now he had more aggravations to deal with. He had to find that stupid brother of his, and fast! Just then, he heard giggling coming from the study. A very…familiar… giggle… Inu-yash went cold as he walked slowly towards the study. He said not a word, made not a sound, as he silently approached the scene before him…
Kagome was as big as a house! Her cheeks were rosy, and she was laughing as she held Sesshomaru's hand to her huge belly.
"See," Kagome said, her face beaming, "The baby's kicking." Inu-yash watched her look up at Sesshomaru, her eyes filled with affection… And his brother smiling down at her, looking devoted and in total rapture…
Inu-yasha growled, and charged at lightening speed at his treacherous brother. Kagome screamed as Inu-yasha, standing inches in front Sesshomaru, lifted the older, stronger brother by his neck off the ground.
"D&%$ YOU!" Inu-yash shouted as he strangled his brother. "You did it, didn't you!?! You married her right out from under me!! I'll kill you, and use your bones to make pudding!"
"Inu-yash, STOP!" Kagome shouted, grabbing his arm. "You can't kill him! I'm going to have his baby!" Inu-yaha's face went white as he dropped Sesshomaru. The older brother fell to the ground, gasping for air. His little brother had gotten quite strong while he was away.
"I can see that your having his baby," Inu-yasha sneered, "What's up with THAT!?"
"It's not my fault." Kagome said, getting defensive. "Babies just happen. Besides, what did you expect me to do? Sit and wait for who knows how long for you to come back? I want a real life, now. I want a family of my own. And that means having a baby."
"But HIS!?" Inu-yasha screamed. "He's a demon! You want that thing poppin out, looking like me!?!" He shouted, grabbing his own dog ears for emphasis.
"Like having your mongrel puppies would have been better?" Kagome argued, holding her belly protectively.
"At least they'd been more human!" Inu-yasha shouted, crossing his arms. Then, he turned to the traitor, and said, "And YOU! You made the biggest deal out of my birth! Now you're just like father!"
"I am nothing like father," Sesshomaru said, "At least I married the human bearing my child. Father sought comfort from my mother's death by taking a common concubine from the lowliest Geisha in the country. " Inu-yash punched him for that remark. He'd always held a sot spot for his mother, and he wouldn't tolerate anyone insulting her. Not even this poor excuse for a brother.
"Will you two stop fighting!" Kagome yelled at them. "This is not good for the baby! Whoa…" she said, going pale, and staggering back.
Inu-yasha looked at the floor, and stuttered, "Uh.. Kagome… You're, uh…. You're leaking…"
"I know that, you moron!" Kagome shouted. "The baby's coming!"
"Keade!" shouted Sesshomaru, running out of the room, looking for the mammy. "It's time, NOW!"
"I'm coming!" Keade said, "Give an old woman at least one second to move!" The old woman took one look at Kagome, and sighed. "Yes, the baby's coming, and it looks to be a particularly harsh birth."
"Ohhhh!" Kagome whimpered in pain and frustration.
"You," Keade said, pointing to Inu-yasha. "Get some water boiling, now, and send Eri into the parlor with clean linen and towels."
"Me?!" Inu-yasha grumbled. "I'm no servant!"
"You are a birth attendant as of now," Keade said. "I have delivered two generations of her family's children without any losses or complications, and I'm not about to start either now. Now get going, or I shall rip every one of your hairs out by the roots."
"Fine, I'm going," Inu-yasha said, dashing out of the room, hearing Kagome say, "Oh well… I was going to get a new couch for the room anyway… YOWWWWW!!!!!!"
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Act Ten: Scene Three.
Kagome was tired, sweaty, and out of breath when Keade had handed her the baby girl she'd just given birth to. The child was perfect. Normal, human ears, a round shaped head, not a claw or tail in sight, and two beautiful, deep brown eyes. The baby girl looked up at her, and smiled a big, sweet, toothless grin. Kagome felt in her heart a love for this baby, her baby, like she'd never felt for anyone or anything else. She also knew that this smile that her daughter gave her was a smile only for her.
After the room was cleaned up, Sesshomaru and Inu-yasha were permitted in, along with Shippo, who'd been waiting anxiously.
"She's beautiful," Sesshomaru said softly, looking at the small baby.
"What's the big deal?" Inu-yasha said, still acting hurt.
"WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!?!" Kagome yelled, "She came out of me! That's the big deal!" At once the baby started wailing, making all but Kagome and Sesshomaru cover their ears.
"That must be the half-demons part showing!" Inu-yasha cried, sticking his fingers in his fuzzy white ears.
"I've never heard anything scream so loud!" Shippo yelled. Kagome tried to quiet the abby, but nothing was working. Suddenly, Sesshomaru came over, and picked the child up from Kagome's arms. The baby stopped crying instantly. Everyone looked to Sesshomaru, their mouths gapped open. He was holding her so gently and carefully in his one arm. And the baby girl looked up at him, and smiled double what she'd smiled at her mother. The tiny thing reached both her arms out to her father's face, making happy, giggly baby noises as she did so.
"My little Rin," Sesshomaru said. "A single, perfect lily in a sea of imperfections. The only person I have ever known who was truly, and completely mine from the beginning."
"What about me?" Kagome whimpered. "She's my baby too… And didn't spend half the day bringing her into this world."
"I am sorry, Sesshomaru, that she is not boy," Keade said. "I now how much you wished for a son."
"Sons are of no consequence," Seshomaru said, rather lightly, "My brother and I are proof enough of that."
"Hey!" Inu-yasha snapped.
"And, I think now, I would have wanted this child more than all the sons in the world." Sesshomaru said as he carefully laid the now drowsy Rin back in her mother's arms. Both the mother and the baby soon were fast asleep, as Keade shooed everyone out from the room.
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Act Ten: Scene Four.
"She's a beautiful baby." Songo said to Kagome as she stood over Rin's cradle as the rain poured outside. Sesshomaru was positively beaming with pride over his little family. He held Kagome close and kissed her on the forehead. The three of them did look so happy. Mommy, and Daddy, and Baby.
"She's going to be received by the finest families in the Empire and she's going to attend the finest schools. She'll have only the best." Sesshomaru told them all. Hojo was kind of skeptical though of what Kagome had planned for her daughter. More than likely she would be spoiled and just as hard a business woman as her mother.
"Oh, wouldn't she make the finest kind of bride for my little Souta." Songo supposed. "Let's arrange a marriage for them, right now." She turned to Sesshomaru. He thought about it and then decided that was a fine idea.
"Very well then when our children grow up they shall marry and be the finest family in Kyoto." He stated. "They will want for nothing." Kagome just shrugged her shoulders. After all she was only the child's mother. What say did she have in how her life would be planned out.
"So if you're finished marring my baby off now, it's time for my little miss to go to sleepy town." Kagome said rocking the cradle.
Inu-yasha watched them all fussing over the baby from his seat in the corner. They all seemed so happy without him there. His brother seemed to have the perfect family, the perfect friends, and the perfect life. All Inu-yasha had was his sword and his free time. He got up and left then for the comfort of an old friend of his own and the familiar pleasures of a feminine touch. He was soaked to the bone and shivering like a lost dog when he knocked on Kikyo's door. She opened up her home to him once again and welcomed him back into her life. The same way she had always done when he got tired and lonely and sad.
"God I'm miserable over there." He told her as he lay in bed with her. "Sesshomaru and Kagome are just so…so…"
"So much what you want to be." Kikyo told him. "Face it Inu-yasha, you want Kagome for yourself, and you wish that you had what Sesshomaru has with her. You're poisoned with Kagome like a well that's been diluted. She's seeped into your heart and you can't get rid of her. Now that she's with your brother though, it's worse than if she'd married you. Because now you want her but you still can't have her." Inu-yasha sighed and turned over to rest his head on Kikyo's chest. She held him close and kissed him. "I love you Inu-yasha, and I'm content to have you with me like this, for now. But I do wish that you loved me instead of her."
"I wish I did too." He replied. "I'd give anything if I could feel for you the same as I do for Kagome. I just can't though. I'll never love any woman like I love that girl." It was plain for anyone to see how exceedingly sad this made both of them. For what is love really? Is it a want or a need to be with another human being? Is it desire of the flesh? Is it lust? Or could it be a desire of the spirit to be whole and together again. Ancient mythology says that once upon a time, human beings were two in one, and that we loved one another. Then the gods came and split man asunder. Now no longer whole, we seek out the other half of ourselves. To find our missing half is truly a wondrous thing indeed. And now, Inu-yasha's heart felt like fragile glass, knowing that he'd found the missing piece of his soul, but that both pieces could never be one.
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Act Ten: Scene Five.
It rained for a week straight and Inu-yasha stayed gone from the estate for a week straight. Kagome thought that it was really rude of him to just run out on the family, but what could she do. She really missed him, even more so than when he was gone abroad. When he was abroad they were not so close to one another and therefore she could afford to let herself forget about him for a time. Now, though, he was right there in front of her, and yet so out of reach. She was married to his brother, she'd had a baby, and they had missed out once again on any chance of being together. Kagome sat in her room, which she kept separate from Sesshomaru's private chamber. It was just easier this way. Easier for to sit and pine away for Inu-yasha. She kept a small wallet size black and white still of him in her drawer. It was not a very good still of him. Inu-yasha was scowling at the camera and he looked so serious that it almost spoiled the shot. Every now and again she would get it out and look at it and want him so badly.
"Kagome." Old Keade said, coming in with her dinner tray. "Lord Sesshomaru says that he'll be taking dinner in his room tonight as well, but that he would appreciate your company, if you would like to join him."
"No Mammy Keade, I don't think that I will join him. I'd like to eat alone in my room tonight." She told the old woman. "Just send him my apologies and…" suddenly an arm came around her shoulders. It was Sesshomaru's.
"I got your message. Is there anything the matter with my eating in here with you?" He asked her.
"No I suppose not." She replied and quickly put the still away. It was too late though, Sesshomaru has seen a glimpse of it, and he immediately opened the drawer and took it out again.
"So, you still love my brother." He said sadly. "I suppose I should have expected this. The two of you are just alike."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kagome asked him, getting up from her chair.
"It means that I don't blame you, only do not go around pining for him like you do. At least have the courtesy to hide your affections for him a little better." He said then left the room in a huff. Kagome felt so bad for doing this to Sesshomaru but she couldn't deny how she felt. It also kind of made her mad that Inu-yasha and Sesshomaru were so much alike. They were both so serious all the time and now they were both so mad at her. It was the most impossible situation on the face of the earth. Kagome felt like pulling her hair out.
"Oh those two make me so mad!" She screamed. "That does it, I won't have any more of Sesshomaru's babies!" She shouted through the house. "Maybe I'll go find Inu-yasha and pop out a few puppies for him!" She went over to her bed, plopped down, and started stuffing her face.
"That won't do to get so angry child and then start eating. You'll get indigestion." Keade said. "Chew slowly and don't swallow until you've had some tea." She told Kagome as she poured her a cup.
"I'm just fine." Kagome said, choking the dry food down. She coughed and Keade shook her head.
"You're a stubborn child, just like when you were little, and don't think that I haven't noticed how you feel for Lord Sesshomaru. You respect him and would never cheat on him. Otherwise you'd have done it already." Keade stated. Just then the baby started to cry. Kagome went over to the cradle and picked her up.
"Oh, hush darling, don't cry, mommy didn't mean it. It's okay, mommy, and daddy were just having a little fight. That's all. It's okay." She held Rin close and patted her on the back until she stopped crying. Sesshomaru came back inside just then and went over to them.
"I'm sorry." He told Kagome.
"I'm sorry too, I didn't mean it. I don't know why I said it." She apologized.
"I think that I do. Come on and pack your bags. We're going on a trip back to Edo in the morning." He said taking her free hand in his.
"To Edo?" She asked joyfully.
"Yes. I'll take you home, and then maybe you'll recover a little from all this. You've been so drained lately with the baby and all. I think that going home will replenish your strength, and mine too. You get your strength from the soil of Edo where you were born. Just as I get my strength from seeing my family happy. Little Rin can see where her mother grew up and know that things will be alright. Who knows, I may even buy her a pony of her very own so that she can learn to ride and jump and play like a real lady." He let go of Kagome and tickled the cooing baby. Kagome smiled and kissed her daughter on the head then laid her back down in the crib.
"I think that tonight we could eat together." She told Sesshomaru.
"I'm glad." He replied. "Keade, bring my tray, tonight we're dinning in here." Keade bowed then went about her work. Things had settled down that evening and cooler heads had prevailed all thanks to the newest edition to the family who seemed to be as intent on putting her two cents worth in as everyone else was.
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Act Ten Scene Six.
Sesehomaru took Kagome and Rin back to Edo where they whiled away the summer, winter, and following spring with Sesshomaru making occasional trips back to Kyoto to perform his duties. In the afternoons they took lone walks in the gardens and at night they made passionate love. It was like a second honeymoon for the two of them. Under the bright blue sky and green leaves of the Edo Countryside, Kagome flourished, and Rin grew to be a very happy child. She was getting bigger and bigger with each passing year and she and Souta played together when the Wilkes summered in the restored estate of Musashi.
One day, during their fourth summer at Edo, while Kagome and Sesshomaru were sitting outside on the veranda, Songo came to visit them with Souta. She and Kagome embraced one another like two old friends should and they let the children run around while the girls gossiped about all that was going on in Kyoto and in nearby Tokyo and Fuji.
"The city government of Fuji has finally decided to honor Sesshomaru for his gallant actions at the last battle of the war." Kagome told Songo as they sat sipping tea together.
"Yes and the Emperor has raised Kyoto's property taxes to raise money for his new war. Inu-yasha has been a busy little bee, going around collecting money, and the people just hate him now. He's living with Kikyo again and they're rumored to have a baby on the way. I don't know if that's true or not but so many people talk about them. It absolutely disgraceful, the old snobs running their mouths about him so. Inu-yasha may be a varlet and a scoundrel but he's always been one our closest friends. We have him over to tea every now and again but he mostly keeps to himself." Songo informed Kagome.
"Well that's to be expected of him. He was pretty heart broken over me. I guess that I should at least write him a letter sometime." Kagome said. "He is my brother-in-law and I do miss him." All the pleasantries in the world couldn't hide how she really felt about this news. That Kikyo might be baring Inu-yasha's child was killing her. She twisted and tied her napkin in knots all while they talked that afternoon.
"You know Doctor Totosai and his wife have been seen opening up a new clinic in Kyoto. Remember back during the war when we lived together, Kagome, at my Aunt Kagura's and the Totosai's would use to have us over for tea?"
"How could I forget? little Shippo still has the stain on her dress pants from where I spilled my cup on his behind." Kagome laughed. Sesshomaru smiled to see his wife enjoying herself again. These visits with Songo always seemed to brighten Kagome's day. Rin seemed especially pleased as well when Souta would come to play with her. The two of them would run around the yard kicking rocks, playing ball, and on the weekends they would ride their ponies together. They were the best of friends and it all seemed that one day they would be happiest of couples. Then one day, Rin was outside jumping over rails on her pony with Sesshomaru and Kagome watching.
"Daddy watch, I can jump the high bar!" She said riding around the yard.
"I know you can, but don't try today, the ground is too wet." He told her.
"Oh Daddy, just watch, I can do it." Rin said.
"She's just like my Grandpa, stubborn and hard headed." Kagome stated.
"It's probably an inherited trait from my father. He was hardheaded as well, as is my brother, " Sesshomaru said. "The best thing we can do is watch, and when she falls off and bumps her knees, we'll say that we told her so."
"I don't want her jumping and falling off, stop her, please." Kagome begged.
"Alright." Sesshomaru said and got up from his chair. "Rin, get down, it's time to go in." He told her but the brave little girl didn't listen. She just looked at her father and scowled
"I can do it Daddy, just watch!" Then she took off on the pony towards the rail.
"Rin stop!" Sesshomaru shouted but it was too late. The Pony jumped and caught it's bag legs on the rail. Pour little Rin was thrown forward through a loop and landed head first on the ground. Kagome screamed and fainted while Sesshomaru leaped over the fence and ran to where his daughter lay, dead. Her tiny neck snapped in two. He bent down and picked her tiny little body up in his arm. He held her and cried and cursed the pony and the day and for ever letting her ride. It was all he could do to control himself. All he could do to restrain himself from going mad. Then when Kagome finally came too, and ran to them, she knew that Rin was dead. Her baby girl was dead and everyone around them mourned. Old Keade, Eri, Shippo, Ayumi, and Yuka. It broke all their hearts to see Sesshomaru carry the broken body of the child he'd loved into the house hold shrine and lay her out on the alter.
"Leave us alone!" He cried and threw things about at anyone who came near them. He stayed that way for days and Kagome fought with him through the door.
"You let me in there!" She would shout and scream. "Let me in to see my baby! You murderer! She never would have jumped if you hadn't taught her to ride!" It went on and on like that for days. When at last they sent for the only doctor they trusted, Doctor Totosai, they hoped the old man would talk somne sense into Sesshomaru. But as they waited in the house, the old doctor staggered into the room.
"Well?" Kagome asked.
"He refuses to let me in," Totosai said. "I keep telling him that the child must be burried soon, but he refuses. He says that she's afraid of the dark. Then, when I suggest burning, he yells and throws htrrows the candles and insense about, shouting that he won't let anything harm her. I fear that he may have lost his mind."
"Let me go talk to him," Songo said, standing up, and marching to the shrine.
"I doubt it," Totosai said, "If he won't let Kagome, the child's mother in, then he won't let you in."
"All you do is shout," Songo said, "Try a calm voice." She went to the door, and knocked lightly.
"Go away!" Sesshomaru bellowed to them.
"It's me, Songo. I've come to see Rin."
"I said leave!" he replied.
"Sesshomaru, I know you're hurting. I myself would be to, if I lost my son. But think. She wouldn't want you to suffer like this. And Kagome's heart is just as broken; even more so, since you refuse to le her see Rin. Please, if you won't let anyone else in, then at least let Kagome in."
There was silence for a very, very long time. Then, the door opened, and he said, "You may enter, Songo. But only you." Songo slowly entered the shrine, and closed the door behind her.
She looked about the lit up room, and Sesshomaru's face, usually handsome and composed, was wrought with grief and madness. He was ashen, and his eyes red from his demon blood, stirred by this tragedy. On a platform lay Rin, her face pale, but still unmarred by death. She looked only to be sleeping, though she did not breath.
"She will not decompose," Sesshomaru said hoarsely. "No matter how much time passes since her death. That is the mark of her demon blood. It appears now, when in every other instance, it was not found."
"I'm sorry, Sesshomaru," Songo said, taking his hand in hers. He looked at that hand, like it was an alien thing for a moment. Then, he collapsed to his knees, and began to cry. Songo had never seen him cry. She supposed that no one had. She held his head, and waited for his tears and howls of mourning to pass, before she helped him sit up.
"Songo," he said quietly. "Listen to me carefully. I want Rin buried in a modern mausoleum, in a casket of clear glass. I want candles placed about the walls, and I want them kept lit for all of eternity."
"Yes, Sesshomaru," Songo said.
"And, one more thing," he said, turning to look at her. "Give my sword to Inu-yasha. And tell him to protect Kagome for me. I never had her love. But she has always, and will always, have mine."
"Sesshomaru," Songo said, "I don't understand. You can tell them all those things yourself."
"No," he said, "You must do this." He handed her the sword, and used his powers to throw her from the shrine. She went flying back, hitting Hojo's chest, and the doors slammed shut. They all ran to them, and pounded on the doors, demanding to be let in. Then, only moments since Songo was thrown from the room, the doors went slack, and opened. The women screamed, covered their eyes, and looked away, while Hojo covered his son's eyes. Sesshomaru lay dead, a dagger in his hands.
AN: Please Review