Whoo-hoo! Another update! I've given much thought based on past reviews and your opinions in them and have reached decision on how this will end. Ironically enough I already have the last chapter typed out, now all I have to do is lead up to it. Hope you guys enjoy this portion. On with the story……..

It took almost the entire night to finally convince Kagome's mother to allow her to stay longer in the Warring States Era. But even that was little territory gained, they only managed to get an extension, she had one week between trips and had to remain in this time for three uninterrupted days before returning to that time. So it was with little surprise that Inuyasha found himself sleeping next to Sota that night. After sensing the household lie down for the evening he got up and headed outside. His feet took him to the Goneisha tree. He stared up at it, taking in all the changes to it from his time to hers. His hand went out and reverently touched upon the arrow scar on its bark. Even after all these centuries, it still can be seen.

His grave marker.

His fingers trailed the dips and curves remembering not the events that led up to it, though it was tempting to reminisce in them, but the fragments of his dreams as he lay there imprisoned. He felt this moment in one of those scattered memories; himself standing in this very spot doing what he was doing now, making a decision. During that time, he didn't understand why, only that whatever the outcome it was going to be one of the single most important decisions he could make. Taking in a deep breath, he looked to the sky. Dawn was still a few hours away. Lifting his face up he tried to see through the canopy of leaves, searching for answers to questions that still eluded him.

He wanted to jump up and rest upon the thicker branches. But his human hands wouldn't be able to grip the tree well enough to keep him from falling. Letting out a sigh he did the one thing he could, he sat near the base of it and leaned back until he felt the tiny bit of splinters that found their way through the thin cloth of the shirt he wore. It didn't take long for him to fall into a meditative-like state that was his version of sleep. He thought on the jewel and of Naraku, his companions and even his rival. Then he thought on Kikyo, of his obligations to her, which at this point are more imagined than real. Lastly he thought of Kagome; of his feelings for her. It was when he delved deeper into them that his brother came to mind. The turning point to everything was in part due to his brother, Sesshomaru. It was that single event that he discovered he wasn't alone, that he had family and was forced to fight his own blood to keep Kagome safe that he made the connection. He had fought it; the agony of Kikyo's betrayal was still a running wound. But instinctively he knew this girl challenging not only him, but also his brother, was going to be the one he should have found in the beginning. The time the spent in each other's company was a nuisance to him at first, then she slowly began to show him another perspective and his feelings formed deeper roots despite his mind denying it.

Before him lay two paths. One would leave him without her. She would have her life here in her time and he would not be able to share it with her. But she would have someone who cared for her as he does. The other path would leave her alone in the end as well. However, he would be at her side for as long as his body drew breath. He could spend the time they had together, together. His death is unavoidable, in his mind, either in defeating Naraku or in fulfilling his promise to join Kikyo in the afterlife. But until then he could give himself to Kagome. He spent the remaining time before dawn contemplating his options. As the sun rose, as his hanyo blood took control once again, he reached a partial resolution. When they returned to his time he would have formulated his final choice.

Kouga paced. He was impatient for the hanyo's return from Kagome's time. He was also attempting to deny the possibility of what the monk had described. Could he survive long enough to meet Kagome in her time? Even if he could, he would be an old demon, more in visage like the flea that follows dog-turd than how he is now. Would she even want him? He would appear to be old enough to be her grandfather by then. If she remained here, she would still die within thirty years at best. Would that be enough time for him to prepare another to lead the pack? Not that it would matter. Thirty years was still a long time away. He had plenty of time to do that, afterall he had almost no training whatsoever and he has led the pack well enough. So what to do? He obviously couldn't travel to her time; the well had clearly rejected him. In fact, the only one the well accepted was dog-turd. Why was that? What was so special about him, that allowed him that.

He looked up to the night sky and thought of what he wanted. It wasn't hard to find his thoughts focused on Kagome. Beyond just wanting her, what was there for him? His pack. His revenge for his fallen comrades. Quests of vengeance usually end with the death of both participants. How long until he found Naraku and fulfilled that vow by killing the half-demon human spawn? If she asked it of him, would he place his quest to the side? Where that particular thought surfaced from confused him. She wouldn't ask that from him. She was constantly in similar situations traveling with dog-turd. But if she did, would he?

Will he be willing to sacrifice that much to have her with him? The night air turned colder as time passed. He didn't notice he walked away from the well, turning these thoughts in his mind. His feet eventually led him to the tree Shippo had shown him. How it all began. First by the hanyo dying on it and later by Kagome breaking the spell and awaking Inuyasha.

He had his chance with the Kagome of this time. How did it end? By them killing one another.

Not a fate he was going to take with his Kagome. He looked upon the raw scar on the tree's bark. The symbolism was not lost on him. The urge to touch the tree was strong, but he refrained. He was not about to let some weird magic control his actions. He started with that. It did feel like some strange magic was working. He searched the sky above him, senses stretched to detect any others encroaching on him.

Nothing.

His eyes found themselves on the tree once more. It's presence called his awareness and this time he paid attention. How much time passed could not be measured. It was almost dawn by the time he became aware of himself once more. He grew angry. He lost all control of himself and that was unacceptable. He buried his anger when he realized that he was already forgetting. He tried to grab a hold of the fragments in his mind, and they continued to disperse with increasing speed. How was he supposed to respond correctly if he couldn't remember? He looked back over his shoulder at the scar marking the middle of the tree. With a Feh!, to rival the hanyo's he returned to the well.

Miroku found the kitsune exactly where he thought he'd be. "Shippo, you know it is considered rude to involve yourself into private conversations without an invitation."

"Is it now? I'll have to keep that in mind." Shippo answered.

"Don't be obtuse."

" So do you think Kouga will wait for Kagome?" the kitsune asked.

" He has proved himself to be determined to be with Lady Kagome."

"That's not an answer Miroku and you know it."

"If anyone has any insight into what the wolf prince will or will not do, I believe you would be the one most qualified to hold that answer, of the two of us."

Shippo turned that last comment over.

Miroku looked to the kitsune, expecting a response. When none was forthcoming, he suggested they head back to the village. Shippo wanted to argue to remain. Then again, Kouga had warned him not to interfere between Inuyasha and his fight for Kagome. His hand went and rubbed his stomach. It was still a bit sore from its previous abuse.

"She won't be back tonight will she, Miroku?"

"I find it hardly unlikely Inuyasha will be able to convince her to return so quickly."

With a sigh, Shippo had to agree. She wasn't coming tonight. With true regret, he turned and began walking back to Kaede's hut. He was so disappointed he wanted to cry. He hadn't really done that since they brought Kagome to the well that last time. When he did, Inuyasha had …..had told him to keep his tears to himself. In an uncharacteristic manner, Inuyasha explained to him the value of his tears. So precious they were, that they shouldn't be shed where anyone could come by and steal them. Of course this touching moment didn't come without the trademark belittling comments and physical manifestations. How many weeks did it take before Shippo fought back? Enough to finally be able to understand Inuyasha on a deeper level. And of course be able to read more into his actions.

Kaede's hut was in view of the two males. Shippo didn't want to go in. "Miroku."

The monk stopped and faced him. " I'm going to sit outside for a bit longer." Miroku nodded his head in understanding and continued on. When they reached the small bridge connecting Kaede's hut with the rest of the village, Shippo remained. He rested his face on his arms, leaning against the wood. He watched the water pass under him. He remained there transfixed for a while enjoying the simple pleasure it gave him.

I hope Kagome brings me some candy.

He instantly felt regret at that thought. Why did he even have it? Because he wanted to pretend that when she does show, she would still greet him with love like she did before. He wanted to exist in a small illusion that all will be well, that they would be able to go on like before. That this year apart really wasn't a year, only a few days. That he would find her smiling and laughing and making him feel warm inside, safe, like she had the ability to do. And that he wouldn't see the hurt and shadows shimmering in her eyes. He wouldn't feel his own version of failure by not being able to help her.

Self- hate is a very dangerous weapon.

Shippo remember that conversation with Kouga.

Why? Why didn't you protect Kagome instead of going into another ' who is the better demon' contest with Inuyasha? If you two had paid attention where it mattered, she wouldn't have been so m-m-mu-mutilated.

We both had our hands full with that demon.

Is that supposed to be an excuse or a defense?

Neither.

For someone who claims to love her so much, you sure did manage to prove yourself a bad protector.

Yes.

Yes? Is that all you have to say? YES?!

Self-hate is a very dangerous weapon. It has the ability to render you completely useless. It can destroy your mind and spirit in ways no other enemy could ever manage. And leave the only path open for you, despair and then should you be extremely lucky death.

Maybe you should consider taking that path. Especially if she dies. It would be what both you assholes deserve.

Yes, it would be.

Why do you keep agreeing with me?

I already have on leg on that path; dog-turd is probably meeting me on that crossroad. I can't move kitsune. All I can do, until my body heals itself, is think. My mate was severely injured. I was a cause of it. All the anger you are passing to me I've already beaten myself with. If she does die, I will soon be joining her. If I live, it will be because she lives.

You aren't her mate. She hasn't chosen you.

Not yet she hasn't. Not yet. But I've chosen her. Sometimes that's all that matters.

I don't understand.

When you are older you'll understand.

Don't give me that! Explain it.

I've shared a part of myself with her and she has done the same. As long as that small part of each other exists, I'll live and so will she. She pulled from all of us; Inuyasha, myself, even from that demon. She did it to keep herself alive. If she can do it, I can too. I'll find a reason to stay alive. For her. Because she demanded it from me. She cares for us, and would want us to live. When you're older you'll understand better.

You'll live for her, and not your pack? I find it hard to believe you would place your pack second.

……

What no witty response?

You're only cutting yourself on your anger.

What?

You're mad because you weren't there to protect her either. You wouldn't have been able to do anything. Your still a pup, that demon was full-grown.

So? I could have done something. I have my foxfire and my illusions.

The demon had the same thing. It also had experience and power at his disposal. You would have ended up dead.

It was a fox-demon?

Yeah, before the jewel shard, it probably was.

Oh.

Are you done?

Done?

Done cutting your teeth on my hide?

I don't know.

I understand. We both understand. The only thing that hanyo and I have in common is our feelings for her. And you can bet he's feeling the same disgust with himself that I've been feeling since I woke up. Lucky bastard can at least go and do something about it.

I'm sorry Kouga.

What for?

For taking my anger on you. I forgot that I wasn't the only one…

Don't worry about kid. She'll come back to us.

Yeah, she'll come back to us.

I hope she brings me candy.

Yes, Shippo thought, simple pleasures. He had to remember that. And help her feel them, so his Kagome would keep coming back. This time he felt no regret. The water under him was once again beautiful.