Thanks again for all the great reviews everyone.

Koniko-chan: Thanks for reading my story and giving such a positive review...I'm glad you appreciated one of the many twist that have occurred. I'm sure those to come will be just as good.

Kei the Inspired and Priestess-Midoriko: Thanks for your reviews. I'm glad you liked it. And Priestess-Midoriko, I was considering scrapping the puppy ears...but your previous reviewsconvinced me to let them stay.

Kagome-Vixen: Lots of questions there...some will be answered in this chapter and some will be answered soon. As for Shippo during the cave fights, in I believe chapter 3, Miroku scolds Kagome and says that if she keeps acting immature, then she can stay behind at the village with Shippo. It was something to that effect. Maybe I'll go back and add a sentence or two to make it clearer. Thanks for your review, like always, it was great to read. It's nice to see that I'm keeping you guessing.

Eleature: Thanks for the review/analysisIt was nice to see my work reviewed in such a way. In depth reviews are always great to read.

Warning! WARNING! WARNING!!!!!!!

Two things about this chapter to warn you about.

1- There is a new character that I made up (though she's gone by the end of the chapter)

2-My usual chapter is 11 or 12 pages, 13 tops. This one is 24. Much longer.

Last Time on Inuyasha: Removing the bracelet that he was wearing, Inuyasha's true form was revealed. He was a full blooded demon, not the kind he would transform into, but rather one along the lines of Sesshoumaru. Pressing for details, Kagome inquires about his form and his apparent money. Inuyasha recounts the day they were separated in detail and described his motivation and emotions as a primitive demon consumed by his blood and undertaking the ritual of the final transformation. After her death, Inuyasha wished for all wounds that have been inflicted on Kagome to be healed and essentially undone. This is what took away her scars and left her alive, jewel-less and in the modern era. After he wished upon the jewel and regained full control over his body, Inuyasha went to provide aid in bandaging Sango. During this, Sesshoumaru enters and heals all that were injured so that he may use that kind act as leverage in forcing Inuyasha to accompany him and fulfill some sort of prophesy, seeing how Inuyasha would now be a full demon. He didn't want to join his brother, but Inuyasha was bound by honor and did so-saying what would seem to be a final goodbye to Miroku and Sango. Inuyasha received his ½ of his father's inheritance and lost everyone he cared about. His body and future uncertain, he joined Sesshoumaru in traveling. While discussing all of this, Kagome Inquires about the status of demon kind and if they are all just concealed like Inuyasha. Inuyasha then tells her that a majority of demons are in fact extinct and "Now that's an interesting story."

Inuyasha: Don't Belong: A demonic Rampage: Chapter 8-Paranoia and Extinction.

Kagome grew anxious, he couldn't just give her a simple answer. Not that she really minded, hearing about his adventures and his life over the course of five-hundred years, while saddening, merely reinforced her feelings for him. Part of her was filled with regret, that she couldn't have been there for him, that he was alone, while part of her was overjoyed at what came of it all and Inuyasha's personal growth. She pressed onwards...

"Were you involved?"

He could barely contain his growing ego, his past, his stories, they were almost his gift to her. It was his way of showing her that she changed him for the better, that she made such a difference in his life. His stories and his actions...much like his life, were for her. He grinned from side to side, he was certainly proud of himself.

"Not in the way that you'd think Kagome."

"Oh really, then what way were you involved."

"Heh, like always, I just had to clean up Sesshoumaru's mistakes."

"Is that why you have Tenseiga?"

"Don't get ahead of me here Kagome, there's a lot more to all of this than you think."

She smiled, she knew not what he was about to tell her, but she had faith in his judgement and in his character. That and the grin on his face showed that he was proud of something.

"I'll have to start from the beginning then, just to merely set the stage for the type of things your getting to."

---Flashback to the interior of a castle.--------

So there I was, in father's old castle. I never did get to have a good look at it earlier in life, but it was getting to the point that the sights were driving me insane. For well over a year we sat in that Castle and trained day in and day out, so I could control the new powers that I was accumulating. But the day had finally come, where there was nothing left for me to do. I had become a full demon, all of my power to that point was well under control. Sesshoumaru made quite a big deal about it all, and for the longest time I had no idea as to why. I always knew that lord Sesshoumaru has nobody to lord over, and I never quite knew why . I always just assumed it was because he was nowhere near as powerful or wise as father. Apparently , no demon would recognize his sovereignty as long as I was alive. As you know, Sesshoumaru only had half of the inheritance and took my half from me, because I was a hanyou and unworthy. So as long as I lived, I was entitled to half of the western lands and half of the control. That's why he tried to kill me so many times, tetseiga would be proof that I was no more and that he truly held claim over all of the western lands. Of course by surpassing Sesshoumaru in strength and by becoming a full demon, I "earned" the right to have what was rightfully mine. That day was the big unveiling, Sesshoumaru would speak in front of father's former people and show them that we were united in ruling- thus legitimizing our claims to control. Those prophesies drove Sesshoumaru nuts, and he was going to use the speech at the unveiling to whip the crowd into a frenzy and get them ready for war.

Sesshoumaru stood in the corner of a dimly lit and lavishly decorated room. Amongst the silks and furs from around the world that adorned the furniture and the curtains, stood Rin, staring in wonder at Sesshoumaru's bare body, as he slipped on his ceremonial armor. Forged from solid golds and silvers, adorned with detailed depictions of dog like creatures and demons, large fang like spikes reaching outwards from the collar to beyond the shoulders. She breathed out a small gasp and said not a word, Sesshoumaru merely muttered to himself, rehearsing his speech over and over again.

The peacefulness had been disrupted as Inuyasha arrived, in a similar armor, forged of silvers and encrusted with jewels. The designs were vastly similar, though Sesshoumaru's spikes were much longer, given he was the elder brother/ruler. Loudly stomping into the room awkwardly, a scrunched up face showing that he wasn't particularly comfortable in such an outfit. He observed Sesshoumaru's half naked body and the staring pre-teen.

"Damn it Sesshoumaru! I don't care if she IS your mate and I don't care if she is going to bare your children in like another decade, that's still just wrong."

He turned to the child, who had been cowering in fear. She was frightened by yet another of Inuyasha's temper tantrums. Even after so many months around him, she never got used to his outburst.

"Rin, shouldn't you be playing or something!?!"

Sesshoumaru had no answer for his brother, he had made his choices in life as Inuyasha had in his. He felt no need to defend his feelings, especially to the likes of his brother. Completing his outfit and approaching his brother, Sesshoumaru began to wonder if Inuyasha even practiced his speech.

"Brother, I would hope that you have practiced your speech and committed it to memory."

"I would hope that you don't expect me to speak. I don't even have a speech."

Sesshoumaru grew frustrated, yet his calm demeanor would not be broken on such a momentous day.

"You were to speak about unity, Inuyasha. Time draws near and you are to speak first. Do try to not embarrass our lineage on such an important day."

"I think that little scene with you and the child, was embarrassing enough."

"ENOUGH Inuyasha!"

The sun began to fade and the room grew dimmer. It was clear that the time had arrived to make themselves known.

"Calm down Sesshoumaru, wouldn't want your anger to embarrass our lineage out there."

The two strolled through the opening at the edge of the room.Strolling onto their balcony with their heads held high, the two brothers were quite the sight. Decorated elaborately in armors with greater value than most lives. Their silvery-white hair flowed in the wind as the stared down upon their public. Hordes of demons stood below the castle and awaited the brother's speeches.

Every manner of demon was in attendance: those who appeared human, those where were sheer monstrosities, half-demons, full demons, quarter demons, etc... The community had come out to embrace the revival of Lord Inu-Taisho's kingdom.

Leaning over the balcony, Inuyasha began to attempt a speech. Stuttering and stammering, falling into long periods of silence between words, he was truly composing a speech on the spot, and was doing quite poorly in his execution.

"Fellow Demons...I mean loyal subjects, It's great to see all of you here. I didn't think so many of you would even come. Since I was a hanyou before, I think that I'll be a good leader. I know

the value of strength but I also know what it's like to be ruled by the passion of a human heart. That's what my brother told me I was supposed to talk about out here, something about unity.

My body itself was an example of unity. Half of me was the strength and instincts of a demon, and half of me was the kindness and soul of a human.I was an example of unity. I knew what it was like to fit in with both worlds and yet not fit in at all. As a hanyou, I hadto essentially create my own place in the world, because there wasn't unity. To the humans I was always at fault for whatever went wrong, I was beneath them for being a demon. To demons, I was hunted mercilessly for sport and for the "weakness" of being partially human. I saw a world without unity, and it's really bad. Over time, I found friends who were both human and demon, ranging from monks to demon exterminators. I fell in love with the reincarnation of a miko I once cared for as well. It was a mix of individuals that nobody would ever expect, or even understand, but it was our differences that gave us strength, that and the fact that unlike the world, we were able to put aside differences and work together, care for each other as both friends and family. I don't know exactly how well I'll be at ruling you, but I know that I'll try to be compassionate towards your needs, and I know that when the day comes, I'll be fighting on the front lines, beside every one of you. Hopefully, we can bring about a new era, where all can be united."

Sesshoumaru seemed to be feeling ill, he grew paler than usual and bore an empty stare, as if his soul had been snatched from his body merely moments before. Slowly stepping forward, he drew the claw of his index finger and fiercely jabbed it into an open spot in Inuyasha's armor. The crowd had no clue that he had done it, Inuyasha bit into his lips and suffered the pain in secret, so as not to disrupt the ceremony and speeches.

Sesshoumaru stood regally over the balcony, looking down upon his inferior subjects as if they were nothing to him. He stood proud, puffing out his chest and drawing Tokijin into the air, as a symbol of his might. Sheathing Tokijin once more, Sesshoumaru began his speech, irritated by the poor performance of his brother.

"I do believe my brother has confused the subject of unity. Between that and his poor speaking manner, I must attribute it to age. He is slightly under a hundred after all, and fifty of those years were being bound dormantly to a tree, where he was bound outside of time itself and could not age nor mature. But father, the great lord Inu-Taisho, had granted us both his heirs.It was irresponsible for me to seize my brother's inheritance, and I understand that it drove many of you away. But today is a new day, today we are united, the power of our father's legacy brought together once more. The sword of death and the sword of life, are now united in their aim."

Sesshoumaru Drew Tenseiga and an oblivious Inuyasha did not do the same with Tetsuiga.

"Brother, your supposed to draw your sword."

Inuyasha drew Tetsuiga and the mighty sword transformed into a large fang, reminiscent of what was once one of his father's. Sesshoumaru approached Inuyasha and crossed his sword against Inuyasha's Tetsuiga. It had been a symbol of unity, and Inuyasha just sorta went along with whatever Sesshoumaru was doing.With swords crossed, Sesshoumaru continued onward with his speech.

"Yesssss, Father's legacy is once again as it should be. As are his lands, and his people. But there is a treasure out there that is beyond that of the western lands. We have the power to defeat the other demon clans, we have the power to seize their land and spread our influence across this world. It is through our unity that we stay strong. Inuyasha did say one thing right, and that was hopefully the world will become united...under the rule of the house of Taisho. Prophesy states that our united house, a restored balance of two demon siblings, will wage the greatest war known to demon and man. The war is within our means, and I ask you, all of you, lend us your strength. We will not fail you, for fate is on our side, and our power is now comparable to none."

The crowd burst into an eruption of applause and cheers. His words had riled them up, reassured them of their strength, promised them a better tomorrow. He had told them what they had wanted to hear, a skill necessary to both politicians and rulers. They crossed swords with each other in various sections as a respectful homage and emulation of the brothers. From that moment onward, the crossing of two swords would be a common symbol of alliance and unity amongst the demon population. Sesshoumaru waited for the fanfare to fade before he continued his speech.

"Today is the day that a new beginning shall bring about a new end. Kingdoms will crumble beneath our conquering heel. Forge your weapons and reinforce your armors. I know not the moment we shall move, but when I declare war, we WILL be swift and decisive. Nothing shall delay us."

The two brothers sheathed their weaponry re-entered the castle. Sesshoumaru seemed to be so proud of himself and his ability to create and spread his vile propaganda. Inuyasha had merely been quiet, an anger boiling within him for his brother's reprimand. For something thought of last second, Inuyasha thought his speech was pretty good.

"They are well behind us, this will expedite the fulfilling of father's prophesy."

His obsession had annoyed Inuyasha to no end, to Inuyasha the prophesy meant little.

"Will you shut up about that damn prophesy? You have an army, were united-literally, thanks for jamming your finger in me back there, AND you have your literal GIRLfriend, aren't you so lucky. The whole world is at the tip of your fingers, just like your speech said."

"What ails you brother?"

"What ails me!?! I'm sick of you going on and on about all the great things in your damn life. I could care less about being united with you, this wasn't exactly something I did willingly. I don't care about prophesy or land or armies, I have more land than I know what to do with now. The only thing I can be happy about is the fact that I was able to give my friends the land they need for their family. That's not much Sesshoumaru. I can't be with my friends, and I can't be with my love. I have nothing to be pleased with, and frankly, seeing you so pleased is making me ill."

Showing a soft look full of what seemed to be compassion, Sesshoumaru leaned against the wall and seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

"So you are feeling unfulfilled with your life? You've accumulated more amazing victories than any demon known. You waged a war against Naraku and your stories will be passed on throughout the ages. You're a hero and you have everything to be pleased with.Why can't you help me in what I need to do? We are bound by blood, and I have done so much for you."

Sesshoumaru played the guilt trip well. Then again, with my tantrums, I suppose he needed some sort of card to play. Honestly Kagome, I was just so jealous of him. He had the woman he loved with him at virtually all times. He didn't have to wait five-hundred years to see her. Whenever I saw them together it made me cringe, I mean yeah it was disgusting , but it was the concept more than the execution. Just the idea that somebody as horrible as Sesshoumaru would be forgiven by the world so easily, that he'd be granted love. Part of me just felt he didn't deserve to be so happy, not while a person like me was so miserable. Granted that sounds pretty conceited and very petty, but it's how I felt. I suppose the biggest reason we didn't get along was that attitude of mine, I mean he was trying to get close to me over the course of that year. He shared stories of his and father's past, he trained me in fighting and control, he even sent supplies to Miroku and Sango's growing village and Kaede's, since I wasn't allowed to leave to visit them. I feel bad sometimes for treating him like I did, but then again, it was easy for him to change how he felt about me, it was pretty hard for me to change my feelings. It's not easy to forgive somebody that hunted you half of your life.

The army grew by the day and demons were even deserting their own rulers to come to us. We could look out into the western lands and see hut after hut. Thousands trained in the fields and others forged the fiercest common steels in the feudal age. Sesshoumaru and I would walk amongst those training on a daily basis to provide inspections. I hated having to walk around putting down the weaker hanyous and demons who couldn't pull their weight amongst the others.

If I were a child in that army, I would hate being told that I wasn't good enough to fight for my ruler's name-though if it were me, I'd fight for no rulers name to begin with. Some died in preparation, others were injured. It was a morbid sight, as far as the eye could see, the world revolved around nothing but war. But every day the groups grew fiercer and fiercer and I knew that it wouldn't be much longer before we declared war and deployed our masses.

Brother's first target would be the Cat demon tribe of China. As I'm sure you remember from our journeys, they were the main adversary of our father, and a kingdom that rivaled our own at one time. They had rebuilt and increased in strength just as we had. The means of travel were long and the seas so lonely. When we approached land, we could see the watchmen flee to bring word of our arrival. Horns roared through the land calling all of their soldiers to attention. The time had come, and upon our reaching land, a massive army awaited us. They were fierce and their numbers large. Features similar to our own, with increased agility...well not compared to me at least. They had bound and trained dragons, who plowed through the lines, blazing fire and swinging their brilliantly sharp claws. I was the one to lead our initial charge into the island.

At a speed unlike any demon we ever came across, even jewel supplemented Kouga, I dashed across the lands, slicing through anything alive that stood in my way. Many assaults came my way, projectiles and blasts, attempts at slashing, but in my final phase of transformation, I could generate barriers much like Naraku used to use against us. I would charge through the oncoming force until I was behind them. Then I would leap into the air and launch several massive versions of the wind scar that would tear through most of the enemies. My forces would then come forward and clash with the damn felines, as I came from behind, cutting them all down to size with tetsuiga and the poison I could force through my claws. We faced few casualties and when we did, I would heal them with Tenseiga. You see, Sesshoumaru would never leave Rin out of the view of his protective eye. Seeing how he wouldn't even travel on the wars he started, I was left as the field commander. And seeing how he wouldn't be there to heal our soldiers, it had become my duty. Part of my training involved using the Tenseiga. And no...this is not why I hold Tenseiga today, it's merely an explanation of why I can use it.

The leader of the Cat-demons actually put up a good fight. Almost as fast as me and powerful too. Of course my barrier left me invincible, so the only real delay was in me putting him down.

At one point he had me so flustered with his incessant dodging that I lost focus and was without my barrier. He used this opportunity to strike and nearly took one of my arms. In the end it came down to a rather simple finish. My barrier was up once more and he was preparing a large blast, hoping to break my defense, a simple backlash wave ended the fight and put the war to an end.

I'll never forget that first conquered land and the seizing of our first castle.

After his battle with the ruler of the cat demons-moving through the castle

The demon slowly moved through the elaborate palace. Lined with precious metals and marble, the interior was extravagant. It's beauty was tarnished by the blood of the castle's former love.

Splattered and smeared across the floor, both near and far from the lord's body, brought about a dreary image of death and destruction. Inuyasha began to move through the rooms, every time inspecting the spoils of his latest battle.

'Look, more gold. There's some jewels. The work of some artist I'll never be able to truly appreciate. Uhhhhh......'

Worn from his battle and bleeding, Inuyasha moved his hand over the wound on his shoulder and pressed firmly, providing necessary pressure.

"I hope brother is happy, this wasn't worth the pain or the effort."

Moving around the corner and into the dining chamber, Inuyasha could hear and partially see several servants hiding behind furniture. Their feet were showing and his sensitive ears could hear the very ticking of their hearts. He could smell the salt of their terrified tears as he moved towards them.

"Don't be afraid!"

The demons slowly moved backwards, as if they would be able to flee. Their bodies trembled with fear of the mighty demon who had been able to defeat their greatest warrior and lord. His voice chilled them to the bone, and it's sound seemed to signify their end.

He spoke in a softer voice, he truly meant no harm towards them. There had been more than enough killing that day.

"Your going to be safe, ok?...Just get outa here before it becomes a big deal. I don't want to kill you any more than you want to be killed."

Many of them fled from the room as fast as they could push themselves to, while one sat there on the floor. She was meek and still trembling. Her face had become wet with tears and she was too shaken to even stand.

"I don't have anywhere I can go. I'm not strong enough to make it on my own. You m..might as well kill me now so I won't have to suffer alone."

Inuyasha stepped closer and closer towards her, and with each step forward, she slid backwards.

She bore human like features, sandy blond hair, with little cat ears poling through accenting her sweet blue eyes. She was rather curvy and developed, though one could not tell given her large uniform. Her fangs were small and her claws were long and colored a brilliant shade of red, to contrast her beautifully pale skin.

He bent over and in a gradual motion, reached out towards her, offering her a helping hand in getting up. At first she would merely look away in contempt, but after awhile her pride seemed to break. She finally accepted the demon's aid and stood once more.

"I'm sorry about your lord, but it's what I have to do. Believe me, I don't want any of this either.

But why do you think that your not strong enough to make it?

"I..I'm merely a hanyou. I've always been told that because of my blood, I would never survive out there. I was lucky to have the protection of my former lord. All he required of me was my service. Now, nothing can save me."

Inuyasha reached out to place his hand upon her shoulder but was met by her claws. She had slashed at his wrist and forearm, as his hand grew near. She took a quick step backwards and regained the dignified stance a servant should always retain. She broke her perfect posture by placing her hands upon her hips and leaning forward as she grew from meek to irate, an emotion she felt comfortable showing, seeing how Inuyasha expressed no intention of harming her.

"Excuse me, your not going to touch me. Your not going to console me. It's all so easy to you isn't it. You're a full breed, powerful and swift. You have a place to go, you have places actually. You have OUR castle now. You have no idea about my pain, and you think a soft little touch and some nice words will make it all better? I might as well die, and I'm not going to be killed with your kindness."

The demon smirked and escaping through his lips were a phrase that would echo through her mind for the rest of her life.

"Your right, my kindness is going to give you a life."

She was frozen by his words, and as she began to focus on her surroundings once more, they were moving in a blur. Trees faced the ground and roots faced the green grassy sky. Birds seemingly swam beneath her feet. She was viewing everything upside down as Inuyasha sped through the forest, her tossed over his shoulder as they approached a ship of his. Men aboard other ships cheered on their leader and fiercest warrior, others inquired about his "cargo".

"What's that there Lord Inuyasha?"

"Bringing gifts lord Inuyasha?"

"Who is she Inuyasha?"

He was laughing in a boisterous tone, "Just one of the spoils of war men!"

She slapped the demon upside the head and squirmed with all her might as he brought them into his own method of transportation. She struggled to get out of the boat, but Inuyasha kept grabbing her by the waist as he yanked her back in.

"I knew I wouldn't survive out here! A demon's trying to rape me! O gods above, please just kill me."

"I'm not going to rape you! "

She was feisty Kagome, that's for sure. She wasn't that bad of a looker either, though she definitely was no you. Every ten minutes or so she'd try to flee or drown herself, it was an interesting time at sea. You know, in hindsight, I should have just told her that she was going to be one of our personal servants, rather than wait until we got home and surprise her. In between all the arguments and life guard duty, we actually got to talk. I told her about my childhood and how good and bad the real world could be. She had never even seen the world outside of their castle. We shared stories of isolation and betrayal, of the empty feeling you get when your life is unfulfilled and you don't feel complete. You'd be amazed at how much we had in common. She took the news and new position rather well upon arrival and was possibly our best servant, though I was never much for letting other people do the things I should be doing. Every night, when I'd get rambunctious, she'd creep into my room and surprise me. We'd talk most of the time, and go outside to train or spar. It wasn't like what I did with Sesshoumaru, this was playful and it was fun. She'd dump water on my head to wake me up, played little pranks on me, she even told jokes that would make Miroku blush. We grew really close, she was almost like a sister to me, and was the only person I had in the Castle...in between wars.

We seized several empires and took control of most of modern day Asia's coast, and some kingdoms inland. I led the troops to victory, and Sesshoumaru tended to Rin and her every need- the two of them were practically inseparable before, but it grew ridiculous. He had virtually no presence on the battlefield and didn't even bother me about training. Rin was beginning to hit puberty, and the scent of her hormones drove Sesshoumaru nuts. I suppose they were trying to have children. You know how Sesshoumaru is about that heir stuff. He gave the occasional speech about war to rile up the armies, but that was it really. For a man who used to fight for so long with a whip, one would think he could recognize when someone was being whipped. But with all his resources and servants, being whipped wasn't exactly hard work either. Eventually, years passed and brother gave up on war. He said that he had enough land to keep him content. It was really great news to me, I was getting sick of waging big ass wars to feed his greedy little ego. He also began to come out more and visit with me and his people. He'd put on this amazing front of the social leader, who would share stories and laughs with his subjects at his massive feast. He wasn't that bad of a ruler then, he ruled more than I did-I didn't want to rule. Though you could always find him sulking at night. Something was wrong and something was missing, and I wouldn't know for close to another year just what had been wrong.

---------Modern day-the Date----------

She stared at her date and her lover blankly. His story moved her and his desperation shone through it all. For awhile, he was truly alone. He had been bitter and he had been hurt. His life was torn from him and he was left a mere tool of his brother's greed. Even with the company of his cat-demon refugee/servant Mizuki, he still couldn't find anything but loneliness.

"That's so sad Inuyasha."

"You have to tell me?"

"How long did you wage these wars for Sesshoumaru?"

"Honestly, I don't really know, but Rin was around your age when I was done, so six or seven years I figure."

"Was Mizuki the only person you had? You didn't grow any closer to your brother or see our old friends?"

"Mizuki was all I had, I told her about all of my problems, and she was the one who consoled me when I would grow depressed and reclusive, overcome by how much I missed you. Sesshoumaru did what was best for Sesshoumaru, even when it came to taking me under his wing. He wouldn't even let me visit Miroku and Sango, nor their children and Shippo."

Kagome began to tear, her face distressed as her lips began to quiver. Hearing the names had made it all seem so much more real. She realized that few demons survived and drew the strength from within to actually find that answer out.

"How did Shippo....."

"He didn't Kagome, Kirara, and Kouga are well too."

"They are?"

"Yep, We'll all meet up and have a nice dinner or something one of these nights, but right now, we have more important things to worry about."

She gave him a quick peck upon his lips and could do nothing more than smile. It seemed so weird to feel so sad for him and his life, while being so overjoyed by being able to see her friends once more. She couldn't have been happier as she held the man she grew to love. She held him for love, for passion, and for pity. He had been through so much, and she wanted to show that she was there for him, that there was always support for him via her.

"So what's so important hun?"

"Hun huh? Well... We've been here for almost an hour and I haven't gotten to dance with you once."

"You can dance?"

"It was once expected of royalty."

"So who taught you how to dance?"

He began to roll his eyes, and quietly muttered an irritated response.

"Sesshoumaru"

She giggled as he led her by the hand into the center of the ballroom. Couples moved around them ever so gracefully as they swayed together, almost as if they were one, to the beat. Inuyasha held her close, and she rested her head upon her chest, much like before, the last time they were together.Just as before she felt at peace while pressed up against him. Her problems and the world seemed to drift away as she felt light as a feather.

The music was elegant and a miniature symphony stood on the stage to convey the complex and beautiful music of the past. Over twenty musicians moved together in unison, almost as if they were all one big machine. The blissful harmony of the music seemed to provide the theme to the serendipitous chain of events that had come about in that night.

Inuyasha led as they moved across the floor, the music began to increase in speed the tempo grew frantic and furious and their fellow dancers sped up to match. Twirling Kagome and pulling her near as they moved and turned in perfect synch with the music, Inuyasha whispered sweet nothings that were inaudible to the world into Kagome's ear. Rose like coloration flowed into her cheeks and she moved to kiss Inuyasha, yet he pulled away. Before her mind could even realize what he had done, before she had the chance to feel bad, he drifted his hands onto her waist and onto her back. Forcing her downwards with his strength and leverage, Inuyasha dipped her low and met her in turn, placing a long passionate kiss that would last long after the song had reached completion. Everyone stood looking on in awe, yet not a word was said, the silence was theirs and theirs alone to enjoy, enveloped by nothing more than each other's bliss.

After awhile, their dinner had arrived and there was no alternative but to cease the dance. Sitting down at their table and preparing to eat their meal, Kagome expressed her amazement at Inuyasha's ability to dance. She also expressed some jealousy.

"It seems you've done this a lot...So who have you been dancing with so much? It better be Sesshoumaru!"

Her anger amused the demon and it showed just to what extent she truly cared. He couldn't help but to laugh at her Sesshoumaru comment. It also brought back some of Inuyasha's more miserable memories of his past. He grew quiet once more and Kagome knew that she struck a nerve. She had never intended to do so, but in a way she was happy, she wanted to hear more of his past-good or bad.

"Kagome...Dancing with you is heavenly, but dancing itself is bittersweet. The last time I saw Mizuki was at a dance, it was also one of the last times that me and Sesshoumaru spoke as brothers."

Her expression froze, she had really struck a chord within the demon. He fought the tears with all of his might as he began to choke out the words of what happened that fateful night.

------Feudal era-Sesshoumaru's Castle-Preparing for the find a mate ball-yeah you heard me right.------------

The wars had been over, Sesshoumaru had become more social, Rin was always agitated, and Mizuki never left me alone for a damn second. She said that she couldn't stand to see me alone, because I tend to mope. Sesshoumaru had a large ball in preparation. He was going to have dignitaries from our various kingdoms and from empires we were allied with. It was also supposedly going to have the most beautiful women from across the known world. It didn't seem out of Sesshoumaru's character by that time to throw such a large and regal shindig, but it also wasn't out of his character to have it for underhanded reasons.

Sesshoumaru Stormed into Inuyasha's chamber, in his most formal of attire.

"Brother....and servant, both of you are to meet me in the main chamber. We are to have a celebration tonight and it is imperative that my clumsy fool of a brother learns how to dance."

Inuyasha was irritated by the command, he was going to just look stupid anyway. Mizuki merely rubbed her hand across his back to reassure him and let him know it would be all right.

"C'mon Inu! It'll be fun. I'll be your partner."

Sesshoumaru's cold voice ruined the jovial mood that Mizuki started.

"That had been my intention."

They made their way into the ballroom, Mizuki practically dragging Inuyasha by his hand as she ran into the room so excited. Lavish silks hung down and an interesting wording was adorned with furs and other beautiful material. They read "Congratulations Inuyasha."

"What the hell is that for Sesshoumaru!?!"

Inuyasha was puzzled, he hadn't done anything of importance as of late, and he hadn't received anything either. He knew that his brother was up to something devious, but he didn't know just what it was yet.

"Brother, it will be your line that inherits the western lands. I have been gracious enough to grant this bounty to your children and theirs."

Inuyasha grew quiet, a piercing tone to his voice as he told Sesshoumaru that

"I'm not going to have children for hundreds of years, why are you doing this now? What are you planning?"

Sesshoumaru grew so smug, so proud of himself as he looked down at his brother and revealed the true purpose of the ball.

"Tonight brother, you will meet with our governors and with our allies. You will make lasting relationships...in more than one way. It is unfitting for a demon of your caliber to mope around a castle, alone for five hundred years.Women and Demons from across the world are coming, the most fierce, the most beautiful, the most intelligent, all will be here at your disposal. You are to find your mate this very night."

----Modern times-Date----------

Kagome was infuriated, she screamed at Inuyasha as if it were his own fault.

"You let Sesshoumaru find you a mate?!?"

Inuyasha stammered, he had nothing to really say...

"I..I..didn't find one if that makes you feel any better."

She put her hand over her face in disgust and let out a muffled response.

"Not much Inuyasha."

Feudal era-ball room

Mizuki and Inuyasha practiced their dancing, Inuyasha stepped on her toes several times, and she lost her balance quite a few times as well. They were the perfect match when it came to dancing. They were both so wretched that together they just seemed right.

"So Inu, What are you looking for at this ball? Glamour? Curves? Might? Riches? I bet you could find any one of them if not all. I mean look at ya. Though I'd be disappointed, if you found yourself a mate, then I can't do stuff like this!"

She moved quickly and slapped Inuyasha's rear, to which he screamed and leapt so high that he nearly collided with the ceiling.

"What the hell was that for!?!"

She winked at him..."Just having fun Inu babe."

"Well don't!"

"Well fine then...have fun at your stupid dance. I hope you step on so many toes not another girl will even so much as look at you for five hundred years."

"That's what I want!"

"You are using your brother again! He's not just some tool Sesshoumaru!"

Their amusement and playful banter had been interrupted by Rin's fury. Her and Sesshoumaru had been arguing in the other room, yet to Inuyasha and Mizuki's highly trained demon ears, it had been as clear as if Rin and Sesshoumaru were right in front of them.

"What do you expect me to do? You don't seem to be much for baring children. Most rulers would have a woman such as you exiled or slain for being so useless. I love you, and I'll accept that we can't have children, but our empire needs someone to serve as it's heir."

Rin began weeping in disgust and sadness, Sesshoumaru had rarely spoken with such cruelty in his voice during the time that she knew him. It disgusted her and made her stomach upset to think that Inuyasha would have to mate with some woman he didn't love, just so Sesshoumaru could make sure their family had an heir.

"Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha has someone that he loves and he's not going to see her for hundreds and hundreds of years. Why do you have to make this harder on him? He's not going to care for whoever you find for him. Do you really think this is necessary? Because I think it's cruel."

"Rin! A lot can happen in five-hundred years. Inuyasha claims that there were no demons in her time, I can't let our line die out by then. Inuyasha obviously isn't going to make it five hundred years and neither will we. But if we can get him to mate, perhaps our kingdom will not diminish, perhaps our line will survive where others could not."

"There is more to life than kingdoms and royalty. Your brother is broken, his emotions are stressed enough, you can't do this to him. Don't you think he knows that he's going to die before he sees her? Don't you think he knows that he's waiting for nothing? His life is a tragedy and your starting to be the villain. You are hurting everyone around you with this madness. You barely ever see me, you come to bed so late that the sun is about to rise. You surround yourself with feasts and ruler-related endeavors. You are disgusted by me, just because we can't have an heir. You don't want me anymore, and I don't even know if your telling the truth when you say you still love me!"

Sesshoumaru pulled her near and attempted to ease her worries. Her insecurity seemed outrageous, but Sesshoumaru knew that she had a point. He began to reassure her of his love and he stood firm in his decision regarding his brother.

"Rin, you are still beautiful, you are still the woman I love. I loved you since you were a child, and I risked my life so many times to protect you. I would move the heavens and the earth if you so needed. There is nothing too extreme to keep you as you are. Rin, let us find you a nice outfit for later, when was the last time we danced?"

She narrowed her eyes at what was essentially her husband, "Your dancing right now, all around the point. You can't do this to your brother."

He pulled her into a passionate kiss

"I can and will, but I won't force him. Such a vast array of women are coming, he's bound to fall in love all on his own."

In the other room Mizuki and Inuyasha stood there, first in the shock of hearing them say that Inuyasha will never see Kagome again, then in a more jovial mood as they laughed at Sesshoumaru's domestic dispute.

"Heh, can't even have a kid. And he used to call me inferior."

"I think I know the problem. No girl for hundreds of years and he's missing an arm, I think it just withered off and died from lack of use. Whadda you think Inu?"

"I think that I didn't need that image."

"Yeah, your probably right. But hey at least it took your mind off Kagome for a second."

"I'd much rather think about Kagome."

Mizuki walked away to go speak with Rin while Sesshoumaru left to fulfill some of his duties in preparation for the event.

A crying Rin sat there on her bed and could not stop feeling bad for Inuyasha. She had a bad feeling about that night and it's events, she just couldn't shake it.

"I feel bad for him too Rin. That's why I want to ask you a big favor."

"Yes Mizuki?"

"Can I borrow a dress? something impressive ?. I think Sesshoumaru was onto something for once, I'm sure Inu will find that he can love again."

"And I'm sure you are scheming as to who will show him."

"Obviously."

Yeah, Sesshoumaru couldn't have kids, Mizuki gave me a mental image that still haunts me today, and I had to find some sort of mate. Life in the castle grew from dysfunctional to a dysfunctional sort of chaos. Everything was moving so fast, it always happens like that towards an end I suppose.

The night came and so did our guests. Hundreds upon hundreds of people flooded our floor. Of course Sesshoumaru expected me to be the life of the party, and I couldn't let him down. Stories and jokes, comments and showing off, I did my best to keep everyone content. I'm not that bad when it comes to being a host, and that definitely surprised me. Throughout the night I tried to keep my attention towards entertaining my allies, so that I would have an excuse for not finding a mate. Part of me thought Rin was telling the truth and that I'd never see you again, part of me was hopeful and never let go of your memory. Because of that, I could never take a mate, it would be unfair to them and to you. Though the women at the ball could care less about my personality anyway. They continually flocked to me despite my best efforts to avoid them.

Surrounded by well dressed dignitaries from other empires and his own states, Inuyasha regaled the group with tales of his many adventures. He had seen so much throughout his days, that he could still surprise and impress even the most seasoned of traveler.

"So there was the gigantic Dragon and he came stomping and storming down the mountain, flames spewing out of his nostrils, and I thought for sure... heh, That he stood no chance."

Inuyasha laughed to himself as he cracked an all too familiar arrogant smirk. The men were drawn into his stories, almost as if they were mesmerized. They were in hysterics at times, laughing with the young lord's humor and they were frozen with anticipation as he left each sentence a cliff-hanger. Not that he had much time to speak.

A woman approached Inuyasha, she bore an extravagant and radiant silk kimono. Her hair had been placed into a bun and her curves were accentuated by the cut of her silks. She held a fan to her side, and Inuyasha knew who she had been long before introductions could be made.

"Hello Inuyasha."

His eyes narrowed and he slowly stiffened as he moved into a fighting stance. Inuyasha could easily dispatch her with his current strength,as result, her appearance left him baffled. Had she some sort of death wish?

"Kagura of the wind...."

She smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

"I'm not here to fight Inuyasha...in fact..."

She approached him in a seductive manner, her lips mouthing sweet nothings as she drew her index finger to his chest and slowly slid it downward, sending pleasureful chills down the demon's body.

"What are you doing Kagura?"

"A lot has changed, I am no longer Naraku's prisoner and bare no ill will towards you or your friends...in fact I've actually grown quite attracted to you. You look so much like your brother, but your much more masculine."

-------Modern Times-Date------------

Kagome was surprised by the news and began to doubt the sincerity of Inuyasha's story-seeing how such an event seemed to be so outrageous in her eyes. Kagura being friendly than alone seductive was just a concept beyond Kagome's comprehension.

"Ok...now I know your making this all up. Kagura? You? I don't see that happening."

"Kagome, I wish I could just make this up. And yeah, I couldn't see that happening either."

--------Feudal era-ball------------

I quickly moved my way to an area that wouldn't be occupied by any of Naraku's incarnations....that was just disgusting. I couldn't move far though, for women of all sorts were swarming towards me, and fleeing seemed harder and harder.

Three female demons approached Inuyasha, tall leggy beauties draped in cotton togas died various shades of red and purple. Large loops hung from their ears, and their eyes were a piercing red, much like Inuyasha when he used to transform into a demon.

"It's Inuyasha!"

"Man of the hour!"

"I've heard. So many great things about you!"

Inuyasha was surrounded, he wanted little to do with these women, but had few justifiable reasons to flee from them.

"Uhhh ummmm I think I was supposed to meet with one of my generals...I'm sorry ladies."

He stammered constantly as he half-assed an excuse to flee. He never was good at making things up on the spot...as if his speech wasn't horribly evident of that.The three women would not relent and his excuses were met by deaf ears...until.

Strolling towards them in a radiant and form fitting gold satin dress. She moved towards Inuyasha with a purpose, and a general lack of grace. Her lack of composure stood out amongst all of the elegantly trained guest. Her figure was firm, sweeping hips to match her petite waist.

Long sandy blond hair flowed down her shoulders, and as she came near, Inuyasha could tell just who it had been.

Mizuki's beauty surprised him, as did her ability to clean up and look so different while formal.

She was possibly the only person in the castle that he could truly relate to, and this night...the only one he was actually attracted to.

"Excuse me ladies, but Inuyasha owes me this dance."

A shocked Inuyasha was led away by the hand by his attractive friend.

"Thanks Mizuki....I owe you one."

She placed her head upon his chest and held him close.

"You owe me this dance."

Kagome, if I had met her at a different time or a different place, she would have surely become my mate. She was the only person in the world at that point that I felt close to. And that night, she was one of the few women who I felt myself attracted to. Though I could never devote myself to anyone besides you, what we have is a love that transcends time ,Kagome. Mizuki was unbelievable dressed up like that, though honestly, as much as I want to, I can't associate this memory with anything good. It was the precursor to heartbreak, death, and genocide.

Inuyasha moved along, softly stepping...on her toes. She payed little attention to his clumsiness, she hadn't exactly been the greatest dancer either. Mizuki was off into practically another world, so much had changed in her life...in ways it was for the best. Though she often wondered if life was truly worth living, so close to a man she loved but couldn't have. She began to whisper to Inuyasha a soft whisper as she revealed her feelings to him.

"I've never forgotten what you said Inu. When you hauled me outa the castle on your shoulder.

Your kindness will give me a life, it was something to that extent. Babe, you don't know how true that was. You showed me that I am strong and that being a hanyou isn't something to be ashamed of. Look at me now....here I am..in one of Rin's dresses, so beautiful and dancing at my lord's ball. Not serving, but dancing. You've given me so much, and I wish that I could give back to you in turn."

The hanyou felt proud of himself as she recounted even more of his accomplishments and good deeds. Inflating his ego seemed to be the theme of the night.

"It was nothing, I was only doing what was right. And anyway, you have done a lot for me already. You are the only person I have left in my life that I can count on. Sesshoumaru is Sesshoumaru...I couldn't count him if I tried. You've provided me friendship and have made sure that I won't be moping around for the next five-hundred years."

"I can provide more than friendship Inuyasha. You heard it as well as I did earlier, Rin brought up a good point. You couldn't sense any demons Inuyasha. As much as it hurts me to say this, we'll both be goners before Kagome is even born.If we're as close as you say we are, why can't we give it a try? We're already as close to a married couple as you can get anywayJust take what we have now and throw in a kiss. Someday your going to have to move on, or your going to just die alone. I've held in my feelings for years about you because you won't let go of a memory.

You know what it's like to watch somebody you love talk about somebody else? You know what it's like to accompany someone night and day, only to have your feelings or flirtation not even noticed? From what you've told me, this seems to be a pattern. I'm going through what Kagome did with Kikyo, except Kagome isn't made of clay and there's nobody for you to run-off too."

Inuyasha was stunned by her revelation, by the points that she made, and by his own feelings.

He cared for Mizuki so much, and if things were different would gladly accept her offer. Her words only reinforced the idea that his waiting may be in vain. In his mind, he wanted so badly to just give up, but in his heart, he could never do that.

"Mizuki...I just can't. What me and Kagome had was different. No other woman or relationship could ever be the same as what we had and I won't give up on her. Her era is five-hundred years from now, and if I have toI will change history itself to be with her."

Mizuki began to cry, muttering apologies for even trying. Her face was covered in the dreaded downpour of her tears. Each weep tore Inuyasha insidebut there was nothing he could do.

He held her to console her misery...but even that would only last so long.

I felt horrible Kagome. Not only for her, but also for you. Her words and her suffering showed me just how badly I had treated you throughout our earlier years. I'll admit that I have some flaws, and one of them is how oblivious I am to those around me. I know I handled it all wrong.

Mizuki began to squirm and loosen Inuyasha's grip. She pulled away with all of her might and began to flee through the crowd in tears.

"Inuyasha, I don't care if you don't want me. I will always be at your side, but right now, I need to be alone. Maybe someday you will be able to change your mind. I know that when that day comes...I won't be far. We're demons...we live hundreds upon hundreds of years, I have all the time in the world to wait for you."

Inuyasha dashed after her, screaming out her name.

"Mizuki!!! Come back Mizuki!!!!"

The crowd looked at their lord in dismay. He had been so emotional, he had seemed so weak. It was a far cry from the boisterous leader they had grown to respect. A far cry from the man who topples kingdoms.

Though as he ran, his sensitive ears could pick up a conversation amongst allies. Five men, all of whom were high ranking officials in an allied government, were standing in a huddled mass. They were pointing towards the private balcony, where Sesshoumaru held his beloved Rin. Normally, this would not disturb Inuyasha, especially during such pressing times, but he had also heard the unsheathing of a dagger and knew that second that something was wrong.

"Possibly the finest blood flows through his veins, yet he binds himself to a lowly human. For a man who has based his pride upon a ruthless nature ... the girl makes him soft."

Another demon amongst the conspirators continued on for his friend.

"A man without reason is a man easily defeated, regardless of strength. The girl is his weakness, the girl unlocks his rage. She is the key to seizing what should be ours."

"What of Lord Inuyasha?"

"The brothers are rarely on civil terms, I doubt he would mind one bit."

The demon holding the cold steel in the grasp of his hands could only laugh and mutter the word "soon".

I knew something was seriously wrong when I heard the unsheathing of a dagger and saw them pointing at my brother. Focusing on their conversation I was able to determine that they were going to attempt assassinating Rin. As much as I wanted to find and talk to Mizuki, I couldn't let Rin be in danger.I rushed to Sesshoumaru, Leapt from the ballroom floor onto his balcony, attracting the attention of all our guest. In the end, I would suppose that was my greatest mistake, making this so public. I informed Sesshoumaru and he began to choke me with his one arm. Demanding where and who, as he clenched tighter and tighter. They had been right about one thing, Rin was the key to unlocking my brother's rage, that was for sure. The moment I told him who the conspirators were, he leapt from the balcony and onto the floor. He made such a scene. He drew the Tokijin and slew them all in one foul swing while telling them that "You will never lay a hand upon my mate so long as I live.". His rage made him an open book, and every demon in the room couldn't help but to notice that Rin had been his weakness. By the end of the night, both brother and I could hear several other demons concocting similar plans to assault Rin for their own gain. He eventually slew virtually every guest...a few had fled before he could reach them. I don't know what Mizuki was doing at the time, and I wish I could have spent those last moments with her.

Mizuki was curled up into the fetal position as she dwelled in the shadows of Inuyasha's chamber. In the corner she cried...in her servants uniform, as her dress was rolled up into a ball and on her lap. She stared at the paintings of him and inhaled his scent. Though she was alone, being in his room at least brought her some feeling of comfort as she hoped for the best and told herself to just give it time.

Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru's servants had begun to clean the ball room and rid it of their guest's remains. Rin had gone to her chamber to rest while Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha discussed the events of the night and strategy.

It had gotten cold and Rin would require an extra blanket that night. Not to mention Mizuki could use a reason to go into Rin's room and return the dress. She creeped around the corner and slowly stepped into Rin's room. She place the dress within one of Rin's chests and began placing an extra blanket over her Lord's sleeping wife.

His mind racing and his heart skipping every other beat, Sesshoumaru had become a paranoid wreck. His hand never left Tokijin and he stormed the halls repeatedly.He circledRin's room regularly and was the scourge of the halls. Several of the servants had been slain for even appearing suspicious.

Sesshoumaru stalked towards his room to check up on his sleeping love, and as he walked through the shadows into the dark room, a figure loomed over her. It had been Mizuki merely tucking Lady Rin in for the night. Not that it even mattered what she was doing, her presence alone frightened Sesshoumaru and he immediately lunged forward, impaling Mizuki with his dreaded Tokijin. Without a second thought to whom he had just killed, he shook Rin until she had awoken. Holding her tight with his eyes welling up...wanting to cry yet fighting it, he told her again that he loved her.

Inuyasha had been looking for Mizuki to talk to her and attempt easing her pain. As he moved towards her chamber her voice rang through the halls and echoed in his mind...it was a dying scream. A blur of silver and red moved through the darkness as he dashed into Sesshoumaru's chamber. Without a single word, he had lunged forward and struck Sesshoumaru in the face...sending him flying back and into a wall. Ripping Tenseiga from his brother's waist and throwing it across the room, Inuyasha drew his own sword.

"Sesshoumaru...just try it!"

The demon scowled as he threatened his brother. Rin had begun to cry for the death of her servant and friend, for the danger her husband was in, and for the chaotic world itself, to which they all must live. Sesshoumaru was silenced with a fear of his brother's rage.

Flames burning within his eyes...a fierce hatred overcoming him, Inuyasha threw Tetsuiga to the ground and began to cover Sesshoumaru in a frenzied flurry of blows. Sesshoumaru was barely a match for his brother at this point, and he had been taken in by emotion and surprise. Battered on the ground, Inuyasha picked up and sheathed Tetsuiga once more as he approached the spot where the Tenseiga had landed. Unsheathing his brother's sword and moving towards Mizuki's fallen frame, Inuyasha attempted to heal her wounds...yet regardless of how many times he swung...nothing came of it.

"Why the hell won't this work Sesshoumaru?" Inuyasha growled at his brother, who had just risen to his knees. Placing Tetsuiga to Sesshoumaru's throat, Inuyasha demanded an answer from his incapacitated brother.

"You fool...she was ran through with the Tokijin. It's dark energies are strong, like the demon from which it arose...stronger than father himselfHow could an inferior sword undo the workings of a steel that is beyond.?"

Inuyasha sheathed the swords and placed both at his hips as he turned around in silence and walked away from his brother's side...for good.

I didn't see Sesshoumaru for months...but it's not like he wasn't occupied anyway. The few survivors of that ball had spread word of Sesshoumaru's great "weakness" and many attempts were made upon Rin's life from that night onward. Usually Sesshoumaru would obliterate anyone who dared attempt such a thing...but he can't be everywhere at once. He was too arrogant to believe otherwise. He wouldn't let anyone else protect Rin, so when he was battling, she was vulnerable. For such a brilliant tactician...my brother let his emotions get the best of him too many times. Between my desertion and his apparent weakness, his followers soon broke away from him. He had only a few loyal soldier remaining. His empire...his life was quickly crumbling to the ground.

Smugly laughing, a beautiful handwoven dress over his shoulder, Sesshoumaru approached Rin and her chamber.

"They were of no challenge...in fact, I took care of them so swiftly that I had the time to get you a......."

His voice ceased to function as the reality of what he was seeing came into view. Rin was on the ground...surrounded by her own blood. She was unconscious and nearing death. He instinctively reached for Tenseiga, but received only the air for it was no longer his to wield. Piercing his wrist and placing it to her wounds, Sesshoumaru broke down into tears. He muttered a chain of speech in a language unknown to man as her wounds began to glow. The final stage of the mating ritual had begun. She would forever remain aged as she was...and her lifeline was bound to his. She began to regain consciousness and he held her close.

After expressing his relief and regret to his mate, Sesshoumaru rose to his feet. Standing tall with a glare in his eyes much like Inuyasha bore the night of the ball. He faced Rin coldly and said nothing more than...

"I will make sure that this never happens again."

Kagome, that was the beginning of the end. Sesshoumaru and Rin's lifelines were bound and with an even greater stake in Rin's safety, Sesshoumaru would ensure that nobody would target her ever again. Humans had no ill will to the demonic lord and his human wife, it had been merely petty demons, most of whom want nothing but to expand their lands that posed the greatest threat to her safety. Yeah Kagome, he branded demon's in general as the enemy. I suppose he rationalized that if there were no demons, that there would be no danger. I don't know if he aimed to kill me as well, though I assume that wasn't part of his plans. Anyway, he organized his few remaining supporters into a small Gestapo-like grouping. Thus began the death marches. From village to village, field to cave, Sesshoumaru and his men were slaying every demon and hanyou that they could find. I find it so ironic that the man who took so much pride in his demonic blood and supposedly despised humans, is the man who set out to exterminate demon kind...to protect a human. Love will push you to new limits I suppose.

-------Modern era-Date-----------

Kagome was moved to tears as her heart pounded relentlessly as a reaction to her love's pathetic tale of pain and desperation. Her curiosity was driven by the second as he left her with more questions than answers. Kouga, Shippo, Kirara, and more were still alive? If Sesshoumaru's march had been successful, shouldn't both Inuyasha and them be dead as well?

"Your brother...he attempted to commit genocide? How could he? What happened?"

Her questions irritated Inuyasha to a degree, as he had so much more to say, yet her curiosity and interest was invigorating to the demon.

"Love pushes men over the boundaries of sense and madness. I've always been overprotective...and sadly I know that to be true, but I would never commit such atrocities."

"So where were you during all of this...where were all the other demons and hanyous we came across during our journey?"

"Kagome, I know better than anyone that there are good demons and bad demons just as there are bad humans and good humans. What Sesshoumaru was doing was just wrong and I wouldn't participate in his deplorable actions."

"So what did you do? ."

A cocky grin slid across his face as he slyly replied

"Why I stopped him of course."

Lots more to come...reunions in the feudal era...battles...characters you don't hear about that often...what exactly was that binding bracelet that disguised Inuyasha...etc... All to come in the next chapter.

Plenty more is on the way...2 more chapters filling in the events of 500 yrs...then 3 chapters of modern day escapades...but after that...a total of five chapters from now...things are going to get REALLY interesting.