Silent Cries

Kagome sighed as she felt a familiar presence coming toward her. She was more hurt than angry at InuYasha, and she really didn't want to see him right now. Sniffing the air and turning her ears this way and that, she stood up on the branch of the tree she took refuge in for the night. She scanned the area and sniffed again before looking directly in front of her.

"He's coming, but I smell someone else." She mumbled. She crouched low in the branch and watched as a young girl appeared in a bright pink kimono, holding dead flowers. Kagome shivered as the stench of the little girl's blood infiltrated her senses as well as the smell of salt. They little girl wiped her face with her hands and ran off again, looking behind her like something was chasing her.

What's happening? Where and why is she running? Kagome silently hopped form branch to branch, following the young girl to a nearby hot spring that Kagome had used before she went to sleep after her fight with InuYasha. The little girl took off her kimono and before hopping in, wrapped her flowers delicately in the kimono. Kagome felt sorry for the little girl, and winced as she turned to her side, revealing a deep scar as well as cuts, gashes and bruises all over her body. She watched as the little girl dunked underneath over and over again before washing her kimono and making a fire to help it dry.

What happened? Why is she so badly injured? The little girl shivered in the night and hugged her knees close to her chest before Kagome sniffed the air and growled. The little girl looked around in panic and tried to hurry and stand up as Kagome hopped out of the trees and in front of the little girl.

"Don't run." She said as the little girl screamed and the smell of her panic sent her senses into overdrive. Suddenly another bear youkai hopped out of the trees, and growled at the sight of Kagome.

"You…you slaughtered my kin," It growled angrily. Kagome snorted.

"What of it? They endangered my family. I did what I had to!"

"Why do you, pathetic half-breed, protect this young human girl?"

"Because she doesn't deserve to die! She's just a little girl. Now back off before I send you to hell with your so called kin." The demon roared before it lunged at Kagome. It swiped it's huge paws at her, and she barely dodged them as she picked up the little girl and hopped high in the tree. She set her down softly.

"Stay here until I finish." She said before hopping down on the bear youkai's back and sinking her fangs in. He roared and stood up, making Kagome fall to her back and yelp as she quickly got up and hopped out of the way. The bear lunged at her and this time managed to swap her with his paws, sending her flying back and crashing into a tree. She winced as she fell off and tried weakly to stand up, ignoring the flash of pain that soared through her.

The bear demon lunged at her and she hopped out of the way. Using a nearby rock to propel herself, she kicked the bear in his chest as he stood on his hind legs. She dug her fangs deep in his neck. He still squirmed, unable to get up. Taking out her fangs, and slammed her claws in his skull and watched as his eyes unfocused and he layed still for eternity. She heard the little girl gasp and ran over to get her. Hopping up into the tree, she picked the little girl up and set her on the ground lightly before she smiled, making the little girl scream and turn pale.

"What?" Kagome walked over to the spring and looked inside-gasping at her reflection. She had blood on her chest, and blood dripping from her fang and mouth, as well as her claws covered in it. Wincing at herself, she didn't blame the girl, as if she was human she would be scared also. She turned toward the little girl, who now held the flowers close to her chest, stealing short glances at the dead youkai.

Probably making sure it's dead. Kagome said as she squatted down and whimpered. The young girl hesitated and walked over to Kagome with a outstretched hand. Kagome, surprised at herself, whimpered louder and wagged her tail like crazy as the girl touched the furry mass on her ears. She twitched them and smiled and the little girl giggled and tried again.

"Are..you ok?" Kagome asked as the little girl gave up and dropped to her knees at the water, cupping her hands and filling them with water to clean her face and arms. She nodded and smiled as Kagome sniffed the air and scowled.

"What's wrong?" The girl asked sweetly. Kagome scowled even more as InuYasha appeared in front of them. The girl ran behind Kagome, grabbing her legs and shivering as InuYasha crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Just where were you? I was wor-" InuYahsa cut himself short and started over, this time with a softer tone.

"What happened? This place wreaks of your blood, hers, and that demons." He said, pointing to all three of them. He felt something tugging at his hakama, and looked down to see the little girl looking up at him with sweet eyes.

"Are you a doggie like her?" She asked sweetly. "Can I touch your ears." InuYasha opened his mouth to retort but Kagome growled lowly. He looked at her and she growled again, and he heaved a sigh as he squatted down and twitched his ears. Laughing happily, the little girl began to play with them as she did Kagome's. Once it was out of her system, she ran back over to Kagome and grabbed her legs tightly.

"Thank you!" She said, hugging both their legs. Kagome smiled as InuYasha snorted.

"Your welcome. I want to ask you something though. Why was that bear chasing you, and why are you out here all alone?" The little suddenly became sad and sat down with a sigh. Kagome sat down and placed the little girl on her lap, licking the oozing blood from her face affectionately.

"It's ok. You don't have too-" She cooed softly before the little girl began talking.

"My daddy disappeared about two months ago. Me and my mother placed a spell on these flowers, that they were to die if our father's spirit became corrupted, or was set free." She held the flowers up in Kagome's face as she began crying. "My mommy later died of grief, as the old mean lady said. I was to live with her, and she always used to hit me and make me feel bad, saying I was the reason they died. So I left, and then the demon started chasing me, saying I was the perfect meal for her children." Kagome held the girl tight to her chest and rocked her back and forth before she began sobbing, making InuYasha press his ears to his forehead.

"You can't stay in this forest alone. We have somewhere to go. You can travel with us, and we'll see if we can find you another foster mother." The little girl looked at InuYasha with big puffy eyes.

"Really? I can stay with you?" InuYasha nodded and fell back with a thump as the little girl jumped form Kagome and on top of him, hugging him so close Kagome thought he would suffocate.

"What's your name?" Kagome asked as they walked back to where InuYasha found a cave to sleep in. They were going to find RR there, to make sure the little girl was healthy and since Kagome was injured. He explained they would be safe because he put a scent up, telling all youkai intruision would bring them instant death.

"My name? My name is Yutamiki."

"Hmm? It's beautiful!" Kagome said happily. Yutamiki smiled.

"Thank you. I had about 11 brothers and sisters, but I'll never see them They were all taken away as babies and slaughtered by the bear demon tribe. It only happens to my family though. My mother says that's because we have extraordinary spiritual powers, and they fear our bloodline, that we are cousins to the Lady Kikyou." Kagome smiled and nodded as they walked inside. He had brought Kagome's bag, and there were the sleeping bag laid closest to the fire, as well as fresh fish he must have caught this morning. Yutamiki hurried over to the fire, pressing her knees up to her chest and smiling heavily as the fire light glazed her features. She was a remarkably beautiful young girl, and Kagome sensed energy from her, but not strong enough to be any threat.

"You're the last of your kind, are you not?" InuYasha asked softly. Yutamiki sighed and nodded.

"So, your not demon, but not human. What are you?" Kagome sensed InuYasha's hurt at those words, and they kinda hurt to her too, but she didn't show it. She sat down next to Yutamiki and pulled her knees to her chest, smiling happily.

"We are hanyous. Half-demons, and half-humans. We fit in the middle." The little girl gasped.

"The mean old lady told me to stay away, that you bring death. But you saved my life. She forbid me to speak to a 'filthy half-breed' as she called it." Yutamiki wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "But you guys are just as nice as humans, even nicer than humans, and sometimes we can be so stupid to judge you for who you are. That's a big mistake the world is going to have to pay for one day." Kagome smiled at the little girls wisdom as she put her arm on her shoulders.

"Thanks, and your going to be a strong miko when you grow up, maybe even stronger than me. I can teach you some things if you like." Yutamiki's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're a miko? But you're a hanyou…"

"I wasn't always a hanyou. I almost died, but InuYasha saved me, and I turned into a hanyou. I'm a reincarnation of your cousin, Kikyou." Yutamiki smiled. She nodded her head in understanding. Kagome sniffed the air as InuYasha stood up and hurried outside. Yutamiki snuggled closer to Kagome and began shuddering in fear.

"I sense a demon…is he going to kill it?"

"It depends who it is. Not all youkai are out to kill. If it's Naraku, we have to try, but if it's Kagura, the battle is slowly in our favor."Yutamiki looked at Kagome.

It depends who it is. Not all youkai are out to kill. If it's Naraku, we have to try, but if it's Kagura, the battle is slowly in our favor. Yutamiki replayed Kagome's words in her head. What does she mean? What battle, and are there really 'nice' demons? She felt a familiar source of energy and looked at Kagome's chest.

"The Shikon No Tama." She whispered as Kagome looked at her. She smiled warmly.

"You can sense it as well. Your stronger than I thought." Kagome reached into her blouse and pulled out the nearly whole jewel. Yutamiki looked at it in awe as it began glowing. She grazed her finger over it and smiled as it glowed brighter at her touch, and dimmed as she removed her finger. Kagome put it back in her shirt and placed a finger over her lips.

"You can't tell anyone I have this, and don't tell Yasha I showed you." Yutamiki nodded and smiled as Kagome giggled and pulled her closer to her.

InuYasha growled as Kagura hovered to the ground.

"Kagura, any news?" She ignored his question and tried to look into the cave.

"You have a human, with miko energy? How unusual, certainly she should have been slayed by now."

"You know about it?"

"The bear youkai began killing her bloodline ever since you and Kikyou's betrayal. The knew one day she would be needed for the jewel, so planning to kill everone that's left of the family, they were going to get Kikyou soon after. But it seems the family didn't quit, and keep multiplying. I'm surprised she still breathes, as her father disappeared and her mother died, leaving no barrier for her, giving the demon a perfect opportunity."

"They tried, but Kagome got to her before they did. It's not over yet, and she's the last. Seems she's Kikyou's relative, so she is strong like her." Kagura nodded and continued to peer into the cave. Sighing heavily, she focused on InuYasha.

"Sesshomaru's waiting, and you know he's not the patient type. The sunset is near, it seems you've wasted a whole day."

"I know, but we are close. We'll get there in about midnight tomorrow, if we run and stop only when we have to." Kagura nodded and sighed as she plucked a feather out of her hair and twirled it in her fingers.

"Tell me, will you actually let Kagome sacrifice herself?" She noted the pain that flickered over InuYasha's face as well as fear.

"Never! I care, I care about her too much to let her die!" He said and Kagura smiled.

"Good. Keep that in mind, or I'll have to beat it in you." She said as she threw the feather up in the air and hopped on it before soaring away.

"Oi! Wench! You could never beat me!" He yelled after her as she disappeared in the clouds. He snorted and stomped back in the cave and watched as Kagome put a piece of fish on a stick and held it over the fire, turning it this way and that.

Never! I care about her too much to let her die! His words played over and over in her head as her heart skipped with happiness. She heard the whole conversation, and she was on the verge of tears when she heard him say that, true from his heart. . Keep that in mind, or I'll have to beat it in you! Kagura seemed to know that Kagome was listening, and in a private and silent promise, she let Kagome know she was going to help him be true to his word. Kagome smiled at how sneaky Kagura could be. That's probably why Sesshomaru loves her so. She thought. Glancing at Yutamiki. she handed her the fish, reminding her to be careful because it was hot.

She seemed to know a lot about Yutamiki's story, and it bothered her for some reason. It seems she came to tell them something, to give them a hint about something. But Kagura is Kagura, and she's not just gonna come out and say it. Kagome sighed as she running her temple with the base of her fingers. This was all to complicated for her to try to figure out all by herself. InuYasha walked in and sat in a nearby corner, staring at Yutamiki with a new respect and a softness that made Kagome's heart melt.

He must be worried for her. She thought as she put a piece of fish on another stick for InuYasha. Yutamiki sighed as she set the stick down next to her, and rolled over and laid on her stomach, making her long ebony hair fall on her back and legs like a satin blanket. Her big brown eyes shone with a new hope, heightening her immature beauty. There were traces of Kikyou in her, but she was far different. She looked at the world in a different perspective, saw humans for fools for judging a different being than them by the way they look of false rumors evil people had started. She was a fair young girl, who sought to give everyone and everything a chance in life and friendship, and believes there is a purpose for everything, and nothing should be degraded, and for that, Kagome predicted a wonderful life for Yutamiki.

"Yutamiki, never lose that optimism. It will serve you well in life. Let me tell you this. Never be afraid to speak your mind and stand up for what you know in your heart is right. You'll be surprised at how much words can change a person if you say the right things. Always remember that." Kagome said, gazing deeply into the fire. Yutamiki stared at her for a while before nodding with a smile.

"You never told me your name." She said slowly. Kagome rolled her eyes at herself.

"I'm Kagome, and you should know that he is InuYasha." She said happily. She turned around and looked at InuYasha, who was resting Tetsusaiga on his shoulder while he sat in the corner.

"Why do you hold that sword like so?" She said. He looked at her, wondering whether to tell her. It was clear he didn't trust her not one bit, and with tears forming in her eyes, she saighed sadly. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Kagome shot InuYasha a look before asking Yutamiki if she wanted to bath before she headed off to bed.

"Huh? Um, sure. Let's go." She stood up and began to walk out before Kagome stopped her in her tracks. Picking Yutamiki up, Kagome heaved her on her back and raced out of the cave towards the spring, and they were there in a matter of seconds. She stopped and let and let Yutamiki off her back. Yutamiki walked over and stripped before hopping in silently, sadness evident on her beautiful face. Kagome sighed and stripped before diving in. Her and Yutamiki rested on a rock, and Kagome stared at Yutamiki as she used her finger drawing invisible pictures into the water.

"How old are you?"

"I will turn7 in three days." She said sadly. Kagome noticed she became more and more depressed as she asked her questions about her life.

"Don't worry. He likes you, he's just not a people person. See, he had a very traumatic childhood, and everyone cast him away because he was a hanyou. To protect himself from being hurt, he doesn't trust anyone he just meets like I do. Give him time, and you will become part of the family." Kagome flashed her a smile and she dived under and resurfaced about ten feet away.

Part of the family? I'll…finally have a family? She smiled slightly at the word she longed to hear for a long time.

Kagome handed her some soap she managed to grab before they left and showed Yutamiki how to use it. Once they were fresh and clean, they got dressed and ran back to the cave. Once they saw the entrance to the cave, it began pouring down raining, and by the time they got back, they were soaked. InuYasha jumped up at there entry.

"Oi! You two are gonna get sick." He took off his haori and threw it at them as he fished for towels and blankets in Kagome's bag. He took out two large towels and one by one began drying them off, remembering to be careful of Kagome's ears, and be careful all in all for Yutamiki

"We're gonna need new clothes." Yutamiki complained.

"I didn't take anymore kimonos…"

"Keh! Kagome's got some clothes that you could wear." He snorted as he tossed a pair of pajama pants and shirts to the both of them. He sat in the corner facing the wall as they changed. As Kagome laid the clothes down by the fire, Yutamiki crept up to InuYasha and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him tightly.

"People are cruel, and they deserve to die for what they did to you." He froze at her words and the fact that she was crying-for him. She was sobbing quietly, grabbing his neck tighter as he whimpered. He reached and grabbed her arm, rubbing it affectionately. He pulled her into his lap and she cried into his chest. He purred and began rocking as her crying subsided.

"It was a long time ago." He said softly.

"I don't care. Your better than them, and they know it. I won't ever do that to you InuYasha, you deserved to be treated as a person, not a vile beast." She began crying again and InuYasha pressed her close to his chest, purring a little louder for her.

"It's alright. I know you won't…" He cooed softly until she fell asleep. Turning around to see Kagome watching them with a satisfied look on her face. Blushing, he opened his legs and slid Yutamiki down carefully. He moved back to that he was slightly reclined on the wall, and Kagome sat between InuYasha and Yutamiki with her head pressed to his chest. She wrapped a arm around Yutamiki and pulled her closer to her as InuYasha draped the haori around the three of them.

"I'm so proud of you.." She said before he recognized the heavy breathing of her sleeping. Running his claw slightly over Yutamiki's cheek, he smiled before closing his eyes, going into a light sleep.


8:88:888:88:8


Hisaki hissed angrily as she stomped down the hall holding the orb that now glowed pink-meaning it needed new prey. Stomping pass corpses in the hall of death and wrinkling her nose at the stench of the decaying bodies, she stomped into Naraku's room to find him glaring out the window, this time no boboon mask on.

Hmmm. Handsome man. Maybe I won't need Onigumo. She smiled slightly as she walked over to him and dropped to her knees beside him.

"Naraku…" She whispered. He didn't even looked at her, but she had his gaze from the reflection in the window. She grinned, baring her fangs and scratched her claws over the wooden ground, enjoying the screeching sound even though it made Naraku grimace. Her hair was now falling freely, going down further into her mid thighs. Her big brown eyes glittered with want, need, and Naraku had to contain the heart of the pathetic human that was within him. She was stunning even for his standards.

"The hanyous, they always find a way to evade me…"

"Really? I find myself to have that problem so many times I add it into my plan." He chuckled, enjoying the irritated growl that emitted from Hisaki as he mocked her.

"Really, and I have yet to say they didn't work?" She shot back and smiled at the silence that followed.

"I have no way to help you. Seek the aid of Kagura. She was always sneaky." Hisaki nodded and walked out the room wuickly, this time turning right for Kagura's room. Naraku waited until he could no longer hear her footsteps and summoned Kanna.

"Watch her for me, shall you? I have yet to see what foolish plan she has now." Kanna nodded as the image of Hisaki whirling through his halls appeared in his mirrors. She was getting tired of being used a a slave, servant to do whatever Naraku pleased. She thought about Kagura's offer.

"Kanna, work with me and we shall be free."

"I could never…I'm sorry dear sister. I can't deceive master Naraku-"

"Kanna, don't you understand it? He doesn't care what happens to us as long as his plans go through. We do not deserve to live like this Kanna, and I for one can't take it any longer…"

I wished I knew then what I realized now. It may be too late for me Kagura….


8:88:888:88:8


Sango cried out as she pushed as hard as she could. Kaede was between her legs, chanting her to push, and she was squeezing the blood out of Miroku's hand. She collapsed as she heard the cries of a baby and Miroku sigh in relief as she let go of her hand.

"It's boy." Kaede said as Miroku sat behind Sango, letting her prop up and rest on his chest. Kaede gently set the bundle of joy in Sango's arms, and she moved the sheets to reveal a beautiful baby boy. He had little blonde locks of hair that promised painful grooming, as well as big blue eyes that would allow you to read his emotions.

"What do you want to name him Miroku?"

"You did the most work, you should have that honor." Sango thought for a moment as she smiled as a name popped into her head.

"How about, Kazuyu?" Miroku smiled.

"Kazuzyu will do, if that is what you like." Sango nodded and smiled as Isamu waved his arms towards Miroku. She held him up slightly as Miroku took the baby in his arms and smiled as the baby gurgled and laughed.

"Well, you seem playful…" Miroku smiled as the baby fought to keep his eyes open.

"Is he sleepy already? He hasn't even eaten yet…." Sango said as she yanwed and her eyes slipped shut. Miroku smiled.

"You two get some rest. Me and Kaede will be in her hut. Send Kilala if you need us for anything. He said as he propped her up on some pillows and moved. She nodded and closed her eyes as Kaede and Miroku silently crept out of the hut.

Kazuyu, my son….were her last thoughts as sleep took her into oblivion.


8:88:888:88:8


Yutamiki sighed as she looked around and awoke to the smell of fish. She sat up in InuYasha haori and smiled in Kagome's direction. InuYasha walked over to her and asked her if she was hungry. He sniffed the air and looked at her in confusion as he nodded his head and went over to cook her a piece.

"Why does she give off a scent of uncomfort whenever I come into 3 feet in front of her?" InuYasha mumbled for Kagome's ears. She shrugged and sniffed the air.

"Oh that what that is?" InuYasha rolled his eyes. "I thought she spilled something on her kimono, because it's not strong anymore like it was yesterday."

"Because she didn't know me as well last night as she does now, but she is perfectly well around you." He flattened his ears as image from his childhood flashed into his mind.

"InuYasha, that's not it. She promised you she wouldn't do that to you. If it makes you feel any better, I'll talk to her later." She said as InuYasha handed her a piece of fish and cut one in half for Yutamiki before he slid it on a stick and put it in the fire to cook. She crawled over to Kagome's side and pulled her knees close to her chest as she stared at InuYasha.

So, this is what the 'demonic humans' granny always told me about are like. I wonder why she never let me talk to them. She grimaced as she thought about her old life. She used to keep my locked up in the house, and never allow me to speak to anyone of the opposite 'sex'. She said they will tempt me to sin, and will taint my soul, and that's I'll never become a pure maiden. She made me meditate, and work all day. That's all I was good for, but Kagome told me otherwise.

InuYasha stood up and handed her the piece of fish, and she flashed him a quick smile before taking it and blowing on it.

"I'm going to take a bath. Be back in a while." He said as walked out of the cave. Kagome watched as Yutamiki watched him in amazement walk out of the cave and glare into the fire, deep in thought.

"Tell me, why are you incomfortable around InuYasha?"

"Because, I've never had contact with his kind before."

"What? Hanyou?"

"No, male. He's a man, and I was forbidden to see them." Kagome hissed and slapped her hand over her mouth. "Granny said they will lead me to a unpure soul, and she kept me locked up in the mansion. She made me work, and meditate, saying that I had no need to provoke demonic humans to try to become infatuated with me."

"So I see, you've never actually been with a man until now? How sad…" Kagome thought a while. Yutamiki wrinkled her nose.

"I don't feel any different, but when he get's close, I get nervous, like when you get a new puppy." Kagome nodded as Yutamiki giggled. She stood up and sniffed the air before wagging her tail inside her pants, making it tickle the back of her legs.

"I think he's coming back now, so we might as well wait till be comes back before we get dressed." Yutamiki nodded. InuYasha returned about twenty minutes later, and after they took there bath, Kagome hoisted Yutamiki up on her back and they ran as fast as there feet could take them.

"What's this?" Yutamiki asked, running her fingers over the cold metal of the mirror necklace. Kagome smiled.

"Oh, that's where InuYasha's mother lives right now, until we find a way to stop her sister. She's trying to do something, and we know how she's going to do it, but not what she is going to do. It get's complicted, but we have to go to his brother's castle. It may have some answers for us." Kagome explained. Yutamiki nodded as she tightened her legs on Kagome's waist.

"Almost there, about 20 more miles." InuYasha informed them. Kagome sighed and hopped up into the trees, using the branches as propellers to keep her moving.Soon the castle came into view, and you could see the cowardly Jaken begin pestered by Rin. Yutamiki tightened her hold at the sight of the young girl.

"Kagome!" Rin called as Kagome skidded to a halt in front of them. Rin looked up at the young girl on her back and smiled shyly.

"Hi there." Kagome set Yutamiki down and she walked over to Rin, holding out her hand.

"Hello, I'm Yutamiki." She greeted. Rin smiled and shook her hand.

"Hi! I'm Rin! Nice to meet you!" She said, a little to perky. She looked at InuYasha who was smiling slightly.

"Sesshomaru's out in the garden. Hold on, I'll get him." Kagome nodded as Rin ran off, dragging Jaken with him. Minutes later Sesshomaru appeared, holding a large trunk with a box on top of it, with Rin behind him followed by Jaken looking beaten up.

"Sesshomaru." InuYasha said as the only form of greeting he would ever give his brother, but his gaze went to the little girl that now ran behind Kagome.

"I feel it…He's strong…Scary…" Yutamiki began trembling and Kagome rubbed her back.

"It's alright. Sesshomaru's not going to hurt you." Yutamiki looked up at the demon who was gazing at her, his amber eyes shining with worry. He gave her a slight smile and she blushed before hiding behind Kagome again.

"She's kind of shy." Kagome explained. She looked at the trunk with curiosity as the bright light shone on her chest and Yutamiki gasped as a woman appeared in the mirror.

"I thought I left you home…"

"You did. I can still communicate though. Let's see, that must be what your father left you InuYasha. Take a look before you look at the box. And I would like to announce, that Sango had her baby! A healthy little boy named Kazuyu! Well, I have to go now! Shippou's hungry!"

And with that, she disappeared. InuYasha snorted as he took the trunk and blew the dust off of it, making him cough and sneeze. Snorting again, he placed it on the floor and opened it. Kagome, Yutamiko and Sesshomaru peered over his shoulder as he pulled out two fang looking talismans that were supposed to hold liquid. He glanced at them with confusion before Kagome snatched it and began inspecting them. There was one thing at the bottom of the chest, and he picked it up with both hands.

It was a sword, much like his, but smaller, like for the hands of a human. Sesshomaru reached for it and it crackled, not allowing him to touch it.

"Well, it's not Tetsusaiga, or Tensaiga, so what is it."

"Tetsuyugo." Myouga informed them. "It was secretly made so that InuYasha's mate could protect him if needed be. InuTaisho thought that he would need these things, and told me to keep them secret until you had a mate." Kagome returned from a nearby tree holding the dog's fur with a frown.

"It's entirely too small." She said with a sigh. InuYasha smiled as she scowled at it, before an idea hit her mind.

"Could it be for Yutamiki? But why would he give her demon's fur?"

"It has a protective seal on it. If she wears it, no demon will be able to touch her, so long as you have Tetsuyugo in your grasp, keeping your demon blood in check. Much like InuYasha now, it is a necessary part of your life now for the battle with Naraku."

"And the talismons?" Kagome asked as she looked around for Myouga and found him on the trunk.

"You fill it with each other's blood. It works like a, compass if you two are ever separated, and let's you know if the other is hurt." InuYasha looked at the sword and dog's fur that now laid on the ground in front of him. How his father knew he would need all this stuff was well beyond him. But he wasn't going to complain. He mentally thanked his father and grabbed the box, handing it to Kagome.

"It's for you, I bet." He said. She sat down and folded her legs as she opened the box, pulling out five 3 yard sheets of pink and baby blue fabric, baby blue fabric, and red fabric. She smiled as she turned it this way and that.

"I can make me and Yutamiki some clothes!" She said happily. InuYasha smiled as he watched her run off in search of Yutamiki, who had left to play with Rin a long time ago.

"She's a strange one, but never let her go little brother, as well as that little girl. I see great use for them and there exceptional miko powers."

"This isn't all, is it?"

"Only father knows." Sesshomaru said as he turned and walked away silently. InuYasha waited for Kagome to return. She did several minutes later, with Yutamiki on her back. InuYasha nodded and began zipping through the forest, Kagome catching up to him high above him in the trees.

About a day later, they returned to the village after Kagome explained about all of their gifts. When they walked in, they were greeted by a pale looking Sango and Miroku who held a sleeping baby, and a aggravated looking Shippou. Kaede and Izayaoi were chatting happily sipping tea, and Shippou flew into Kagome's arms as she set Yutamiki down.

"Kago-" He looked at the little girl behind her, and when there eyes connected they stared at each other for a moment and blushed. Kagome hand never noticed it by now, but Shippou was way taller. It was about three years since she had first met him, and now he was taller than Yutamiki, considering he was now 7. He hopped off of Kagome and walked over to her, noting how she stepped back. All eyes were on the young children.

"H-hi." Shippou stuttered and there cheeks darkened. "I-I-I'm S-S-Shippou. What's y-your n-name?"

"Yu-Yutamiki." She said lightly, though he heard her. Shippou smiled shyly as she folded her arms behind her back and lowered her head, hiding her blush behind her long beautiful hair.

"Aye. I am Kaede. This is Izayaoi, Sango, Miroku, and the newly Kazuyu. Pleased to meet ye." Yutamiki smiled as Kaede pointed to everyone, and noted that her hair was almost touching her ankles, something that was not very usual for a human. Yutamiki walked over to Sango, and peered over her shoulder, giggling at the way the baby stared at her in wonder.

"Hi," She said, letting him grab hold of her finger. Almost immediately he put it in his mouth, and she felt his cold gum. Shuddering, she pulled back her finger and blushed as she caught Shippou watching her every move with fascination. Kagome went over to Sango and smiled as she held out the baby. Kagome gently cradled him in her arms, and held out her finger to touch him. He took her finger and began to tug at it and pulled at it. She giggled slightly as she purred, watching his eyes close slowly until he fell asleep. She gave the baby back, and after Sango muttered a thank you, she asked to speak to Kaede, outside.

"Ye wished to have her train as a miko." Kaede asked before Kagome could say anything.

"She was forced to do it before, but I sense great power in this little girl, and she may be a big help. Do you think she can do it?"

"Ye were stronger than Kikyou, but ye had no training. But I see were ye is coming from, and I shall talk to her." Kagome smiled and thanked Kaede before they walked back in the hut. Sango and Miroku announced they were going to go home, and Izayoai returned to the mirror, leaving only the four of them. Kagome hugged Shippou tight before announcing that him and Yutamiko should head to bed.

"Where will I sleep?" She asked, and Kagome frowned. Shippou usually slept with her, and there won't be room for Yutamiki.

"Shippou can sleep with me in Goshinboku." Shippou agreed happily as InuYasha swept him up and hopped into the tree. Setting him down between his legs, they watched the moon.

"I see you like this girl." InuYasha said and watched as Shippou's cheeks colored.

"She's really pretty. I guess so…"

" I know one day you will try to talk to her. You cannot rush her, she was locked away and forbidden to converse with men and boys, and she has been traumatized deeply. Just be there for her, and everything will be fine." Shippou nodded as InuYasha began to purr.

"Goodnight otoo-san."

"Goodnight, my son."