Update: Chapter Edited.

Disclaimer: Same old same old

A/N: You didn't think they were going to play around forever did you?

Just because I am nice, I am taking the time to finish formatting another chapter, hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter Nine: Time for Action

They were going on their fourth day and there was still no sign of Naraku. In fact, they hadn't seen much action at all. A measly weasel demon, terrorizing the last village they'd passed through, had hardly been worth their time.

Inu Yasha leapt ahead of his friends and into the top of one of the taller trees in the area. He surveyed the land, and scented the air, hoping to catch some sign of Naraku. But, there was still nothing. Inu Yasha shook his head and glanced down at the ground.

His friends were walking along at an easy pace, talking and laughing, almost as if they didn't have a care in the world. Inu Yasha knew better, though. Miroku and Sango would never let their guard down like that, and Kagome was always searching for the presence of a jewel shard.

Kagome, Inu Yasha thought as he focused on her, Once the last jewel shard is found what will you do? Inu Yasha had always said that he would use the jewel to wish to become a full blooded demon, but…Do I still want that? he wondered to himself. Kagome had told him on numerous occasions that she liked him just the way he was. Would she stay with him if he became a full demon, and would he be the same Inu Yasha that she cared for if he wished for that? There were so many questions, and the only thing he really knew was that he did not want Kagome to leave. He was pulled out of his thoughts by an all too familiar smell.

"Inu Yasha!" shouted Miroku.

"Yeah," he replied, "I smell him. You guys get ready." Inu Yasha reached into his coat and pulled out the mirror to tell Sesshoumaru that Naraku was making his move.

-------------------------------------

Julia dodged Kouga's advance and attempted a counterattack. While they pretty much did the same things they had done the day before, one thing had changed. Today, they had an audience.

Sesshoumaru had walked out to join them shortly after they'd got started and had only said that he'd felt like being outside. After that he'd walked over to a nearby tree and sat down, his arm resting on one raised knee.

Julia had been trying to ignore his presence, but she could not get the feeling that he was watching her out of her mind. Yet, every time she glanced over at him his gaze was fixed out in the field.

When he'd walked out it had almost seemed as though he'd wanted to talk about something, but did not want to interrupt them. That alone was reason enough for Julia to wonder what was going on in that brain of his. His demeanor seemed different from the previous day - not an overtly noticeable difference, but a difference was there. Julia hoped that he was thinking about what she had said, but she wasn't really holding her breath. As she was stretching out near the tree he was seated next to he did ask her one question:

"Why do you spend so much time with him?" Sesshoumaru's voice was low, and he was looking off at Kouga, who was apparently 'stretching' by speeding around the perimeter of the field.

"It might be because he actually likes talking with me," Julia replied coolly and then walked a little ways away as Kouga approached them. Sesshoumaru had almost sounded annoyed, but she wasn't sure. She still had problems reading him, and even when it seemed like he was sharing he was still guarding his true feelings.

"Whoa!" Julia yelped as she suddenly found herself flat on her back.

"You weren't concentrating." Kouga scolded as he stood over her.

"Ah, sorry," she replied as she propped herself up. "My mind must have wandered a bit."

"Sesshoumaru!" yelled a voice from behind them, though it was slightly muffled. Twisting her body to face Sesshoumaru, Julia saw him stand and pull that communication mirror from his belt pouch. In an instant, both she and Kouga were standing at the lord's side.

"Sesshoumaru," said the voice again – Julia now recognized it as Inu Yasha's - "Naraku's coming. Make your move, and make it fast." Sesshoumaru nodded and put the mirror away. Then, without a word, he moved past them.

"Hey, wait a second!" Julia called after him. "What about us?" Sesshoumaru turned and eyed them both.

"I will go collect Rin, and then we will assist Inu Yasha," he said and started walking again towards the castle.

"No," she yelled and ran after him, Kouga right on her heels, "we should all go. Just because Naraku has made his move doesn't mean Rin will be left unguarded."

"She's right, Sesshoumaru," Kouga pitched in. "Kagura, and any number of demons, could still be at his hideout. If you want to save the child, without bringing her harm, we should come too." Sesshoumaru paused and turned to them once more.

"Fine," he stated coolly. "Go get Ah-Un and start north. I will catch up." Then he seemed to disappear as he ran back towards his manor. Julia then found herself being picked up bridal-style by Kouga as he took off at breakneck speeds towards the two-headed dragon's stables.

"Sorry," Kouga called out, "but we are in a hurry." Julia simply nodded and held on. They were finally going to rescue Rin, and then they would be one step closer to defeating Naraku. She just hoped that the little girl was unharmed.

-----------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru flew as fast as he could and still have the two-headed dragon keep up with him. Though they were still fast it just did not seem fast enough. Although they'd had a head start while he'd gotten his armor and swords, it had only taken an instant for him to catch up.

He had wanted to do this rescue on his own, but he could not deny what the others had said. If Naraku had indeed left a guard behind, there was a possibility that Rin would be harmed, and he had not waited this long, and this patiently, just to see Rin hurt.

Sesshoumaru glanced back at his companions. They both sat astride Ah-Un, Julia in front of Kouga. Kouga looked calmly ahead of them, a proud determination in his eyes. No fear, only the anticipation of a fight emanated from him. Julia also appeared to be prepared for this upcoming battle and, like the wolf, showed no fear. Julia saw Sesshoumaru glance their way and gave him a confident smile. He turned his gaze back towards their destination. As he did so he could see Naraku's hideout come into view.

A castle built on the side of a cliff, seemly floating in mid-air, was held up only by struts attached to the face of the cliff. Strategically, it was a perfect place for a base as it was only approachable by foot from one direction, but Sesshoumaru couldn't help but wonder if Naraku had even considered that most of his enemies had other means of transportation.

He descended lower to the tree tops as he approached the ravine the castle was perched over. The dragon followed his lead and Sesshoumaru slowed to allow it to catch up. He took the opportunity to size up the situation.

"Kagura is indeed still here," Sesshoumaru informed his companions as the dragon slowed to a stop. "As is the ninja boy."

"Kohaku." Sesshoumaru heard Julia breathe out the boy's name.

"There are also some other minor demons in the area," added Kouga as he sniffed the air. "What do you want to do?" Sesshoumaru knew that the moment they entered the castle they would be swarmed by Naraku's minions. They needed to keep their presence masked for as long as possible, though there was a chance Naraku's minions already knew that they were there.

"We will go in quietly," he told them, grabbing Ah-Un's reigns. "I'll shield our presence." He then extended his shield and led the dragon towards the porch closest to where he detected Rin's scent.

Once the dragon landed the pair dismounted and quietly followed him. He paused in front of the door. He knew what they would find within and it was something that he had hoped they could avoid. He slid the door open and strode in.

Against the far wall stood Kohaku, his chain weapon held to Rin's throat with that perpetually vacant look gracing his eyes. Damn Naraku and his games. Sesshoumaru heard a low feminine laugh roll out from behind them.

"Sesshoumaru," cooed Kagura as she leaned casually against the door frame, "Naraku thought you might try something like this. Though, I don't think he expected this rabble to be with you." She off-handedly waved towards Julia and Kouga to indicate who the 'rabble' were. "Oh well, I suppose I have no choice but to follow my orders." She stood erect and removed her fan from her sleeve. "Kohaku, kill - " but her command was cut off by Kouga charging her.

"You will pay for the lives of my kin!" he growled as he swung at her. Kagura immediately jumped out the way and Kouga followed her out through the doorway.

Sesshoumaru turned his attention back to Rin. Julia had already started walking towards the boy. Sesshoumaru was going to follow, thoughts of quickly taking the boy out crossing his mind, but he was distracted by some of the lesser demons they'd sensed flooding the room. Dividing his attention between controlling the horde of demons now threatening their lives and that whelp of a boy holding Rin, he hoped that Julia knew what she was doing.

----------------------------------

Julia had watched breathless, in slow motion, as Kagura was about to give the command for Kohaku to kill Rin. Then time sped up as Kouga charged and she breathed. Turning quickly towards Rin she could see that Kohaku's expression had not changed, but he that still held his deadly weapon mere inches from the little girl's neck. Rin seemed to be holding up rather well for someone so close to death. Julia lost track of what was going on around her, she only knew that she had to reach Kohaku somehow, so slowly she approached.

"Kohaku," she called softly. "Kohaku, you need to let Rin go." Julia held her hands open to show that she was unarmed and continued to inch slowly closer to him. "Kohaku, please, you don't want to hurt Rin. I know you don't." She was almost to him when he inched the blade a little closer to Rin's throat. The little girl whimpered slightly.

"It'll be okay, Rin," Julia said soothingly, the little girl sniffled and nodded ever so slightly. "Kohaku, I know you don't know me, but I know your sister." She had to reach him, if she didn't Rin was as good as dead. There was no way Sesshoumaru could reach her in time, not now that he was fighting off hordes of demons. "She has been searching for you. She told me how much she misses you and wishes daily that she would be able to see you again." There! She saw it, a flash of recognition in his eyes. He was remembering, but Naraku still had a hold on him. "Kohaku, your sister, Sango, she is waiting for you to come home. She does not blame you for anything, Kohaku. She just wants you back." A tear rolled down his cheek and the weapon began to lower slightly, but he still held on to Rin.

Julia now became aware of Sesshoumaru standing behind her. She glanced around the room momentarily to view the massacre that was left in his wake. He stood now, emotionless, but with his eyes focused on the weapon in Kohaku's hand. If the boy twitched, he was as good as dead.

"Kohaku," Julia heard a small, but strong, voice call softly. Turning back to Rin Julia could see the tears in Rin's eyes as the little girl spoke. "Please Kohaku, remember your sister. My parents were killed when I was so young that I can barely remember them, so you must remember your family."

The chained weapon lowered and his grip loosened, but instead of running away from him Rin turned around and hugged him. Julia saw Sesshoumaru lurch slightly forward, but she held a hand up to stop him. If they could save Kohaku Julia would not allow Sesshoumaru to take his life.

"Remember Kohaku, remember your sister. Please?" Rin pleaded with him, her tiny arms wrapped around his waist. Tears began to pour down Kohaku's cheeks and he hugged the little girl back. Julia watched, barely able to hold in her own tears, hoping that this would work. The moment seemed to stretch on, neither child moving - then Kohaku held Rin at arm's length.

"Run, Rin! Get away from me! I am not safe!" he cried as he pushed her away. Rin hesitated a moment, then ran back towards Sesshoumaru, clinging to his leg.

Kohaku seemed to be struggling with himself, his head clasped between his hands, shaking it back and forth.

"No!" he screamed as he sank to his knees. "I won't do it!" Releasing his head he leaned forward on all fours and laid eyes on his weapon. He grabbed it and, in one swift motion, stabbed himself in the back, prying out the jewel shard embedded there. The shard fell out and, as it did, Kohaku also fell to the ground, landing in a pool of his own blood.

"Kohaku!" screamed Julia as she rushed over to him, picking up the shard in the process. "No, you have to put this back in, you'll die if you don't! Please Kohaku!"

"No," the boy said quietly as she placed his head on her knees. "I finally remember. I remember all of it now. My father…my friends…" he smiled and then his face saddened, "and how I killed them."

"But that was not your fault! You-" Julia started.

"It doesn't matter, I did it," he interrupted and smiled again, "and I finally remember who that face I can never forget belongs to…My sister…" his voice was getting softer now, "please tell her that I remembered and that I loved, and will always love, her, and that I want her to be happy." Julia nodded her head as she could no longer speak without her tears falling.

Rin hugged Sesshoumaru's leg and sobbed silently into his pants' leg. Sesshoumaru's face showed no emotion, but suddenly he drew his sword and approached the boy. Rin quickly let go and stood rubbing her eyes. Julia was not sure what he was planning, surely he didn't think the boy was still a threat? Then he gently sliced the sword over Kohaku and the color seemed to come back into the boy's cheeks.

"Place him on Ah-Un's saddle. He will see his sister again," stated Sesshoumaru, his voice revealing no emotion.

"What?" Julia asked dumbly, shaking her head. "I don't understand."

"Sesshoumaru saved him, just like he saved me," explained the little girl with a bright smile on her face. Julia couldn't help but smile as well and hugged the small boy to her as she picked him up.

"You'll be able to tell your sister yourself," she whispered quietly into his ear. She then turned her smile towards Sesshoumaru. She had tried not to cry, but it seemed now that her tears would not be stopped but, instead of tears of sadness, she was crying in pure joy. Sesshoumaru had saved Kohaku with nothing to gain from the act. He had saved him if for no other reason than that it would make the others around him sad if the boy died.

"Come." Sesshoumaru said, turning his face from her and walking towards the door. Rin trailed after him and Julia followed close behind.

As they walked towards the door they became aware of another battle raging on outside. Kouga and Kagura were still in a heated fight and it did not seem like either was going to give any time soon.

"Rin, go with Julia to Ah-Un," commanded Sesshoumaru. Julia sprinted towards the dragon as best she could, carrying Kohaku's weight, while keeping an eye on Rin. The force of the two combatants' attacks was shaking up the castle and made walking, let alone running, very difficult.

She reached Ah-Un and placed Kohaku in the saddle before turning to get Rin. Sesshoumaru was still a ways off watching the wolf and the wind fight. Is he planning to help Kouga? Julia wouldn't get her answer to this, though, for the pair disappeared and the ground beneath her started to crumble.

She reached for Ah-Un's saddle, but missed as the ground beneath her feet vanished.

"Rin! Run!" Julia yelled, but it was too late and to her horror she saw Rin falling in after her.

---------------------------------------------

Sesshoumaru watched the two demons' battle, looking for an opening to take the wind demoness out. But, Kouga was fighting at close quarters so that Kagura would have little opportunity to use her more powerful wind attacks. Apparently, he'd learned a few things after their last fight. When they disappeared over the edge he was not sure what to do, and was about to follow them when the porch started to give way. Then that scream had grabbed his attention and his heart seemed to stop as he watched both Rin and Julia fall.

NO! he thought, and in an instant he was descending after them. He caught up to Rin and captured her in his arm, then continued after Julia. Then, to his horror, he realized that he would not be able to catch her without the use of his other arm. Rin would slip out if he did not hold tight given the speed at which they were falling. He cursed his handicap and continued towards Julia. He would save her.

Suddenly Tenseiga flared to life and he felt a tingling in his left shoulder. Reaching out towards Julia he was amazed to see that his arm had been restored. Adding a burst of speed to his descent he clasped Julia's outstretched hand and pulled her to him. Rising quickly he landed on the cliff opposite the castle and gently set the females down. Turning his attention to his newly restored limb and the still glowing Tenseiga he was immediately overwhelmed by a very familiar presence.

"You did not want your arm for your own selfish reasons, as you have in the past," said a voice in his head, "rather, to save someone whom you might think beneath you, and so I granted you your wish." The voice faded out. Thank you, Father. thought Sesshoumaru as he stared down at his companions.

Julia quietly consoled Rin, who did not quite seem to understand that she was now safe. But she was also staring up at him and his new arm. She looked as if she was going to speak when the sounds of battle reached their ears yet again.

"Kouga," she breathed and turned her head toward the crumbling castle. Sesshoumaru was off in an instant. He would help the wolf end Kagura's life, and then they would deal with Naraku.

Kouga was squatting on a small ledge beneath the remnants of the castle, breathing heavily, while Kagura floated a little ways off on one of her giant feathers.

"Kagura," Sesshoumaru declared as he landed beside Kouga, "we will finish this now!"

"Oh, this isn't fun anymore," she replied in her usual low voice. "Maybe some other time?" She sped off. Sesshoumaru moved to follow, but Kouga stopped him.

"No," the wolf called, "let her go. Naraku is who we have to deal with now. Kagome is in danger; we can't afford to play with Kagura any longer." Sesshoumaru nodded and returned to the opposite side of the cliff. Kouga leapt after him and followed him back to the girls. Sesshoumaru was relieved to see that Ah-Un had found the girls and that Julia had already situated the two children and herself in the saddle.

"Julia, take Rin and the boy back - " he began.

"Sesshoumaru," called a muffled voice. Quickly realizing what it was he pulled out the communication mirror to find a rather battered Inu Yasha staring back at him. "Naraku just up and left in the middle of the fight, I think he figured out what was going on. You guys better get out of there fast." Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Return to the castle, Inu Yasha," he commanded and moved quickly to get them all as far away as possible before Naraku made his appearance. As much as he hated running from a fight he knew that fighting while Rin and the others were in harm's way would not be wise, especially after having just saved them.

He grabbed Kouga and dragged him over to Ah-Un. Then, grabbing the dragon's reigns, he focused and transformed them all into a giant ball of energy and flew back towards his castle.

Rin was safe, and now the real battle would begin without any deceptions or trump cards. Naraku would pay tenfold for thinking that he could outsmart and outfight Sesshoumaru.

----------------------------------------

Miroku had called for Hatchi as soon as Naraku had run, so now they all floated through the air upon his back. Kagome thought of all the mischief the tanuki had caused in the past, but she was extremely grateful for his help right now. There was no way Kirara could carry them all to Sesshoumaru's, even if she hadn't been injured, and not one of them had escaped their encounter unscathed. Inu Yasha seemed to have fared the worst, though, as usual.

Kagome sat next to him as he rested, her hand atop his, his eyes closed, and she silently wished that he would not have to fight so hard all of the time. He was always right at the heart of the fight, trying to save everyone else from getting hurt. He claimed it was because he wanted to finish Naraku, but she knew that he was also trying to save his friends. Of their little band he alone had the most power and the best chance of beating Naraku, but even that seemed almost impossible.

If Naraku had not abruptly left the fight Kagome was almost positive they would not have lasted much longer. Sango had already been knocked unconscious, Kirara, having taking the brunt of the attack, was also hurt, and Miroku's arm was badly wounded. Inu Yasha had been blasted back by Naraku and had not gotten up immediately. Worried for him, Kagome had rushed to his side, her arrow notched and ready to fire at Naraku, but as she stood protectively in front of Inu Yasha Naraku had only stared at her and smiled one of his evil smiles. Arms crossed, he'd looked like he was contemplating how to kill them all when suddenly his smile had changed to a snarl and he'd transformed and flown off in his cloud of purple smoke.

At that point Inu Yasha had gotten up again and realized what was going on. Calling Sesshoumaru was the last thing he'd done before collapsing. She'd roused him only once since they began their journey to Sesshoumaru's, and that was to get directions. He was the only one who knew the way, and after telling her he'd closed his eyes and hadn't opened them since. Kagome stared off into the distance wondering how much further Sesshoumaru's castle was and if she should wake Inu Yasha to make sure they were still on course.

"Kagome," she heard his weak voice call as he squeezed her hand slightly. She turned her face back to his to discover that he had opened his eyes. "That was stupid, you know?" She drew her brows together at his statement. "Rushing out to me during the battle," he clarified. "Naraku could have killed you."

"He would have killed you if I hadn't," she shot back, slightly harsher than she meant to, but he simply stared up into space, a disturbingly peaceful look on his face. "But, it is okay now," she continued, "Naraku's gone and we are all okay." But, he still said nothing. Kagome was going to speak again when he suddenly started to sit up.

"No, Inu Yasha! You're still hurt," she said as she tried to keep him down, but with more strength that she thought he still had, he sat up.

"Kagome," he began, still holding her hand and looking her in the eye, "you can't do that anymore."

"But-"

"No," he cut her off, "I couldn't stand it if anything were to happen to you. When I saw you run out to me my insides felt like they had all turned to ice." Kagome was speechless and held captive by his eyes. Eyes that were Inu Yasha's and yet were somehow different with an intensity that matched his brother's.

"Kagome, when we face him again you have to promise me that you will stay out of it," he continued, his voice devoid of all sarcasm and spite. She felt compelled to nod, but she knew that if the same thing were to happen she would do it all over again.

"Ahem," interrupted a voice from the front of Hatchi. Turning she saw that Miroku had left Sango's side to come speak with them. "Inu Yasha, I believe we have reached the pass you were speaking about, but from here we need directions." Inu Yasha nodded and got up to follow Miroku back to the head of their ride.

Kagome watched them go, but did not follow. Staring out behind them she knew that her conversation with Inu Yasha was not over. She couldn't promise him such a thing because…because she did not know what she would do if he died either.

----------------------------------------

Inu Yasha saw the pass that acted as a gate to his ancestral home. How many years had it been since he'd last come this way? Not enough he thought dryly. He'd run away and never thought he would be back, and yet here he was on the literal doorstep of his past.

He cringed at the thought of facing his brother in the state he was currently in. Naraku had done quite a number on him, a realization that was backed up by the sudden pain in his side. He had to have a few broken ribs at least, and he had an arm that was not faring so well, either. The plus side was that, given a day of rest, he would be fine, but the others were going to need more than a day.

He winced at the bandage around Miroku's arm, and the matching one around Sango's head. As strong as they were they were still only human, a condition that meant they took longer to heal. Inu Yasha had not wanted either to be hurt, but knew there was no way to stop them. They had as much reason as he did to want Naraku's death, but Kagome…Kagome did not need to be involved.

He glanced back at her. She was still seated in the rear, staring off behind them. He knew she must be thinking about what he had said. He meant it. He did not want her to be involved in their upcoming fight. Inu Yasha had sworn to kill Naraku to avenge the cruel deception played on himself and on Kikyou fifty years ago. But if Kagome were to be killed…he shuddered internally at the thought. No, he would not let that happen. Kagome would be far from the final battle.

"Hatchi, go in low." he ordered the tanuki. They were nearly there.

--------------------------------------------

Kagome joined the others to watch as they descended towards Inu Yasha's family home. The castle itself was a beautiful piece of architecture. Peeked roofs with traditional Japanese designs crowning its perimeter, a porch wrapping around the entire building, an outdoor hot spring, and beautiful garden were a few of the castle's wonders that she could see from the air as they approached.

"Inu Yasha, it's beautiful," she breathed.

"Keh," was his response, his eyes focused elsewhere. Arms folded across his chest, the half-demon stood proudly as they landed. Kagome followed his gaze to find Sesshoumaru at its point. He stood halfway up the steps to what looked like the main doors to the castle. Kagome wasn't surprised to see him there. Of course he would have sensed their arrival.

She was, however, surprised at the group of people standing at the base of the stairs. Kouga was there, a smug smile fixed on his face, with Julia standing a little ways away with Rin hugging her leg and looking a little apprehensive at the new arrivals. Kagome gave quick thanks that she was unharmed. But, the real shock was the young boy standing shyly to Julia's other side.

"Kohaku!" cried Sango as she leapt from Hatchi's back. She stumbled slightly as she landed, still not completely recovered. Kohaku ran forward to help her. She knelt there and held him at arm's length momentarily. Her eyes brimming with tears, she looked into his eyes. Kohaku stared back at her and Kagome could see that they were not the eyes of a stranger. Kohaku knew who Sango was.

"Kohaku," Sango said slowly one more time before enfolding him in a hug. Kohaku sank to his knees as well and hugged her back. Kagome was not even trying to hide her tears at their happy reunion. Miroku stood next to her with a genuine smile gracing his lips. Inu Yasha stood a little ways off, obviously happy, but still cautious with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Kagome could understand his apprehension. If Kohaku still had the shard Naraku had given him…

Then it hit her - there was no shard anywhere on Kohaku. However, that would mean Kohaku should be dead. But, once again Kagome slapped herself and glanced at Julia. She'd overlooked it before because of the shock of seeing Kohaku. Julia had two shards. Kagome walked past Sango, giving the other girl's shoulder a squeeze, and stopped in front of Julia.

"You have Kohaku's jewel shard," she said, getting Julia's attention. "How?" This apparently also got the attention of everyone else, even Sango.

"Oh," replied Julia, "Right, here, it's all yours," she said as she handed over the jewel shard. Kagome was only slightly surprised to see that shard no longer bore the dark taint that it'd had while possessing Kohaku. Julia had probably not thought once about it after she had stowed it in her pocket. So much for needing to be a priestess Kagome thought and smiled inwardly.

"I'll tell you guys everything," Julia began again, "but first let's go in and get some food. Sesshoumaru has had a feast prepared and you guys have to be hungry."

"I think that is a great idea," Shippou piped up as he hopped up into Julia's arms. "Lead the way." However, Julia looked at Kagome for the 'okay' nod, which she gave gladly. They could definitely all use a warm meal in a comfortable setting.

Julia led the way, with Shippou on her shoulder and Rin holding her hand. Kagome noted that she smiled at Sesshoumaru as she passed and wondered what had prompted that. Sango, Kohaku and Miroku followed next with the two males helping Sango up the stairs. Kagome turned to see where Inu Yasha was only to find him staring up at his brother who was now looking back at him. What is going on?

"Inu Yasha." She called softly, but he did not acknowledge her. Looking back at Sesshoumaru she waited to see what would happen. Then, only slightly, Sesshoumaru inclined his head towards the castle and walked up the stairs. Quickly looking back at Inu Yasha she saw him shake his head and begin walking towards the stairs. But, as he did so, he stumbled slightly and Kagome ran to catch him.

"Inu Yasha, what was that all about?" she asked as she placed one of his arms over her shoulder and placed her other hand on his chest to steady him. He was really hurt much worse that he let on.

"That," he said, taking a deep breath and then wincing slightly, "was about the closest thing to a 'Welcome Home' that I'm gonna get." Kagome glanced up at Sesshoumaru's retreating back and realized that he was right.

"Did you notice, Kagome?" he asked suddenly.

"Notice what?" she asked back as they proceeded to the stairs.

"His arm, it's been healed," he explained. Kagome hadn't realized that either, but Sesshoumaru had been standing with his 'arms' crossed over his chest. That is rather impossible to do with only one arm she told herself.

"Was it his?" she asked, still in shock at all the surprises she was faced with this evening. "Or was it another replacement?"

"I believe it is his," Inu Yasha replied. "I didn't smell anything foreign on him."

"Come on," she prompted him, "let's get in there and figure out exactly what is going on." He nodded, and they picked up their pace.

-------------------------------------------------

Julia sat outside her room in the cool night air. She had changed into her sleeping robe and gotten ready for bed, had even taken the time to braid her hair, but so much had happened that day that she just could not fall sleep. She had explained their part of Rin's rescue with colorful punctuations from Kouga about his battle with Kagura. She'd told them how Kohaku removed the shard on his own, how Sesshoumaru had saved him, and then had saved both her and Rin, and the miraculous growth of his new arm, though she could not explain how that had happened.

The others listened, interested in every detail, but the hero of the day was noticeably absent from room. Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen. He stayed to hear about the fight with Naraku, which he'd insisted be told first, and then he left. Julia was not sure why he chose to be absent, but she had a good feeling it had to do with his being portrayed as caring about humans. Julia wondered if he even realized what it was that he had done.

After the meal the servants came in and showed everyone to their respective rooms. Julia was left with her own room, and was happy to see that Sango and Kagome had a room right across the hall from her. Inu Yasha apparently went directly to his old room, which was to the left of her own, and Miroku and Kohaku shared a room to her right. Kouga kept the room he had before, which was next to Sango and Kagome's. Shippou got to pick who he wanted to stay with and, not surprisingly, he chose Kagome's room.

Julia figured the others were probably all asleep by now, but as tired as she was she could not help going over the day's events. She figured a walk might help so she began a slow walk around the porch. She passed Inu Yasha's room and turned the corner to continue on around.

After they returned to the manor Sesshoumaru had been so busy giving orders to the servants for preparation for the evening meal and to tend to the injured that she had not had a chance to talk to him. Instead, she'd helped take care of Kohaku and Rin. The boy had woken up a short time later and was very confused by the entire situation. After he understood what had happened he'd looked happy at the prospect of seeing his sister, but was nervous about it at the same time. Rin had helped to take his mind off of it a little as she forced him to play with her in the garden. Julia had spent the rest of the afternoon watching the two children play, with no sign of Kouga or Sesshoumaru.

She was about to turn the corner to the front of the manor when she was stopped by a low voice.

"Late for a walk, isn't it?" Turning, she knew who she would find. Sesshoumaru leaned against the door to his room, arms crossed in front of him. He'd removed his armor and weapons, but still wore his usual white clothes, though he seemed to be missing his outer coat, sporting the simple white shirt he wore beneath it.

"Couldn't sleep," she explained, spreading her arms and shrugging. "I figured I'd take a walk and see if I could clear my head. Care to join me?" She wasn't sure why she had asked him that, maybe because she figured that he'd turn her down, but to her surprise he pushed himself off the wall he was leaning on, shut his door, and walked over to her.

She turned and resumed her trek around the manor. They walked in silence. Julia had a million questions circling around in her head, but she could find no way to bring up any of the topics…delicately. Normally she wouldn't care. Normally she would speak her mind, but for some reason she felt quite at ease strolling along with the handsome demon at her side. She was reveling in the fact that he had thought of someone other than himself this afternoon. She was beginning to see, and was hoping she was right, that there was more to him than just arrogance. She didn't want to be the first to break the silence, not this time.

They came to the steps in the front of the manor and Sesshoumaru gestured towards the garden. She nodded and they headed down the steps, each pausing to put on a pair of sandals that were kept at the steps' base. They walked together down the path in the garden, Sesshoumaru's hands clasped behind his back and hers in front.

"I have an answer to the question you asked me last night," he spoke suddenly. She looked up at him, slightly confused, trying to remember what question she had left him with the night before. Then it came to her.

"Why you saved Rin for a second time, you mean?" He nodded, "So, what's your answer?"

"Because I wanted to," he replied. It was a simple statement, but it caused her to stop walking momentarily. He paused also and turned to look at her. She didn't know how to respond to that. It was exactly what she had wanted to hear and she did not know what to say. 'Good boy Sesshoumaru, it looks like you're learning your lesson,' or 'Maybe now you can become a real boy.' Everything either sounded too trite or too much like a moral to a tale that had been told one too many times.

"Oh," was what she finally got out as she resumed walking. He fell in step with her and they continued on in silence once more.

"Why did you smile at me like that after I revived the boy?" he asked, in a voice that was almost unrecognizable as Sesshoumaru's, breaking the silence once more. Julia looked up at him, but he was still gazing straight ahead.

"I guess I was a little surprised," she admitted. "I was holding a dying boy in my arms and the next moment Rin was telling me that you had healed him. I was elated at the prospect of being able to return Sango's brother to her alive and well, and I was…" she paused, trying to find the right words.

"You were surprised that I had helped him." Sesshoumaru filled in for her, sounding a bit more like himself.

"Well, yes," she confirmed and looked down at the path. "You had told me the night before that you had only saved Rin the first time because you wanted to test your sword. That did not lead me to believe that you put any value on human life at all." She looked back up at him, "Why did you save him?" Sesshoumaru looked down at her then, his golden eyes reflecting the light of the almost full moon.

"For the same reason I saved Rin," he replied. "When she was taken I felt a heavy weight upon my heart. Seeing you both in tears over the boy's death caused the same pain. I knew how to heal that pain…so I did." She nodded at his answer and looked ahead of them once again. That's one way to explain a foreign emotion she thought. "And before you ask, that is also why I chose to save your life." She jerked her head back towards him. It hadn't occurred to her to ask that question, but hearing him sort of admit to like her was somewhat surprising. I guess I am no longer just a worthless human she thought, and smiled at the idea.

"Why do you do that?" he asked while looking at her.

"Do what?" she asked innocently, though she had some idea to what he was referring to.

"Smile like that, for no apparent reason, while we are speaking?" he explained, some irritation evident in his voice.

"You," she replied, receiving a raised eyebrow. She smiled again and then added, "You make me smile." He shook his head and looked ahead of them once again.

"Why did you leave tonight after the others had spoken of their battle?" she asked.

"I was at the other," he replied offhandedly. "I did not need to hear about it."

"But you could have helped fill in a few details," she explained as she realized that they had found their way to her favorite hill. She decided they had walked enough and promptly sat down, pulling her knees up to her chest.

"Like what?" Sesshoumaru asked as he joined her.

"Like how your arm was suddenly able to regenerate," she prompted. His gaze suddenly turned inward and his face visibly grew softer.

"That is something between me and my father," he replied as he glanced down at his restored hand.

"I can respect that," she said honestly. "Lord knows, I have my secrets, too," she mumbled as she lay back on the ground, using her arm as a pillow.

"That is true enough," he added.

"I am never going to get used to that hearing bonus you have," she said with a small laugh. He only shrugged. Did she just see that right? Did Sesshoumaru actually shrug?

"But, you were right." he continued. She looked over at him, not sure what he was admitting. "I need to discover my father's real strength on my own." She smiled and nodded slightly to him. She didn't think she'd ever fully understand what he meant, but she knew something had affected Sesshoumaru's outlook on life.

She lay there looking up at the stars suddenly feeling very relaxed and comfortable.

-----------------------------

They sat there in silence for a moment more. Then Sesshoumaru gradually became aware of her very rhythmic breathing. Shifting so he could look at her, he saw that her eyes were closed and her lips were slightly parted, which confirmed his guess. She had fallen asleep. She looked so peaceful lying there, as though she hadn't a care in the world.

But, he knew that was not true. His eyes drifted to the jewel shard that hung about her neck. A gift, you say, but who would part with such a treasure? Everyone in this day and age knows of the Jewel of Four Souls, how could a piece of it be given as a gift? And …

"Why do you cling to her?" he asked in hushed tones, though he knew no answer would come. The jewel simply lay there in the hollow of her throat. Feeling his own fatigue setting in, he knew it was time to call it a night. Morphing all of them away from Naraku's had drained him substantially.

"Julia," he called softly, but she did not stir. Deciding that he could not leave her to sleep outside, he gently picked her up. She stirred momentarily; opening her eyes for a brief moment, but she did not wake. If anything, she seemed to get more comfortable in his arms. He carried her bridal-style back to the castle, her head resting on his shoulder.

He arrived at her room and skillfully slid the door open with his foot. He knelt, gently placed her on her futon, and covered her. He gazed at her for a moment longer, then stood and went to find his own dreams.

Not once did he even think about the fact that he had been ferrying around a human, at least, not until he was lying in bed trying to go to sleep. He threw his arm over his eyes and took a deep breath. Give me strength he thought, and then shortly after finally found sleep.

---------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Could it be that Sesshoumaru is really just a big softy…

Also, you know I had to give him his arm back…

Please review.