A/N: Wow!.! I got a lot of reviews, and a lot of new readers! I'm so excited! Thanks, everyone, for your incredible (and long-lasting) support of my story. Remember, at any time you guys are more than welcome to re-read the story, just to get into the swing of things- that way you'll remember better what happened and what didn't in this alternate ending. It seems like more than a few people liked the Shippou/Sesshoumaru sparring session- that's great! I was nervous about that... and about the Sango/Miroku thing. I'm glad you all liked it! Thanks so much!.!

Really quickly, a few of you asked me to explain about the whole "kagome can't go home without the jewel" business. I hope this explanation helps:

Well, I watched the whole series like, back to back episodes again, right? And there are all sorts of loopholes, inconsistencies, and stuff when it comes to Kagome crossing time. For instance, in one episode, they mention- verrrry briefly (as in: in the trailer for that specific episode)- that Kagome has to borrow Sango's shard to ditch Inu Yasha for a little while. In another one, Kagome can barely return to the past, but does- thanks to Shippou bringing the shard to the well. But the episode right before that one is where Inu-chan jacks Kagome's shard, and pushes her down the well (miraculously, she makes it back to the present time- when she neededa jewel shardbefore). There are lots of other examples of inconsistencies- mainly in the beginning of the anime, when they were undoubtedly still getting the story line and things straight. So, for the purposes of this story, I have decided on a specific, no-exceptions rule: in order to cross time either way, Kagome either must have a jewel shard (which no longer exists in my story), or she must go through with a youkai of considerable power (i.e. Inu Yasha or Sesshoumaru). I hope that makes sense. If you still are confused or convinced that Kagome can travel at least one-way by herself, just think of it this way: Sesshoumaru needs to know where to pick her up, right?

Let's go!

Previously:

"Would you be willing to accompany me tomorrow?"

"Um, actually… I was hoping you could… take me home," she told him nervously.

"Very well. But I expect you to return after one day."

"One? I guess that'll do. But- there's something I need you to do," she said, nervously hoping that she wasn't asking too much.

"What is it?"

"I- can't go through the well by myself, anymore…" Sesshoumaru looked at her in mild surprise; he should have known that there was a catch. He looked away from her, and turned, beginning to walk inside.

"Ja- tomorrow." Kagome looked after him for a moment, before smiling sweetly. Yes, he was going to take her home.

chapter 20: treason

"Well, here we are," Kagome said cheerily when Sesshoumaru set her down beside the well. "Are you ready?" she asked her escort. Sesshoumaru nodded once. "Ja- let's go!" Kagome stood on the lip of the well, and beckoned for Sesshoumaru to join her. He stepped up onto the lip. Kagome put her hand on his back as they jumped down the shaft. After a brief moment, they found themselves at the bottom of the well in her own time. "I'm home!" she sighed excitedly. "Sesshoumaru, do you want to come up and visit my family?" Kagome asked. After all, it was only polite to invite him. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. The smell was disgusting- what was it? He had never smelled anything so dirty- it nearly took his breath away.

"This smell… what is it?"

"Oh… you must mean the pollution… Yeah, it's pretty bad, here. That's why I like to stay back in the Sengoku Jidai," she told him nonchalantly. "It must bother you more than it does Inu Yasha, huh?" Sesshoumaru made no answer.

'Inu Yasha has been here before, has he?' he asked himself.

"So… are you going to come up and visit my family?" she repeated her question. Shaking off his disgust at the smell of 'pollution,' as Kagome called it, Sesshoumaru answered the miko.

"I have other business to attend to," he told her. Opening his eyes, he looked straight into hers. "Be here at this time tomorrow." Kagome nodded. If she missed the opportunity to come back to the Feudal era with Sesshoumaru, she might remain in her time for longer than she really wanted. After all, her home was actually in the past- she usually only came back to her time for short visits. Kagome began to climb up the rope ladder that was inside of the well.

"See you tomorrow," she called down to the taiyoukai. Sesshoumaru said nothing, but immediately disappeared from sight as he returned to the past.

Sango and Miroku left on Kirara for Kaede's village shortly after breakfast. Kohaku reluctantly agreed to stay behind with Shippou as they watched Inu Yasha. While the youkai's wounds were almost completely healed, Inu Yasha was still sleeping more than normal. Miroku had attributed it to mild depression. With a quick embrace, Kohaku helped his sister onto Kirara, and watched as she flew off into the distance.

"Bye! We'll send word once the baby is born!" Miroku shouted. Kohaku nodded in appreciation, and waved goodbye. After they disappeared from his view, Kohaku returned inside the castle to where Shippou waited with Inu Yasha. "They've gone," he told his friend. Shippou nodded in understanding.

"Ugh," Inu Yasha groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. "What's going on?" he asked, trying to sit up.

"Don't strain yourself," Shippou warned, putting a hand behind Inu Yasha's back.

"I'm- I'm fine, now. Where's Miroku and Sango?"

"They went back to Kaede's village," Kohaku told him. "Sango is getting ready to give birth." Inu Yasha rubbed his head.

"They have, huh?" The youkai put a hand to his throat. Yes, the wound was completely closed. "How long have I been out?" Shippou and Kohaku looked at each other.

"About a day since the last time you woke up," Shippou told him.

"Is that right?" Inu Yasha sounded as though he was in a daze. "I- have to get up," he said, removing the blanket from his legs.

"Are- are you going to get Kagome?" Shippou asked worriedly. Inu Yasha shook his head.

"No, not yet. I need to learn how to control this body first. Kohaku,"

"Yes?"

"Go to the library for me, and look up anything on youkai abilities and tactics, would you?"

"Sure, right away," the boy said before leaving promptly.

"I'm going into the forest to train, Shippou. I'll be back in a few hours." The kitsune nodded.

"Be careful. Are you sure you're okay to go by yourself?" Inu Yasha nodded.

"I'll be fine. I had enough sleep."

"O-kay," Shippou said, skeptically.

"Ja," Inu Yasha called over his shoulder as he stepped out of the room for the first time in days. He headed toward the forest. If he was going to face his brother again, he needed to know what his youkai body was capable of doing. And he intended to go to his brother's castle as soon as possible.

Immediately after Sesshoumaru returned to Feudal Japan, he began his travels. There wasn't too much that he had to do, but the more he could keep busy, the better. This was the first time in a long time that he truly felt alone. There was Jaken, of course, but- he never did provide much useful companionship. Loneliness. 'Useless emotion,' he thought, annoyed. He had tried to keep Kagome with him, but to no avail. 'Before Rin, these emotions were never an issue.' He flashed back to the moment when Kagome told him that emotions were a strength.

...flashback...

"It's a good thing, Sesshoumaru," she told him. "Emotions make people stronger. When you love someone or something, your desire to protect it strengthens you, making you a stronger person than you would ever be without it. Of course it's a bad thing if your rage controls you, or if you're blinded by emotion.. but I don't think that suits you."

...end flashback...

"Doesn't suit me… hm?" he said aloud. He wondered if Kagome was aware of the emotional turmoil of which he was capable. Sesshoumaru's hair flowed behind him as he began to fly, surveying the borders of his land. 'Protect something…' his thoughts trailed off. 'What is there that I have to protect?' Just then, he spotted his vassal, Nara Takeshi, wandering through the forest. 'Nara? What is he doing here?' Landing gently in the canopy of the forest trees, Sesshoumaru observed his vassal.

Nara looked around suspiciously, before making something like a bird call. A few moments later, a cloaked figure appeared before him. "You have it?" the figure asked. Nara nodded, and presented a pouch- presumably full of golden coins.

"And the merchandise?" Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. The cloaked figure bowed, and raised his arm. Suddenly, two other cloaked figures appeared, several female women in their possession. The women were young and beautiful, and also bound and gagged. Their eyes were wide with fear. Nara gave a sinister chuckle. "Excellent."

"Is there another transaction that you wish to make?" The mysterious figure asked Nara. The jovial yet sinister youkai put a finger to his lips as he thought.

"As a matter of fact, there is." The cloaked figure remained still, waiting for Nara's proposition. "This is much more dangerous, but I believe it will be well worth the price. Tell me, are you willing to risk your very lives?" The figure nodded his head once, slowly.

"We would not withhold our services from you, lord Nara, for the sake of fear." Nara chuckled again.

"Very well. There is a powerful miko who is currently serving under Sesshoumaru, the ruler of the western youkai dominion." Sesshoumaru felt anger begin to rise up inside of him. "This miko…" Nara's eyes narrowed with greed and lust, "I want her." The cloaked figure placed an arm over its chest and bowed deeply to Sesshoumaru's vassal.

"It shall be as you desire." And with that, the three cloaked figures disappeared, leaving Nara with the human women. Sesshoumaru took in a deep breath, attempting to determine the scents of those cloaked figures. His eyes, however, remained on Nara Takeshi, who chuckled again as he approached the helpless women.

"What tasty servants you will make for this vassal," he told them, his hands outstretched as he stepped closer to the women. "You may call me 'lord Nara'." He removed a gag from one of the women.

"And why would we do that?" she asked bravely, showing spirit in her eyes similar to that of an unbridled wild mare. Nara chuckled again, and placed his hand around the woman's chin. Putting his face unbearably close to the woman, he whispered throatily.

"If you displease me with your service, you will not displease me with your flavor." He licked the side of the woman's face from her jawbone to her hairline. She shivered with disgust. He released her face, and stepped back to look over his merchandise. As he did so, however, the woman spat at him.

"I would rather die than serve the likes of you!" The other women looked in horror at the youkai.

"Why then, you'll be the first dish on my menu tonight!" Nara shouted angrily as he roughly grabbed her arm. "Follow me," he said to the rest of the women, "or you too, will be skinned alive." The women looked at each other, and followed Nara as he began to exit the forest. Nara smiled maliciously as he saw the women begin to follow him. As he turned his head to face forward, however, his smile quickly faded. In front of him stood Sesshoumaru. As Nara suddenly dropped to his knees, the woman in his grasp was knocked off balance, and fell on her side.

"My lord Sesshoumaru-sama," he said with utmost respect. Sesshoumaru stood in silence. Nara looked up, to see Sesshoumaru surveying the small group of women that was with him. "T-th-these women are for you, my lord," he stuttered nervously. He looked up at Sesshoumaru, who was obviously not buying it.

"Hm. Treasonous servant. You had your warning," he said sternly. In a flash of green, Sesshoumaru whipped the vassal to pieces. The cries of the women through their gags could be heard as they were showered with Nara Takeshi's smoldering remains. "Tch. Disgusting." Sesshoumaru turned, and was walking away, when he heard a woman speak. It was the one who had been licked by Nara.

"Ano… thank you," she said shyly. Sesshoumaru stopped and looked over his shoulder at the woman, who was struggling to stand. He smirked. The woman was thanking him for saving her and the other women, although that had not been his true objective. He turned his head forward once more.

"There is a village not far from here. You will make it there safely." With that, he began to walk toward the edge of the forest. The women stared after him in awe. The master of the one who bought them was their savior.

"S-Sesshoumaru- sama," the woman whispered to herself in thanks. She turned to the other women. "Gomen- I can't untie you all." She looked behind her back at her own bound hands. "But- let's go to that village." The other women nodded in agreement, and they all began to trek towards the village that Sesshoumaru, their hero, had mentioned.

Inu Yasha had been lucky when he last fought Sesshoumaru. Subconsciously, he had transformed into his youkai body- but consciously, he was able to tell the difference between the power and ability of his normal form and the youkai form. His senses were sharper, he had more strength, and his reflexes were faster. While he experienced his new body's abilities firsthand in a battle, Inu Yasha knew that it would be wise to hone his skills while he could.

He now stood in the forest outside of his father's castle, ready to train. Focusing all of his youryoku inside his body, he began strengthening his senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Gradually, the two crimson stripes appeared on each cheek. His ears slowly changed position to each side of his head, resembling the ears of all humanoid youkai. Although his eyes didn't appear to have changed, their vision became sharper than ever before. Inu Yasha felt his body strengthen, and was surprised at the fact that his youryoku levels had not lowered at all- in fact, he was even more powerful than before he began the transformation. "Sankon Tessou!" he called, turning around and leveling the tree behind him. Well, in reality, he had only wanted to level one tree. His power was much stronger than it had been in his hanyou form. While he had intended to simply knock over one tree, he actually succeeded in completely destroying ten. "I'm going to have to get used to this new strength," Inu Yasha said, looking at his hands. Then, closing his eyes, he released the youryoku from his body, returning to his original form. After a few moments of rest, he tried the transformation again. It was imperative that he learn not only how to transform with speed, but also how to manage his new abilities with precision and ease.

After practicing transformations for several hours, Inu Yasha sat down to rest. He had been stuck lying down in that room for long enough, and was relieved to finally be able to move around. This activity helped him to recover from the feverish dreamlike state in which he had been since his arrival at his father's castle. As he leaned back on a tree trunk, he began to remember what had happened during the battle.

"Rin," he whispered. A sudden rush of guilt and remorse flooded over him. 'She was only a child- and I…' his thoughts trailed off, and he put his face in his hands. Inu Yasha shook his head as he remembered the rage that he failed to harness completely. Play by play, he went over the battle he had with Sesshoumaru. He had no idea that Rin was nearby. He saw Kagome, but not Rin. 'When did she arrive at the battle?' She seemed to just suddenly appear, and jump in the way of his attack on Sesshoumaru. It hadn't been completely his fault, but- had he not lost control in the beginning, perhaps Rin would still be alive today. While Inu Yasha didn't have much of a connection to the girl, that didn't stop him from feeling so… dirty. Suddenly jumping to his feet, Inu Yasha tore off through the forest- using his youkai speed- toward the nearest source of water.

A/N: So, what did y'all think? I know that it probably wasn't the result you were expecting, with Sesshoumaru going to Kagome's time... but... he's not really that social anyway, is he? Again, I hope everyone remained in-character! Please review and let me know what you think of this chapter, please!

Reviewer Responses:

Nilee: Hehe, well, part of the reason the Sesshoumaru in the alternate ending is more appealing is because the alt. ending is longer! Well, that, and I have to make this thing believable! Hehe.. Thanks for your input, yo!

kikyo618543: hahahaha! Yeah, i know what you mean... that's why I thank everyone!

toxiclollipop: I hope that helped, about the time-traveling.

kitsune ninja: Yeah, I think a lot of people don't realize how sad this alternate ending is going to be... I got really angry at everyone for awhile, just because it killed me to write some of this stuff. What I'm wondering (and I know a few others are, as well) is how much sadness, exactly, is everyone willing to go through just to see Kagome end up with Sesshoumaru? Haha, and yeah, please send me a life-saver to keep me from drowning in the angst! hehe!

destinyheart15: yay! Thanks for the compliment on the action sequences... I kept thinking to myself, "I'm not good at this... but I hope no one notices!" hehe. So thanks.

Beulah Page: heh, no worries about the Kohaku thing. You're right on about the Shippou-Sesshoumaru thing. Also, since this is only an alternate ending, you've probably noticed that the basic things don't change... i.e. flashbacks and such. So, I believe that Sango's pregnancy will end with the same result- if ya catch my drift.. -wink- If it makes you feel better, I looked through my jisho and found some good, meaningful kanji to use when writing the baby's name...

Thanks also, to my reviewers with the names of: SubaruWings, Golden-Eyed-Girl, Moon's Rain, Sesshisgal, gaurdian of the flame, AnimePunk13, hanyouxmiko990 (haha, you probably have a lot of competition with all the others on here, huh?), kandy42, sheenachi (haha, too bad in my story he's a little older-looking... -sigh- oh well...), Youkai Roze, Steph (you'll have to wait a little longer! Hehe!), hermonine, inulover, and Exunamoon. You guys/girls rock!