Warm-Ice: so many people to answer to! Teehee, one more chapter to go!

Sess: what did you say? (glowering at Warm-Ice, flexing claws dangerously)

Shippou: what did you say! One last chapter!

Kouga: so, this is it! This is the end!

Warm-Ice: well, I do get tired. I am human aftera—

Sess: you humans and your incompetence.

Warm-Ice: what did you say!

Inu: I can't believe you're about to finish the story! Feh! Humans!

Warm-Ice: why are you guys so angry at me? The story's got to end at some point.

Kouga: yeah, but I don't want it to be over just yet!

Warm-Ice: you don't?

Miroku: we will miss working with you, Warm-Ice-sama.

Warm-Ice: Awwww! You're such an adorable, sweet little perv, Miroku. (hugs Miroku) I'll miss you too. (feels something) HENTAI! (SMACK!)

Miroku: (sporting a big red handprint on his face) why don't we go on and answer your reviewers now, ne?

Sesshoumaru's Miko: cool! If it involves adorable children and SessKag pairings, I'll definitely read it! Thanks!

malicebabe: In my story the mark can't do that. Technically, Haruko only had a crush on him but Shippou was in love with her all along. And thank you so much. For your other question…well, why don't we have Shippou answer that?

Shippou: Well, in Sesshoumaru-sama's future kingdom, women were not allowed to be soldiers. And since Aki needed a place to live in desperately (with her being the only survivor of their clan) I took her in and had her pretend to be a man so that I could recommend her to Sesshoumaru-sama. But don't tell anyone else about that, okay? (wink)

Midnight Walker: Sessh has something he wants to say to you.

Sess: (smiling seductively at Midnight Walker) this Sesshoumaru appreciates the praise. You may worship my perfect physic as much as you would like from now on.

Warm-Ice: (looks at him weirdly)

sesshyslove4ever234: you hear that Kag?

Kagome: (BAWLING) WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

Sess: women…

Empatheia: thank you so much for the many reviews! I'm glad you like the story!

TakaraDaiya: what does Kouga have to say?

Kouga: HAHAHAHAHAHA! Maybe I'll do just that! HAHAHAHAHAHA—

Sess: (toukijin is threatening Kouga's neck) Care to correct yourself, wolf?

Kouga: (gulps) with your permission of course…

CannineKagome: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Kag: oh goodness… (blushing furiously and whispers to you) yes.

the amber dragonfly: I am now officially in love with you! Thank you so much for drawing Haruko-chan!

Haruko: hai! I am honored!

Sess: (nods) you gave her justice, I suppose. You have my compliments.

IceTearDropz: cool! Thanks!

yuki-chan25: haha! Don't worry about it, it's all good.

Shippou: and thanks for supporting me! The story might be over soon but my rivalry with that wolf isn't! Is it?

Warm-Ice: I don't know. I guess we'll all find out in the next and last chapter.

karen12: hehehe… gomen, gomen. I'll do better in my next stories!

Anime Lady PIMP: (laughing my head off)

Kag: (blushing like mad) WHY MUST YOU TEASE ME AGAIN AND AGAIN!

Kat57: thank you! I'm glad you feel that way!

Haruko: yes, thank you very much!

Warm-Ice: Alright! Let's get on with the chapter!

Miroku: Warm-Ice-sama…

Warm-Ice: hm?

All the Guys: (brings out bouquets of beautiful flowers) happy birthday.

Warm-Ice: (eyes widen in surprise) (smiles softly) you guys…thank you so much…

Kouga: (grins)

Shippou: (smiles sweetly)

Miroku: (smiles charmingly)

Inu: feh!

Sess: it was their idea.

Warm-Ice: thanks again guys. Thanks to everyone who kept supporting me! Now, on with the story!

Chapter 29: She is Back

Inu-yasha looked down at his feet, simply feeling the calming spirit of nature. He emptied his mind for the first time in a long while, detaching himself from all of his worries; escaping his turbulent emotions and chaotic thoughts. He felt so tired. Too tired. His rage had finally diminished, leaving him apathetic.

He could feel the cool night air grazing his face like the caress of his beautiful late mother; like the caress of the beautiful late Kikyou; the caress of the beautiful lost Kagome. Yes, lost. He had lost her. He could accept that now. But… how could he show his face to them now? There was no way to come back after everything that's happened. How could he? He had caused her so much pain…he couldn't stop running now. It was too late.

Suddenly, his white dog ears turned to his left where he could hear rustling leaves. A demon was coming. No, the presence was too weak to be of a youkai of any danger. He should just let them pass. It seemed that the demon or whatever it was was in a hurry. He looked back down to his feet when suddenly, a familiar scent lofted into the air. The rustling had stopped. The presence was so close.

His eyes widened and he slowly turned to look at…her.

Her eyes were wide as well, she was panting and tears had been falling from her eyes he could see. Her clothes were torn here and there but she was still as beautiful as when he first saw her.

For a long while they stared at each other up until he had finally managed to utter her name.

"Haruko…"

As if time finally continued after a long pause, recognition shone in Haruko's eyes and she quickly ran to him, wrapping her arms tightly around him and burying her face in his arms. "Oh, Inu-yasha…" she whispered weakly. "Thank Kami-sama…" she said, thanking the heavens above for giving her a trusted friend to run to.

At first, Inu-yasha froze and stiffened. But then—realizing he had been in this situation before—closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, letting a small smile creep onto his face.

No words were needed to describe what both of them felt. They were delighted to see each other. After a long while of feeling alone in this world of strangers, pains and heartaches, seeing a trusted friend's face was the best thing that could ever happen. It was great a relief.

Yes, Inu-yasha had become Haruko's shoulder to cry on. The one person she was willing to show her frailty to. And it was because she knew that he was like her. They felt the same way. She knew he could understand her for he most probably went through whatever she was going through. Of all people, except her father and mother, she trusted Inu-yasha the most ever since that night before her abduction.

Someone scoffed bitterly behind her and the two hanyous opened their eyes to look at their intruder. Haruko's eyes saddened at the sight of him. She hadn't thought he would be so fast to gain on her. But then again, she had forgotten that he had shards in his legs.

At the sight of Kouga, Inu-yasha held Haruko protectively by his side, feeling the need to protect her like she was his own daughter. "Kouga…" Inu-yasha acknowledged with a wary glare, not trusting the bitter smile on Kouga's face.

"Well, well, well…This is really ironic, ne, Inu-yasha?" Kouga said, his hands visibly clenching into fists.

Inu-yasha's eyebrows furrowed of confusion.

"At first I was the one trying to take away the woman you loved. But now…you have the woman I love…"

"What? What the hell are you talking about, you dumb wolf?" Inu-yasha asked. Haruko's eyebrows furrowed, wishing for him to stop proclaiming his love for her. She didn't believe in love and she didn't believe she could fall in love. But most of all…she didn't want his heart to break because she knew, deep down inside of her, that her heart would break as well.

"I hate you even more for that, you know?" Kouga said, his jaw tightening, his fangs showing.

"What?"

Kouga took up a fighting stance, "Inu-yasha, are you man enough to fight me?" he said darkly.

"What the hell!"

"Kouga, don't—"

"FIGHT ME, INU-YASHA!" he angrily demanded, not being able to accept the fact that he was loosing the one he loved to someone he knew wasn't worthy of her. Someone like Inu-yasha could never appreciate Haruko's true worth! And just the sight of her in his arms… it sent his blood boiling! "Or are you too afraid that I've become stronger than you…?"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU DAMN WOLF! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" Inu-yasha indignantly yelled, taking the hilt of tetsusaiga and running forward to attack Kouga who anticipated his opponent's move.

"Inu-yasha, stop!" Haruko warned.

And for the first time, Inu-yasha heeded a warning and stopped in his tracks. Stop, she said. He recalled suddenly that lately everyone had been telling him to stop. Shippou had told him to stop; Haruko had tried to stop him twice. It seemed that everyone was telling him to stop. And then he realized…he had to stop. He had to let go. They were right. He had to stop because he was hurting people with his selfishness.

"You—You selfish, selfish baka!"

That was what Kagome said. And Inu-yasha realized… she was right. He was a selfish baka. All this time he had only thought of what he wanted, what he felt, what he needed. He didn't stop to think of how others would feel up until it was too late.

He turned to Haruko who silently released the breath she'd been holding. "He—He saved me from Naraku."

Inu-yasha's lips slightly parted as the information sank in. He turned to Kouga who looked at Haruko with such an unreadable expression. What had happened between the two of them?

"You saved her?"

Kouga simply turned those intense eyes to him.

Inu-yasha straightened his back and released the hilt of tetsusaiga. "Thanks." He said half-heartedly.

"I don't need your thanks." Kouga said, turning to leave. Fighting Inu-yasha wouldn't give him any satisfaction, even if he did win, Kouga thought. That didn't change the fact that Haruko was engaged to him. (A fact which he deduced himself upon catching sight of them embracing each other so warmly)

Inu-yasha watched him for a moment before turning to Haruko with a new purpose in mind. "Come on, Haruko. I'll take you back."

"Wait—Wait, please." She said, coming forward, her heart crying at the sight of Kouga's back, leaving her forever. "Kouga! Kouga, wait!" she called.

Kouga stopped, trying to clarify within himself if he had heard her right. He turned to her, seeing her bite on her lower lip.

"Come with us. My father will reward you for your valiant deeds." She said, trying to sound like her normal self.

Kouga gave a small smile, "I'll pass, Inu-hime."

"Kouga." Inu-yasha called before Kouga could turn away from them. Both men had their features set, staring at each other coldly before Inu-yasha continued. "Don't insult us. Let us reward you." True, upon denying an inu's reward, one would be considered insulting them.

The inus were a proud race; they accepted no charity and rewarded every good deed done upon them. If they didn't, they would be indebted. The inus didn't want that.

Kouga turned his sight back upon Haruko who looked at him with pleading eyes. His face softened and he sighed of defeat. As if I have a choice.

Kouga frowned as he trailed behind the two hanyous. Haruko blushed prettily as Inu-yasha carried her upon his back. Haruko refused at first but Inu-yasha insisted that he carried her since she looked so tired. The whole time Kouga felt like puking. The night was almost over and they had come to a clearing with a small lake. It had a familiar scent to it and Kouga's eyes widened upon recognizing it.

"Kagome?" he whispered to himself.

"Inu-yasha…" Haruko whispered. Kouga turned his attention to the two in front of him.

"Hm?"

"What's wrong?" she asked softly.

"Huh? Nothing's wrong." Inu-yasha denied, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. Kouga glared menacingly at him.

"What happened?" Haruko persisted. "Did you and mama fight?"

Inu-yasha was silent for a while before answering with a sigh, "Yeah, your mother and I had a fight."

Kouga perked up at that. Inu-yasha and Haruko's mother had a fight. Oooh, that could be a good way to break them up! Maybe the mother will reconsider their union! There was still hope! YES!

"Why?" she asked, sounding like a curios child.

"I did a stupid thing and made her cry." He said with remorse in his tone. Haruko said nothing and he continued, "But I'll fix it once we get back."

"You suppose she will forgive you?" Haruko asked.

"Would you forgive me?"

"Why ask me that?"

"Coz you're a lot like your mother."

Silence ensued. Kouga made a puking face, thinking how lame Inu-yasha could get with his one-liners. He glared at Inu-yasha again.

After a while, Haruko's breathing became even and steady, telling both males that she was finally asleep. Kouga watched as the sky lightened slowly.

"Kouga." Inu-yasha called.

"What?" Kouga irritably asked.

"I don't know what happened between the two of you. But…why was she crying?"

Kouga was silent before saying wisely, "That's for her to tell. It's not my place."

Inu-yasha stopped, turning back to look at Kouga. Kouga looked back at him, seeing the confusion in Inu-yasha's eyes. Inu-yasha wondered what changed in Kouga. Something changed there; it was faint but it was there nonetheless.

He didn't miss the lonely look in Kouga's eyes when he caught sight of Haruko's slumbering face.

"She's really beautiful, you know?" Kouga suddenly whispered softly. "You have to take care of her, you hear me, dog turd? If you ever make her cry, I'll kill you with my bare hands." He added seriously, looking Inu-yasha in the eyes with a deep intensity.

Looking at Kouga, Inu-yasha discerned that the wolf had no ill intentions. He was simply admiring his niece. But why was he being so protective of her? It wasn't his place. Inu-yasha answered just as seriously, looking at Kouga with an intensity matching the wolf's, "Yeah, she is. And don't worry, I will." He turned and started walking again, following the one day old scent of Kagome and the whole group. He was a bit disturbed when he smelled Mila's scent as well but decided he'll find out when he gets to them.

As they went on walking, Kouga's eyebrows knitted together. He could also smell the Taiyoukai of the West's scent. What the-? Where was Inu-yasha taking them? And where were his friends, the ones he always traveled with? Shouldn't he be with them? He wondered how Kagome reacted; finding out Inu-yasha was engaged to Haruko.

She was probably heartbroken. Poor girl. She didn't deserve the pain she must've suffered. But he supposed he somehow knew that. Somehow, he knew that Inu-yasha wasn't for her either. It just didn't feel right. Just like at that moment. Inu-yasha and Haruko…they didn't feel like they're supposed to make each other happy for the rest of their lives. It didn't feel like they were meant for each other. Unlike Haruko and him. Somehow, they felt right for each other. Or maybe that was just what he wanted to feel because he was in love with her. Maybe.

Soon, as the sun started rising and dawn introduced a new day; they reached a sleepy village where people were just starting to come out of their tents. As they neared, the two men noticed a teenage boy passing by, carrying a pale of water and chatting with a pretty teenage girl with short black hair. Inu-yasha quickly recognized him as Mila.

As they came closer to the village, Mila stopped and noticed them. The pale of water in his arms fell to the floor, spilling and nourishing the ground they tread upon. His face was that of disbelief, as if a miracle had just appeared before him.

"Mila-kun? Mila-kun? What's wrong?" his new friend asked but was unheard.

Mila's eyes focused on the slumbering hanyou on Inu-yasha's back. She was back. She was safe. She was alive. She's back! "Haruko…san…" was all he could mutter.

She slowly opened her eyes as her mind regained consciousness. Where was she? She blinked twice, finding everything blurry. When her vision cleared, she stared up at the ceiling, an unfamiliar ceiling. Where was she? She wasn't in Kouga's hut. Where was Kouga? But then she started remembering what had happened and her eyes started displaying sadness again.

"I see you have awakened."

She gasped and sharply turned to the voice, seeing that it was her father, sitting idly at a corner, looking at her with those blank golden eyes. Quickly, she threw off her blanket and got out of bed, falling to her knees in front of her lord and master. She kept her head down and her eyes closed. Just as how a princess should.

Sesshoumaru stood gracefully, staring down at his daughter with intensity before stating, "You have dishonored me."

Her eyes closed even tighter, fully expecting such words from him. She had shamed him by being so weak as to be kidnapped by Naraku. She had shamed him by being saved by a wolf. She had shamed him. And nothing hurt more than shaming the one man she openly and truly loved; her Father.

"I will avenge you." He said more softly.

At that, her eyes snapped open and she looked up at him. He was still staring down at her with such blank eyes. Haruko simply looked down again. Being her submissive self, she could only say, "Hai…gomenasai…"

"Stand." He commanded. She did as she was told and stood, still looking down. Suddenly she felt the most familiar hand brush her hair. She looked up at him with surprise. It was true. Her father had just brushed her hair with his hand. He still looked at her with that blank façade and yet…she could see something else in those eyes.

He gently caressed her cheek with the back of his hand and Haruko blushed at the sign of affection.

"Your presence was…greatly missed." He whispered softly. Her eyebrows raised in disbelief. "by this Sesshoumaru…" he added. "Such an event shall never occur again. Your mother and I shall make sure of this."

Suddenly, she smiled wide, throwing herself into Sesshoumaru's arms. Her mirth-filled laughter could be heard from outside as she buried her face in his chest. All she could think of was, Thank you, Father! Thank you so much!

A small smile crept onto his perfect face and he laid a hand on top of her head. He looked up at the entrance of the tent and found a smiling Kagome watching them. Kagome came inside and she and Haruko hugged briefly. But then Haruko sniffed the air around them and she put her fingers to her lips.

"Oh Kami, you guys just did it in here, didn't you?"

Kagome's eyes widened and she blushed furiously, her jaw falling to the floor. Sesshoumaru simply raised an eyebrow and smirked at his daughter's intuitiveness.

"You did! You did!" she happily cried.

Kagome couldn't do anything but simply blush as Haruko laughed and Sesshoumaru just knowingly smirked at her.

"What are you so happy about!" Kagome yelled helplessly.

"Nothing." Sesshoumaru said, smirking on.