As I mentioned before, this will be the last regular chapter. After this will be the epilogue. Once again I apologize for the long update. In the interim, I've managed to build (in a simulation) a Program counter, ROM, RAM, and 2 Simple Microcontrollers. Yes being a senior in Computer Engineering is fun. BTW, all those things were built in only 1 class. So I've had work from 5 other classes to keep me busy as well. Oh yeah, I also had to re-format my computer and lost 60 GB of data in the process (at least Windows lost it for about a day), it came back only some of it was corrupt. One of the things was this story, luckily I had multiple copies. Anyone want to trade places?

Back on topic, I'd like to remind people that the whole point of this added section to my story was not to go on and on about Kagura and Sess's relationship. It was meant to show you how things even could start. A byproduct of me doing this part is also the start of Rin and Kohaku's relationship as well as the Kouga-Ayame's. Now for review responses:

INUFAN123-4 - he's back. I'll let you see what he's got to say again. sldyfsajftksfkssvdsfdkfdjgfryilzkrusdfkvcsdsudsskfjghudgdsgsdlfg,safdkghsadgsd,fadslsdhsvshvdhvkdvhsdfhsfdssldhbsckxzkvds,vn.xzmcjvmcjxkjvcdgdfngfdkjglv.zuvfdzvn.zuvfdivzdsjgfdlkbfdubjxzjvdufghjdofv,xcv,xc.vzkvjlvzoivjblxdfgfdglkfdxgfdxkvfvlfdvlvflfkz.
THAT IS JUST HOW YOUR STORY SOUNDS TO ME.
THIS STORY IS SO STUPID THAT MEANS THE PERSON WHO WROTE IT IS SUPTID, WHICH MEANS THAT YOU ARE A DUMBF&&&.
AND I WILL GLADLY SAY F&&& YOU B&&&&.
OH, BUT THERE IS ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT YOU'RE STORY, THE FONT.I LIKE THE FONT.
WELL F&&& YOU OH AND HAVE A NICE DAY, I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL DUMBA$$.
I'LL BE WRITING ON YOUR NEXT CHAP.
HOPE THERE IS IMPROVEMENT.
BYE-BYE!

Response - give me a second, I have to stop laughing... HA. Ok, I'm through that. His first thing was great, like a 2 year old typing on the screen. BTW, I've only edited the curses, so you can see that our friend INUFAN hasn't learned to spell yet. I also find it funny he'd call me a witch (replace w with b). Did he miss the note, that I'm a guy? I'd be a bastard. I'm glad he likes the font, though it really doesn't matter cause that's up to Fanfiction(.)net. I could write this story in the weirdest font I could find and they'd override it. It's also fun that he cursed at me, only 7 year old get that mad over a story and would curse that much about it. Lastly, he wishes me a nice day, well I hope you have a nice day too, INUFAN, and yes, I'll be waiting for your review of this chapter. Now I can continue laughing.

Coco Cow - Yeah, I know some things can get confusing sometimes. It doesn't help that my updates have been sporadic, so I feel the some people have forgotten things that happen previously (hell I know I have). As for mysterious characters, I just like them.

saiko fluffy - Yes, I think a lot of people could forsee some things that would happen in this chapter but that's only a small part and there's much unexpectedness happening as well (I know that sentence sucked but oh well).

TheyCallMeTaterSalad - Nicely chosen name. I know it can take a while to read my fic, thanks for doing so, even if it took forever. I'd tell you go check out moonsilver's Bet Saga (based on Tenchi) but she pulled all her stuff from ff. It might still be on her web site. That story is made up of 6 stories (The Bet, The Gamble, The Pledge, The Challenge, The Promise, and The Bet Saga Short Stories). All together when copied into Word, it takes up 854 pages in Times New Roman font size 12. Don't look at me weird, I was bored at work one day. I've read those stories through a couple of times. Lastly, amagoning imagining. lol

Knight-of-the-Wolf - You caught me there. The whole block out the scents, got kind of lost in all my brainstorming. Over time I have lost a few of the ideas I started with. Kudos for catching that.

SereneDolphin - It just happened to be lucky that I caught you on such a day. While this is updating on a Sunday so no exams, I hope you enjoy it none the less.

Angel452 - You know most people accept that Sess was going to bring Kagura back rather than it screwing up the future, which would be really fun. I like your thinking.

Well that about wraps that up. See you next time.

Just kidding. Even though INUFAN was enough entertainment for the whole chapter. Let's start the show: (btw, get it through your heads, I don't own IY)

A Wish From the Heart

Chapter 63: Loose Ends

Kagura talked in a small whisper that almost no one could hear but that didn't matter to her. She only intended for one person to hear her. "I'm sorry to disappoint you yet again. It seems I wasn't strong enough to make it through this battle. Doesn't matter to me, maybe I was too weak to see this battle through, but for some reason its comforting to know you're here when I die. My death is worth something. I was able to protect people worth protecting but that's not all," Kagura said as she slowly pulled a small object out of her hair. "I guess you could say its my gift to you before I go, just do yourself a favor, don't get caught by it."

Kagura opened the small fan that she had kept hidden within her hair. She channeled all her remaining energy including her life energy into the fan. With the last of her effort she swung the fan towards Cerberus, "FUUJIN NO MAI DANCE OF BLADES!" she screamed as the attacked roared towards the demon. "Now die, you bastard." And with that Kagura landed on the ground, dead.

Sesshoumaru didn't have to see the blast to know it was coming. The power it gave off was overwhelming. Cerberus could fully see it. He acted quickly and extended his hand out towards Sesshoumaru. It meant nothing to the demon lord as he used Toukijin to cut straight through Cerberus' hand. What he hadn't expected was the forked hand to quickly wrap around him and harden.

"You'll make a nice shield," Cerberus said evilly as Sesshoumaru swung his sword at the hand which held him yet it did nothing to free him. "Nothing you can use will free you, prepare for death."

"Well then how about I give it a try," Inuyasha said as he ran towards them sword in hand.

"It won't make a diff.." Cerberus was saying as he could feel the blade tear through his arm.

Inuyasha just continued moving as he grabbed ahold of his brother and pulled him out of the way just as Kagura's blast struck Cerberus. "That was close," Inuyasha said.

Sesshoumaru was just about to speak when he was cut off. "Ha ha ha ha ha." The evil laugh arose from inside the cloud of dust where Cerberus has been struck. "She thought that would defeat me," Cerberus' voice rang out, it may not have been as strong as before but he was still alive. The brothers watched the cloud of smoke as he blow away. There standing on one leg was half the foe that was there before. "She may have wounded me but I can return later and she'll still be dead. I can't be defeated so easily."

"Then accept my offer of death," Sesshoumaru said from behind him. The evil detachment had no time to react as Sesshoumaru brought down Toukijin with full force. Any final words Cerberus might have had died with him as the rest of his body was disintegrated by Toukijin's power.

"Is it finally over?" Kagome asked as she approached the brothers.

"Yeah, he's dead for good now," Inuyasha confirmed. "Here." Inuyasha handed Kagome back her sword, while Sesshoumaru looked on and understood.

"Where are the kids?" Kagome asked with a bit of worry.

Sesshoumaru motioned to a section of the forest, "Rin," the demon lord called out with only a small raise in his normal voice. The teenage girl came running out of the forest and headed straight for the inu-youkai.

"I'm sorry, Lord Sesshoumaru," Rin cried, "It's my fault Miss Kagura got hurt and you almost got hurt too. I'm sorry."

"Rin, enough crying. It will not take back what you did, you can only move forward and try to make up for things you have done wrong," Sesshoumaru warned.

"You do plan to bring Kagura back, don't you?" Kagome asked. Not getting much of a response she continued, "That's why you have Tensaiga."

"Do not dare tell me what I must do," the demon warned. Kagome was going to reply back but Inuyasha put a hand up to stop her. Sesshoumaru looked at the crowd around him. First to Kagome, then to Inuyasha, continuing to Kohaku, who had joined them when Rin came out. He then continued on looking at Rin and lastly at Kagura, who still lay there on the ground lifeless.

"You do owe her," Inuyasha told his brother. The hanyou was then faced with the intense gaze of his brother's. "She protected your ward with her life. She did so when you were unable to. I believe that means you owe her." This time Inuyasha stared right back at his brother as Sesshoumaru thought it over.

"I will have no such thing as a debt lingering on my honor, and that is the only reason I do this," Sesshoumaru said as he slowly withdrew Tensaiga. Once removed from its sheath, Tensaiga seemed to resonate much more than it had ever previously. The noble youkai could see the minions as they wrapped their chains around Kagura, almost ready to take her to the next world. With one fast and quick strike, all of them were gone. Sesshoumaru watched as the chains broke off of Kagura's body and the color returned to her skin.

Rin's eyes lit up as Kagura groaned as if waking up in the middle of a nice dream. The only difference was Kagura was glad to be waking up at all. "Any care to explain?" Kagura asked dazedly.

"Yeah, you protected Rin and Kohaku with your life, thank you for that," Kagome said. "While your final attack didn't kill Cerberus, it wiped out half of his body and Sesshoumaru finished him off."

"So I guess you get the points for killing him," Kagura said.

"I wasn't aware I was doing this for points," Sesshoumaru replied.

Kagura groaned again, "you gotta learn to take a joke." Kagura had a thoughtful expression on her face before something dawn on her. "So if I was dead, that means," she said as she looked to Sesshoumaru, "you revived me. And here I thought you didn't care."

"He only did it cause Inuyasha practically trapped him into doing it," Kagome thought but before she could say anything to counter Kagura, Inuyasha stopped her once again. She questioningly at him but he only shook his head.

"Are you saying you would rather have stayed dead?" Sesshoumaru asked with his usual serious tone. "That could be arranged."

"I think I'd rather stay alive," Kagura confirmed.

"Well I think you should be dead," Kouga said as he approached the group.

Inuyasha groaned. "I must be psychic. I saw this coming a mile away," he whispered to his mate. Kagome nodded her head in response.

"Is there some problem here?" Sesshoumaru asked. Ayame just shrugged her shoulders unaware of Kouga's reasons for anger.

"Yes, there is a problem. She is responsible for killing most of my tribe," Kouga said pointing at Kagura. "I vowed that day, that I would make sure every part of Naraku died."

About the same time, Kagome noticed a look of fear in Rin's eyes. She walked over and talked with the little girl. Inuyasha just barely made out what the two were talking about. From what he heard though, he gained an idea as to how to solve the entire problem.

"Is this true?" Sesshoumaru asked Kagura, who was still lying on the ground.

"Yes, one of the first things Naraku had me do when I was created was to lure the wolf tribe into a trap and kill them. It was to turn Kouga against Inuyasha," Kagura told the demon lord truthfully.

At this point, Inuyasha chose to butt in to the feud. "Sess, for this I think you need to appoint a mediator."

The noble was not happy at the unapproved abbreviation of his name being used. "Why should I do that?"

"Because you, in some matter of the sense, are involved in this conflict," Inuyasha replied. The hanyou then quickly cut off his half-brother's reply, "Just shut up and let me do the talking."

By now everyone attention was diverted to Inuyasha, whether it was Sesshoumaru's glare of I'm-going-to-kill-you, or everyone else's he's-going-to-kill-you. This didn't matter to Inuyasha though, it got everyone's interest, which is exactly what he was looking for.

"Ok, so here's my ruling. Kagura will die," Inuyasha announce as if it was nothing.

"WHAT?" Kagura and Kagome seemed to shout at the same time. "Are you nuts?" Kagome yelled at him as she marched up to him.

"Did I say I was finished," he looked at her intently. "As I was saying, Kagura will die, because she killed your clan. But for her to die, the charges against her must be true. So your tribe will have to die," Inuyasha said seriously.

"Have you gone insane!" Kouga demanded.

"Your tribe is alive, isn't it?" Inuyasha said back.

"Yes but only because your wish happened to revive them, otherwise they would still be dead," Kouga answered. "Kagura has never been brought to call for her crime."

"I'd like to remind you, she did it under Naraku's orders. But that doesn't matter right now," Inuyasha said. "Personally if you aren't happen with plan number one, I think two might be better. Plan number two, is that you forget about your grudge."

"Why should I do that?" Kouga asked.

"Cause it'd help you in the long run," Inuyasha offered but Kouga didn't seem to buy it. "Your clan died and was brought back to life. Kagura died and has been brought back to life. I'd say you're even."

"Kagura did not die for killing my clan. She died on her own terms."

Inuyasha could only groan. "I didn't want to have to do this, but you forced me to. Don't say I didn't warn you," Inuyasha advised. "Kouga, do you remember how we met?"

"Yeah but what does that have to do with anything?" Kouga asked. The half demon didn't replied but only waved a continuing hand at Kouga. "We met when I was searching for jewel shards, but this is totally off topic."

"To be more precise, we met after I kill some of your wolves, correct?" Kouga only nodded in response. "What were your wolves doing at the time?" Inuyasha made sure to draw everything out so that everyone would understand.

"They were attacking humans in a village, though I haven't let them do that since," Kouga added.

"Ahh but as your saying with Kagura, one mistake of the past could cost your life," Inuyasha warned. "Do you Rin?" Inuyasha said as he motioned to the frightened teenager, who was being comforted by Kagome and Kohaku.

"No, I don't really know her," though Kouga was slowly understanding what Inuyasha was getting at.

"She's a ward of my Sesshoumaru's. You may not recognize her but she knows you. You see, she was one of the people in that village. Your wolves killed her." Inuyasha let the news sink in for everyone before continuing. "So you see, now Sesshoumaru has a dispute with you. I believe by right that could mean he could call for your and your clan's death."

Kouga had no reply to this. He knew what Inuyasha spoke was true. He and his clan had been response for killing a charge of the Lord of the Western Lands. Even though he hadn't known of the girl, the blame still fell on them, and it fell hard.

Sesshoumaru was contemplating the information. Of course he had known of Rin's death but had not known of Kouga's involvement.

"Once again, I propose that you drop your grudge against Kagura and in return you and you clan stay alive," Inuyasha said.

Kouga thought over the decision carefully. His anger at Kagura being revived had subsided and he had a cooler head then before. This choice would change many of the things he knew. It was a few minutes later when he spoke and he did so kneeling on one knee. "I will excuse Kagura for her act as long as you, Lord Sesshoumaru, forgive me for the act which I unknowingly committed against you."

"Be gone, wolf. I do not wish to hear about this matter again," Sesshoumaru warned. Everyone knew that the proud youkai would never openly forgive someone so that was as close as he would get.

Kouga bowed his head. "Ayame, we are going," he said as he stood up. Before leaving though, Kouga turned to Rin. "I'm sorry," he told her and then ran off with his mate not long behind him.

"I can't believe you actually let him go," Kagura said. "I'd figure you would have had his head on a platter."

"He let him go because he had no qualm against him," Inuyasha said. The wind sorceress looked at him confused. "I never said Rin was Sess's ward when Kouga's wolves killed her. Rin should actually be thankful of Kouga for that. She may not be hanging around with Sesshoumaru now, if he hadn't had to revive her."

"I never thought of it like that," Rin said softly.

"See everyone goes home happy," Inuyasha said proudly.

Kagura just hung her head, "speak for yourself. If you forgot, my home is demolished. That bastard destroyed it," she said.

"Was it tough to build?" Kagome asked.

"I'd have no idea, I didn't build it," Kagura said. "It was a nice abandoned place I found. I have no idea how to build a house."

Rin got a gleam in her eye, "Lord Sesshoumaru, could Miss Kagura stay with us," the hyper girl asked her father figure.

"Rin, I can't do that," Kagura said, her face blushing.

"Nonsense, I don't think it'd hurt him," Inuyasha added. Sesshoumaru seem glower at his brother. "Oh don't look at me. You're staying at one of father's places. I've been there, there's far too many rooms, don't tell me you can't spare a single room."

"Besides," Kagome added. "You could just stay there until you get a new place, Kagura."

"You make it sound as if he's already said yes, and we know he won't," Kagura said motioning to Sesshoumaru.

"It is not originally my house, so rightfully have no say over who stays there," Sesshoumaru said. "Either way I am going." Without much more being said, Sesshoumaru turned around and started off.

"Arg, he's so stubborn," Kagura said.

"Yeah and you can deal with him," Inuyasha said. He then said to Sesshoumaru, "oh don't forget, you owe me for saving your butt."

"I don't recall asking for your help," Sesshoumaru replied.

"Yeah sure, but you still owe me. Don't worry I won't come calling for about two centuries," Inuyasha replied. Everyone looked at him but he said no more.

Kagura just sighed and got up to follow Sesshoumaru. She didn't think anyone would leave her alone if she didn't. "Come on, Rin. Let's go before we lose him." It was then everyone noticed the painful look in Rin's gaze directed at Kohaku.

"Good bye, Kohaku," she said with a small tear.

"Be careful," the boy said in reply.

For yet another time that day, Inuyasha found himself with another good idea. "Hey Sess," the hanyou called out. When the dog demon turned around Inuyasha continued, "In a few months its gonna be 5 years since we defeated Naraku. We're gonna have a feast at our place, you're welcome to come." Inuyasha then turned to Kagura, "you're welcome to come as well."

Kagome understood and turned to Kohaku, "you let your family know that they're invited too."

"Thank you," Kagura said pulling a feather out of her hair, and turned to Rin, "let go." This time Rin took off with Kagura, with a smile on her face.

"Well I think its time we get going as well," Inuyasha voiced to his group.

"Yeah, your sister's probably worried like crazy," Kagome said to Kohaku, who could only scratch his head in response.

&&&&&

Inuyasha looked to his mate. He could tell something was bothering her. They had safely brought Kohaku back to his family who was overwhelmed to see him again. He promised them that he would train hard so as to not get kidnapped again. Inuyasha knew it was really cause he had someone he wanted to protect now. Kagome and Sango had talked for a bit, while Inuyasha and Miroku exchanged stories.

As Inuyasha combed through the last few days he couldn't pinpoint what was disturbing Kagome. He finally gave up, "Kagome, what's wrong?"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Something's eating at you, I can tell. What is it?"

"After Kagura was revived, why didn't you let me tell her the truth?" Kagome inquired.

"What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked. He had an idea what she was referring to but he wanted her to be more specific.

"Sesshoumaru didn't just decide to revive her. You had to give him a reason before he did it." Kagome's answer wasn't as she expected. Inuyasha was laughing. "What's so funny?"

"I didn't give him a reason," Inuyasha with a smile, "I gave him an excuse."

&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#&#

Well we're just about to a close. If anyone didn't like that closer, make sure you know what the last sentence is saying and you might understand. Well I guess its time for my closing remarks. Well I got good news and bad news. Bad news is that as you all know, this is the last regular chapter. All that's left is the epilogue. Good news (I've been wanting to spill the beans forever): the epilogue will be a two parter (so there's 2 chapters remaining, no there is no sequel). The first part will probably be a bit short but the second part will be longer.

Well I've got something I'm going to cover in each of my closing from now until the end. Just for a heads up. Next chapter, I'm gonna mention the length and time its taken to write this story, and last one I've got something to say about the reviews. This chapter though, its about the title. And I'm going to leave you with a trivia question:

Believe it or not (queue Ripley's theme) This story was not originally titled "A Wish From the Heart." That title was decided on when I posted the story on this site. When I started it though I called it by a different name, as a matter of fact, the Word file which holds this story, still retains the original title.

What do you think the original title was? (HINT: its only 2 words)

I changed the title simply because I thought this one was better. Though I originally thought I'd be changing to something else later on. A Wish from the Heart though was a good catchy title and people really liked the story so the title stayed put.

Okay so the last thing is my send off, which I won't get to do too many more times. takes a deep breath Join me next time for:

Epilogue - Part 1: The Past and the Present

followed by:

Epilogue - Part 2: The Present and the Future