Author's Note: Just realized the first three chapters started with D and thought it was funny...or maybe I'm just weird. -_- Oh well, enjoy chapter 4! If anyone is interested, I just wrote a oneshot titled: How It Should Have Ended (Inuyasha Style)! And if anyone asks, yes it is based off the HISHE series. It's supposed to be really funny, but in my opinion its really stupid but if you like it, well it'd make my day! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

Memories in Ashes

"Oh! What am I like in your world Kagome?!" Koga was bouncing exuberantly on Kirara's back while wagging his little brown tail. Apparently Kirara still belonged to Sango.

The group of shard hunters had set out that morning to continue their search for the shikon no tama, so Kagome had tagged along, since there was nowhere else she could go. She had continually been entertaining the group with stories of her world.

"Haha! Well Koga, you're a dashing young wolf prince and the leader of a very large pack of wolf demons! You're much older than you are now, but you act a little childish around Inuyasha, although, that's probably because you have a 'male rivalry' thing going on, because you're always asking me to be your woman. But all in all you're a very cool person who never fails to stay loyal to his friends!"

At this statement, Koga puffed himself up a bit and said, "Of course I'm cool woman! That's not gonna change no matter what world I'm in!" Koga seemed quite pleased with himself before a fist connected to the back of his head.

"OWW! What'd ya do that for ya stupid mutt! You're just jealous cause Kagome—" Another fist came flying down on Koga before he could finish his sentence.

Sesshomaru turned away and kept walking. "If you were not so proud, I would not have to discipline you, pup."

"Urgh! Bastard dog!" Koga muttered under his breath.

"I heard that, brat."

Koga flinched, then jumped onto Kikyou's shoulder seeking protection. Kagome couldn't help but laugh. The two acted just like Inuyasha and Shippo. Kagome felt a pain in her chest, and she realized how much she missed them.

Sesshomaru seemed to notice her discomfort, so he slowed his pace until they were walking side by side.

"If the wolf pup is a bother I will put a stop to his pestering."

"No, no it's not Koga. I just remembered Inuyasha and Shippo, and I really miss them."

"I see." Sesshomaru seemed very uncomfortable, but Kagome couldn't think of anything to break the ice. Before Kagome had the chance to say anything, Sesshomaru turned around and halted the group with a wave of his hand. Not long after, a young man was frantically running toward them, panting heavily.

"S-Sesshomaru…ha...ha…sama…I bring…ha… t-terrible news! K-Kagome-sama's ashes…ha…have been s-stolen!...ha…ha"

Oh no.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Explain."

"O-of course! A sorceress suddenly appeared in the village a-and stole K-Kagome-sama's ashes from her grave! We do not know where she has taken them, though. Oh, p-please Sesshomaru-sama help us! W-without the late miko's ashes, I fear the villagers will fall into c-constant fear! They are already starting to p-panic and—"

Sesshomaru raised a hand for silence, then solemnly declared, "We shall retrieve her ashes. The village has nothing to fear."

Without another word, Sesshomaru changed directions and followed the scent of death. The others followed quietly behind, each knowing the gravity of the situation.

Ok, this sounds really familiar. Either I'm in the wrong place and the wrong time, or I'm just plain crazy. The past is repeating itself…but backwards?

Now the question was if she should warn them.

But would that have a bad outcome on both worlds or just this one? Then again, is it ok for me to be here in the first place?! Probably not, but I have to at least do something! Oh, my brain hurts!

xxx

My Kagome's ashes were stolen? How can this be?!

Sesshomaru was having enough trouble figuring out what to do with Kagome number two, but now he had to deal with a grave robber?

What insolent witch would dare defile the grave of the esteemed miko Kagome? Much less the beloved of this Sesshomaru? I shall deal with this offense extensively.

Thankfully, his comrades were keeping quiet, as well as the other Kagome. He could sense her shifting emotions, but was too busy concentrating on the smell of ashes to give it a second thought.

The group was walking through a heavily wooded forest until a thick fog started swirling around them. Sesshomaru signaled for the group to halt and said, "I will continue alone."

"Sesshomaru, I do not think that is wise. It is safer if we accompany you," Kikyou pleaded.

"No, I must face my ghosts alone." Sesshomaru turned to walk away and Sango placed a reassuring hand on Kikyou's shoulder.

Sesshomaru truly sympathized with the girl he had become friends with at the start of their journey, but he could not forget Kagome. Considering Sesshomaru's cold and aloof nature, there were few he could call ally; and even fewer he could call friend. Though he and his companions had become close on their journey, there were still places in Sesshomaru's heart that were off-limits to others.

If I am to become stronger, I must bury my memories of the past, but I must do so alone, or my mission becomes futile.

Sesshomaru had only taken a few steps when the angry voice of Kagome blared through the forest.

"And where do you think you're going all by yourself dog-boy?! Kikyou's right; we should stick together! If you can't rely on your friends, then why are we here?! Don't try to do everything alone, Mr. Anti-social!" And with that, Kagome proudly strolled forward, huffing and puffing while leading the way.

Sesshomaru was dumbfounded. Never had anyone talked to him in this manner. When he gave commands, people listened and followed. They did not talk back to him, especially in such a crude and audacious manner.

This woman…just who is she? But I must admit she has a point. I have not been trusting towards my comrades… towards my friends. I doubt I could convince her to stay behind, anyway.

Sesshomaru sighed, "If you insist." He turned back to his comrades and said, "I am at fault for losing faith in you. Will you still accompany me?"

The group smiled at each other. Then Koga smirked and said, "Keh! If we weren't used to that by now, we'd be long gone!"

Sesshomaru smirked in return and said, "That's too bad. I could have been rid of you by now, pup."

"Hey!" Koga yelled back.

"I think what Koga is trying to say is that we will follow our leader till the end. Friends do not give up on one another." Miroku smiled. "Nor hold anything back." And then his hand strayed a little too far towards Sango's rear.

A familiar slap rang throughout the forest and Sango shouted, "Keep your hands to yourself you lecherous taijya! Let's go Sesshomaru. We are wasting time." Then Sango sauntered off with Kikyou and Kirara close on her heals.

Koga jumped on Miroku's shoulder and said, "You deserved that, perv."

"Hai, hai." Miroku sighed, rubbing his sore cheek.

Sesshomaru turned towards Kagome and started walking ahead. The group followed behind while Kagome kept pace with him. "Thank you," he whispered without looking at her.

Kagome stared at him for a minute before a large, blinding smile crept onto her face. "Hai!"