…Yeah um never mind...

He walked slowly down the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets. The heels of his Vans scuffed the sidewalk. The sound was swallowed within the bustle of the city. The bottoms of his pants were wet up past his ankles. The khaki edges frayed in some places bunched up since they were a little too long and hung over his shoes. Miroku's shirt was fitted through the shoulders, but loose descending towards his hips making his slimness obvious. However it was all lost beneath the sweat shirt he had over top. It wasn't very long, falling just below his brown leather belt, but it was roomy in the middle. His hair was damp, but not soaked.

The rain he was suddenly caught in was light, drizzle really, but the once overcast sky had turned black in its anger. Miroku was certain that he had, but a mere few moments before the sky opened up into a full out downpour. Not that he really minded. There was something inevitably comforting about rain. There was the pitter patter, so unlike that of the feet of children, and this time the temperature was tepid; switching from warm to cool intermittently and without warning. It was pleasant and smelled fresh. The grass that could be found up ahead, in the approaching park, smelled of dew and moist soil.

The epidemic tests had been issued and the results were much more accurate than they had hoped for. With advanced genetics on their sides and the most recent developments in that field, their team was hailed a great victory. Kagome's theory on the mutation on the genes was right on target and the loss of pigmentation was an effect of deformation of the body's melanin. This was the pigment that allowed the body to filter in sunlight through the skin. The body can't accept UV rays and severe sunburns occur, but many of the victims avoided sunlight because it practically blinded them. Their optical cells lost their melanin content as well. So the delicate retina actually prevented much greater damage to the kids by making them skittish. Melanoma could have developed within a few weeks otherwise.

Miroku crossed through the wooded tree line quickly. The overhanging branches offered brief shelter from the gentle onslaught. This was a wet spring alright. He paused on the edge of the trees. His breathing remained even as he jetted from his temporary cover to the one place where he could find warm refuge from the chill that had risen in the air over the past couple of minutes.

The trip was short and soon he was waiting at the door, already having knocked. He heard a call from within and Miroku tipped his head to the side. Was he expected?

…With Rin…

"He had to work late today and as you know…Thursdays I play go."

"Okay, Kaede-baa-san."

Rin looked down and bit her cheek. It seemed she would have another quiet night alone. Her adoptive father was always busy, but it wasn't like he ignored her. Not at all- he would save special days for them to be together the entire time. He rarely ever broke these promises either, except once or twice. Recently though, with this epidemic, he'd been spending a lot of his time at the office. Rin wasn't selfish, but honestly, she missed her father. He may appear cold and distant to others, but he was a silent angel to her. One who swept down and lifted her into his arms carrying her away from that dark alley as well as a dark past.

He didn't ask questions or pry into her past either. Sesshoumaru offered clothes, food, and eventually more than Rin ever thought she deserved. Love wasn't something she expected in this ugly world for she was a disgusting child and had earned that life on the street. At least that was what her caretaker had said when she was thrown out into it. The sickly old woman with a bent over frame and a smoker's cough wasn't exactly the most loving person.

Rin had to keep house and being one of the older children orphans left at the broken down tavern, she had to watch over the others. 'Keep them in line' that was what the old crone would say. Then whenever they disobeyed Rin was punished instead, which she would take over and over if only to spare the younger babes; some were no older than one, most two, but she was just over three. Rin knew, even then, that she was smarter than most kids. Her very nature was appalled and tormented by what she saw everyday, but there was nothing she could do about it. That was why Sesshoumaru seemed more like a dream.

The tavern had three floors. One was a basement, a cellar for the beer and wine. The next up was the actual tavern. The one above it was supposedly for lodgings, but Rin soon learned that most wouldn't be used for more than a few hours at a time and that a particular one belonged to each of the waitresses working in the bar. They went on breaks and chatted with men in their rooms, but Rin knew what really went on. They didn't need to say it and she wasn't stupid. Half of those waitresses had been orphans just like her that the old woman had taken in and raised. It was that day that Rin discovered why the orphans were, for the most part, all females. There were two older boys, in their teens, but they were mainly for manual labor and carried kegs from the cellar.

Sesshoumaru took her home and for a moment Rin was afraid that he would be like the men who entered the waitresses' rooms, but all he did was offer her some ramen. He didn't say much, just sat across from her. For once, there was silence and it wasn't unbearable. Sesshoumaru's silent nature was just one more thing they had in common. The fateful day he said he was going to legally adopt her, Rin had felt complete happiness. She was now his; Rin was Sesshoumaru's daughter. Rin had a family, a small one, but it wasn't empty.

Rin thought she would never need anyone else, but then she was saved once again by an angel. This one though had soft ocean eyes and beauty to match her father's. Rin thought she was dreaming, but she closed her eyes and opened them again to find herself in the woman's embrace feeling her tears fall into her pony-tailed hair. However those peculiarly blue eyes were determined and Rin found safety in those pools that was not unlike that which she felt with her father.

Rin was about to walk away, her memories enough to tide her over until her guardian angel returned home. Kaede dropped a hand onto Rin's shoulder, startling her slightly. Kaede had watched the flickering emotions pass over the girl's features. The child was so like Kagome at times that it was frightening because the two were even similar in attitude. They both were warm and caring for others, almost to the point where their own is forgotten. Also that naïve happiness that beamed from within them that drew other people to them. That was Kagome's true attraction and soon, when Rin opened up a little more, it would be hers as well. Rin wasn't as trusting, but that was in direct cause and effect link up to how her first few years were spent on this earth.

"However, I have found a replacement."

Rin nearly flinched at those words. Her thoughts running wild scanning for possibilities of who her father would let baby sit her other than the elder lady she now considered a grandmother, or at least as close to a grandmother as Rin could have. She knew nothing of her real biological family after all, not that she cared to know anymore.

Very few candidates came to mind, but before Rin could clarify this remark there was a knock at the door. It was almost in slow motion. Kaede walked over, unlocked the door, and opened it too slowly. Rin wanted to throw it open and see the face she hoped, that she knew would most likely be on the other side. Chocolate brown orbs widened first and then narrowed with glee when her guess became fact.

"Kagome-chan!"

The woman smiled down and opened her arms expectantly. There had been more than one instance where this opportunity was gifted to Rin. Often she would simply take Kagome's hand instead. There was certain vulnerability in hugging. You trusted the other completely not to overtake you when your guard was down. It was so easy to hurt someone when they offer their body so openly and willingly. Before Rin had been cautious, but the reminders of her past and the loneliness creeping over her heart made her step forward. In a blur of movement, Rin found her strides increasing in speed and in a split second she had closed the distance. Rin wrapped her arms around Kagome's neck as she was lifted off the ground. Rin closed her eyes feeling Kagome smile into her hair.

-Like otou-san.-

…With Shippou…

Shippou sat at his desk one knee pulled up on the edge and the other stretched out in front of him. He slouched in his chair and pursed his lips. He sniffled lightly too, still feeling the aftereffects of his cold. The thing just wouldn't go away. His chest still felt achy. Shippou could picture a spider-like cartoon clinging to his lungs and laughing. In his mental picture, the spider had lime green antennae and was wearing purple boots. No wonder he was laughing. Shippou grumbled to himself, well he more around groaned while attempting to say 'baka' at himself.

Shippou sighed. He really did get the stupidest ideas when he was bored. Kagome said she was going to baby sit Rin and had welcomed him along, but he declined saying he had work to do. He did too, but as soon as Shippou sat down to do it, his mind would wander and his concentration went out the door. If that wasn't enough the newest recruit into the shelter was stealing into his thoughts as well. Kishimoto Satsuki was a year his senior and went to Seikio's rival school The Shiko Academy.

Satsuki's older brother had just died leaving her alone. He was twenty three and had, at the time since their parents had both passed away early, been taking care of her. So, she was brought here. It wasn't like the normal orphanage; you actually paid a little rent to stay. Shippou, though, didn't pay anything because of this mysterious 'benefactor' of his. He always had the sinking suspicion that it was just Kagome, but the woman was never a good liar, in any instance. Even Kagome had seemed confused when he told her of this. Shippou hadn't known that he even had a benefactor at first, but then he got a letter from this secret person. It was definitely not Kagome, too formal and very masculine in the way they formed their sentences.

Shippou swiveled in his seat when someone knocked on his door. A letter was slipped under the door. Shippou waited until the soft footsteps walked away. It was Satsuki. Everyone had a chore, a job, when they lived here. Shippou had to replace the toiletries in the bathroom and Satsuki had to deliver any mail.

Shippou smiled lightly, thinking of her again. Satsuki wasn't too shy or too loud like Souten, the one who always wants to borrow his homework. Everything was a competition, but all around Souten wasn't so bad. Satsuki, though, was completely different. She was nice to talk to and they had been fast friends, but Shippou still had so many things he wanted to ask her. Maybe they could play twenty questions later, if they ever got the chance that is.

Shippou picked the envelope and immediately recognized it. The paper was thick and expensive, but the package was altogether pretty normal looking. Last time, he received a letter like this there was a bulge from the Seikio ID card, with his name on it, slipped inside. The pin had made the card rather thick and the enveloped looked rather suspicious. Shippou was certainly glad he opened it though because that began his grand beginning at Seikio Prep.

Shippou opened the letter messily. The edges of the now torn top were jagged and even some of the actual envelope was ripped. Shippou just grinned. He was never very adept at opening envelopes for some reason he'd never grasped. It seemed so simple too.

The front was blank, except for his name and address. It was personally delivered since there was no stamp and no return address. His benefactor was definitely persistent in keeping his identity secret. Why though, what could this person be hiding? What reason?

Shippou skimmed the letter and his green eyes grew wide. Apparently his questions might be answered after all. His benefactor was arranging for him to meet them for a conference.

"What…?"

This conference what-cha-ma-call-it was to discuss summer plans or something. Shippou frowned.

-Discuss my summer plans?-

He already sent in an application for an abroad studying learning program. This program was basically an opportunity to travel abroad, escorted of course and work with other students attending prep schools associated with Seikio all over the world. Shippou wanted to go to France and he was so excited to even be eligible, but now he might have to retract his essay and everything. Shippou sat back, saddened.

The letter went on to say that he would be staying at a summer villa for the entire time except when he would be traveling to fulfill his duties. Of course there wasn't any explanation on what exactly he would be doing, but the whole thing was starting to sound very apprehensive. The situation was definitely making him uneasy especially with how things were nowadays. Nothing came free and nothing came simple.

"I'll just show it to Kagome later."

…With Kikyo…

"Inuyasha, I have to talk to you."

Inuyasha turned from his seat on the couch. He glanced across the living room to see the love of his life perched on the edge of the love seat, fidgeting. Inuyasha raised his eye brows and Kikyo averted her eyes, also uncommon. Usually she wasn't so stoic and stern around him as he was around everyone else. He knew she felt she had to as the eldest daughter and heir to the Hamasaki fortune. Inuyasha never understood her in that respect. Kikyo felt she had to be perfect, but she was human too, right?

Inuyasha scooted around to the other end of the couch to be nearer to his fiancée. He nodded to her and made it a point to keep her gaze, which was hard. Her fidgeting increased and the silence reigned. That is until the proverbial dam broke. Kikyo words were quick and her tone uneven. Emotion struck her voice and made her shoulders quake, but Inuyasha noticed the serious gleam in her eyes. This was something she had to say, maybe this would explain her distance as of late.

"It was my fault…I don't know what I was thinking. It all happened so fast…" Kikyo swallowed hard.

This was so hard, so hard, but it had to be done. She couldn't live this way. Damn it all, she wasn't like Sesshoumaru. How that man kept everything inside and always appeared calm was beyond her. Maybe that was just how he was, but this was all just a fake façade to her, one that was crumbling fast.

Inuyasha frowned and attempted to get near her, but Kikyo pushed him away.

"No…don't…I can't…"

Kikyo clasped her hands tightly together in her lap.

"I came back from Europe…I left you for my family, I realize how stupid it was now, but I thought I needed to marry someone more business-oriented. So I left and I was unhappy."

Kikyo closed her eyes. Her chest hurt. It was hard to breathe. It may be a panic attack or it might be the fact that she might lose her only love because of what she was going to say, had to say.

"I saw you and Kagome together…and I know now that I was jealous, but I was…hurt…and angry. I…I feel so ashamed to be telling you this, but I have to."

Inuyasha felt very out of the loop in that moment. He knew Kikyo knew that Kagome and he had dated, but she actually saw them? Normally Inuyasha wasn't one to show his weaker side of emotions mainly because growing up with them made him a red-painted target for Sesshoumaru's more sarcastic side.

-Cynical bastard he used to be, damn- he still is, though his kid did soften his tart up a tad.-

Inuyasha shook his head with a frown. Did he just say tart? Today was certainly a strange day especially since the light drizzle had opened up, but the sun was still shining away into tomorrow.

"Inuyasha-" Kikyo paused.

Her insides turned to mush. All etiquette left her and she sat back fully into her seat leaning back. Her bangs hung down into her face and she could practically feel the grit of her dirty sins lather her skin.

"I wanted revenge, I went to Naraku. He said he'd deal with Kagome, get her out of the picture so that you would be all mine…but I didn't think he'd hurt her or kidnap her." She looked up hastily, dying the moment she did. "I didn't know they had a past. I thought he'd do the same as he did with all the other girls."

"Which is what Kikyo?" Kikyo, for the first time in her life, flinched at the tone in her lover's voice, "Tell me, I want to know."

Inuyasha gritted his teeth. His voice was harsh and nearly cruel as he bit out the words. His understanding was hopping the next train out of town and even though he could see she was regretting everything, Inuyasha was very close to raising his hand from the armrest. His fingers spread around it and his knuckles turned white with the sheer pressure he was using to restrain the primal want to smack the once pride woman cowering in her seat across from him. He'd heard from Miroku, a highly connected intern at his brother's company, about Kagome's absence. Everyone was so worried and here was the cause sitting white-faced right in front of him.

"I-I…"Kikyo shuddered; she was seriously frightened at this new side to Inuyasha, "I helped him even though I knew it wasn't right. I felt so foolish because I always held your heart. Naraku said I owed him and forced me to..." Kikyo took a deep breath and continued calmly, "sleep with him, several times."

Inuyasha's rage burned anew. His chivalrous side or at least little of it still existed, ached to scrape Naraku off the pavement into a matchbox for forcing a woman to his bed with threats. His pride though wanted to make Kikyo pay for what she did, but also rip away those memories of ever being with Naraku. The point was why she was bringing this up now. Kikyo's words were a paradox of remorse and disgust, but wholly aimed towards herself. She was telling him because her guilt was withering her resolve. Inuyasha straightened his shoulders, but remained where he was.

"I dropped a mug next to Kagome's calling card hoping to draw attention to it, but that isn't important. Inuyasha…"

"What threat did Naraku use against you?" At her blank look, "To get you to sleep with him."

Kikyo faltered, but lifted a hand to rub her forehead slightly. Her head was pounding almost as fast as her heart, or maybe that was just her heart beat reverberating, who knew?

"He said he would tell you and my father…what a disappointment I am. I was ruled by my emotions and made a grave mistake. I hurt someone I barely knew! I was jealous and vindictive…"

"And human." Inuyasha all, but growled.

"Well…of course…" Kikyo trailed off, not sure what exactly she should respond with.

"For supposedly being so much smarter than me, you are an awful dunce at times, you know that!"

Kikyo blinked.

"God Kikyo! That's human nature! Jealously, anger…but that doesn't just excuse what you did. There are so many reactions to those emotions and let's just say you chose the number one worst action to take!"

Inuyasha was shouting now. This wasn't unlike him, but there was anger and frustration in his eyes that was very real. The look she was getting was no cover for something softer he was trying to hide. Inuyasha was ticked and Kikyo found herself where she felt she deserved to be.

"Why? Why are you fucking telling me this- now! Of all times why not sooner when it was useful? Is this all to relieve your guilt?"

Part of her wanted him to hit her just so there was some physical evidence of her shame. Another side wanted to find Kagome with some way to make it up to her and yet another side wanted to just go cry. Kikyo was brought up well though and wallowing was out of the question. She stood from her chair, stumbling a bit; her knees were like jelly from witnessing Inuyasha's pure rage unleashed.

"I don't think I can ever make up for what I've done…but you know the truth now. I'm not perfect and I am…only human and as such I will try my best to repent. I'll understand if you never want to see me again."

Kikyo finished with more of an even tone that she had expected. Inuyasha licked his upper lip. Skeptical wasn't enough to describe the depth of the expression on his face.

"You'll understand if I never want to see you again? Come on Kikyo, this isn't junior high. That's not how it works, okay. I fucking love you, I love you, you hear me? Nothing you do will change that, that's why love is such a fucking pain in the ass. It isn't all giggles and holding hands…" Inuyasha made a disgusted face because that was his most hated part of the dating game, "It's yelling and conflict, but you get through it! Don't be so naïve...so you aren't perfect, so what? You don't think I loved you because you were 'Mrs. Right' did you?"

Kikyo just sat there stunned. He was showing a lot of insight. How did she miss this before? Kikyo knew Inuyasha had his moments of intelligence, but wait- did he just say he loved her? Kikyo's mouth dropped open, her confusion building.

"I love you because of everything that isn't right. It sets you apart. Like the fact that one leg is slightly longer than other or underneath your belly button there's a little extra fat."

Kikyo scowled at that part.

"Inuyasha you don't get it-"

"No Kikyo- you don't." Inuyasha ran a hand through his hair, "I can't look at you right now though…I need some time…" He put a hand between them walking back towards the door, "Apart. I would go talk to your father."

Inuyasha didn't smile or kiss her as he normally would before leaving. Then again she did just tell him she slept with another man, intentionally hurt a stranger for selfish reasons, and split open all the negativities of her soul for him to see. Kikyo buried her head in her hands. The tears fell unbidden and unnoticed. However there wasn't any self-pity in her soul only pensive considerations on how to approach the poor woman, the pure soul, she could have very well assisted in tainting.

…Um so this was to catch up with most of the main characters. I'm working on tying up all these loose ends. I'm still not certain about Rin's past, but I thought it worked alright. Oh- this last part with Kikyo- any suggestions? I was really winging it, just writing what first came to my head so I realize Kikyo was probably OOC, but I figure if she was still alive in the anime she might have a remorseful side. Well let me know...