Kagome, Sango and Miroku followed a very quiet Inuyasha to the koi pond. They sat on the bench waiting for him to speak.
"I left to go in search of Myoga and Totosai. I needed to confirm some stuff about my father." Handing the scroll to Miroku. "This is his last will….a copy of it."
The trio quietly read the scroll.
"Did you get the answers you seek?" Miroku asked.
"Yeah I did." Taking a seat beneath a tree.
"So…what does this mean?" Sango questioned.
"I would fulfill my promise to collect the jewel shards and defeat Naraku. I'm not abandoning you guys."
Kagome took the scroll and read it over once more. "Are you sure about this Inuyasha? I mean you know nothing about the western lands and you will be sacrificing yourself including your happiness, freedom…"
"Sacrificing myself to ensure these lands will be at peace. I've seen the future Kagome. There are no demons or hanyous as far as we know. I can't let us all disappear. If it means to form an alliance with Sesshomaru and his mother, I will do it. It's for all our futures."
"What can I do to help you? I'm not letting you do this by yourself." Kagome moved to sit next to Inuyasha.
"Let's focus on the jewel shards and Naraku, then we go from there." Looking at her with renewed determination.
"What about us? We are going to help too! You're our friend!" Sango spoke up. "Right Miroku?"
"That's correct. We will be with you Inuyasha but I agree for now our focus is finding the shards and defeating Naruku." Standing up "I'm sure you will need to speak to Lord Sesshomaru about your decision and you need to rest."
Sango stood up "yes get some sleep Inuyasha. Tomorrow we can discuss our next plan of action."
"Go ahead guys. I'm gonna stay with Inuyasha for a bit." Kagome spoke up.
After bidding good night, Kagome and Inuyasha remained beneath the tree staring up at the stars.
"Inuyasha, you seem different, like a changed man." Kagome leaned on his shoulder, "I can't fully explain it."
Resting his head on hers "I think I matured and I got responsibilities now."
They sat quietly for some time. "So what's been going on between you and Sesshomaru? You and him have been getting close."
"Are you jealous Inuyasha?" Kagome giggles "there is nothing between him and I. We get along and share common interests."
"I ain't jealous!" Raising his voice "I just don't like it."
"Don't you think it's time you and him got along. With our combined efforts we can gather the shards quicker and have more allies to fight Naraku." she suggested.
"I guess but he needs to know his boundaries with you! Ok!"
Pulling away from him "Inuyasha! You can't tell me who to be friends with! I do not have a boyfriend or intended mate! I have nothing to hide or sneak around like some people do!" Getting up to walk away.
"I didn't mean it like that Kagome! Don't be mad! I care about you and don't want you to get hurt!" Reaching for her hand.
Snapping back "really! Only now you care about me and don't want me hurt! How am I supposed to feel when you said you liked me as much as I do for you and then you go screw around with Kikyo!"
"I'm sorry Kagome! It wasn't like that! I was telling Kikyo that I wanted to be with you and she only asked me to kiss her goodbye! You gotta believe me! Look, she hasn't been around at all since that day!"
"You broke me and hurt me! I'm done talking about this! Good night!" Huffing off with tears to her room.
'I'm so stupid! I should have told her I was going to tell Kikyo that I wanted to be with Kagome but I didn't think! Now Kagome doesn't want me like that. I'm gonna prove it to her. No one will get in my way. Not even you big brother.'
The next morning Inuyasha, Sesshomaru and Lady Mikazuki were in the study before the others awoke.
"Let's cut to the chase." Sipping from her porcelain tea cup "what is your decision Inuyasha?"
"I will honor fathers will. I will rule the western lands as his second son beside Sesshomaru and bring forth his ideals and visions for peace. I will inherit his title of general." Inuyasha spoke proudly "but not until I fulfill my promise with my friends in collecting the jewel shards and defeating Naraku."
Raising her eyebrow and smiling "well that is good news! Once you have fulfilled your promise, you will return here and take your rightful place. Any objections, Sesshomaru?"
Stepping forward to face his brother "once you pledge your allegiance to this one and the western lands, you are free to fulfill your promises. Once you return, we as brothers have much to do." Smirking "you may leave after the ceremony."
"What ceremony!" Inuyasha asked with shock.
"You will be presented to the council and will take your pledge in front of them."
"Why do I have to do that? I don't need any formalities!"
"Yes, you do need to be presented formally as Touga's second son and once your pledge is made, you will have many allies to fight along your side." Lady Mikazuki spoke softly. "And gained many more enemies. Unfortunately that is how it works. Your friends will be officially recognized as your pack."
Groaning in annoyance "I have no choice. How soon can this be done?"
"Within a week. In the meantime, rest and train as you and your pack will need it. Once we leave, it will be to defeat Naraku." Sesshomaru took a seat at his desk.
"Wait! You're coming with us?"
"Yes, so that we can get back to matters that have been left unattended for too long. Mother will oversee the lands in my absence."
"Fine. I'm gonna talk to the others and let them know what's going on." Stopping at the door "one more thing, keep away from my Kagome. She will be my mate once all of this is over."
"Did Kagome agree to that or are you making a claim over her because you are jealous of me?" Smiling sinisterly.
Inuyasha grew upset "I will win her back and prove myself to her!"
"In the end, it will be her choice who she chooses?"
"What ya mean by that! There is only me! No other will have her!" Slamming the door behind him.
"My son, what was that all about? I've never seen you show interest in a female?" Sipping on her tea.
"Mother, I will not indulge you. If you are finished, please see to Rin." Opening a scroll to read and ignoring his mother.
"Just like your father. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. In this case, both apples!" As she giggled leaving the study.
