Whoo! I'm so glad I was able to get another chapter out. Now I realized I haven't mentioned before, that I don't actually have a beta, so if there's any errors, be it spelling, or even continuance errors, please let me know, and I'll see if I can fix it, okay? Thank you all for your patience, seriously.

Also, usual disclaimer.

XIX

Elsewhere, Kikyo raged, smashing pots and throwing things around. Inuyasha sat against the wall, Tetsusaiga in hand; watching her, blankly. This wasn't the Kikyo he'd known and loved. This woman, though alive, was no longer pure of heart or soul.

Hatred marred her even now, after getting the pureness that was Kagome. Though he wondered how her hatred could still remain, he figured there were more important things to worry about. Like Kagome's life, his friends lives.

After all, he'd thought back over the past few years and realized with more shock than he'd care to admit, that he missed his friends. He missed Kagome, and even that annoying twerp, Shippo. He could only hope, for now, that Kagome was still alive.

He watched as Kikyo continued to seethe, pacing back and forth as she muttered to herself.

"Glad as I am to be alive... That girl. She was nothing but a thorn in my side... She's a threat, still. I have to get rid of her." she grumbled. Inuyasha's ear twitching was the only sign of him having heard her, but she didn't even notice. Looking to the wall, he let his mind wander once again.

Even if Kagome would never forgive him, he vowed to save her from Kikyo's plotting; whatever it took. Deciding to bide his time and play the part of Kikyo's devoted dog, he focused back on the shadow of the woman he loved and listened carefully.

At the Sky Palace

Sesshomaru and Kagome walked through the garden after lunch, Shippo snuggled happily in Kagome's right arm. Her and her mate held Rins hands, who was placed between them. Both children chattered away about all they'd done in the week or more that the adults had been gone. Though Rin hadn't decided on a place to go yet, she assured Sesshomaru that it was down to three places.

Kagome chuckled, as she glanced up to the sky. Funny that there was still a few wisps of clouds to see, even as high as they currently were. If she hadn't known Inukimi was incredibly powerful with many trinkets and friends with plenty of power themselves, she might have wondered how they have enough oxygen to function.

Her thoughts strayed to her transformation. She believed what Sesshomaru said to be the most likely explanation. After all, Inukimi was right; the Shikon no Tama is too powerful to just wish out of existence. A pure wish in every form, she supposed, thinking herself naive for assuming it would be so easy.

"Mama?" Shippo spoke up from her arm. She looked down at him, snapping from her thoughts.

"Yes, sweetie?" she asked, smiling. Shippo returned her smile, a bit of worry still swirling in his emerald eyes.

"Are you alright? You kinda zoned out." he said, putting a small hand on her cheek. She smiled and nuzzled into it.

"I'm okay, Shippo. Just thinking about the transformation." she said. His little brow furrowed.

"Are you not happy with it?" he asked, and she gently pulled her hand from Rins, sending the girl a smile before she hugged Shippo to her, cupping his cheek.

"I could not care less what I am, as long as I'm your mama." she said, and kissed his forehead before taking Rin's hand again and looking at her and Sesshomaru. "As long as I have all of you, I don't care what runs through my veins."

The three others looked upon Kagome with pride, their eyes brightening and smiles alighting their faces. She smiled back, basking in the love that was her new little family. Perhaps, soon, they could make it grow. The thought almost made her blush as she met Sesshomaru's gaze.

She took in every feature of his face, memorizing him in this moment of unguarded happiness. His smile, gracing his whole face all the way to his eyes; and those eyes, how they shone with love and happiness. His hair caught in a breeze that passed, and Kagome giggled when a sakura blossom nestled itself into the silky locks. Elegant claws plucked the flower from his hairs and he held it in front of his face to examine, his eyes keeping their light and happy tone.

He looked at her thoughtfully, and his smile turned into a smirk. She raised a brow at him, smile still fully in place. The children watched between them silently as he took the few steps to stand in front of her, reaching up with one hand to move strands of hair, and the other tucking the blossom into the hair to rest against her ear.

His face took on a satisfied grin, and she couldn't help but reach up to pull him into a kiss. His hand moved to cup her face, turning it just so to deepen it just a bit. Not too much in front of the children, of course. They pulled back with a laugh when Shippo made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. Rin giggled as Kagome let Shippo hop to the ground.

"Shippo, it's not gross, it's sweet!" the little girl said lightly. Shippo turned to her with a skeptical look.

"You weren't the one that was stuck between them." he said with a pout, causing Kagome and Rin to break into a fit of giggles.

Sesshomaru reached up, cupping Kagome's face again. Her eyes met his, and she couldn't stop the smile that rose to her face. Not that she would really try, of course. With a smile, he turned to the children, lowering to his knees so he could lean in and whisper to them. They leaned in eagerly, excited to hear what he would say.

"I have a very important mission for you two." he whispered, and Kagome giggled at their eager nods. "Go find Naoshi, and my mother. Then, use all the skills you have learned. On Jaken."

Kagome outright laughed at that, and the children nodded, as they were always keen on picking on the poor kappa. Sesshomaru held up a finger, hating them.

"Be as stealthy as possible at all times." he said quietly. Their eyes lit up at the challenge, determination setting in. Sesshomaru stood, and settled Kagome's hand in the crook of his arm in one swift motion. They watched as the children ran off, Shippo pulling in his aura tightly.

Kagome smiled brightly, her chest welling in pride with how much they both have grown; and have become so strong after everything they've been through. She couldn't help but hope that they would have peace for at least a while.

I hope you guys liked this chapter! Reviews are my life's blood, so please leave a review for me!