SOTA

After she came from California my sister was the happiest I had ever seen her. She never knew but Sesshomaru had asked me for her hand in marriage, I was only eight at the time so I really didn't understand why he would ask me. But he said that because I was the only other man in her life that it was my job to look after her and that it was the respectful thing to do. Even after that explanation I didn't get it, even now- ten years later, I still don't get it because she was always the one looking after me. Still I was always happy that I got to say yes and be apart of that moment in my sisters life. She deserved it.

They got married and she's never had those same worried expression that she used to have when she came to visit me. I still don't know what exactly happened while she was away in California but I know it was for us so I never asked. I was just happy she came back alive after what happened. Over the last ten years she had a few episodes but nothing that a day of rest didn't fix.

For the most part she helped Kikyo teach and take care of the children, among them were my two nephews and one niece. Some of the kids were my age so Kagome decided to celebrate our going off of college all at once. This was the day my life was turned upside down.

Friends and family had all gathered, including Sango, Miroku and their five children. Every one was having a good time, but Kagome was acting odd. After what happened in California I had kept a careful eye on her as a grew up. I knew all her mannerisms and all her moods.

"Hey sis, you okay?" I sat next to her tired frame.

"Of course." She smiled. "Just a bit sore," She rotated her left arm "I think I slept wrong." She took in a shaky breath.

"Right." I had to take a moment to look out at everyone "Who would have thought it would have gone from the two of us in that little apartment to this." There was easily a hundred people there to help us celebrate.

"It's been quite the ride." She laughed.

"Sis, I want to say thank you." She looked at me like I was crazy. "I don't know what you did to get us here, and I know you've kept it from me all these years to protect me. So thank you." Maybe I was just having a moment because I was leaving home, but for the better part of our lives we were all each other had.

"I love you Sota." Okay now maybe she took it too far.

"Alright that moment is over." I laughed.

"Hey Kagome!" Sango came over cheery as always and they began talking about girl stuff. The rest of the day went on like normal, as normal as it could be with the number of people we had. We had a time when gifts were exchanged, lunch was had, and pictures were taken. This was what I thought my going away party would be, until I heard Sesshomaru say my sister name.

"Sota!" When he called my name I felt my heart drop. I had to push through everyone to get to him and my sister.

"No!" It was all I could say as I knelt next to them. "You're gonna be okay." I grabbed her hand, but it was so cold, her skin was getting paler by the second. "Some one call the doctor!" I couldn't believe people were just standing around! "Sis look at me, please." After everything she had done for me, and still I can't do anything for her. This feeling was not one that I liked.

"Be...strong..Sota.." She put her hand to the side of my face and all I could do was cry. Part of me knew that this episode was different, she knew it was different. So when she closed her eyes my world fell to pieces.

"Daddy, why is mommy asleep out here?" The kids had all been on the other side of the lawn in the bounce house.

"Sota." I heard Sesshomaru call my name but I couldn't move. "Sota." His voice was a bit more stern. "I need you take her." The look on his face made me feel horrible. Yeah she was my sister, but she was his wife and now he had to explain to their children that mommy won't be waking up. That brought back memories I had always kept buried away so I took Kagome's body from him. Looking at her lifeless in my arms I did the only thing that came to mind-I sung the song she sung to me after mom died.

A few days went by and it was time for the funeral. Looking in the mirror at my black suite and tie my heart sank deeper than it had been the past few days. I always thought I would be older when I wore something like this. Sesshomaru had asked me to give a speech and at first I had declined because I didn't think I would be able to speak about my sister like she was gone, but she had changed my mind. While going through some of our things I found a letter that had to be shared. So I did the speech.

"My sister was everything to me, she was the only family I had left until I met the Sesshomaru. Before she died she asked me to be strong and never give up. She made me promise her this, and I intend to keep my promise to her. I have a letter her that she wrote a long time ago."

"Sota, If you are reading this then I have probably died. I put the letter in this box because I knew that if I died you would want to look through family photos, you did the same thing when mom died. I don't know when you will read this but I have some things that I want you to tell the people most important to me.

To every one who came from my father's, though I would like to offer words of wisdom to each of you individually but I simply cannot. I can however give all of you once piece of advice that you can all take with you, no matter where your path in life takes you. And that piece of advice is simply to live your life. Don't let any one else hold you back or limit what you can do in life, and never forget that you aren't alone. You had each other back then and you have each other now, your blood family may be gone but you are a family in your own right.

To the best friend a girl could ask for, Sango. You were there through thick and thin, always helping me up when I fell, or if I had a wardrobe crisis. Your friendship means a lot to me, you are the sister that I could depend on to take care of me when I needed it most. I wish you and Miroku a happy life together filled with as many kids as you two can stand. And I'll be watching over you so Miroku you'd better keep your eyes on Sango only.

Izaiyo and Taiysho, you were there for me when I needed anything and I thank you. You were the parents that I needed most during this time of my life. I will be sure to tell Inuyasha that you love him.

To my little brother Sota, I know it is taking a lot of courage for you to read this letter but I knew I could count on you. I want you to know that I'm sorry I could not always get you what you wanted, but now I know you are in good hands. And no matter how grown up you get I'll always be there singing to you on those nights you can't sleep. Listen closely to your heart and you will hear me. I may not get to meet the first girl you fall in love with, I may not be there to watch you get married or have kids of your own but I will be here with mom watching over you.

To my dear children- I say children because there is no greater gift than family so I know I will have more than one child, I love you. I'm not sure how old you will be when your uncle has to read this to you but you will never be too old for me to say I love you. If you are young I am sorry I left you so early, if you are older then I hope I have gotten to see as much of your life as possible. I only ask you to treasure three things in life, one is your father. He can be stubborn at times and may forget to show it, but he loves us with all he has so be patient with him. The second thing is each other. You are sibling, if you can't trust anyone you should be able to trust in each other. Encourage and lift each other because together you are stronger. And the third is the power of true love, because it was from true love you were made.

And to Sesshomaru, the love of my life and the man of my dreams. We have been through so much and I want you to know I still don't regret any of it. I wish this was not the way I had to leave you, but it is what it is and I am content with that. I only hope you are as well. Don't forget I will always be with you, in every sunrise and sunset. I love you."