Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.

Authors Notes: Hi everyone; I'm back! A special thanks to, shippousangoffe, FallenStardust, sangofan89 and DemonSlayer205 for their contribution to chapter 20's success. 'Ahem… I know, I should have thanked you last time, but I was too busy trying to post before leaving.

I decided to dedicate this chapter to the family; my other characters will set this one out, but will return with a vengeance next one. Enjoy and please, review!

Volume II

Mime yori kokoro

(Heart rather than Appearance)

Chapter 21: Family Gathering

Rie slid him an inconspicuous glance as he entered the room. The monk… Miroku; he was Sango's husband and father to Suiren and Shun'ei.

They had spoken briefly as he entered the abode where his wife and children had resided for the last few years. He carried Sango from the stream, followed closely by the children, the youkai cat and laid her gently on her futon. Eyes shining, he looked lovingly down on her unconscious form, raised his hand and lightly stroked her cheek.

"Do you know our mother, Houshi-sama?" Shun'ei's voice interrupted Miroku's caress.

After what they had just witnessed, the question required an answer. Their mother's unusual behavior with a total stranger had them bemused.

Suiren and Shun'ei stood side by side, almost huddled together; their pinky fingers linked as they awaited the monk's answer. Kirara sat on the floor between the twins.

Miroku turned to his children and observed them both with pride. Sango had done well; they were compassionate and intelligent individuals. Suiren appeared antsy; she looked to him expectantly as she fidgeted with one of her ponytails. Shun'ei, however, was tense; his small body stiff and unyielding. Although he asked the question, he avoided looking into Miroku's eyes.

It seemed that, in their own way, the twins had come to their own conclusions. It also seemed that the answer would not bode well with one of them. Coming to a decision, Miroku answered.

"Yes, I know your mother," he began gently and stood to face them. Rie, who had also been watching the children, decided to intervene. Stepping into the children's line of vision, the old woman spoke to them.

"Why don't you two let us take care of your mother first, then you can ask the monk all the questions you want." Although it was said amicably, her tone implied it was not a request. The children realized this as well as Miroku.

Suiren looked disappointed, but nodded and inched closer to her brother. Shun'ei simply replied, "Yes, Oba-sama." Grabbing his sister's hand, he avoided looking at both adults as they exited the room.

It was silent after the children left and Rie turned her attentions to Sango. Placing a cover over her, the old woman began to remove the wet clothes from her body. The monk stood silently as she worked. "You could lend a hand, Houshi-dono," Rie spoke into the quiet. "It seems you're quite familiar with our Sango."

"As are you, Rie-sama," Miroku spoke and seated himself beside his wife and Kirara took position above Sango's head. Looking directly in the old woman's eyes, he asked. "You know; don't you?"

"That Suiren and Shun'ei are your children and Sango is…" the left the rest to him.

"My wife," he finished and looked adoringly down on the unconscious woman.

"A wife you haven't seen in about seven years… a wife who bore your children without your knowledge. Tell me, Houshi-dono; why didn't you look for her?" Rie tried hard to keep the accusing note from her voice.

"I didn't search for her because I believed she was dead."

Lifting Sango's upper body to assist the old woman, Miroku recounted the details of their final battle. Rie listened as she slipped the hadagi over the demon slayer's head before settling her back on the futon.

He informed her that he and Sango had fought a powerful enemy together and how he had watched her fall into the earths opening. He told her of the unsuccessful search for her and his decision to hold a memorial without a body. Everything he told her was general information; he avoided a more in-depth version until he spoke with Sango.

She, in turn, informed him how she and Akio discovered his wife's body, their discreet inquiries at the southern village and their decision not to leave her behind. She explained about Sango's memory loss and the headaches whenever she tried to remember her past. She informed him of the demon slayer's discovery of her pregnancy, the birth of the twins and their life here in the village.

"You have taken great care of her and the children, Rie-sama," Miroku smiled warmly at the old woman, "For that, I thank you."

Rie felt herself blush for the second time that day. How could Sango forget this man, everything about him was memorable. Resisting his charm, Rie asked the question that had been on her mind since she identified him.

"Why would she forget you Houshi-dono?" the old woman asked. "Were you two happy together; was it a loveless, arranged marriage of some sort? Were you a philanderer… did you neglect or beat her?"

"To be honest, Rie-sama, Sango and I both had burdens to bear that prevented a normal courtship. Ours was… 'is' not a loveless union nor was it arranged," Miroku continued. "As far as philandering… I am innocent of that since declaring my love for Sango. Neglect her… never," he said vehemently, "… and to beat her, you are joking, of course."

This time she could not help herself, Rie laughed aloud. She was beginning to like this monk; she finally saw where Suiren got her charm. Although more relaxed, she reiterated her question. "Then why… why would she forget you?"

"Has Sango ever mentioned someone called Kohaku?"

"Why yes… the little brother that died," the old woman leaned forward. "Does he have something to do with her loss of memory?"

"Sango and her brother were very close," was all Miroku said. Once again, he withheld information. He could tell her that Kohaku was alive, but decided not to say another word until he talked with his wife. He would have not been as forthcoming, but this woman had taken care of his family. Therefore, he owed her an explanation.

"That must have been very traumatic for her," Rie said sadly, remembering seven years ago. There was such raw anguish in Sango's eyes when she had spoke of Kohaku. When Akio was younger, sometimes Rie would notice Sango watching the boy with a sadness that tore at your heart. It was conceivable that her friend had not recovered from her brother's tragic death.

"Why did you stop me from telling the children that I was their father?" Miroku asked quietly.

"Shun'ei's reaction concerns me; it appears he will not be as receptive as Suiren," Rie said bluntly. "I think when you speak with them; you will need Sango's support."

"I believe you are right, Rie-sama," The monk had also noticed his son's negative vibes as he awaited an answer. "Thank you, I will heed your advice," he looked down on his wife and wondered if Shun'ei was as stubborn as his mother was.

"Those two are the same," Rie said, reading his mind as she stood. "You stay with your wife and I'll go take care of our guest."

Left alone, Miroku leaned close to Sango and made a slow appraisal. "She hasn't changed; has she, Kirara?" Miroku asked and the youkai cat meowed. Her silky hair was longer; it now reached the back of her thighs. There were a few subtle changes, however, one thing had not changed, his response to his wife.

No other woman moved him the way Sango did. He had a hunger for her that burned even when he believed her gone. No one could replace this woman in his heart, mind or his soul.

Reaching down, Miroku tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear and he felt her stir. Sango's eyes fluttered open and she slowly turned to him. The monk's heart raced as her eyes settled on him. Her brown orbs widened before closing again, her brow furrowed in concentration. Staring at him, Sango whispered softly, "Do I… know you?"

The children left their mother's room and entered the main room of their home. Akio and the young monk, Tsuneo were deep in conversation, the hanyou sat in the corner, arms folded across his chest and appeared relaxed.

Suiren headed in their direction, but Shun'ei pulled her back and steered her out of the house. Holding hands, they kept moving until they reached edge of the forest. Shun'ei finally stopped and sat in the grass and Suiren settled beside him.

"What's the matter?" the little girl asked her brother.

"Who do you think that monk is Suire-chan?" her brother asked solemnly.

"I… I don't know," she whispered.

Turning to her angrily, Shun'ei snapped. "Yes you do… you know he's our father!"

Suiren knew, but she refrained from saying because it appeared her brother was not happy about it. "Would it be so bad if he is our father, nii-chan?"

Shun'ei avoided that question; instead, he asked, "When did you know Suire-chan?"

There was no fooling her brother; he was just as attuned to her feelings as she was to his. Personally, she was happy to know their father was alive. For years, they heard the story that he had died in battle. It was Oba-sama and Akio they addressed their questions to about the absent parent. Their mother would get ill each time the subject of their father came up. Oba-sama explained that this happened because their mother had loved their father very much and still grieved. From that day forth, the twins had refrained from asking to avoid causing her pain.

"I think I knew right away, I mean… I felt something when I saw him," the little girl tried to explain. "He looks like… like…"

"He looks like you Suiren… or I guess, you look like him," Shun'ei finished. "I saw that too, but it was when he used that… that power. What did the other monk call it?"

"Spiritual energy," his sister supplied.

"Yes… spiritual energy, that's it," Shun'ei whispered. "That's when I knew, for sure, he was our father."

That the children possessed spiritual powers was their secret. Until today, they did not know what it was; they only knew it was something that their friends did not have. The twins had told no one of these strange powers, not Rie, Akio nor their mother. They did not want to appear different from the other children.

"If you believe he is our father, nii-chan, then why are you angry?" Suiren questioned.

"Where has he been, imouto-chan?" her brother sneered. "Why is he here now; what does he want from us? Just thinking of him causes mother pain. Why is that?"

Suiren had started to cry; her brother's anger was communicating itself to her. Shun'ei had been angry before, but this was different; this scared her. The little girl jumped up and, for the first time, ran from her brother.

Racing blindly into the forest, Suiren ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She was happy their father was alive and not dead as they were told, but what her brother said was also true. Had their mother and the others lied to them, but why would they? She was confused and needed to be alone to sort her feelings.

"Wait, Suire-chan!" she heard her brother call out to her as he gave chase. "I'm sorry…," he panted.

"Go away!" she spat. "Leave me alone!" she kept running and made a sharp turn as he caught up to her. He might be faster, but she could maneuver quicker.

"No Suiren!" Shun'ei panicked. "Not that way!" She either did not hear him or ignored him; his sister kept running.

He knew she was upset with him and she had every right to be. If having their father in their lives made her happy, who was he to spoil that for her? He would make it up to her, but first he had to stop her before she reached the edge of the cliff.

"Suiren, stop!" he picked up speed. He wished he had his shurikens to cut her off, but he did not. It was his luck she was tiring; as he neared, he lunged forward and grabbed the back of her yukata. They both fell and then rolled towards the edge unable to stop. Suiren screamed as they pitched forward and both children closed their eyes.

Suddenly, everything stopped. Suiren and Shun'ei opened their eyes to see their feet dangling over the cliff. Tilting their heads back, they looked to see what was holding them up.

"Damn, you two are trouble!" Inuyasha snapped and lifted the children back to solid ground. "Are ya' stupid or somethin'? Your lucky the old woman sent me to get ya'" he sniffed.

"Thank you, Inuyasha-sama," the children said in unison.

"Look at ya'!" he said. "Now I gotta take ya' back with your clothes all torn and dirty. That old ha… I mean… old woman ain't gonna like it!"

"We'll tell her it was our fault," Shun'ei said.

"Hmph! Fine with me," Inuyasha stated. "Let's go!"

"May I have a moment with my sister?" the boy asked.

Inuyasha looked down on the boy and could not resist the appeal in his eyes. "Go ahead, kid, I'll wait over there!"

Turning to his sister, Shun'ei apologized. "Forgive me Suire-chan; please… don't be sad because of me," he pleaded. "I know how much it means to you to have a father; it's something you've always dreamed about."

"Yes…" Suiren sighed dreamily, "… now he's here and he's everything I thought he'd be, except for being a monk," she laughed.

Shun'ei forced a smile in return. He wanted his sister to be happy, he wanted her dreams to come true, therefore, he would not speak against the man she called father. "Again… I'm sorry, imouto-chan," he embraced her.

"It's all right, nii-chan," she pulled back, looked tenderly at him and held up her pinky finger. Shun'ei smiled back at his sister and linked his finger with hers. "Whatever happens…" Suiren began.

"… we have each other," Shun'ei finished. Walking hand in hand, they followed behind the hanyou.

Taking a quick glance over his shoulder, Inuyasha noticed the children were quiet. They were two of the most troublesome kids he had ever met, even worst than Shippo. However, he had to admit they had spunk; other than thanking him, neither child showed any effects from their narrow escape at the cliff.

Inuyasha had overheard most of their conversation from inside the house. The little girl's sobs brought him outside just in time to see her run away. The hanyou was glad he had followed his mind and pursued the children. The outcome could have been devastating.

Shun'ei's outburst had surprised his sister; the hanyou gathered the boy's display of temper was rare. However, Inuyasha could guess what the boy was going through. How often he had wondered about his own father. He had never laid eyes the Inu no Taisho until he and Sesshomaru battled the Sou'nga, and then it was only his spirit.

To Inuyasha, young Shun'ei's anger was understandable, although not justified. With the intensity of the boy's speech, Miroku would have a tough time winning his son over. However, the monk had fought Naraku and won. He had overcome the curse of the 'Kazaana' and extended his life. He had rebuilt a village, made a man of a troubled boy and found his lost love. The kid, Shun'ei, was outmatched; he just did not know it yet. Miroku would not give up on something he wanted so badly… his family.

Speaking of family, it was time he returned home. He missed Kagome and dealing with Miroku's brats had him longing to be with his pregnant wife.

The monk seemed to have things under control for the moment, but Inuyasha had not forgotten about that Hajime guy. The issues with Sango and his children would now take precedence over this mission, therefore the hanyou felt comfortable leaving. However, he would make sure Tsuneo kept an eye on his friend until he returned.

Rie was standing outside as they approached the house. Taking in the children's appearance, she scolded them, "What have you two been up to now? First, you were soaking wet and now you're dirty all over. Is that how you plan to greet your mother?" she said, issuing them inside the house.

Looking over her shoulder, Rie mouthed her thanks. Inuyasha simply nodded and took a seat on the engawa to watch the sunset.

"Do I… know you?"

Those four words were almost his undoing. Miroku's heart plummeted as he looked at his wife. There was no guise in her manner, but her eyes appealed to him. The directness of her expression helped him decide the best course of action.

Taking her hand, he helped her to sit up and slid close. She did not pull away and he took that as a good sign. Taking a deep breath, he plunged ahead.

"Yes, Sango," he said softly, "you know me. I'm your husband."

"My husband?" she repeated as her eyes roamed his face.

"Yes," was all Miroku could muster.

Sango lowered her head as she searched her mind. She knew him and knew he was the father of her children. The similarity between Suiren and this man was no coincidence. They had the same piercing blue eyes and the slight indentation of the left cheek when they smiled.

The kitten, which had made its way into her lap, she recognized instantly. "Kirara?" she gasped. Scooping up the bundle of fur, she hugged her long time companion. "Oh… Kirara," she sighed and tears welled in her eyes.

She remembered leaving the youkai cat behind at the village the day Kohaku died. That was the last time she recalled seeing her friend; or was it. Looking again to the monk, who was her husband, she wondered why she could not recall their past.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Sango delved deeper. Scattered, disjointed images flitted through her mind, but none connected. Names, faces and voices appeared, but she could not match the identities. Suddenly, the throbbing in her head began.

"Houshi-sama…" she hissed in pain and her hands moved to the back of her skull. Kirara jumped from her lap as she sensed her mistress discomfort.

"Let me," Miroku hands replaced hers as he moved behind her and settled on his knees. "Relax, Sango; don't try to remember just yet," his voice was lulling. "Simply relax."

Lifting the weight of her hair over her shoulder, the monk began to knead the flesh at the back of her neck. He massaged the tense muscles of her shoulders and moved slowly upward. With light strokes, he followed the tender area around her ears and her temples.

The monk smiled hearing her sigh in contentment under his capable hands. Burrowing his fingers in her hair, he kneaded her scalp until she moaned aloud and arched back in gratification.

His hands felt wonderful and she melted under his touch. Her headache was long gone, but she did not have the heart to ask him to stop. She had never been pampered or catered to before, not that she could remember. He made her feel… cherished. It was not only the way he touched her, but the way he looked at her also.

However, much needed to be said between them. She reached up and covered his hands to cease his movements. Turning to him, she did not realize her eyes gleamed with undisguised passion and uncertainty.

"Houshi-sama?"

Miroku saw her lips parted in soft invitation, but also her questioning gaze. "You don't remember me… us; do you, Sango?" he asked and tightened his hold.

"Yes and yet… no," she whispered. "There are images of you, but… I can't make sense of them. I know you are the father of my children, but… are we truly married, Houshi-sama?"

"There is no doubt of that, my love," Miroku chuckled and decided to lighten the mood. "After all, you did ask me."

Sango gasped. "I did no such thing," she said pushing him away and coming to her knees. "I… I would never!"

"Oh… but you did, young woman. You seduced me most shamefully and I had no choice but to accept," he teased and emphasized with a woeful pose.

A giggled escaped Sango's lips and the sweetest laughter followed. "You are incorrigible," she folded her arms across her chest. "I now see where Suiren gets her acting abilities."

He loved to hear her laugh, even Kirara's ears perked up. However, at the mention of his daughter, Miroku turned serious again. Grabbing her hands, he asked, "Tell me about them, Sango… tell me about our children."

"Tell me something first, Houshi-sama," Sango was just as serious. "Why were we… separated?"

Rie had just finished serving the guest when Sango's laughter floated into the room. Akio sent a questioning glance to his grandmother as the twins jumped up.

"She's awake, Oba-sama!" Suiren said excited.

"May we see her now?" Shun'ei questioned.

"It sounds like she has recovered enough for company," Rie set the teapot down. "Come, children."

Although she addressed the children, the old woman turned to find Akio, Tsuneo and Inuyasha piling behind her. With a shake of her head, she slid open the shoji interrupting Sango and Miroku's discussion.

"Haha-ue!" Suiren squealed and launched herself at her mother.

Sango dropped Miroku's hands and caught her daughter before she toppled them both to the floor. The little girl then rained kisses on her mother's cheeks before settling in her lap and asking if she was well.

"Yes… Suire-chan," Sango laughed. "I was quite well until a moment ago."

"Are you sure, mother?" Shun'ei followed his sister at a slower pace and came to stand next to Sango.

"I'm sure," Sango smiled serenely at her son. The boy leaned forward, placed a kiss on her forehead and settled beside her on the futon, a distance away from the man that was his father.

Miroku watched his children interact with their mother. The old woman, Rie, was right… Shun'ei's mannerism was very much like Sango's. The boy was intense; it was almost as if he was aware of what was going on. Dismissing that thought, Miroku decided he was simply protective of his mother, as any boy would be under the circumstances. He wanted to tell the children soon and now was a good time.

"Sango… I believe we should…"

The demon slayer looked uncomfortable for a moment and then nodded in agreement. Clearing her throat Sango began to speak.

"Suiren… Shun'ei, there is something I need to tell you. Well… there is no easy way to say this, well… the monk here, ah…" she stopped, suddenly realizing she did not know his name. How could she introduce her children to 'Houshi-sama' as their father? Desperately, her eyes sought his and fortunately, he read her thoughts.

"Suiren and Shun'ei," the monk focused on his children. "My name is Miroku and… I am your father."

The room was silent. Rie and Inuyasha stood in the entryway and waited for the children's reaction. Tsuneo was in shock, but the children appeared unruffled. Suiren gazed adoringly at Miroku, however, Shun'ei looked away, but clung to Sango. Kirara's head swiveled in each direction and finally landed on Rie's grandson. Akio was not receptive to what he was hearing.

"What proof do you have?" he snapped. "Are we simply to believe what you say?"

"Akio…" his grandmother stepped forward in warning.

"Do you believe him?" her grandson turned to her.

"Yes… yes I do," Rie stood firm. She had no idea Akio would be affected this way.

"Akio-san, I'm sorry if this news has upset you, but I assure you I speak the truth," Miroku stood as he spoke.

"You're damn right I'm upset!" Akio spat. "Sango has been through enough without some itinerant monk looking to take up permanent residence!"

"Akio!" Sango slid Suiren from her lap and stood. Her head had started to pound again, but she had to intervene. "You're not being fair, there are reasons…"

"Is there a reason you could not remember his name?"

That stunned Sango. Everyone began to speak at once as she sunk back down on the futon and buried her face in her hands. She shivered as doubts penetrated her mind; maybe Akio was right. Maybe she wanted to believe.

She could hear Akio challenging the monk's explanations. She could hear Rie trying to settle things and the young monk coming to her defense. Wallowing in despair, Sango covered her ears. A name rang in her head and she called out to it… "Inuyasha," she whispered.

Rolling up his sleeves, the hanyou was trying to decide who punch out first when he heard her whimper. He looked over to Sango, who was curled into a ball as she rocked back and forth. Cutting a path through the discord, Inuyasha lifted her trembling form and carried her from the room. He did not stop there; he continued out of the house and disappeared into the forest.

Suiren and Shun'ei were huddled together as the adults continued to argue. They said nothing as the hanyou carried their mother away. Now… they got angry and marched to the middle of the ruckus with Kirara in tow.

"S-T-O-P!" Suiren screeched and all talking ceased.

The adults turned to the children; they all flushed guiltily as they remembered their presence. The twins held each other's hands as the addressed the adults.

"Houshi-sama is our father!" Suiren announced.

Akio came and knelt before her, "No one knows more than I, Suire-chan, how much you want this, but we have to have proof. Do you understand?"

The little girl nodded and looked to her brother. Shun'ei stepped forward and stated, "We have proof."

"You do?" Rie asked.

"Yes, Oba-sama," Suiren spoke. "Me and Shun'ei have the same thing that Houshi-sama has."

"What is that?" the old woman looked baffled.

The twins looked to each other again and then hand in hand they walked to Miroku. Suiren smiled at him, but Shun'ei's eyes never left his sister's.

"We kept this a secret, because we did not what to be different from our friends. But… we did not know what it was, until you used it today." With a hesitant smile, she continued. "Would you like to see, Chichi-ue?"

Miroku nodded, speechless as his daughter's endearment warmed his heart; however, nothing prepared him for what was next. He watched as the twins joined hands and feeling their aura rise, his eyes widened. The air crackled around them and a force of energy pulsated throughout the room. Everyone looked around, as the room seemed to rock in its frame. Hearing Rie's gasp, his eyes turned back to his children.

The monk stared in awe and tears threatened. Suiren and Shun'ei had formed a perfect barrier around themselves.

Inuyasha silently stood guard over her. Leaning against a tree, Sango did not cry, she only stared off in the distance at the night sky.

"Thank you," she said finally. "I know it was the cowards way out, but I needed some time to think."

"Naw… you've never been a coward, Sango," Inuyasha said gruffly.

Looking over her shoulder, she eyed the silver haired hanyou. "Inuyasha?"

"Ya' don't sound too sure about that," he stated.

"It's my memory… or what's left of it," she told him and snuggled deeper into the wrap around her shoulders. "I remember fragments of the past, but that's all."

"Are ya' sayin' ya' don't remember Miroku either?"

"I remember him… just not everything," Sango said. "I believe him when he says he's my husband and the children's father, but I can't recall our past together. Do you know about us, Inuyasha?"

The Inuyasha from seven years ago would have blurted out everything and to hell with the consequences, but not now. He knew Sango suffered from some kind of amnesia. He learned a bit about the illness during Kagome's research for a school paper.

He learned there were several forms of the illness; some sufferers recalled parts of their memory, like Sango, while other's could remember nothing at all. One thing he also learned; it was not healthy to force memories. They had medicines and treatments in Kagome's time, but here… it was best if her memory returned gradually.

"I know a lot about both of you, except for the personal stuff, but I think it's best if ya' discuss it with Miroku," Inuyasha informed her. "But, I will tell ya' this, Sango… Miroku is a good man and he loves you. That's enough to start with; don't ya' think?"

"Maybe you're right, Inuyasha, take one day at a time," Sango responded as she looked at the stars.

"Keh! I can't wait for your memory to come back," the hanyou said gruffly. "I haven't had a good sparring match in awhile. The old Sango was strong and could almost kick my butt… almost," he sniffed.

Sango stiffened and then turned to Inuyasha. "The new Sango is stronger and 'can' kick your butt!" she said with a gleam in her eye.

"Is that a challenge?" he threw at her.

"It is," the demon slayer stated emphatically and stood defiantly.

"Hah!" Inuyasha got excited. "You're on, Sango. I'll take ya' on at dawn tomorrow," he snapped. "I'm being generous cause ya' had a rough day and a coupla' kids, but I'm not goin' easy on ya'."

Sango smirked at the hanyou's over confidence. "I appreciate that, Inuyasha." Let him think she had gone soft.

"I guess we should get back before the others begin to worry," Sango turned down the path that led to her house. "I hope everything's all right," she frowned.

Inuyasha sensed her uncertainty and clamped a hand to her shoulder. "It will be, because you'll make it that way," he steered her in the direction of the house. "You're no coward, Sango, ya' never have been."

Everyone sat in the main room. Although the shock had worn off, the adults were still reeling from the children's abilities.

Rie walked over to Akio and kneeled, speaking to him in low tones. The young man lifted his head and looked over at Miroku, who was talking animatedly to his daughter. With a nod to his grandmother, he stood and walked over to the monk.

"Suire-chan," Akio addressed the little girl. "Do you mind if I have a word with your father?"

"No more fighting, please Akio-sama?" Suiren begged.

"I promise," he said with a smile.

The child looked to her father for reassurance. Miroku smiled also and said, "We will behave." With one last look between the two men, Suiren took leave and left to find Shun'ei.

Akio then turned to Miroku and gave a deep bow. "I simply wanted to apologize, Houshi-sama. The things I said were unforgivable, it's just… Sango and the children are like family to me. I was concerned for them, which is why I spoke so harshly."

"I know that, Akio-san," Miroku was sincere. "I appreciate everything you and your grandmother have done for them in my absence. Both of you have done a wonderful job in helping to raise the twins. I think they are truly exceptional, but then I am partial," Miroku laughed.

Akio laughed also and then added, "Actually, I have always thought so too, but nothing prepared me for what we just witnessed. None of us knew, I don't even think Sango knows about these powers."

"It is part of my heritage," the monk said thinking of his family line, "although I believe Suiren is the first female child to inherit the trait." In truth, his daughter was the first non-male child born in about four generations.

"Sango… is all right with your friend; isn't she?" Akio broke through Miroku's thoughts.

"Inuyasha is Sango's friend also and… yes; she's in the best hands possible."

"Shun'ei?"

The male twin sat outside on the floor of the engawa, legs folded as he stroked Kirara. The youkai cat had attached itself to the boy as he left the house for privacy. Hearing his sister's voice, Shun'ei turned to her as she stepped out of the house.

"Everyone's looking for you," she said with a smile. "Why are you out here?"

"Waiting for mother."

"Chichi-ue says she's fine with Inuyasha-sama," Suiren said with assurance. "He'll bring her back when she's feeling better."

Shun'ei did not respond to that, he simply kept his eyes glued to the forest. He had promised not to spoil Suiren's happiness, so it was best to stay quiet.

"He's really nice; you should give him a chance, nii-chan," the little girl pleaded and Kirara meowed in agreement. "He wants to show us how to use our powers. He says we are strong, but undis… uh… undis…"

"Undisciplined," her brother provided.

"Yeah, that's it!" Suiren piped in. "Chichi-ue says we'll start early in the morning!"

With a smirk, Shun'ei knew there were chores in the morning. To combine his duties with Suiren's would keep him busy enough to avoid any lessons. If it came to it, he could always go to the teahouse.

"… good to know this energy we have is not bad," Shun'ei realized Suiren was still speaking. "We were worried for nothing," the little girl laughed.

Suddenly, Kirara's ears perked up; Shun'ei stood and stepped from the engawa. Looking into the forest, he saw his mother and the hanyou coming towards the house. The boy walked slowly to greet her with the youkai cat on his shoulder. Neither spoke, Shun'ei asked after her with his eyes and Sango answered with her own that she was well. The boy smiled then, but it disappeared when he heard Miroku's concerned voice.

"Sango… are you all right?"

"Yes, Houshi-sama," Sango said tiredly. "I'm fine."

The demon slayer was then surrounded, everyone was concerned as they ushered her into the house and back to her futon. Rie arranged to put Inuyasha and Tsuneo up at the teahouse to give the family some bonding time. The hanyou refused, of course; said the tree outside was good enough for him.

Soon after, Rie, Akio and Tsuneo left for the village. Inuyasha took to the tree for slumber. Shun'ei was already asleep when Miroku was finally able to put the energetic Suiren to bed. Once the house was quiet, the monk finally returned to Sango's side.

Miroku smiled into the darkness. Sango was curled in a fetal position with Kirara snuggled next to her; he knew she feigned sleep, just as Shun'ei had. It had been a rough day for them all. He had discovered his wife was alive, found out he had fathered two children with strong spiritual energy and realized he had not been this happy in awhile.

His goal was now to finish this business with the Gekokujo talks and return home with his family. Once there, maybe Sango's memory would return. Tonight he had planned to tell her that Kohaku was alive, but that would have to wait until morning.

He leaned against the wall with his shakujou across his lap and looked in her direction. Her body was tense as she strained to keep up the pretense. Did she actually think he would pounce on her? Kami… he wanted to. It had been seven long, lonesome years without her, but it was too soon. He would wait until she was ready.

"Rest, aisai," he whispered into the room, "we have all the time in the world."

To be continued…

chichi-ue – one's own father

imouto-chan – endearment for little sister