Chapter 11

It's done

Kasumi's POV

Sora placed a blanket around my shoulders; it was what shook me from my trance. I felt his warmth as he sat beside me, I leaned against him.

"Do you think they're okay?" I uttered.

He placed his arm around me, "I do" he answered and he sounded sure…it was a great comfort, even still.

"I want them all back safely, my parents, my sister, my uncle…all of them!" I said desperately.

"Even Takara?" Sora asked, "you seemed so angry with her…I even sensed a storm approaching outside."

"Of course even Takara!" I insisted, "I love her as I love the other wives of my brothers…like a sister, she is as dear to me as Kotone is. But when I discovered that she had kept so much from us, after all we have been through…I felt betrayed. But I have to remember what she said to Katashi…that deception is part of a Tenshi's nature, that she is ruthless in her devotion to this family…so much so that she would deceive us in order to help us…"

I recalled the reaction of my brothers and me…a storm did brew outside on my part….Katashi was aflame and the lingering fires in the torches grew, Katsu shook the cave slightly and formed cracks, had he lost all control he could have crumbled this entire cave upon us. Kenta…I heard the water in the cave was quack and some spill from the cracks that Katsu had created, any moment the water would have burst through and we'd have drowned in Kenta's grief. Yoshi…for the first time I saw his true human age….he looked forty six, he actually seemed to age even more. His reaction whenever he was truly struck with grief was to turn to stone….this was something he had learned from watching father.

So many thoughts were going through my mind, I snuggled closer to Sora, "do you think she's in the underworld? Our golden egg"

His lips rested on my head, "no my spring breeze, she was a creature of mythology, something made of magic and wonderment…our Tenma dwells in heaven with other such creatures , she is growing there and looking down upon us, loving us every minute of her life on high."

A tear fell from my eyes, he always knew what to say…it's because he knew me so well, since the moment I was born. Due to his previous blindness he knew the sound my footsteps and the temperature of my breath…the smell of my hair and every inch of my heart.

"I have been so cruel to you" I uttered.

"Only because life has been so cruel to you."

I shook my head, "no…it hasn't, I had a tragedy and it has left a scar…but I have had a good life…it has been kind. My family….you and our son, our home together….I've lived well, I've lived happily and whatever the outcome of today, I will go on doing so in the memory of all the people…who have made my life so."

We sat in silence for a moment, I looked around, we were all sitting ducks…none of us knew what to do…all of us retreating then into the comforts of our mates… well aside from Katashi, he was sitting with Yoshi and Airi, both of them assuring him that his wife was safe.

Hiro came into view, he and his father the chief were consoling Ayame. When I saw him I recalled how he knew something of the golden egg…Takara had said something to him and I had to know what that is.

I excused myself from Sora, assuring I would be back presently. I approached Hiro and laid my hand on his shoulder.

When he looked to me I spoke "Hiro…if I could have a moment," and with that he followed me to somewhere quieter.

"What is it lady Kasumi?" he asked quietly, he was worried….sad…I can understand why, he lost his brother, when he got him back at the sacrifice of his former bride, who he cared for as a sister…now they were both in the underworld…fighting for each other, but who was fighting for him?

I couldn't think of this right now, I had to ask him, "What did my sister-in-law tell you? What is your connection to my golden egg?"

He didn't look at me as he answered, "I didn't know the gold egg….was a reference to your child. By the way, I'm very sorry for your predicament…I'm sorry for your loss. Takara told me…that I still had a purpose for with your family….I am…apparently…to wed the golden egg."

My eyes went wide and I near swooned, luckily Hiro steadied me. "Lady Kasumi, are you alright?" He asked.

I nodded and took in a deep breath, "my child…lived within me briefly….she died there too, what game is this? You can't marry the dead…I don't understand!" I was again becoming emotional.

"I didn't mean to upset you, especially now…we're all so very tense right now, I'm not sure what she meant" he said, he looked very concerned.

I dried my tears, "no…don't be sorry, it's just such a painful subject for my husband and I. Her name was Tenma…"

Hiro smiled, "Tenma…it mean Pegasus…a mythological creature of flight…beautiful, I'm sure she would have been too. I don't know what Takara meant, but I would give anything to give you and Sora your golden egg, and I want you know…I'm forever your ally now."

I nodded "thank you, Hiro…You're very kind."

I again observed him, he would have been a wonderful husband to Kotone, but it was undeniable that she belonged with Kei, just as mother belonged with father and I with Sora. Still, he would make a woman very happy…that much was true and I could tell that this man was going to be a part of our lives forever…somehow.

Yoshi's POV

Our hands clasped together so tightly, our parents were in the underworld, hers and mine…though mine had the chance to return, along with my sister and uncle.

Memories were creeping into my mind as I looked upon the remainder of my siblings, there was time I had not known them, there was a time I was nothing more than an ugly peasant boy, abandoned by his birth mother and abused by the other children. All I had was mother…then father came into our lives, he was figure in white, he glowed like a full moon…and he shone upon us and my life changed forever.

Airi leaned her head against me, "they have no idea…do they" she stated, "They all grew up in a beautiful palace, living a life of luxury. All their lives they have known your mother as the immortal human queen of the western lands, they have no idea what the true colour of her eyes are…what she looked like as a mortal. You were there the day she was reborn and connected to Sesshomaru."

I nodded, "I'll never forget that day….that night…I wasn't allowed to see her while she was ill, I was so young and didn't understand why mother would get up…why she was so pale, why she shivered when her skin was boiling hot. I came to her the next day…she looked so different, but I knew when she smiled…that it was truly her…mother has a very distinct smile. She was covered in red….she told me it was paint…looking back I of course realise it was her blood…and his, the stranger that lay next to her. Even then when I looked at Sesshomaru for the first time, I knew…I knew….he was the only man who I could call father."

Airi kissed my cheek, "we are getting old now my love…but your family are still so young, do you regret not becoming a demon? Do you regret surpassing the chance to have the vile for yourself?"

I smiled and kissed her hair, "Growing old with you…makes me so glad to be mortal."

She kissed my lips, "it's all coming to an end…this era…a new one is to begin…shall we tell the others?"

I shook my head, "no, they will see for themselves soon enough, for now Airi…stay this way with me…"

She did just so, the daughter of Monk Miroku and Demon slayer Sango, wed the adopted son of Lord Sesshomaru and lady Rin, who could have predicted this all those many years ago?

"I fear for our daughter" she uttered, "Aya…she may endure the pain that Inuyasha has…she loves Shippo and their children, but they are doomed to lose her to old age. I saw the affect this had on Mana and Kioshi too, our grandchildren will feel that pain as they did, what will we do then?"

I sighed, "We will be long gone before then…it'll be up to Shippo to do what's right"

Airi nodded, "Yoshi….in four years' time, I want you to hand your domain to our eldest son…Arata. Then I want us to live together in the hut I was born in and grew up in…the one my father and Inuyasha somehow built with their own hands…I want us to live simply in the village where we first met, where you claimed me from…no servants, no luxuries….just us, old and humble…still make daisy chains and playing hide and seek in the nearby forest…that's what I've always dreamt of."

I took her hand, "Yes Airi…it is my duty…and honour, as your husband to make all your dreams come true." Also I truly believe that is what my parents, my mother in particular, would want for me. Airi had always been so young and tender at heart, the simple life suited her far more. I had been raised in Sesshomaru's world since two and I was grateful to him, but now that the end of this era was coming, it was time for another to begin.

She smiled contently, "I'm so glad, I do love you"

"Even though I'm sometimes a poopy head?"

She giggled, "of course, even then…you're my favourite poopy head."

It felt strange, she and I out of everyone was so content with what was going on. Though we were worried everyone else was terrified. I suppose because we are human, we mature faster than demon offspring, emotionally anyway. I trusted that Takara would make all of this right in some way, I had to believe that. Mother had always prepared me, her "little prince" for a day like this. They all know my mother as the incredible and beautiful immortal…I knew her when she was a young, barefooted peasant girl, raising an orphaned prince, I'm surprised at the many twists and turns our lives have taken and has lead us to where we are now. I regret nothing…nothing.

Inuyasha's POV

-Flashback-

I stood by the grave of Kagome, I buried her next to my mother…as I laid down the flowers, I uttered, "Come back one more time…come back and see me one last time…"

-End of flashback

"Inuyasha! Behind you! Sit Boy!" Kagome yelled and shot her arrow, she struck the demon that crept behind me as I plunged face first into the dirt.

"What the hell Kagome!" I yelled.

"They want your life force; if they get you they'll suck the life from you! Tessaiga will not work in the underworld…we have to rely on my arrows."

I nodded, "Got it! Get on my back!"

She jumped on and we soared down the pathway of the underworld. She shot the demons that came at me.

"Hit the mark!" she commanded her arrow and sure enough it hit straight and true…she could give the arrow maids a run for their money.

We paused for breath, well…I did, Kagome no longer had breath. "Why didn't you ever come back?" I asked, "As a ghost or something…why didn't you come visit me? Tell me the truth if I could find some way to bring you back from the dead…would you take it?"

She looked so sad, "Inuyasha, it's not as easy as that…. But I've always watched over you…over our children and grandchildren…but to be honest, I could come to earth as a spirit…because…I'm happy here. Ghosts have unfinished business, they are tortured souls clinging to the life they had. I couldn't return because I had no unfinished business, I'm at peace. Also, as the years go by, one day I'll get to see my own birth and Sota's, I'll get to watch over the family I left in the future, I'll see Sota grow up and get married, I'll see if my mom ever found love again, then they'll join me too, I've been waiting for you Inuyasha, waiting for you to come to me."

How could I argue? She wasn't done, "Sango and Miroku have too…and we did visit, in your dreams…I told you to come and find us when you're ready, but only you can decide when that is. Anyway…we have to find our niece, we're close by…I sense it."

We headed into the dark together; we'd always face the darkness together.

Kei's POV

-Flashback-

"K! Seriously, just leave me alone…it's my day off, go bother your other bodyguards" I complained, I was walking really quickly, too quickly for her, she was running alongside me. She was twelve years old now and still such a pain.

She grabbed my arm and scorched me with a basilisk's glare, "is that all you are?" she confronted, "my bodyguard? I thought we were friends! Friends stick together…they spend time with each other! All I want is to show you a song I composed, I used a different instrument this time…it's called a piano…father had it sent from the west side of the world! I already know how to play it…please come listen…this isn't a commandment from your princess…it's a request from your friend!"

Dammit! Why do her eyes have to glitter like that when she begs! Kotone hardly ever begs! "Fine K! I'll come hear you play!"

I listened to her all afternoon…I was lost in another world…a world her music had created, the magic that was dredged from the deep depths of her soul. Only earlier that day I had watched her practice with her blades…now those lethal hands of hers became poised and danced across the ebony and ivory keys. That was the best way to describe Kotone, lovely and lethal…made of courage, strength and mercy.

Once she was done, I shocked her by requesting that she play her flute for me, she did so and I will always remember that haunting melody.

Damn K, once again…you've confused me.

I listened and listened and she played on without complaint. Kotone the played the harp for me and I thought I was in heaven.

"This is one I wrote for you Kei" It was then she played Ehru…a violin string instrument her brother Yoshi had sent to her from China. The Ehru…it was like the sound was paving a bridge to heaven and I was crossing it with her. I don't know when I fell asleep, but when I woke up there was a blanket over me.

Kotone was on her window seat admiring the view, the sun shining upon her and the breeze in her raven hair. Abyss was resting with her, his head there on her lap while she absentmindedly stroked his fur. When she noticed I was awake she smiled.

"It's about time you woke up" she said pleasantly, "I was getting so bored I was about to shove my Ehru stick up your nose." She gestured to the weapon in hand.

My smile fell when she said that, that was until she started laughing…her laugh was so infectious…I couldn't help but join in. this was the best way to spend my day off.

-End of Flashback-

"That sound…" I breathed, I held to Kotone's ashes, the haunting melody she once played for me in her chambers…that Ehru, it came sweeping in, as gentle as her touch. "It's her music…she played this for me once."

Inu No Taisho, he ignored it and walked straight on, the demons of the underworld recoiled from him and dared not attack me as long as I walked with him.

A pathway appeared to the right of me; it lit up with a silver light…the sounds was coming from that direction. a wind blew…it carried her smell.

"She's down there!" I informed her grandfather; I outstretched my arm….I near gasped when I heard her giggle. "She is! Kotone is down there!"

I moved towards the other path, a green luminous whip spun around my ankle and pull me back. It was the same whip technique Sesshomaru had.

But it wasn't Sesshomaru stopping me; it was his father, "so that's where Sesshomaru got it from." I muttered as I rubbed the back of my head.

"My granddaughter is not in that direction. You must allow your grief and eagerness to cloud your judgment, the demons of the underworld intend to lure you away from my protection, they do not like your intentions of saving Kotone."

I nodded, "Okay…Lord Taisho…I'm sorry, if it wasn't for me…Kotone would still be alive, she gave up her life, so that I could live."

I looked down at the satchel, I had all that was currently left of her in my hands and it hurt more than anything.

To my shock, he smiled at me, "I've seen her through the many mirrors of this realm, in the kingdom I created…everyone misses something all of us here see so clearly…Kotone is a blend of her parents…however, out of all my grandchildren, she is most like me…at least she will be, once she is fully fledged. Now…follow on, we are close…"

Sesshomaru's POV

"Get down Rin!" I ordered, she ducked in to my arms, I slashed at them with my venomous claws, Tensaiga was quaking in it scabbard, it sensed the dead longing to be revived, I would not save these souls…they deserved what they were getting!

I leapt up, carrying Rin with me and took down another, they are persistent…too persistent, I can fight them off…but if they separate Rin from me…they'll drain her…if so at least I'll die with her, but we can't die until Kotone lives! Rin knew all this too.

An old voice croaked in our heads, instantly we recognised it as Kaede, "the bond between ye both has not waned… you have gotten stronger"

Rin's eyes were wide "Keade…" it was strange, though the voice was old…Keade was nothing more than a child by appearance it was an crones voice resounding from the throat of a little girl with both eyes healed. Her little hands took Rin's.

" ….the eternal bond has transformed you both" she continued, "the Tenshi Takara was right…life must pay for life…to save Rin and bind her to you…the two of ye had to be reborn….you had to become truly merged, truly one person. In order to become that one person you had to let one halves of yourselves die…slowly Sesshomaru's anger and cruelty vanished, and Rin's naivety and ignorance did too. The death of the cruel Sesshomaru was many years before the bond, when he bought Rin back from the dead the first time, his cruel and bitter half died to bring her back. You two are so conjoined emotionally and mentally that now one cannot live without the other…Sesshomaru is the body and Rin the soul."

With both eyes healed the former priestess peered up at me, "you have both come along way, you have endured so much…the time to rest is near." With that she began walking away.

Rin outstretched her arm, "Keade wait!" she was too late, Kikyo appeared and took her little sister by the hand and they walked away into a bright light.

My arm rested on my wife's shoulder, "Rin" I spoke.

"She was the one who raised me….she was like my grandmother…she bound me to you…you're the reason I never feared demons, Keade is the reason I allowed myself to trust in humans again. Her kindness gave me the strength to adopt Yoshi as my own, she taught me the sweetness that is laced in tragedy…."

Her sadness and longing gripped at my heart….I was am the body and Rin the soul…together we are one. The priestess was correct…truth is…I Sesshomaru died long ago…it was not a sad death and I did not grieve for the former me, I took all his strength with me and put it to use, I am greater than he because I learned compassion and tolerance.

Something struck me like a knife…cold, sharp realisation…I don't hate humans…I love them! As though reading my thought Rin turned to me with a small gasp. The shock vanished from her face and she smiled and took my hand.

"I'll never forget the coldness of that blade that you drove into my heart….I'll never forget the warmth of your blood covering me…something so beautiful was born from something so violent. It is the same for Kotone and Kei now…let's hope that they're bond will be as strong as ours." Rin spoke as we wandered down the path.

A strong wind was blowing, so strong that it swept Rin up, I leapt up and grabbed her, "Stay close" I ordered, she nodded, arm in arm, one foot at a time we charged against the strong wind current.

It carried upon it shards of glass, I covered Rin's face, but she still winced in pain and my face and hands were scratched.

They can't stop us…Rin and I will get our daughter back! Even though she was in pain she gritted her teeth with determination.

A light appeared before us, it was almost blinding, from it resounded Kotone's giggle, not as the full grown woman she had become…it was hers as a child. Soon after, she appeared in that very form, now older than six years old…her hair so long and her feet bare…she had always refused to wear shoes at that age.

She smiled at us playfully and turned to towards the light.

"Kotone!" Rin screamed after her.

Kotone giggled and started running, "this way mama!" she called back, "I'm over here daddy!" laughing and skipping she was consumed by the white light, which Rin and I swiftly leapt into.

Surrounding us were stars and swirls of mist, we soared through till our feet touched ground and we were standing in darkness.

Torches the colour of gold lit up and there on a stone bed pillowed by white and yellow flowers, laid an almost transparent Kotone, glowing a radiant gold light. She appeared to be her age, nineteen…the same age her mother was when I married her and adopted a child with her. Kotone looked as though she was lost in a peaceful and magical dream. This was Kotone…her spirit, her soul without the shell. Her hair was still black as night but one long streak of white in her hair across the right side of her face and it tipped the ends of her hair. She had the same markings as me, her ears pointed sharply, the music note on her forhead was gone, she had the same crescent moon as I. Still despite the slight differences to her appearance, Rin and I knew that she was Kotone, in her truest and most beautiful form.

Our path lead straight to her, but two more appeared, one on the left and one on the right, each leading to her.

On the left stood my brother and his deceased mate, she had the same glow as Kotone. On the right was Kei, holding her remains…to my utter shock, my father stood with him.

Sensing and feeling my anguish and confusion Rin stood close, she did not touch me but feeling her so near gave me comfort.

Father looked to both me and Inuyasha with a knowing smile, Kei just stared at where Kotone laid clinging to her ashes.

"Father" I heard Inuyasha breathe.

"My sons…it is good to see you both" he told us. "It's time you met two friends of mine"

A wind blew in and two shadows stood behind Kotone….when the smoke cleared there was Takara, shining an glimmering, beside her was a cloaked figure.

"He is not the guardian I recall" I spoke up.

Takara smiled, "no…this one is dedicated to the good souls who have a chance of life" she paused and turned to my father, "it is good to see you again Lord Inu Taisho, I trust Izayoi and your kingdom are faring well?"

He bowed his head respectfully, "very well...I trust you still remain a good wife to my grandson and loyal to all our family?"

"Epically so my Lord" she responded,

"You know each other?" Rin inquired.

Takara frowned as though she didn't understand why it was a question, "of course" she replied, "I have watched over your family, since the day Katashi was born I felt a connection with him and I wondered into the underworld to meet his grandfather. But anyway…we have far more important things to be concerned with" she looked to Kei, "Kei, open the satchel…release her."

He did as he was told and released Kotone's ashes to the wind, the silver flakes moved through the air and all clung to Kotone, they made her solid, the soul was back in her shell.

The guardian raised her up and with a deep voice he said "to ignite the flame of her soul…a life must be given…to bring her back…one of the living must die."

Before I could speak, Kei resounded…his voice echoing, "I will do it! I will give me life for Kotone."

"No Kei" Rin refused, she spoke for both of us. "We gave her life and we shall renew it here today….my Lord and I together as is destiny."

I nodded, "You will not take my place in this matter boy…this is a parent's duty…you will not interfere. Our duty is to give her life and yours is to maintain it once we have passed on"

Kei frowned, "I don't understand…she needs you."

To my irritation, the dead priestess spoke…she was always so interfering, I kept quiet for Rin who adored her as a friend. "What he's trying to tell you in his own way, Kei, is that he accepts you and who you are to his little girl. You are the only one he trusts to guard her and protect her, besides, Kotone gave her life for you….if you again die for her then it's all in vain."

Rin softened her face, "she needs you Kei…if only you could have seen her when you died…she became a shadow." She then faced Takara, we held hands, "Takara…I'm sorry that for even a moment, I doubted your loyalty to this family. I'm glad we have you…I know in my heart that now all my children are safe, they have found the people they belong with…I know my Lord and I can be at peace."

Takara's eyes were filled with blue, "You are the closest thing I've had to parents….I have so many brothers and sisters now thanks to you both. I promise that I will always watch out for your family, generation after generation, human, demon and half breed…all of them!"

I had no doubt of this…It was strange…how easily Rin and I were accepting this. But that was because we knew…I would be the one to get killed. They needed demonic energy for her to become fully fledged, my life would be hers…Rin would die with me because of the bond; she would feel everything with me. That was the only reason I was hesitant, but Rin and I were one being and had accepted long ago that we willing live and die together.

The guardian raised his arms, "very well, but Sesshomaru…you must know that this will take your demonic force…in other words, you'll die a human."

Rin gasped quietly, I made no stir whatsoever….I once hated humans…despised them and was disgusted by them. That Lord is a stranger to me now…now I loved more humans than I can count, my wife, my son, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I fell in love with a human, I raised humans….I will gladly die…human.

Rin's courage gave me the strength to nod, "so be it." I replied.

"Wait!" Inuyasha called, "I want to die a human too! I want to give my immortality to someone."

Kagome stared up at him with wide eyes, "Inuyasha…are you sure."

He gazed at her, "I am…I want to be with you. With you, Sango and Miroku" he looked to the guardian, "I want to give my immortality to Sango and Miroku's daughter, Aya. She has always been like a niece to me and she is married to Shippo…I don't want either of them to suffer like Kagome and I did…give my life to Aya…I'm ready to move on now."

So that's it…little brother is following me to the underworld now? Still…I couldn't help but feel grateful to him…it was because of Rin, she was overwhelmed by the gesture. Aya is our granddaughter, she would live on with her children and husband.

The guardian bowed his head very well, "as a human you can join your wife and friends in heaven…you shall go first."

With a raise of his hand he lifted Inuyasha into the air, a light radiated from him…his ears were gone, his hair was black….he was dying and yet he had such a peaceful look on his face.

Rin clang to me in amazement as we watched his soul….his light fade and drift into the arms of his priestess.

We all watched with anticipation, his eyes opened…they soft and brown. Kagome tearfully cupped his cheek. "Inuyasha…how are you feeling?" she asked him.

He smiled and touched her face, "Human…and at peace, I feel…whole again, I was already half dead without you."

She giggled, "I always loved the human part of you…how it opened you up, and I've waited for you for so long Inuyasha."

The former demon slayer and monk appeared; each of them embraced their old friend.

"Thank you Inuyasha, thank you for saving our daughter" Sango spoke.

With his arm about her shoulder, the monk continued after his wife, "Sango and I have been given leave to cross the border for a very short time; we're going to find Shippo and Aya and explain what has happened, so she isn't afraid. We'll see you both in heaven when we get back."

They vanished into the light to inform the granddaughter we shared of her new fate. The guardian looked to us, so did my father, without me knowing, he and Kei were beside us.

"It's your time now son." he told me.

Rin looked at Inuyasha, "Did it hurt?" she asked.

He shook his head, "No…It felt like every bad feeling I ever had was being drained from me…I felt Aya growing stronger…I felt myself returning to Kagome….it's like coming home after years of trying to get there…I'm inexplicably happy…it's….it's amazing."

Rin smiled up at me, I want that….we want that, she spoke with her eyes. With one last lingering look at Kotone, I pointed to Kei "you will protect her…but you will usurp her, the western lands is her…are you willing to give up all authority to her?"

Kei smiled, "Please….Kotone's always had the authority over me, that won't ever change."

Takara sighed, "very well….I only hope the others will understand."

With that Rin and I were lifted as Inuyasha was…we closed our eyes as I felt everything that ever irked me, hurt me, anger me and torment me…slip away. All the torture she and I had endured, all the fights we face…it all drifted away…all we could see in our minds…was our family….

Rin and Sesshomaru's POV

(Rin) (Sesshomaru)

We saw the triplets as young boys…practicing their elements….

"Hey Kenta! Katashi's flaming up again…mind hitting him with some water?" Katsu called to Kenta, who gave a slight smile and obliged. The two roared with laughter as Katashi gritted his teeth…soaked and letting off steam.

"I'll burn you both to cinders!" He yelled and began chasing them…all three of them were laughing, more so when Katsu raised some earth causing him to trip.

"Do forgive me! Great prince Katashi…I had to bring you back down to earth" Katsu teased. Katashi growled, Katsu's smile faded "Kenta! Run! Katashi mother will not like it if you burn us!"

They all ran through the palace, Kenta made Katashi slip on water…Katashi was always the serious one, that's why h was a great source of amusment to his brothers, because when they teased him…he smiled and laughed, he behaved like a child, which is why Rin and I never punished them for it. When they found us in the throne room, we were holding court. The triplet burst through, Kent and Katsu hid behind Rin and me. We shocked as to why Katashi was soaked and frowned at Kenta who we knew was the cause and Katsu who we knew was the influence.

Yoshi was holding Kasumi in his arms and was restraining his laughter; it would be most princely in front of all the court.

Why are they such troublemakers?

They get it from their mother…clearly.

We saw Yoshi…holding our first grandchild…the day we were more than mother and father, but grandmother and grandfather….

"Mother….father…this is my son…Arata" he introduced and he handed me my grandson, tears filled my eyes…Sesshomaru's hand rested on my shoulder.

Yoshi had become a man right before my eyes, holding a son of his own, only a year younger than his mother was when she adopted him. He looked up at me, "I'm going to be the best parent…I was taught by the both of you…thank you…both of you."

He took Arata from me and wandered back to his wife and gave her the baby, Airi glowed with happiness. Tearfully she smiled up at Yoshi and touched his face…then kissed him, they were so happy! I leaned against Sesshomaru.

"Remember when they were two years old? How inseparable they were? Now look…bound together forever because of that little life they're cooing at." I said to him.

"Hn" he responded, I chuckled and rolled my eyes, he's opening up…more and more…

As my hair turned black and claw disappeared, we saw Kasumi…ten years old…the day she got her elemental powers…the wind…

"Give me back my doll Katsu! Or I'll get Kenta on you!" Kasumi yelled as he held up her doll up high so she couldn't reach.

"I'll give it back as soon as you say you're in love with Jaken and his smelly feet!" he laughed, dangling the doll by the feet.

"No I don't!" she cried, "Jaken's yucky! Stop being so mean!"

Kenta and Katashi appeared and smiled almost knowingly, "I wouldn't do that brother," Kenta warned, "I recognise that look…Katashi had the same the day he held his first flame."

Katashi folded his arms, "It's true…I'd watch out Katsu…Kasumi is our sister after all."

Katsu scoffed at them, "come on…she's so scrawny and little, what can she do?"

"Give me my dolly Kenta! No one messes with dolly…she's my daughter!" Kasumi demanded, it was a look we had never seen before in our daughters eyes, "Last warning…giver her back to me, now!"

Katsu looked worried but didn't want to back down. Kasumi lifted her small, slender arms…Katsu was caught in a tiny hurricane. She swirled him around and around then held him in the air upside down.

Her brothers were laughing; Rin and I came to view, having watched the entire thing from a distance. Kenta gulped when saw us, upside down and still holding the doll.

"Are you going to give her back the doll now, son?" I asked rhetorically, he nodded and outstretched his arm and Kasumi snatched back her doll.

She released him and before he hit the ground I caught him and brought him to his feet.

My little trouble maker, aged fifteen…acted more like five and still needed us to pick him up every now and then.

Kasumi was at Rin's side, she frowned at her brother, "Just you wait! When I have a real daughter, I'm going to make her big and strong, then she'll beat you up!"

We were able to give back her dolly daughter…but none to give back her real one…that's the only pain we felt that would not go away. Aside from t that everything bad we ever felt went away…Naraku and all the other villains we faced…all that was left were those happy memories….

Finally…there was Kotone…. She was her age now…a full-fledged demon before us…this wasn't a memory of her or an illusion, it was her soul, the one we were reviving.

"Mother, father…what will I do without you?" she asked us.

I took her hand, "you'll live your life to the fullest, and you'll be a good leader. Marry Kei if you want…have children or don't..."

"The ruler of the western lands gives the orders while others obey. If you don't want to marry, then don't you can do this…because you are us combined…you are our legacy."

Kotone's eyes filled with tears and she leapt into both our arms, her tears flew like diamonds. "I'll be strong" she assured us, "I'll live and love with everything I have, just like you both did! I am your legacy and I won't fail you!"

We knew she would…she was our heir, she was our last breath of life…our last sacrifice to make and we were glad to have her.

Kotone faded into glitter in our arms, she was coming back to life and we were dying…Rin turned to me, I wiped the tears that fell. "Are you ready Rin?"

I buried my face in his chest, "If you'll carry me" I whispered back. He looked human now…I always wondered what he would look like as a human, he still made my heart race and he still had that same aura of power.

Rin and I the noticed something, I touched her smooth white arm…she grinned at me.

"All our scars are gone!" I rejoiced.

I'm happy…I'm at peace…

Kotone's POV

My veins were pulsing with an incredible power! I had just seen my parents as our souls passed though the passage of life and death.

I saw all their memories….we thought all this began when my father drove a dagger into both their hearts and bound them…no it began long before that…

A little girl heard a loud crash…she would have screamed only she had not spoken for years and believed her voice was long gone. When she came to glade she saw him lying there…her demon prince all in white…glowing like the moon.

She gulped down her fear and approached him, he sat up and hisses at her…but she did not run, she wouldn't. There was a look of pure determination in her adorable eyes, she knew this demon need her, he needed someone like never before. Their eyes connect both so unaware of how much that moment would impact them for the rest of their lives.

A bruised and broken child came to the aid of a wounded creature that many feared and that is how it began.

I felt myself being thrown; I was drowning under sea of memories, both my own and my parents. I saw Kei….the day he came to me and pledged to protect me. I saw each of my siblings faces, all them looking upon me so adoringly.

It was my parent's memories that really got to.

I heard their voices…

"Lord Sesshomaru!" I heard my mother scream, It was a child's scream, with that same child's voice I heard her say "I want to be with Lord Sesshomaru forever." She had her tiny hands upon her heart, wishing on a star.

My father's voice came too "nothing I could have gained was worth losing her….nothing at all!" it sounded like he was in so much pain.

"You're alright now Rin."

"I am"

I saw everything they went through together, before I was born, before any of us were! The moments they shared together!

I felt everything….love, passion, desire, heartbreak, anger, pain, happiness….everything was drowning me in a sea of turbulent emotion, I was caught in a storm! Every image they and I had seen I let it out in one sonic cry, all this emotion…I was crying for every reason a person should cry.

Mainly because it was suddenly clear to me…I was coming to life…because they were dying! For a short while I was in their arms again…and I will keep that promise to be strong and appreciate what they have given me. I won't lose myself to grief because they will always be with me!

"Kotone…" Kei's voice came, I was soaring through a light…his face came to view, his arms open. "Kotone…come back to me, come back to me K!"

I felt myself falling, strong arms caught me…warm and secure. All was dark but I soon realised my eyes were closed. I opened them and found I was once again in Kei's arms.

"Please say…you're not dead, say that we're together! Say I'm not dreaming!" I pleaded.

He smiled, his hand felt so good on my cheek, "if I kiss you more fiercely, will you believe it"

I grinned, "It would certainly help…mangy wolf!"

His lips snatch mine…I was definitely alive, my heart was racing! Kei….don't ever let me go again! I love you so much!

He stopped kissing and looked at me with a serious expression, "Don't ever do that again! Do you hear me? I'm replaceable-"

"-Not to me you're not, you're-"

"-Shut up K and let me finish! You are I'm replaceable, there's gotta be a hundred or more men out there like me…but there is only one of you! You could find someone else like me any day but I will never find anyone to love…like you! So don't you dare ever do that again! Promise me K!"

"No!" I argued.

"What?"

"I said no! I do not obey! I am a ruler…you will submit to me!"

He stared at me for a while, completely taken aback, but then his face softened, "Yes K…I submit, I submit to you completely."

My heart leapt, "good then you'll marry me of course."

He shrugged, "Sure why not…but don't think that just because you're some hot shot queen I won't argue back when you're doing something stupid! I've never been afraid to tell you like it is, I won't stop now."

I chuckled, "good, I'd hate for the arguments to stop completely."

He hugged me closely and all was right with the world.

"Uh…you guys know we're still in the underworld…right?" Inuyasha's voice came.

We broke apart and there they were, dead but at peace, they glittered like white gold in the sunlight.

Mother grinned, "You look so beautiful in this form…"

She looked different too, she was human…still it was my father that had me speechless, he was human! HUMAN! MY FATHER SESSHOMARU WAS HUMAN! I rubbed my eyes, my vision was clearly playing tricks.

While looking through his memories, I saw the kind of person he used to be, I didn't recognise him. He was strong because he had no one to protect. However he eventually learned that protecting someone makes you stronger, you're willing to put yourself in more danger and you will fight all that harder.

"Father…I"

"-It's alright" he interrupted, "though it's strange, there's a time I would have rather peeled my own skin off than die human…now, there is other way I'd rather die…you take care Kotone, the Western kingdom…is your domain now."

My grandfather InuTaisho laid a hand on both their son's shoulders, "Come now…it's time to go to our resting place. Kagome and Inuyasha went into the light hand in hand. InuTaisho followed.

I kissed my parents goodbye, I had never cried so much in all my life! The only time I felt this upset was when Kei died…but still I was comforted by the fact that this is what they wanted.

Mother kissed my forehead, "Go home with Kei and Takara my dearest and be good…whatever happens…be good. Power turns people, but you have so many loved ones to keep you sane…be good."

I tearfully nodded, "Yes mother…I will, I'll be good, I promise."

She then looked to Kei, "Keep her safe…"

"I will" He assured so very sincerely.

Rin then looked to Takara, "Keep Katashi safe…you are the gentle mother, make sure they're all looked after."

Takara smiled, "I always have, I always will." She was then handed the sword she and my brother shared Tensaiga , the sword of healing.

Sesshomaru swept up his wife and he carried her into the light. An overwhelming tranquillity filled my entire body; it was like the calm after a storm, when the sea settles on the shores. I had Kei, I had my kingdom and I had my parents close to my heart forever more and would rule with everything they had taught me.

The Tenshi of our family smiled at us, "It's time to go home Kotone…but you need to make one final decision before we leave so that your parents can truly rest in peace."

I was confused, Kei and I exchanged looks. Kei grew aggravated, "Dammit Tenshi! Speak more clearly!"

Though I glared at him for his rudeness, Takara giggled. "Rin and Sesshomaru shared a bond…when one dyed so would the other…Sesshomaru gave his life; Rin's has yet to be given. However it is up to you to choose who you give that life to as you will be connected to them in the way your parents were… if it's okay I have a suggestion…."

A suggestion? Who?

Kasumi's POV

Sora had his arm around me, "I can't stand this waiting!" I whispered to him, still at least I had my husband, Katashi was pacing like a lion stuck in a cage without his Tenshi to calm him.

Yuna, Kenta's wife came to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, "brother, come sit with us…Kenta is worried for you. Takara will be back soon…they all will I'm sure, so please…come sit."

Katashi frowned at her, "I would rather be alone." He told her.

Yuna knew my brother well and knew not to take it personally, the only two people who could ever get through to him, was mother and Takara both of who were in the underworld.

Mana came and sat next to me…a tear down her cheek. Mana never cried and it shocked me so I put my arm around her. Sora moved to the other side of her and took her hand.

"What is it?" I asked her, "Mana what's wrong?"

Sora handed her my handkerchief, the one Kenta gave me. Gratefully she took it and wiped her face. "He's dead" she whispered, "my father is dead.."

I was shocked, "Uncle? How do you know this?"

She shrugged, "I'm the daughter of a powerful priestess, I was myself a priestess before my marriage…I have a strong sense of these things. Also, a moment ago…I felt this sudden chill and then his presence, he was saying goodbye…but then I felt my mother's too. He's with her now Kasumi, they're finally together again! I'm sad because I'll miss them…but at the same time, I know he's happy and that this what they both wanted."

But then I too felt a presence…all of us did, my siblings and I exchanged looks. Suddenly we all knew…that they had passed on with our uncle. It was the most bittersweet feeling! I clung to Sora. What about Kotone? Will we have her back at least? This was all too close together, it was the anniversary of my unborn daughter's death…now it was my parents and uncle's too.

In my head came Takara's voice "life must pay for life."

Don't tell me that! It's not fair! It's not fair!

My head began to reel, I felt so heavy and my breathing quickened, "Kasumi?" I heard Sora call, he sounded so far away, but I knew he was close because I felt him catch me as I fell.

Everything turned dark…but then a light filled the void. Suddenly I was in my home…the one I shared with Sora, in the gardens I had spent so much time in with my son Shinobu…my white winged crow.

Before me then came a woman of such divine beauty. Her hair was long and silver but it was not straight, it curled into long ringlets. Her eyes were mauve…they were like Sora's and I found myself momentarily lost in them. Those purple orbs were surrounded by thick long lashes and they shone from a canvas of the whitest shade of skin. What truly marvelled me was her wings, they were long and when she outstretched them I was cast in a shadow. They glistened in the sunlight….not black, not white…gold, she had golden wings. She was a creature of myth…she was Tenma.

"I'll be with you soon…mother" she promised me, then began to fade away.

"Tenma! No come back! Tenma!" I awoke in Sora's arms calling out her name.

He frowned at me, "Kasumi…you saw Tenma?" he asked, all I could do was nod.

How?

"Perhaps we could illuminate the situation" spoke a voice I was glad to hear, despite how much it had irked me not too long ago.

It was Takara and with her was Kei and Kotone, my heart swelled at the sight my little sister, so powerful and beautiful. Katashi too felt so relieved, he didn't care much Kei at the moment, but his wife and sister were back.

"You're hairs still black" Katsu commented.

Kotone smiled, "It's something I'm glad of."

"You look beautiful!" I gushed.

Kotone looked suddenly very sad, "I have something to tell you…mother and father is…"

"-Dead" Kenta cut in, "Yes we know little sister, we felt them passing…they're not gone though, they're still with us, forever. Now we wish to hear the whole ordeal."

"And you shall" Takara assured, "after Kasumi wears this" she then showed us a locket…it was mothers, we looked to see that Kotone was wearing father's. These lockets kept them from feeling the separation pains if they strayed too far from each other.

"Why must I wear it?" I asked, Sora had his hands on both my shoulders as he stood behind me.

Takara placed it around my neck as she explained. "Tenma is now linked to Kotone….when you parents gave their life for her, there was a life left over. Kotone chose the life to be given as she would then be bound to that life as her mother and father was…she chose her niece when I informed her of your tragic loss."

"You should have told me long ago" Kotone chimed in, "Now…she's been brought back to life inside you, she'll be here in nine months and she and I will be bound forever. So intend to keep a close eye on her of course."

"She will need a protector of course" Takara continued, "they both will, the wolves have proven most worthy of this, who better to protect our bounded than the two strongest sons of Chief Koga, Hiro and Kei. Kei will be with Kotone…Hiro's fate is with the golden egg, Tenma."

This was all so overwhelming, I couldn't believe it! I had my child back! I cried in Sora's arms, we all embraced each other.

My mother and father…Rin and Sesshomaru, they are the greatest being to have ever walked the earth…all they ever did was sacrifice themselves for our family, this was their last and with it they gave me back my sister and my child!

Hiro approached Sora and I and bowed. "If destiny deems I'm to protect your child, I will do so with my life, however it goes no farther than that."

"You say that now, but just you wait!" Takara teased, she was by Katashi's side, "you will never love anyone as you loved Junko. That is because you can never love the same way, your love for Tenma will be different…but it will true and unconditional, trust me."

Katashi sighed, "you always meddle, my gentle rain" he complained, "tell ne you're at least done being a Tenshi."

She shrugged, "For now, who knows what the future holds."

A moment of silence past…."Ah crap" it was Katsu that broke it, "Its occurred to me that I'm going to have to work all that much harder to be my new niece's favourite, Kotone has the advantage with this bond! Plus I need to make her like me so she won't listen to Kasumi when she orders her to beat me."

I chuckled, "I recall that threat…I assure I intend to make good on its"

So that's it…it's done.

Epilogue

Kei and Kotone married three years after she took the throne. This was due to the fact that the dog demons and wolves were natural enemies and they had to be diplomatic so that a riot or war would not ensue. Their efforts were not wasted as now the wolves and dogs coincide peacefully. The two had nine children…eight sons and one daughter, all wild and loyal, the perfect blend of wolf and dog.

Yoshi handed Bakusaiga to Kotone, he told her it was time the sword was again in the rulers hands where it belongs. With that he and Airi settled back in the village of Edo, allowing their eldest to take full possession of their domain.

All the children were at peace. Tenma grew beautifully and shared a very strong and sweet relationship with her aunt. She showed Hiro that it was possible for him to love again and the two shared a happy life together. Kasumi was completely healed by the birth of her daughter and she knew she had her parents to thank for that.

As for Rin and Sesshomaru…they were never meant to be mere humans. Their strength, their resolve and unwavering devotion moved the Gods so much that they made them one of their own. Rin became the goddess symbolising ultimate love, Sesshomaru became the God of war and devotion. They had a shrine built in their honour.

Their children were no longer considered half breeds and humans…they were the children of gods and had such a place when they moved in into the light.

Fate will keep our heroes linked forever. More than fate…Love, in some form another, whether it marriage or friendship, the families would forever be linked throughout the genrations;

In the future, Sota Higurashi walked home from another long day of high school, tired of running from all the girls. At seventeen, everyone wondered why he didn't have a girlfriend, especially as he was considered one of the most attractive boys in the whole school. All he ever thought of was how he missed his sister and how he'd like to feel connected to her in some way again.

He was minding his own business when he saw a shrine, it gleamed brightly. His family were caretakers to a shrine, seeing this one made him wish they took better care of theirs. There was something about the shrine, something that drew him to it.

"You should go in" spoke a soft voice "pay your respects"

When he turned he saw a lovely vision…a woman with cream hair and blue-green eyes, there was a chill around her and he shivered.

"Whose shrine is it?" he asked.

The lovely woman smiled, "it is the shrine to the goddess of ultimate love…Rin and her spouse the god of war and devotion."

Sota frowned, "love and war? Seems like an odd pairing."

"I think it a fine one, what better reason to fight other than for love, they balance each other. It's a whole history behind them I think will fascinate you greatly."

"Uh, okay, I guess I've got time to check it out." He supposed and wondered in.

Takara smiled after him, "my work here is done completely, I'm coming back now Katashi" with that she returned to the heavens to watch the scene from there.

Within the shrine, Sota saw the painting of the god Sesshomaru and the goddess Rin. Their arms were entwined as they soared through the sky. Candles were lit to honour them.

Sota knelt and bowed; he lit the incense and gave a respectful prayer and words to honour them.

"Hello there" the voice startled him.

Behind him was a young girl about his age with long soft brown hair and hazel eyes, upon her eyelids she dusted soft pink eye shadow. He had to admit, she was cute…her body curvaceous and her legs long.

He had to stop himself staring, "Oh hi, I'm sorry…I'll leave you alone to pray."

He went to walk away, till she stopped him "wait, I was actually just cleaning up a little in here…my family are caretakers to the shrine. I'm done now though and I'm kind of bored…did you wanna hang out?"

He thought for a moment, usually he'd say no but he felt like fate had brought them together. "Okay…I'm Sota by the way."

She grinned sheepishly, "I know…we're in the same classes and everything…you just haven't noticed me."

He felt really bad, how could he not have noticed her? probably because he was too busy running away from the other girls. "I'm really sorry, what's your name."

"Sango, my name is Sango."

He grinned, "That's really pretty" he complimented sincerely.

Sango blushed, "thanks…it's a name that has been passed down in my family for generations, I'm lucky to have it. Come on, I know a great place for some ice cream…we can meet my twin brother, Miroku, there. You'll have to excuse him though…he's kind of a perv."

He laughed and the two set off together, he felt more content than he had done for some time. Something wonderful was going to happen to him, he knew it.

Thank you to all who stuck with me through these stories, I hope this one wasn't too much of a disappointment. I really am so grateful to you all! Thank you! Take care