Wow, I'm updating quickly on this one, aren't I? But to be perfectly honest, I'm not procrastinating simply because silentmoondemon threatened mw with her big sword! I don't want to be killed by one of my best reviewers!

Otulia: You should know by now who we own. No one new will be making an appearance in this chapter.

Kagura flew swiftly back to her home, worried about Sesshomaru. It wasn't only Ai's vision that had unsettled her; she felt as if a dark cloud were hanging over her.

She reached the city and landed gracefully, running inside her home. Slowing to a walk, she made her way through the halls and corridors, making her way to one of the back rooms, where she instinctively knew Sesshomaru was. She opened the door and walked in, waiting a moment for her eyes to adjust to the gloom.

She saw Sesshomaru clearly. He was standing with his back to her, trembling. She moved to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. That's when she saw him…

(A/N: The end! Hehe, kidding! That would make a nice cliffhanger though…)

InuYasha was standing in front of Sesshomaru, his entire countenance a mask of sadness.

"I thought you had died," Sesshomaru said quietly, struggling to keep his usual stoic manner in play.

"Sorry to disappoint ya'," InuYasha said, just as quietly.

Kagura could feel Sesshomaru's calm crumbling. Only she knew how he had been affected by his younger brother's disappearance 500 years ago. It was only then that he had realized how deeply he had cared for InuYasha. He hadn't been able to ignore the bonds of family any longer. And she had been there for him, to help him overcome his loss. It was then, that she had learned compassion…and love.

Sesshomaru looked at Kagura, silently communicating his thanks. Sometimes, without her, he could not be strong, as much as he hated to admit it. And this was one of those times.

He turned his gaze back to InuYasha. "Kagome was here," he said. "She is greatly saddened, that you chose to leave her."

InuYasha sighed. "I couldn't stay with her. It…it hurt too much, knowing what I had done…" He trailed off, unable to finish. "I can't forgive myself for what I've done. I don't deserve Kagome's love."

"You will be able to forgive yourself, in time," Sesshomaru said gently. He had learned that through experience. So many ill acts he had committed, yet he had come to terms with them, through time.

"Maybe," InuYasha muttered.

Sesshomaru considered him for a moment. "You are welcome to remain here, if you wish."

"Thanks," he replied.

The demon lord turned to leave the room, but paused, saying, "I've missed you, little brother."

InuYasha looked at him in surprise, but then smiled sadly. "Same here."

Kagura stayed behind a moment longer. "InuYasha," she said. "It is good to see you well. Don't worry about Kagome; she has my son to care for her now."

InuYasha nodded. "I knew that already," he said thoughtfully. "But it's nice to hear it from someone else."

With a small smile, Kagura left him alone, seeking out Sesshomaru. He hadn't gone far, and was obviously waiting for her.

"Are you alright?" she asked, embracing him.

"I will be."

Okay, I know, I know, it's horridly short! But it's the second-to-last chapter, since I'm planning an epilogue…but if anyone had ideas, I'd love to hear them! They might inspire me! So, review? Perty please?