There Must Be More to Life Than This Chapter 3: Adjusting to the Realities Before Them, an inuyasha fanfic

There Must Be More to Life Than This

By Rhinoa Lunar

I have to say I do not own Inuyasha or any of the pre-chapter song lyrics…I'd be FAR away from Florida if I did.

Sengoku Otogizoshi – Warring States Era

Goshinboku – the Sacred Tree

Kazaana – wind void AKA the wind tunnel

Osuwari – the Japanese phrase to command a dog to sit…the closest thing to "sit boy" used in the English sit boy

Shikon No Tama – Jewel of Four Souls

Hanyo – half demon

Yokai – demon

Inu – dog

Okami – wolf

Neko - cat

Kitsune – fox

Yokai Taijiya – demon slayer

Miko – priestess

Athame – Wiccan ceremonial dagger

Lammas – a Wiccan harvest holiday focusing on grains

Lotus Pose – the most basic of yoga poses

"…" – telepathic speaking '…' – thoughts

'…' – written in a book or elsewhere as it is read

Dream

Inutaisho I believe is what Inuyasha and Sesshoumeru's father's name was. If I am mistaken please let me know. It means dog lord or dog leader.

Bakusaiga – the sword that shot out from Sesshomeru's left shoulder as his arm grew back while he fought with Magatsuhi and thus finally surpassing his father in power

Goraishi -five thunder fingers Kouga's ancestral weapon (He got this weapon during the manga after the series ends by going into the tomb of his tribe's ancestors. They're kind of like a supernatural version of wolverine's claws from the X-Men except he only has them on one hand and while they are imbued with the magic of his ancestors, it is possible for them to break…though it would probably take someone or something VERY powerful to do so.)

A/N (My very first lemon scene is finally here…It is rather tame considering some of what I have read in other fics, but it is my first to publish so I am a little nervous. Constructive criticism is welcome but please do not flame. I'm nervous enough about it. As the story progresses there will be more intense scenes, but this one is kind of my test. Please let me know how it is and if there could be any improvements.

Thanks,

Rhinoa)

"You said I'll always want you near. You say that things change, my dear." Winter by Tori Amos

Adjusting to the Reality Before Them

Inuyasha slowly trudged his way back to the village and plopped down in his favorite spot…Their spot. Sango and Miroku wanted to share their happy news with Inuyasha and Shippo before anyone else. They felt like family after their travels and it only seemed right to tell family first, but how to tell Inuyasha was the question plaguing them. Without a doubt he would be happy for them, but there was no doubt that he had been jealous of them from the start. Here they were happily in love, and together, while Inuyasha and Kagome would never see one another again.

Shippo skipped over to Inuyasha before Sango or Miroku could stop him. They both knew this was not going to end well if they did not intervene. It would seem there was no way of delaying the announcement now. The pair bolted to the kitsune and the hanyo as fast as they could.

"Come on, Inuyasha. If she were here do you think Kagome would want you to be moping like this," Shippo asked in his usual casual, but wise manner.

"Shippo…If you don't get the hell away from me right now I'm going to rip your fucking tail off!" Inuasha growled at the kitsune to seal his threat into a promise.

"Hey guys, I hope we're not intruding," Miroku said cautiously.

"Hey, I'm not some random woman so quit trying to impress me," Inuyasha growled. "Hurry up and say what you want. Then I'm going for a walk."

"You mean you're going to go mope by the well don't you?" Shippo shrunk back at the red flash in Inuyasha's eyes. "Sorry," he managed to squeal before running behind Sango for protection.

"Miroku, would you like to do the honors?" Sango gave Miroku an all-knowing smile.

"Thank you, Sango." Miroku was beaming with joy. He was finally going to announce that someone, and not just anyone, was going to bear his children. "Sango is pregnant with twins!"

"How do you know there's two of them? Humans can't do that. Hell, even hanyos like me can't. And as for Shippo…Well a kitsune yokai's sense of smell isn't as good as a…" Inuyasha dropped his head. "Sesshomeru could smell them, right?"

"Yes, he told me on the bridge as I was seeing Rin off."

Inuyasha stood and walked with his head still hung low. As he passed Miroku and Sango he placed his hands on their shoulders, and though it was barely audible, he congratulated them before running off for the well at full speed, Kagome's bag clasped tightly in his hands. Now he had not only lost Kagome, but he was reminded that his brother was capable of things he could not do simply because he was not a full blooded yokai.

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Kagome was surprised by the sudden contact from Rinji. The hug was more than she could bear. She pulled Rinji closer and sobbed into her shoulder at full force. "I just miss him so much!"

'She's mine now,' thought Rinji smiling behind Kagome's hair. 'Now let's see if I can get anything else out of her.' "What about an address? You could try a long distance relationship."

Kagome pulled away. 'That would be SOME long distance relationship. How can I explain this one away? I mean even if I didn't have it the post office will forward his mail for a time after all.'

'Hmph, I see…No answer.' "You're right, Shingi. This one's hard to crack. She's even restraining her thought to vague references."

"I told you to watch this one, Rinji. I'm still surprised about one thing…One VERY good thing." 'One good thing for me at least.'

"What's that?"

"I'll talk to you about it later."

"Ok." "If you don't want to talk about it, that's alright."

"Well, you seem to understand love pretty well, Rinji. Do you have anyone special?"

"Well, there is this one guy…Its stupid really. Just forget it, ok?" 'Why the hell would I tell her about my dream?'

"Believe me nothing you could tell me would surprise me. And I would never call it stupid," Kagome persisted.

'I guess if I left a few key things out I can get away with it. I just have to be careful.' "Well see…I haven't even met the guy. I've only seen him in my dreams."

"Ahh…A fantasy man…Your ideal true love. What's he like?"

"Well, he's tall. He's very quiet. When he does speak its almost heavenly regardless of what he's saying. He only says what is necessary. He's a loner like me with only a few friends who are very loyal to him. When he looks at you, its almost like he's trying to look through you into your very soul itself while studying your every move. I can never remember all of his face, but I know it is the most beautiful face I have ever seen. To look at him you just know there's something otherworldly about him. He has exotic hair and eye colors…" 'Why am I going on like this?'

'She's describing Sesshomeru to a tee!' Kagome looked deep into Rinji's eyes. 'I know those eyes…Faces change with age, but eyes remain the same and are only intensified with wisdom as one grows older…Rin?'

"I can never remember him completely, though. And it was only recently that I could remember his eyes and hair…So I don't exactly know his face completely as I said before. When I wake up I just…I just know that I'd follow him even if it led to my death." 'Why am I telling her this? Could she be part of the key to finding HIM?'

'She's studied well,' Shinji mused. 'I think its time for her to read the book I have kept her from all this time she's been working for Setsuna. The closer she allows herself to become to this miko, the closer I will become to obtaining the reward promised to my ancestors so long ago.'

"Its ok, Rinji," Kagome said hugging the girl. It seemed their roles had now been reversed. "I can understand how you feel completely."

The storm outside subsided as suddenly as it had begun. The sun's warm light was shining through the tiny slits that made up the windows in the well house.

"I should be going now," Rinji said calmly.

'Her voice and eyes just now…They became just like Sesshomeru's again.' "Hey, before you go …I'm going to buy school supplies in a few days. Would you like to come too? I know you'll need new notebooks and things. We can even get our new uniforms"

Rinji smiled a slight but genuine smile. "I think I'd like that. I have to work tomorrow. It's a full shift. The day after that I have another closing shift, like tonight. I'm off the day after that though."

"Ok, I guess we'll go then. Why don't we have lunch fist? Do you like Wac…"

"They don't have anything that suits my taste really. We could try the restaurant four shops down. Its not expensive and they have great vegetarian food," Rinji tried to hide her disgust. She would NEVER eat the junk they dare to call food in those fast food places. Not that she was a vegetarian herself, but she preferred healthy foods like vegetables and fish, roasted preferably.

"I've heard of that place. They serve the most amazing…"

"Roasted fish, I know!"

The girls smiled and waved goodbye as Rinji left the well house.

Kagome was blowing out the candles and left to her own thoughts. 'She likes roasted fish…Rin was always the one to gather her own food. She was really good at catching fish with her bare hands. Rin, is she really your reincarnation?' A wave of power surged through Kagome. 'No, that wasn't me. The well…It just pulsed like the Tetsaiga! How can that be?' Kagome jumped down into the blackness in the hopes that the portal had been reopened somehow, but was met with the thud of dirt below.

Inuyasha felt the pulse coming through the well. He too jumped in with high hopes only to be disappointed.

Time was all that separated the mirrored images of Inuyasha and Kagome as they grasped at the dirt beneath them and cried.

Setsuna smiled warmly at her employee and very gifted prodigy. She felt more like a sister to the girl than a boss to the quiet orphan. She had known Rinji was more than meets the eye from the moment she asked for the application. She looked up to the girl for her abilities, but feared for her spirit. She knew that Rinji sought power above all else and followed a very neutral path. The neutrality was not a bad thing. There must be a balance in all things after all. But she was beginning to worry about the girl's recent interest in local yokai legends and it seemed to border on obsession. "Hi there, Rinji!"

"Hi, Setsuna. I hope you don't mind that I brought Shingi with me tonight."

"Oh you know he's always welcome here. Besides, the customers seem to like him. Lammas is coming up and we need to move the appropriate books, herbs, and other supplies to the window. Would you be a dear and set up the window tonight? I have everything you'll need here in this box."

"Sure, Setsuna, I can do that. Hey, I'd like to pay for that last book I borrowed. Its far too interesting to return."

"Alright, I'll ring you up tomorrow."

"I'll need some supplies as well tonight. I want to create a dream charm. If I leave a detailed list, including the book, then may I lay out the yen for you?"

"Certainly. Did you want to borrow another book?"

"I might. I'm not sure though. If I do then I'll leave it with the list as a note."

Well then, goodnight, dear," Setsuna said with a smile as she picked up her purse and left, her long floral patterned skirt waving with every step she took.

Rinji set to work decorating the window. The faux wheat and corn draping over boxes painted in the vibrant colors of autumn. The faux scythe with the 'wheat' twsted around it made an appealing sight. Several books were placed on stands surrounded by faux loaves of bread. The final touch were the cork husk dolls set around a small iron cauldron. Rinji was quite pleased with her work.

Only three customers came that night, all of whom only made minor purchases, save one…A book or two, sage, candles…The usual. One woman did buy a lovely athame. It had a rather unusual hilt made of sakura wood instead of the usual oak, with bamboo accents. After that the night was dreadfully slow again…Slow and boring.

After locking up, Rinji gathered her supplies and began to write her list. Just as she was about to lay her money down, Shinji looked her dead in the eye.

"There is a book that you need. Do not bother to borrow it. It will deliver what you seek and then some. You will have power beyond measure." Shingi led his companion to the back of the store. Most people ignored this section. The tomes contained herein were thought to be of the wrong sort. "Reach out and I know you will find the correct one on your own simply by using your senses."

How do you know that?"

"Because, I came to a realization in the well house."

"This is what you wanted to tell me tonight, isn't it"

"Yes…My dear Rinji, you are the one my family has been charged with finding all those generations ago. I'm sure of it. Now pick up the book. If you choose the wrong one, I shall stand corrected."

Rinji nodded and stepped toward the shelf before closing her eyes. She could not have her vision impairing her sixth sense now. She began to run her hands across the various shelves until it tingled with warmth. Instinctively, she reached out and mover her hand across a small section of the shelf. She layed her index finger over a book as her hand began to tremble slightly and ran it across three books. The first book was it. She was sure of it. She clasped the book and pulled it from the shelf.

'Good job.'

Rinji turned the book to face the dusty leather cover. 'Portals: An Advanced Magik for the Experienced Witch.' Her jaw dropped.

"Yes, Rinji. You have chosen correctly. You will learn to accomplish what most believe to be impossible. With your skills it should not take all that long."

"But why? Is there more to learn somewhere that I can't reach yet?"

"More than you know. And what's more…You won't be chasing a mere dream anymore."

"WHAT?"

"Read and you shall see."

Sesshomeru could see the subtle changes in his little Rin as she cleared the camp for the night. She had become used to the human habit of sleeping indoors and therefore was far more thorough than she had ever been before. She lit up a campfire even though it was several hours until dark. She had caught some fresh fish. 'Some things never change. Then again, who would prefer dried up meats to a fresh kill?'

Once the fire was securely burning, Rin smiled at what a great job she had done. 'I hope the camp is befitting my Sesshomeru-sama. Wait, why am I calling him mine? I just missed him a lot, that's all.' Rin began to hum as she set the skewered fish to roast over the fire. She had cleared off the most beautiful spot with a lovely view of the river right underneath a sakura tree. "Sesshomeru-sama, I made this spot just for you." She smiled as she tugged at the yokai who was her world's kimono.

Sesshomeru was pleased with Rin's suggestion. It pained him somewhat that she had placed her blanket by another tree in the clearing. 'It is of no consequence. The girl will fall asleep wrapped in my tail and kimono as always. I will have Jaken cover her with the blanket once she is asleep.'

Sure enough, Rin fell asleep that evening in the comforting arms of Sesshomeru. Sesshomeru loved being able to hold his little Rin with both arms. Rin had never complained about his lack of a left arm. She had even known better than to ask him about it much to her credit.

Jaken knew that there was a war raging inside his lord's mind. He had seen it coming ever since the first time Rin had been kidnapped. Still, no change had come to his face or eyes. Jaken didn't know what to think of this. Sure he himself had grown used to the child's presence and her antics, but the fact that he liked her company a little bit didn't mean he actually liked the human child. He knew why he followed Lord Sesshomeru, but why the girl did was beyond his comprehension.

Kouga had never been happier in his life. He looked down at the writhing beauty with the chocolate eyes who was finally his. He would mark her for all the world to know that she really was HIS woman. For now, he just wanted to please her. He wanted her moans and whimpers of pleasure to continue until she begged him for more.

Kouga buried his face into her neck as he pounded into her moist heat. 'Who knew that a human woman could be so tight?' She was squeezing him subtly as she moved her hips into him in unison with his thrusts. Soon he would change positions and let loose his inner beast ever so slightly. For now he nuzzled into her neck and flicked his tongue across her neck where he would place his mark. He reveled in the light trickles of her sweat on his mouth.

Much to his surprise, Kouga's lover snaked her arms about his neck and pulled him closer toward her own lips. She traced his neck with tiny love bites. In return for his added pleasure, Kouga shifted his weight to one arm and using the other found his way to her jewel below. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the beautiful woman throw her head back tossing her hair across her face as she climaxed in the most beautiful scream ever to grace his ears.

Kouga wasted no more time. He flipped HIS mate onto her hands and knees re-entering her with one powerful thrust that brought him another scream of pleasure. Her cries could more than likely be heard throughout the den making the other males jealous, of that he was certain. It was no matter. Once their leader had left his mark none would dare touch her.

Kouga's eyes grew red as the woman arched her back begging with him to thrust deeper into her. Not one to ignore a request from her, Kouga pushed her onto her elbows so that he could reach further into her womanhood. Her screams were driving him over the edge. He knew they were both ready to come. He allowed the beast's fangs to grow larger and pulled her toward him by her hair.

As they both cried for release, Kouga leaned into her neck to claim her for his own and fell into an empty void. There was nothing…Absolutely nothing.

Kouga shot up from his sleep. "Kagome," he whispered. 'Is this what I am cursed to? Will I dream of her forever this way? Damn that accursed Shikon No Tama! It only ever brought anyone pain and suffering. It even had me…ME, under it's spell! Now it took away my one and only.' Kouga curled up into the furs making up his bed and went back to sleep hoping he would not dream of her again.

Rinji stared at the book completely enthralled. "In order to create any of these portals the ingredients must be gathered and even grown in such a detailed manner, each depending on where I want to go."

"Or when."

"What do you mean, Shingi? I haven't gotten that far into the book yet. Am I supposed to open a gate?"

"Perhaps…Stay close to the miko. Earn her trust. We both know she suspects you are aware of the inu yokai and hanyo. The extent of her suspicions is still unclear. Use her trust."

"We know she is connected closely to the hanyo…For a miko she seems to long for him for some reason…Its as if she knew him personally on a level beyond simple friendship."

"Find out the details of the connection and you will know what you need to do. For now, let's get some sleep."

Sesshomeru watched lovingly as the sun broke revealing his little girl. In secret he really did hope that Rin would choose to continue following him. He would secure her safety and even have a grand home built for her in his lands of the Western Kingdom if she so desired. Deep down he knew that if she chose to stay with him it was highly unlikely for her to find a mate. If by some chance she did find someone he considered worthy their children would be mere hanyo like Inuyasha. If she remained among the humans she could easily find a decent match…As far as humans go anyway. That Yokai Taijiya woman had a younger brother, and the kitsune kit did not seem like the type of yokai to make that kind of barrier between them just because she was human. His biggest fear was that of Rin finding a wonderful mate among the humans who feared yokai and would not permit him to see her. If it was her mate's request Rin might respect it and abide by it. The very thought made his heart feel something strange…Strange and painful.

Rin stirred in his tail and clasped his hand in her own. She seemed to smile in her sleep as she took hold of him. Sesshomeru gently stroked the girl's cheek. He took note of all the things any decent parent would. It was obvious that she was well fed. Her cheeks had a rosey glow to them. Her clothes were the nicest to be expected from such a small and poor village as Edo. Aside from a few small scrapes from normal children's playtime activities, she had no wounds. After last night it had been made obvious that she was learning how to keep house, a skill that would prove useful in finding a mate. Most of all he noticed that she was clean and her usually knotted hair was combed. Though, she still wore her tiny partial lop-sided ponytail. Overall, he was pleased that even if Rin chose not to follow him anymore, she had a good home.

Rin was resting peacefully in the arms of the light of her world… HER Sessomeru-sama. She was all grown up. She was just like Kagome, but dressed more like her one true love. She smiled as they watched the sunrise together. She reached out to hold his hand. She was wonderfully contented when he brushed the hair from her face causing her to snuggle closer.

Sesshomeru pulled his hand away from the child as she stirred. He gathered his emotions so that he would have the same distant face Rin knew so well as her eyes fluttered open. "You slept in today," he said calmly.

"I'm sorry, Sesshomeru-sama. I hope I didn't keep you from anything important. I should have slept in my own bed just where I made it." Rin's eyes showed the displeasure in herself for her actions. "I won't let it happen again."

"I'm not angry, Rin. I was simply stating a fact."

Rin suddenly realized that she had not gotten off Sesshomeru's tail and lap. She stood up and bowed as she lifted her blanket. She folded the covering and placed it inside her bag petting AhUn as she walked away. She had grabbed some of the dried meat and sat herself down by the smoldering remains of the fire. Every move on her part was done in as lady-like and grown-up a manner as she could. 'I'll show him how grown up I am. One day I'm going to marry Sesshomeru-sama.' Rin smiled to herself.

Jaken noticed how happy and yet reserved the once hyper child was. 'What a strange girl.'

Sesshomeru noticed Rin's behavior and found it quite puzzling. Ever curious, he decided to study these new quirks in her. Surely Sango would not mind if he kept her a few extra days.

Miroku looked over at his wife smiling. He was actually going to be a father. He sat up and continued to watch her sleep with the glow of happiness that had not left his face since he first heard the news. Sango was so peaceful when she slept. He was slightly disappointed when she woke up, but only slightly. "Good morning, my love," he said as Sango stretched.

"Good morning. Did you sleep ok? You're up awfully early for you."

"Never better." Miroku paused for a moment. "When is Rin coming home?"

"I guess whenever she and Sesshomeru decide. He said they'd be gone for a week or so but even though he'll never admit it, he has a soft spot for the child. Why do you ask?"

"I thought I could use the practice." Miroku smiled even wider at Sango.

Sango smiled back half pleased and half amused. "Miroku, you do fine when she's here and you're great with Shippo."

Speaking of Shippo…He told me he wants to get a present for Rin. He seemed quite concerned that it be something extra special."

"How sweet…Shippo's first real crush."

"Aside from…"

"The few random girls he met in our travels…" Sango shot Miroku her infamous I'm going to kill you, monk glare…But it was more in a joking manner than a threatening one.

"What can I say…The kid's a fast learner." No sooner had the comment slipped Miroku felt that familiar sting on his cheek. "Some things never change." Miroku smirked causing Sango to smile in spite of herself.

"I think Shippo might be a little disappointed."

"Why's that, Sango dear?"

"Our little Rin seems to be enamored with someone else right now."

"Who?" Miroku leaned in, his interest peaked.

"Sesshomeru."

"Yes, and its very common for little girls to have crushes on their fathers for a short while. She'll get over it soon enough. Then I think it would be a wonderful idea for Shippo to get her a gift. But we can't tell him about her current crush. It would break his little heart."

"So you had a crush like that?"

"Yes, and I got over it."

"Who was the lucky boy?"

"My hiraikotsu."

"Ahh, I see."

"Yokai slaying became my life partner until…Well…"

"Until you met me." Miroku smiled wide and proud.

"Well, until you grew on me at least. Come on," Sango said standing up. "You roll the bed up and I'll make us some breakfast."

It was around midday. Inuyasha sniffed the air. 'The old hag is coming. Just great…Fucking great. Like I need her to nag at me just like everyone else. How can they be so calm and just get on with their lives so fast?'

"Inuyasha," Kaede called out. "Inuyasha, I know you are in the well. Miroku and I have some questions to ask you. Sango is interested as well."

"Yeah, what do you want," Inuyasha asked as he leapt out of the well landing behind Kadede.

Kaede turned to face the hanyo. "We are curious about this Tokyo that Kagome is from. It dawned on us that she never mentioned the existence of yokai in her time…Or hanyo for that matter."

"What of it?"

"It could be perhaps that someone from our time allowed Kagome to pass through the well. If this is true it may be possible to bring her back."

Inuyasha's ears twitched and perked up, but his tone remained indifferent and sarcastic as ever. "And you're telling me this now?"

"It is only a theory, but we need to know all we can about Kagome's world before we can hope for anything."

Reluctantly, Inuyasha followed the aging miko back to the village. 'The reality is that she can't come back. I don't want any false hopes. This is killing me enough as it is. Can't they see I just want to be left alone?'

Miroku and Sango were seated around the fireplace as Kaede and Inuyasha entered their hut. No greetings were exchanged due to the look on Inuyasha's face.

"So what the hell do you people want from me anyway?" Inuyasha was playing tough, but his eyes still held the emptiness they had developed the day Kagome disappeared.

"Firstly, we do realize how difficult this is for you," Miroku said raising his hand indicating for his hanyo friend to listen on. "But we do believe that with her complete lack of yokai and hanyo knowledge aside from obvious stories used to quiet children before they go to bed, that there are no yokai or hanyo running around in Kagome's time. Is this correct?"

"Well, we saw the ones from the dried yokai meat…But those were brought through the well. The children's piper was there…I can't think of any others. And wherever we went she made me wear this weird hat over my ears." Inuyasha, for once, seemed to be taking interest in a conversation after the defeat of Naraku.

"We know that Kikyo wanted the jewel gone as much as Kagome did…At least that is what we can conclude since her dying request was to have it burned with her body," Kaede said with a hint of sadness.

"This means it is highly unlikely that it was Kikyo who opened the gate," Sango said joining in the conversation.

"Ok, now that the obvious has all been stated, just what the hell are we supposed to do?" Inuyasha was by no means pleased. 'This damned conversation is just going around in circles.'

"Could it be the work of Midori?" Sango looked hopeful.

"No one knows how old the Bone Eater's Well is so that cannot conclusively be confirmed, and as such, is an unreliable idea," Kaede said.

"And for what purpose would Midori do such a thing in the first place? As a miko she would know that a thing like that would be an anomaly too powerful in the wrong hands…The Shikon No Tama was a byproduct and not an intention," Miroku added.

"Ok," growled Inuyasha. "So would it have been a yokai then?"

"I've never heard of a yokai who could manipulate time and space like that," Sango said. "Then again, I never knew anything like Naraku could be created and be as powerful as he was."

"Have you tried using the Black Tetsaiga?" It brought you to Kagome once," Miroku asked.

Inuyasha realized that in fact he had not tried to use it. 'Kami I'm an idiot!'

"I would not advise that," Kaede said. Remember, the Black Tetsaiga is nothing to be used carelessly."

"It is rather unpredictable," Miroku added.

"That CAN open up portals, but from everything you've told me about it, it sends Inuyasha's opponents directly to the underworld." Kaede paused a moment. She dreaded the reaction to what she was about to say. "And since Inuyasha is still unable to control it completely, it was by sheer luck that he found his way to Kagome even just that one time."

Inuyasha growled but made no move. He knew the old woman was right.

"What about Totousai, Inuyasha? Do you think he would be able to help you unlock the secret to the Black Tetsaiga," Sango suggested.

"I'm not sure. I do know that I promised to look over the village since its Rin's home," Inuyasha said much to everyone's shock.

"You're honoring a promise to Sesshomeru?" Miroku leaned forward as he asked.

"I don't understand it. Why, Inuyasha," Sango asked.

"Look, its not for HIM alright!" Inuyasha stood up. "Rin and Kagome seemed close even though they never really spent time together. The way I see it, I'm doing what Kagome would have done if she were here."

"I could send Kirara to find him for you," Sango suggested.

"Nah, Kohaku needs her for yokai slaying," Inuyasha turned to leave but he paused at the door frame of the hut. "If you see Mioga though…Tell him to get Totousai for me." With that, Inuyasha made his way to the Goshinboku, Kagome's bag in tow.

Kagome sat by the Goshinboku and took the basic lotus pose. Slowly she began to clear her mind. Even with all this newfound miko energy, this was not an easy task. In fact, it seemed to only make things more difficult.

The Shikon No Tama had been suppressing her abilities and now, more energy streamed through her body than she could have ever imagined. But Kagome's resolve never wavered. 'I will be a great miko. Even with our differences and petty jealousies, I looked up to Kikyo for her discipline. I will become as great as she was. Someday, maybe I can even surpass her.' Kagome smiled a moment before returning to her blank, yet peaceful, expression.

It took a good twenty minutes or so, but Kagome found that meditative state. Her grandfather watched and smiled. 'Even though I don't have her gifts, or any for that matter, she'll do the family proud. Even along this lonely path, Kagome has great dedication.'

A/N (There are some definite references to Wicca in this chapter. Lammas is a harvest festival. Our holidays revolve around a Lunar calendar for the most part and this year it will be on August first. I assure you this is a real holiday. It is one of several harvest based holidays. This one celebrating the first harvest…The grain harvest. Corn is also harvested at this time but there are different types of corn so it is used for every harvest holiday. If you want to know more please send me a P/M and I'll be happy to answer whatever questions you might have.

On to Sesshomeru…I know there is a lot of debate on whether his fluff is a tail or not. My conclusion is based on three things. One, it is a trait both his mother and father share with him. Two, while inside Inutaisho's grave fighting over the Tetsaiga, his fluff grabs hold of Inuyasha and throws him into a wall…Something a decorative article of clothing could not possibly do. And three, if you carefully look at his back as he walks you can see that it clearly rests at both ends in his mid-section and since his kimono (technically only means clothing) does have a set of pants his two tails (one resting on his shoulder and the other trailing behind him) could be tucked into his somewhat baggy pants and not be noticed.

As for Rin's crush...I taught preschool for over ten years and have studied basic child psychology as well as had plenty of observationtime. The fact of the matter is, sons usually develope crushes on their mothers while daughters on their fathers. They are short-lived but often lay the foundation of what the child will look for in a life partner later on in life. Obviously, Rin's fantasies will be purely innocent as she has no idea where babies come from and all of that. Besides...The thought of writing her dreaming about THAT while still a child is just gross.

I hope there was enough Sesshy/Rin interaction in this chapter. Again, this was my very first published lemon so please don't flame me. If you have suggestions on how to improve it, please do offer them so I can improve for later chapters.

Thanks,

Rhinoa