A/N: Gomen nasai, my beautiful friends... sessha is deeply sorry for the long, long wait. Also for the short chapter. Sessha is trying to get back on track with this story. It is so close to being over, but sessha is having a hard time bringing it to an end. Somewhat like pulling the strings together on 'White Flame'. This story has been with me for so long, I am having a hard time saying 'good-bye.' Gomen, here is my short, but humble offering.

Review Responses at end of chapter.

Chapter twenty-six

The Education of Maxwell March

Reverend March was beginning to worry. Elliot still was not back from wherever it was he'd gone. Even if he was up at the new land plot looking things over, he should have been back by now. It was just not like him to stay gone for much of the day. Perhaps he should have Daniel go look for his brother. He could still hear the sounds of the broom inside the chapel.

"Daniel?" he called from the doorway.

"Aye, father?"

"I think, perhaps, you should go look for your brother. He still hasn't come home. I'm beginning to wonder if something has happened to him up at the land."

"Aye, father. I'll go look for him." 'Wouldn't it be a bloody shame if he'd fallen off the beast of his and broken his neck?' He put the broom back in the closet, smiling to himself while keeping a perfect pious look on his face. "I'll be back as soon as I can." he reassured the older man as he left. Maybe this would be a good time for Elliot to meet with an accident-if he already hadn't.

The Reverend breathed a sigh of relief. Daniel would make a good Parish Father one day. He had a small lazy streak, but it was quickly disappearing the old he became and he was proving himself to be both kind and dependable. The Reverend was very proud. If only he would stop his drinking. That was the last vice his son needed to rid himself of. Once that was mastered, nothing would stop him from becoming everything he was meant to be.

OoooOoooO

"Do you know where we are going, Kenshin? Or are you just walking and hoping something will pop up in front of us and give you an idea?" Soujiro was getting antsy with his brother's seeming lack in sense of purpose.

"Sou..." Kenshin gave his brother a warning look that threatened him with physical retribution if he didn't keep his mouth shut. "I'm working on it, alright."

"Oh, great. You're working on it. That really makes me feel better."

"Soujiro, I swear to God..."

"Kenshin, Soujiro... both of you, chill out." Kaoru snapped at the fuming brothers. "This is not helping us." She turned to the younger. "You need to stow it and let Kenshin think. You have a lot of questions, but I don't see you offering any answers, so unless you've got something to contribute that's useful, shut-up!"

"Hey, I'm just frustrated, okay. We've been wandering around for over an hour. People are going to start to get curious and nosey if we keep this up."

"That is probably true, but we'll just have to deal with that when and if it happens. In the mean time, try to be helpful instead of irritating."

"May I interrupt?" Aoshi's smooth voice slipped between the arguing couple. "I may have something of interest to contribute."

"Please, by all means." Kenshin waved his friend onward. "I need to hear something useful besides these two bickering at each other."

"Kenshin!" Kaoru squawked in outrage. "I was trying to help you."

"Sorry, baby." He offered her an apologetic half smile, and then kissed her cheek. "We're all on edge. I didn't mean anything by it, okay."

"You better not, tough guy, or else you're in a lot of trouble." She pouted and rubbed her nose against his cheek. "I want to get out of here and go home. I want this to be over."

"I know," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders. "So do I." Hugging her up next to his side, Kenshin nuzzled her cheek and kissed her temple. "We're gonna figure this out, baby. I promise, and then we're going to go home."

"Will we be together after this, Kenshin?" She looked up at him with just a touch of anxiety in her eyes.

"Just try and get rid of me." He grinned and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. "I have far too many plans for us and our future. I doubt I'm even going to let you get out of my sight for longer than two minutes." He watched her smile and that wonderful feeling of warmth that only she had ever made him feel rose to fill his heart. "You're the only thing I want." he whispered. She leaned away and looked at him in wide eyed astonishment, but before she could utter a single sound, Aoshi interrupted again.

"Ahem, can we go back to what I was trying to say now?" Laughter tinged his voice.

"I..ah, yeah." Kenshin looked away from the beloved face and trained his attention on the tall, dark-hair teen next to him. "Tell me what you got."

"I've been thinking about what we've all been talking about." He looked into his friend's face and saw confusion. "We've been trying to figure out who is and isn't supposed to die for quite awhile. Even before we got sucked over here. Yes?"

"I guess so," Kenshin scratched his chin and considered Aoshi's words. "What are you getting at?"

"Maybe we're talking about the wrong people."

"Huh? What do you mean by that? Who else are we going to talk about except the people Daniel murdered?"

"Maybe we should be talking about the people he didn't murder."

"Like who?" Kenshin knew Aoshi was going somewhere with this, but for the life of him, he couldn't figure out where.

Aoshi turned to Soujiro. "What all did Cassandra tell you about her marriage to Daniel? Was it arranged?"

"Yeah. Her father and Daniel's father arranged it. It was supposed to be some kind of a financial coup for Sandy's family because Daniel's father was the Reverend and being associated with the March's would improve his bakery business significantly."

"What was there for the Reverend's family to gain from being coupled with the O'Massy's?"

"Nothing really. She never did say. I think it was simply that her father was a successful businessman and already well known in the community. It would have been a good match for times like these. She told me everything was about doweries and good matches."

"She was pretty and came from a rich family." Kenshin narrowed his gaze and let that information settle in his mind. "Daniel proved himself to not be above murdering anyone, even a member of his own family as well as an innocent young boy who only wanted to protect his sisters honor. We know he's not above cheating or possibly stealing to get what he wants and he hates everything and everything."

"He loved Cassandra." Kaoru's voice was small as she snuggled closer to Kenshin. "He loved her so much he killed her so no one else could have her."

"That isn't love, honey." Kenshin rubbed his cheek on her forehead. "That's obsession. There's a big difference." He turned back to lock gazes with Aoshi. "Who would he have hated the most? Who would have had control over everything in his life at this point? He told Cassandra that she ruined him when she left him for another man because it destroyed his manhood, but why would that happen? Women leave men all the time and visa versa? Why was it so bad for him? Who did he fail by losing his wife if not himself?"

They all stood looking at each other for several long, silent minutes, and then Aoshi cocked his head and voiced a thought. "He was the oldest son of the town's religious leader. In this time period, religion was just about more important to the puritan's that anything else. They were trying to convert the Indians and anyone else they came in contact with. The Reverend almost had more power than the Law."

"If he was in line to inherit his father's parish and lands, he would have become a very important man as well as a very powerful man." Soujiro looked at Aoshi, feeling a cold shiver lace up his spine. "He would have been able to do anything."

"That's right. And if you have an evil man sitting at the head of a town who is conditioned to believe and obey every word that comes out of his mouth..."

"Oh my God!" Kenshin's jaw dropped and his hand covered his mouth in shock. "It's his father. He's going to kill his father."

"What?" Kaoru pulled away and stared at her boyfriend. "What are you talking about? Why would he do that?"

"To get control of everything." Kenshin shook his head and raked his fingers through his hair. "Don't you see? Right now, the old reverend has absolute control over everything Daniel does. He has to cow-tow to whatever his old man tells him to do. He has to be 'a good boy' or he'll lose his chance at gaining control of all that power he stands to inherit when the old man dies. But he's such a greedy sonofabitch, he's not going to wait that long. He want's it now. He wants everything now."

"I think you're probably right, Himura, because I was considering something much the same." Aoshi drew a deep breath. "With the old man out of the way, Daniel can do anything to this Parish he chooses. He can extort money from them in the name of the Lord and call it 'donations', keeping most of it for himself. He'll preach hellfire and damnation to keep the fear of God in them so no one will ever question his authority, and he'll rule this town under an iron fist."

"That's the first murder, isn't it?" Kaoru raised horrified eyes. "That's the one that starts them all, and it's the one we have to stop."

"I think so." Aoshi nodded, a dark look passing over his features. "Once you kill your own father, everything after than is easy." he turned and looked off into the distance. "Once he had everything he wanted-the power, the money, his wife. Daniel must have believed he was invincible. He didn't count on Cassandra falling in love with Edmond or Elliot helping them runaway together. Once word of her desertion filtered out into the town, the parishioners must have turned their backs on him. If a man of God can't keep his wife, a girl they all knew to be sweet, lovely, and kind to a fault, then there must be something wrong with him. It must have ruined him completely and exposed him for what he really was. During that time, he killed Elliot. Sometime before Cassandra left, he killed Ethan. That might have been the catalyst that finally set everything in motion, making Edmond and Elliot devise a plan to get her away."

"I think you're right." Kenshin's eyes had a faraway look to them as he stared at nothing. "He must have done something terrible to Elliot to make him tell him where they'd gone. I don't even want to imagine. He must have died feeling such guilt knowing he failed to keep their secret."

"I...I think so too." Icy blue eyes filled with remorse turned to capture Kenshin's saddened violet gaze. "I...I'm sorry." he said.

"Don't." Two steps brought the red-head over to his now silent friend. "We aren't going there, Aoshi. Not now, not ever. You understand? There is a demon both of us have to deal with here. Mine is the fact that I left my beloved alone when my heart was screaming at me that it was wrong. Even though she told me it was what I had to do, my heart said I needed to stay, but I didn't. I left, and she died. So, we both have a guilt to harbor deep inside knowing that we failed to protect something we loved. Let's deal with it and stop it from happening again. Alright?" Aoshi nodded, reaching out and grabbing Kenshin by the shoulder.

"Alright. Then we need to find the reverend."

"Best place to look for a preacher is in the church." Soujiro said quietly. "And I think the church is that big building way over there." He pointed off to their right and everyone turned to look.

"I think you're right, Sou." Kenshin nodded. "Let's go. Time to talk to the reverend."

"Do you think he'll believe us?" Kaoru asked as she slipped her hand into Kenshin's.

"I don't know. All we can do is try."

"Yeah," Soujiro muttered. "Try and pray."

OooooOooooO

Reverend March was more than just a little surprised by the appearance of his youngest son, his oldest son's fiancé' and her younger brother, and the town's school master. His deep green eyes narrowed as he took in their general state of nervousness as well as the way Cassandra seemed to be hovering around Edmond and promptly straightened his long coat and favored them with the most severe look he could muster.

"Elliot," he lifted a slate gray eyebrow and pierced his son with an unfavorable stare. "Where have you been all morning? I just sent your brother looking for you? And what are you doing here with Miss O'Massy, young Ethan, and Master Fetlock?"

"I...ah," Aoshi looked at Kenshin with helpless eyes. He had no idea what to say to this man who believed he was his son. Point in fact, he was his son, in a manner of speaking, but in another, he most definitely was not. "Forgive me, Father," he began in a low but steady voice. "I fear we are in need of your council. There is a rather important matter that has come to my attention, and it is imperative we speak to you about it."

The Reverend stared hard at the man he believed to he his son and confusion washed through his mind. It looked like Elliot, the voice even sounded like Elliot, but the words coming out of his mouth were like nothing he had ever heard his son speak before. They were not like anything he had heard anyone speak before, for that matter. "What is wrong?" he asked, approaching the tall, dark-haired man. "Are you ill?"

"No, I'm quite well," Aoshi took an involuntary step back as the old preacher got close. "As I said, we are in need of your council."

"Aye, you did say that. Now what I'd like to be knowing is what's gotten into you that's got you speaking like an English Dignitary instead of my son?"

"Ex-excuse me, sir?"

"That, that right there," The Reverend pounded on Aoshi and grabbed the front of his coat in both hands. "My son never called me 'sir' or 'father' a day in his life. He's called me 'papa' from the time he was big enough to stumble over my boots, and in his later years, he took to calling me 'Reverend'. So, I ask you, young man, just what in tarnation is wrong with you?"

Aoshi carefully, but deliberately removed the preacher's hands from his coat, and then took a measured step away from him. His icy blue eyes filled with worry and he cast another glance in the direction of his red-haired companion. "I was...or rather, we were hoping this would have gone much differently, but unfortunately it appears we are not going to be able to work our way into explanations."

"What explanations?"

"We are not whom we appear to be, Reverend March."

"Say again."

"I am not your son, Elliot. At least, not the Elliot you know. I am, however, a part of him but a part that does not exist in this time." Aoshi watched carefully as this information filtered through the old man's brain. "Tell me, Reverend. What color were Elliot's eyes?"

"What does that have do to with this?" The Reverend eyes the foursome suspiciously. "I sense witchcraft afoot."

"No, no witchcraft, old man." Kenshin stepped forward and glared into the preachers face. "A little time travel maybe, but no witchcraft."

"Time travel? Such things are not possible in this world and if they are, it's of the Devil."

"We are not of the Devil, you shriveled up old puritan. We reincarnated, for God's sake. This man is your son, but only in spirit. Look at his eyes if you don't believe me. I'll bet Elliot March had green eyes just like Daniel. This man's eyes are blue."

"Blasphemer! How dare you take the name of God in vain in his own house! How dare you speak to a man of the cloth in such a vile and coarse manner! How dare you..."

"Does Edmond Fetlock talk like this?" Kenshin grabbed the front of the preachers coat and shoved his nose into the old man's reddening face. "Has he ever cursed a day in his life? Would he talk to you like this?"

"N-no...Master Fetlock is a good, kind God-fearing man. I've never heard a harsh word from him since the day I met him." The Reverend looked into the snarling face and felt fear shiver through his old bones. "I don't understand...are you poor people possessed?"

"Jesus Christ!" Kenshin swore and shoved the old man away. "Can't you get it through your head? We are not witches, we are not Devils, and we sure as hell are not possessed. What we are is trying to prevent a catastrophe of monumentous proportions."

"What kind of catastrophe?"

"Your murder at the hands of your own son."

"Elliot?" His confused gaze swivelled toward Aoshi.

"No..." Kenshin exchanged pained looks with Aoshi and Kaoru. "Daniel."

OooooOooooO

Daniel stared across the rolling meadow, a feral gleam reflecting in his deep emerald eyes. Elliot was nowhere to be found, not that he cared over much. He hadn't really expected to find his younger brother out here anyway.

'He's probably over at the O'Massy's... paying one of 'is social calls on my betrothed.'

His face pinched into a mask of hatred. That was something he intended to put a stop to-just as soon as he took care of the business at hand. The old man was becoming too much of a problem for his own good, and Daniel needed to find a way to get rid of him without it looking suspicious. Of course, he would need to be around to perform the wedding next week, but after that... He smirked, after that it wouldn't matter much if the old geezer just up and disappeared.

"After all," he said, leaning over to pat his horse on the neck. "I am here to mournfully step into 'is shoes. Why there would hardly be a reason to miss 'im." His eyes narrowed as his brain started to fashion a plan. It should be fairly simple. Old men had accidents every day.

TBC

Reveiw Response

XiaXue: Romance Novels... used to read them when I was in high school and in my twenties. Thought they were hot stuff (shudder). Can't do to much with them now. I like romance, but I want blood, guts, and action with it. HA HA HA HA.

Unknown Beedee: Two more years of high school, eh? Hang in there. It all happens so fast, one day it'll all be over and you'll wonder where the time went. (I know how this story ends, I just don't want to go there... can you tell? lol)

Kodora Fairy: I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update. I actually hadn't realized just how long it's been until I looked at the date on your review. O.O I was astonished and embarrassed. I hope I didn't disappoint you this time. The chapter is so short. Very out of character for me.

Catti-dono: God Bless, you cute thing. I read your story you sent. I loved it. You need to have more faith in yourself. And, Thank you for listening to me the other night. I needed a shoulder to cry on and you were there for me. Friendship is so important to me, and yours is priceless.

Ice Angel Kaoru: Yes, it has been some time since I saw you among my reviews, koishii-tenshi. It is good to see you again. :) Now it is my turn to be late in appearances. How do we know if the group is dealing with Hiko or Daniel? I hope this chapter answered your question. :P And yes, I discovered the 'sit' 'sat' 'set' problem. grin I've been having trouble with that for some time. I hope I have it finally figured out. Thanks. There are a lot of grammar issues I'm working on. Some times I feel like I'm back in school trying to learn it all over again.

Half breed demon fox: May I continue to meet your expectations, dear kitsune. Thank you. :)

Paisita: Thank you again for your letter. It meant the world to me. You don't know how much I needed to know 'someone' cared. I have really been struggling with a lot of issues lately. Not just with writing, but personally as well. Your letter gave me something to hang on to and believe in. God bless you, dear one. You are a light in my darkness.

Legolas estelstar: Do you know how much I love you? Your letter/review left me speechless and almost in tears. Between you and Paisita, I felt like I had a reason to keep writing. Sometimes that is all it takes-just the sweet voices from the void saying 'you can do this' and 'we believe in you' and 'we are your friends' to keep you going. Though I have never seen your face nor heard your voice, I feel your heart, and that is enough. Thank you. God bless.

Pyramidgirl89: I made his IQ so high because he is a certified genius. I wanted to shock the policemen/and the readers. I wanted to show beyond any doubt, he is not what people have believed him to be. He is being what they expect him to be. What he really is, is an Enigma with depth and potential that has barely been touched. Someone no one ever gave a chance to. Did you know, that Madonna's IQ is 144? Einstien's IQ was around 177... Most artists and very creative minded people range in IQ from 140-160. He is far above that.

Sephiress: Dana! I was so happy to see this review. I don't get a chance to talk to you much anymore. I'm so busy and so are you. I hope you are doing better these days-I think of you often and pray that things are going well. I hope your Yahoo group problems have fixed themselves. I love you, baby. I can hardly wait for you to start writing again.

JD Fielding: Little Brother! Otoutsan! I love your reviews. They always have something in them that gives me an idea. Did you know that? It never fails. I read them and I get an inkling for a scene. Whether for the next chapter or later on, but I always get something.

You and I are so alike in so many ways (when it comes to what goes on in our heads). I like looking at the world through the villain's eyes as well. The perspective can be as twisted as you'd like and it's acceptable. Strange, isn't it:)

Your new story... It has grabbed me by the throat. Everything about it is exceptional. Have you ever thought of joining a writing group and taking steps toward publishing? It is something that takes possibly a few years to accomplish (I am hoping to set a complete manuscript on someone's desk in 2 years), but I think you have the gift. It is a thought.

God bless, and much love always,

Tsuki-san (your neesan)

Animegurl783: Sorry, no KK romance at this time. There is just too much other 'stuff' that has to go on. There are little bits and pieces, but I promise there will be something major before the end closes. Really there will. :) (Thanks for the favorite listing)

Aine of Knockaine: love that name:) I was so jazzed to see you were reading 'Live Forever'. Not very many people do... at least not many people review it. It is such a complex story. I basically write it for myself (almost) because it is something I have always wanted to write. It is difficult and takes a lot out of me, but no matter how long it takes, I will finish it. Thank you for reading 'Bad Kid'. It's been with me a long time. You sound like one of those who'll stick around for the end. Hope so. :) God bless. Oh, before I forget... netflix? How much do they sell their box series for? Just wondering. Found a RK box set for about 100.

De Lazy Lime: My sweet Sarah. How much I love you, sweet girl. :) You've been with me for such a long time... I don't know what I'd do if I didn't see you. You always have something uplifting to say. I've been going through such an awful period in my life lately, and going back through my reviews and reading yours... it helped. More than you know. I always look for you... on all my stories... everywhere. Your just that ray of sunshine. You've always made me laugh-from the very beginning. :) God bless.

Immortal Blood: Friends like that are priceless. The last chapter of my Vampire FanFic has the inspiration that your name gave me. I think it is one of the best chapters I have written...in any of my stories. 'Thanks'. :) Thanks for being here for 'Bad Kid'. I've gotten used to seeing you and look for you now. :) If you do go check out 'Do You Want to Live Forever?', just know that it is a very complex story. The style is a lot the same as this, but the story is much more complicated. God bless, my friend. Thanks for reading.

Lynn-Minmay: I am so pleased you liked the last chapter. I am in great hopes that this one was as pleasing...even if it was so short. There is a reason Hiko isn't there, and Daniel is. It's complicated-just like everything else. LOL. God bless, Lynn. Thanks for reviewing.

Psychotic-catster: You crazy little animal...LOLOLOLOL When I read your reviews I can actually picture you jumping up and down on your bed, hair flying wildly in your face. Everytime, it never fails... and I get the biggest grin on my face, and I chuckle. My husband always looks at me funny and says, 'What?' Everytime. Every single time. You are the best. I want to know if you ever bump your head on the ceiling? J/k Have I ever told you I love you? If I haven't... I do. God bless, you wild thing.

P.S. Don't you ever leave me... I think I'd die.

RkfaN930: You are more than forgiven for not reviewing a couple of chapters. Look how long it took me to update. (Now whose looking sheepish 'erp') (and I didn't know about the alert list for 6 months after I became a member, so don't feel dumb) (I didn't know there was a favorites lists either blush ) So, I think we're even. O.O lol

erica6060: I am so sorry you're confused. It is pretty complicated. If you want to e-mail me with what you are confused about, I will try to explain it to you. I have done that many times before so don't think you're bothering me or upsetting me. LadyInBlk4 at (without the spaces :)) I'd be more than happy to help.

Pixel the evil fairy: My 'fern gulley girl'. Sorry, it sticks with me now. (Sheepish) And yes, you leave a warm spot... you always will. Once I find a bond with one of my fans, it stays with me forever. I never forget. You'll always be my 'fern gulley girl'. lolol... I'll always remember who you are just because of that. You printed out the story? and its thick? Even in size 6 font? Holy sh-t! LOLOL I'm speechless–almost. God bless, koishii. Sorry the chapter was so short.

Steph: Stephie! Oh so sorry to hear about your horse. :( Heat in the hooves is not a good thing. Very painful if I recall, and I'm not surprised he bit your teacher. (She should have been more careful–more her fault than his, you know.) I hope he's better by now. Should be.

I know this chapter was waaaaaaaaaaaaaay shorter than usual. I'm just having such a rough time personally at the moment, it's hard to focus. But, I hope you liked it anyway. I'm always so glad to see you here. I always think the same thing. "It's my cowgirl, yippie!" Corny, huh? ;)

Sick Galaxy: YEAH! She's back! She's Back! She's back! Wonder what's in her pocket?

:"( Oh, dear... sorry about the guinea pig, and your friends dog... that sucks. I know how rough that can be. My old cat is getting ready to turn 19 this summer, and I know it's only a matter of time until I wake up and find her cold and stiff in the house somewhere. Not looking forward to that. (sniffle) Feeling selfish now about wanting you to come back so badly...but still so happy you did. I missed you.

Kik-ting: I'm so happy you're here. I know about things getting in the way of other things. Look how long it took me to get back to this. Gomen, my friend. I missed you. I hope your life is settling back down to a tolerable pace. Please, don't fall asleep on your laptop... you'd get all those funky little imprints on your face from the keys. wink

kagomefan: Gomen nasai. I know the update is very long in coming. Sessha is sorry.

Videl621: OMG! falls on the floor in a dead faint. THUD

The 1 and only Bret: You are not rude. Don't ever think that. I often confuse myself when it comes to numbers and the like. I appreciate anything that people/fans point out to me that I've screwed up on. Especially stuff like that. I can't really change it now that the story is almost over, but if I ever go back and rewrite it... I will. Thank you for taking the time and pointing it out to me. And thank you for reading. I'm pleased your enjoying it. I hope you drop me another few lines. God Bless, Bret.

Hannah: That is a wonderful compliment. Thank you. bows humbly

Kaoru4: You read the whole thing? In one sitting? Was your butt dead when you got up? ;)

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoyed this chapter–even though it was painfully short.

Beowulf31486: I am so glad to see you again. I appreciate what you said about the reincarnation comparison. I am humbly flattered. (bows) Also, the review itself has left me utterly speechless. You feel honored to review my story? No one has ever said that to me before. I don't know what to say. (kneels and presses forehead to floor) Arigato, shin-yuu. Sessha is humbled and deeply touched by your words and will never forget you have spoken them. Arigato.

Stardust Angel2: I feel slightly embarrassed and confused... has it been so long since I've been to any of my publish sites that I have forgotten people who have reviewed me? You say you have read my other stories and yet I cannot bring your name to mind. (kneels and bangs head on floor in shame) Gomen nasai, Tenshin-sama, Sessha is a fool with a weak mind. Sessha begs forgiveness and pleads you do not abandon her for her stupidity.

Hiki: Gomen nasai, my friend. The update was long in coming. Sessha is very sorry. :(

Skenshingumi: Thank you for your kind words. Gomen nasai for the lateness of the update. Sessha is ashamed. :(

Luraia Soul: Konichiwa, Shin-yuu. It is good to see you again. Sessha begs your pardon for the lateness of the update. Many things have been trying her mind, and writing has been difficult. You have been with her for so long... you are highly valued. Sessha sees your name and always thinks of a wavering wisp of pale blue mist. It has always been so... since the beginning. God bless, dear one... thank you for staying with Sessha.

Kanna-chii: You read this non-stop? The entire manuscript? Who is your friend? I would like to thank them. I rarely know/or ever hear of people who suggest my stories, but when I do, I like to tell them thank you. It means a great deal to me. Thank you for your kind words. Gomen that the update was so long in coming. I hope you enjoyed it.

RogueSummersLover: Gomen for the untimely update. Sessha hopes you are still out there reading. Sessha apologizes for the wait.

BelleDayNight: I can see you're reading it. LOLOL... Eventually, don't we finally/always get to each others stuff? LOLOL Love you, Belle. Talk to you soon.

KCSobe: Will be updating my Affiliates page this week. I will be adding your 'temporary' webpage. :) Thank you for wanting to post this story on your site. I am more than humbly flattered. God bless both of you. Keep in touch.

Kean: Sweet Kean, I am beginning to crawl my way out of the pit of despair I've been living in the last 2 months. Thank you for the concern. You are one of the special people whose words have always meant so much to me. Your support and encouragement... your honest opinions. You have been a steady rock that has held me up for a long time. If I never told you that, then I should have. Thank you, my shin-yuu. You are always in my heart.

Kira: Thank you for dropping me a review. I was just finishing the update when you did. It made me smile the way you worded it. :)

I have to tell you something–bear with, it's sort of corny, but it means something special to me. I have a unique affinity for the Inuyasha character 'Sesshoumaru'. I think he is beautiful beyond comparison. I have always wondered why the cartoonist/author never gave him his own girl... a lot of fanfiction authors pair him with Kagome, including myself, and I like that-to a point, but I have still always wished he had his own girl. In my own mind, I made up a character for him. She is an inu-kitsune (half fox half dog demon). She has long black hair, green eyes, a black tail and black ears. Her name is... Kira. Then one day, not long ago, maybe a month, I was searching the net looking for pictures for my fanart galleries (for my website) and I found some of the most beautiful Sesshoumaru portraits I'd ever seen. They had him paired with a beautiful inu female with silver hair and gold eyes. Her name was... Kira. I almost fainted. I wrote the artist and begged to post them all on my webpage. I told her the same story I just told you... she gave me permission to post anything off her Gallery I wanted. We are now good friends.

When I saw your name this morning... I almost fainted. I will never forget you simply because you have the name of my own Original Character. You will be forever fused to my brain.

God bless, Kira.