Kaede was surprised at first...if Miroku and Shippo weren't with Sango, than who else could it be... She said, "Sango, who did you bring with you...wait, you mean…"
Sango replied, "I came with Inuyasha's brother, Sesshomaru, Kaede. He's here along with his human ward Rin, and his retainer, Jaken."

Kaede was shocked...Sesshomaru had been against his brother for so long, and she'd seen the wounds that the powerful Demon Lord had inflicted on Inuyasha in the past. The elderly priestess had heard of Sesshomaru's change of heart from Kagome, but she'd only seen him a few times, and never for very long. She said, "If he truly does wish to aid in bringing Kagome to Inuyasha's side, then by all means, he's welcome to come in."

Sango opened the covering over Kaede's doorway, and she leaned outside. She said, "Sesshomaru, you and Rin are welcome to come inside...Jaken too." Sesshomaru nodded, and he walked inside, nodding his head slightly as a sign of respect to Kaede. Rin politely bowed, and Jaken was about to say something, when Sesshomaru glanced at him with a look that meant 'say it and you're dead'.

Kaede said, "Welcome, Lord Sesshomaru...it's been a long time since we last spoke. I must say...I am glad to see that you and Inuyasha have put your differences aside. Tell me, what brought about your change of heart?"

Sesshomaru sat down next to Sango, and Rin took a seat next to him, while Jaken stood off to the side, wearing a sour expression. The Demon Lord replied, "It started when I saw just how utterly he was able to destroy the ferocious Ryukotsusei...a demon that not even our father could defeat. Inuyasha, despite being only half demon, wiped him off the face of the Earth with a single blow from the Backlash Wave. He also prevented Naraku from absorbing my body into his, and I've seen for myself how much strength he gains from his trust in all of his companions...especially for Kagome. The two of them are practically soulmates to begin with, and the rest of you are so close to him, he seems to consider you as part of his family. The biggest factor however...is Rin." Rin looked up, surprised. "Little by little, ever since the day I revived her with Tensaiga, she has broken down the barrier of my heart, and allowed me to see that love and companionship are not signs of weakness...they can make you stronger. I have learned that my brother is every bit as worthy of being our father's son as I am...and that he deserves to live his life with the one he truly loves. As such, I ask you, Kaede...please aid us in finding a way to bring Kagome to his side. My brother... one of my last remaining family members...he does not deserve to die without having a chance to know true love."

Sango wiped tears from her eyes, and she said, "This is...all my fault. I should've been able to stop that arrow...I tried to use Hiraikotsu to shield him, but I didn't move fast enough. Maybe if I'd thrown it instead...hit the arrow in mid-flight...I should've noticed it before...but I was too slow...it's my fault Inuyasha's in such horrible pain right now...if we find Kagome...I don't know how I'll be able to tell her this…" The demon slayer cried, overcome with grief.

Kirara began rubbing her head against Sango's stomach, until the calm voice of Sesshomaru stated, "Sango, you are not to blame...you did everything that you could have done. If anyone is to blame, I should bear it. I am guilty of REPEATED attacks on Inuyasha...on all of you, and only recently have I come to accept him...to love him as a brother...as family. Sango, you are one of the finest humans that I have ever met...a strong, brave woman, and a formidable fighter. Inuyasha has told me that you are the only one out of your group that can actually come close to matching his fighting prowess. Sango, do not blame yourself for what has happened...instead, focus on finding Kagome, so that we may bring this ordeal to a happy ending."

Rin said, "That's right, Miss Sango...we'll all help you. Kirara, Lord Sesshomaru, and me...even Master Jaken, right?"

The toad imp replied, "AS IF I WOULD EVER CONSIDER HELPING THAT WORTHLESS HALF-BREED...uh...oh…" Several slaps sounded throughout the hut, as Sesshomaru, Rin, Sango, and even Kaede gave Jaken their opinion regarding his big mouth. Kirara hissed, and then she batted the toad imp outside.

Sango said, "Thank you, Kirara...I know I can always count on you to stay by my side." Kirara meowed, and then she jumped up onto Sango's shoulder and began to lick the slayer's cheek, while purring softly. "Thank you, too, Lord Sesshomaru and Rin...I'm so glad to have such a wonderful band of friends...it's almost like having a family again. That's why I'm begging you, Kaede, please. To lose Inuyasha would be like losing a brother."

"Please, Kaede," Sesshomaru said. "Inuyasha is one of my only remaining family members, aside from my mother…and he is like family to Sango. If there is anything you can do, we would all be eternally grateful."

"Hmm…" Kaede said. "I don't think I myself can bring Kagome here.."

"No.." Sango whispered.

"But I think I might have a way to send YOU to HER time…but it's a very old Shikigami spell….I haven't used it in years. It might be risky for you, Sesshomaru.."

"I'm willing, Kaede. I will do whatever it takes to save my brother."

"Very well, Sesshomaru. I will go into the back room and find the scroll. If used properly, this spell has the ability to send you forward into Kagome's time so that you may find her."

She turned to Sango. "Sango, seeing as how you have read Kagome's books and have done research on her time, you will go with him and be his guide" Sango nodded.
"But, Kaede, I think it would be better if we posed as a family, to lift suspicion from ourselves while we're there. So, I think Rin should go with us as well." Kirara mewed.

"Oh, of course you'll join us too, Kirara. I'd never dream of leaving you behind."

Rin looked up excitedly. "Can I really go with you, Lord Sesshomaru? I've heard so many things from Kagome about her era, I'd love to see it up close."

"All right, Rin. But you have to stay close to me and Sango when we're there. It's a big place and none of us are familiar with it, so I don't want you wandering off."

"I won't," Rin said, but she couldn't hide her excitement.

"All right, I'll go out back and find the scroll and any ingredients I'll need."

Kaede walked into the back and reached up on the highest shelves, looking, looking, until she finally found what she was seeking. She took down a large, yellow, dusty scroll that had been placed up on the topmost shelf and opened it, reading it thoroughly and gathering jars and bottles from the other shelves, finally returning. She set all her contents in front of her and placed a small bowl on the ground. She unrolled the scroll and beckoned Sango, Rin, and Sesshomaru to come and sit in front of her. She took some more of the bottled water and poured it into the bowl. She scooped some sand from the ground and sprinkled it into the cup. She took a small bottle of gold colored liquid. "Snake oil," she muttered, holding it up and pouring a few drops into the cup. She took some dried leaves and crushed them between her fingers, causing the smell of cinnamon to fill the room. "Dried herbs," she explained as she added them to the cup. She held up a green bottle. "Liquid dragon scales," she said, pouring in some. She lifted up her head. "Sesshomaru, this is the part where I'm going to need you."

"What do you need me for, Kaede?"

"If you are truly serious about helping your brother, I'm going to need an important ingredient in this spell, which only you can provide."

"I will do whatever I can, Kaede."

Kaede reread the scroll. "In order for this potion to work...I will need two drops of demon blood to add to the cup. It must be a full blooded demon." She looked up. "Would you?"

Sesshomaru held out his hand. "Take it, Kaede."

Sango pulled her hidden dagger from her boot. "Hold out your hand to me, Sesshomaru, and don't move." She carefully stabbed his finger and held it over the cup, squeezing two drops of blood into it. He covered his finger to heal it.

"All right," Kaede said. "It looks like it's just about ready. Now, before I send you there, we have to put you in less conspicuous clothes. After all, it will be five hundred years in the future, so those clothes you've all got on now will definitely cause some stares, from what Kagome has told me. Now…let's see.." Kaede said. "I do believe Kagome left a change of clothes here with me the last time she was here…" she stood up and went to a corner. "Ah! Here it is!" she pulled out a bag and opened it. "Let's see…Sango, I believe you are the same size as Kagome…" she lifted out a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved T-Shirt.

"Those are jeans, right?" Sango said. "Kagome was telling me about those. She said I might like them! They're comfortable and easy to walk in."

"Well, by all means, try them on!" Kaede handed them to Sango. "You can go in the back there." Sango stood up and left. "Now, for you, Rin.." she reached in and pulled out a bright yellow sundress. "I think this will do nicely. Wait, let me make it your size." she passed her hand over the garment. Immediately, it started to shrink until it was just her size. "There, Dear. Now, you can go put it on. Just follow Sango." Rin did so, and after a few moments she came out. "Lord Sesshomaru, look!" she said happily, twirling around in the dress.

"You look very lovely, Rin," Sesshomaru said.

Immediately afterward, Sango entered in the jeans and T-Shirt. She stopped by Kaede's mirror to admire herself. "Wow…I love these! I love these! Kagome was right, these are comfortable! I bet these would be good to fight in too…all you'd have to do is attach some armor to them!"

"Oh, Miss Kaede," Rin asked suddenly, "What about Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Oh…ah…Sesshomaru.." Kaede said.

"I do not think there could be anything in that bag for me," Sesshomaru said.

"Well….ah…" Kaede said, taking Sesshomaru's hand and looking upon his claw.

"This will definitely be much more difficult than it is to disguise Inuyasha when he goes in the well. All he basically needs is a hat to hide his ears…but seeing as how yours are much different, we might not be able to do that. Not to mention your claws are much more distinctive…can't hide those…not to mention your birthmarks…hmm…I suppose the only way to disguise you, Sesshomaru…would be to cloak you in magic and give you a human form."

"Cloak him?" Rin asked.

"Yes…just give him a magic disguise to hide his demon features so people in the future won't be alarmed. I guarantee it will not hurt. It will be merely so he will go unnoticed as he is helping you seek Kagome." She looked at Sesshomaru quickly. "By doing this I am not removing your demon powers. You will still be a demon. You will only LOOK like a human. You will retain all the powers you were given, you will only LOOK different." Sesshomaru nodded. Kaede took a golden pendant and passed her hands over it.

"I invoke this charm with the power of time,
Let it now take form as I finish this rhyme.
Make him look as he does not,
As I dip this charm into the pot.
Make a cloak of human form,
A demon we shall see no more."

The pendant then began to glow with a red-gold tint and she dipped it into the potion. As soon as she pulled it out it glowed for a few moments. She then stepped toward Sesshomaru. "Now, like I said, as soon as I put this pendant on you, you'll take the form of a human man. You will still have your demon powers, but I don't recommend you using them while you're in Kagome's time."

"No, Sesshomaru," Sango said quickly. "Kaede's right. You mustn't use your demon powers at all while we're there…and you also can't kill people. That's extremely important, Sesshomaru. In Kagome's time they have people called 'Police', they're kind of like the Samurai's of her time, only a lot more strict. If they saw you kill anyone, they would have you arrested and put in a place called 'Jail', where they would force you to stay in a room with bars out front, not too much furniture, and make you live there. They would also take Rin away and put her with a lot of other children with no parents called an 'Orphanage'."

Rin gasped. "NO! No, I don't want to go anywhere but where Lord Sesshomaru is! Oh, Lord Sesshomaru, please don't let them take me!!"

"Don't worry, Rin. As long as Sesshomaru controls himself and doesn't kill ANYONE, regardless of who they are of whether or not they're in his way, we'll all be fine and you won't leave him." Rin breathed a sigh of relief.

"Now, Sesshomaru," Kaede began again. "As soon as I put this pendant on you, you will assume the form of a human man. Like I said, you will still retain your powers but you will resemble a human in every shape and form. You will stay like this until you remove the pendant, then you shall regain your true form. However, I don't recommend you do so in public. If you must take this off, wait until you are completely alone. Do you understand all of this?"

"I do, Kaede. And I am willing to put that on and assume that form, if by doing so I may help my brother."

"All right. Come stand in front of me."

Jaken, having finally regained consciousness, staggered back into the room to see Kaede put the pendant on Sesshomaru's kimono. Immediately a blue-white glow surrounded him. Jaken stood where he was with his jaw to the ground, not knowing what on Earth was happening…until the glow faded and he saw for the first time the transformed Sesshomaru.

"Huh?! Who….wha…..wha…MiLOOOOOOOOOOOORD!" Jaken cried out before passing out in a dead faint!

Rin ran up to Sesshomaru and looked up at him. "Actually, Lord Sesshomaru, I think you look very handsome!"

"Thank you, Rin."

"Actually, you do," Sango agreed, pulling a small mirror out of the bag. 'Look for yourself!"

Sesshomaru looked. "Hold that differently. I don't see myself."

Rin giggled. "THAT'S you, Lord Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru stared at the unfamiliar face looking back at him. His once silvery-white hair was now jet black! His eyes of gold had been replaced with violet ones! His skin was darker as well, and his fur and birthmarks were gone! His other arm had returned to him. He held out his hands…normal human ones! His claws and long fingernails were gone. He touched his ears. Round…not pointed. He leaned in closer to the mirror. In fact, if his kimono had been red instead of white…he would look exactly like Inuyasha in his own human form! "Interesting.." Sesshomaru said. "So…this is what my brother sees on the night of a new moon."

"Only you still have your demon power," Sango said. "Inuyasha doesn't…he doesn't like that too much. In fact, I'm one of the few people that can approach him when this happens. Usually he doesn't want anyone coming near him until the morning, when he gets his powers back."

"I must remember to speak to him about this when we come back."
Jaken finally stood up. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY LORD SESSHOMARU, YOU WITCH?! YOU TURNED HIM INTO THE ONE THING HE HATES THE MOST!! HOW LONG DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO STAY LIKE THIS, KNOWING THIS IS WHAT HE…"

"Jaken!"

"Yes, Sir?"

SLAP!!!!

"I may look human, Jaken, but underneath I am still myself!"
"Aye, Mi Lord!"
Kirara mewed as if to say, "What about me?"
"Oh yes, dear Kirara, we must not forget you," she gazed upon Kirara. "Hmm…those two tails of yours will be difficult to hide…so I believe you need to be cloaked as well," she took an ordinary collar from one of her shelves and dipped it into the potion. "All right, hold still." She put the collar on Kirara, who also was cloaked in a blue-white light. When it went away Kirara was standing there, looking like a normal cat. Her tails had morphed into one big one, her diamond on her forehead had gone, and her eyes had shrunken.

"Mew?" she asked.

"You look sweet, Kirara," Sango reassured her. Kirara jumped upon Sango's shoulder.

"Now, remember, Kirara, you are still a full demon cat, and you still have all your demon abilities. However, like Sesshomaru, I suggest that you don't transform at all while you're in Kagome's time. It would definitely scare a lot of people and they'll run away instead of helping you."

"Are you understanding this, Kirara? No transforming while we're there."

"Mew."

Kaede read the scroll one final time. "Oh Dear.."

"What is it, Kaede?"

"This spell is really, really old. I'm afraid I haven't used it in many years…it isn't as powerful as it used to be."

Sango looked at her, worried to death. "What does it mean, Kaede?"

"It means that…I can only send you there for two days. By sunset of the second day, I MUST bring you back, or you will be stranded there forever. Once you come back, I can't send you there anymore."

"We won't fail, Kaede," Sesshomaru promised. "By the second day, we WILL come back with Kagome. I swear on the honor of our father that we will."

Sango went to the doorway. When she lifted the flap, she saw that the sun was beginning to set. "Sesshomaru, Kaede, the sun is starting to go down. We have to get moving right NOW."

"I agree, let's begin this journey. There's not a second to lose. I don't want the sun going down on my brother's life."

"All right. First, you must leave all your weapons behind. That Hiraikotsu will no doubt attract attention, as will your armor, Sesshomaru." Sango shrugged off her boomerang and placed it on the ground, followed by her hidden dagger, and then her katana. Sesshomaru unsheathed Tensaiga and Tokijin, unbuckled his armor, and laid it by the Hiraikotsu. "All right, now follow me outside, please."

"Pssh…like I have any desire to go into the land of Humans! Lord Sesshomaru, I beg you to rethink this! It's bad enough that you look like a human, but to go spend two days surrounded by them, and nothing else.."

BAM!!

"Oooh.." Jaken said, rubbing his throbbing head.

"JUST for that, Jaken, you will NOT be accompanying us! Take the weapons and take them back to the castle. Take Ah-Un, go outside and guard the castle. If you should see Kikyo, Koga, Naraku, or ANY other enemy of ours approaching, inform Miroku immediately."

"Y…yes, Milord."

"And know this, Jaken. If anything at all should happen to my brother….you will die."

"Oof…yes, Milord," immediately Jaken scooped up the weapons and was gone.

Kaede then took up a red amulet. "In the event that you find Kagome before the two days are up, Sesshomaru, wear this amulet. When you find her tap it three times, and that will be my signal to send you home." She put the amulet around Sesshomaru's neck. "All right, now follow me, please," Kaede walked outside, followed by Sesshomaru, Sango, Rin, and Kirara. Once they were all outside, Kaede gathered candles. She took a long stick and proceeded to draw a large circle on the ground. She set up the candles in a circular patters all around the edges and began to light them. While she was doing that, Sango looked at Rin.

"Remember, Rin, we're going to be posing as a family while we're there, so we don't look suspicious. So, I think it would be best if you referred to me and Sesshomaru as 'Mother' and 'Father' while we're there."

"OK," she smiled at that.

"All right, we're just about ready. Step into the circle, please." She held up the bowl while they did so. "Now, all join hands." Sesshomaru took Rin's hand, Sango took her other one, and Kirara leaped on Sango's shoulder. "Now, close your eyes…and concentrate on Kagome and her era. Sango, I know you read her books, so focus on what you read. Rin, Sesshomaru, focus on finding her. Remember, you only have two days! Go with God, all four of you…and good luck!" She blew the contents of the bowl into the circle, took up the stick, and waved it inside.

"Travel now, and travel far,
Faster than the brightest star.
Past 500 years you four shall go,
Enter the future as it did grow.
I send you now, with all my might,
As you go faster than the brightest light."

The four could hear the chant...but as it ended they felt as if they were flying. Not opening their eyes, they held onto each other's hands as the sensation overtook them. Bright colors swirled behind their eyelids…and soon they felt cool grass beneath their feet and opened their eyes to be greeted by bright sunlight…the beginning of the second day of Inuyasha's poisoning….and found themselves surrounded by grass and trees. In fact, it looked remarkably similar to the time they left behind...only Kaede wasn't there! Rin looked around. "Mother…was something supposed to happen? This looks exactly the same as what we left."

"It...it shouldn't be.." Sango let go of Rin's hand and walked around. "This is odd…where's…" She then realized they were standing on a grassy hill. Going down it a bit, she shielded her eyes and pointed. "THERE it is. We landed on the outskirts of town." Eagerly, Rin dashed down to join Sango and Kirara, while Sesshomaru merely walked. When they got to a stop next to Sango, what they saw took their breath away.

The huge buildings of modern Tokyo stretched as far as the eyes could see, and the brightly colored houses and shops made a colorful maze along their feet. The streets were unlike anything any of them had ever seen before and the cars and buses driving along it mesmerized them for a few seconds. It was unlike ANYTHING any of them had ever seen before, not even Sango. The pictures in Kagome's books were NOTHING compared to seeing it all up close and personal.

"Mother…it looks so BIG!" Rin said. "This is MUCH bigger than ANY village I've ever seen!"

"Well, a lot of people live here now. So they had to have room for all of them to live and work in."

"Most interesting," Sesshomaru said, "But we have to go down there and start off. We don't have a moment to lose, we're already on the second day."

"You're right, let's go," Sango said. She, Sesshomaru, and Rin made their way carefully and slowly down the hill. Suddenly a huge noise came from overhead, so loud it caused Sesshomaru to hold his hands over his ears and Kirara to clap her own ears shut. Rin screamed in fright and ducked behind Sango. Sango looked up at what was causing the noise. "Don't be scared, Rin. That's just an airplane."

"Airplane?"

"I read about those. It's a way people have invented to travel through the sky, kind of like a metal-covered Kirara."

"Mew?"

"Oh, don't worry, Kirara, I still think YOU'RE the best air travel we could ever ask for!" She stroked the kitten behind her ears. "But airplanes are for humans who don't have the privilege of having a Kirara! It's surrounded on all sides by metal so humans can sit on seats inside of it. They can also eat and sleep in it too. Just like what we sometimes do on Kirara."

"MUST they be so LOUD?" Sesshomaru asked.

"They're only loud because of the special liquid they use…I think it's called 'fuel'…to power the jet engines. That's what enables it to fly." She looked down at the city again. "Rin, this place is very big and really crowded, so hold onto Sesshomaru's hand, and don't wander off no matter what. Kirara, stay on my shoulder, do not jump off."

"Meow."

They made their way into the busy city, weaving their way through the noisy crowds. "Mother?" Rin asked.

"Yes, Rin?"

"How are we going to find Kagome? This place is so big, and there's so many people here! It'll take us forever!"

"No it won't. I remember Kagome telling me where she lived a few times. In order to find the street we need a map." She looked at the stands that were set up on every corner, looking for one that sold maps.

"What are those you're looking at, Mother?"

"Those are stands, Rin. They're small shops, like we have at home, that sell things like fruit and drinks…and hopefully we can find one that sells maps."

"Oh! Like those trade posts in the villages?"

"Yes, exactly." She finally spotted a small stand with maps hanging down. "Sesshomaru, I found one. I'm going to go over there and buy a map."

"All right, I shall stay over here in the meantime."

"May I come along, Mother?"

"All right, but stay close to me." They made their way to the stand. "Excuse me?"

"Yes?" said the Lady behind the counter.

"I'd like to purchase a map of this area, please."

"All right," she turned around and took one down. "You vacationing here, Miss?"

"Um...no...my family is in town visiting a friend, and we're kind of lost as to how to get to the house."

"All right.." Sango then spotted a small book on a shelf that said 'Tokyo Guide Book'. Thinking that might come in handy, she pointed. 'I'd like that book there too, please."

"All right. That'll be forty yen, please."

"Uh…forty yen?"

"Yes, Ma'am, for the map and book. Forty yen."

"Uh…of course.." not knowing quite what to do or even WHAT a yen was, she reached into the pocket of the jeans, hoping she would find something to trade and make a deal…when she felt something smooth...and pulled out what looked like a leather purse! Opening it, she saw a whole bunch of yen plus a note from Kaede explaining just how much each one was worth! She sighed with relief. "Kaede thinks of everything!" She paid for her purchases.

The Saleslady then spotted Rin, gazing upon the little wrapped dishes of cookies in front. "Well, hello, sweetie!"

Rin bowed politely. "Hello."

The Saleslady beamed. "So sweet!" She looked at Sango. "You have such a polite daughter!" She turned to Rin. "Would you like a cookie, Sweetie?"

"Thank you! May I have one?"

"Of course you can! Here," she gave Rin a small plate. "On the house."

"Thank you! May I please have another one for my Father?"

"Sure. Where is your Daddy?" Rin pointed to the transformed Sesshomaru. The Sales lady gasped. 'Wow,' she said under her breath. "Wow, he's a handsome man!"

"Yeah, he is!" Rin said,. She bowed again. 'Thank you for the cookies!" She ran back to Sesshomaru.

"Wow...THAT'S your husband?!"

"Uh…yes.."

"Figures, the good looking ones are always taken! What a hunk!" she whistled at Sango. "You're a lucky woman!"

Sango smiled, and she said, "Thank you. I'd like to stay and chat, but we really need to get moving in order to see our friend. Thanks again for the map, the guidebook, and the cookies."

The saleswoman said, "Think nothing of it, dear…I hope you have a nice time here!!"

Sango waved to the woman, and so did Rin, before the four of them headed off. About ten minutes later, Sango noticed a bench, and she said, "Here…we can sit down and find the way to Kagome's house using this map, and this guidebook. Sesshomaru, can you hold the map, and I'll look up the Higurashi Shrine in the guidebook."

Sesshomaru replied, "Very well. Rin, would you like to help?"

The little girl replied, "Yes, Lord…I mean Father."

Sango smiled, and even Sesshomaru couldn't help but allow a slight grin to grace his features. Sango looked through the listings for the shrines, until she finally found what she was looking for. She said, "Aha…here it is!! Higurashi Shrine…586 Sakura Way."

Sesshomaru began searching the map, after glancing at the nearest street sign to get his bearings. He then traced his finger along the map, until he found the street they needed to travel to. He said, "Sango, from this map, it would appear that Kagome's home is a rather long way from where we are. Our best bet is to either allow me to teleport us there, or for all of you to…"

Sango said, "No, Sesshomaru. Remember what Kaede said…no using your demonic abilities…even if it would make things easier. If this was our era…I'd be more than happy to take you up on your offer, but since the humans here aren't used to your powers…or Kirara's, we'll have to walk…unless we can find a bus."

Rin asked, "Mother…what's a bus?"

Sango replied, "It's like…a big, metal version of Kirara or Ah-Un that the people of Kagome's era use to travel from place to place faster than they can walk or run. Kagome said that they're really noisy though…and I don't think we'd be able to take Kirara onto the bus."

Sesshomaru replied, "There is another matter…we'll need to eat in order to have the strength to make our journey."

As if in answer, Rin's stomach growled, and Sango said, "Good idea…it's almost noon-time, judging by the position of the sun in the sky…" She looked around, until she spotted a place called WacDonald's…Kagome's favorite fast-food restaurant.

Sesshomaru asked, "Sango, where are we going?"

The demon-slayer replied, "To WacDonald's, Sesshomaru. It's what the humans of this era call a 'fast-food' restaurant. Kagome's brought some of the food from this place back for us to try, and it's really good."

As they arrived, Sango said, "We'll be better off eating out here, since we can't bring Kirara inside with us…they don't allow pets, and we really don't want to start trouble with the police."

Sesshomaru nodded, and then Rin asked, "Mother, do they serve rabbit here?"

Sango smiled, and she replied, "No, I'm afraid not, Rin. They have something called a 'hamburger' though. It's a round patty of meat, made from a cow, between two pieces of bread, and they put stuff on it to make it taste better. You can have lettuce, mustard, ketchup…that's a really tasty sauce made from tomatoes. You can get pickles, and they'll even put cheese on it, if you want a cheeseburger. They also have French fries, which are little stick-shaped pieces of fried potatoes cooked in seasoned oil. They've got lots of stuff to choose from for drinks, too. There's water, milk, and my favorite…Coca-Cola."

Rin asked, "What's Coca-Cola, Mother?"

Sango replied, "It's a sweet drink, made with caramel to give it the dark brown color, sugar, and flavoring. There's also iced tea, and lots of other stuff." After looking over one of the menus, Sango said, "How's this sound, Rin…I'll go and get you a Kid's Meal…that's one cheeseburger, a small bag of French fries, a small soda, and a little toy. Is that alright?"

Rin replied, "Yes, that's fine. Thank you."

Sesshomaru said, "I think I'll have a hamburger, a large fry, and a large…iced tea."

Sango smiled, and she said, "Alright then. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Just before she went inside, she heard Kirara meow, and she said, "Don't worry, Kirara. I'll bring you a nice treat too, for being such a good kitty."

Kirara answered with a happy "Mew!", and then Sango walked into the restaurant.

As she and Sesshomaru waited, Rin said, "Father…I'm really worried. I hope we can find Kagome in time to save Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru replied, "Do not fear, Rin. I promised that we would find her and bring her back to Inuyasha's side, and when I make a promise, I always keep it, no matter what."

Kirara mewed in encouragement, and then Sango came back outside. She set the tray down on the table, and then she started to pass out the food. She said, "For Sesshomaru…one hamburger with ketchup, a large order of fries, and a large iced tea. For Rin, one Kid's Meal with a small iced tea. A cheeseburger, medium fry, and medium Coca-Cola for myself, and for you, Kirara…one Fish Sandwich, and some spring water." She set the sandwich down under the table, and then she poured the water into Kirara's bowl she had brought with her.

The adorable little cat let out an excited "MEW!!", and then she began happily digging into her meal.

Sesshomaru unwrapped his hamburger, and took a small, exploratory bite. His eyebrows went up, as he allowed his sensitive taste buds to examine the flavor of the cooked meat, the bread, and the ketchup. When he finally swallowed it, he said, "Most interesting…I think I like this…hamburger."

Sango replied, "That's good, Sesshomaru…I knew you could learn to like human food, just as you've come to accept humans."

Sesshomaru sampled his French fries next, and then he took a sip of his iced tea. He said, "I still prefer fresh game, but this is still…a rather enjoyable meal."

Sango smiled, and then she went back to eating her own food. She heard Kirara meow from under the table, and she looked down. Kirara had just polished off her food, and Sango said, "How was it, Kirara…did you enjoy your special treat?"

The adorable kitten hopped up on the bench next to Sango, and she replied, "Mew."

A couple of young children came up with their parents, and the little girl said, "Is that your cat, Miss?"

Sango replied, "Yes…her name's Kirara. My name is Sango, and this is my husband Sesshomaru, and our daughter, Rin."

Rin waved to the young children, and the young mother said, "She's so cute and polite…and your kitten is adorable, Sango. You picked a real winner there with your husband, let me tell you."

Sango blushed a bit, and Sesshomaru looked puzzled.

As Sesshomaru sat down next to Sango, eating his hamburger, he gazed around him. Several other humans were enjoying themselves...talking, reading books, and there were a few small children playing in what was called a 'Play-Place'. They were climbing up ladders, going down slides, and gently tossing small, multi-colored balls.

Rin swallowed the last bite of her cheeseburger, and she said, "Father, may I please go in there and play with the other children until you and mother are done eating? I promise I won't go anywhere else."

After swallowing a couple of his French fries, Sesshomaru replied, "Very well, Rin. Just stay where I can see you."

Rin smiled, and she said, "I will, Father." Rin threw away her trash, after Sango showed her wear to put it, and then she headed into the play area.

For the next twenty minutes, Sesshomaru and Sango watched Rin as she went down the slides, played hide-and-seek with the two children she'd met outside, and then they joined her in the ball pit. However, the calm and tranquility was shattered, as a tall human male entered the restaurant. Seconds later, Sesshomaru saw the man pull out a shiny metal object from under his jacket and aim it at the woman behind the counter. Even from outside, Sesshomaru could hear the screaming of the people inside, and the man saying, "I want all the money you've got, both in the safe and in the register...or someone's getting a lead migraine!!"

Sesshomaru said, "Sango, what is that human holding that's frightening those other people so much?"

Sango looked inside, and she said, "Th-that's a gun!! Kagome told me about those...they're deadlier than an arrow. If it hits you in the heart, head, or a lung, it could even kill you." Kirara hissed, and she jumped down off of the bench. She was about to transform, when Sango said, "No, Kirara. Remember...stay in your smaller form. One of us will have to deal with this punk."

Just then, the gunman spotted Rin as she made her way out to try and join the others, and he said, "Where do ya think you're goin', sweetie? I think I just found my insurance policy. Anyone tries to stop me, and I'm gonna pop the little tyke."

Sesshomaru entered the building, and he silently approached the man from behind. His first impulse was to crush the man's throat with his bare hands, but he remembered what Sango said about the police. As such, he grabbed the man by the shoulder, and said, "If I were you, I would take your hands off of my daughter." Startled, the man released Rin, and turned around, coming face-to-face with a tall, black-haired man...Sesshomaru in his human disguise. Rin hurried outside and hid behind Sango, while Sesshomaru raised his fist. He said, "You've frightened these people rather badly...and that makes me very angry. Also...you attempted to kidnap my daughter. I hope the police have fun questioning you." With that, Sesshomaru punched the thug in the head, and then he dropped him head-first into a trash can. He said, "To quote my friend Kagome…put garbage where it belongs."

All around him, everyone rose up and began clapping. The woman behind the counter said, "Oh God…thank you so much, Sir…I was so scared, especially when he grabbed that cute little girl. Would you like a free piece of apple pie, or is there another way I can thank you?"

Sesshomaru was startled at first, until Sango entered. She said, "Sesshomaru, they're thanking you for saving their lives…they're happy. Besides…if you hadn't stopped that man, Rin might not have been the only one to be hurt."

The disguised Demon-Lord replied, "I'm glad that none of you are hurt…and as for thanking me…I would like some of that Apple Pie you mentioned. May I have three slices, please? One for myself, one for my daughter Rin, and one for Sango, my wife."

The woman at the counter smiled, and she said, "Coming right up…and thanks again."

Three of the other children that had been hiding in fear of the now-unconscious gunman walked up to Rin, and one of them, a young boy of about seven, asked, "Is that your dad? He was really cool when he beat up that robber."

Rin replied, "Yes, that's my father…and he's the best father on Earth…and I've also got the best mother, and our little cat Kirara is a real gem herself."

The children all walked up to Sesshomaru, and a little girl said, "Thank you, Mr. Sesshomaru, for keeping that bad man from hurting anyone here. Until you beat him up, I was so scared that he'd hurt me or my mommy."

Sesshomaru replied, "He is nothing but a coward, and he got what he deserved. I'm glad that you aren't hurt…and thank you for making my daughter Rin happy. She enjoys making new friends."

Just then, the woman behind the counter called out, "Mr. Sesshomaru…your Apple Pie's ready. We just took it out of the oven, and we cut up three slices, one for you, your wife, and your adorable daughter. Thanks again, and come back anytime."

Sesshomaru accepted the slices of pie, and Sango broke off a small piece for Kirara. The sweet little disguised firecat mewed in pleasure, and then she ate her treat. She purred against Sango's shoulder, and then the group of four headed out once again to find Kagome.

Back in the Feudal Era, at Sesshomaru's Castle…

"Oooh...uh..," Inuyasha muttered, finally waking up. He had collasped in pain from the poison while on Kirara's back, and only now was he starting to regain consciousness. When he, Miroku, and Shippo had arrived at the castle, Miroku had explained the situation to the servants, and that Sesshomaru and ordered them to take care of his brother. With the servants help, Miroku was able to carry him to the best guest room in the palace. He now shot up from the chair where he was sitting in.

"You're awake!" he said, hurrying over to him.

"Hmm..wha..where.."

"Do you recognize where you are?"

Inuyasha looked around. "This...this is my brother's castle.."

"Yes," Miroku said. "Don't worry, he told us to take you here. His servents took you to this room. How do you feel?"

Inuyasha tried to sit up, but gasped from the pain in his arm. Miroku tried to help him sit up, but his legs now felt like extra sharp needles were stuck into them! He cried out and grabbed his legs. "It's...it's spreading! God, my legs..I can't move them...feels like I'm laying in a bed of nails!"

"Lie down my friend, let me see." Miroku pulled away the bedding and lifted the kimono. His legs looked very much like his arm- bright red and full of white scales. Gasping, he pulled the kimono back over them. Shippo had helped gather herbs outside and Miroku had managed to make some medicine to slow down the pain. He took the glass of bright blue liquid from the nightstand. "Here, Inuyahsa, drink this, it'll help." he helped him sit up to drink. After a bit, he lay down again.

"I think it's starting to work. The pain's fading. But I can't feel my legs...or my arm."

"How does your stomach feel?"

Inuyasha swallowed hard. 'Better." he said after a minute.

"Hungry?"

"Yeah." Miroku made his way over to where Shippo was sitting worredly.

"What else can we do for him, Miroku?" Shippo asked.
"Well…now that his stomach feels a bit better, we can give him something to eat so that he can keep up his strength. Now…what were those things that Kagome usually brings that he likes so much….what were they called...Ramen noodles!" Miroku went over to a bag that he had with him, which he had put on a chair. Opening it, he began to go through it's contents. "Ramen….Ramen…noodles..." He began to toss out object after object. A flashlight, several bottles of water, a blanket. "Noodles, noodles…where the hell are those Ramen noodles?!" Miroku said, starting to panic a bit. Shippo came over to the bag.

"Are they there?" Shippo asked, leaping into the bag and rummaging around inside it…finally bring up three containers of the food. "OK, beef, chicken, and roast chicken flavors."

"Thanks, Shippo," Miroku took them and held them up so Inuyasha could see them. "Look, Inuyasha! Which one do you want?"

Inuyasha managed to sit up. "Chicken."

"Ok, lie back down, we'll heat it up." he gave the containers to Shippo. "Tell the servants to heat these up and bring them back up here." Shippo nodded.

"Which one do you want?" Shippo asked.

"I'll take beef," Miroku said. Shippo nodded and left, returning a few minutes later with the steaming hot containers. Miroku took the chicken and went over to Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha, look! It's your favorite. Are you hungry? Come on, my friend, lean on me." He helped Inuyasha to a seating position. Seeing as how he could no longer move his arm, Miroku held the bowl while Inuyasha ate slowly with his good arm. Seeing as how poison had now spread to his legs, Shippo began rubbing some pain-relieving cream on Inuyasha's legs, in an effort to ease his friend's agony.

Inuyasha said, "Th-thanks, Shippo…and Miroku, I wanna thank you too…for helping me eat…I was almost ready to pass out from lack of food. I just hope it's not my last meal…"

Miroku replied, "Don't talk like that, Inuyasha. Sango, Rin, Sesshomaru, and Kirara are gonna make sure that you and Kagome are reunited, and you'll be cured of this awful curse. They've gone to see Kaede now to ask her help. We're your friends, Inuyasha, and we won't let anything happen to you. You've always been there for us, and we'll always be here for you."

Shippo ran out of the room, and came back minutes later with a bottle of water, and some of the herbal potion they'd been using to slow down Kikyo's dark magic. Miroku held Inuyasha up, while the half-demon poured the medicinal liquid down his throat, and followed that up with a long sip from the water bottle.

When he'd finished, Inuyasha said, "Thanks, guys…I'm just gonna take a nap now…I'll talk to you later."

Inuyasha was asleep soon after, and Miroku said, "I'll take first watch, Shippo. Why don't you go and gather some more herbs?"

The kitsune replied, "Sure. I'll get Ah-Un, and we'll be back soon. See ya, Miroku…and tell Inuyasha that I said to be strong 'til Kagome gets here."

Miroku nodded, and then Shippo headed out. The monk picked up his own bowl of Ramen, and he began eating it, knowing he'd need to keep his strength up in order to stay with Inuyasha throughout this terrible ordeal.

Jaken said, "Why all this fuss over that miserable half-breed anyway? If you ask me, Kagome would be better off with the wolf than with him…uh-oh…"

Miroku shot Jaken a look of death, and he growled out "GET OUTSIDE, YOU LITTLE BEAST!!",before booting the toad imp down the stairs.

Meanwhile Kikyo made her way through the forest glen, her eyes soon falling upon a huge campfire in the distance with some familar shapes around it. One of the biggest ones came to meet her and snatched the bow from her hand. "Gimmie that!" he ordered. "If it wasn't for me, sesshomarou would have finished snapping yuor head off!"

"Well, we didn't exactly have an escape route planned, did we?" she answered her companion. "What happened anyway? I thought that his brother hated his very existance!"

"He does," the shadow answered. "He's just sore cause WE were able to do this FIRST and not him! Ya know what a poor loser he is!"

Kikyo rubbed her neck. "Yeah, I found that out the hard way."

"He just can't bear being surpassed by anyone, ESPECIALLY not a resurrected human!"

Kikyo smirked. "Well, don't worry, i think we made out point very clear...Koga." Her campanion came into view.

"You're right," he agreed. "Now, you're SURE that spell on the well is gonna wear off by the fourth day?"

"By sunrise on the fourth day Inuyasha will be dead and the spell around the tree and well will be lifted...and it'll be like nothing happened. You'll be waiting by the well, just like we planned it, to meet her when she decides to come over."

"And I can take her to my cave and show her what a REAL man is like," he smirked. "After a few hours with me, she won't even remember the half breed...least not until the wedding."

"And if she DOES decide to grieve.."

"Her loving husband will comfort her!" he grinned. 'Oooh..I can't wait!"

"Spekaing of which.." Kikyo said.

Koga nodded and lead her over to the campfire, where several of his wolf pack pulled out a huge trunk and gave it to him. He handed it to her. "Exactly. My end of the bargen. here you go, a trunk full of fresh himan souls. Me and the boys got em all this morning."

"Ah..yum! Thank you very much."

"Thank YOU very much," Koga motioned for Kikyo to sit near him and opened up a bottle of saki wine. "Kikyo..I think this is the beginning of a beautful partnership! What say to a toast? To our new friendship?"

"And to the fourth day when we BOTH have what we want!"