Blood Brothers

by merigirl

Kikyo shoots InuYasha with a deadly poison that will kill him in 3 days unless Kagome can channel her love and destroys the well! With Keade's help Sango, Sesshomarou, and Rin journey into Kagome's time to find her. Sesshomarou starts to learn about human

10. The Girl In Black

THE GIRL IN BLACK

The sings are part of "Keep Mom and Dad In Love" By Lisa Brokop and "Friends" by Elton John

For all you purists, YES, I'm using the Judo-Christian version of Heaven and the afterlife. Partly cause I can't make heads or tails out of the Bleach version, and partly cause it's MY story! So if you're a purist, I advise you not to read this part.

Thank you.

The villagers were sitting quietly around a campfire on the top of the hill, eating fresh rabbit and drinking water out of a nearby stream, knowing they would need all their strength to complete their task once Father Toshiro had finished purifying their weapons. Several of them were trembling as they ate, others were sitting quietly. Heroshi noticed this and stood up., "Brothers and sisters," he began. "I beg you, while it's alright to be scared, for I am as nervous as you are…this HAS to be done! That devil incarnate is NOT going to win this time, he CAN'T win this one! We've GOT to do this…for Inuyasha…for justice….for freedom of the Western Lands…for honesty!" The other villagers cheered in agreement.

"But, Brother…I think we can all agree we can't rely on that Slayer, but maybe we can go find ANOTHER Demon Slayer to help us out? I mean, he IS a Master Swordman,…he can use almost any sword he can get his hands on….he can use any WEAPON he can get his hands on…."

"Yes, but not a PURIFIED sword. Swords purified with Spiritual Energy are poison for Full Demons!" He shook his head. "It's almost a shame. He IS a Master Swordman..he has such potential…and he WASTED it all! And for what…I ask you, for WHAT?! Hatred? Prejudice? His own downfall! He is justly killed with his own hatred!"

"Can we go over the plan again, just…just to be sure?" one of the villagers asked.

"All right," Heroshi agreed. "Now when we get to the castle, we walk quietly but quickly…remember he's a full blooded yokai demon and they can smell our blood for miles and miles. So we go quick and QUIET. Once we're at 100 paces of the castle we entice him out. Women and all young people with lesser fighting skills, grab the arrows and spears and get up in the trees. But don't aim until I give you the word. Some more of you hide in the bushes and behind the trees. When we entice him out, some more of you quickly go hide in the trees in back of him. The strongest one of us will be the ones that confront him. As soon as he comes out and we make our challenge to him, we scatter all around, causing him to either fight one of us at a time, or use his Demon Whip. That's your cue, because he obviously can't fight in all directions at once, no matter how good he is. The minute he starts spinning around with that whip, that's when I'll give you in the trees the signal and you shoot him with your arrows and spears. Remember, they're purified so no matter where you hit him, you'll weaken him. Shoot anywhere and everywhere. People behind the trees in the back, that goes for you two. Throw your spears, arrows, and swords everywhere at him. Shoot his shoulders, his back, his arm, I don't care…but leave his head alone. Do NOT aim for his head, that's mine. The weapons hitting him all over his body should weaken him enough. Brother Jenenji, that's where you come in. Stay away from the arrows and spears. Only when I give the signal to stop, than you come in and grab him, holding him down." Jenenji nodded. "Once he's weak and on his knees, I'll come right up to him, and cut off his head!" Heroshi raised his hand in the air. "His head is MINE!" The villagers all cheered.

"Then we'll take off his clothes and drop his body in the moat. Let's cast lots for the kimono."

"Heroshi, you can have his armor, you've earned it."

"Who gets the sword?"

"Ya mean Tenseiga? Yeah, who gets that?"

"What I want to know is what will we go with Tokijin?"

"For one thing don't touch it! That sword is evil!"

"We'll wrap it in cloth and give it to Kaede, she'll know what to do with it, and we can ask her to choose who gets Tenseiga."

Heroshi clapped his hand on the shoulders of two strong Samurai closest to him. "Personnally I nominate either one of these great guys. After all, they've been my right hand men for the past three years. Loyal, devoted, fantastic fighters. It's only right one of them should have the sword."

"Thank you, Sir."

"We're most honored, Sir."

"But we let Kaede make the final choice."

"Of course, Sir."

"Then we find out where the Slayer and Monk and keeping the body of Inuyasha. We force it from them, and WE give him a funeral!"

"A funeral fit for a Lord! The kind of funeral he SHOULD have!"

"We'll let Kaede hold it…but the Slayer and Monk sit WAY in the back! They shall NOT fit in front for all they've done to him!"

"What about Kagome?"

"Poor Dear will sit in front. Dear little one…I feel so sorry for her..this will be tough enough for her to face."

"How are we gonna break the news to her?"

"I don't even wanna THINK about that!"

"I think after the funeral we should scatter his ashes around the sacred tree by the well."

"Yes, he would want it that way."

"But, I can give him more," a rich merchant spoke up. "After we have scattered his ashes I will raise his statue up in pure gold and place it right by the tree, so everyone who comes into our village will see it and be remind of what hatred and prejudice has taken from us. Instead of an outcast, let him now be remembered as a hero!" The villagers agreed…except a young woman in pink who was sitting far away from the group on a solitary rock, quietly sobbing and sobbing with her head down. Heroshi immediately noticed her.

"Mala?" she looked up. "What's wrong, my friend?"

She choked on her sobs. "I…I did a terrible thing!"

"What is it, Sister?"

"It's…it's awful.."

"Mala, say it out. Whatever it is we'll forgive you."

She took a deep breath. "I…I….well…when.."

Heroshi came over to her and touched her shoulder. "Mala? Say it out, it's alright. What did you do?"

"Once..some time ago…my village was attacked by that horrid moth Demon."

Gatenmaru?"

"Yes, that's him. Well, Inuyasha and his friends came to help us…but we didn't understand…..Gatenmaru punched as hole right in Inuyasha's gut, and the broke his sword.."

"The Tetsusaiga?"

"Yes, the Tetsusaiga. Well, for once the Monk was being helpful and tried to put a barrier around Inuyasha, but he couldn't hold it for long."

"What about the Slayer? What was she doing?"

"She was attacking the bandits that were surrounding Kagome."

Another villager angrily stood up. "Kagome again!" he cried. "Frankly, I do believe the Wolf, I think the Slayer doesn't care at all about poor Inuyasha, she only cares about her precious Kagome!"

"So, then what happened Mala?"

"Well, of curse even though Miroku's barrier was strong, it couldn't hold for very long. Soon it wore off, and right in front of Inuyasha Gatenmaru ordered one of his henchmen to begen attacking one of the oldest members of our village, which was making Inuyasha angry. One of the little children saw where Inuyasha's sword had been thrown and he tried to pick it up and give it back to him when…one of the henchmen knocked him down ad attacked him, which made Iniyasha so angry…that he transformed into his full demon self…and attacked Gatenmaru and his henchmen, slicing them into pieces…and saving all our lives."

"Well, thank God that he saved you."

"That sounds just like Inuyasha."

Mala choked on more tears. "But…but…when Inuyasha finally came out of it and he saw what he did…my son began to run to him to thank him…and…I told him to stay away from him! I…oh God, I can't say it!"

"What is it, sister?"

She starts sobbing again. "I…I..I called him…a MONSTAR!! Oh God, Inuyasha saved the life of my own son..and all of us in the villages…he slayed Gatenmaru..and I called him a monstar! I did that…oh Inuyasha…you saved us…I'm sorry…I'm soo sorry…Gatenmaru was attacking our village...Inuyasha saved us..and I called him a monstar!!" She sobbed "I'm…I'm so ungrateful!!"

Heroshi put his hand on her shoulder. "Mala? Don't beat yourself up over what has happened in the past."

"But..he saved my child's life…my friend's lives…my family's lives…and THIS is how I thank him?! THIS is?! Inuyasha's a monstar? HE'S the monstar? Howe could I have said that? My son had to tell me that he's not one..my own SON knew more than I did!!"

Heroshi looked around. "We should all listen more to the innocent ones. They're smarter than we give them credit for.." he looked down. "Mala? Don't think you're the only one who's made a mistake about Inuyasha. I think deep down, he knows you're sorry for what you did. The way you can make it up to him is to join us in our fight against the one who is REALLY to blame…Sesshomaru! The sooner we end the life of that beast, the sooner Inuyasha is revenged!"

Mala stood up. "And during the funeral I'll say to one and all that Inuyasha..and ALL half demons for that matter…should NOT be judged at all! I'll beg for forgiveness right in front of everyone and make sure all who gather at his final resting place know that Inuyasha was not to be feared, but to be praised! Not a monstar, but a hero to many!"

Another man stepped forward. "Brother Heroshi is right, Mala. My Great-Grandfather also made that same mistake."

"Tell, Brother," Heroshi said.

"Long long ago when my Great Grandfather was a child, along with Inuyasha, he refused to play with him. In fact he picked on Inuyasha and made fun of him terribly. He called him all kinds of names, pushed him, bullied him to no end.." he held his head in his hands. "And that was my Great Grandfather. I have had to live with this shame ever since Inuyasha saved MY village."

"My great-grandparents did that too," another man spoke up. "They pushed Inuyasha into a pond one time…a whole bunch of them did..and actually tried to drown him…calling him a freak, a beast, said he wasn't welcome…only when his Mother showed up that they all ran off. Another time they were beating him up, but they were a bit older, and Inuyasha could fight back, and bit my Great Grandfathers hand. He was scared of Inuyasha ever since, but never attacked him again. I have had .to live with this shame myself ever since Inuyasha rescued my family from roaring rapids and our boat tipped over. I don't know if he knew my Great Grandfather bullied him…and he saved ME, his great grandson. I bear this guilt within me ever since, and it sickens me to hear grown people do that to him!"

"My Great Grandmother was part of a riot against him too. But she came to her senses and actually walked up to him and apologized. She didn't know if he would forgive her all the hurtful thing she said. It took a long while, but he did!"

"My Great Great Grandfather was in the actual court of his Mother and he and the other nobles were teasing Inuyasha, throwing his ball around and around, not letting him catch it, throwing it away from him, and calling him a half breed. I'm greatly ashamed of that mark on my family."

"You see, Mala? A lot of us have ancestors who have done something like that, or we have ourselves. Now it is up to us to make it right, to make up for all we have done! In Inuyasha's name, to slay the one that started it all!"

"Mala? When you thought Inuyasha was a monstar, didn't the Slayer or the Monk tell you that he wasn't one?"

Mala grew rigid. "The Slayer…lot of good SHE did!"

"Why? Did she not help him?"

"HA, not only did she NOT help him…there was a point when Sesshomaru came to fight the transformed Inuyasha…and for a full minute both brothers stood facing each other..FIVE FEET APART. For a good minute all they did was stare at each other. …and no one was near Sesshomaru, there were no bystanders anywhere around him, there were NO Samyosho around, nothing! That "Slayer" could have taken THAT opportunity to slay him then and there! All she had to do was THROW HER DAMN BOOMERANG! That's all she had to do, she had a full minute!"

"But she didn't?"

"NO, she didn't! She just stood and stared! The Monk too! They both just stared at him! Finally they just got out of the damn way when Sesshomaru finally attacked his brother!"

"They made no effort to stop him?"

"No! In fact the only time they intervined is when...guess who… came to tell Sesshomaru to go away..after he had knocked Inuyasha unconscious! The only one, who by the way, had enough courage TO stand up to him!"

"Kagome again!"

"See? The wolf WAS right! All she CARES about is Kagome..all the Monk cares about is Kagome, they don't care at ALL for Inuyasha! They could have attacked Sesshomaru, they could have ended this once and for all, and they chose not to, and now Inuyasha is dieing because of Sesshomaru…they one they were too chicken to stop!"

Herishi raised his hand. "That's why we HAVE to do this!! For the name of Inuyasha, for all he stood for, we will do what his so called friends could not! WE will get rid of this monstar! We'll do it, it's now up to us!!"

Another woman came forward just then and reached into her pocket. "I actually have something that can also show Inuyasha's spirit that we mean it when we say we'll never treat another half demon like that ever again!" She took out a rolled up parchment and unrolled the scroll.

"What is it?" Heroshi asked her.

"It's a petition I had drawn up last night. We got these signatures from our village so far, I made a copy for my son and he's taking it around to our neighboring village. After we destroy Sesshomaru I hope to take this to Kaede's village and get their signatures as well. Hopefully we can get this signed into law officially."

"May I see it?" Heroshi asked. He took it and read it thouroughly.. "This is a great idea, it's the way it should be always. Half Demons should be welcomed with open arms regardless of where they are, and no one should ever be allowed to judge them, shun them, or abuse them in any way just because of their half demon status. Half demons should, now and forevermore, be treated like fellow brothers and sisters. Plain and simple, end of argument. Splended!"

"Yeah…it's only a shame he's not gonna live to benefit from this," the woman sighed. "In his honor I'm gonna call it 'For Inuyasha'. "

Heroshi took out a quill pen. "I sign this in his name."

"Pass that over here," his fellow samurai said. "I want to sign it too."

"Me next," Mala said. "It's the least I can do."

"And me," another woman said. She turned to Jenenji, who was standing, shocked, behind her. She could see his expression was on the verge of tears, so when the scroll was passed to her, she immediately put it into Jenenji's hands. "Here you are…Brother.," she smiled. "You sign this too, this law is gonna benefit you too."

"And you will always be welcome in our village, Jenenji, we promise," another woman said.

"In ours too," another man said.

Jenenji stared at the petition. "Thank you," was all he could manage before he signed it too. One after another the villagers signed the petition and gave it back to the woman, who rolled it up and put it back into her pocket. Father Toshiro then approached them carrying his staff in front of him.

"Your weapons are all ready now. They're at the front of my hut."

"Thank you Father," Heroshi stood up just then. "OK, Brothers and sisters? Are you all ready to do this?"

"YES!!" They all cheered. They all put their hands together.

"FOR INUYASHA!!"

"FOR INUYASHA!!"

"For all he stood for and all the pain he has suffered, all because of that devil in white! We're not coming home until he's DEAD!"

"You murderous beast, we've had it! No more out of you!!"

"FOLLOW YOUR BROTHER, SESSHOMARU!!"

"THE LORD OF THE WESTERN LANDS BURNS IN HELL TONIGHT!!"

"Let's GO!!!"

Meanwhile Shippo was making his way back to the castle with the bag full of herbs. The sun by now was directly in the middle of the sky, the day was half over, there was not a second to lose. Just then he stopped in his tracks as he saw the girl in black again, this time walking down the wooded area a good feet ahead of him. She was staring straight ahead and seemed to be walking toward a known destination…

Directly in front of him.

"Hey!" he called out to the girl. "Hey, where are you going? The candlelight vigil is over there, I can take you back to it." The girl didn't give any sign she had heard him, instead she stopped, took the gold circle out of her pocket, looked at it again, and put it back. "HEY!" Shippo called. "Hey, who are you? Where are you going? Do you want to go to the vigil? HEY, where are you going? Who are you?" Right before Shippo's eyes, the girl seemed to vanish in a flash of light. He stared at where she was, then moved to the spot she stood. It was like she was never there! He quickly continued back to the castle. Running up the stairs he quickly entered the room, where Miroku had put another fresh white towel underneath Inuyasha's head. "Miroku? I got more herbs for you."

"Good, thanks, Shippo."

"Where'd Myoga go?" Shippo asked, looking around.

"Don't mention him," Miroku snapped. He went over to take the herbs and stared at Shippo. "Shippo? What's wrong?"

"Miroku.,..when I was getting the herbs for Inuyahsa, Kaede was having another candlelight Vigil…and Koga crashed it."

"He did?"

"Yeah…he was falling down drunk too," Shippo said angrily. "He was acting like such an idiot, dancing around, insisting Kaede sing the song HE wanted her to sing, and claiming that he was celebrating his "Bachelor Party" and trying to invite Kaede to his wedding tomorrow."

"Really? So he finally found himself a girl wolf to marry?"

"Not quite," Shippo said. "He said he was gonna marry Kagome tomorrow!"

"What?!"

"It's true…" he pulled out the recorder. "Listen to this, Miroku. He's so drunk he didn't even know what he was doing! Listen.." he pressed the play button on the recorder, and Koga's loud drunken voice filled the room…

"I said I did it! Yeah., I helped Kikyo do it! I distracted all you geese with the wolf howls so she could get away after poisoning Inuyasha. That's our deal, I get her some fresh human souls, which I did, and she helps me get Kagome! I tell ya, Dog Breath was an idiot to not choose her! That Kikyo...she's a hell of a gal!" Miroku's face grew red with anger when he heard that. " You ALL should be thanking me, especially you and the Monk, and the Slayer! Not ONE of ya ever really cared about him! Not one of ya, and don't ya think I know that? HUH?! The way all ya called him…what's that ya called him? Warped? Stupid? Idiot? It's cause ya all said that that made it easy! Ya it was so easy to manipulaste ya, to suck up to ya! Yeah, ya REALLY think I cared about any of ya? I helped ya all cause I LIKED ya? Oh ya all're too easy! WAY to easy!! I only care about Kagome…just like all of ya! No wonder we all got along so well, we have SOO much in common! I don't care about him, neither did any of you! Not you, not the Monk, not the Slayer, cause if ya did, ya wouldn't 've ignored im, laughed at im, called im names...ya know, ya guys could be great wolves!! "

Miroku lowered his head in shame. "He's right," he said with a combination of sadness, shame, and complete anger. "Good God, he's right! I can't believe we let ourselves get fooled by that unholy piece of skum!!" He turned to the sleeping Inuyasha. "Inuyasha," he whispered to him, "You've done so much for us…yet how are you repayed? We chose to listen to that complete liar instead of to you., and you were the one who saved our lives time and time again," Shippo began to sob quietly. Miroku came over and squeezed his hand. "Forgive me, dear friend. Hold on…just hold on for Kagome…I do promise you things will change for you…for ALL of us…please,….hold on, don't give up…let us prove to you how sorry we all are..and let us show you how much we care." Shippo by this time had climbed up to the windowsill and was staring at Inuyasha with tears falling down his face. Inuyasha looked so pale, and he could see his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. Blue sweat was pouring out of his forehead so fast that Shippo knew they might need a clean towel soon. Miroku looked at Shippo. "I'm going downstairs to make some more medicine and some soup. I'll pour some more medicine into the soup, hopefully that'll get him to eat more. Do you want to come help?"

"I think I'll stay here with him for right now, Miroku," Miroku nodded and went downstairs, Shippo glanced up at the sky. She sun was now slowly starting to move to the right. Shippo knew there was still time…but that time was fading fast. The sun's rays were shining directly on him and the sky was cloudless and calm. Shippo slowly knelt down upon the sill so he was in the middle of the sunshine. Folding his hands, he began to pray again.

"God," he began, "I…I know I've been a pain in the butt to Inuyasha in the past…but, you know I didn't mean it, really I didn't. God, please, please answer my prayers, and please don't take away Inuyasha. He's like my big brother come back to me. I know I've been a little bratty…" he paused. "Well…pretty bratty…oh who am I kidding..I've been a terrible demon! I call myself a friend, yet I constantly get him into trouble, or am so mean to him…or pick on him so much…God, please believe me…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry I did that, I'm so sorry. Just please, please don't take him! I promise, if you spare Inuyasha's life, I'll never be a pain in the butt again. I'll make a deal with you, God..if you spare Inuyasha's life I promise I'll tell Kagome the truth about provoking Inuyasha into hitting me, and I'll never call him stupid or dummy ever. I won't say those words ever again…I won't ever think them! Please don't take Inuyasha, please. I love him, we love him, we NEED him…please let Kagome get here..and dear God, please believe me.

I promise, honest, I'll be good,

Just one wish, God, if you would,

Bring back his happy face,

Please bring him back so we can make up,

PLEASE bring Inuyasha back to us!"

As soon as Shippo finished his prayer, he glanced out the window..and gasped out loud! For there, sitting right on the tree branch nearest the window and staring right at him, was the girl in black! Now that she was so close he could see piercing ice blue eyes that were framed by her short dark hair. She had no expression on her face and was just looking at him...no, not at him..she was looking at INUYASHA! "W…who are you?" Shippo cried. out. "H..how did you get here so fast? What are you, a demon?!" the girl smiled a tiny but serious smile and shook her head. "Who are you? What are you doing here? Why are you looking at Inuyasha?" The girl looked like she was going to speak, but Miroku's voice suddenly cut through the silence.

"Shippo? Who are you talking to out here?"

"I was talking to that girl out there," he glanced at the tree…which was now empty. "Wha….she's gone again? How does she keep DOING that?!"

Miroku came to the window. "What are you talking about, Shippo?"

"I was talking about that girl! There was a girl, she was sitting right in that tree…she was looking at Inuyasha..I have no idea who she is or what she wants, but I already saw her twice already."

"You did?"

"The first time was at Kaede's candlelight vigil, then the second time was on my way back here. Both times she took something round and gold out of her pocket and looked at it. I try to ask her who she is, but she keeps disappearing. I never saw her before and I have no idea where she came from, but she just appears and disappears like magic."

"Like magic? What does she look like?"

"Well, she's kinda short….shorter than Kagome, but she looks like she's Kagome's age. She has short black hair that comes down to her chin and ice blue eyes. She's dressed in a black robe with a white belt."

Miroku's face grew pale. "Did you say a black robe?"

"Yes, with a white belt and a sword on her side. Is she a Samurai or something?"

Miroku gentily removed Shippo from the window. "I have bad news for you, Shippo. That girl you saw? She's not a Samurai…that's a Shinigami!"

Shippo gasped "Not a Shinigami!! No, no anything anything but a Shinigami….what's a Shinigami?"

"Angels of Death!"

"oh, is that what she is an Angel of Death…AN ANGEL OF DEATH?!?!"

"Yes, that girl you saw must be the Angel of Death that was chosen to escort Inuyasha to Heaven. The fact that you were able to see her is NOT a good sign…that means Inuyasha's time is running out!"

"Oh NO!!! Oh no, no…oh Miroku, what are we gonna do?!"

"Pray, Shippo! Pray as hard as we can and take care of him the best we can!"

"Will that make her go away?"

"We can't MAKE her go away. She'll only leave if Inuyasha is saved, otherwise she MUST come and take him to Heaven!"

"Oh no…oh God.."

"Keep praying, Shippo, that's the best thing to do right now. I'll see if the soup is ready." Miroku ran downstairs while Shippo went back to the window. He gasped out loud when he saw the girl again- the Shinigami- this time she was standing at the doorway of the castle, but she looked up just as Shippo was looking down. She looked like she was smiling at Shippo, but now Shippo did NOT want to talk to her at all…he didn't even want to SEE her.

"Go away!" he yelled down to her. "GO AWAY!!! GO AWAY! YOU HAVE THE WRONG CASTLE! HE'S NOT HERE! GO, LEAVE! PLEASE, GO AWAY!! I KNOW WHO YOU ARE…I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE!! IN THE NAME OF GOD, GO AWAY!!" He closed the window, scared to death, and pulled the curtains closed.

Inuyasha stirred then from the bed. "Sh…Shippo? Is that you?"

IN KAGOME'S TIME….

Sesshomaru, Rin, Sango, and Kirara continued their journey, stopping now and then to glance up at the sun or at the map. They knew the sun was slowly making its way over to the west…and they also knew that once the sun went over the west completely Kaede would HAVE to bring them back, with or without Kagome…

And Inuyasha's life would end.

Rin stopped in her tracks just then and softly tugged on Sango's arm. "Mother?" she whispered.

"Yes, Rin?"

"Uh…I need to go behind some trees…"

Sango stopped for a moment. "Oh, you mean you need to.." Rin quickly nodded. "Oh, Rin, we don't use trees here, we go to the bathrooms to do that."

"The bathrooms? I thought that was for taking baths?"

"Well yes, but you can also…well, I'll show you, come on," she lead them into the park. "Sesshomaru? I'm gonna take Rin to the bathrooms."

"All right, I'll sit here and wait," he sat down on a nearby bench.

"Kirara?" Sango asked, noticing her cat had gone missing. There was a 'mew' from the bushes near the bench. Sango looked relieved. "Ok, Kirara, sit by Sesshomaru when you're finished." Kirara mewed in response. Sango left with Rin while Sesshomaru waited and observed what was happening around him. His eyes took in the sight of the many children playing on the swings and slides, the adults who were watching their children, or reading while sitting on blankets, or having conversations with one another. It looked so nice…so filled with happiness…so peaceful…so beautiful…he wondered if Inuyasha had come here with Kagome..he would have to remember to ask him about that when they got back. Just then a couple of extremely loud voices cut into the lovely picture.

"No, no, no!!! What the hell are you thinking picking THAT song?!"

"I was thinking that maybe the audience wouldn't wanna FALL ASLEEP in the middle of it, unlike your damn boring selection!" Sesshomaru sharply turned his head to find the voices came from two young girls wearing outfits similar to Kagome's. They were facing each other, both holding sheet music…and both were mad as hell.

"THAT happens to be a beautiful song about friendship, trust, happiness…you know, the kind of things you're supposed to think about at your GRADUATION…and this happens to be MY GRADUATION!!"

"But I'm a member of this committee too! The teacher gave us BOTH permission to practice the songs here and decide which one we're using!"

"How can we decide when you won't listen to me?!"

"Cause I like THIS song, Eri, and we're gonna use it!"

"Why do YOU suddenly call the shots, you're not even graduating, I am!"

"Its not MY fault I can find the better song!"

Here we go again!! It's all about you! You, you, you! You ALWAYS have to have it your way, you never listen to me, you never listen to anyone but you!"

"That's not true, Eri!"

"Yea it, is! Aiko, you're supposed to be my sister, and yet you constantly act like you're the only child! You never think about how others might feel!"

"EXCUSE ME?! No, no, no, I'm a VERY kind person, just ask ANY of my friends..which by the way I have a lot more of than you...."

"Who are probably as sick of you as I am and are too chicken to admit it to you.."

"OH, I get it, now it all comes out!!! You listen, I got the better song.."

"No, YOU listen, THIS is one of the most important days of my life, and you're NOT hogging it..not THIS one..not THIS time! I'm so sick of hearing you.."

"Yeah? Well, I'm sick of smelling you! I'm sick of you always being around, changing my mind all the time, you AND your dumb friends!"

"My friends aren't dumb!"

"Oh really? Not even Hypochondriac Higurashi?"

There was a dangerous silence. "Hypochondriac Higurashi?!" Eri said slowly and menacingly.

"Yeah, Higurashi the hypochondriac, the one who's allergic to life and is never around cause she's in the hospital or something. How the hell did she graduate, or did her Mommy bribe the teachers?" Sesshomaru raised his eye brows at the mention of the name Higurashi.

"That's IT!" Eri practically screamed. "THAT. IS. IT!!! I'm telling the teacher I can NOT work with you and telling her to make you leave the Committee!"

"You do and I'll tell Mom!"

"You try it and I'll tell Dad!!"

"Is it my fault no one in my class wants to touch Hypochondriac Higurashi for fear we're gonna get all her 10,000 germs all over us?!"

"THAT'S IT, GET THE HELL OUT OF MY FACE!!!"

"G:LADLY!!" Aiko stormed away, while Eri marched over right to the bench Sesshomaru was sitting on and flopped down on the other side, folding her arms across her chest, glaring at the ground. "I HATE my sister!" she growled to herself.

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear the both of you," Sesshomaru said quietly. Eri jumped a bit and quickly turned her head to see Sesshomaru sitting there.

"Oh..excuse me, I'm sorry…I didn't know anyone was sitting here."

"It's all right. But I couldn't help but overhear you."

"Sorry if we were bothering you…but my sister is just driving me….she's just…GOD, I HATE HER!!! "

Sesshomaru's eyebrows went up. "You honestly don't mean that.."

"Oh I do…believe me I do. I wish she were dead."

"You mustn't ever say that," Sesshomaru said quickly. "A sibling is a priceless treasure, to be cherished and loved with all your heart."

"HA, you don't know my sister, She's the most selfish, self-centered, most spoiled person you could ever have the misfortune to meet. She never listens unless you agree with her, she always wants it her way, and any other way is wrong! Who can live with that!!"

Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile a tiny smile. "In a way your sister reminds me of someone I knew well.."

Eri turned her head curiously. "Who?"

"Myself. I was once like that a long time ago, to my own little brother in fact. I was a horrible sibling to him and made him absolutely miserable."

Eri looked at him curiously. "Why did you do that?"

"Because I resented his own mother tremendously. You see, he's my half-brother. My parents were separated a long time ago, and I never truly got over it. It does sound selfish and foolish now to want my parents to stay in a marriage they were unhappy in just to please me, but at that time I did. So when my father found a woman he truly loved and wanted to marry, I not only disapproved of it, like an absolute fool I refused to attend the wedding ceremony. My own father's wedding and I wasn't there for him. Not only that, I mistreated my stepmother horribly. I refused to speak to her for months, and when I did, I was despicable to her. Glaring at her, snapping at her, even threatening to hurt her, for no reason at all other than the fact that my father loved her more than my mother. I knew I greatly disappointed and angered my father, but my pride wouldn't let me stop this horrid behavior. She…she was the kindest person you could ever meet. Beautiful, loving, quiet and good…and she always tried to be nice to me…no matter how horrid and mean I was to her, she never reciprocated it. When I found out my stepmother was with child, I only made things worse for her. I either ignored her completely or was even nastier to her. "

"Why?"

"Simply because I didn't want this child…my half brother…to be born…because it would represent the love that my father had for this woman that was not my mother."

"No offense…but that's rather stupid. You hated your brother when he wasn't even BORN?!"

"It was extremely foolish, I know. To this day I'm ashamed of that behavior. But it got even worse when he was born…mostly due to the circumstances of his birth.."

"What happened then?"

"My father was an excellent fighter and it was his job to defend our land from enemies. But on the day my stepmother was to give birth, one of his greatest enemies decided to get his revenge on him. While Father was distracted by another disturbance, he set fire to the home my stepmother was in, directly after she had given birth to my half brother. Father was deeply wounded in the disturbance, but when he found out what his enemy did, he raced into the burning building to get my stepmother and baby brother out safely."

"Wow."

"Yes, but the enemy who set the fire was still in the house and charged my father In the resulting battle the whole house collapsed, killing them both. When my stepmother came to my own home looking for a place she and my baby brother could live…I told her to take that "abonimation" out of my sight and to never bring him near me again."

Eri's mouth dropped open. "ABOMINATION? But….he was just born…he was a baby.."

"Yes..and to make it worse, I blamed HIM for my Father's death. You see, for the longest time I believed if he were never born my father would have never had to go into the burning house and be killed."

"But your brother was a baby at the time…he was just born…it wasn't his fault…he didn't know anything! He didn't even know he was there…he was just born. I don't care how crazy Aiko drives me I'd never blame her for something that happened when she was a baby! Babies don't know!"

"I know…I have a pain in my heart when I think of that horrid time in my life. I do not know why I was so foolish, and I would give anything to turn back the hands of time and undo that very day. I also hated him because my father left to him the very object I wanted all my life. He didn't let me have that as punishment for my behavior, but I blamed my brother and constantly battled him over and over to try to get it."

"But your father left it to HIM! Your brother was a baby at the time, he didn't know."

"I know that now. Like you, I hated my sibling…and I constantly wished him dead. I attacked him, hit him, harassed him constantly. And when his dear saintly mother died I wouldn't let him live with me, even though he was still a child at the time. I told him to remove himself from my property, and I would kill him if I saw him again!:"

Eri gaped. "You said that? But, that doesn't make sense! You were blaming him for something he didn't even do, and you never took him in when he was a child? But,…that's your brother! That's your family! He's your flesh and blood…he didn't DO anything!"

"The same way YOUR sister is your family. It took me a long long time to accept my brother and realize that my father entered the building of his own free will out of love. But it wasn't until my brother became an adult did I finally come to my senses. There are a great many years that I could have spent taking care of him, teaching him all I knew, getting to know him..getting to LOVE him..and I will never get those years back. Just now am I realizing that he's special, unique, and the most priceless gift I could have ever gotten…what I wouldn't give to be able to have known that sooner."

"How DID you manage to finally stop hating your brother, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Not at all. You see, when I became a father myself, I started to understand how it felt to truly love someone so much and so dearly that you would willingly give your life for that person. MY daughter, Rin…she's the most wonderful thing that could have happened to me. That's when I began to have a change in my heart and mind. Also when I realized my brother was the one who finally avenged our father's death, that's when I also began to realise he wasn't as weak as I made him out to be. He's strong, cunning, intelligent, and just as caring as his mother was. Also when my daughter got sick, I realized my brother was the only person I could ask for for help in getting special herbs to heal her…and he helped me to get them. Despite the hell I put him through, despite the hatred I showed him, he was able to put aside our differences to help me. It took me a long time, but I learned that my brother is a precious gift…someone to be cherished. I might have all the money I'll need and a few homes of my own….but I'm only ever going to have one brother. Just like you're only ever going to have one sister. You can buy a lot of things, you can have a lot of power…but a sibling is the only thing that you can never buy. Siblings were given to you by God. My brother was, and so is your sister. I'm only just now getting to know my brother, and we're adults. There are a great many years that we've lost. Too many years we could have spent together, and I threw them all away due to my selfishness and foolish pride. Please, do not make the same mistake I did. You might not agree with your sister…but look inside your heart. You really don't want her dead..believe me you don't. You'll only have one of her. "

"But…she's so stubborn..she never wants to talk to me.."

"Then talk to her. Try to see things her way, or try to work out a compromise with her. I found out the hard way that that's the best thing to do. Do it before you might not have another chance to."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean my own brother is dieing," Eri's eyes shot up. "Yes. You see, he's very ill, and my wife, child, and I have traveled here," there was a mew from the bushes and Kirara jumped into Sesshomaru's lap. "And our cat, Kirara also followed us. "

"She's so cute!"

"You can pet her, she loves people," Eri did so. "We're trying to purchase very rare medicine for my brother, but if we don't find it soon, he will die. I kept saying my entire life how I wanted him dead, and now that he may be dieing…I can't picture my life without him. Now I realize I love him.. He's part of my family, and family is the most important thing in the world. Think hard…can you truly picture your life without your sister? To suddenly actually have her die in such a slow and painful way?"

Eri had to think about that. "Wow…I mean…I know I SAID I wished she were dead…but..we're only two years apart, she's always been in it…"

"Can you picture any life without her?"

"No.." she said after a pause. "She drives me crazy…but it would be too quiet….I'm so used to having her around…"

Sesshomaru looked down., "I still can't believe that my brother was able to forgive me. I tortured him all his life, hurt him so much…but yet he was able to forgive me..and we had pleasant talks. I was just starting to teach him so many things….in fact, I can honestly say he had become my best friend. I'm just now getting to know him…just now finding out what kind of a person he is..and am just now beginning to teach him…and cruel fate may take him away from me. That's why I'm here right now. I would do anything to save him. I can't get him back into my life only to lose him again, I can't allow that. The same way you shouldn't let pride or stubbornness get in the way of sisterhood, both of you. Go to your sister, make up with her. You're arguing about a song?"

"Our graduation song…the song we want played at my High School Graduation. I was put in charge of deciding that, and Aiko joined me. We can't agree on which song to have."

"Go back with her and talk it over. It doesn't matter who's right, all that matters is that you find a song you both agree with and work it out together. Trust me...you will never know how precious a gift a sibling is until you've lost them forever, the way I might be losing mine."

Eri quickly stood up. "Thank you. I…I'll do that. I don't think we met." She stuck her hand out. "I'm Eri."

"Sesshomaru," he said, shaking her hand. "It was pleasant talking to you."

"It was nice talking to you as well," Eri said. "I hope your brother gets better soon.,..really. I think I'm gonna go talk to my sister now."

"Also I couldn't help but overhear you say the name Higurashi? As in Kagome Higurashi?"

"Oh yeah, she's a friend of mine."

"Would you know the way to the Higurashi Shrine?"

"Oh, you want to say a prayer for your brother? Actually you're almost there. It's just about five more blocks down that way," she pointed to the right. "Just follow that sidewalk and you'll come to a hill. The Shrine is right on top of the hill."

"Thank you," Eri nodded and went over to where Aiko was sitting on a tree trunk. Sesshomaru turned around and saw Sango smiling at him while holding Rin's hand.

"Aiko?" Eri said, approaching her sister. "Look, I've been thinking, We're sisters..and we're sisters for life. We shouldn't let something like a song cause us to have this big of a fight. it's doesn't matter what song we use….let's try to find a new song we can both agree on."

"Would you actually listen to me?"

"If you listen to me, I'll listen to you, I promise."

"OK."

"OK, let's find a new song.."

Sango came over to Sesshomaru. "Ya know, Sesshomaru…I think you've definitely proved that you've changed completely. Maybe some people didn't think it was possible. But I know two people who can attest to it." She nodded toward Eri and Aiko. Eri smiled as Sesshomaru left with Sango, Rin, and Kirara.

"What a nice man he is."

A little while later Eri and Aiko came back to the school auditorium where the Gradulation Committee was meeting. Yuka looked up. "Hey, hi guys. How's it going?"

"Actually its great, Ruka," Eri said happily.

"It's gotta be. You two just came in here with no dirty looks, no fighting, no anything!" Ayumi aded

"Yeah, you two feeling alright?" Yuka cracked. To everyone's surprise both girls started giggling at the joke.

"We're better than alright," Aiko said happily. "We have our graduation song all picked out!"

"Wait, wait wait..you mean you two actually agreed on a graduation Song, together?" Kagome said. "II'd never have believed it if I didn't just hear it!"

"Yeah, this is what we picked, let us know what you think!" Eri handed the sheet music to the piano player, and both and and Aiko both sang:

"I hope the day will be a lighter highway

For friends are found on every road

Can you ever think of any better way

For the lost and weary travellers to go

Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there then everything's all right

It seems to me a crime that we should age

These fragile times should never slip us by

A time you never can or shall erase

As friends together watch their childhood fly

Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there then everything's all right"

When they were done, everyone clapped.

"Wow, you guys, how did you decide on that one?" Ayumi asked.

"Well, we had a little help from a very nice man I met in the park," Eri explained. "I had such a great talk with him. He was telling me a story about how he didn't always used to be a nice guy, and how he used to have HUGE fights with his own half brother. He wished he was dead numerous times, cause of a stupid misunderstanding regarding his father's death…and he told me he regretted all he thing he said to his brother, and how precious siblings are. Nothing is worth fighting with your sister or brother about, cause you can't replace them. They're the most important parts of your family!"

Kagome's ears picked up at this description, it sounded very familiar to her. "Eri…this guy you met…what did he look like?"

"He was very tall, but handsome. He had really long hair, longer than his waist. It was jet black and he has the cutest violet eyes."

"Oh," Kagome said. Violet eyes, black hair down his waist…it probably wasn't him. She shook her head at the thought- what would HE want with THIS era? But it might be a sign…maybe that story was in a way telling HER something! She got a fear at the pit of her stomach again and wished this meeting would hurry up and end.

IN THE FEUDAL ERA…

Shippo made his way over to Inuyasha,. He opened his eyes warily. "Hey," he managed to say.

:Hi.." Shippo said quietly, already deciding not to say anything about the Shinigami that he saw just now. Carefully he sat down upon the bed.

"Where's Miroku?" Inuyasha asked.

"He's downstairs making you some soup."

"Oh…not really hungry right now.."

"Please try to eat it, Inuyasha. Please…try….we got you some more herbs for the medicine.."

"OK…I don't know if I can, though.." he stopped and put his hand weakly on Shippo's. "Shippo…you've been really brave through this whole thing. Thanks."

"You're welcome.." he took some deep breaths to hold in his tears and overall fear. "Inuyasha?"

"Yeah?"

"I just want you to know…no matter what happens.." he threw his arms around him. "I love you."

Inuyasha gentily patted Shippo's back. "I love ya too, kid….its so hot…GOD, it's hot…Shippo, can ya open a window, I feel like I'm gonna roast." Shippo glanced out the window and nodded. He went to the windowsill and looked outside, finding no trace of the girl. He opened up the window, being thankful there was a breeze out. He stuck his head out, looking at the doorway of the castle. No, the girl wasn't there. Breathing a sigh of relief Shippo stuck his head inside and looked at Inuyasha.

"I'm gonna go downstairs and see if the soup is ready yet." Inuyasha nodded. And closed his eyes.

"OK. Shippo? One more thing…if I don't make it…watch out for my brother. Just…take care of him. He's a bit sword happy…guess ya know that by now. Just…make sure he doesn't get himself into a lot of trouble..K? And…tell him I love him.." Shippo went over and hugged him gentily again before he went down the staircase. The castle was very big, and rather quiet, and many objects made huge scary shadows on the walls. Shippo could hear his own footsteps echo on the marble floor as he made his way down the stairs and down the long winding hall, hoping he remembered where the kitchen was. He bumped into someone, and he screamed. Looking, he saw it was Jakin, who was screaming too. Jaken almost swung his staff.

"Don't DO that!" he said. "don't you know how dangerous this is getting, all due to that half breed up there…by the way is he dead yet?"

"No, and shouldn't you be outside?"

"I had to get rid of a scroll that a bird dropped at the foot of the castle. It was addressed to MI Lord…but I dare not let him see the message.."

"What did the message say?"

Jaken shivered. "The Lord of the Western Lands Burns in Hell Tonight! Ohhh….Mi Lord, I don't know who sent that bird to deliver the message…but I don't like this…oh I don't…." Jaken raced outside.

The sun beat down through the huge windows and the silky curtains that should have made Shippo warm, but chills went down his spine. "I…it's only my imagination.." he mumbled to himself. "It's only my imagination.." He looked at all the shadows on the walls…gasping out loud when he saw a small shadow…one that wasn't there before! He turned around quickly…seeing the girl in black right across the hall. Shippo screamed and ran into another hall, trying to get back to Inuyasha before she could! "GO AWAY!!" he yelled again at her, running again into the hall, trying to reach the staircase. " GET AWAY, GET OUT, DON'T TAKE HIM, WE NEED HIM!!! GO, SHOO, GET OUT OF HERE, GO AWAY!!!" He turned toward where the main door was…and the girl was now in front of the door. Shippo raced up the stairs, turning around, he saw the girl was climbing the stairs after him! He yelled and ran even faster, knowing she was walking rather slowly. He stopped halfway there, quickly grabbed two candles on a windowsill, lit them with his foxfire, and left them on the stairs to slow her down. He ran even further, grabbed a statue, and threw it down after him. He reached the door, found two more candles, lit them and left them just outside before running inside and slamming the door shut. He grabbed a nearby trunk and shoved it in front of the door. Taking a deep breath of relief he turned around….and the girl was standing right in front of him! Shrieking, Shippo backed away, scared to death. He started crying hysterically and ran to the bed where the sleeping Inuyasha was, drawing the curtains around him and standing in front of him crying and begging, falling on his knees. He was aware of someone running toward him and taking his hands gentily, but he was too scared to look up.

"Shhh.." a voice said quietly to him, causing him to look up…into ice blue eyes,. He screamed again, but the girl held his hands gentily and looked at him concerned. "Don't cry," she said in a deep…but…rather kind voice. "Please don't cry….don't be afraid of me, Shippo."

AGGGH! How did the Shinigami know his name?!

She smiled at him again. "Its OK, yes, I know who you are. You shouldn't cry so loudly, you're gonna wake him up," she gentily took Shippo into her arms and carried him out into the hall. Shippo trembled as she held him…but at the same time he couldn't help but notice how gentily she was handling him. Her arms felt rather warm, and comforting…not cold…not scary…not at all. She put him on a chair and knelt to him. "Shippo..there's no need to be scared of me. I'm nothing to be afraid of,…not usually." She smiled again. "You're not an Arrancor, are you?" Shippo shook his head. "You're not a Hollow?" She shook his head again. "You're not a devil from Hell, are you?" He had to laugh a little but shook his head again. "Then you have nothing to be scared of.. I won't hurt you."

"B…but you're gonna hurt him!" he pointed inside the room.

"No, I'm not gonna hurt him."

"But….you're an Angel of Death! You cause people to die."

She shook her head. "We don't CAUSE people to die. We just take their souls to Heaven when its time for them to go. I was chosen to take Inuyasha's soul, Shippo…and that's all I'm going to do. I won't hurt him at all, he won't feel anything. If anything he'll STOP hurting."

"H…how did you know my name?"

"All Soul Reapers do. We observe everything from Heaven…we've been observing Inuyasha's life, and the lives of all of you. We know everything about all of you."

"Everything?"

She nodded. "Mmm-hmm."

"Oh…so…you know that I…that we…"

"Shippo? Don't worry about it. God heard your prayers from Heaven, He hears everyone's prayers."

"But….you're still gonna take him."

"Unless I hear otherwise, yes, I'm afraid I have to."

"Do you really?"

She pointed up. "He pretty much gets His way in matters like this. But don't worry, Shippo, I promise Inuyasha will be taken care of on his journey upward, and there's so much waiting for him! Heaven is a beautiful place, filled with joy, peace and lots of love."

"Really?"

"Really. There's no discrimination up there at all, no prejudice, no hatred. Everyone accepts you as a brother and a sister, the sun shines all the time. There's no rain or heavy snow , no one gets cold at all."

"Honest?"

"Mmm-hmm. So don't worry, OK? He's going to a much more beautiful place filled with nothing but happiness and joy. So, Don't be scared for him, Shippo, OK?"

Shippo nodded. "OK. Uh…Miss Shinigami?" He paused, unsure of how to address her. "What's YOUR name?"

She smiled. "My name is Rukia."

"Rukia? Oh, that's a pretty name."

"Thank you. I've always liked it."

"Rukia? Are…are my parents in Heaven?"

She smiled. "Yes, Shippo, in fact they are. Actually your Mom wanted me to give you a message before I came here."

"She did? What was it?"

"She wanted me to tell you, she's proud of you. Both her and your Dad are proud of how well you've been able to take care of yourself, and the way you're taking care of Inuyasha."

"Please…don't take him away…don't make him leave me."

"It's not up to me, Shippo. Believe me, I don't really want to take him either. "

"You don't?"

"We don't like to take anyone before their time, Shippo. But if we must we must." Shippo nodded.

"But, if they DO find Kagome and bring her to him, and she DOES come and put her love into him and get rid of the poison..does that mean you won't take him?"

"If Kagome comes God will give my Captain a message and he'll send it to me, telling me to cancel the assignment and come back. to Soul Society, and I won't take him then."

"Soul Society?"

"That's a part of Heaven where the Soul Reapers are."

"Oh. How many Soul Reapers are there?"

"Lots and lots of them. The entire Society is made up of 13 different Squads."

"13! Wow!"

"Yes. Each Squad is lead by a Captain and one or two Lieutenants."

"Oh? Are YOU a Lieutenant, Rukia?"

"I'M not one…yet. But my boyfriend, Renji, is a Lieutenant of the 6th Squad. The Captains all take their orders from the Head Captain Yamamoto..and HE works with God Himself. Captain Yamamoto has been known to travel to Heaven to speak to God directly."

"Wow! Have YOU ever spoken to God?"

"Sometimes, but not as often as Captain Yamamoto has."

Shippo looked amazed. He wasn't afraid at all anymore, he was actually enjoying himself talking with Rukia. "What's God like?"

"Wonderful. He's like a Father to everyone and He's warm, caring, and understanding."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Will Inuyasha see God?"

"Definitely. He'll be the first one Inuyasha meets when I take him to Heaven. After that he'll go see his parents.. They're waiting for him anxiously."

"Really? What's his Mom like?"

"She's very beautiful. One of the sweetest women I've ever known. His father may be VERY big and imposing, but he's very sweet and gentile. He's looking forward to meeting Inuyasha. If I remember correctly he only saw him once when he was born…and that's it."

"Yeah…he died saving Inuyasha's life when he was just born. Inuyasha never knew him."

"Inio is looking forward to meeting him. He's a very charming man." Shippo looked at her happily. "So, you see? He's going to be in good hands and be well taken care of, trust me, OK?

Shippo looked down. "I'm glad to hear that Heaven is such a beautiful place and everything,..but I'm gonna miss him so much."

"I know, I'm sorry to have to do this. But as you know we don't have any choice in the matter. We have to follow orders."

"I wish I could still talk to him when he goes to Heaven."

Rukia smiled. "You just might be able to.."

"What do you mean, Rukia?"

"I mean, we've been observing him from Heaven, and we're very impressed with his fighting style, and his 'never say die' attitude, and we're considering making him a Soul Reaper himself!"

"Really?!"

"Yes. We think he has what it takes to become a Soul Reaper, like us. Of course that will require him going to clesses and undergoing training to perfect his sword."

"Oh? Can he take his Tetsusaiga with him?"

"Well, no. If he enrolls in Soul Reaper training he'll be given his own sword to use. He'll be trained to operate Zanpaktos, which are our basic attacks, and if he does a good job he might be promoted to Lieutenant and learn a Banki, which is the highest form of power a Soul Reaper can have. "

"You fight?"

"Not people. We fight against evil spirits called Arrancars or Hollows which come from Hell and try to possess good people. it's our job to protect the innocent people and fight off these evil spirits. Think Inuyasha would like to be a spirit protector with us?"

"He sure would! He's defended us so many times already. He'd love to keep doing that."

"And if he was a Soul Reaper he could come down and visit you and he'd still protect you, just in a different way."

"He can?"

"Yep. You feel better now, Shippo?"

"A little…but it still won't be the same. I really hope that they find Kagome. I know its your job to take him, but I really want him to stay."

Rukia sighed a bit. "I do too," she admitted. "I do, I hate to take anyone before their time, and I know he was planning to begin a whole new chapter in his life. If I must take him I must, but I hope I don't have to either." Shippo looked up, amazed. Rukia looked amuzed. "Are you surprised I'm saying this? It's a blessing to escort someone to their eternal reward, but sometimes it's sad to take someone so young with so many plans. Just because we're Soul Reapers doesn't make us hard, cold and mean like a lot of people think. Only some of us are like that."

Shippo smiled. "You're not cold and mean at all, you're nice!"

"Thanks, Shippo."

"Her voice is so kind," Shippo thought. "Why was I so afraid of her before?"

As if she could read his mind Rukia smiled again. "Do you trust me, Shippo?" Shippo smiled and nodded "Am I really so scary? Am I anything to be afraid of?" Shippo shook his head. Rukia touched his cheek. "I said I would take care of Inuyasha if I have to take him, believe me, I will. Trust me, I know how it feels to be an outsider, like he was for most of his life. We'll have a good talk on our way up."

"An outsider?"

"Yes."

"I didn't know Soul Reapers could feel like that."

"We can and some of us do. I have."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"How come?"

"Because when Renji and I were little we grew up in the poor part of town. When we died, and we enrolled in the Soul Society we knew we had to work very hard seeing as how we didn't get as much education as a lot of the others did, due to the fact that we left this Earth so young and in the poor part of town."

"So…you were both outsiders?"

"Yes…so I do know what it feels like not to fit in. I also know what it's like not to fit into your own family."

"You do?"

"Yes. I have an older brother too. I'm adopted, so we're not related by blood."

"Did he accept YOU into his family?"

"Oh yeah, yeah. It's just that we don't have a lot in common cause we're not blood related, so sometimes I felt like I didn't belong."

"Is that why YOU were chosen to take Inuyasha?"

"Yes, that's why. I know how he feels to be on the outside looking in a lot of the times. I know that he's really a Lord, and under any other circumstances one of the Lieutenants would have had this assignment…..because he's nobility…probably Lieutenant Matsimoto."

"Lieutenant Matsimoto? Is that a man or a woman?"

"Oh, her first name is Reinkigu, she's a woman."

"Is she nice?"

"Oh, she's VERY nice. Probably the nicest Lieutenant there. She was the first one to welcome me and made me feel like I belonged."

"Oh! Is she gonna welcome Inuyasha if he goes to Heaven?"

"She'll be one of the first ones to welcome him, I promise you that." She touched Shippo's cheek. "Do you feel better now, Shippo?"

Shippo nodded. Just then Miroku came back up with a steaming bowl of soup in his hands, looking down to make sure none of it spilled. . "All right, I've got the soup all ready..who are you talking to up here, Shippo?"

"I'm talking to Rukia, Miroku."

"Rukia?"

"Rukia, my new friend."

He looked up to see who Shippo's companion was and gasped a bit when he saw Rukia standing there…nearly dropping his soup. "The Shinigami," he gasped.

" Come meet her, Miroku, she's so nice," he looked up at her. "Rukia, this is Miroku…oh..you probably already know that."

"Yeah, I do," she smiled at him.

Miroku put the soup on a nearby table and bowed low. "A pleasure to meet you, Rukia.."

"It's alright, I'm not a seated officer, you don't have to bow."

IN KAGOME'S TIME…

Rin, Sango, Sesshomaru, and Kirara were making their way down the sidewalk, following the directions Eri had given them, when Sesshomaru became aware of a feeling right behind him. "Sango, stop a moment..I feel a dsturbance otto far behind us." True enough rough voices then spoke up.

"All right, Buddy, play it smart, give us all the money you got," four huge muggers then appeared from behind them, brandishing guns. One of them grabbed Rin. "And the little girl won't get hurt!"

Kirara then jumped down from Sango's shoulder and started to hiss threateningly. One of the muggers laughed, but Sango glared. "If I were you, I'd let go of our daughter NOW, or something unpleasant will happen!"

"What are YOU gonna do, Lady? YOU gonna try anything? Or maybe this cute widdle kitty is gonna hurt me?" One of the robbers laughed out loud and knelt down to tickle her. "Coootche, cootchie, cootchie.."

CHOP!!

"Coo-tchie…" the robber whimpered in searing pain from Kirara's bite. "YEEEEEEEEEOOOOWWWCH!!!!"

The thug's hand was a mess, as Kirara still had incredible strength in her kitten-sized form. Blood poured from the wounds made by her razor-sharp teeth, and from the way his fingers were so messed up, the idiot could tell that at least two of them were broken. He had no time to consider anything else, as Sango grabbed his right arm, wrenched it up behind his back, and then flipped him over her shoulder, slamming his back onto some discarded wooden pallets. He tried to retrieve his gun, but Sango kicked it away and took hold of the thug in a vise-like grip around the neck. She said, "I warned you about messing with our daughter...you should've taken the hint when my cat tried to tear your hand off. Now, you're gonna see what happens to people that try to hurt my family, you lowlife scum!!"

Sango's fists became a lightning-fast blur of motion, as she landed one bone-cracking blow after another. She drilled a left hook across the man's jaw, followed by a trio of powerful jabs and elbow strikes to the ribs, and when her opponent tried to grab a metal pipe, Sango went airborne and delivered a spinning roundhouse kick that sent the bad guy flying into a row of trash cans. He fell over, and Kirara walked over and bit him on the other hand, as a final bit of payback.

In the meantime, Sesshomaru grabbed the second robber's arm and applied pressure, causing the bones to crack. He said, "Unless you wish to lose the arm, drop the gun."

The idiot smiled and said, "How about I blow your head off first, smart guy!!" The thug tried to move his arm, but Sesshomaru simply applied more pressure. He said, "If I wanted to, I could snap every bone in your body like a twig, you honorless bastard. You terrorize innocent people, even stooping low enough to threaten my daughter...", his voice deepened, and his eyes narrowed, "No one endangers my daughter, not without paying dearly for it."

Sesshomaru knew he had to be careful not to use his full strength, as he could easily tear off the mugger's arm, so he used just enough power to yank the goon's arm out straight, before yanking the wrist up and snapping it with a sickening CR-RACK!! The goon yelped in pain, and Sesshomaru then slammed his knee up into the idiot's elbow, before effortlessly ripping the shoulder from it's socket. He turned the injured man loose long enough to deliver a backhand punch that shattered the man's jaw and sent him flying straight into a water-filled ditch, face-first.

The third mugger tried to wrap a chain around Sango's neck from behind, but she spun around and slammed the point of her toe between the mugger's legs, cracking the pelvic bone and part of the left hip. The mugger screamed, and he said, "YOU LITTLE BITCH!! I SWEAR I'M GONNA MAKE YOU REGRET THAT!!" He tried to grab the pistol that he'd dropped when Sango had kicked him, but Kirara beat him to the punch, leaping into the air and raking her claws across his face, before sinking her teeth into his nose. The goon screamed, "GET THIS LITTLE MONSTER OFF ME!!", frantically trying to pull off the angry firecat, who seemed determined to rip off his face. Sango said, "Kirara, down...I don't want you getting some disease from biting that peace of trash."

Kirara jumped off, and when she landed back on Sango's shoulder, she said, "Mew!!"

Sango said, "Good kitty, Kirara...now go watch Rin. I'll handle him."

Kirara nodded, and ran off to look after Rin.

The mugger glared at Sango, and he said, "You really should get some rabies shots for that little alleycat of yours...she tried to rip my face off!! I hope you don't let her around kids. Then again, you might need some rabies shots of your own, and some lessons in how to be a lady."

Sango's eyes narrowed, and she said in a low, dangerous tone, "SO...HELP...ME...GOD...I AM GOING TO MAKE YOU REGRET THE DAY YOU THREATENED MY DAUGHTER, AND WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU'LL BE TOO SCARED TO STEAL SO MUCH AS A CANDY BAR!!"

Sango quickly made good on her words, as she sent the idiot sprawling with a two-heeled flying kick to the gut, followed by an uppercut to the jaw, and then she finished him with a reverse German Suplex. She tossed him into a nearby dumpster, before heading off to find Sesshomaru.

Rin, terrified, had managed to break away and was now hiding behind some tall rocks. "Surprise!" come the fourth robber, grabbing her shoulder and forcing her to turn around. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you didn't like us!" He snarled. "Now you come here and be quiet, I think I can get Daddy to pay a nice price for you.."

"No, but I have a proposition for you, take your hand off of my daughter…and you might live."

The robber froze in his tracks and slowly turned around. Sesshomaru was standing right in back of him!! "HUH?! But…wha…how;d you…you were there…but…howd ya do?!"

Smiling, Sesshomaru replied, "Simple...I happen to be a Special Forces officer, and a champion sprinter. You have five seconds to unhand my daughter, or I will make you into a human pretzel."

Placing his gun at the side of Rin's head, the mugger said, "No chance, buddy. Either you and miss Bruce Lee over there hand over all your money, or the little brat gets to taste a bullet. He placed the gun in Rin's mouth, and he said, "I'm gonna count to three, and then she gets it. One...two...YOWCH!!", as Kirara's fangs sank deep into his left ankle. Sango could even hear Kirara hissing and growling, and the pain distracted the mugger long enough for Rin to break free. She ran over to Sango and hugged her tightly, while Kirara let go of the man's now blood-covered ankle. Sesshomaru tackled the man, and he said, "Now...I am going to teach you what happens to anyone who tries to harm my family. Don't worry...I intend to make this fast."

Sesshomaru hammered four powerful punches into the goon's ribs, kneed him in the chin, and finally, he punched him in the side of the head, knocking him out. Sesshomaru then piled the goon on top of his three friends, after Sango finished bundling them up with some rope that she'd found.

Sesshomaru bent down and picked up Rin gentily. "Are you all right, Rin?"

"Yes.." she snuggled up to Sesshomaru, "I don't care if you're not my real Father…you're the best father in the entire world!"

Sesshomaru gentily held her close to him. "And you are the most wonderful daughter I could ever ask for."

Rin knew they were in public so she quietly whispered into his ear. "I love you, Lord Sesshomaru."

"I love you, too, Rin," Sesshomaru answered. Rin kissed him on the cheek, and he gentily returned the kiss just as the sounds of police sirens cut through the air and he gentily put her down.

Just after he had finished securing the ropes to hold the hapless thugs in place, Sesshomaru heard some of the most unbelievably loud noise ever, and it was coming close to their position. He said, "Rin, find a place to hide...I shall deal with the threat."

Rin nodded, but Sango said, "Wait, Sesshomaru...Kagome told me about what makes that sound...they're called sirens. That means the police are coming here to arrest these bandits."

Sesshomaru remembered what he'd been told about the police, and he said, "Someone must have observed our fight with these cowardly rats and sent for them. I believe you should talk to them, Sango...you know more about the customs of Kagome's time than I do. I'll stay here with Rin."

Sango nodded, and then a pair of black-and-white cars pulled up. Rin backed away, but Sesshomaru said, "You do not need to be afraid, Rin. These humans are good people, like Sango, Kagome, and Miroku. They are police officers...like the samurai back in our era. They protect the people of this city from street bandits like the ones Sango and I just took care of."

Rin smiled, and she said, "Father...thank you for saving me when that bad man grabbed me. He really scared me when he put that...gun in my mouth."

Sesshomaru replied, "I will not allow anyone to harm you, Rin...I love you, as I've mentioned before. You are my daughter now, and I will always protect you."

In the meantime, the pair of police officers approached, and while one of them went to look over the group of thugs, the other approached Sango. He said, "We got a call about a disturbance in the area, and when we saw these four guys all piled up, we guessed this was the place. I need to know what happened here, so I can make a report."

Sango replied, "Not a problem, officer. My family and I...that's my husband over there, with our daughter Rin, and our cat Kirara...", the cute little disguised firecat hopped up on Sango's shoulder and said "Mew!". Sango chuckled, and she said, "My name is Sango...Sango Nishimura, and the four of us were heading to the Higurashi Shrine to visit our friend who lives there, Kagome Higurashi. Just as we passed that shop back there, these four bandits jumped out and attacked us, but they got alot more than they bargained for...my husband and I were both in the Special Forces, and I teach advanced martial arts classes along with him. One of them made the mistake of grabbing our daughter, and he's lucky my husband didn't take his arm off."

The other officer said, "Kenji, you've gotta see these guys...they look like they played chicken with a semi...and this one's face is a mess. Looks like the cat got him, and this one's hand is hamburger...I sure wouldn't wanna tangle with that cat."

The goon woke up just then, and he said, "Officer, that cat...it's got rabies or something...LOOK WHAT IT DID TO MY HAND!!"

Kirara hissed, and the first policeman said, "Sure...this cute little kitty here almost took your hand off...well don't worry, you won't have to worry about any finger-chomping cats where you're going. You're under arrest for attempted robbery, assault, and attempted kidnapping."

The four muggers were handcuffed and placed into the back seats of the police cars, two in each vehicle, and the lead officer said, "Thanks...we've been after those creeps for some time now. If there's anything we can do to thank you folks, just name it."

Rin's stomach suddenly growled, and she said, "Father, I'm getting hungry. Can we find someplace to eat before going to Kagome's house?"

Sesshomaru replied, "Yes, Rin. I was going to recommend that we stop for food after this fight."

Sango said, "If you could direct us to the nearest restaurant that's on our way to the Higurashi Shrine, we'd appreciate it, officer."

Smiling, the officer said, "Just walk half a block straight down the street, and it'll be to the right of you. The Higurashi Shrine's just a block down the street from the restaurant. Have a nice day...and my compliments on your daughter...she's adorable."

Sango shook the officer's hand, and Kirara hopped on his shoulder and purred, The officer chuckled and petted her before she rejoinined Sango. After the officers drove off to carry the muggers to jail, Sango said, "Now that we know where we can get a bite to eat, let's get going, and then it's straight to Kagome's...Inuyasha's counting on us to bring her to him."

Sesshomaru replied, "Yes...and we will, Sango. Hang on, Inuyasha...Kagome will soon be at your side, and I WILL see to it that Kouga and Kikyo pay for what they've done to you. Nobody harms my family...and lives."

IN THE FEUDAL ERA…

Miroku looked at the girl before him...she was short, with hair the same color as Kagome's, and icy blue eyes. She wore black robes, and at her side was a sword held in a scabbard. Shippo said, "She's the girl I was telling you about, Miroku. The one you said was a Shinigami."

Miroku said, "I hope you haven't come for Inuyasha yet...there's still time for him, isn't there?"

The girl pulled out her gold pocketwatch, and she said, "Yes...about three more hours."

"Hours?" Shippo asked, looking at the watch.

"Yeah…ya see, when this hand here touches the 8, that's this right here," she showed him. "That means it's time for him to go. Don't worry, I won't take him before then. I'll only stay here until either Kagome arrives, or until the sun sets. However, Inuyasha will be able to see me in the final hour before sunset...I'm going to be talking to him about Heaven and how wonderful it is to live there."

Shippo said, "Miroku, she told me all about it...it never rains or snows, it doesn't get too hot or cold, and Inuyasha won't ever go hungry or have to worry about prejudice...he'll be treated like Kaede and her villagers do...and he'll be able to see his parents again."

Miroku said, "That does sound like a wonderful place to look forward to...but if he does pass on...Kagome will be heartbroken...we all will. I haven't exactly been the perfect friend to him in the past."

Rukia said, "I've seen all of that from the Soul Society, Miroku...all of us Soul Reapers have. However, we've also seen everything that you've done ever since you promised your heart to Sango. I'm very pleased with what I've seen, and so is the head of all the Soul Reapers, Captain Yamamoto. You've proven that you truly are sorry for the mistakes that you've made in the past, such as the unflattering comments you've made regarding Inuyasha, and I'm happy to say the same for Sango and Shippo. My captain has assured me that all of you will be going to Heaven when your time comes...you'll all be together again. As for Inuyasha...I sincerely do hope your friend Kagome comes in time. I don't like taking anyone before their time, but if his time runs out, I'll have to take him. Trust me...he'll be very happy in Heaven. He'll be with his parents again, and he'll be introduced to my fellow Soul Reapers...in fact, my boyfriend Renji, and one of my best friends, Rangiku, they'll be among the first to welcome him, along with Captain Ukitake...he's my Captain, and also Captain Hitsugaya of the 10th Squad. We were even planning to offer Inuyasha the chance to come to Soul Society and be trained as a Soul Reaper himself...his courage, his fighting skills, and his never-say-die attitude have really impressed all of us. If he makes it through training, which I'm sure he will...he'll be able to come and see all of you again. I have to go back outside now, but I'll come back in in a couple of hours to talk to him. Don't be afraid...I'm hoping for Kagome to get here just as much as you are. I really do hate to take someone away from those that care for them...especially those that love them as much as she loves Inuyasha. Miroku, I want you to know that all of us in the Soul Society, myself included, are very happy with how you've turned your life around. No matter what happens, I wish you and all of your friends a long, happy life."

Miroku held out his hand, and Rukia shook it. He said, "Thank you, Rukia. It was nice meeting you."

Rukia smiled, and she said, "I enjoyed meeting you and Shippo as well. I'm going back to watch over Inuyasha now, but you both know where to find me."

Jaken appeared just as Rukia began to make her way to the window. Not watching where he was going, he bumped into her and fell flat on his rear. He screamed, "WHY DON'T YOU WATCH WHERE YOU'RE WALKING, YOU CLUMSY GIRL!! YOU ALMOST STEPPED ON ME!!"

Rukia looked down, and she said, "Oh..and who might this noisy little imp be?"

Shippo said, "That's Jaken...he's Sesshomaru's retainer, and he was SUPPOSED to be helping us watch Inuyasha so that he could hold on long enough for Sesshomaru, Sango, Rin, and Kirara to come back with Kagome. All he's done is insult Inuyasha and keep making tons of racket while he tries to sleep."

Rukia looked down at Jaken, and her eyes narrowed. She said, "Why are you so intent on him dying, Jaken? Don't you care at all about how sad everyone here will feel if he passes on? Your Lord wants him to live...otherwise he wouldn't have gone to help get Kagome, and he wouldn't have ordered Inuyasha brought here where he could rest safely. Just what do you have against him, anyway?"

Jaken replied, "Simple...he's a weak, pathetic half-breed that does nothing but shame the noble bloodline that my Lord Sesshomaru was born into, and I don't know why my Lord is letting him stay here...all I know is that I'll be much happier when he dies and Lord Sesshomaru burns his body and gets rid of that...stain...uh-oh..."

The toad imp trailed off as he noticed the angry looks on Miroku and Shippo's faces. Miroku bashed Jaken with his staff twice, before Shippo clobbered him with a nearby book. Rukia said, "Would you like to live to see the next sunrise?"

Jaken replied, "Who are you to threaten me, you little brat?"

Rukia's eyes narrowed, and her voice lowered, taking a dangerously icy tone. She said, "Oh...you think I'm a brat, eh? BAKUTO NUMBER ONE...SAI!!" Rukia made a slicing motion through the air with one hand, and immediately, Jaken wound up paralyzed on the floor, his arms trapped behind his back. As he squirmed around trying to free himself, Rukia punted him down the stairs.

Shippo said, "That was really neat, Rukia!! How'd you do that?"

Rukia replied, "It's called a Kido...that's the basic spirit power technique of a Soul Reaper. Inuyasha will learn that, along with all of the others, followed by the next step up, called a Haro, and then there's the sword fighting techniques known as Shikai, and finally, once he reaches at least Lieutenant rank, he'll learn a Bankai, which is the most powerful attack for a Soul Reaper. Most only have one, but some, if they're really powerful, can have as many as three. My brother Byakuya, he's the Captain of Squad Six...he has three, and his are among the strongest in all of Soul Society. I'm only able to perform up to Shikai, but I'll learn Bankai one day when I reach Lieutenant rank. I'll take my leave now, but before I go...know this...I really do want Inuyasha to live so he can spend his life with those he cares for most. You've become like family to him, and I don't want to have to take him just as he's about to open a wonderful new chapter in the book of his life. I'll be praying for Kagome to come in time."

Miroku said, "Thank you, Rukia...I enjoyed meeting you."

Rukia smiled and waved, and then she changed into a black butterfly and headed out the window. Once she was gone, Shippo said, "She's not scary at all, Miroku...unless you make her angry like Jaken did."

Miroku smiled, and he said, "Yes, Shippo...I enjoyed meeting her too. You know, it's considered a great honor to speak with a Shinigami, and she really was nice. Come on...let's have one more prayer to ask God to bring Kagome to Inuyasha's side so they can be together."

Shippo nodded, and then he and Miroku set up for their prayers.

IN KAGOME'S TIME…

Sesshomaru, Sango,Rin, and Kirara were sitting in the seafood restaurant the police had directed them to. Opening up their menus they stared at all the many choices, Sesshomaru and Rin recognized a few items, but a lot more of them were a mystery.

"Sesshomaru, lets order the lobster," Sango said. "Kagome's told me it's a delicious seafood meal. She's brought a bit over from her time, and we all loved it."

"Very well. What would you like, Rin?"

"Actually, one lobster is enough for all three of us. We just have to take care to take it out of the shell completely before we give any to her."

"Very well then," when the order got to their table, Sesshomaru proceeded to break the shell apart with his bare hands, earning him more longing glances from some women sitting at a table near them. He carefully cut Rin's portion into tiny bite size pieces for her and put them on her plate. Rin tasted it and smiled wide.

"This is delicious, Father!"

"Most enjoyable, I must admit that."

Sango smiled. "Just as good as when Kagome used to bring it to us."

"Does she bring you things often, Sango?"

"Oh yes. We've tried many things from this era, everything more fascinating than the next."

"Inuyasha has spoken very highly of this place and of Kagome."

"You've never told me about what happened a few days ago when Inuyasha came to tell you of his plans to propose."

"Would you care to hear it, Sango?"

"Very much."

FOUR DAYS AGO…

Inuyasha was sitting on the couch in the main parlor of Sesshomaru's castle, sharing tea and cake with his brother and telling him about several of his adventures he had gone on.

"And basically," he said, setting down his tea. "That's how we defeated that water demon."

"It was lucky that Sango was there to help you."

"Yeah, I know," Inuyasha said. "when I think of how close I came to actually being drowned…I mean, that wasn't the first time that happened to me."

Sesshpmaru's eyebrows went up. "What do you mean, Inuyasha?"

"Well, when I was a kid I was almost drowned by a whole bunch of bullies. They pushed me into the pond. I was only about six at the time so I ddn;t have too much of my strength "

"Of course."

"They called me all kinds of names, such as 'freak of nature' and said they didn't care if I drowned. They wouldn't stop until my Mother came to get me and chased them all away."

Sesshomaru frowned angrily. "Do you have any idea who any of them were, Inuyasha?"

"Ah, that was such a long time ago, I don't remember half of them now. Besides, they're all dead."

"Burning in hell I hope. Did you know hen I was youe age that same thing happened to me?"

"It did?"

"When I was your age a bigger demon actually tried to drown me. Father came and fought with him, chasing him away. He came back with a few friends, and Father transformed. let's just say there wasn't enough left of them to fit into a box. I'm glad Sango was there to pull you out of that lake, Inuyasha. I've seen her fight, and she's truly amazing. Kirara is amazing as well. "

"Yeah," Inuyasha agreed. "I know what you mean. I ever met anyone like her before. She always amazes me how she's able to hold onto that Hirokotsu and throw it with one hand! Also they way she can kick and punch. I tell ya, if I were stuck on a deserted island and I coudnt have Kagome with me…I'd definitely want Sango and Kirara! The three of us combined can tackle anything!"

"I know, I'm sure of it. The way your close to Sango and Kirara, they consider you all family."

"So," Inuyasha said, changing the subject. "How's Rin doing?"

"Sweet and smart as ever. She's growing like a flower in the garden. My wardrobe woman had to make her some brand new clothes already."

Inuyasha smiled. "She's a pretty cute kid," he agreed. "How's Jaken?"

"Just like always."

"There are times when ya just wanna slam him into the ground and step on him till you can't tell him from grass?"

Sesshomaru smiled and even managed a small laugh. "Quite a lot of the time. But he's a real good babysitter to Rin, so I must give him that."

"Wish I could say the same thing for Myoga."

"How is Myoga?"

"How the hell would I know? I haven't heard from him in months!"

"Months?"

"Yeah, give or take a day. He vanishes into thin air whenever it looks even the slightest bit dangerous."

"Huh…he wasn't that much help to Father either, from what I remember."

So, why did Dad keep him around?"

"More than likely because he couldn't turn anyone away if he needed help, no matter how pathetic they are."

"Huh, ya sure ya wanna be so nice?" The brothers smiled at one another. "Hey," Inuyasha asked. "Is it me, or are we actually getting along?"

"I do believe we are, little brother. After seeing you in batte with Naroku that many times, and truly understanding that is was you who destroyed his killer..you havw truly exceeded his power, not to mention my own. You are at least as strong as I am now. Even stronger when Kagome is near. I've seen how you being near her increaes your ability. The bond the two of you share. She's a special girl and you're furtunatel to have her, just ike I was fortunate to have Rin" He picked up the teapot. "Would you like some more tea?"

"Please," he held out his cup as Sesshomaru poured more tea into it. "Funny you should mention her. Sesshomaru, the real reason I came here today, is to tell you something important."

"What is it, Brother?"

"Well, I wanna show ya this first," Inuyasha reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out the necklace, letting it dangle in front of him. Sesshomaru fingered it carefully in his hand.

"It's lovely."

"Yeah," Inuyasha looked happily at it. "Tomorrow, I'm gonna go into the well with this, talk to Kagome's mother, set up a picnic under the tree where we first met…and I'm gonna give her this and I'm gonna ask her to marry me. "

Sesshomaru looked surprised at first…then he smiled his half smile. "Inuyasha…that's wonderful news! Little brother, I give you my full blessing. "

"Thanks," he glanced at the necklace nervously.

"Why are you so nervous, Inuyasha? Are you not sure?"

"Oh yeah…yeah, I'm sure. Believe me, Sesshomaru, I've never been more sure of anything in my life..it's just that…I've never done this before…hope I can do it all right."

"I have no doubt that you can. You do love Kagome?"

"Yeah…with all my heart."

"And I know she loves you. You can do this, Inuyasha. Just speak from your heart. I have no doubt in my mind she'll accept you. You are a very special person, Little Brother. Intelligent, brave, and honest."

"Thanks."

"So, have you given a thought to where your wedding will be?"

Inuyasha looked surprised. "No…I've been so nervous thinking of how I'm gonna do this I didn't think of where to hokd it."

"If you like, you can hold it right here in my caste."

Inuyasha looked surprised. "We can?"

"Yes. You can be married right in the front parlor. I'll inform the Head Chef to cook the finest food and the Royal Musicians to compose the best music they can. It would be my pleasure."

Inuyasha shook his brother's hand. "Thanks, Sesshomaru. I appreciate it. So…will you be my Best Man?"

"I would be most honored."

The voice of Jaken then came through the front hall. "Rin, get over here, it's time to eat." Rin rushed into the parlor, Jaken right behind her.

"Jaken? It's alright, she may stay here for a few moments." Jaken slid to a stop.

:"Y…yes, Mi Lord."

"Oh, Hi, Inuyasha," Rin greeted him, bowing to him politely.

"There is no need to bow to him, Rin," Sesshomaru said. " After all, he's my brother, and he'll be spending a lot more time here."

"Hey, Rin," Inuyasha said.

"Hello, Inuyasha. How are you?"

"I'm alright."

Sesshomaru smiled his half smile at Rin. "My brother is going to be getting married soon, Rin!"

Rin turned to him excitedly. "You are? That's wonderful news, Inuyasha, congradulations! Will it be to Kagome?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Oh good! I love Kagome, she's such a nice person!"

"The wedding will be right here, Rin."

"Here, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Yes, Rin. Right here in the main hall of the castle."

"Oh! May I please be in the wedding, Inuyasha?"

"Sure. In fact," he smiled at her. "How'd you like to be the flower girl?"

Rin's eyes grew wide. "Flower girl?"

"Yeah. You'd carry a small bouquet of flowers and scatter rose petals down the isle to help make it look nice and pretty for Kagome. Would you like that?"

"May I, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"I think that would be nice, Rin."

"OK. Thanks," Inuyasha stood up nervously. "Ok, well I better go find Miroku, Sango, and Shippo to tell them this and get ready for tomorrow."

"They don't now about this yet?"

"No. I figured, you're my brother, so you should know about this first. "

"I have an idea, Inuyasha. After you've proposed to Kagome, bring her here to my castle. I'll have a feast prepared to celebrate your engagement."

"Well, it can't last too long. it's a school night and Kagome's Grandfather has a rule for her Senior Year that says she can only come down and spend the night on weekends. So by the time the stars come out I'll have to bring her back."

"That's fine, Inuyasha. Bring her here right after you have proposed. Bring Sango, Miroku, and Shippo too." He stood up and walked Inuyasha to the drawbrdge of the castle. "I'll meet both of you right here."

Inuyasha shook Sesshomaru's hand. "Thanks, Sesshomaru."

Rin ran up beside Sesshomaru. "Good luck, Inuyasha. I now she'll say yes."

"Best of luck, Inuyasha." When Inuyasha left Sesshomaru turned to Jaken. "Jaken?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Inform the cooks to prepare a splended feast for tomorrow night, fresh rabbit and wild boar. Make sure the best tablecloth is on the table in the grand hall, have new candles be put in the candelabras and have the Musicians made ready."

"Y..Yes, Mi Lord."

"Rin? You may gather flowers from the garden and put them in a vase for the centerpiece."

"OK!"

THE NEXT DAY…

Sesshomaru was standing by yhe drawbridge, as he promised Inuyasha he would. He staid at the open entrance, looking for any signs of his brother. Worry was starting to come to him…Inuyasha had said he was going to come late afternoon. Inuyasha was never late. But the late afternoon sun was making its slow crawl against the sky. Soon it would be dinnertime! When would he come?

Jaken approached him tentavely. "Lord Sesshomaru? The servants have the wild boar all ready. The bread is all cut up and on the table. Mi Lord? Is he coming?"

Sesshomaru turned around. "I don't see him yet, Jaen. Tell the servants to keep the boar in the kitchen, I don't know what can be keeping him."

"Perhaps Kagome has said no, Mi Lord."

"No, that can't be it…Inuyasha and Kagome love one another, I know she would have said yes." He looked into the sky again. What was keeping him?

Rin approached. "Lord Sesshomaru? Are you alright?"

I'm getting worried about Inuyasha, Rin. He's never late for anything. When he says he'll be at a place, he'll be at a place. " He turned around just then as his eyes grew wide. He could sense something was not right. "Something's happened to him!"

Jaken approached again. "Mi Lord?"

"I sense something isn't right, Jaken! Something's happened to my brother! He's in pain, I can feel it…" he stopped and sniffed the air. "Kikyo!" He whispered. "Jaken, Rin, we must go to the well, immediately. Kikyo has dome something horrible to my brother!"

IN KAGOME'S TIME..

"So, that's how you were able to know we needed help!" Sango said. "And where we all were."

"Yes. I could sense Inuyasha's pain and fear, and I was also able to hear you scream after I picked up Kikyo's scent. I also scented the tears of Shippo, they were extremely strong. I would have succeeded in crushing Kikiyo's neck if it weren't for those damn wolves!"

"That was the point of the plan. "

"It's a plan that will never succeed. As soon as I find Koga I'll tear him asunder and scatter his insides all over the ground! NO ONE EVER touches my family! This will NOT be Inuyasha's final day on Earth…it will be Koga's!"

"Kikyo's too. Her clay body is going right to hel where it belongs."

"No, Sango," Sesshomaru corrected her. "Most of Kikyo's soul is already in Heaven. The tiny part of her soul that is trapped in this corpse…Kagome's soul…will be returned to Kagome. It's the body that will crumble up into dust. "

"Yes," Sango said, putting her hand over Sesshomaru's in a silent promose. "Let's pay for out lunch ang go, we don't have any more time to lose."

As soon as they had paid they set out on their way again. They waked for two blocks until they came to a small hill. Waking over the hi, Rin gasped at was was at the very top.

"MOTHER! FATHER! THERE IT IS, THE HIGURASHI SHRINE!! WE FOUND IT!!"

SANGO: Thank God, we found the Shrine. It's so beautiful.

SESSHOMARU: Hurry, Sango, we have no time to lose.

RIN: Do you think Kagome will be there, Father?

SESSHOMARU: Weall hope so, Rin.

SANGO: Next chapter: The Higurashi Shrine. Please be there, Kagome!