There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea.You became the light on the dark side of me.Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.But did you know, That when it snows, My eyes become large andThe light that you shine can be seen.Baby,I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.

"Kiss From A Rose" by Seal.

This song inspired me throughout this chapter; it is very powerful and beautiful. Enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 27- Retrieval of a Legend

The natural pungent smell wafted into Inuyasha's nostrils, announcing to the half demon that they had entered modern day Tokyo some five hundred years in the future. His nose wrinkled in disgust. He could smell the contaminated fumes that plagued Kagome's era like a persistent shroud. Inuyasha much preferred his own world, were there were no filthy clouds of toxic smoke or noisy contraptions to smother him with. There was lush greenery for miles on end. Unlike Kagome's time, which consisted of consistent, dull grey buildings that obstructed the endless sky from view. It made Inuyasha feel trapped, as if there was no way out amongst the soaring concrete towers that seemed to enclose him. Being here without his tetsaiga made him feel even more vulnerable. And he hated it.

Knowing he could not avoid the inevitable, Inuyasha picked up Kagome, and after securing her in his arms he leapt from the well's dank depths emerging in the shadowy well house. With a forceful push, Inuyasha heaved open the door and was bombarded with a blinding light as the sun hit his amber eyes full force, making them gleam. The heavy blaring of traffic filled his sensitive ears, and he pinned them to his head in an effort to shut out the irksome noise. He could feel a headache coming on from the sudden barrage of sounds and smells. Inuyasha prayed to Buddha that they would find his tetsaiga swiftly and soon return to the quite of his era.

Looking over at Kagome caused his annoyed thoughts to be shoved to the back of his mind. She had a joyful smile on her lips, and her face was positively glowing. It did not take Inuyasha long to figure out that his mate was happy to be back in her era for a change.

She probably misses her family. Inuyasha pondered. After all it's not like she gets to see them every day. At this notion, his heart twanged with guilt. I've kept her away for so long at times, no wonder she is so overjoyed to return. Whenever she came back to rest or to spend time with her family I always barged in ranting about how the jewel shards were far more important. I woudn't even stand to reason, all I cared about was finding the shards and defeating Naraku.I've been such a fool This time the wish will not be mine to make, I won't taint the jewel once more with that selfish desire I once had. And now we are here once again on account of my actions. If I had not been so hasty to please Kagome, none of this would have happened. I would still have the tetsaiga and we would not be in this predicament!

Inuyasha shifted as he felt two arms ensnare his waist, hugging him in a tender embrace. Kagome laid her head on his back. Their bond let the other know what the other was feeling.

"Inuyasha. I know that you feel helpless without the tetsaiga, but I promise we will find a way to get it back." Kagome reassured him. Inuyasha bowed his head, while grasping her hand expressing his own gratitude to her through his touch.

"You are too optimistic Kagome." He told her in a clipped tone, though he gave her hand a subtle squeeze.

The said miko raised her cheek from his warm back and brought it to rest gently on his shoulder.

"The tetsaiga is not all that has been bothering you." She said, her voice taking on that all knowing quality to it. After knowing him for so many years, she had come to notice the delicate changes in his demeanor and attitude that let her know something was off.

Inuyasha shifted slightly before turning slowly to look at her. His amber eyes reflected am immense hidden guilt that he kept locked away, covered up by his violent outbursts and gruff reassurance that nothing was troubling him.

He reached a hand into the folds of his kimono, where the whole sacred jewel resided. Withdrawing the pink orb, he grasped in tightly in his fist.

"This has been the cause of it all. Everything we have ever fought for. Every hope and dream has rested on the completion of the sacred jewel." He broke off, looking away.

"And now that it is finally complete, I'm not even sure if what I desired from the jewel is what I long for any more." He unclenched his palm to stare at the round sphere about the size of a large grape.

A hand enclosed around the jewel and it began to glow faintly. Inuyasha raised his to meet Kagome's gaze. Her eyes held a look of understanding. The brown orbs did not judge him.

"You know that I will stand by you, whatever decision you chose to make." She reassured him.

He nodded. But his conscious was still doubtful. He had spent the majority of his lifetime alone, always running, always hiding from those accusing eyes, angry words, and painful fists. Who was to say that she wouldn't get tired of him and simply move on? His eyebrows furrowed in aggravation.

Inuyasha's eyes widened unexpectedly when he felt Kagome wrap her arms around him and press her body into his broad chest. She buried her head into the crook of his neck, taking comfort in his safety.

Without a second thought Inuyasha brought his arms around and placed them on Kagome's lower back, pushing her further into him. All was still for a moment.

When Kagome leaned back to look at him, he gave her one of his rare smiles. Her chocolate eyes twinkled happily as the corners of her own mouth twitched. Taking the hand that held the jewel she gently guided it up to his chest.

"I know that you will make your decision when you are ready." She whispered softly. But for now, I know that you will keep the jewel safe. Right here." She tapped his chest with her thumb and forefinger. Still grasping his hand she slipped it into the folds of his kimono. Her hand withdrew from the jewels hiding spot.

Inuyasha slowly took his own hand out of his crimson robe. The jewel was tucked safely inside once more.

Kagome smiled and kissed his hand tenderly before interlacing it with hers once again. She began to walk towards the shrine, Inuyasha trailing by her side.

Sliding the door open, Kagome entered the Higurashi home, Inuyasha padding in after her, still thoughtful.

"Hello?" Kagome's soft voice rang throughout the house. "Anyone home?" She asked the house.

"Kagome?" A faint voice answered.

The black haired girl perked up as she heard a familiar voice.

A minute later, Miya appeared around the corner, cleaning products in hand, and a yellow bandanna covering her short pixie cut.

"Mom!" Kagome cried out cheerfully, making a bee line for her mother's arms.

Miya promptly set down the cleaning solutions and gave her daughter a much needed hug.

When the stepped away from each other, Miya's kind face was smiling and Kagome was grinning happily.

"Inuyasha, how good to see you! Now don't be shy, get into these arms!" Miya playfully directed the half demon, beckoning him towards her.

Inuyasha shifted humbly from foot to foot before making his way over to Kagome's mother. When he was within reach Miya reached out and grasped him in a gentle hug. Inuyasha stood still for a moment, still unfamiliar with others showing him kindness, but after a while he became comfortable. Raising his arms he placed them gently on Miya's shoulder blades.

"There, now that wasn't so hard was it?" Miya asked him. "Pretty soon it will be like second nature to you."

Inuyasha nodded and Miya patted him good naturedly on the back.

"Now, what brings you two here?" She said clasping her hands together. "You got married all ready?" She asked a sparkle in her eyes.

Both Inuyasha and Kagome blushed ten shades of red.

"Mama, no!" Kagome hissed, while waving her hand in the air as though to try and banish that idea from her mother's mind.

Miya chuckled. "Ok well, if you haven't tied the knot yet, then what is your reason for returning so quickly?"

Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged looks. This did nothing to suede Miya, who after a moment of staring at the two lovers, decided to save them the trouble of explaining.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with Inuyasha's sword would it?" She asked.

It was if all the air had been sucked from the room. Both Inuyasha and Kagome were staring at Miya as if she had just kissed Sesshomaru.

"Kagome, honey, close your mouth, we are not a goldfish." Miya told her daughter.

Kagome immediately closed her hanging jaw with a snap.

"How did you know about the tetsaiga?" Inuyasha prompted her.

Miya went about putting her cleaning bottles away as she told them. "Well I was puzzled at first as to how Inuyasha was able to purchase Kagome's ring, when he obviously had no money of his own. I couldn't imagine him working for the man, which just seemed so unlike him, slaving away on the streets of Tokyo. And I know that he is above thievery. But after he returned I noticed his sword that always hung so faithfully by his side was missing. I thought that was a little peculiar. And then when Kagome showed us the ring, I put two and two together."

Kagome held an astonished look as her mother finished explaining the situation to her.

"But, I don't understand, you figured all that out, and even noticed that the tetsaiga was missing. How could you, when I didn't even notice?!"

Miya smiled fondly. "Oh sweet heart, I'm the mother, it's my job. It comes with the description." She said cheerfully.

Kagome was baffled to say the least. She found it a bit unnerving that her mother had managed to come to the conclusion so quickly. She managed to compose herself and decided that it was just how her mother was. She let it drop.

"So, what do you plan to do to get this fabled sword back, hm?" Miya continued on.

"We plan to visit the jewelry store where Inuyasha made the exchange, to see if maybe we can persuade the man to change his mind." Kagome explained.

Miya nodded with understanding. "Of course, both of you be careful now. I'll have dinner waiting when you return." She said with a warm smile.

Kagome hugged her mother with gratitude. "Thanks' mom, you're the best."

Miya stroked her daughter's hair tenderly. "Of course darling. And you will be careful won't you?" She asked.

Kagome nodded. "We will, I promise."

Miya smiled. "I just can't help but worry you know, it's another part of being a mother."

She suddenly turned to Inuyasha. "And you be careful too Inuyasha. I can't have my future son- in law rushing off and getting injured."

Inuyasha felt his heart go out to the woman. Then he did something very unlike him. He reached out and hugged her. It felt right somehow. Her comforting words and warm embrace put him somewhat at ease. She reminded him of his own mother.

Stepping back, a clawed hand still on her back he smiled at her. "Don't worry; your daughter is in good hands." He reassured her.

Miya blinked. Then smiling warmly she stepped towards him. "I know she is Inuyasha. But I want my son to be safe too." She reminded him.

Inuyasha's golden eyes poured into her brown ones, they were so much like Kagome's. For this woman to accept him without a doubt and to call him her son, it touched something embedded deep within Inuyasha's heart.

"I will." He told her.

This was enough for Miya, who nodded. Wiping her eyes with her apron she looked up at them. "Oh dear, just look at the site of me! You two had better get going! Don't want to be slowed down by a silly woman like me! Go on now!" She admonished them gently.

Kagome grasped her mother's hand soothingly. Inuyasha patted her shoulder in condolence.

Her kimono fluttered about her feet as Kagome gathered up her bow and quiver of arrows. At first she had been reluctant to take it, especially now that they were in her own time, where demons were unlikely to appear. But Inuyasha had been adamant about it, and reminded her of the soul piper who had appeared years ago. Kagome shook her head knowing that he would never let her forget that incident. But she did what he said and took her weapon anyway. "Better safe than sorry." He had told her. And Kagome had to admit, he was right to take precautions.

As they rushed out the door Kagome crammed a baseball cap onto Inuyasha's head.

"Damn, I hate this infernal thing!" Inuyasha complained as they hurried down the many steps of the shrine and into the bustling streets of modern Tokyo.

Kagome just smiled at her mate. "Better to be safe than sorry." She said with a wink.

Inuyasha just growled.

They weaved their way in and out amongst the clusters of people. Kagome tried not to notice the odd stares she and Inuyasha were receiving. It was not every day that you see a man with long silver hair, strange golden eyes accompanying a girl with a bow, both in feudal looking attire.

Once at the bus stop, they waited for it to arrive to escort them across town. Once on, Kagome quickly found them sits and they sat, Inuyasha giving off warning growls to anyone who got to close.

After many stops the bus came to a screeching halt to their destination. Kagome rose from the sweaty seat and shuffled up the aisle and out the door, Inuyasha hot on her heels.

"It should be around her somewhere." Kagome said a hand cupped above her eyes so as to shield them from the penetrating sunshine.

The bus pulled away from the curb with a grunt of its engine and a loud gust of exhaust.

"There it is!" Kagome pointed across the street. They waited for the crosswalk to let them proceed. Once the white walk symbol appeared on the electric box, they hastened across the large boulevard. Inuyasha bit back a growl at the rumbling, and shuddering of the cars lined up at the light. A backwards hat wearing, rebellious owner of a blazing yellow Mercedes thought it would be funny to reve his engine. Inuyasha nearly lost it. Kagome had to grab his arm and practically drag him the rest of the way. The punk owner of the glitzy car should count himself lucky. Had Kagome been any slower, and the kid would have had a totaled car on his hands. And the last thing Kagome needed was a lawsuit.

Once across the street, Inuyasha calmed down considerably. Kagome let her arm drop from her grip on him. Staring up at the building they faced, Kagome was puzzled.

"Is this it?" She asked her forehead wrinkled in confusion.

The building in front of them looked like it had been condemned. The windows were boarded up and the door was covered in an assortment of chains, all with very sturdy locks on them. The shop screamed foreclosed.

"Inuyasha, are you sure this is the place?" Kagome asked once more.

She turned to look at him, and found him with his face smashed into the concrete, his nose working at a furious pace.

"Inuyasha?"

"Oh yea, this is the place all right! But the strange part is that I smell traces of a demon here." He murmured as he continued to root around on the filthy streets.

"Demon?" Kagome looked up, her spine prickling uncomfortably.

"Yea." Inuyasha confirmed. "And the scent is not that old either."

"Well, we should definitely take a look in there to see if anything is out of the ordinary." Kagome decided. She started for the store window.

Standing on tip toe she tried to peek over the sturdy boards that covered the majority of the window. Craning her neck, she could see nothing past the solid oak boards that prevented her from seeing into the store.

"Woaaah!" Kagome felt her feet leave the ground as she was lifted up to the top of the window. Inuyasha kept a firm grip on her legs as he held her up, giving her the boost she needed. Peering over the tops of the wooden planks she looked into the store. Darkness cloaked the entire room, prohibiting Kagome from making anything out.

"It's no use, I can't see anything. It's too dark in there." Kagome concluded, her face still pressed into the glass pane.

"Ok. Now that we have confirmed that you can't see anything. Can you get down now?" Inuyasha asked, his arms still steadying her, should she lose her balance.

Kagome examined her mate from her perch. "Why? Is the mighty Inuyasha getting tired?" She teased a playful grin on her lips.

The half demon quirked an eyebrow at his mates mischievous mood. "Oh, I'll give you mighty!" He threatened. And with a surge of strength he had thrown her into the air and watched with satisfaction as her face paled and she gasped. Gravity took control and she fell back down to earth and into Inuyasha's awaiting arms.

"What was that you were saying about me getting tired?" He whispered to her as she clung to his robe, a mixture of shock and fear on her face.

It took Kagome a moment to compose herself and when she did she punched Inuyasha in the shoulder.

"Jerk!" She huffed at him.

"I try." Came his reply.

Kagome crossed her arms in annoyance. He really could be so childish sometimes.

"Would you mind putting me down now?" She asked.

"Nah, I kind of like you right here. I'll think I'll keep you here for a while." He said with an impish smile while jiggling her playfully.

Kagome felt bristly heat work its way up from her abdomen and to her cheeks.

"Yea, yea. You can keep me her all day, but if you do that then we'll never find out what went on here." She looked up at him.

Inuyasha pondered. She had a point. He did want to get his sword back. But Kagome felt so nice and snug in his arms. Unfortunately the latter lost on this one. He reluctantly set Kagome on her feet.

"Now how to get in?" Kagome wondered out loud.

"That's easy." Inuyasha proclaimed, before round house kicking the boarded window. In an explosion of timber and glass, the window was no more. Now there was only a gaping hole.

Inuyasha leapt through the newly made entrance. Turning toward the opening he reached out and grasped Kagome, pulling her up the wall and through the opening, being careful not to let her get cut by the jagged pieces of glass.

Now that she was finally inside, Kagome took a good look around, taking in the site of the store. It was shocking to say the least. The fine crystal cases that had held the jewelry had been smashed to bits. Glass and debris littered the grime ridden floor. All the fine jewelry that once filled the cases were gone. Only a few mediocre diamonds were left, cast aside on the dark floor, their value obviously not worth enough. They sent of sporadic sparkles in the blackness of the room. The once brilliant and warm jewelry store was now dark and dingy. Utterly deserted and desolate looking, it made Kagome's skin prickle uncomfortably. Just the thought of someone or something doing this much damage made Kagome shudder. She tightened her hold on her bow, trying to control her pounding heart.

"Keep your guard up Kagome." Inuyasha warned her ominously. "There's something in here."

And that is the end of this chapter. It took me a while to further develop the plot of the story, so as to keep it fresh, and the readers reading. I am influenced a lot by the music that I listen to, one song in particular that motivated me was "Kiss froma Rose" by Seal. A very good song in my opinion, I recommend giving it a listen. Comments are welcomed and encouraged