A/N: Chapter 3! Disclaimer is same as always.

It had been a day since Naraku's reappearance and the group had made themselves at home. Demon and dragon were back to full strength and were planning their next attack. Kagome had taken to meditating and light training to keep her mind focused to maintain the barrier. She was in no way the novice she had once been, but she was no expert either. She had the power to maintain a barrier, but her focus was lacking without years of normal training a priestess would go through. Kaede had taught her some while she was in the past, the rest she had learned in scrolls found in her shrine. After much pestering from the stoic demon lord she told him just exactly what had happened the day she left, and how she even got to the past in the first place. Haku and Chihiro hadn't been more than a foot apart since they were reunited. He told her of things from the spirit world, and she about her life the last eight year.

"So you met her last year when you moved to a school in this area?"

"Yeah. She was the first to ever not think me crazy. Eventually she told me of her adventures, and I told her of mine. It was good to find someone that could finally understand me."

"I can imagine. What are these adventures? I must say I am surprised she knows Sesshomaru. He runs the biggest corporation in Japan, but is known for his intolerance for humans and thus barely associates with them."

"I don't believe that it is my story to tell. I suggest you ask Kagome."

"Barely associates is an understatement. You're talking about the same guy that would slay entire armies for simply being in his way."

"In the past maybe, but things are different now. The remaining demons have gone into hiding. How is it that you even know him?"

"That is a long story, and one that we do not have time for. Let's make this simple. Do you know the story of the Shikon Jewel?"

"Why yes. Everyone with any knowledge knows it."

"Then that makes things easier. The mysterious miko in that story is me. At the age of 15 a demon came from the Bone Eaters Well and pulled me into the feudal era. There I met a half demon by the name of Inuyasha who just so happens to be Sessshomaru's half brother. That is how we met. I am the reincarnation of Kikyou and the jewel was inside me at birth. I shattered it on accident and that started our journey. We were joined by a kitsune kit, a demon slayer, and a monk. We made other friends and eventually we fought Naraku who searched for the shards as well. In the final battle we thought we destroyed him, which I suppose he somehow escaped. I was sent home and haven't been able to go back."

"That explains much. Now a better question, do you still possess the jewel?"

"Yes. I am its protector. I failed once to protect it, but I will not again. That is why I have trained hard. Naraku will not have his dirty hands on it again."

"Strong ones from you girl, but you were barely a help in the final battle. You almost got my brother killed many times for being weak."

"I assure you that I am not as weak as before. Please Sesshomaru do not underestimate me. You barely know me, and I am not the same person I was before. I was young and naïve about the world around me. Being in the past has changed me, and my philosophy on the world. I have trained hard so that I can protect the jewel."

"Big words from such a small girl. Perhaps though that is the reason the half breed protected you so."

"He protected me of his own choosing, it is also what gave him the ability to use his father's fang. If I do recall the only reason the sword smith reforged your sword was because you had learned compassion. We all saw the change that Rin caused in you. I know that you are not the same cold demon you once were either. So from today out can we move past what has happened before and start anew? I wish to call you an ally once more, but on more than just a convenience base this time."

"As you wish miko. I will try to keep an open mind. If anything in the years since then I have learned that there are a select few humans that prove useful to me. Do not let me down. I am not my brother; I will not protect you if you fall behind."

"I wouldn't expect you too. I am more than able to protect myself now."

"Well Kagome I must say that your are the first to get him to talk so much."

"Hn"

"Well let's make battle plans shall we, we don't have time to lose."

"Kagome is right. I've heard the stories. I'd rather not see that happen to this place. These people have no means of protecting themselves."

++Later that night++

Kagome couldn't sleep and decided to go to the once place that could comfort her. Sitting in front of the Sacred Tree she put her hand on it and allowed her memories to cloud her mind. It wasn't often she did this, but it was the one thing that kept her going. She knew in her heart that one day she would be reunited with her beloved half demon.

"It's been almost two years now Inuyasha. I wonder what you are doing. Have Sango and Miroku gotten married, and had kids? Is Shippou growing. Chihiro has finally been reunited with Haku. She lasted eight years until they were reunited. It's only been a couple for me, and sometimes I don't know if I can go on. I want so badly to come home. I miss you and the others, but here feels so foreign anymore. I want open spaces and clean air. I've been training, so that you won't have to protect me anymore. I miss you being at my side all the time. I miss…Oh God's I just miss you. The day you left I was so scared I wasn't thinking and it caused me to lose you. I've tried but the well won't let me back to you. And now Naraku is back and I don't have you or the rest of our friends to help."

Chihiro had trouble sleeping as well. She went outside to see her friend crouched in front of the Sacred Tree. She saw movement to the left and turned to see a being with silver hair making their way over to Kagome. Thinking it an intruder she went to attack. Before she could move I hand held her in place.

"Don't"

"What, she is in trouble."

"No she is safe. No one entered the barrier. His aura is not threatening. Just wait and see what happens."

"Oh…okay."

The figure made its way over to the grieving miko.

"Oh Inuyasha, why can't you be here now of all times with me. I don't know if I'm strong enough to take him on again. Not without you."

"What made you think that you had to face this alone?"

"...please tell me I am not dreaming."

"Turn around wench."

Swiftly Kagome stood and turned around to face the one that had made her heart ache for more than those two years. The one that she had been wanting to see for what seemed like forever. He looked the same. Silver hair with two dog ears atop his head. Same fire rat robe, with tetsuaiga in its usual place. The only thing that was different was his eyes. Gone were the ones that hid all emotion. In place were ones that held longing and something that looked a lot like love. It only took a second for her to launch into his arms and bury her head in his robes. How they had both longed to be able to hold one another. It was many moments before the loosened their grip and spoke.

"Inuyasha, you came back."

"Of course I did. I've tried since the well sealed, but it wouldn't let me through. Then tonight I was in the Sacred Tree and I felt your sadness and a pull from the well. I'm not sure but I just knew it would allow me to go to you this time."

"I'm so glad. I was beginning to think I would never see you again. I've missed you so much. Please don't leave me again. I'm not sure if I can make it again without you."

"Nothing can keep me from you. Why are you so unhappy though? You are home with your family and your tests."

"This isn't home."

"What do you mean?"

"In my time in the past things changed. Life here became mundane and my life in the past took hold. This isn't my home anymore. Everything here is so trivial. I miss the others, my son, and especially you. I was so happy to be out of the jewel before that I didn't think properly. I lost you and my home in that instant."

"Kagome the others have missed you as well. Shippou doesn't go a day without talking about you, but most of all I missed you. You once promised you would always be by my side. I didn't realize how much that meant to me until you were gone. Not only were you gone, but a part of me went with you. There is something I should have told you before. Kikyou never held a candle to you. I was stupid and honor bound to her. I never loved her the way that I came to love you."

"Inuyasha, do you really mean it?"

"Of course wench. You know I don't say things I don't mean."

"Oh Inuyasha, I love you too. I always have. I meant that I would always be by your side that is if you will still let me."

"Of course, but to do so you must know what that means."

"Yes I do. I would be honored to be called your mate."

No words were needed as Inuyasha took his mate to be in his arms and kissed her like he should have long ago. The young lovers were oblivious to their audience.

"WOOT WOOT"

"Ugh…Chihiro!"

"Nice job Kagome, you scored a good looking one!"

"What?"

"Don't mind her; she is just one of my delinquent classmates."

"Nope, my name is Chihiro. Also known as her best friend. Well at least from this side of the well. You must be Inuyasha, nice to meet you."

"Nigen, you will stop that racket immediately."

"Oh calm down Iceberg, everything is alright."

"Chihiro are you looking for a death sentence. I know you want to go to the Spirit World, but this is not the way to do so."

"Bastard, what are you doing here?"

"Sit boy"

BAM

"Wench, what was that for!"

"How many times must I tell you to use my name? As to Sesshomaru is here to help defeat Naraku for the second time. Same goes with Haku and Chihiro. Now don't do anything rash, or I will s-i-t you again!"

Haku and Chihiro looked at the to be mates with astonishment. They were quite the duo. Traveling with them must have been interesting. They also inspected the crater that the half demon made. Looks like things at the shrine were going to be livelier. Sesshomaru took his leave to the farthest side of the property. How he hated his younger brother at times.

A/N: Chapter three. Two in one day, wow I'm on a roll. Please review!