Best Wishes

Disclaimer

I do not own Inuyasha.

Part V

-------

It was silent for a while and she began to drift off when she felt him shift. At first, she thought he was going to move away from her. It surprised her when his arm wrapped around her, his fingers brushing against her side. She smiled and fell closer, resting her head closer to his throat. That was how she fell asleep.

Inuyasha looked at Kagome, the hint of a smirk on his face.

"Do you think they're fighting?" The hanyou's question made the miko laugh. She shrugged as she leaned forward, her arms wrapping themselves around his waist.

"I doubt that they are but who can be sure?" Her voice took on a lighter tone. Her silky black hair tickled his nose. He ran his fingers through it to pat it down. "All I know is that I've never been happier." Inuyasha almost grinned at the elation he felt, holding his new mate in his arms. Sango and Sesshoumaru had been gone for little over a week. Inuyasha had known he was close to taking her when they left. There had been no doubt in his mind. Miroku had left to journey to a village close by. He had been angry and upset after Sango had told him about giving Sesshoumaru a trial. "Say, do you know when they'll be back?"

"Not a clue."

-------

"Why in the hell are you doing this?" Sango wanted to pull her hair out. They had been perfectly fine until he had started being an immobile rock. "You can never make things a joint effort, can you? I'm trying to tell you about myself, I'm answering any questions, and I am putting my all into this. If you can't do that then I don't know what the hell we're here for." The taiji-ya stormed away angrily. He watched her go, slightly perplexed on the reason for her anger. He had never 'opened up' to anyone. What would force him to do so now? Apparently, she wanted to try. Sesshoumaru had never been trusting of anyone. Rin followed him around because she wanted to. She asked him strange questions all the time, never expecting an answer. He would never give her one. She would just go on talking about something else. But Sango wanted to know him. She wanted him to tell her things that he had never even thought about. She wanted answers to her strange questions.

They stayed away from each other for the better part of the day. Sesshoumaru worked on the next gift in the courting to take his mind from their 'fight.' The fact that the courting was possibly in jeopardy did not bother him. He would merely attempt answers to her next set of questions. His amber eyes focused on the small wooden figurine. His father had made a wooden statue for Izayoi. Of course, the general had made several before that but they were for himself and also for Sesshoumaru. The one he had been making had been a woman. He remembered asking what it was for and the answer that followed the question. The figurine he was carving resembled the taiji-ya with a little girl, Rin, in her arms. He stared at it for a long moment. Realization hit him. He would have to care for another human. Sango wasn't the worst person in the world to be with. Rin loved her. Inuyasha liked her. The houshi cared about her. Everyone she met liked her to a degree. He knew also how close she was to his brother's mate. Her village had been destroyed and still she stood strong against the one to cause it all. The slaughter of her family still haunted her. She didn't let it depress her.

"What are you doing?" The blade in his hand stopped momentarily before resuming his unfinished project.

"Making a figurine." Sango stepped closer and sat down in front of him. She watched as he worked, the small frown easing from her face. Upon closer inspection, she realized that it looked like her. The detail was amazing. Such intricate arts from such a powerful youkai. One said to be carved from stone. He stopped once more and looked up at her as she stared at the wooden figure. She reached out as though to touch the delicate details before hesitating. He held it out to her. "Looking at it does not mean that you accept it." Those words eased her hesitation and she took it gently from him.

"It's beautiful." She ran her fingers over the little girl. The little pigtail on the side of her head gave away the person it was meant to represent. The facial details weren't yet there on the girl but that was all it needed before it was finished. "Did your father teach you?" He nodded.

"I remember watching him make one for Izayoi. I was older than when I learned for the metals. That takes youki, heat, patience. This takes much more than that." She realized that the courting gifts grew ever more complex. It began with the ribbon for her hair, then the bracelet, the charms, and the wooden figurine. What was next, she couldn't even begin to fathom. She handed it back almost regretfully. How she longed to keep it, unfinished though it was.

"It is a lovely art." He watched as she fidgeted with her kimono, her fingers wrapping themselves in the colored cloth.

"What is it?" Very carefully, she reached inside her kimono and withdrew a scroll. Her hands trembled as she looked away and handed it over. The blush on her face hinted that it was something she was embarrassed about. He took it from her hands and looked at the small black ribbon that was tied around it.

"Before you open it, know that it is a gift. It was unfinished before our fight this morning and I thought about it this morning... I decided to finish it." The Daiyoukai frowned at the scroll. "The gift is without strings, Sesshoumaru. I know the rules during an actual courtship and I decided to let it go for this. The way things have been working out made me think about the future. Inuyasha and Kagome fight, I fought with Houshi-sama, and I'm sure every other couple that is half-way happy have fought at some point."

"The rules of courtship are binding, Sango. If I open this, it will mean that there is no going back." Her eyes widened and she looked at him with anxiousness written across her face. Sesshoumaru knew that it was ultimately her decision to be with him. It was not fair to her to bind her to him by opening a gift she did not need to give. He offered it back to her, setting it in her hand. "When you accept my gifts, I will accept yours." Sango had a decision to make. He had handed the decision to her. He could have opened it and bound them together through the rules. He hadn't. For Sesshoumaru, that was restraint. Her fingers closed gingerly over the scroll before she nodded. She would give him that night to open himself up to at least some of the questions she had about him. If all worked out well, by morning their trial would turn real.

The weather was nicer that evening so, before the sun set, Sango took Sesshoumaru to the same hill where she had star-gazed. It was cloudy enough for her to teach him the basics of the game she had played with her mother.

"We usually never kept score anyway. The winner would usually be the one with the most shapes pointed out." She pointed to a cloud to their left. "See how it kind of looks like a rabbit?" He scrutinized the cloud. The taiji-ya realized that he might not have the imagination needed to pick out the shape.

"The one next to it looks like a bird." He surprised her. For the remaining light, they pointed out different shapes. Sango's smile was brilliant as she rested back against the grassy hill.

"I haven't played that game since my father and Kohaku were alive." There was no pain her voice from the memory of the deceased. She looked peaceful and sounded almost wistful. "There was no time while dealing with Naraku." He watched her from the corner of his eyes. She grinned suddenly. "Look! The North Star." He moved his gaze to the star above them. "One of the brightest. Everyone says that if you get lost, you can use the position of that star to find your way home." He said nothing, merely rested beside her as she gazed up at the sparkling heavens. "Did either of your parents teach you anything fun or was it just how to fight and rule?" He hesitated for several minutes.

"Most games were lost to me. The others my age were allowed to play games and fight with each other for entertainment. I was forbidden from those activities because of who I was. I was the heir. No one wanted to be punished should I get hurt. I was busy most of the time anyway." He looked up at the dark sky, lit only by a sliver of moonlight. "My father was the one that allowed me any time to be by myself. My mother was harsh about my lessons. Inu no Taisho often woke me during the night and showed me tricks and told me stories." He went silent. She smiled at the fact that he had answered her.

"What kinds of stories?" She wondered if they were fables and myths that her village had learned.

"He liked to tell me of his travels and the wonders he had seen. I always wanted to wander and go to see those places he described so well. He also liked to talk about his strongest enemies and his greatest allies. Inu no Taisho was not as harsh a Daiyoukai as everyone thought. His sense of humor was dark at times but he didn't make it obvious who he was." He paused. "He told me that most rulers put up a barrier to protect who they were. He said that women were often tricky and liked to flirt with men of power and prestige to take precious things from them." She watched as he frowned in bitter disgust. "He said it was what my mother did to him. She had been the woman of his dreams until he had sealed the deal and made her his mate. Then she let the power go to her head."

"Izayoi had a position of power already, didn't she?" He nodded, still slightly hesitant to answer. She smiled in understanding and reached over, taking his hand and lacing her fingers with his own. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru. I really like learning more about you and who you are. It's nice to see that you're trying to talk to me." He stared down at their hands, a slight frown on his face. She pulled her hand back, not knowing if he liked her being so forward. His amber eyes gazed at her in curiosity. "I didn't mean to be so forward... It's just..." She floundered for something to say. He turned his head and stared back up at the stars.

"As you were, Sango." The temptation to call her Taiji-ya had not yet faded and he had to catch himself. He couldn't very well call her that after all they had shared between them. She wasn't like the women that he knew. She didn't bow to him and his needs. She didn't flirt with him. She considered how he felt yet was also vocal about how she felt. Hesitantly, her hand slipped back into his own. Her skin was remarkably soft yet he could feel the calluses from her years of holding weapons. She was modest about her looks and was never too forward, which was why he had been surprised by her hand sliding into his own the first time. They sat like that, joined by the hands, and remained in a comfortable silence.

-------

Sango fingered the scroll, her mahogany eyes staring at the black ribbon. She wasn't sure he would like it but she was going to give it to him anyway. She was ready to take the step and let him court her. At the thought of it, her heart began to race.

"Sango." Instead of looking at him, she lifted her gaze to the river.

"Sesshoumaru." A slight smile graced her pink lips as she spoke his name. "Come, sit with me." She finally turned to face him, a serene look on her face. The river was the best place for her to think and calm herself down. He stepped closer but did not sit. His eyes were on the scroll in her hands. "I've decided to accept your terms for courtship. I will accept your gifts and give this to you in return." He sat after a long moment and pulled a small bag from across his shoulders. He handed it to her just as she handed him the scroll. "I have seen your gifts... I want you to go first." Anxiousness welled up inside of her as he fingered the slender ribbon. He pulled one of the ends and untied it. Then he proceeded to roll open the scroll. His amber eyes scrutinized the surface before he looked up at her.

"You did this?" A thin silver brow raised as he asked the question. She flushed red and looked away. The scroll held a picture drawn in ink of Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Inuyasha. The brothers were in there because they were the biggest part of her life. Rin was important to her and also to Sesshoumaru. It was her new family. She hadn't added Kagome because the miko didn't know Sesshoumaru too well and because the picture was for the Daiyoukai so she wanted to give him a picture of the family he knew.

"It's...your family. I wanted you to have something of them always." He stared down at it. "They're important to me, too. It's my new family after the day we..." She paused, not sure how to express it. He nodded, understanding without the need for her to say it. "What happens? Would you...mind having a human ceremony? I've... well, I've always wanted to get married." The Daiyoukai said nothing. How long would it take for her to plan such a thing? How would they actually know the day to plan for? She looked thoughtful as she stared out at the river. He studied her as she daydreamed. Sango was pretty for a human. The only reason she hadn't been claimed had been because she was a taiji-ya. Human men didn't want strong women that were independent. He didn't see a reason why it was a bad thing. Perhaps because human men needed to be in control all the time.

"I do not see a need for a human ceremony." Sango looked back at him with a frown on her face. She seemed sad at the thought of not having one. "What does it consist of?" Sesshoumaru had never needed to know such trite things. He thought he remembered his father babbling about it once. It wasn't as binding and could be broken easily by jealousy, lust, greed, and envy. Also, humans were so fickle. They changed their minds and became unfaithful, like the houshi. One woman to grope wasn't enough.

"It's just a celebration of two families uniting. We each say vows in front of our closest friends and families. Usually, it is in front of a person in service to the gods, like a priest." She looked down. "It is the human ceremony in which the father gives his daughter away. In such cases as the father is not there then the man most prominent in the girl's life is the one to do it." He thought about the men in her life. Inuyasha and Miroku were the only ones he could think of. "If you do not want one..."

"Perhaps we may have one. You will need to speak with my brother and that miko of his, I presume." She nodded and let a grin spread across her face. He was going to endure a ceremony for her?

"What is your reason for allowing a wedding?" He stared at her, biting back a cold comment. He really didn't see a reason to deny it. It would be his last courtship gift. The one that meant the most to her.

"Your last gift...is something you want. Something that I can grant. It is usually given the day before or the day of the final courtship ritual. The day of the night we become mates." She drew in a short breath before a smile graced her face once again.

"That sounds wonderful..." She looked down at the bag and slowly opened the top. The first was the crimson ribbon. The second was the bracelet. The third was the second charm on the bracelet. The fourth was the wooden figurine. She looked at the astonishing detail he carved into the wood. Her face... It was perfect. Her expression was one of such happiness. She hadn't worn such an expression in so long. She moved on to the rest. Rin's expression hadn't been there. Her mahogany eyes stared at the girl's face. The expression was so...real. So happy. So...perfect. Tears stung her eyes at the emotional clarity it presented. Rin was in her arms and the two were looking at something ahead of them, both grinning ear-to-ear. She held it as he had been carving it. Facing him. Grinning at him. Happy to see him. She raised her gaze to the Daiyoukai. He was looking down at the picture she had given him. "Thank you." He looked up at her. She looked happy. Not in the way most people would look happy but in her own way. She looked...at peace. For once she wasn't hiding behind a wall. She was happy and she was expressing it. Sango held her hand out to her soon-to-be mate with a gentle smile on her face. No one, not even Rin, had looked at him like that. Without taking his eyes from her, he reached out and took her hand.

-------

Kagome stretched as she yawned, her eyes going to her sleeping lover. Her mate. She changed into the garb of the priestess and went outside to meet with Kaede. Usually, Inuyasha didn't sleep in but she knew he was stressed about not knowing what was going on with Sango and Sesshoumaru. She spotted the elderly priestess by the river, staring out over the water.

"Kaede-sensei." Kagome's grin eased the old woman's worries. She smiled back, her wrinkles becoming more defined. She was happy that Inuyasha and Kagome were able to find happiness. Sango was possibly on her way to becoming Lady of the West. Sesshoumaru had certainly been determined to get her. Kaede knew he would overcome what he had to in order to gain her heart. After all, Sango had challenged him. "What shall we learn today?"

"You have been doing well, Kagome. Better than I had hoped. Today we will work on another art, another skill that a priestess needs. I will also tell you of a few traits." Her words cut deep into the young woman. "Patience, kindness, and another one that is most important. Balance. You are doing well with the first two already. Patience is not learned and is present in only certain individuals. You put up with Inuyasha's whining enough in the beginning to know that much. Kindness is also not a practiced art. You are a very compassionate young woman. However, being compassionate and kind leads one often into the temptation to trust too easily. Especially in women. Trust is something that needs perfect balance. Just as your power needs to be balanced."

"Trust... Inuyasha is the one side. Never trusting. I was a good example of the opposite when I first began learning these things."

"Indeed." Kaede smiled as she pointed to the river. "This river is ancient. The water is new, constantly changing and never stopping. Its energy is limitless." She pointed to Kagome next.

"Your energy has limits. You must achieve balance by learning the limits. By testing yourself. By finding a spiritual balance."

"Yes, Kaede-sensei. What do I need to do?"

-------

Sango walked just ahead of Sesshoumaru, her mahogany eyes on the dirt road that would lead them back to the village. They had both decided that it was time to go back. Their alone time was up. They had gotten through their decision. She had given in. A small smile graced her face as she glimpsed the bracelet on her wrist. The ribbon was also in use, replacing the usual white one to keep her hair tied back. The hot sun shone down on them as they walked. Sango noticed, when they reached the lands in which Naraku had destroyed, that the farmers were out, trying to bring the life back to the soil. She waved with a grin on her face and they waved back, some tipping their hats to her and also to Sesshoumaru. They noticed he was a youkai but didn't care much about it because he was with Sango. They knew she wouldn't hang around with him if he meant harm. Sesshoumaru was surprised by their gestures. He could see it in their faces that they knew exactly who he was.

"I can't wait until this is restored. Even after he's gone, he's still causing trouble." Her eyes went to the dead trees. Sesshoumaru stopped and she looked back at him, pausing a few feet from him. He was staring at something at the side of the road.

"Come." She opened her mouth to protest to his order but then took notice of his expression as he gazed over at her. The taiji-ya walked over to him and her gaze followed to where he pointed. "It is as I said. The world is ever-changing. Naraku's destruction cannot last forever. Nothing will." Sango dropped to her knees and got a closer look at the small green blade of grass that reached up toward the sun from the blackened soil. A smile curved her lips as she stared at it.

"Amazing." She looked up at him and noticed that he was looking out across the terrain with a frown on his face. He must have caught the scent of something...or someone. The taiji-ya stood and touched his shoulder briefly to gain his attention. "Let's get going. We can make it before nightfall if we hurry." He nodded and they set out at a quicker pace.

-------

The village was quiet when they arrived. The stars were out and the moon was almost full, providing enough light for the taiji-ya to see by. She stopped by Kaede's home, hearing the voices of her friends. No doubt Inuyasha sensed them already. Taking a deep breath, she pushed aside the curtain and peered inside. Kagome sat with Kaede with Shippou in her lap. Kirara was curled up in a sleeping Rin's lap and Inuyasha was sitting against the wall, staring at the doorway in which she rested.

"So." The hanyou's voice made everyone stop and look at the door. Kagome grinned at her friend before excusing herself from her important conversation to greet the two. "What's up?" Considering the two hadn't bitten each other's heads off, he figured it must have been a success. His eyes then caught on the red ribbon in the taiji-ya's hair and the bracelet around her wrist. His eyes met those of his brother and the two shared a brief nod of greeting. The miko and the taiji-ya shared a hug.

"Want to go to the springs?" Kagome's voice was quiet but hinted at something. Kaede smiled as though to tell her student that their conversation could be put off. As soon as they had gathered their things and were gone, Inuyasha had his brother cornered while Kaede prepared the beds in the next room.

"Well? What's going on?"

"You noticed. If you do not know then you are still as dense as ever." His brother's insult didn't even appear to anger the hanyou. It was almost a first.

"How in the hell did you get her to agree?" His amber gaze narrowed. "That was pretty quick considering how stubborn she is."

"I did as she wished." The words seemed to strike a nerve with Inuyasha.

"You never did anything for anyone in your entire life. You expect me to believe that?" As if to answer his brother's question, the Daiyoukai looked at the little girl sleeping not too far from where they were standing. "All right, so you brought her back to life. That had to have something to do with that sword. I mean, have you ever considered doing anything nice or kind?"

"That is none of your concern. What is your concern is to keep that nose of yours in your own business."

"That's what I mean! How in the hell could Sango, of all people, care enough to give in to you?" Sesshoumaru was silent for a moment before his amber eyes narrowed at his sibling.

"It is for us to know. If she should wish for you to know, then so be it. I will not tell you what I deem is none of your business." The Daiyoukai then walked over to Rin and picked her up carefully, not jostling her or the neko enough to wake them. "I will be using your home for the night."

"Yeah, I know." Inuyasha watched as his brother left. Something had to have happened to them. Maybe Kagome could get the story from Sango.

-------

Sango was on her way to Kaede's when she sensed that Sesshoumaru was not there. She stopped and looked in the direction of Inuyasha's shared home with Kagome.

"I told Inuyasha that he would use our home when you guys came back. We'll stay with Kaede for tonight and then I have something to show you in the morning." Sango nodded with a small smile.

"Thank you both so much for this." Kagome nodded as she hugged her friend good night. "I will find a way to repay you...and Inuyasha." The miko could see the fear and determination in the girl's eyes. She was afraid of the future. Then again, who wasn't? Sango was strong and had nothing to fear.

Sango walked slowly to the house. She didn't know what to do now that they were actually courting. The taiji-ya was nervous about letting him in and being with him. She didn't want that fear to consume her but never again did she wish to feel the pain of losing those she loved. That love would, someday, even extend to include Sesshoumaru. It may be even sooner than she thought or would like but it was something that seemed inevitable. He worked with her and answered her questions. He was trying. Though, she wasn't sure if it was hard enough. The person he was hiding...she had seen him. Though those times were few and far between, she felt a love for that man behind the icy exterior. During those times, it was when he was with Rin or when he talked about her. Even before Naraku had been defeated, she had seen him. Sliding the door aside, she slowly walked in.

"Sesshoumaru?" A small fire was crackling in the fireplace, lighting the room. He was nowhere to be seen. She sensed him in there. He stepped out of the other room, where Kagome and Inuyasha usually slept. He slid the door closed behind him. He looked up at her. "Is Rin still asleep?" He nodded as he sat by the fire. She slid the door closed and joined him, sitting across from him. She wanted to know what was up. "Who was it earlier?"

"Jaken will be here in the morning." Her eyes widened. His other companion still did not know of his decision to court a human. "Not that his opinion matters but I am not looking forward to the headache." She knew Jaken was loyal and he was against humans even more so than his lord. It was not likely to be a good meeting. That meant that the only time they would likely have alone would be the hours until morning.

"I can take care of him if he starts making trouble. I'm sure he won't argue with the idea I have in mind." His mouth lifted in a smirk. She smiled as the tension eased away. Standing up, she crossed the room to set her hand on his shoulder. "We should both be well rested before that encounter takes place."

"Agreed." He pulled her down to rest against him on the floor. His back pressed against the wall and her head was against his shoulder. It was strange for him to make a move. She looked up at him and went utterly speechless. His eyes were not reflective. She could see him. They looked like molten gold with the light of the fire dancing across his face. He leaned down, pressing his lips against her own for their first kiss. Sango's face was hot and she knew her skin was red. She was nervous that she would screw something up. After all, she hardly had experience in the relationship department. He pulled away after a moment and remained silent. Sango said nothing because she was still recovering. Her heart was pounding and her thoughts were scattered. Her first kiss. She froze. He wouldn't kiss her unless he had feelings of his own for her...would he?

"S-Sesshoumaru?" She looked up at him, hesitantly biting her lip. He looked down at her. "D-Does that-?" He said nothing but cut her off with a slight smirk and tightened his grip around her. She smiled with a dark blush still flaring on her face. Resting against his chest again, she closed her eyes and relaxed.

-------

Sango opened her eyes when the Daiyoukai moved. His eyes were focused on the door. She stood up and stared at his back as he walked to it. Sesshoumaru paused at the doorway and looked back.

"He is arriving in the village as we speak. I am going to greet him. Bring Rin with you." She nodded and went into the room to wake Rin as he left. Sesshoumaru made quick tracks to the main path through the village. He stood at the border of trees and waited for a few moments. The toad stopped not far from where he stood.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" The joy was evident in his eyes that he had missed the Daiyoukai. He said nothing but continued to stare hard at the small youkai. Sango and Rin were already closing in on the two. No doubt Rin was excited to be able to see her Jaken-sama again. "I have finished the mission you assigned to me. I hope I have not made you wait long." Nervousness edged the small toad's voice as he tightly gripped his staff, given to him by his lord.

"You have not." Without a moment further, Rin burst through the trees and tackled the youkai.

"Jaken-sama!" Her grin was wide and her voice contained excitement that she was trying to hold back. "I have missed you dearly!"

"Get off of me, Rin!" Jaken stood up and dusted his clothes off before noticing the taiji-ya standing slightly to the right, looking edgy. Her face held just enough anxiousness to give away the fact that there was something missing. "Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"We have some matters to speak of." The Daiyoukai looked back at the taiji-ya and she held her hand out to Rin.

"Come and stand with me, Rin-chan."

"Yes, Sango-chan!" The little girl ran over and took the taiji-ya's hand, her grin still in place. The girl was awfully close to the woman, of that the youkai could tell. The first thought was that Rin was remaining in the village with the woman and her companions. However, Rin wouldn't likely leave Sesshoumaru so easily. It was something else.

"I have chosen my mate and we have begun courting. Soon, when we become mates, I will need to go to my lands and declare her the Lady of the West." Jaken watched his lord's impassive face as he spoke. "I will expect you to offer her your protection, whether she needs it or not, and your loyalty."

"Of course, m'lord! I never expected that festival to have such nobility there. Or someone powerful enough-" He stopped as he noticed Sesshoumaru's fists clench. "She meets the requirements of my lord's lands?"

"She does." Rin was looking up at Sango with a slight curiosity on her face.

"Where is she?" Jaken demanded lightly, his gaze wandering around the small clearing and stretching his sights behind the taiji-ya. No one else was around.

"She is standing amongst us." It took only a moment for the last piece to fall into place. "Sango is going to be the new Lady of the West. She agreed some time ago to allow me to court her."

"WHAT?" The toad youkai glared at the taiji-ya. "What trickery is this!? What spell did you place upon my lord? Remove it, witch!" Sango let go of Rin's hand and stepped forward, her hands clenching into fists.

"I am no witch. I have cast no spell. You, of all people, should know the strength of your lord." Her mahogany eyes glittered with wrath. "Should you not agree to this, your loyalty to your lord will be null. Do you wish to leave his side?" He pointed his staff at her.

"You are a filthy human woman with no background-"

"My father was lord and leader of the Taiji-ya. Of our village. I am known by all across this land. Even before the end, I was declared strongest though I am but a woman." She stood to her full height with her fists clenched at her sides. "Should you disrespect me now, I will grant you no mercy later. Your approval matters not, as you are not the Lord and you are not his advisor."

"But-"

"Jaken." Sesshoumaru's cold glare was enough to nearly stop the small toad's lungs. "Will you question my decision?" The stuttering began. Torn between his hatred of humans and his loyalty and love for his lord, he gave in to the idea and shook his head.

"No, Sesshoumaru-sama." He looked Sango right in the face and saw determination there. He saw a woman that was just as fierce as any youkai. She was quite scary when she glared that way. Reminded him of his beloved lord. "Sango-sama..." He fell to his knees. Better to get it over with at that moment than to have to do it later. The Lord of the West was already angry at him. "I will swear upon you my loyalty and my protection... My life before yours. I will protect you with all that I am." He had bowed his head when he began speaking and now was hesitant to raise it. Not a moment later he heard her shift as she knelt on the ground with him.

"I will accept your loyalty and your protection, should I ever need it. Know that, in tough situations, you also have my own protection." She set her hand on his small shoulder. "Your loyalty to Sesshoumaru is what drives you to accept me. However, I do not wish it to be that way. I'll take it as a challenge. I will prove to you that I will take care of him. I am not someone who wants spotlight by being royalty. I never was. All I strive for is happiness and peace. I will never betray Sesshoumaru. You have my word. I will swear on the graves of my fallen people that I will not leave everything on his shoulders." The last portion was said quietly, so only he could hear. Though, she was certain that Sesshoumaru could hear it as well. She stood finally and turned to face her soon-to-be family. "Shall we?" Rin grinned and nodded.

"I'm hungry!"

-------

"You know it ain't gonna be easy." He crossed his arms in the sleeves of his haori. "The path from here on out is harder than facing even Naraku."

"No." She locked eyes with him, the old pain swirling within the depths of her soul. "I know the path will be hard but nothing will ever be harder than facing the murderer of my people." Her voice lowered and she switched her gaze to her feet, which were swinging from the edge of her seat on the well.

"They won't accept you and they won't accept your pups." Inuyasha was only trying to be realistic. Optimism wasn't his strong point. "The heir will have the toughest time." The taiji-ya bit her lip.

"I know... Before we even think about children, I want peace on that subject." He watched her hands as she gripped the wooden edge tightly. "I do not want anyone else to have to suffer like you did. I will never let your children go through that, either. Those times are done, Inuyasha. I promise." He smirked slightly as he shifted Tessaiga.

"Thanks, Sango. It's nice to hear that you plan on shaping a better future." She looked up at him and held out her hand.

"Don't believe me? I promise. I will swear on pain of my own death that I will fix things." He watched as she held out only the pinky finger. No one had ever done that with him before. He grinned when she smiled.

"Your own promise." He hooked his pinky around her own.

"No problem, little brother." He growled at her and waved his fist.

"Don't you start calling me that! I'm older than you are!"

"Dogs age differently!"

"Hag!"

"Mutt!"

"Bitch!"

"Watch your language!" She hit him over the head with his own sheathed sword. How she had taken it out of his hand, he would never know. "If we ever plan on having decent descendants, those words should die out!"

-------

Yay! There's only a couple more chapters to go. I have some ideas for some decent timelines during those, especially the final chapter.

I never intended for this to have a lot of chapters. I am happy with the way it's turning out.

Thank you all for being so supportive and sticking with me from start to finish in all of my SessSan work.

-Angel