Beautiful Souls

Kagome stared at her cheeseburger, not seeing it as she thought about Inuyasha. He’d gone back to the Sengoku Jidai yesterday morning, saying only that he had some business to take care of before the wedding and that he’d be back by then. She’d made a point of not questioning him when he was so obviously trying to be vague. She trusted him. Yet ever since that morning when she’d watched him disappear into the well, a queasy feeling had lodged itself in her stomach, and refused to go away.

“How does it feel?” Yuka asked.

Kagome looked up, confused, “How does what feel?”

Yuka rolled her eyes, “To be getting married, of course! Are you excited? Nervous?”

Grateful that they hadn’t noticed her momentary lapse of attention, Kagome smiled, “It feels great!”

From directly across her in their usual booth at Wacdnlds, Ayumi sighed dreamily, “I bet it was so romantic when he proposed.”

Kagome giggled, remembering the night Inuyasha had asked her to be his mate. “You could say that.”

“When are you seeing him again? You must have a lot of planning to do.” Eri looked excited.

The uneasiness struck her again, “I’m not exactly sure... he told me this morning he’d be back before the wedding.”

Eri’s eyes went wide, “What? You mean he took off? Aren’t you worried he went to see that other girl he’s been two-timing you with?”

‘You gotta admire her forwardness,’ Kagome thought, shaking her head, “No... she died.”

All three of her friends appeared surprised.

“When?” Ayumi wanted to know.

Kagome thought, “Last month.”

Worry entered Eri’s eyes, “Kagome... he’s not marrying you because he can’t have this other chick, is he?”

“Not at all! Actually, he proposed to me before she died.”


“Was her death... gang related?” Yuka probed?

Rolling her eyes, Kagome sighed, “I told you, Inuyasha’s not in a gang! Besides, he left because of... business.”

Eri’s eyes brightened, “Business? What does he do? You’ve never told us he’s a businessman!”

“It’s sort of hard to explain....” Kagome hedged.

Ayumi smiled, “Is he taking you on a honeymoon?”

“Well, we’ll be traveling,” Kagome answered, telling herself that it wasn’t a lie.

Yuka leaned forward, “The invitation said you didn’t want any gifts since you’d be away a lot. Does he often travel for business?”

Kagome nodded, “Most of the time,” she confirmed.

“Then will we ever get to see you? Are you even going to have a permanent address?” Eri demanded.

“When we’re here we’ll probably just stay at Mama’s... for now anyway.”

“What about his family?” Yuka wondered.

“His parents have been dead for a while and he doesn’t actually get along with his brother.” Kagome supplied.

“It sounds so romantic to have someone provide for you like that.” Ayumi sighed.

Eri wrinkled her nose, “Sounds kind of sexist to me.”

“Well, she does get sick a lot,” Yuka reminded her.

Kagome shook her head, “It’s not like that. He depends on me... we depend on each other. So do the others... in the business.”

Eri frowned, “So, what, you’re like, his secretary?”

“The term is ‘Administrative Assistant,” Ayumi corrected.

Kagome sighed, “That’s not what I meant....”

“So... where exactly is he now?” Yuka asked.


‘I wish I knew...’ Kagome was uneasy again.

*****************

Inuyasha ate the rabbit’s meat raw, wincing a little at the taste. When he was younger, he’d never cooked anything he ate... until he met Kikyou. Since then, he’d lost his taste for uncooked flesh and only did it now to save time.

After leaving Kagome that morning, he hadn’t even checked in with Miroku and Sango before heading west. There was less than a week to get back in time for the wedding, and so he’d traveled as fast as he could towards his father’s castle on the border of the Western Lands. This was where his brother Sesshoumaru had ruled since their old man’s death, two hundred and three years ago.

Having made good time getting here, Inuyasha now hesitated. Staring at the tree covered mountain in his path, Inuyasha knew that no mortal would ever realized that it’s peak was actually the fortress of the inu no taishou. Made from the stone of the mountain it stood upon, the castle was further masked from view by a cloud of mist that permanently enveloped it. No direct path led up, save for a narrow, ill-kept trail that wound it’s way around the circumference of the mountain, serving more as a deterrent to visitors than anything else. It had been unused since Inuyasha’s mother had left the castle when he was an infant.

Luckily for him, Inuyasha didn’t need a path. Deciding to get it over with, the hanyou continued towards the fortress, leaping his way up the mountain, scaling it with his claws. Finally reaching the peak, Inuyasha took one final jump over the moat surrounding the castle. Clinging to the stone wall, he just managed to maintain enough of a grip to continue up and over the curved roof that led into the first courtyard.

Like many castles of it’s time, three walled courtyards barred the way to the center of the fortress, where the main donjon(1) stood in another courtyard of it’s own. Each of the three protective walls had been build with gates in different positions on each level to confuse enemies. Wasting no time searching for the gate, certain they’d be closed anyway, Inuyasha continued leaping over each barrier, entering the center courtyard and at last, stood staring at his father’s castle.

The building appeared to have six levels, it’s many gabled roofs making it impossible to tell exactly. The blue color of the clay roof tiles and the white of the walls made it easy to understand how such an imposing structure could entirely disappear from view at a distance. The enormous wooden door was heavily reinforced with thick strips of iron, giving it a forbidding aura.

Inuyasha didn’t remember the place at all. He had been just a baby when his mother had left the palace, yet as he stood in one of the many gardens surrounding the palace, he felt the stirring of memories crowd in around him. Shaking off the phantom shadows, the half-youkai took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

The door opened easily enough, despite it’s mammoth proportions. Inuyasha was surprised to see his half-brother’s retainer, Jaken, standing in the entryway, gaping at the unexpected visitor.

“Move it imp, where’s Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha pressed past the youkai, who only came up to his knee and therefore, could not prevent the intrusion.

Jaken sputtered indignantly, “You! You’re not welcome here! Get out now, or you’ll really be in trouble!”

Grinning down at the creature, Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, “Oh, yeah? What are you gonna do about it, imp?”

“Why... you... worthless half-breed!” Jaken swelled with fury, turning red in the face.

“Jaken... take Rin to the dining room. It’s time for her dinner.” Sesshoumaru stood at the head of the nearest stairway, staring directly at Inuyasha, though he addressed his servant.

“But... Sesshoumaru-sama!” Jaken protested.

Rin appeared from behind Sesshoumaru, smiling shyly at Inuyasha. Skipping down the stairs, she tugged at Jaken’s arm as she passed him, “Come on Master Jaken, Rin’s hungry.”

With a put-upon sigh, Jaken turned to follow the human girl, muttering to himself.

Inuyasha smirked up at his half-brother, “Good help must be hard to find if you’ve still got him around.”

Sesshoumaru descended the stairs without a word. Turning left, the inu youkai passed the stairs, following a hallway that retreated beneath them. A set of sliding doors at the end of the hall glowed softly from light in the room beyond. Without seeing if his half-brother would follow, Sesshoumaru entered, leaving the doors open.

Taking that as an invitation, Inuyasha followed, sliding the doors shut behind him. The room was longer than it was wide. Three different floor levels made up the room, each level only one foot higher than the one preceding it. The entrance to the room was on the lowest level, where Inuyasha stood. The furthest wall from the doorway held a fireplace on the second level, which was the only source of light in the room. The third and highest level had shelved walls, each item displayed there a symbol of status and honor to the generations of clan leaders. The short wall at the head of that level was an enormous window, leading to a narrow veranda that looked out over the valley below the mountain.

Sesshoumaru stood at the center of this opening, his head framed on either side by the exotic gables of the roof beyond. His back was to the room - a subtle indication that he did not fear his uninvited guest.

Inuyasha examined the chamber. The doors he had just closed were covered with a painting, lined in gold foil. The mural was of an inu-youkai in full form, fighting some sort of dragon. Approaching the fireplace on the second level, Inuyasha stared in awe. Above the enormous hearth was a painting of his father that dominated the room. His amber eyes held a proud and defiant gaze that fixed on you at any point in the room. Dressed in a similar manner to Sesshoumaru, the elder youkai wore heavier armor and carried two swords at his hip: Tetsusaiga and Tensaiga.

“Why have you come here?” Sesshoumaru did not question, so much as demand an answer in his ever imperturbable manner.

Remembering why he’d come, Inuyasha turned to his brother, tensing for the slightest movement in his direction, “I came to talk to you about Kagome.”

“I see... your bitch.” It seemed intended as an insult.

Inuyasha bared his fangs in a grin, “Exactly... my bitch.”

The response had it’s intended effect, as Sesshoumaru turned to stare at him, no expression betraying his reaction. After a moment, the youkai turned back to the window, “If you were expecting This Sesshoumaru’s, congratulations, little brother, you will be disappointed.”

Putting a hand on Tetsusaiga’s hilt, Inuyasha tensed, “I don’t give a shit about your congratulations, asshole! I want you to stay the fuck away from her!”

This time when Sesshoumaru faced him, his nostrils flared, “What interest would This Sesshoumaru, have in a mortal girl?”

“As leader of our people you have a responsibility to ensure the strength and survival of our race. Taking a human as a mate wouldn’t rate high in your approval.”

Sesshoumaru almost looked amused, “And you care whether or not I approve?”

Inuyasha snorted, “I don’t care if you approve or not, but if your gonna come after her, I’ll kill you myself... right now.”

For a moment, Sesshoumaru was quiet, eyes never leaving his brother’s face. At last, he again stared out at the setting sun, presenting his back to Inuyasha, “This Sesshoumaru has no interest in killing your bitch, hanyou.”

“Because I’m a half-youkai? You sure make a big enough fuss about father...”

“Father was weak.” Sesshoumaru’s voice had raised slightly, “His... desire, for the mortal woman who bore you made him weak, and proved to be his downfall.”

Inuyasha understood, “So it wouldn’t matter to you because I’m already a ‘weak hanyou’, right?” Turning to leave, he was surprised when Sesshoumaru’s voice stopped him.

“Tell me what has happened with the girl. The night Naraku was defeated, I expected she would perish.” As he spoke, Sesshoumaru sat in the only chair on the highest level, again asserting his dominance.

Inuyasha hesitated at the door, “What’s it to you?”

Sesshoumaru indicated to one of the chairs on the second level, “ I am curious, that is all.”

Inuyasha considered telling him to fuck off, but the fact that the ordinarily reserved youkai had show an interest in Kagome’s well-being made him wonder what had provoked it. Refusing to sit, a not-so-subtle indication that he wouldn’t submit to his brother in any form, Inuyasha nodded, “Kikyou gave Kagome back the portion of her soul she had stolen, along with all her power. When Kagome touched the Shikon no Tama, her soul took over, forcing the soul of an ancient Miko out of it. That Miko let her soul to join with Kagome’s too, giving her the knowledge and strength to purify Naraku’s soul.”

Sesshoumaru nodded, “How did she survive the effects of containing that much energy? That alone should have killed her, even without the poison she must have taken in when absorbed.”

Skipping the part about taking Kagome to her own time, Inuyasha concluded, “She must have purified the poison, and as for the energy... she’s training as a Miko. Kagome’s gotten much stronger and is learning to control it.... I still don’t see why you care!” Inuyasha was suspicious.

Ignoring the comment, Sesshoumaru questioned, “And the Shikon no Tama?”

Inuyasha smirked, “Kagome is the heart of the Jewel. The Four Souls were divided between me and three of our companions.”

Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened, but only a little, “You mean that you now possess the power of one of the Shikon no Tama’s four souls?”

Inuyasha nodded proudly, “That’s right.”

“To what effect?” Sesshoumaru wondered.

“Huh?” Inuyasha was confused.

As if to a child, Sesshoumaru explained, “The power of the Shikon no Tama is great. Dividing it’s power among many would not diminish the strength of it’s potential.”

Now Inuyasha was irritated, “I know that, baka! Why the hell do you think we’ve been chasing it all over the county for three years?”

Sesshoumaru leaned forward in his chair, “If you have absorbed one quarter of the Shikon no Tama’s energy, it should have affected you in some way. Have you not noticed any changes? Have you fought since then?”

Inuyasha began to understand, “No... to both questions.” Finally sitting in a chair, Inuyasha pondered aloud, “So I should have increased my abilities... even beyond the wish and the immortality?”

Sesshoumaru seemed interested, “What was that?”

Looking up, Inuyasha explained, “Midoriko... the Miko who’s soul was bound into the Jewel. Along with one of the Souls, she granted each of us a wish, and made us immortal.”

Sesshoumaru stood again, and returned to the window, “ And how will you use such power, Inuyasha?”

Inuyasha frowned, “Midoriko charged us with continuing to protect... the world, I guess. To make sure evil like Naraku never gets that much power again.”

“Foolish. To possess such gifts and waste them on others.” Sesshoumaru mocked.

Inuyasha clenched his fists, “I didn’t ask for your opinion, asshole! If you’re finished with the questions, I’m getting out of here.”

“Wait...” Sesshoumaru approached the corner of the room, pulling on a length of cord that hung from the ceiling. “We will continue this in the morning.”

“What! There’s no fucking way I’m staying...” Inuyasha trailed off as night finally fell over the land, his white hair turned black, and his fangs and claws receded. It was the night of the new moon. His human night.

Inuyasha swore, “Dammit!” In his haste to deal with Sesshoumaru, he’d forgotten that he’d be vulnerable tonight. Otherwise, he would have waited before approaching so boldly.

Sesshoumaru stared at him, a sneer curling the corner of his mouth, ever so slightly. “It appears that you are in no condition to travel tonight.”

Before Inuyasha could reply, Jaken slid open the doors and entered the room. Rushing to his master’s side in a manner so comical that Inuyasha had to repress a laugh, despite his frustration, the imp bowed deeply.

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

Sesshoumaru didn’t look at his retainer, “Show Inuyasha to a room. Make sure that he has everything he needs.”

Jaken looked horrified, “Surely you don’t intend that this disgusting...”

“Jaken,” Sesshoumaru had no need to say more.

The imp immediately bowed, “I’m sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama! It is only that I was thinking of Rin. She...”

Sesshoumaru ignored him, heading for the door. In it’s threshold, he stopped, turning to face his brother, “Which one?”

Inuyasha stared, “Which one what?”

“Which of the Shikon no Tama’s four souls did you receive?”

“Oh!” Inuyasha hesitated for a moment, almost embarrassed to reveal his greatest asset, “Sakimi-tama.”

Sesshoumaru stared at him for a moment before nodding. To Jaken, he added, “You need not concern yourself with Rin. This Sesshoumaru, will see to her for the rest of the night.” He left the room, confident his orders would be obeyed without question.

Inuyasha stared after him in surprise. Looking at Jaken, he noticed that his half-brother’s servant seemed surprised, and irritated as well. “So... why exactly does Sesshoumaru keep a human kid around anyway?”

Jaken scowled at the hanyou, but it seemed that his irritation with his master outweighed his desire to ignore Inuyasha, “Don’t ask me. I don’t understand anything when it comes to that child. When she turned eleven this year, I informed Sesshoumaru-sama that she was of age to be taken to a village somewhere and offered in marriage. I thought he’d be pleased to get rid of such a worthless burden but instead, he punished me for the suggestion! And after all the years of loyal service I’ve....”

Inuyasha tuned out the rest of Jaken’s grumbling as he was led up several flights of stairs. His guess from the ground that there were probably more than six levels inside the palace was correct. Looking down through the staircase, Inuyasha counted eight levels in all; two below the main floor and five above. The highest floor was probably Sesshoumaru’s personal room, and Jaken took Inuyasha to a room on the floor just below that one.

The room was surprisingly large, taking up half of the seventh level. No dust covered any surface, although it appeared that the room hadn’t been used in a long time. A thickness hung in the air that was common in rooms used to solitude. As far as Inuyasha knew, there were no females in the castle other than Rin, but the decor of the room had a distinctly feminine touch.

“It’s... pretty.” Inuyasha finally said.

Jaken snorted, “I suppose it should be... it was your mother’s.”

Inuyasha turned as the doors slid shut in his face. Tentatively, he circled the room, examining everything. He remembered his mother. Soft, beautiful, her eyes held so much sorrow except for when she looked at him... unless he was being taunted by the other children, that is. He had been so young when she’d died, her heart broken with grief. Inuyasha still visited the grave where he’d buried her, high on a cliff near where they had lived. As he approached the low, drape shrouded bed in the center of the room, he realized that her smell still lingered in this space, though she’d been gone from here for more than two centuries.

Lying down, Inuyasha let the memory of her swirl in the room around him. Had he been born in this room? Was this where he had been conceived? His father must have truly loved his mother to risk so much just to be with her, and for such a brief time. As he drifted off to sleep, Inuyasha wondered what his father would have thought of Kagome, had he lived to know her.

*********************

“Watch this, Sesshoumaru-sama!” Rin danced before him, singing softly to herself as she twirled prettily.

Sesshoumaru’s eyes were on the girl, but his thoughts were focused on his brother, asleep upstairs. How strange that what led to the death of one, would provide strength to the other. The youkai remembered the night his father died. The last time Sesshoumaru had spoken with him, the elder inu taiyokai had asked him if he had anything to protect. Sesshoumaru had told him no. He owed no debt of honor to that mortal woman who had replaced his own mother, though she had been dead many years.

He had cared even less for the child produced through that union. Besides being a half-breed, the boy had been weak, impetuous, untrained and given to the same passions as his sire. Inuyasha was unfit to bear their father’s blood, let alone his most powerful sword. Yet time after time, the hanyou had succeeded when defeat seemed inevitable. It hadn’t taken Sesshoumaru long to realize that his brother’s power came from the girl at his side... Kagome.

As Inuyasha’s love for the human had grown, so had his strength and ability. Now it appeared that, just as his brother had finally expressed his love for her, and she for him, Inuyasha’s power had reached unthinkable limits.

“Sakimi-tama,” Sesshoumaru muttered to himself, too low for Rin to hear him. The spirit which presided over love. Whereas love had made their father weak and careless, it made his pitiful half-brother more powerful than he could ever have imagined.

It was unthinkable. While Sesshoumaru had coveted his father’s most deadly weapon, the Tetsusaiga had gone to his brother... a pathetic hanyou. Sesshoumaru had desired great power, yet it was Inuyasha who grew stronger at every turn. Now, Inuyasha would possess another source of immense strength... Kagome. She not only gave Inuyasha his own power, the girl herself was a formidable being in her own right... even more so now.

Rising to his feet, Sesshoumaru turned to climb the staircase, “Come, Rin.”

Rin obeyed without question. The girl hummed softly as she followed Sesshoumaru to her bedroom, across the landing from where Inuyasha now slept soundly. As the youkai stood in the doorway, Rin crawled into bed and smiled at him, “Good-night, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

Sesshoumaru nodded, sliding the doors closed. He rarely went to this room. It had been his own mother’s when she had been mistress of this palace. It was in this room that he had watched her die, fatally injured in a battle with a cat youkai. She had spoken no word to him as she lay dying. It was her stoicism Sesshoumaru had inherited, along with the crescent moon marking that decorated his forehead.

Sesshoumaru turned from the room, stepping away from the door. He did not miss his mother. She had been dead for many years and he had felt no deep affection for her, even as a child. He was not given to such useless displays of emotion, as were his father and half-brother.

Sesshoumaru climbed the last flight of stairs to his own chambers, prepared to spend the night hours deep in thought, until his brother awoke.

*****************

The sun crept in the bedroom window, making Inuyasha squeeze his eyes shut tighter as the rays woke him from sleep. A sudden shadow blocked their assault, and the hanyou opened them to see Rin crouched beside him, spreading wide the shear pink curtains that surrounded the bed.

“Good-morning, Inuyasha-sama! Did you sleep well? Rin sleeps across the landing, and wanted to escort you down to the kitchen for breakfast. The cook is a youkai like you and Sesshoumaru-sama, but Sesshoumaru-sama threatened him when Rin first came here so now he cooks food Rin can eat.”

Inuyasha yawned as the girl continued to chatter happily. He was still amazed that his brother kept the girl around. She referred to herself in third-person, the way young girls often did, and her obvious sweetness was so apparent that Inuyasha wondered what prompted someone as reserved as Sesshoumaru to insist that the human remain in his presence.

Rin took his hand in hers, leading him down the stairs to the first level below the main floor; the second level of the palace. Telling Inuyasha all about her plans to play in the garden later that day, she gestured for him to kneel at the table and pulled the hanging cord in the corner for service. Standing in front of him once more, Rin grew quiet, staring at him intently.

“What?” Inuyasha asked, confused by her silence.

“Can I touch your ears?” Rin eyed them boldly.

Inuyasha hesitated. His ears were incredibly sensitive and, having been pulled more than once when he was young, the hanyou always balked at having them touched. Kagome was the only person he’d ever allowed the honor since his mother’s death, knowing she’d never hurt him and loving the way it felt when she did it. Watching Rin’s face, he shrugged. He was curious, and wondered what it was about her that made her so important to Sesshoumaru.

Deciding to allow it, Inuyasha leaned forward, “Just once, okay? Gently...”

Rin’s eyes glowed as she carefully reached out and rubbed the tender flesh between two fingers. Inuyasha watched her face for any indication that she would pull, but all he saw was complete awe. This puzzled him even more. For someone who spent every day in his brother’s company, she didn’t seem to have the same opinion of half-youkai as Sesshoumaru did.

Smiling, she dropped her hand and thanked him, just as the cook entered with a large bowl. Inuyasha’s stomach growled as the bowl was placed before them and Rin knelt beside him. After he and Rin had been served the rich soup, he watched the girl eat, intently. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. There was something familiar about the girl. Something that reminded him of... Kagome? Yes, definitely. Although the girl possessed little of the qualities that made Inuyasha love his future mate, something about the child spoke of a certain purity and light that he had always noticed surrounding Kagome. Could it possibly be that Sesshoumaru...?

“Inuyasha-sama... your soup will get cold!” Rin watched his face as he blinked at her. Lifting the clay cup to his mouth, he drank deeply, earning a pleased smile from his diminutive host. The doors slid open and Sesshoumaru stood before them. As he appeared, Rin grinned excitedly and greeted him with enthusiasm.

The Lord of the manner nodded to her, “Rin, when he has finished eating, show Inuyasha to the Garden Room.” The doors slid shut again and Sesshoumaru was gone once more.

Inuyasha stared at the doors, as if he could see through the rice paper paneling to stare at his brother beyond. Something was going on in the elder youkai’s mind, and the hanyou struggled between the conflicting emotions of curiosity, and not caring what the bastard did, as long as it didn’t involve the death of anyone he cared about.

Realizing that Rin had long ago finished eating and was now sitting patiently, waiting for him to be done, Inuyasha stood. The girl jumped up and slipped her hand into his, following her master’s orders.

The room was across the hall from the one Sesshoumaru had taken him to yesterday, and it was at once obvious why it was called the Garden Room. The wall opposite the door was covered with a series of large windows facing east, welcoming the rising sun as it’s rays lovingly caressed the enormous garden beyond the window frame. The room clearly had not been made for someone like Sesshoumaru, who sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed to the beauty of a sight he had seen many thousands of time before.

The rice paper screens that covered the windows were wide open, and a refreshing crispness drifted in from outside. Looking out, Inuyasha realized that this garden must be the largest on the castle grounds. A wide array of cherry trees, bonsai and an extravagant array of flowers appeared to have been growing there for centuries – and likely had been. Each leaf and petal appeared to have been delicately tended to. Rin appeared on a small path to the left, following a trail of stepping stones. Turning, she waved at Inuyasha, who hadn’t realized she’d left him. He watched as she vanished among the explosion of colors around her.

Inuyasha sat facing his brother. He had to get back to Kagome soon, or she would worry about him. As soon as he figured out what Sesshoumaru was up to, he’d take off. The elder youkai’s eyes remained closed, but Inuyasha did not doubt that Sesshoumaru was aware of his presence. He refused to be goaded into speaking first, and matched the inu no tashiou’s silence with his own. A deep quiet fell between them before Sesshoumaru’s amber eyes slowly opened, intently focused on Inuyasha’s own.

Inuyasha felt distinctly uncomfortable, as if his half-brother were not looking at him, but inside his soul, assessing its content. The hanyou held firm, knowing that if he showed any sign of weakness, he’d never learn anything from Sesshoumaru.

With a small nod, Sesshoumaru spoke, “On the table.”

Inuyasha blinked. Whatever he’d expected Sesshoumaru to say, it hadn’t been something so… mundane. Rising, he looked around, spotting a small table against the wall with a little wooden box resting on top. The box appeared old, yet the wood shined as if it had been tended to daily. Lifting it, Inuyasha was surprised at its weight. Slipping a claw into a tiny crease, he lifted the lid to see a thick piece of heavily woven cloth. Embroidered on it was the image of an inu youkai, two swords crossed in front of it. The background was a rich blue, with startlingly vibrant gold and silver embellishment. The eyes of the inu youkai were deep red.

Staring at the object in confusion, Inuyasha turned to look questioningly at his brother.

Without looking his direction, Sesshoumaru spoke, “It’s our family crest.”

Surprised, Inuyasha gently touched the intricate detail. He shook his head, “I… don’t understand.”

“Father charged This Sesshoumaru, with getting it to you when you came of age. Now that you’ve chosen a mate, it is appropriate for you to receive it.”

Inuyasha frowned, “No, I mean… you’ve made it pretty damn clear you don’t want anything to do with me. Why would you want me to have something that so obviously show’s we’re brothers?”

Finally, Sesshoumaru looked at him, “Father wished it. There is nothing more to know then that.” Standing, he turned to look out the window, watching as Rin appeared, following the gardener and talking as he worked. “There is one last thing I wish to know before you may leave.”

Inuyasha waited for he brother to continue.

“Tell me, Inuyasha… what is this thing called ‘love,’ that twice now has become more important to you then power. What is it about this human… this Kagome, that inspires in you such foolishness.”

Inuyasha stared at Sesshoumaru’s back, unsure whether to feel insulted, or even more confused. Coming to stand beside the elder inu youkai, Inuyasha found himself watching Rin as well. Remembering the thought that had struck him at breakfast, Inuyasha found himself answering honestly rather then defensively, “ At first, I thought I was just drawn to her because she reminded me of Kikyou. After Kikyou was resurrected, I still felt strongly for Kagome… separate from Kikyou. One day I realized that, without my knowing it was happening, having Kagome by my side was home for me. No matter where we went across the country… as long as Kagome was there, I was home. She trusted me when no one else had. She shed tears for me, and she liked me just the way I was. She didn’t care that I was a hanyou. She’s everything I’m not. It just took me a while to see that she loved me as much as I loved her.”

Sesshoumaru merely nodded in reply.

****************

Kagome lay awake in her bed with Shippou curled up against her side. She’d had trouble sleeping every night since Inuyasha had brought her home and left for Kami knows where. Getting up slowly so as not to wake the kitsune, Kagome walked to her bedroom window, staring out in hopes of catching a familiar flash of red and silver.

Sighing to be disappointed by his failure to appear for yet another night, Kagome decided that she wouldn’t be able to get to sleep unless she had some tea to calm her mind. Pulling on a fluffy pink robe, Kagome quietly tiptoed downstairs and into the kitchen, listening carefully for sounds that Kohaku and her brother were still awake. Souta’s snoring told her they were not.

Entering the kitchen, Kagome turned on the light, surprised to find her mother sitting quietly in the dark, drinking tea. “Mama? What are doing up? And why are you in the dark?”

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, “I suspect I’m awake for the same reason you are. Missing Inuyasha, Kagome?” At the worried look on her daughter’s face, her mother rose to pour another cup of tea. “Whenever your father worked late, I often had trouble sleeping. Even though he’s been gone for so long, some nights I wake up and can’t help thinking he’ll come through the door at any moment.” Handing a cup to her daughter and refreshing her own cup, Mrs. Higurashi knelt again. “So I drink tea. It helps me relax.”

Kagome nodded, staring at the steaming cup that warmed her hands as she held it tightly. “He didn’t tell me where he was going… and I didn’t ask. I wish now that I had.”

“Where would he have gone?” Her mother wondered.

Shaking her head, Kagome sighed, “That’s just it… I don’t know. It’s not like he had any family to go to. There’s only his older brother and they don’t get along at all. Plus, he hates humans so Inuyasha wouldn’t visit him to tell him about the wedding anyway.”

Taking her daughter’s hand, Mrs. Higurashi tried to reassure her, “I’m sure he’s just fine, Kagome. He can take care of himself.”

“I know. I just feel better when we’re together. Even Midoriko told us we’re stronger together, and it makes me worried that he’s on his own.” Kagome took a sip of the still hot tea, hoping it would drown the nagging feeling that something was wrong.

Her mother frowned, “Midoriko?”

Kagome realized they’d never explained to her mother about the ancient Miko. Filling her in on the story of the birth of the Shikon no Tama, Kagome concluded with what had happened to her friends while she was in a coma, and the gifts each of them had been given.

Mrs. Higurashi’s eyes were wide, “You mean… you’re all immortal? You’ll never die?”

Kagome nodded, “We can still be killed like youkai can, but as long as we remain alive, we’ll live forever.”

Her mother was frowning, “Tell me again about the villagers when you went back for Sango and Miroku’s wedding.”

Confused, Kagome repeated what she’d told her mother before; how the villagers had thought that they had died in the battle with Naraku, and when the group had returned they’d been treated as Kami, prayed for to protect the village.

With an odd look on her face, Mrs. Higurashi thought for a moment, finishing her tea. Standing up, she motioned for Kagome to follow her. Leading the way upstairs, she entered her bedroom and went over to a chest in the corner. This was where Kagome’s mother kept her most treasured possessions.

Kagome had never been allowed inside before, and couldn’t help feeling curious as her mother opened the lid, and began sifting through the contents. On a small, collapsible shelf attached to the lid, lay an array of items. Several locks of fine hair, two tiny jars of baby teeth, and a ring box were among the things Kagome could just see inside. The chest itself seemed to hold baby blankets, baby clothing, photo albums... and, from near the bottom, a book.

Mrs. Higurashi flipped through the book, searching for something. She spoke quietly as she looked, “I had just finished University when I became pregnant with you. Your father and I never could agree on a name. One night, I was sitting up waiting for your father to come home, and began re-reading my Mythology book. It was my favorite subject in school and I needed something to keep me awake. That night, I came upon a story I hadn’t remembered reading before.”

Finding her spot in the book, Kagome’s mother turned the book to show her the entry. “It’s the story about a group of Kami who died centuries ago in battle with an evil spirit. The six comrades returned to the village as spirits, and spent many years living among the people, healing, protecting, and blessing them and their ancestors. One Kami in particular possessed great spiritual power and purity... she was called, Kagome.” Mrs. Higurashi smiled at her daughter with tears in her eyes, “It says that her consort was of two worlds.”

Kagome took the book, staring at the words, but not seeing them. ‘Two worlds... a hanyou.’ Looking up at her mother, Kagome didn’t know what to say.

“It seems that I name you after yourself.”

********************

Inuyasha practically flew through the trees, trying to make it back to Kagome’s time before it got too late. His wedding was tomorrow and he’d spent too much time at Sesshoumaru’s to waste any more in traveling.

Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha was still suspicious of his half-brother. The youkai had been uncharacteristically pleasant to him. That alone made Inuyasha uneasy, but the crest.... Picking up speed as the sun began to slide out of the sky, he fingered the box tucked into his haori. He would have expected Sesshoumaru to keep the thing, pretending it never existed. Inuyasha never would have been the wiser - and might not of cared even if he had known.

Inuyasha cut through the swamp-lands, trimming some time off the return trip. He was close, but was beginning to feel anxious about Kagome. Night was near, and since he hadn’t actually told her when he’d be back, Inuyasha was afraid she might do something stupid to try and find him.

Movement from the corner of his eye made the hanyou dodge to the right suddenly, but not before a deep cut appeared on his left arm as though from out of nowhere. Drawing his sword, Inuyasha looked around for his attacker, seeing no one. Another burst of movement, this time from behind, made another cut in his right shoulder.

“Damn!” Whatever it was, it was fast. Examining his wounds as best he could while still keeping an eye open for the next attack, Inuyasha realized that, although the wounds were deep, they were healing quickly, and bled only a little.


‘The bastard’s healing my wounds so it can play with me longer!’ Inuyasha realized. Suddenly, he remembered something from a long time ago... before he’d met Kikyou even. He had been much younger, and much angrier back then. On one night, Myouga had come to him as he gnawed on the leftovers another youkai had left behind. The flea-youkai had sat on his shoulder while he ate, taking about various demons he had encountered while traveling with Inuyasha’s father. One story had interested the hanyou particularly.

The inu no tashiou had been traveling through a swamp when he’d been attacked by an unseen foe, who’s cuts did not bleed freely. After fighting fiercely for nearly an hour, he’d closed his eyes, using his ears to see for him. Sure enough, a whoosh of air announced another attack, and the inu no tashiou had opened his eyes to see three weasels, rolling through the air past him, each wielding a sharp sickle. The creatures had been so swift that Inuyasha’s father had never managed to catch them. After playing with him for some time, the weasels left him alone once he emerged from the swamp again.

“I could’ve taken em,” Inuyasha had mumbled through a mouthful of meat.

Now, Inuyasha tried to remember the name Myouga had given him. Closing his eyes to concentrate, the name of these creatures came at precisely the same moment a whooshing sound announced another attack. Turning swiftly, Inuyasha held up Tetsusaiga in time to force the youkai away from him, but still sustained a cut on his forearm in the process.

“Kamaitachi....”(2) Inuyasha growled through gritted teeth. He may have been young then, but he knew these guys would not get away with their lives tonight.

*******************

Night fell as Kagome sat beneath the Goshinboku, staring at the well house. Fear continued to blow air across her spine, making her shiver, though the night was warm.

‘The book... the book refers to Inuyasha, so nothing’s wrong with him. He’s just late, the baka!’ Kagome tried to be angry but couldn’t stomach it. A thought occurred to her, ‘What if he is in trouble, and I’m supposed to help him? What if I do nothing and he dies because of it? Mama was sure the story wasn’t there before she became pregnant with me... can fate really change so quickly?’

Forcing the thought out of her head, Kagome realized she was being paranoid. Sitting up straight, she tried to meditate again... which was what she was supposed to have been doing for the last hour or so. Every time her mind became clear enough to focus, thoughts of Inuyasha would find their way back in, making her lose concentration.

Giving up, Kagome lay down on the grass with a sigh. She’d tried to think of where he could have gone that would keep him for so long. Some place he wouldn’t have told her he was going because he knew she’d try and stop him. She’d considered her mother’s suggestion that maybe he’d just gone to get something to surprise her for the wedding, but that didn’t feel right. He’d been especially preoccupied for the last few day, and she was sure that wherever he was, it was somewhere she wouldn’t want him to be.

‘But that’s crazy! Where would he go that you wouldn’t want him to go?’ A memory of a conversation from before Sango and Miroku’s wedding returned to her. “Other youkai won’t accept it, even if I am just a hanyou.” She remembered the look on his face as he’d said it. As if he were truly concerned for her safety, were she to mate with him. ‘Maybe that explains what’s been bothering him, but why would he take off....’

Then another memory from that conversation, “I think that’s why Sesshoumaru hates my mother so much....” Sesshoumaru? Kagome had said it herself to her mother last night. Sesshoumaru hated humans, so Inuyasha wouldn’t exactly want to give his brother the good news... unless he thought Kagome would be in danger. Suddenly it made sense. ‘Sesshoumaru always talks about how weak their father was for taking a human mate. Did Inuyasha think he’d try and kill me because of what’s happened in their past? Would Sesshoumaru kill me? What about Inuyasha?’

Fear. Battering her with it’s power. If Inuyasha went to Sesshoumaru, he’d try and fight him. Sesshoumaru might try and make good his threat to kill Inuyasha after all. Jumping up, Kagome tried to remain calm. She had no proof that her hunch was right. Running down to the house, Kagome grabbed a jacket and her bow and arrows, telling her mother she was going through the well to see if Inuyasha had told the others where he was going. Back up to the shrine, Kagome didn’t stop running until she jumped directly into the well, traveling through the centuries to find Inuyasha.

She landed hard on the bottom in the feudal era. Ignoring the ache in her feet, Kagome quickly climbed out. Inuyasha was no where in sight. Remembering the new hut that had been built for Sango and Miroku, she headed down to it, stopping in surprise as it appeared below her.

The hut was now practically a manor house, bigger then even that of the village head himself. Before her stood a long building, almost decorated to look like a shrine. The large entryway stood open, and warm light spilled out from inside. Kagome hesitated to enter, not knowing what to make of it.

The entrance hall was empty, and the wooden floors shone as though it had been recently polished. Walking down the hallway, Kagome found herself in a large room, twice the size of Kaede’s hut. The room was empty, but it could have been a living room. Double screened doors separated this room from another one, and opening these, Kagome found two more rooms. One had a low table in it, obviously a dining room, and the other was a kitchen.

Kagome stared in awe at the large fireplace that nearly dominated the inner wall of the kitchen. The opening was nearly as tall as she was, and the stone used to build it had been polished smooth by a river. How had it gotten here? It would have taken months to build at least, and a great deal of man power. This had sprung up in less than a week! Cupboards lined the walls and there was even counter space built in to prepare food. In the corner, a hole had been cut into the floor, and it looked like someone was trying to dig a well.

“Kagome!”

Startled, Kagome turned to see Sango grinning happily at her from the doorway. Rushing to hug her, the taijiya’s smile was so big, Kagome wondered if her face hurt. It occurred to her that she had never seen her friend so happy before.

“You surprised me! We didn’t expect you back until tomorrow before the wedding! Are you excited? How do you like the place?” Taking Kagome’s hand, Sango took her on the grand tour.

The large room between the hallway and the kitchen and dining room was indeed a living room, “Or will be as soon as we furnish it,” Sango told her. To the left of the living room was Sango and Miroku’s half of the house. Four doorways led into separate rooms, the largest of which was Sango and Miroku’s own, the one on the opposite end was for Kohaku, “and the one in the middle will eventually be a nursery,” the taijiya blushed as she said this.

The fourth room was unmentioned, but before Kagome could ask, Sango was dragging her to the other side of the house, where she and Inuyasha would live. The layout was exactly the same as on the other side. Four doors, four rooms.

“What are the fourth rooms for?” Kagome asked, still bewildered.

Sango grinned, it was going to be a wedding surprise, but I’m not even sure the idea will work, so I guess it won’t hurt to tell you. Miroku was so impressed by your home back in your era... especially the indoor plumbing. He’s trying to tap water and figure out a way to heat it in each of the two extra rooms... for an indoor hot spring.”

Kagome shook her head, “Who? When? How?”

Laughing, Sango hugged herself, “It was Miroku and the villagers. The villagers insisted that our hut wasn’t big enough, although it was plenty large for us. They insisted that it would be an insult for us to live in the same dwellings they did, and no matter how hard we insisted we were fine, they argued with us until I thought we would hurt the village head’s feelings. Finally, Miroku agreed, as long as he was able to assist with the labor, and that it wouldn’t keep anyone from their own jobs.

“Well, the village head spent all day with Miroku, designing the house. The village head actually wanted it to be bigger, but Miroku finally got him to agree to this. It’s only taken five days to build and it was marvelous! It turns out, Miroku can not only open his Kazaana at will, but he can also control the size and power of it. He managed to move all the stones from the fireplace and is digging for the water himself. The house went up so quickly, I can hardly believe it!”

Kagome frowned, “But... we can’t live here! It’s too much! We won’t even be here half the time and it’ll just stand empty. Besides, those poor villagers can’t afford to treat us so well, even if they think we are Kami.”

Sango nodded, “I said the same thing. Miroku took care of that too. The village has the same problem with the rice paddies every year. We were told that the crop from the previous year always took weeks to pull up and they usually did it as they replanted the new sprouts, which made the job take three times as long. Miroku used his Kazaana to suck up all the old plants, and then he also fixed a large hole he found in the paddies bracing, that had been eluding the farmers for three years! The farmers are now so far ahead of schedule, they’ll be able to bring in three times as much rice this season.”

Kagome smiled, “So I guess they didn’t mind returning the favor.”

Sango shook her head, “They practically begged us. That’s when Miroku finally gave in. He told me that it made sense for us to have a place to call home.” She smiled at the word ‘home.’ “Besides, it’s not like we’d ever charge them for our protection. Inuyasha was right about that. We never will either, especially now.”

Kagome’s smile faded as she remembered. “Have you guys... seen Inuyasha lately?”

Realizing something was wrong, Sango frowned, “We thought he went back with you after the wedding.”

Kagome nodded, “Yes, but he left the next morning and I haven’t seen him since.”

Sango was now all business, “Right. I’ll get into my armor and find Miroku. We’ll all go search for him.”

Kagome shook her head, “Don’t, please. I didn’t want to disrupt your honeymoon. I’m just having pre-wedding jitters I guess.”

Sango didn’t look convinced, “Are you sure, Kagome? It’s no problem, really....”

Kagome tried to look sure as she nodded, “Definitely. He said he’d be back before the wedding and I’m sure he will be. I just missed him, that’s all.”

For a moment, Sango searched her face, trying to discern if Kagome meant what she said. With a final sigh, Sango smiled softly, “He can take care of himself. I’m sure he’s fine. Besides, if he’s late to his own wedding... I’ll kill him!”

Kagome laughed, hugging her friend, “Thanks, Sango. I needed to see you again. I feel much better now.”

Telling Sango to give her love to Miroku and that she’d see them in the morning, Kagome headed back up towards the well. When she arrived, she sat on the edge of it, staring off into the surrounding forest. Maybe she was just getting nervous. Didn’t all brides have fears before getting married?

Kagome sighed, deciding that the best thing to do was to go back home. Inuyasha would definitely be there in the morning. He’d promised her. A soft pink light caught her attention, a moment before she realized it was coming from herself. Looking down, Kagome realized that her pink aura had grown stronger again, getting brighter by the second.

A wave of energy hit her, and a vision of Inuyasha appeared before her eyes. He was injured. He appeared tired, yet stood with his sword at the ready, eyes closed as if listening for something. A flash blurred his image, and he screamed in anger and pain, slashing wildly after his attacker. Blood sprayed back at him from where he had swung, but did not stop whatever it was.

Kagome was running. She didn’t remember getting up and she didn’t know where she was going, but somehow she knew that Inuyasha was ahead of her, somewhere. Pushing through the trees, Kagome dodged branches and bushes, guided by her inner power.

*******************

Inuyasha was getting really pissed off. The little Kamaitachi, bastard was giving him a run for his money, and the hanyou wasn’t used to such a puny youkai getting the better of him. He’d been cut numerous times, and he thought he’d wounded it in return, since he could smell blood that wasn’t his own on the ground. It seemed to have slowed just a little too, but so had Inuyasha.

Sensing another attack, Inuyasha turned to swing, and instead got Tetsusaiga knocked out of his hands. He heard it spin away from him and land softly in the dirt nearby, but he couldn’t see it. The last attack had sliced above his right eye, burning for a moment before healing and blinding his vision.

Kagome’s scent came to him on the wind, a second before he heard her approaching. ‘What’s she doing here?’ He thought fiercely as the Kamaitachi caught him in the leg, bringing him to his knees. Realizing that if he didn’t dispatch this thing quickly that Kagome would be at risk, Inuyasha felt the familiar stir of his youkai blood. Another slash across his back forced him forward. Stopping his fall with his outstretched arms, Inuyasha had an awful premonition that something definitely was going to die tonight. He just didn’t know if it would be him, Kagome, or the Kamaitachi.

Kagome appeared in the clearing and saw Inuyasha on his hands and knees, face hidden from her. He was breathing hard, although little blood covered his clothing. Opening her mouth to call out to him, she realized something else... his claws were longer. Straining to see his face, something whizzed in front of him, and a cut appeared on his arm. Without even a cry of pain, Inuyasha silently lifted his head, and grinned. He was full-youkai.

As she looked around wildly for Tetsusaiga, Kagome saw Inuyasha leap in her direction, slashing at the air between them. A screech of pain came from the blur that had obviously been heading right for her. In the brief moment before it picked up speed again, disappearing from sight, Kagome saw three weasels with sickles.

Tetsusaiga had sunk blade first into the mud, not ten feet from her. Running for it, she heard Inuyasha growl her name. Kagome threw herself to the ground, seconds before both the weasel creatures and Inuyasha sailed overhead. Surprisingly, Inuyasha stopped in front of his sword and, with great effort, grabbed the hilt, forcing it up from the sludge.

Kagome stood, and suddenly sensed that she wasn’t safe. Turning quickly, she held up her hands and cried out “Stop!” just as Inuyasha swung Tetsusaiga directly at the thing heading for them. A pink glow surrounded his blade, and a burst of pure white light shot from it, surprising her.

The weasels froze, hit by the blast from the fang and turning completely into dust. In the air hung the purified souls that Kagome had forced out just moments before. She watched as the small orbs slowly floated off, vanishing into the night sky.

“Kagome...” Inuyasha was still breathing hard and his eyes continued to shine with a faint red light. Approaching her, he lifted a hand to her face, gently touching her cheek. Tears hung in her eyes, un-spilt as she pressed his hand to her face. “Your eyes are red again.” His voice was low and rough.

Kagome smiled as a sob rose in her throat, “Yours too.”

Inuyasha started to turn away, ashamed for her to see him like this. Suddenly he realized that her pink aura surrounded both of them... and he hadn’t been purified. Meeting her eyes, he asked, “Why aren’t I human?”

Kissing his hand, she whispered, “Your soul is already pure. I can’t do any more.”

A low growl rose in his chest as Inuyasha grabbed Kagome and pulled her to him, kissing her fiercely.

******************************************************************************
Chapter Glossary:

1) Donjon - The main tower within the walls of a castle.

2) Kamaitachi - A ‘real’ Japanese monster with a variety of descriptions. The most common one is of three weasels with sickles who inhabit swamp lands. Their actual weapon is a blowing wind which slashes at the opponent. The first weasel hits the victim, the second cuts the victim, and the third applies an ointment to heal the wound, making the battle last longer.

A/N: Almost all of the characters in this story are brought to you by the genius of Rumiko Takahashi, and the letters O, U, and M. I do not own the characters, they own me.

Hi everyone! I’m going to have to make this quick since I’m late for rehearsal! Argh!

PJ - Yeah! I’m glad you liked it! Kouga doesn’t come back till after the wedding for sure. I haven’t written him in again just yet, but he’s on his way! I didn’t mention anything about the well, but they will be able to get back and forth still. Especially since they still ‘have’ the Jewel! I hope you like the scene with Sesshoumaru. He’s so fun to write for! As for the new character... you’ll just have to wait and see!

Stuey - Thanks for the idea for fixing the plot hole! I haven’t done it yet, but I’m going to take you up on the idea! Thanks! Thanks also for the word on the typos! I went back and tried to fix them all... would you check again and e-mail me if you find any more? I lost both of my betas a couple chapters before this, so I’m flying without a beta net! I appreciate the editing! The marking thing isn’t from the manga, but it’s not original either. I’ve seen several authors do some variation on it, and I almost left it out because it’s been done before. However, a friend of mine convinced me to keep it because we both have kind of a vampire fetish, and the idea of Inuyasha biting Kagome.... Sorry... distracted. Anyway, I tried to make mine a little different from everyone elses!

Juice - Here you go! More! Thanks for the heads up on the typos. Let me know if you see any more. I don’t want to be sloppy! I hope you liked the Sess/Inu scene in this chapter. No fighting, but some interesting behavior... what’s up with that youkai guy, anyway?

Anon - Oh! Evil sucks, but without it, stories can get pretty mundane! Don’t worry... they’ll all live happily ever after.

Inuzands - Hi and welcome to my story! I’m so excited you’re enjoying it and I hope you continue to do so. I love the review! Keeping them in character is hard, so I appreciate your notice! The Disney thing was iffy, and I usually don’t like it either, but I couldn’t resist. It was calling to me! I’m excited about the new villain too. I only hope she’s worthy! Keep reading and I hope to hear from you again!

Queen Bean - I’m glad you love! I hope the next chapter meets with your approval! Thanks for reviewing! I love it!

Vikki - Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Waa-hoo for the lemon! Just you wait... you’re in for a treat! Lemons are incredibly hard to write! They have to be perfect or else it becomes Porn, and I want substance, dammit! I can’t wait till you read Inu/Kag lemon and their wedding. I really worked hard to make it different and special and romantic.... The hard part was learning about the Shinto wedding ceremony, which is so very different from western tradition! I went into research mode again and spent forever on it! Hope you love the Sesshy action!

Crossbow Trueshot - This one is even longer... 21 pages! Can you believe there’s one that even longer than this? Sometimes I just can’t stop myself! I’m a romantic too, so I really needed forever. I’m glad you approve! It’s such a nice idea, and makes it easier to do a sequel set in the future


BakaInuGirl - Yeah! Another new reviewer! I’m so excited! I’m thrilled you caught the Sesame Street reference. I’m having fun with that! Maybe I’ll start hiding messages in it there... heh, heh, heh. I’m glad you like the footnotes! I’m massively anal retentive and I had so much fun researching this stuff that I just had to share! I’m a major geek, but at least other geeks appreciate my geekiness. I’m totally in love with the Japanese culture now, because of this story. I had to teach myself the Shinto religion for a future chapter not yet posted, and now I’m really interested in learning more! Keep in touch! I love to hear your thoughts!

Diane - Again, thank you for the offer! I’m so excited, I can’t wait! Talk to you soon!

PEOPLE - If you haven’t yet, go see Diane’s art at:http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/fanq/d/i/dianegomez84/dianegomez84.html
She’s offered to do some art for my story and I’m so excited! Stay tuned for more info!

To everyone - I love you all, and your reviews make me so happy! I’m off to rehearsal now! Enjoy!

Kimberlee