Mending a broken heart

The next day everyone at the western castle got up early to prepare for their trip. The only ones who were staying behind were the women and children. Shippo and Rin weren't too thrilled with the idea of staying behind but Noriko explained to them how dangerous it would be. As the men were walking out the door Sesshomaru was stopped by his mother.

"What is it mother?"

"Be safe my son and bring her back to us." She said. He smiled and gave her a hug.

"Don't worry mother. I will be fine and so will Kagome. I'm leaving Jaken behind so if you need anything send him out to find me."

"Alright. You'd better go now." She said. He kissed her forehead before turning back to the others.

"Are you two ready?" He asked.

"Yes." Kouga and Miroku said at the same time.

"Good. Monk, where do we need to go to find that pest of a brother of mine?"

Miroku sighed. "In the forest of Inuyasha, by the Goshinboku tree."

"Let's move out!" Sesshomaru commanded leading them out the door.

"I tell ya Miroku, this sucks! I for one do NOT want to see that stupid Inutrasha." Kouga snarled.

"Yes I know this but it can't be helped. We need Inuyasha's help. If he can take us to Kikyo, I'm positive she will lead us to Naraku." Miroku said.

Kouga growled. "Naraku! That is one piece of trash I'd hoped to NEVER see again! Now, thanks to that damn walking piece of clay Kikyo, he's back again! If you ask me, Kagome should have taken her soul back and sent that wench to hell!"

"You're forgetting something Kouga. This is Kagome we're talking about here. She's too kind hearted to do anything like that." Miroku said.

Kouga sighed. "Yeah, you're right."

While Kouga and Miroku continued their conversation, Sesshomaru silently walked ahead of them deep in thought. He was so worried about his beloved mate and unborn pup. He prayed like hell that they were ok. He vowed to himself that if Naraku had harmed them in ANY way, he would destroy Naraku and then use Tenseiga on him just to do it all over again.

They continued walking clear up until dinner time, stopping here and there for breaks. When Sesshomaru decided it was time to stop and set up camp, he went to a nearby hotspring for a bath while Kouga and Miroku got a fire going.

"I feel so bad for him. I know I'd go crazy if anything ever happened to Ayame." Kouga said as they watched Sesshomaru walk away.

Miroku sighed. "I know. I'd feel the same way if it was Sango."

"He's got a lot on his shoulders right now. It's not just Kagome he has to worry about you know. He's got an unborn pup to worry about as well."

"Not to mention the fact that he has to ask his brother for help. I know for a proud demon like Sesshomaru, asking for help has got to be a sting to his pride. Especially since it's Inuyasha he's seeking help from." Miroku said wisely.

Kouga growled. "He's not the only one who doesn't want that stupid half breed mutt around."

Miroku sighed. "Look Kouga, you're going to get mad at me but I'm afraid I'm going to have to defend Inuyasha in this situation."

"WHAT!!! How can you betray us like that Miroku? I can't believe you would stick up for that traitor!" Kouga yelled pissed as hell.

"Calm down Kouga. All I'm trying to say is that it's not all Inuyasha's fault. Kikyo bewitched him remember?"

"So what! If he would have killed that abomination in the first place, none of this crap woulda happened!"

"I already told you Kouga, Kagome didn't want Kikyo killed."

"Yeah, but still!"

"Are you two done with your little spat? You sound like an old married couple. I think the whole forest heard you." Sesshomaru said as he walked back into the campsite.

"Sorry." They both mumbled.

"But you gotta admit though, I am right, ain't I?" Kouga said. Miroku just sighed and shook his head.

"Actually, I think you're both right."

"Huh?" They both said clearly confused.

"Miroku is right that Inuyasha isn't to blame entirely for what happened between him and Kagome. Kikyo is to blame for bewitching that twit. However, Kouga is also right. Inuyasha should have killed Kikyo long ago, even IF Kagome didn't want him to. She is an abomination. She does not belong in this world." Sesshomaru explained.

Kouga smirked. "You know somethin, Kikyo and Naraku would make a good pair wouldn't they? I mean think about it. They're both cold, hateful freaks of nature that hate Inuyasha." He said trying to lighten the mood.

"That's good, because I plan on sending them BOTH to hell where they belong. They can keep each other company for eternity." Sesshomaru said smirking. Miroku and Kouga both laughed.

"Well I don't know about you two but I'm going to bed. If we leave early enough tomorrow we should get to Inuyasha's house by dinner time tomorrow night." Miroku said.

"Good idea. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can go after Kagome. I sure hope sis is ok." Kouga said sighing.

Sesshomaru growled. "She'd better be." He said leaping into a tree. After he found a comfortable branch, he went to sleep wishing that Kagome was in his arms.