A Love That Transcends Time: Book I

~*~ Farewells ~*~


The three of them stood there, not really knowing where to start. They've been by each other's sides for the longest time. Fighting together, laughing together, teasing each other and quarrelling with one or another. Though it couldn't be said that theirs was a perfect friendship, it was close. For they meant more than friends to one another; they were family.

Inuyasha cleared his throat, not comfortable with giving long speeches... or saying goodbye. It was one of those things he sucked at.

"So I guess this is it, huh? I won't be seeing you both for quite awhile, so you better watch your asses. I won't be there to back you up,"

His two friends smiled at this. How typical of Inuyasha to be concerned of their safety first.

"Hai, Inuyasha. You watch your back too, okay? Though Sesshomaru will be sure to watch it for you, it never hurts to be cautious. Don't run headfirst into trouble without thinking. And be wary of trusting anyone else,"

Miroku advised the hanyou, remembering how Inuyasha tended to react first and think later. Inuyasha was warmed by his friend's concern, he didn't let it show. He crossed his arms across his chest and gave the monk a haughty look.

"Keh! Don't you worry yourself about me, Miroku. Just make sure you and Sango will be fine. And make sure you don't grope her again or else!"

Sango blushed while Miroku tried to protest. Inuyasha and Sango only waved aside his reactions.

"Don't worry about the houshi groping me, you know I can take care of myself. Just promise me you'll find her again, Inuyasha. That you'll find us. This is all for Kagome-chan,"

"I know,"

Inuyasha said quietly, remembering his mate.

"And don't go groping someone else's backside too, okay? If I find out you've been with someone other than my sister, I'll personally castrate you,"

Sango threatened Inuyasha, though it was just a pun on her part. She knew the hanyou would never cheat on Kagome.

"Keh! As if I would do that,"

The hanyou grumbled.

"What about Shippou? Who stays with him? How can we tell him Kagome's--"

Sango bit her lip, thinking of the still-young fox demon waiting for them back at Kaede's village. How Shippou will cry once he learns of his surrogate mother's death.

"I'll tell him. I'll take care of him, promise,"

Inuyasha volunteered at once, knowing it was one of the things he could do for Kagome. Shippou was now his responsibility.

But Miroku was skeptical.

"I don't know about this. I think Sango or I should talk to him and explain things. You know how Shippou is. He might even blame you for Kagome-sama's death,"

"You don't have the time! Have you forgotten about what Midoriko said? She said we had to act quickly. I owe Shippou this one. And besides, I've already accepted the fact that Shippou will blame me,"

'Even I blame myself for Kagome's death,'

Inuyasha kept that last thought to himself, not wanting to burden his friends any more or for them to pity him.

It was Miroku's turn to clear his throat.

"Then I guess it's all settled. Shall we go then, my dear Sango?"

The demonslayer sharply eyed the monk's hand slowly inching towards her bottom.

"Lay that hand on me, houshi, and I'll make sure it's crippled,"

Sango said coldly, eyes narrowed. Miroku sweat-dropped while Inuyasha smirked. Some things never changed.

"Wait. You two have to promise me one thing more,"

"What is it, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha took a deep breath and sighed before speaking.

"If you see Kagome--"

"Don't worry about Kagome-sama, Inuyasha. We'll make sure that she's safe,"

"That's right. And don't worry, I'll also make sure she doesn't end up with someone else,"

Sango teased Inuyasha, winking at him to lighten the moment. The hanyou rolled his eyes at her.

"That's not what you were suposed to promise me, baka! Would you two just fucking shut up and let me finish? I'm serious here, dammit,"

His friends looked at one another, hiding their smiles. Indeed, some things never did change.

"If any of you sees Kagome, tell her..."

Inuyasha swallowed the lump of emotion forming in his throat. When he was sure he could speak without his voice breaking, he continued.

"Tell her I love her. Tell her that I swear to do everything in my power to get her back. Tell her never to doubt my words. I'll find her, kanarazu,"

His friends were deeply touched by his words. Sango had tears in her eyes, knowing all the hardships the mates had gone through. And yet both she and Miroku smiled their agreement at Inuyasha, also knowing that the day will come for the lovers. Inuyasha will keep his word, no doubt about it.

"Now that we're done, I guess it's time to find Fluffy and Midoriko,"
They looked around them but they didn't see the miko or the youkai somewhere near them.

"Where did they go?"