Timeless Love

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha!!! Too bad for me :(

PLEASE review. This is my first story so let me know what you think of it so far. I’m partially dyslectic so please excuse any misspellings.
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Chapter One: Battle of the heart


The final battle was over and Kagome held the shikon jewel in her hand and began slowly fading away. “KAGOME” Inuyasha yelled.

“What’s happening to me?”

“Your journey here is done and you’re going back to your own time.” Sango cried.

“But I don’t want to; I want to stay here with all of you.”

“It’s not your destiny lady Kagome; you must go and protect the jewel in your own time.” Miroku sadly stated as he took his prayer beads off his hand and gave them to Kagome as a keep sake. “We will miss you.”

Inuyasha grabbed the hands of the almost gone miko. “Kagome, I love you!”

“I love you too, Inuyasha!”

With her hands barely in his, he whispered “Take me with you.” And then she completely vanished.

Inuyasha stared at the air that was once Kagome and howled in pain. This was a night that should have been celebrated, for they have finally defeated Naraku. Inuyasha felt Shippo tug on his pants. “Don’t worry Inuyasha, we’re youkai, we’ll see her again. It’s all in the matter of time.” With that Inuyasha ran from his group of friends into the tree tops and over to the well. As he jumped in and his feet hit the bottom he knew the love of his life was gone and there was truly no way to reach her but to wait until her time. Waiting five hundred years to hold his dear Kagome in his arms again would be the hardest battle he would ever face in his life. Devastated, Inuyasha jumped out of the well and sat down beside it. Then he did something he hadn’t done since he was a child-cried.

Kagome reappeared in her own time. She looked around and noticed that she was back at her family’s shrine standing by the well. She fell to the floor and started to sob. “WHY? This isn’t fair. Why can’t I go back? I wish the well was still a portal to the feudal era.” The shikon jewel began to glow and rays of light shot out from both her hand and the well. The light was overwhelming and Kagome was forced to close her eyes. The room then returned to its dark state. When she opened her eyes all she could see was pitch black.

Kagome felt someone grab her and pull her into a tight embrace. The person was crying. “I thought I would have to wait five hundred years before I’d see you again.”

“Inuyasha! How did you get here?”

“I went back to the well after you disappeared and tried to go through it but it was blocked, then a few seconds later a bright light shot out of it. So I tried again and here I am.”

“The Jewel... I didn’t even realize I had made the wish. Oh, Inuyasha do you know what this means?”

Inuyasha looked deep into her brown eyes before answering. “Yes! I never want to live a minute without you in my life again, it was just too painful. I want to be your mate and never leave your side. Kagome say you’ll marry me.”

“Inuyasha not even time can keep you from me. Of course I’ll marry you.” With that said Inuyasha lowered his head and kiss Kagome so passionately it felt like time it self was standing still.

From that moment on it was like they lived a double life. Kagome and Inuyasha had two weddings. The first one was in the feudal era. The second was for her family and legal papers stating she was now a married woman. They spent most of their time in the feudal era. They built their own hut on the land next to the well. The hut was as modern as could get without all the modern day technology.

Kagome was very happy with her life, no, their life. They were able to have dinner with her family every week and Kagome was even able to finish school without missing any more days. Sango and Miroku living in Kaede’s village so they would see their friends often. Even Shippo lucked out and found and nice fox family to stay with in the woods near by. However, all this happiness was nothing compared to the day they found out they were with pup.
* * * * * * * * * * *


Although Shippo had a new family he still wished he was part of Kagome and Inuyasha’s. Shippo would visit Kagome everyday and help her around the house while Inuyasha would do his daily work. After the house was clean Shippo would sit with Kagome and talk about the new pup. The bigger her stomach got the more fascinated he was with it.

Shippo studied Kagome's round stomach with wide eyes. “How do you know it's a girl?”

Kagome smiled and explained some of the medical technology in her time.

“Oh...when are you leaving to have Inuyasha's pup?”

“Next Sunday, But the baby is not due until Thursday.”

Shippo suddenly looked sad. “Why are you and Inuyasha going to live in your time just because of a pup? What's wrong with living here?”

Kagome held little Shippo close to her and kiss him on the forehead. “There's nothing wrong with living here, but we have to make sure our little girl has the best of both lives and in order for her to do that she needs to fit into both time periods. It’s very important that she gets a good education so if she chooses to stay in the future she can take good care of herself. But don’t worry Shippo; we will come here often. After all, she needs to know how to survive out here too. I wouldn’t want her getting eaten by youkai when she’s out here.”

“Don't worry Kagome, I promise I will protect her, even if cost me my life.”

“Feh, you.” Inuyasha interrupted as he walked through the door and dropped the meat he caught for dinner on the table.

“Yeah me, I've been training and one day I’m going to be a great warrior who will protect my family from harm.”

“Well, my daughter isn’t your family, she’s mine, and I’ll be the one to protect her.” Inuyasha huffed.

The day came that Kagome and Inuyasha would go back to her time to have their baby and just like Shippo promised he was there to see them off. “Kagome, are you coming back so we can see the new pup?”

Before Kagome could say anything Inuyasha cut in. “Of course, she belongs in this time period too why wouldn’t we bring her back here. This is where the rest of her family is!”

“I didn’t think Sesshoumaru would care.” Shippo stated with puzzlement.

An annoyed Inuyasha responded “He doesn’t you idiot. I was talking about you, Sango, Miroku, and Kaede.”

With that said Kagome giggled and reached out her arms to Shippo. Taking his queue Shippo lightly jumped into Kagome’s arms and gave her a hug. Jumping down he said good bye and watched as Inuyasha pick up Kagome and went through the well.

Shippo run through the woods to the den in which he now lived with his new family. Haruki and Rei were outside playing tag. The moment Rei saw Shippo she called time out.

“Hi, Shippo.” His step sister yelled.

Haruki on the other hand was filled with concern. “Why did you come back so soon today, is everything alright?”

“Yeah, Kagome went to her time to have her pup. I just went to say good bye.”

“When are they coming back?”

It hit Shippo just then that he never asked. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll just have to check everyday.”

Rei’s eyes shined at a new thought “We can go with you. I sure would like to see the new pup.” Shippo agreed and then joined Haruki and Rei in a game of hide and go seek.

Haruki and Rei were from the same liter and several years older then Shippo. Haruki was talker and even for his age he was quite built. He had emerald green eyes and long red hair. His tail was his pride and joy. It was full and luxurious, it put his sister’s tail to shame it was so beautiful. Rei on the other hand was quite simple looking. She was thin but very fit. Her eyes were forest green like her fathers. Rei’s hair was Dark red and longer then her brother’s but with her hair up in a high pony tail it looked like the same length. Their mother wasn’t very tall but she was one of the most beautiful fox youkai in at least a thousand miles. Akemi lived up to her name in more then one way. Not only were her colors bright but so was the rest of her personality. She was the one who wanted to take Shippo in. As kind as Shippo’s new step father was he was a slave driver when it came to training. The word can’t was forbidden in their household. Shippo loved living with his new family. As much as he enjoyed staying with Kagome there was no comparing when it came to being raised by foxes.

Everyday Shippo and his new siblings would go to Kagome and Inuyasha’s house and take care of the household duties. “Up keep is very important!” Akemi would say. Even though they lived in a den it was always very neat and clean. Two weeks later when Shippo, Haruki and Rei entered the hut they were overjoyed to see Kagome, Inuyasha and a sleeping pup in a thing called a crib. They quietly went over to the pup and looked at her.

Rei was the first to speak “She is the most…prettiest hanyou ever!” Although Kagome smiled at the complement Inuyasha growled.

“What did you name her?” Haruki asked.

Kagome didn’t hesitate to answer “Chiyoko Sayuki. It means Child of a thousand generations and of course the last name is the one we picked for Inuyasha’s paper work.”

Shippo stared at the pup intensely. “Her name is perfect, just like she is.”

Shippo lingered in the hut after everyone went outside. He just sat there on top of a thing called a dresser. It was right next to the crib and it gave him the best view of Chiyoko. She was truly stunning in her appearance. Her hair was black with sliver high lights. Her ears were human with a slight point to them. Even as a pup her nails were long. As Chiyoko woke up Shippo was surprised by the color of her eyes, he never seen eyes like these. Her eyes were brown like Kagome's on the outside and blended into the golden color of Inuyasha's on the inside. Her dark pupils stared into his, just then Shippo looked around to make sure no one was listening and made his vow to the pup. “I vow to you on this day, in the name of my father Jotaro and before all the gods, I will protect you your whole life, and no harm will ever befall you as long as you live. I will be your personal warrior until my death.” With that said he carefully leaned over and kissed her tenderly on the forehead.

“What the hell are you doing Shippo? Get away from my daughter before I kill you where you stand!” Kagome ran into the room as fast as she could after hearing Inuyasha’s threat.

Kagome grabbed Shippo from the crib and snapped at Inuyasha “Your too protective over Chiyoko, I’m sure you could see Shippo was just giving her an innocent little kiss. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal… The big deal…I’ll tell you what the big deal is, that pervert was in the same bed with my daughter kissing on her!”

Kagome busted into laughter “Inuyasha, did you hear what you just said? Chiyoko is a baby and you know Shippo would never do anything bad to her.”

With that said Inuyasha clamed down and gave Shippo one last warning. “I’ll trust you for now because of Kagome, but if you ever try anything stupid with my child…” He left it at that and walked out the door.

Shippo was still holding on to Kagome for protection. "Are you mad at me too Kagome, for giving Chiyoko a kiss?"

"No Shippo, I don't mind if you give her a kiss. Just be careful around Inuyasha. You have to understand this is his first daughter and he wants to be the best father he can. However, he thinks it means being over protective of her. He told the doctor he'll cut him open the next time he hits her on the rear end."

"The doctor hit Chiyoko? Why I'll..."

"No, Shippo it was ok, he had to make sure the baby was alive."

"Oh... Well I have to go and train now but I'll be back tomorrow." Shippo kissed Kagome and Chiyoko and left.

Shippo was serious about the vow he made to Chiyoko and every time she would visit Shippo wouldn't leave her side. The only other thing Shippo spent his time on was training. His new family was impressed with his determination to be a great youkai warrior. Inuyasha even started to help him with his fighting skills. Inuyasha showed him fighting techniques that fox youkai didn't use but that would make him a better warrior.

After nine years of hard training it finally paid off. Haruki, Rei, Chiyoko, Yin (Sango and Miroku' daughter) and Shippo were playing hide and go seek. Shippo was it. He was at three hundred forty six when he picked up a scent that made him feel uneasy. It was the scent of a bear youkai. The next scent he picked up was that of Chiyoko's fear. Shippo ran as fast as he could on the tree tops like Inuyasha trained him to do.

As he got closer he could hear Chiyoko. "I'm not scared of you! You just don't know who you’re talking to, so I'll give you one chance to leave now or I'll be forced to kill you." She growled and showed her fangs to try and intimidate him.

"Hahaha, you! Your not even a half breed your worst. It will be better that I eat you now and end your suffering."

As he was about to grab Chiyoko, Shippo jumped from the tree above and cut the youkai's hand off.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Shippo stood in front Chiyoko to protect her.

"SHIPPO!" Chiyoko cried in relief. At the sound of his name the bear youkai took a step back.

"Are you Shippo the son of Jotaro who helped in defeating Naraku?"

"Yes, and what's it to you?"

"I have no fight with you, great warrior Shippo, I just want the girl."

"Well, you can't have her."

"She's not worthy of the air we youkai breath, she almost all human, no one will even know she's gone."

"If you value the hand that you have left, leave now." Shippo warned.

The bear was stubborn and moved toward Chiyoko forcing Shippo to keep to his word and cut off the youkai's other hand. The bear youkai then opened his mouth aiming it at Chiyoko. Seeing this Shippo let out a strong fox fire right into the bears mouth, causing his face to explode. The body fell to the floor with a hard thud.

"Are you alright Chiyoko?" Shippo turned and asked.

"I'm fine; I had it all under control. I know how to fight, my dad thought me you know. If you would have just waited a moment before jumping in I would have killed him myself. Just because I'm a girl it doesn't mean I'm hopeless."

Shippo know she was right but he made a vow and he was going to keep it. Then something happened that he didn't expect. Chiyoko started to cry. She might have had Inuyasha's pride but she definitely had Kagome's heart. "I'm sorry Chiyoko. I should have gave you the chance but I didn't want you to get hurt."

Chiyoko wiped her eyes and looked at Shippo. "No. I'm Sorry. I was too scared to do anything and if it wasn't for you I would be in that bears tummy right now. Thank you Shippo, for saving me." She wrapped her little arms around him and gave him a hug and kiss on the check.

Shippo beamed with pride as Chiyoko told the story to her family and friends that night at the camp fire.

Miroku had a smile on his face "He called you a great warrior?"

"Hump, I'm the great warrior. If I'm not mistaken I'm the one who gave the final blow and killed Naraku! And if it wasn't for Kagome sending me to the stupid store in the future, I would have told that idiot bear youkai that." Inuyasha moped. Everybody laughed knowing that Inuyasha was jealous that Shippo saved his daughter and not him, not that he wasn't happy Shippo did so.

"Inuyasha" Kagome finally said "It's not like I could have gone, I had to feed Eien. Something you can't do, being that you don't have breast." Inuyasha turned red at her remark and everyone started to laugh again.

"Well, Papa I don't care what you think, Shippo really is a great warrior. Right Mommy?" Kagome kissed Inuyasha and than answered with a yes.

Shippo was still young and looked to be around nine too. As Chiyoko grow he found him self trying to stay looking around her age level. It wasn’t as hard as he thought it would be. His hard training and devotion to his vow helped him to mature much quicker then he should have.

As they got older Chiyoko never noticed the way Shippo started to look at her or even the little things he would do. Truth was Shippo couldn’t understand why he found him self doing these things. Keeping his vow to her was one thing, but reaching out to hold her hand was something else completely.

The thing he noticed himself doing more was touching her with his tail. Never did he do it in a perverted way. A brush on her cheek or arm or just simply wrapping his tail around her was all he would do. It drove the poor fox crazy when ever Chiyoko would pet his tail. Still being too young to understand, Shippo didn’t mind all that much as long as she was happy.
* * * * * * * * * * *

Every summer, on the holidays as well as on nice days after the kids finished their homework, Chiyoko and her family would come and visit. Her younger brother and sister would hang out with Sango's two youngest kids. And she would spend her time with Shippo, Yin, Haruki, and Rei. The Five of them were really good friends. They where closer to her then any friends she had in the future. Shippo was always her best friend and she would tell him everything even if it was embarrassing.

One afternoon after school and homework was done Chiyoko run to the well. She couldn't wait to see Shippo today and being eleven had its advantages of not have to wait on her parents. As usual Shippo was waiting by the well for her.

"Your here early." He said as he grabbed her hands and helped her out.

"Yeah, well so are you."

"No I'm not; I'm always here about an hour before you get here."

"Oh...I didn't know you got here so early. Why do you?"

"Just in case…So what's the plan today?" They decided to go the lake first and go fishing, after they would meet up with there friends at Sango and Miroku's hut.

After playing and catching a few fish with their hands they sat down at the base of the lake with their feet in the water.

"Shippo, guess what?"

"What?"

"Promise not to tell anyone first."

"Better, I'll give you a youkai's oath." That meant even if he went to hell no one would get it out of him.

"Ok then, over the past few weeks I've noticed this guy in my time almost every where I go. It's pretty weird."

"Do you think his dangerous?"

"No. But he is cute."

"How old is he?"

"Oh, I don't know maybe somewhere in his twenties."

"Do you think his following you?"

"Na-huh. I guess I just seem to notice him more because..." Chiyoko turned light pink and looked down at her hands.

"Because what?"

"It's silly. I don't even know him and I have a crush on him. There’s just something about him. I... I'm so stupid to think an older guy like that could even notice me."

Shippo gently moved his tail and wrapped it round her waist. "Well I'm way older then you and let me tell you, you’re pretty hard to miss."

Chiyoko looked into his eyes and smiled "Thanks."

Everyday Chiyoko would tell Shippo in private about this mystery man. Shippo knew Chiyoko was only his friend but it was really hard for him to hear her speak about the guy she liked. He felt this mystery man would get in the way of the vow he made to her. He didn't know why, but he knew the day he meet her he would give his life for her. And that meant forever he would be tied to her. But this stupid guy might just ruin everything. What if he did notice her? What if they fell in love? What if...what if she never came back? Shippo hated the guy and wanted to challenge him to a fight to the death. All this time he's been training under his step father and Inuyasha, so he knew he could win. But then what? Besides, there was no way he could go to that time. So for now he would have to just listen to Chiyoko and hope the guy would get hit by a bus. He didn't know what one looked like but he heard of them before and knew it could kill the guy.

After three years Chiyoko still hadn't meet the guy. However, she was hopeful that now since she was fourteen he would finally notice her. She was after all filling out quit nicely.

One afternoon Rei and Chiyoko went to take a bath after the group of youkai friends went hunting. As they striped down Rei looked at Chiyoko.

"I wish I was you." Rei said with a hint of jealousy.

Chiyoko was stunned to hear her friend say that. "Why?"

"Because look at you and look at me. I can't even say how much older I am then you and just look at your body. Sometimes I hate being a youkai. Do you have any idea how many times I have to go thought a puberty cycle before I could even look like you?" They both entered the warm water and began to take a bath.

"How many times do full youkai hit puberty?"

“I don't know, a lot. It depends on many different things, like age, gender, and even your surroundings."

"How does it affect you?"

"Different ways. Growth in your body is the most noticeable whether it is height or private areas. Increase in power. Being able to transform our fox legs into full time human legs, without using up any energy. Of course, then you also have sexual awakenings. They all hit at different times and quite a lot of times though out a youkai’s life, well at least until were adults. And the sexual awakenings continue to happen even after that, if you not mated."

Chiyoko wonder how many times she would go though a puberty cycle being that she was part youkai. There was no telling being that besides her brother and sister there was no one like her.

"How many times have you hit puberty Rei?"

"I don't know, maybe five times. You want to know what’s sad?"

"What?"

"Shippo's hit puberty more times then my brother and me put together times two; in this year alone! And he's younger then us by quit a bit."

"Are you serious?"

"Oh, yeah. I’m as serious as a heart attack, like your mom says."

It was weird for Chiyoko to think of Shippo going through puberty cycles. Thinking back on it, she did notice some things that were changing about him; she just didn't know that was the reason. "How do you know Shippo has had went though so many?"

"Two ways, one he's my brother. Two a youkai can smell the changes even if they can't see it."

"Unfortunately, my smell isn't one of the youkai traits I have."

"Too bad. I guess that fair, being that you have such a nice body for your age." Both girls giggled.

Rei and Chiyoko got out of the pool of water and started to dress. "Chi, promise me you wont tell Shippo anything, I just know if you do he'll hate me."

"I'll give you a youkai's oath."

Rei Smiled and then said something so unexpected Chiyoko fell into the water fully dressed. "You know, you’re the one causing Shippo to hit his puberty cycles so much."

Chiyoko gathered her self together and got back on dry land. "Why would you think such a silly thing Rei?"

"Because it's true! Just think about it, in the last three years Shippo's grown seven inches just so he could stay taller then you. He's even taller then Haruki."

"So he grew. Big deal, that doesn't mean it's because of me."

"Ok. Well, what about his power? He trains all day until you get here and still has energy to play. All that hard training should make him exhausted. But he's still able to go? He has the power of a young adult youkai! I'm sure if he tried he could have human legs for a whole day before tiring out his energy."

"That means nothing. He's always trained hard so he can be a great warrior. It has nothing to do with me."

Rei's was now getting upset that Chiyoko just wouldn't listen to her. It was time she played her last card. "Fine. You don't want to believe me then don't. But I just want you to know that a week before you get you period Shippo has his little sexual awakenings. Every Time!!! Go ahead and explain that Chi!"

Chiyoko didn't know what to say so she said the only thing that would come to her mind "You’re lying!"

"Believe what you want, but last week you had your period and the week before he had to deal with the awakenings during the night. Lucky for him, he is still young, so there not that bad."

"You knew I had my period last week?"

"I told you, as a youkai we can smell these things." Chiyoko had no choice but to believe her friend.

"Gods, what am I going to do?"

"Nothing. Ether he'll run out of cycles and become an adult youkai before his time or...or...move on to someone closer to his own level of youkai. Who knows maybe I'll even have a chance then. He is getting to be pretty hot."

Chiyoko couldn’t deny the fact that Shippo was changing into a very good looking guy. Shippo was the cutest boy in the village. All the girls thought so and this made all the parents worry their child would end up with the fox youkai. He also had really nice muscles from all his hard training. He was also the tallest in his group. Even his hair and tail was something to be proud of with its rich red color. Haruki was now second to Shippo.

Why hadn’t she noticed all the changes earlier? Was it because she was too wrapped up in a guy she didn’t even know? Shippo was her best friend; they didn’t see each other in that kind of way. If that was true then why would he be going through so many cycles just to keep up with her? Chiyoko found herself both concerned and intrigued.

That night when Chiyoko got home she wanted to talk to her parents. She just had to understand fully how puberty worked for both humans and youkai. Not only that, she had to try and find out what it would be like for her. Inuyasha was red the whole time but he was the biggest help being that he was hanyou and knew what changes he had and hadn't faced. It was difficult for him to talk about but as a parent it was something he couldn't escape. He shuttered to think he would have to do it two more times. Chiyoko was relieved to have some answers. Although she never said a word about Shippo she did ask the difference on a youkai's affect she might have on him as well as a humans.

Over the next few weeks Chiyoko acted like she knew nothing of Shippo's personal affairs until it was put completely out of her mind. Shippo was her best friend and nothing would change that.

One afternoon Chiyoko and Shippo were walking through the woods picking berries when Chiyoko started to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"I spoke to that guy today."

"Oh..." Shippo looked down to the ground in defeat.

"Actually, he kind of saved my life."

"WHAT? What happened?" Shippo just wanted to die right there. Chiyoko was in trouble and there was nothing he could have done to save her. To make matters worse some little punk kid that she thought was cute and had a crush on for the last three years saved her life instead.

Chiyoko interrupted his thoughts "I was crossing the street on my way home and tripped on my own shoe lace. How lame of me. Anyway, I got up and picked up my books and as I was bent down I suddenly heard a horn, then I was pulled out of the way just as a bus passed by. Oh, Shippo he was even cuter up close. I felt so stupid because all that I could think of was how good looking and strong he was. I started into his eyes for like a whole minute. But then he said the craziest thing."

"What did he say?" Shippo asked half heartedly.

"He said 'It's me' like if I was supposed to know his name. That's when it hit me. The whole time I didn't think he noticed me, he really did. Oh, Shippo I was so happy I just smiled like an idiot and didn't even say what I wanted to at that moment. I just watched as he walked away. I just can't wait until the next time I see him."

Shippo had a bad feeling that there was more to the story that she just wasn’t telling him. But he dared not to ask. Truth was if she hadn’t told him maybe it was best. After all there was nothing he could do anyways.

It had been weeks since he heard about the stupid boy from the future. Apparently after that day she hadn't seen him again. It made Shippo happy, maybe the guy moved away and he'll never have to worry about the guy taking Chiyoko away. Then again maybe the guy just felt stupid for saying what he said and just walking away. What ever the situation was he was out of the picture and that's how Shippo liked it.
* * * * * * * * * * *

Haruki, Rei, and Yin were tired of laying down looking at the starts with Chiyoko and Shippo and left to go home for the night. The two laid side by side quietly until Chiyoko spoke up. "Hey Shippo, I spoke to my parents a while back about how I'm suppose to grow and all. You know being that I'm one fourth youkai I don't exactly have the same life line like either human or youkai, not even a hanyou. In fact the way it seems, it's likely that I will grow at human rate until I'm an adult and then live hundreds or thousands of years before I grow old and die."

Shippo sat up and looked down into Chiyoko's golden brown eyes. Lightly he brushed her check with his soft tail. "Why are you telling me this?"

Chiyoko waved her finger for him to get closer as if to tell him a secret and he willing obeyed. When he was leaned in close enough, she whispered into his ear "Because, you don't have to rush you’re growing, for me to find favor in you."

Did he hear right? Was she willing to wait for him to grow up for him to fulfill his vow to her? Was that really what his vow to her meant? Maybe he misunderstood her. The thoughts raced through his mind as fast as his heart was now beating and just went he thought it would explode, it stop completely. Without him realizing it Chiyoko had lifted her head and gently press her lips to his. Shippo melted into her kiss. This was his very first kiss. And to his knowledge it was hers too. The kiss was tender and he regretted having to pull away. "Ok Chiyoko, if that’s what you want." was all Shippo said. He knew that meant she would continue to grow older and taller and he would stay the size of a fifteen year old for a long time before his growth cycle would come along again. Although he was way older then her it just wouldn't seem right for a very long time.

Shippo took her hand and walked her to the well that night. “Chiyoko, what about that guy you have a crush on in your other time?”

“Shippo, I know I’m only fourteen, but believe me when I say I know my future is with you.” They reached her hut and before he left he gave her a quick good night kiss on the lips.

"Just what do you think your doing Shippo?" Inuyasha called out from the darkness of the Go-Shinboku tree. Shippo should of smelled Inuyasha's presents but he had not been paying attention. "Chiyoko, go though the well now and you are never to return to this era again." Inuyasha demanded.

"But papa..." Her words fell deaf to his ears.

"Go now or I will kill Shippo this very moment!"

Chiyoko cried and headed to the well "I love you Shippo, I always will. Remember that!" then she did as her father told her and entered the well to her time.

All the training Shippo did over the past fourteen years still wouldn't have prepared Shippo for a battle against Inuyasha and he knew it. Inuyasha glared at Shippo as he spoke his next words "You think I don't know what's going on? Do you take me as some dumb hanyou? I heard every word that came out your mouth the day I bought Chiyoko home to this era. Your vow to MY daughter. I helped to train you so you would have a fair chance in this battle and maybe even survive. If you want to protect my daughter for a life time you have to go through ME FIRST!"

Shippo pulled out his sword just in time to protect him self from getting cut in half. Inuyasha cut Shippo no slack and came at him fiercely. It took all Shippo had to protect himself. The speed of the two was amazing, if anyone was to pass by they would barley see them fighting at all, the sound of the battle would be the only thing they would be able to make out. The sword play lasted two hours with both having many injuries. Inuyasha was impressed Shippo had lasted so long, but it was time to show who was Chiyoko's true protector. With one hard hit to the face with Inuyasha's fist, Shippo went through six trees before smashing against a bolder. Inuyasha walked over to Shippo and held the sword to his throat. “Shippo, forfeit now and I won’t be forced to kill you.”

Shippo knew he had no fight left in him. "I can't. My vow was to my death and I intend to keep it my word."

Inuyasha's stabbed Shippo in the arm. "Damn it Shippo, I don't want to do this, NOW FORFIT."

"NOOO!"

Inuyasha jabbed the sword once more into Shippo's other arm. "If you must kill me Inuyasha then do it, but as long as I breathe your daughter will be mine to protect!"

Inuyasha wished with all his heart he didn't have to do was coming next. "Shippo, either get up an fight me or die were you lay."

Shippo tried to move but his body felt as heavy as stone. Picking up his sword he made one last swing at Inuyasha stabbing him in his stomach. Shippo then felt a sharp pain in his chest. Looking down Shippo saw Tetsusaiga leaving his body. Inuyasha stood above him with tears running off his checks.

"Don’t worry Inuyasha, we’re youkai, I'll see her again. It’s all in the matter of time.”

Inuyasha nodded his head and watched as Shippo's eyes closed. Heading for the well Inuyasha turned around one last time to Shippo "I'm sorry it had to be this way. I know you understand" and was gone.
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Inuyasha entered his house holding his stomach in pain. Shippo hadn’t gone down easy and made sure Inuyasha felt the pain from their battle.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome ran and got the first aid kit and tended to his wounds. Kagome never saw Inuyasha this hurt before. Blood soaked his clothing and skin. She saw claw marks as well as sword wounds, even burns were apparent. “What the hell happened to you?” She asked in shock.

“Didn’t Chiyoko tell you?”

“No. She came home upset and locked herself in the room; she wouldn’t even talk to me. Now what is going on? And who did you kill?”

“Shippo…” Inuyasha stated so low the words barely came out of his mouth.

Kagome felt panic rush though her body. “What happened to Shippo, Inuyasha? Did some youkai attack him? Is that why Chiyoko is up set? Is he alright?” The words spilled out of her mouth like water going over a fall. “I need to go and help him. Where is he? Is Kaede tending to him? Inuyasha answer me!!!”

Behind her she heard her daughters voice “Show papa no pity, mother, I know he didn’t show any too Shippo.” Chiyoko’s eyes glared down at her father on the floor. “Did you papa?”

Inuyasha struggled to stand as he spoke. “You have no idea how hard it was for me to do what I had to do. But he put clam on you that he no right doing and as your father it was in my place to…”

“Papa it was a kiss!”

“NO CHIYOKO! It was more then that and as a youkai Shippo knew what would be the consequences. He put rights on you as your protector, I am your protector and until the day I give that right away, anyone who tries will have to go though me.”

“So you battled him because he wanted to protect me? Do you have any idea how stupid that is?”

Kagome sat in tears as she listened to Inuyasha and Chiyoko argue. She knew how the youkai worked and understood why the battle had to take place. She also knew that if she went to help Shippo she would be turning her back on her husband. Worst of all she knew she had to help her daughter understand something that just wasn’t fair.

“Chiyoko… Stop arguing with your father. He is right. I know it’s hard for you to understand but this is the way it is for the youkai and we must respect that.”

Kagome walked over to Chiyoko and sat down with her at the kitchen table. In a soft voice Kagome continued.

“There’s a lot you don’t know honey. The day we brought you back when you were first born, Shippo made a vow as your protector. Inuyasha had heard him and would of battled right here in that spot if I wouldn’t have stepped in. Shippo was young and didn’t understand fully what he was doing. There’s only a few ways a youkai can make a claim like that. Naturally a parent can make the claim and has all rights to that claim. Another is by taking in someone into their household. There are also times if someone has no one to protect them and then a willing youkai can claim protector over that person.”

Chiyoko listened still not sure were here mother was going with this.

“The claim Shippo put on you didn’t fall under any of those, which left only one. Protector by mate. The thing is if someone already has a protector and someone else puts the same claim on them without permission the two will battle for the title and rights to the person.”

“I thought you said he didn’t know what he was doing, so what’s the big deal?”

“Well, that’s where it gets complicated. You see, we noticed over the pass years a great change in Shippo. He was so committed to his vow he started to mature at the same rate as you, which for a youkai is unnatural. Your father helped to train him knowing just how serious Shippo was, this way at least Shippo would have a chance. But when…”

Chiyoko started to cry knowing what her mother was about to say. “It was my fault. I kissed him. I didn’t know."

Inuyasha found the strength and made his way to his daughter. Lovingly he put his hand on her shoulder and spoke "It wasn't you fault. You could have kissed him a hundred times and it would not have mattered. However, when he kissed you...his claim as your protector was avowed. As a result he challenged me."

"But papa I told you I loved Shippo. Why couldn't you just give him the right?" Chiyoko sobbed.

"He didn’t ask me for the right; if he had I would have given it to him. However when he made his vow his fate was sealed and he was no longer allowed to ask. His vow was to the death and so..."

At hearing this Kagome whimpered one word "NO" and fainted.
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