In a lot of ways, things went back to normal.

Inuyasha, Diaozuan, and Sesshomaru slowly got closer. At first it was awkward; Diao being the one who had to run between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. Assuring Sesshomaru of his place while at the same time, taking the extra emotional blowback from a pregnant and hormonal Inuyasha. Who was very prone to crying, despite her insistence that she wasn't.

When it was safe, they had the pups out hunting more often. Ame was the best hunter, but Toshi had the best nose, and would often find the biggest or juiciest yokai to eat. Katsu was the strongest of the three- if Toshi managed to locate something big, Ame would bring it down, and Katsu would drag it back.

They worked well as a unit. Toshi gradually started to learn how to focus his powers. Often spending time alone with Sesshomaru or Diaozuan, reading up on sight-blessing, how it worked, and methods of practicing control.

Gradually, starting to grow in confidence.

And speaking of growing. The pup and kit inside Inuyasha were doing very well.

It was afternoon; Inuyasha, Diaozuan, and Sesshomaru were waiting for the pups to finish up one last round of hunting. It was a beautiful summer day; not too hot, with a cool breeze lifting the hanyou's silver hair. Inuyasha was sitting against a rock. Sesshomaru on the left, and Diaozuan stretched out on his belly to the right. The hanyou's sword was propped up next to her cheek, like usual.

When all of the sudden, something wiggled. Inuyasha's ears perked, her hand going shakily to her belly in shock. She'd been feeling sort of… bubbly, the last week or so. But she'd just thought it was maybe gas or something.

Was that…?

Nah, couldn't be.

She kept her ears perked and slowed her breathing a bit. Ears quivering with concentration. Sesshomaru and Diaozuan noting her looking intently at the belly and leaning in just a little.

"Inuyasha?"

bump

Just a little one, on the left side. But that was definitely not gas. That was… movement.

That was… that was my baby. My babies.

Inuyasha felt the tears, and didn't even bother trying to stop them. Letting them flow red hot with a nervous smile on her cheeks as she turned to Sesshomaru. "Holy shit, they're… they're moving. They're alive, Sesshomaru."

The Daiyokai's normally cold gaze went very soft. The golden shade leaning towards honey or amber as he scooted closer to the hanyou. Resting his chin on her shoulder, "They are. Our pup is saying hello to you, Inuyasha." And pressing a gentle kiss to the hanyou's cheek, wiping the tears from her face with a red-tipped sleeve.

The fox scooted closer with interest, and Inuyasha soon found herself gently and warmly sandwiched between the two Daiyokai. Both of them purring loudly, their white and black tails wrapping all around the hanyou's legs and feet. Before Inuyasha had a chance to stop him, Diaozuan snuggled down, pressing the side of his face gently against Inuyasha's belly.

"Hey ! Hey! Did I say you could-"

Bump!

Inuyasha let out a slow, shakey breath, her ears pointed all the way up in shock. She'd felt that one, all the way up her spine. Her skin breaking out in goosebumps and a red blush settling in her cheeks.

She could feel its little body! Arms, legs, head. The weird, fuzzy feeling of a tail. The other one was giving slow, graceful, gentle movements. Egged on by the thrashing of its little roommate.

Diaozuan let out a delighted laugh, "Ooh, that was a big one! Did you feel that, Inuyasha? Oh, I wonder if that was the kit, or the pup? It's hard to tell…"

"That was definitely yours. It's hot. And… sassier." Inuyasha said softly, giving the fox an annoyed but affectionate glance. Looking up at Sesshomaru and taking his clawed hand, setting it gently on the other side of her abdomen.

"Ours is moving, too." Sesshomaru's pointed ears twitched a little. His very sensitive nerves able to pick up on the movement of the pup, their pup… So graceful. And strong as Diao's kit, for sure.

"Oh." The Foo-Dog softened more. Scooting even closer and resting his head against Inuyasha's shoulder; tucking his face into that wave of silvery white hair. Sesshomaru was purring like crazy, and for just a moment, Inuyasha could feel the hot wetness of tears on her fire-rat robes. She slipped a clawed hand into Diao's hair, and around Sesshomaru's cheek, and whispered,

"I… I love both you stupid bastards. I just want you to know that. Okay?"

It was funny, how Sesshomaru and Diaozuan moved at the exact same time.

A kiss from Sesshomaru on her left cheek, and a kiss from Diaozuan on the right. Both kisses landing at the same time.

"And we love you, Inuyasha."

And there were many nuzzles, and kisses, and a hell of a lot of purring that followed. The pups confused why the hanyou seemed so flustered when they returned with their last meal of the day; a beautiful, blue deer yokai.

00000000000000000000000000000000

If the battle and the loss of the pups had been the winter of their lives, summer was quickly approaching. Peaceful, beautiful days of safety and plenty like Inuyasha had never known passed her days, and months. Every day she had hot meals and a warm bed and the knowledge that her Ame and Katsu were safe. And that when the time came for the new babies, they too, would never know suffering as the hanyou had.

Meanwhile, the pup and kit grew well in her… though, her belly was bigger than Sesshomaru's had been; she was shorter, after all.

There were no more 'misunderstandings' about Inuyasha's place in the Palace. She was treated as well as her two bonded ones, if not even more gently, because of her condition.

For a hanyou, used to getting spit at , insulted, or assaulted with rocks, it was… hard to get used to.

But in a way it was also a relief. To walk the streets and feel… safe.

To know that no one was coming to take these precious babies from her. And to watch their children play in the backyard, and grow, and learn. To see them becoming strong and capable Daiyokai in their own right.

All three of them quietly bonded over the deaths of their pups. More than once, Inuyasha had gone to leave flowers and clean Inukezi's grave; only to find one of the other two Daiyokai had beaten her to it.

And when Diaozuan had found beautiful flowers at the grave of his two kits, delicately smelling of the hanyou, the poor fox had wept so hard he could scarcely catch his breath.

Diaozuan was being very careful around the hanyou, and she appreciated it. Always pleasantly surprised when Inuyasha went in for a kiss or a hug. And usually never initiating anything more than that. He was there for her when it became too much for Sesshomaru. And Sesshomaru was slowly, becoming more tolerant of their arrangement now that observed their reactions. Diaozuan cared for the hanyou, and it was clear that Inuyasha cared for him too.

But Inuyasha did not replace Sesshomaru to Diaozuan. The fox's default was always his mate if he was hurt or scared or grieving. Inuyasha alternated between Sesshomaru and Diaozuan , depending on the situation; going to Diao for some problems, and Sesshomaru for others. It eased up Sesshomaru's workload, and allowed him to take better care of both his mates.

Inuyasha was nervous.

The babies were due any day now, and she'd been getting those fake pains that Sesshomaru and Diaozuan had warned about. They'd freaked her out at first, but she'd soon tolerated them when she realized it was just her body warming up for the big event.

She groaned, and slipped out of bed, deciding to walk around the porch that wrapped the house for a bit.

It was a quiet night. A half-moon hung in the sky an the air was unusually still.

Inuyasha sighed as she looked out at the beautiful rolling hills beyond the Palace walls. God, how long had it been since she'd had a good hunt? Slashed something up with her claws? She hungered for it, and she could smell the many feral yokai herds that roamed Sesshomaru's lands.

Another pain pushed at her abdomen, and she sighed. Feeling the pup and kit writhe angrily inside her. "Yeah yeah. I know. It's not my fault…" Inuyasha muttered, rubbing the belly and continuing on. Usually, a nice little walk around helped ease the pains, but… these ones didn't seem to be going away. Actually… they seemed to be getting more intense.

It sucked. She rubbed the mark on her neck, doing her best to block the pain from her mates. Didn't want them waking up and freaking out.

After a while of restless wandering, she settled on the edge of the porch. Her legs hanging down into the abyss as she kicked them. Wanting to get rid of this strange feeling of anxiety and nervousness. Her skin had goosebumps and her yokai was starting to stir under her skin.

Go back to your room.

Her yokai was urging her.

Go to your nest. Get your mates.

Inuyasha groaned in annoyance. Why the hell was it telling her what to do all the time? Annoying bitch. Always; go do this, go to that, you're not eating enough, blah blah blah.

The hanyou glanced up at the moon. Huh. It'd been almost an hour, and the damn fake contractions weren't going away. She gripped the wooden railing tightly as another washed over her, panting a little, her claws making five deep marks in the wood.

Fuck. That was a bad one.

These aren't going away.

Is it…?

Curiously, only feet from where Sesshomaru's claws had made the same marks. All those years ago, when the Foo-Dog had felt this same pain.

Suddenly, there was an odd sensation. Like… a balloon popping in his belly. And then, there was wetness between her legs. Inuyasha swiped a shaking finger along the liquid and smelled it.

No odor.

Like water.

Oh shit!

The hanyou set her fingers on the marking. One finger on that crescent moon and the other on those orange, lacing flames. Standing shakily and calling out to them both.

Guys? Um.

I think my water broke.

And she'd never seen those two bastards get to her side so fast.

The same snake healer that had attended the birth of Sesshomaru's pup, came for Inuyasha's labor( As well as Wumei, their servant, to run items back and forth from the room). The healer was a cornsnake; his beautiful orangish-red scales glittering at his temples and on his knuckles.

They propped her up in bed; fetched clean towels, hot water, and a brew to help ease Inuyasha's pain. Everything they would need. Usually, males weren't allowed in the birthing room because they got in the way of the healers. But they'd made an exception for Diaozuan; and so, they would for the hanyou.

Who seemed extremely distraught at the idea that either of the Daiyokai would have to leave. Diao left once, briefly; to shoo Ame and Toshi and Katsu back to bed who were all listening through the door.

Worried for Inuyasha, who was swearing up a storm and panting hard. Her ears pinned back and her fangs bared. Sesshomaru and Diaozuan did what they could; keeping a cool rag on her forehead, wiping sweat. Holding her hand and pressing kisses to her cheeks and mouth.

It was a surprisingly quick labor; Inuyasha was crowning in under two hours. And such a string of curses Diaozuan had never heard in all his days; he almost considered writing them down for later use. Yet Inuyasha, like Sesshomaru, did not scream out in pain. Merely bore down harder, gritting her teeth and gripping on Sesshomaru's arm, burying her face in Diaozuan's neck as her whole body shook with effort.

The kit came first; mewling softly, eyes huge with wonder as he slid into the world.

The snake snipped the cord; cleaned the pup very gently before wrapping him in a clean towel and handing him to his mother. He was beautiful; and the hanyou's heart ached when he recognized the very distinctive marks on his cheeks. Iridescent; a rare and gorgeous coloration that sometimes occurred in Daiyokai.

Inuyasha smiled weakly; seeing Diaozuan's expression. Kissing the kit's forehead before handing him to the fox. Sesshomaru leaning in curiously.

"It's… it's Daiki, Sesshomaru. It's our baby. He's back, he's back." Diaozuan whispered, his voice cracking, hand on the kit's cheek. He was shaking so much he had to tense his muscles to seem still. It was funny; there was no smell of Inuyasha on the kit, only the smell of Sesshomaru and Diaozuan.

" Hi sweetheart. Hi. Do you remember me? I remember you." The fox started to cry and hugged the kit to his chest before looking at the hanyou with an expression that Inuyasha would never forget. Leaning their foreheads together and whispering, " Thank you. Thank you, Inuyasha." She could feel his whole frame shaking and the hanyou smiled weakly. It was in between contractions, and she had a few minutes of rest. A few sweet, wonderful minutes without pain. She was exhausted, and there was still one more stubborn pup to push out.

"Wish I could'a given you both. But I think it might'a killed me." The fox shook his head, sighing, "You've done perfect. Just perfect."

When Diaozuan pulled away, Sesshomaru leaned in; nuzzling his mate lovingly and kissing her deep. Her hair becoming even more of a wreck, but she didn't care. Just enjoying his affection. His skin felt wonderfully cool.

" Halfway there. We love you, and you are doing so well, Inuyasha. So well."

The second pup was much more stubborn. There was a scary part where there was quite a bit of blood coming and Inuyasha was getting weak. Diaozuan and the other healer were busy, hands on her stomach as they tried to locate the source of the bleeding.

She grabbed tight to Sesshomaru, then, pulling him close and whispering in his ear, " Don't let me die, Sesshomaru, Please, god damn it, not like this. I gotta live. I gotta see em. I don't wanna go like Kagome. Please."

" I won't. You are not going anywhere, I promise you, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru's voice was so strong. And she could feel his strength when he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her, so tight. Her vision temporarily blocked as she was tucked into a curtain of silver hair that smelled so fine, so clean. Another contraction ripped through her, and she closed her eyes, nuzzling into him.

My beautiful mate. Fuck.

This is his baby. His pup, I gotta do this.

And I…

Somehow, the embrace seemed to give Inuyasha a little more strength. The healer located the little vein that was causing the problem, and Inuyasha felt a strange tingling as they both closed it.

And with a few more contractions and some very creative insults, the pup was born. At first, all three were very alarmed at the appearance; there was so much red.

But then they started to calm when they realized it was just the tail; all wrapped around the little pup's body. When it was wiped clean, it was clear it was a redhead; smelling strongly of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. A handsome little female hanyou; with no markings, a red tail, and two puppy dog ears atop her head. Three fourths demon, one fourth human.

Inuyasha took her, nervously. Her tanned arms shaking a little as Inuyasha settled the pup on her chest.

A hanyou. Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit!

Inuyasha felt like she might pass out. Terrified to look at Sesshomaru. What if… what if he didn't like her? She felt like she might die if she saw any glitter of disapproval in Sesshomaru's eyes. God it was so unfair.

She felt Sesshomaru's arm slip under her own. Easing the shaking and helping her hold the pup; who was, rather large, probably about eight pounds. And terror when those claws inspected the tiny little ears; folding them back against that red hair so gently. The pup glancing up; curious at the new touch and smell.

She had Sesshomaru's eyes; more catlike yellow than Inuyasha's.

"What beautiful ears." Inuyasha heard Sesshomaru's voice in her ear, and turned to her mate. Her breath caught in her throat before squeaking, "W-what?" in a choked whisper.

"A striking little hanyou. Just like her mother." Sesshomaru said softly, and she saw him smiling in that way that he only did when his babies came into the world. " She is exactly what I wished for, and so beautiful. Thank you."

And Inuyasha cried so very hard then, into her spare sleeve. Sesshomaru leaning close to comfort his mate with Diao none too far behind. But underneath the wave of tears there was a relieved, shakey smile. The pup was wrapped and cleaned, and soon, the babies were busy nursing their very first meal.

Daiki was like Diaozuan; curious, but also cautious. Not really sure how to eat at first until prompted by mom. The little redhead on the other hand, latched on like a lioness, causing Inuyasha to wince a little at her ferocity.

"Ouch! Gentle, damn you. I'm not a slice of meat." Inuyasha whispered fondly. Curling her little red tail around with one hand. And tucking her head close to Daiki as he nursed. Enjoying the feeling of having them near. They'd never be in want of anything; Inuyasha knew that much.

It felt… good to know that they'd have a good life. Far better than hers had been until just recently.

Toshi, Ame, and Katsu desperately wanted to see their new brother and sister. But Diaozuan was firm; saying they could see Inuyasha and the babies tomorrow morning, before their classes. And that right now the hanyou needed rest.

That much was true; she almost nodded off to sleep while nursing. And the minute she was sure her new babies were safe with their fathers, Inuyasha fell into an exhausted sleep. Up again in about three hours to feed them again.

But Diaozuan and Sesshomaru were good fathers. They burped them, changed them, and did a lot of the other work, giving Inuyasha time to eat and rest and recover. And she was proud of the pups when they came to visit; being so gentle and tender with the two new members of the family.

Ame and Rin in particular, seemed enthralled with the babies. Petting the new little girl's tiny ears and whispering, "Ooh. Lord Sesshomaru,she's so cute."

" Oh, Sesshomaru, could I have a baby of my own someday?"

Sesshomaru giving an irritated huff. Not liking even thinking about that day.

"Perhaps, Ame. If you find a male who can defeat me in battle." He snarled, and Ame and Rin looked dejected. Inuyasha and Diaozuan shared an amused look.

Katsu looked unimpressed. But Toshi seemed enthralled with his new little brother. Tracing the marks on his cheeks gently and whispering, "Wow, he… he looks so much like me. It really is Daiki, isn't it." Sesshomaru and Diaozuan sharing a very soft look, and the fox nuzzling his mate's temple gently. Remembering his own pregnancy with a strange kind of yearning and whispering, "Yes. Inuyasha brought him back for us."

Someday, he'd like to carry more babies as well. But it'd take a while to persuade Sesshomaru.

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It wasn't long before Shippou came to talk to Sesshomaru. The poor fox shaking from head to toe in the Lord's presence. He couldn't help it; he was sure Sesshomaru would reject his offer. But at the same time, he needed to know.

"I've noticed you and Rin have been spending a lot of time together recently."

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."

"What are your intentions towards Rin, Shippou." Lord Sesshomaru said, his voice as cool and icy as ever. His gaze piercing straight through the fox's young heart and freezing him from the inside out. He took a long, deep breath to calm himself. Still cowering.

"L-Lord Sesshomaru, I… I wanna marry her."

The Daiyokai blinked. Huh. Well. He hadn't expected that. He'd seen the way they'd been courting each other as the pups grew but… He thought it'd be just a fling.

"Oh. I see. And what exactly, do you have to offer her?"

Shippou swallowed. He'd become a rather handsome yokai in his own right; big green eyes. A nice shaped face. Sleek, tanned fur that was a delicate shade of brown. Sandy, almost.

" I- I built a house for us, in Inuyasha's human village. She won't be bothered there. I'll take care of her, and protect her from demons. And- and make sure she's never in want of anything." Shippou said, slowly finding his strength as he went on. His hands clenching at his sides.

"I know its not much- but I know I can love her more than anyone else on this earth. I love her for who she is and I don't care if you give us one red cent because- because when I'm with her, she never stops smiling and laughing. We're happy together and damn it, that should be enough for you!" Shippou covered his mouth, shocked by his own outburst.

Well, I'm dead. He thought, weakly. I had a good run. But when he looked up, he saw a glimmer of something rather unfamiliar in Sesshomaru's eyes.

Amusement.

"Let's take a walk, fox." He murmured. Sliding out of the throne as easily and dangerously as a panther jumping from a tree. Shippou followed behind, shaking so badly that he had to grit his teeth to keep them from chattering.

Sesshomaru spoke to him of many things. But mostly, he talked about his father; and everything he knew about the relationship between humans and yokai.

And how it all was destined to end.

"You are signing yourself up for heartbreak of the most exquisitely painful. You are aware of this." Sesshomaru said, quietly. " Most of your kind live to be at least five hundred. More than long enough to see her, your kits, and their grandkits pass away."

Those green eyes filled with softness as he looked out at the gorgeous gardens that were in the center of the Palace square. " I know that, Lord Sesshomaru. But… I'd rather spend the rest of her life together, than be with anyone else. Or with some other fox yokai I didn't really love and was just staying with because… well. I wanted someone around."

"And your foxfire is hot enough to protect her? Should demons come hunting her, or your children? You know hanyou scent attracts them, after travelling with Inuyasha." Sesshomaru murmured. The little fox nodded, bringing his fire into his right hand. It wasn't as powerful as Diaozuan's, but it was strong and bright.

"I'll burn anything that tries to hurt her. I've been training the whole time I've been away."

The marriage was small, in Inuyasha's village. Sesshomaru, Diaozuan, and the pups attended for a short while. Inuyasha was too tired that day to attend, and didn't feel comfortable leaving the babies alone. Despite Shippou's embarrassment Sesshomaru lavished them with a great many gifts. Their small home soon becoming very warm and comfortable; full of comfy rugs and fine blankets and even finer kimonos.

Within a few months, Sesshomaru received a letter from Rin letting him know of her pregnancy, and a tiny, bittersweet smile crossed his face.

He could tell in her letter that she was happy.

The wedding between the three of them wasn't too much longer after that. Inuyasha hated the kimono he was forced to wear, but other than that, it wasn't too bad. The nuptial cups were some of the most beautiful Inuyasha had ever seen, and they were the only other objects that he guarded almost as jealously as his sword.

And, as was tradition, he finally visited the official grave of the Great Dog demon. Leaving him a plate of food as well before following his two mates into the night. Fireflies dancing among them like slightly drunken stars. Their light soft and pink.

It was a famous party; for the first time in recorded history, the entire Foo-Dog Palace ran out of sake.

And it was the second, and last, threesome Inuyasha ever had.

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The pups were in their teens all too soon. They'd moved next door; a linked porch making sure that Inuyasha, Diaozuan, and Sesshomaru could 'pop by' if they sensed something was up. Toshi, Ame, and Katsu were sincerely enjoying the privacy, and their own separate rooms. Daiki and Akane were both about eight years old; and enjoyed not being beaten by their elder brothers and sisters at just about everything.

"Awe, c'mon, you let Toshi ride Ah-Un this late!" Katsu huffed, pulling the two-headed blue dragon to a stop. Inuyasha bristled a little. " Yeah, that's cause I can trust him when he tells me where he's going. And, he wasn't on a date."

Katsu colored, while the pretty female Foo-Dog waiting behind him just looked amused. She had thick white fur with black spots, and light blue eyes. Not a Daiyokai, but who really cared?

"W-Were not- how dare you! Sesshomaru, come on! Talk some sense into my old man!" Sesshomaru just looked amused, his tail giving a low flick on the porch. " I think I'd prefer to speak to the young lady. Niko, was it?"

The Foo-Dog perked up a little, nodding and giving a slight bow. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." Coming in front of him nervously. Sesshomaru leaned down into an almost perfect ninety degree angle, his hair a curtain that blocked his words from reaching Katsu.

"Young lady. I am sure you're aware of the intentions of boys his age."

She blushed. " Yes, my lord."

"And I expect you not to give him an inch. He needs to learn that some things are worth waiting for. Can I trust you to be strong for me? Katsu enjoys pushing boundaries and can sometimes be extremely persuasive." The little Foo-Dog was all flushed and nodded vigorously, "Of course, my Lord.". She loved Katsu very much , but… she wasn't willing to do that. Not unless he decided to marry her, anyway.

"Good girl. Bring him back before dark." She nodded once more, and Sesshomaru smiled just a little as Katsu's face lit up when she whispered that everything was okay.

"Yes! Ah hell yeah! Suck it, Inuyasha!" Katsu stuck his tongue out at Inuyasha, who turned to Sesshomaru in utter betrayal as the two-headed dragon lifted off with a small roar.

"Sesshomaru! How could you!" Sesshomaru watched them go and turned to Inuyasha with some amusement.

"Inuyasha. They're not children anymore. We must give them a little reign… Only pulling back on what matters most. And she seems quite a wonderful young woman."

Inuyasha fumed, "W-wonderful- Sesshomaru, what if they end up- y'know!" and his face was as red as his robes.

"That's exactly what I was talking to the young lady about. We'll see if she can keep our son in line. She may prove to be useful in curbing him yet."

He paused mid-rant, his hand still in the air, " Well I think-oh. Wait, really?"

And Sesshomaru nodded. "Of course. Wouldn't want any little bastards running around now would we." Looking back to his home with fondness and remembering how he'd felt about Katsu and Toshi. His own little bastards. And thinking of Daiki and Akane. Tucked in warm and safe above them.

"That would be rather tragic."

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Inuyasha was getting older. There were lines on his face; crows feet and on his forehead. And his once brilliantly silver hair was now a dark grey.

It was painful for both Daiyokai to watch.

But he was at least able to see all of his pups grow up- even Akane, the youngest. All becoming wonderfully strong demons in their own right, and most finding marriage, or travelling, or fulfilling a life that they would have never had, if Inuyasha had never decided to stay with Sesshomaru.

He was… grateful.

The second part of his life and been… so much darker, and so much richer, and so much better, than anything he could have ever imagined.

And now, it was time to go.

He was dying of old age.

Sesshomaru and Diaozuan decided to see him out; no one wanted to go alone after all. And the Foo-Dog possessed the one sword that would help them walk Inuyasha down.

Walk him home.

They decided not to tell the children yet; it was going to be private affair. They would not understand, and would try to get Sesshomaru to save Inuyasha. To buy more time.

Inuyasha's chest went very still. And suddenly, he was standing beside his own body, perplexed.

"Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru used the Tenseiga to see his soul, when the time came. His two swords combining together as theirs had before; opening a small, round doorway to the underworld. Diaozuan could only see Inuyasha if he was holding on to Sesshomaru; so, he kept close.

His eyes filling with relief when he saw the hanyou, looking a little irritated.

"So I'm finally dead, huh? 'Bout goddamn time."

Diaozuan laughed weakly, "Heh. Yeah. I imagine getting old gets.. well. Old after a while."

Below, thousands of doors with thousands of colors behind them. A narrow spiraling staircase.

And at the bottom… he could feel Inukimi's slavering jaws.

Inuyasha looked at the little portal curiously. Leaning heavily on Tessaiga, which was now more of a walking stick than anything.

"Huh. So that's where I'm going, huh?"

Sesshomaru nodded. " We can walk you to the fifteenth step, but no farther. If… you want." His own eyes a little glazed. It hurt. It hurt so much, but there was nothing he could do to save him.

Nothing.

It'd been written since before he was born.

Inuyasha smiled a little. " Hell yeah, I want. It'll be nice not to go alone. At least part of the way." And his two mates escorted him down. With each step, his gait became smoother and less pained. His hair suddenly lightening up, the lines in his face fading away step by step. By the time they got to the last one, he was as he'd been when Sesshomaru first met him; young, and fearless. With a fire in his eyes that seemed untamable.

"Well. This isn't so bad, so far." Inuyasha said. Drawing his sword and smirking when it glittered in a giant, cruel curve. He looked back at them, almost forgetting why they'd stopped.

"Oh. Right."

And smiling weakly. "Well. If you got anything to say, say it." Diaozuan didn't say anything. He was too busy being choked by tears and sobs. So instead, he hugged Inuyasha tightly.

"You are the best man I ever knew. I'm so happy I got to spend time with you, Inuyasha. You… you mean so much. I… Fuck. I dunno what I'm gonna do without you."

Inuyasha hugged him back, ears pinning in amusement, " Don't be a pussy, Diaozuan. You'll find shit to do. What about that army of children you n' Sesshomaru were gonna have? I'm disappointed you haven't started that already."

Inuyasha held the fox until Diao was the one to pull back. The poor bastard barely keeping it together. He then turned to Sesshomaru. Feeling his clawed hand on his cheek, the thumb stroking gently.

Diaozuan could tell they were speaking via their connection; but what they spoke of, what was said, was something Sesshomaru never told him. Something to do with being a hanyou, and something about his father, and something about never doubting that Inuyasha had been, and always would be, so much more than good enough for him.

It brought tears to Inuyasha's eyes; and he wiped them away in embarrassment. The Foo-Dog pulling his mate close so that he could cry into him for a moment before pulling himself together and hissing, " Damn bastard. Don't ever say shit like that to me ever again." And glaring at Sesshomaru in the way he loved so very much.

Sesshomaru's eyes so very soft. Golden. Like every sunrise Inuyasha had ever seen. And for just a moment, he was afraid of death.

If only because he wouldn't be seeing those eyes ever again.

"Get out of here. Both of you. Bastards." He whispered, wiping his eyes just one more time. And whispering under his breath, " I love you. Both of you."

And blushing in painful relief when he heard them whisper, " And we love you. Forever. We'll see you soon."

And turned, hearing a snarl.

The opening suddenly closed. Sesshomaru and Diaozuan were alone once more, and Inuyasha's body lay cooling in bed.

They dropped to their knees. Grabbed each other. And cried into each other's shoulders. Diaozuan's loud and heart-wrenching. Sesshomaru's, silent, with eyes so red it ached to even look at them.

Their markings burning for just a moment as the chain they had to Inuyasha broke.

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Sesshomaru and Diaozuan lived long lives. They saw kingdoms rise and fall. And the Inu No Taisho's words seemed to be correct; Katsu, Ame, and Toshi played a most important part in the shaping of the world of men.

In fact, they changed the future. For it was the Foo-Dog Empire that first began trade, and alliances, with the humans around them, reluctantly. And then the time came that it was clear that the extermination of yokai and Daiyokai alike was at hand, it was their influence that saved many bloodlines of yokai from inevitable destruction.

It was because of them that yokai survived. In Kagome's future, there were none left.

But not so anymore.

They sat quietly on the porch, together. Their children were grown now. They had visited every corner of the globe, seen every beautiful and terrible wonder of the world. Sesshomaru's hair was taking on the same grey as Inuyasha, and Diaozuan's had curious dark grey streaks coming down from their temples. Their eyes lined with ever so faint crow's feet. But looking into their eyes, you could see the toll of time.

"Diaozuan?"

The fox looked at his mate. The purple in his eyes slightly clouded, now. Not the shards of purple they had once been, but no less alluring.

"Hmm?"

"I'm getting tired. I… I think I'd like to go home."

Diaozuan grinned at him. "What? Are you getting senile? We are at home, idiot." And Sesshomaru gave him a hard look before his eyes went back to the sunset in front of them.

"I did not mean this home."

The fox got quiet, then. His tail tangling up with Sesshomaru's thoughtfully. That long beautiful braid of black and white.

"Yeah, you know? I was kinda thinking the same thing." He admitted after a minute, and set his hand over Sesshomaru's. Their hands were wrinkled now, veined. Diaozuan laced their fingers together and gave a tight squeeze.

"You wanna go together? I don't wanna go without you."

Sesshomaru nodded. " Yes." And blinked the tears from his eyes.

In the morning, the new Lord of the West found them together. Laying in bed as if they were sleeping, their arms around each other. And the Tetseiga pierced into the floor, standing straight and tall and ringing slightly.

The light of the fading sun glinting off of the handle.

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Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Diaozuan fought Inukimi back with all their strength. Time was different in this place; there was no passage of time. They didn't really feel tireness or pain n the same way; each blow was more of an adrenaline rush than anything.

And just as promised, they made sure every one of their babies passed through the doors safely. And the moment Akane went through the door she was supposed to go in, something changed.

Inukimi froze, suddenly. Shrinking back down to her human form, looking dazed.

The three mates felt it, too; something had changed.

And, for the very first time since Inuyasha had been down there, a door opened. It's glow was a light blue. And it called to them so strongly he had nearly staggered into it without question.

Inyasha glanced nervously back at the other two. " Is… is this one for us?"

Sesshomaru nodded, his yellow eyes narrowing. " I can feel it calling me." And looked to Diaozuan, who nodded, " Me too."

He then glanced over. Another, different door had opened for Inukimi. The light behind it a strange grey. She glanced at her son, and just for a moment, he thought he saw… the person she used to be. Cool, yes, but… teasing. And kind. And… and then the door shut.

Inuyasha sheathed his sword, looking at it suspiciously. He couldn't see anything inside it, and it was freaking him out.

It felt like… once he went in, that'd be it. Forever. He wouldn't be Inuyasha anymore, that's for sure.

"Makes me nervous." The Daiyokai nodded, taking Inuyasha's hand lightly. " Let's go in together than. Yes?"

They were a line; Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and Diaozuan.

"I'm scared." Diaozuan whispered.

"Yeah. Me too." Inuyasha muttered. But there was nothing left to be done.

And he nodded, taking a deep breath and stepping over the line. And as his yellow eyes widened, the door shut quietly behind them.

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Tokyo, modern day

Shigeru- meaning lush, luxuriant

Itsuki- tree

Daichi- great wisdom, tree, intellect

It was a curious world.

A world where Daiyokai, yokai, and humans lived in relative harmony. Some yokai chose to hid their demonic features, while others flaunted them. Some came from respectable bloodlines, sometimes living up to five hundred years. Others came from blood so diluted it was nothing more than a hint of yellow in their eyes that betrayed their heritage.

Legend said that souls that were meant to be together, would find each other. Their past lives blooming from a single touch; the couple remembering who they'd been in their last lives. This applied to both humans and yokai.

When such souls found each other, they were referred to as the Kindred Ones. Or Kindred's, for short. Their relationships were enviable; solid as rock. Once found, they usually stayed together until their death.

Shigeru came from a good Foo-Dog bloodline. His mother owned a retail company and made ridiculous amounts of money. He had a crescent moon on his forehead; long, silver-blond hair, and eyes as yellow as acid. When he was sixteen he'd moved out; unable to deal with her anymore. Starting college, a protégée in more ways than one. He was 'eighteen' now; about a hundred by human standards.

Heads turned wherever he went. Women and men threw themselves at him, but he cared not. Remaining cold and aloof and indifferent. Searching for something with an intense passion. What, he did not know. His instincts telling him only that there was something he needed to find, something important that had been lost to him.

Between classes, he wandered. A museum close by often catching his interest.

There was a museum of Daiyoki and yokai history. Preserved armor, swords, pelts, and the like. He liked to walk there; it was quiet. And it gave him time to admire the craftsmanship of the old masters. The likes of which probably would never be seen again.

And at the center of the museum was their pride and joy; a tree.

A magnolia tree.

Its leaves beautiful fat diamonds.

Shigeru pressed his hand to the glass. His perfectly manicured claws glittering. It almost looked like his hand fit the mark on the tree. But, he was too far away to tell for sure.

As long as any part of me exists

In any form

I will remember you. And so will this place.

Shigeru's head ached suddenly, and he winced. Who has he said that to? He'd tried so hard to remember.

No one knew exactly how the hell it had survived all these years. Or how it was created. There was no good way to study it- every time they shaved a piece of bark, or plucked a bud, it shriveled and died. But from what they could tell, a strong demon's venom lived inside it. Giving the tree unnaturally long life.

And somehow, manipulating the DNA of the tree so that it sprouted diamonds instead of leaves.

It was particularly beautiful this time of year; the sunlight came down through the skylight in such a way that it cast rainbows all around the museum. It was almost five; they'd be closing up soon.

He went to get a coffee. Ignoring the strange pull he felt to the swords as he always did. Especially the one they referred to as the Tenseiga. He was wearing black pants and shoes, and a hoodie with a red pattern over the left shoulder and sleeve.

His mother would have never let him get away with such riff-raff. But… he was irresistibly drawn to the comfort and versatility of a hoodie. Cold? Pull the sleeves down for instant gloves. Raining? Hood. No blanket? Loop hoodie over feet.

The barista smirked a little when he saw the Foo-Dog. Shigeru was more than a regular, and he always ordered the same thing. He seemed like kinda a high- maintenance son of a bitch, but that had never stopped Daichi from flirting before.

"Hey beautiful. The usual I'm guessing?" The fox hanyou smirked. Glittering purple eyes meeting yellow for just a moment before tossing the used beans, and dumping in fresh. A pair of large black fox ears on his head flicking forward for a moment with interest before resting.

"Obviously." Shigeru muttered, his three-foot tail bristling slightly at the way the fox addressed him. He didn't like it. Hell, he didn't even like this particular barista.

But he did love his coffee, and only this one stupid barista seemed to make it the way he liked it. So, he sucked it up.

"How are your finals going? All the other yokai are bent outta shape about it; every drink I've served today had at least three shots in it." Daichi murmured, getting the other machine whipping up the foam properly.

"Fine. Unlike them, I've allotted the proper amount of time to studying. I should be surprised if I do not make the top ten in every class." The Foo Dog murmured, paying with a sleek black credit card. Carefully swiping the card and tucking it back into a silver wallet.

"Mm, well. You're lucky. My stupid roommate is waiting until the day before to study. I keep trying to talk her out of it, but she insists that everything will be okay. And her jock wolf boyfriend agrees with her."

Shigeru wrinkled his nose slightly.

"Human, I'm guessing."

"Yep. You know how it is." Daichi's gaze drifted to the tree. " It's beautiful right? I wish it'd been recorded who the hell made it. It feels… familiar to me somehow. You know? Like maybe the Daiyokai who did it was someone I used to know."

The Foo-Dog scoffed, "Doubtful. The Foo-Dog and Fox clans were mortal enemies for hundreds of years."

Daichi shrugged, " I mean, I think the last few hundred they were friends. Besides… Humans and yokai were mortal enemies for hundreds of years too, and we're still alive, so."

A machine beeped, and the fox handed him his coffee. A non fat, low foam, double-shot with a half-shot of caramel.

"By the way. I'm off at five thirty if you wanna go out for lunch sometime. I'll pay."

Shigeru sighed, " You get points for persistence, hanyou. But no thank you." Being careful not to touch the other man's hands as he took his coffee. He didn't know why, but he felt… something. A pull. A familiarity. And he did not like it.

So he wouldn't risk touching that skin.

"All right. Goodbye my beautiful orchid~" The fox teased, little black tail giving a wag. The Foo-Dog felt a blush rise in his short, pointed ears as the others in line giggled softly. Sipping his coffee to hide his embarrassment.

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It had started to rain.

Shigeru was crossing a bridge. Below, the water churned, cold and black and terrifying. He growled and pulled his hood up, holding his precious coffee closer to his body and praying rain wouldn't slip through the opening in the lid.

He passed another Foo-Dog yokai on his way. It was a little odd; she didn't have an umbrella or anything, and was just staring down at the water quietly, arms crossed. Jeans, a red tee shirt. Not even a waterproof jacket.

Something's wrong.

Shigeru's yokai said quietly. He shrugged it off and got to the other side of the bridge, looking back. Assuming she'd moved on.

Nervous seeing her still there, his tail twitching. He was by no means a charitable Foo-Dog. But his instincts had never really flared up like this before. It was strange.

She's going to do something bad.

He backtracked, feeling just as nervous. What if someone thought he was stalking her? What if she freaked out and ran? But she didn't even seem to notice him until he cleared his throat.

"Hey. Are you all right. Do you need me to walk you somewhere."

The female looked up at him. She had bright yellow eyes; round, and almost doe-like. Her hair was almost pure white, and two triangle ears sat at the top. He could see goosebumps on every inch of her skin. Small claws.

"I don't… I don't have anywhere to go." She muttered under her breath, snarling a little. He could see her little fangs.

Shigeru looked around. It was so damn late… everything was closed. Should he drop her off at a homeless shelter? He didn't even know where it was. And that wasn't much better than leaving her out here.

"I can- you can stay with me. If you want. Just for tonight."

She glared at him with suspicion and he looked indifferent, "Or you can stay out here, and die of hypothermia. I don't really care."

"How can I trust you?" He shrugged, "You cannot. But it is a two bedroom, with a lock on each bedroom door. A better alternative than staying out here. Or sleeping next to bunch of crackheads at the homeless shelter."

She weighed her options. Wincing at a throb of pain in her abdomen. And after a moment, straightened. Following the other Foo-Dog back to his apartment.

Shigeru explained the layout of his house with the same cool indifference he'd offered her to stay.

"Bedrooms are down this way, and there's two bathrooms. Mine's in my room. You can use this one." He tapped on a door in the hallway. " This has fresh blankets and towels. And… I suppose you can borrow some of my clothing while yours dries out. Unless you actually do want to catch hypothermia."

She shook her head a little. Her eyes tired and glazed.

"What's your name."

The female Foo-Dog winced a little.

"Ah, sorry, It's Itsuki."

"Shigeru."

"Thank you. Can I…shower?" He nodded. " I'm going to bed. If there's anything else you need, tell me before my nine am class tomorrow. Otherwise, you're free to leave tomorrow whenever you want."

She nodded weakly, feeling like she was going to cry. How long had it been since she'd had a nice warm shower? A nice bed? She didn't even fucking remember.

He paused, seeing her trembling.

"You… okay?"

"M' fine." She muttered. And went to go take her shower. Locking the door to her bedroom and sleeping so hard that she missed Shigeru's nine am curfew by some hours.

The pain woke her up, flooding up her back and down her legs.

"Shit. Shit!" She jumped up, but the bed was already ruined with blood.

Damn it.

I suppose I should be grateful.

She staggered to the bathroom, washing herself off in the shower with shaking hands before settling down on the toilet and waiting for the pain to ease. Her vision blurry and her heartbeat pounding in her ears.

It's better this way. I didn't want it. I couldn't never take care of it.

But for some inexplicable reason, she was still sad about the miscarriage.

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Weeks passed.

Shigeru had smelled the miscarriage the minute he'd come home, and taken Itsuki to the hospital despite her protests. She was pretty dehydrated and dizzy, but after a few hours, they sent her home for bed rest.

Shigeru let her stay, on the condition that she get a job within six months. Just yesterday she'd been well enough to go to an interview, and was hired immediately.

Shigeru went to the museum after classes, and got his coffee like usual. This time though, he finally relented.

"If I let you take me out for dinner, you will never ask me out again."

The fox lifted a hand to his temple, saluting. "Scout's honor, my love." That caused his fur to chafe even more.

"And you will stop with those ridiculous pet names."

The black fox paused at that. " Mm. I don't think I can promise that one. Sorry." Daichi's little grin making the Foo-Dog even more pissed off. Well, at least he was honest.

"I'll see you at five thirty." The Foo-Dog hissed.

He was pleasantly surprised to find that the fox took him to a fairly nice restaurant. Lowly lit, with plush little seats. The food was good, as was the sake. And… the fox was more interesting than Shigeru wanted to give him credit for. He was having a nice time.

He felt… relaxed and comfortable. As if he'd known the fox from somewhere before.

Daichi rested his tan hand, palm up on the table. "All right, there's one more thing you gotta do before I letcha off the hook forever."

Shigeru growled, "That was not a part of the agreement." Already knowing what he was going to ask.

"C'mon. You know you wanna." The fox goaded, wriggling his little clawed fingers.

" I've felt a pull to you all night. If I'm wrong, It'll be nothing. What are you, scared?"

The Foo-Dog's tail bristled, " I am no such thing-" grabbing that clawed hand angrily.

Both yokai gasping as memories flooded them. Their old life. The Foo-Dog Palace. Inuyasha. Katsu and Ame and Toshi. All of flicking by so fast.

Leaving them panting and shocked. Staring at each other and standing slowly.

"Sesshomaru!"

"Diaozuan-"

They fell into each others arms and hugged so tightly, then. Tears of relief down both of their faces. The fox hiccuping, " I missed you, I missed you so much! Fuck. I never thought I'd find you again, my beautiful, oh god-"

Sesshomaru; yes, that was his name. His real name. His true name; rubbed Diao's back gently and nuzzled his cheek. A stupidly wide grin on the normally expressionless face.

"My heart. You've finally returned to me. After all this time." He was vaguely aware of the curious looks they were getting. Some envious.
It was a beautiful thing, to find your Kindred One.

Diaozuan paid the check, and they left. Taking a long walk before finally returning to Sesshomaru's apartment around nine. They snuggled up together, putting on a movie but mostly chatting. Exited. Thrilled. There was nothing holding them back, now that they had each other.

Itsuki came home around nine thirty. It was a swing shift that started around one in the afternoon. Which was okay with her actually. She wasn't much of a morning person.

She was surprised to find Shigeru cuddled up to a fox on the couch. He'd never struck her as a particularly cuddly person; quite the opposite.

"Huh. Whose the new friend, Shigeru?" She asked. Feeling a strange twinge of jealousy. So what if she'd developed a crush on her roommate. Who cared! Not her!

"He's not my friend. We're Kindred. Can you believe it?" The fox piped up enthusiastically, his little tail wagging and slapping the couch. Sesshomaru sat beside him, watching his Kindred one's enthusiasm with amusement.

She paused, then finished hanging up her coat. "O-oh. Well. Cool. I'd better head off to bed, then." She murmured, ears slicked back. Ah. Too bad.

Sesshomaru offered, "You sure? I made you ramen. I know you like to eat something before bed." And her gaze wandered hungrily to the kitchen. Sure enough, the smell of the wonderful salty noodles filled her nose.

She drained the noodles and joined the two, sitting beside Sesshomaru.

"Well. So what are your true names then?" She said, slurping down a bit of noodles.

"Oh,-"

"I'm-" Sesshomaru paused and huffed. His eyes were so soft. Softer than she'd ever seen them.

"This is Diaozuan. I am Sesshomaru. We have… kind of an interesting history, but it's a shame because we haven't found Inuyasha yet-" Itsuki paused, a painful twinge shooting across her temple. "Ow." She frowned, rubbing that spot. The other two looking at her in concern.

"S-sorry. It's just, that sounds really familiar. But it's stupid, because I've never heard that name before." She murmured, her ears perking and then flattening uncertainly. They shared a strange look between them, and after a moment, Sesshomaru reached a clawed hand out to her.

"Would you mind holding my hand? Just for a moment." She reached out.

Paused.

And then gently, her tanned hand took his. His skin was warm and smooth.

Soon, all three of them were crying like fools. Yet each had a wide smile on their face.

"I didn't – you know, I've felt like something was missing this whole time, but I thought it was something stupid like, my cell phone or my keys or-" Inuyasha was laughing, wiping her face with the red sleeve of her sweater.

Diaozuan was laughing too, and purred affectionately, " I know, right? I didn't think it was anything important- now, get in here, you stupid hoe." Pointing between himself and Sesshomaru. Inuyasha crawled in with a snarled, "Don't be rude, it's not my fault I got reincarnated as a fuckin' girl- It should'a been you, mister I want a billion kids-" and wriggled, settling in.

Diaozuan shrugged, "I mean, I'm surprised too. I guess maybe I lost that privilege."

Both yokai wrapping their arms and tails around her, but also around each other. A big, warm pile of weak laughs and drying tears and of love.

" I love you. Ass." That was Inuyasha, to Diaozuan.

"No, I love you. Bitch." The fox whispered back.

Sesshomaru gave a sigh. " Ladies. Stop fighting at once."

More giggles.

All three nuzzled into each other.

And as the rain pounded on the window, a new chapter in their life began.

The End

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Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed this! I hope you enjoyed it. Sorry the ending came so soon, but it was an ending I envisioned for a while.

I have one more story going right now; a Sesshomaru x koga fic. If you're interested, please check it out. And thanks again!

Special thanks to: Kirychan1226, DMaduks, EatEmUp, Empress Tatiana, Smiles, Kibou32,No Fan of Kikyo, and everyone else who reviewed.