Epilogue

Somehow, Inuyasha avoided being killed that night. He learned to stay awake at night and sleep during the day when it was safer. There were times he had been chased by large demons at night, but they were never ones he couldn't out run or even take on by himself. It wasn't easy fighting as a child, but the demons that came after him were never larger or more powerful than he could handle. Some nights when he was still young he would give into the habit of sleeping at night. Strangely, he was never disturbed. It was as though something was keeping them away until he was strong enough to handle them on his own.

He didn't live in luxury, but he never went hungry or cold in the Western Lands. He stayed in these lands roaming wherever he pleased and doing what he pleased. He became more calloused, and less trusting, and most of all accustomed to being on his own. Yet, through it all he retained his hope of a better life. He kept the memories of his mother close to his heart and the warmth of her arms with him when he was cold.

Lord Sesshomaru had quelled the rebellion and through his decisive and clever action. He thought deeply and often about the swords his father bequeathed to his brother and him. He spent many years questioning himself, his power, his place in his parent's eyes.

He would admit to no more than curiosity about his brother's whereabouts, but his servants would tell you another story. The thought of Inuyasha brought out so many feelings in Sesshomaru, ones that burned deeply. Inuyasha would always be that frightened child. The child who stole his father's affections away from him. The child who helped him root out the rebels. The brother he hated. The brother he…no, that's not a factor for a demon to consider.

"Someday, Inuyasha, you will be a worthy opponent. Our battles will be bitter, but I assure you that I, Sesshomaru will be the one to kill you. No one else. "