Lost but not Forgotten

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By: Nuali Aikyo

Prologue

The girl was a cute little bundle with her tiny little claws and fangs, her pale skin, her small mop of soft ebony-blue locks, her tiny blue-black ears and her pretty little kimono of palest lavender. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha peered into the mass of cushions cradling the first daughter of their father's greatest friend, Kazuhiro-sama of the Hikari Clan, the minor lord of the southern western lands.

"She's tiny still!" Inuyasha, who was only a hundred fifty-three, exclaimed as he gently poked the little hime with a claw. The girl squirmed and gave a small gurgle of distaste before her pretty little lashes fluttered open. Eyes wide and bright and the color of her kimono roamed over the young prince's face as he stared at her hoping she wouldn't start bawling. The little three year old hime squirmed, rolled over the cushion, and landed with a soft expelled breath on her stomach. She pushed herself onto her feet and promptly fell over onto her bottom. Inuyasha laughed as her tiny ears twitched in annoyance. She looked up at Inuyasha and gave a big smile. "Oniichan!" She cried as one little hand grabbed his firerat robe. She used him as leverage and he helped her stand up. She only came up to his knees! Inuyasha ruffled her hair as she gave a giggle. "Hey there. Can you walk yet?" The girl pushed away from him, took three wobbly steps and then fell forward. She'd tripped on her kimono hem. Sesshomaru watched in amusement as his little hanyou brother helped the hanyou hime to her feet once more. Sesshomaru was proud of his little brother, even if he didn't always show it. The two hundred seventy-five year old prince of the moon gave the hanyou duo a small smile. It was during these times, when peace reigned, that he appreciated life all the more. That and watching the little hime try so hard to follow Inuyasha as the young prince instructed her on walking was infinitely amusing.

"She's perfect Machi-chan! She sure does take after you in looks doesn't she?" Izayoi, ningen Lady of the Western Lands, said to Kazuhiro's ningen mate. Machi smiled prettily at the compliment from her dear friend.

"Hai Machi-chan, your little hime looks like a porcelain doll." Izumi grinned as another thought entered her mind. "Oh look at Inuyasha-kun! He seems to be getting along with her well! Perhaps we could arrange something between them eh?" Machi and Izayoi giggled at the youkai Lady of the Western Lands. Izumi was such a matchmaker.

"Oh look at Sesshou-kun, he seems very relaxed doesn't he Izumi-chan?" Izayoi noted happily. Sesshomaru was decades older than her true but she felt that he like Izumi his mother, were part of her family, the family she gained when the Inu no Taisho marked her with his poisonous bite. Izayoi allowed a small smile to grace her face as Sesshomaru smirked at Inuyasha's attempts to teach the girl the art of ignoring your kimono hem and walking properly. Sumire was three true but she was also hanyou. Inuyasha though was around eleven or twelve in human years so it was only natural. Sesshomaru was exhibiting normal teen behavior of course as he softly teased his brother, telling him he'd never make a good general if he couldn't even get a baby to listen to him. Inuyasha turned and shook his fist at his older brother before giving a playful yelp. The little hime had tripped and dragged him down as well.

"Are we interrupting Machi-chan?" Machi turned to find not only their lords but her half-sister Kiyoko along with her daughters Aemi and Kagome and her husband Tsuneharu.

"Of course you are not Kiyoko-san." Kazuhiro spoke as he was bowed to by the ningen. "My mate's pack is always welcomed in Mikazuki Castle." Kiyoko laughed and nodded bowing again before setting Kagome down on her feet. The little hime turned as familiar scents tickled her untrained nose. She swayed but remained standing and she let out a squeal of delight.

"Ami! Kome!" The little hime giggled as she stumbled to the ningen hime who ran swiftly to their cousin.

"Suzu!" Izayoi laughed at the display of affection the girls already had. Then she turned to Machi. "You named her Suzu?" Machi shook her head as her mate sat down next to the Inu no Taisho and beside her.

"No, we decided to call her Sumire, after my favorite blossom." Machi felt a nose nuzzling her neck and giggled girlishly. "Kaz…" She chided softly. Her mate just growled at her softly making her giggle again.

"Sumire…" The Inu no Taisho repeated it slowly as if testing it. He shut his eyes and nodded to himself. "A fine name for a hime of the Hikari House." Kazuhiro smiled. He looked up to the Inu no Taisho not only as a great lord but as a brother as well. It meant the world to the kuro inuyoukai that his lord accepted his first pup.

Unaware of the adults the pups were now greeting each other. Inuyasha had retreated to Sesshomaru's side when Aemi and Kagome had shown up, his pout clearly stating he feared his fun ruined. But he was pleasantly surprised when Sumire tugged Kagome and Aemi's hand and pulled them over to the brothers. Sesshomaru stiffened for a fraction of a second. His brother might be half human, his step-mother might be ningen, but he wasn't used to ningen that much. Most of the servants, the ones he saw at least, were youkai. However he relaxed when the little hanyou hime gave him one of her baby eyed smiles. He was getting used to her aura the longer he sat on his cushion, observing the potential mate before him. He knew his father thought to mate this little hime into the family some day in the future. Kazuhiro was powerful, as powerful as a youkai could get without being born into the noble Tai bloodlines, so the issue of the girl being a hanyou was not so much an issue as a quirk of fate. Sesshomaru eyed the baby girl who was staring up at the ningen hime with rapt eyes and smirked. This girl would be trouble for him, he could tell as Inuyasha scooted closer to the girl. Inuyasha's manner was that of an older brother, so mating him to the girl was going to be out of the question unless they were separated for long periods. Sesshomaru knew this would not happen, his father cared for Kazuhiro as Sesshomaru cared for Inuyasha. So he was to be his father's likely candidate.

"Hiya! I'm Aemi. This is Kagome! Was your names?" Aemi asked the youkai boys in front of her. The six and five year olds didn't fear them as others would, their miko blood told them these beings meant no harm and besides they spent plenty of time with their Kazuhiro-Ojichan and Suzu-kun to fear hanyous or youkai. They were cautious of course but not fearful.

"I'm Inuyasha. This is my Oniisama Sesshoumaru." Inuyasha replied taking an immediate liking to these girls. They seemed like good friends for his little hanyou 'sister'. "Why're you here?"

"Our Ojichan and Obachan live here silly!" Kagome replied giggling as Sumire attacked her playfully. "Wah! Suzu-chan! Eyah!" Sumire giggled as Kagome began tickling her.

"Uwah! Ami!" Sumire gurgled before she was released. Aemi laughed and joined in before turning to Inuyasha. "Wanna play tag!?" Inuyasha nodded and the two began chasing each other. Kagome kissed Sumire's forehead before joining in. The adults laughed. Oh the possibilities….

Sumire rolled over onto her back and looked up to find a pair of golden eyes on her. She was curious about this big boy. He had pretty things on his face and forehead. She rolled onto her stomach and then pushed herself up to walk over and plop down in front of him. He tilted his head to the side. Sumire liked his pretty hair. It looked soft and like the snow her father had shown her the week prior. "Pretty!" She leaned forward and grasped a bunch in her tiny hand and then rubbed her cheek in it. She liked this boy too. He smelled nice and he was always giving her a little smile when she was playing with Inuyasha. "Uwah soft!" She giggled as she let his hair fall to his side once more. Then she pushed herself to her feet again as she recognized her father's growl. He wanted her to go to his side and who was she to deny that growl, the very same growl she remembered from very long ago when the world was all darkness and warmth and fluid sleep?

Sesshomaru watched her wobble her way to her father's side. He unconsciously winced the two times she fell onto the floor only to get up and try again. He surreptitiously lifted the lock of hair she'd grasped and smelled it. Cinnamon and lily assaulted his fine nose and he smiled. She would be big trouble for him.

Seven Years Later…

Sesshomaru and Inuyasha sparred out in the dojo. They enjoyed challenging each other and even though 2 out of every 3 times Inuyasha lost, he loved learning from his older brother.

"Hah, had enough yet Sesshou!" Inuyasha asked even as he was the one leaning on the katana.

"I should be asking that question Otouto." Inuyasha grimaced. He loved his brother and all but he hated the bastard's cocky arrogant personality.

"Oh yeah! Get ready for my comeback!" Inuyasha lunged forward, swung and missed. Sesshomaru had jumped away from harm at the last second. "Damn!"

"Boys!" The brothers turned to their father. The Inu no Taisho, Touga-sama, stood there eyeing them with pride and amusement. Unlike other half-siblings his Sesshou and Inuyasha got along great together. He knew he never had to worry if for some reason, he died and left them alone. They'd stick together, protect and care for their mothers, and rule over the West with an iron fist. Hell, once Inuyasha was truly matured the three of them could conquer all of Japan! Touga chuckled at his thoughts. "Come. I have a surprise." The boys sheathed their practice katanas and followed their father obediently. Touga led them into one of the large gardens and a little streak of white and lavender barreled into his legs.

"OJISAMA!" The little cannonball was a young child. About ten or so with long ebony-blue hair and twitching blue-black ears. Her eyes are like amethysts and she turned to the others behind the Inu no Taisho. Her little pink lips curved into a beautiful smile. "ONIISAMA!! SESSHOU-SAMA!" Sumire ran to them and glomped one then the other. Sesshomaru pat her head then gave her back to Inuyasha who was ecstatic. They hadn't seen the pup for five years! He'd missed his little hanyou sister. He spun her around and around until Sumire gasped for breath. Then he plopped right down and hugged her tightly as Sumire began babbling about her trip to the mainland with her father and mother.

"Jeez don't we feel loved!" Inuyasha looked up to find Sesshomaru being embraced by his aunt on his father's side. She hadn't spoken however. It was his cousin Ryousei. And next to him stood the twins Ayumi and Asano.

"Oops!" Inuyasha set Sumire down with a kiss on her forehead before greeting his aunt and uncle and cousins. Sumire giggled as Inuyasha received a soft scolding from his aunt for ignoring them.

"And who's the runt eh? Ojichan wasn't saying much!" Ryousei was a few years younger than Sesshomaru but was closer to Inuyasha in age and maturity.

"I ain't a runt!" Sumire pouted causing a little laugh from all the adults. She shot up to her feet and pranced right over to the older boy and poked him in the chest as she had gotten in the habit for doing from her cousins Aemi and Kagome. "I'm just small cuz I'm only ten! And the name's Sumire!" She then turned away and plopped down beside her mother inwardly whimpering over her shot pride. Machi ran a hand through her long ebony hair.

"You know Touga-san, we can always come back some other time…" Machi began feeling out of place among all these demons without her mate.

"No!" Inuyasha was instantly by her side and grabbing Sumire tightly. "You just got here!" He whined not caring if he was acting childish or if everyone thought him foolish. Sumire was the only other hanyou he knew and he'd missed his little sister.

"Aw Mama do we hafta go!" Sumire cried as she clung to Inuyasha and snuggled into his lap. She gave a happy sigh to be held by her brother again and gave a baby eyed smile. Those baby eyed smiles were unique only to Sumire. Her eyes sparkled as if filling with tears but her mouth curled into a bright open hearted smile. Baby eyes. "I haven't gotten to say hi to everyone yet! And Papa told me he'd be back soon!"

"There is that and I wouldn't dare let you leave Machi-chan! What would Kazuhiro do to me if his mate were not here when he returned?" Touga placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're always welcomed here Machi, you and Sumire-kun." Machi felt the truth of those words and thanked him with a small nod and smile. "Now then for introductions, Machi, this is my sister Hinako and her mate Ryousuke. These are their pups, Ryousei, Ayumi and Asano." The pups bowed while the adults nodded formally. Machi did as well.

"Are you truly mated to Kazuhiro-sama, Machi-san?" Ayumi asked and when Machi nodded she gave a sigh. "Oh well." Machi caught the amused looks on everyone's faces and then gave a laugh. Ayumi had a crush on her mate! How cute!

"Uweh?" Sumire asked when laughter arose around them. Sumire had been busy telling Inuyasha about a place called Italy and the city they'd visited called Florence. "Waz so funny?" She asked Inuyasha as Machi was dragged into a conversation with Hinako and the Ladies of the West.

"I dunno." Inuyasha replied ruffling her hair. "Hey, you know how to wield anything yet?" Sumire nodded and bounded to her feet, her hyper energy getting the best of her once more.

"Uh-huh! Papa is showing me to use katanas! Oh and guess what I found out! Guess!" Inuyasha took in the sight of her and noticed she had an odd mark at the corner of one eye like her mother. What had Machi called it? The Tears of Murasaki? Yes, the beautiful vines curling from the corner of the eye and wrapping slightly around three small teardrops. It was a sign of very powerful sorceresses she'd said. Then his eyes widened. "You're a sorceress!?" He asked surprised."

"It is in the pup's aura Inuyasha." Sesshomaru had settled down next to his brother and Ryousei had joined them as well as the males talked and the females all gathered together chatting as if they'd been friends forever.

"Huh? It is?" Sumire asked at the same moment as Inuyasha.

"Hai pups." Ryousei said teasing Inuyasha. Inuyasha stuck out his tongue and Ryousei rolled his eyes. "That just proves my point. Anyways, yeah it's in your aura. And your scent. When a demon is more than a demon it shows. Same for hanyous." Ryousei nodded sagely before being tackled. "Hey get off me Inuyasha!" Inuyasha just nipped him playfully and Ryousei gave a growl before the two were engaged in a friendly spar.

Sumire watched with a smile then gasped as strong hands grabbed her waist and pulled her into a new lap. She tilted her head back and smiled as Sesshomaru's golden gaze met her own. She turned a little and snuggled into the older boy. She sighed as she continued to hear the sounds of Ryousei and Inuyasha trying to kill each other. "I missed Sesshou-sama." She whispered and clung to his haori. "I didn't have anyone who would tell me everything and it made me sad."

"So you will not be leaving any time soon ne?" Sesshomaru asked, pleased when she shook her head.

"Nuh-uh I'll stay with Sesshou-sama next time. I missed you and everybody else." Sesshomaru could see from the corner of his eye the surreptitious looks his family was giving him and Sumire and his mother's knowing smirk but he ignored it. He liked the pup as much as Inuyasha did. She was a bright little soul, someone he felt totally at ease with. His beast gave a contented purr as it took in more of her spicy, lily scent. Sesshomaru wanted pups like Sumire someday. Pups that would be free and wild but who could compose themselves and behave properly whenever the situation arose. He wanted pups who would tell him everything yet understand that he could not move the stars and moon. But like Sumire, he wanted them to gaze upon him as if he could. He ran a hand through her hair and Sumire sighed happily. Her trip home was catching up with her and she was relaxing now that Inuyasha's energetic presence was removed. "Sesshou-sama, why doesn't Papa like it when others aside from you all touch me?" Sumire asked suddenly wrinkling her nose in thought as she peered up at him. Her back was to the adults and so she didn't notice the looks they were getting.

"Who touched you?" Sesshomaru growled a soft growl of annoyance. "what did he do?" Sumire's face smoothed and she met his eyes seriously. This was what he liked best about Sumire. She knew so much even though she was only ten and yet maybe it was because she was aging as a ningen as did all hanyous and some youkai. Sesshomaru himself had aged yearly until he hit thirteen. He'd been like that until he passed his hundredth birthday and aged a little more since then. Or maybe it was just because of him. Yes it was a bit conceited to think that way but Sesshomaru was the only one who allowed Sumire to grow in his presence. He told her the truth to everything and never ever said she was too young to understand.

"Some youkai in Florence. He offered me a bit of sweets and then pat my head and kissed my cheek." Sumire frowned then. "I didn't know him but he seemed nice enough so I let him. He told me stories about when he was a pup! Well he was a leopard but you know. Anyways when Papa found us he growled at the youkai and the youkai growled back. They must've fought, I dunno for sure Mama took me away, but Papa came back a little dirty and bleeding. Then he said I couldn't let strangers, especially males, touch me or anything. Why not? The male was very nice and he didn't hurt me. I don't understand." Sesshomaru ran his hand through her hair again and felt the girl relax.

"Males might try to harm you Sumire. You are a female, and soon you will be older, and males will see you in a different way. Sometimes males attach themselves to a female even when she is very young because of scents. The male might have thought of taking you away from your family and wait until you were old enough to mate you." Sesshomaru paused in his whispered explanation to analyze himself. He felt…anger at the male and fierce protectiveness for Sumire. He would study his reactions later. "Do you understand Sumire?"

"All except that last bit. Mate me? What d'you mean?" Sumire met his eyes and saw amusement and regret. She knew he regretted telling her things she didn't yet understand, and that sometimes he wished to never tell her the truth at all, but he was an honorable male, her Sesshou-sama was. He would tell her the truth, wouldn't he?

"I will explain some other time Sumire. It is a very long explanation." Sumire nodded, satisfied, and snuggled into Sesshomaru, her body finally falling into Sleep's caressing embrace. Sesshomaru breathed in her scent and the spiciness tickled his nose while the scent of lilies soothed the spices' effect. He liked her scent. He liked everything about his little hanyou hime.

It wasn't until several hours later, when he finally lay in his own bed, that he realized he'd thought of Sumire as his. He turned to his side and peered at the wall. Across that wall and in the other room slumbered Sumire with his brother, the two having stayed up way too late and now resting peacefully. He gave a smirk. Well sooner or later it was bound to happen. He felt attached to the girl. He himself could not name in what manner or for what reasons but he felt bound to her. To protect and encourage her, to guide her as she began to mature. He gave an unconscious growl that was heard by his father in his rooms. Touga smirked as he tilted his head to the side and listened to the growl. Well, it had worked. Sesshomaru had just claimed the girl as his. His to protect. His to care for. His.

Good thing, Touga thought, for I know he will never choose a stupid bauble for a mate. This is the first step towards my little scheme.

"What has my lord in such a good mood?" Izayoi asked gazing up at her mate as he settled in beside her. He alternated between Izumi and Izayoi, and sometimes he enjoyed the pleasure of sleeping with both…

"Sesshomaru's growl just now. It said quite clearly he was considering Sumire as a possible mate." Izayoi looked up at him with a smirk.

"She's a little young don't you think?" Izayoi asked as Touga licked his lips. Izayoi had entered a heat cycle.

"You were only fifteen when I took you Izayoi." Izayoi blushed furiously but it faded into a more natural flush as Touga began to kiss her.

"Hmm…you have a point I guess…" Izayoi's other words were smothered as her mate began to pleasure her.

Sesshomaru was blissfully unaware of the fact that his father had heard his growl. All he knew was that now he knew where he stood with the little hime. Inuyasha might be her Oniisama but from this day forth Sesshomaru would be there, watching over her and keeping her safe.

Chapter One: Home Again

Seven Years Later…

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Tokyo, Japan, Modern Day

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A violet-eyed young woman sat under Goshinboku, her head tipped to the side. With the warm spring sun reaching through the tree branches and warming her face she was content sitting where she was. She was content and yet horribly restless. There was a burning need to move, to run and jump, to dash and touch, to feel alive. Her breath filled her lungs and blew her bangs about showing her she was still breathing but she didn't feel alive. She felt like a lump of clay, uselessly sitting on the table waiting for her sculptor to mold her. She sighed, there she went along thinking poetically again. Her mother was right, this was not healthy. She needed to do something. Find a job… the tiny voice in her head suggested. She blinked then smacked her forehead as this obvious solution came into mind. The voice she trusted beyond reason. It wasn't logic or instinct or anything, no the voice in her mind was herself. She knew this and so she rose fluidly to her feet, her eyes set on the Sunset Shrine house. The two story building stood innocently waiting for it's occupants to return from their daily routines. Souta from school, Kiyoko-Obachan from the market, Jii-chan from his friend's home, Okaasan from her work, Otousan from his business meeting, and Kagome from her duty in the Sengoku Jidai Era. Sumire sighed as she turned and waved at Buyo who gave a very soft growl of warning.

Once she'd descended the steps she stopped for a moment and decided her direction. She'd head for the busier part of town, she'd look for a job somewhere nice. She was seventeen and already she'd graduated from high school. She'd studied abroad for the past two years and had been promoted in grades. She could find a nice job to tide her over, hell she could use the extra cash. Yes, heading towards the business district sounded good.

Something's gonna happen today ne? She asked herself as she stood at the first crosswalk.

Hai…something wonderful… Her inner voice said in a soft sigh. She giggled as she walked forward. She was wearing a school uniform she'd borrowed from Kagome and when she giggled the people around her had smiled. She looked so cute and innocent!

She was walking along minding her own business when suddenly she stopped in front of a café. Something was tugging her to go inside. Should I? She wondered. Yes…my instincts have never been wrong before! She checked to make sure she had some money for something to drink then she went inside happily humming a song from the radio.

Today would be the day things began to spin out of her control.

She went up to the counter and smiled at the maternal woman sitting there. Her smile lit up the woman's day. She'd been dealing with total snobs today and she was so sick of them! "Well hello honey, what can I get ya?" The woman glanced at the clock then clucked her tongue. "Hey honey, ain't ya supposed to be in school?"

"I graduated already ma'am. I just like wearing the uniform." The woman laughed a little then slapped the counter lightly. "So what can I get ya honey?"

"A caramel frappuccino please. And one of those cinnamon rolls!" The woman smiled kindly. This girl was so cute! The woman got her items and returned to the counter. "Here ya are honey."

"Thanks!" The woman sighed as the girl went to a table by the window. Such a sweet girl…so polite and adorable!

The girl happily settled by the window and gazed out into the busy street. People wandered about on their daily routines, not caring for the monotony. They did it because familiarity is something all humans need to make sense of the world. And yet she herself was sick of it. Normality. It was so droll. She wanted to find a high window and jump out of it just to get a reaction. She wanted an adventure of her own…like her cousin Kagome. She wanted to be swept away into a feudal fairy tale where she was needed and wanted and cared about. She wanted to be useful. That was something she'd longed for since she was a child.

Her longing had only intensified after they all found out she too could travel the well. She had magical blood, she'd found out, and she'd used her powers to aid the Inu-tachi in their quest for two years. But then she'd gotten kidnapped by Naraku. Afterwards, once it was all over she'd just wanted to go home. At home she'd moped around in self-pity for a few days then she'd begged her father to take her with him while he worked abroad in America and then she'd remained there to finish her high school education. The needy feelings had left her as she concentrated on graduating. But now they were back and with more insistence.

Yes she was loved and adored by all whom she cared about. Yes, they'd be distraught without her…but not broken. She wanted a purpose in life. She wanted to be something useful, even for a little while. She shut her eyes as a wistful look of longing portrayed on her beautiful face. Her lips twisted wryly as the sorrow overtook her. Kami, I am so grateful for my loving family…but please, oh please, send me someone who I can help. Make me useful, I wish for a purpose. I've made so many idiotic wishes on stars before dear kami but today I just want a purpose. Her eyes fluttered open and she stared at her half eaten cinnamon roll with unfocused eyes. She shook her head sending a few wisps of unruly hair out of the tight coil in the back of her head. The loose strands curled slightly and caressed her face. She placed her chin in her hand and rolled her eyes blowing a puff of air to get the unruly strands away from her nose. Someone find me please…make me needed…again…

Sumire looked all day but didn't find anything. She returned home around five and wearily marched up the steps. "Suzu!" Sumire's head shot up and a grin split her face.

"Kagome!" Sumire raced up the stairs and into her cousin's arms. Kagome was the sister Sumire always wanted. Kind, smart, feisty, those were the things Sumire had always wanted in a sibling. Kagome was her Oneechan because of that.

"Hey Suzu! I brought someone!" Sumire peeked around her cousin to find a red clad figure sanding at the top step smiling warmly at the embracing pair.

"Inuyasha-Oniisama!" Sumire was released and she raced up the next few steps to embrace the brash but lovable hanyou. "Inuyasha! Wah! I missed you!" Inuyasha chuckled and pat her head before hugging her back tightly.

"Hey. How've you been?" Sumire gave him a sad smile and he seemed to understand. He nodded and then ruffled her hair.

"Everyone was starting to worry. Where were you Suzu?" Kagome demanded as the trio walked towards the house.

"In town looking for a job. I'm so bored. There's nothing here for me to do!" Sumire tried to play it off as a joke but both hanyou and miko saw the truth. She was a lonesome.

"You know we could always use your help Sumire." Inuyasha said softly as he held the girl to his side. He twirled a lock of her hair around one finger. "I promise to protect you better this time." Sumire dropped her head and stopped walking.

"You protected me the best Oniisama!" She said with a stern glare as she turned to stare at him fully. "Oniisama was so kind! And he would've died for me! But…I'm useless…so… So I'll stay here." Inuyasha cupped her chin and forced her to meet his eyes.

"You're not useless. It wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. Naraku was and still is the bad person." Inuyasha's gaze softened as he stared at the girl. "Come home Sumire. We miss you."

Sumire gave a warm laugh. She'd wanted to hear those words from him so much. She hugged him tight, laughed…and then stopped. Something had fallen from her eyes. Something wet and salty. Something she hadn't allowed herself to do for a long time was happening. She was crying… Inuyasha gathered her up in his arms and patted her head soothingly as Kagome turned and smiled at her family, to reassure them everything was fine. Then she turned back to the two people she loved dearly. Her little sister…and her best friend. She watched as Sumire grasped Inuyasha's haori tightly and sobbed into his chest. "Thank you. Thank you…" Sumire kept repeating as she released the pent up sorrow and frustration and guilt. She pulled her Oniisama close and sobbed for the longest time. "Thank you!" Eventually she fell asleep as Inuyasha calmed her troubled mind and broken heart.

Hmm…ah! Fresh air! I forgot how good this smells! Sumire thought joyfully as she exited the well with her cousin a week later. It had taken a while for her to stop crying whenever she spotted Inuyasha…and even longer to convince her father that she'd be safe with her feudal family, but she was back. And as she watched Miroku, Sango, and Shippo gape then begin to rush towards her, she vowed that this time would be different. She was so going to make that bastard Naraku pay! This time she had her own vendetta!

"Oneechan!" Shippo cried rushing forward and bounding into her outstretched arms. Sumire spun once before Sango and Miroku caught her in a crushing embrace. "Sumire! Sumire!" They chanted. Sumire laughed and felt her world tilt as she tripped and pulled everyone down with her. Miroku laughed when Sumire landed on him.

"Whoops! Sorry Miroku-Niisan!" Sumire giggled and blushed and Miroku couldn't bring himself to grope her, even if she had grown up a lot during the last two years.

"Not a problem Sumire-kun, I know you did not mean it." Miroku sat up as Sumire rolled over onto the grass, her eyes shut and her breaths deep and relaxed. He gazed down at her before patting her head. She turned her head and opened her eyes. He was very happy to see light back in those amethyst orbs.

"It's good to be home." She whispered as Sango and Shippou crowded Kagome and Inuyasha trying to get answers from them.

"It's good to have you home." Miroku replied tweaking her nose. She giggled then sat up and Shippou immediately jumped into her arms. His hands grabbed her face and she saw tears welling up in those emerald eyes. "We missed you so much Suzu-chan! So very much! Why'd you leave us! I'm sorry! I didn't protect you! But why'd you go!" She hugged Shippou tightly and felt a few tears slip out as well.

"Oh Shippou…no one told you what really happened did they?" Shippou sniffled and pulled back, shaking his head. Sumire kissed his nose and plopped onto the soft grass. "Naraku…did some things…that I didn't want him to." Shippou gasped and grasped her shirt tight.

"He didn't rape you did he!" Sumire shook her head, her lips twisting cruelly.

"Not that he didn't try but no, but…he got very close." Sumire shuddered. "That's the real reason I was so bloody. He kept…clawing at me." Sumire nuzzled her cheek against Shippou's.

"But then how'd you get away!" This was a question everyone wanted answering to. How had Sumire gotten away from the bastard?

"Kagura and Kanna helped me." This brought a collective gasp from the others. "It's true. See…I found out where Naraku kept their hearts. That's the only reason why they served him, he had their hearts captive and would threaten to kill them by destroying their hearts." The group had gathered around her now, listening to her tale as everything they had not understood fell into place. So that's why Kanna had intervened, and why Kagura had given them three shards, some assistance…and…

"Oh! Now I get it!" Sumire looked over at Sango and Kagome. They were smiling now. "That's what she meant!" Kagome added happily. Sumire arched a brow and Kagome explained. "Kagura has come around a few times with Kanna. The first time she helped us slay some really tough dragons! The second time she brought two shards. On her last trip over here she brought another shard and some presents. She said for you." Sumire blinked. Why? She'd only repaid their kindness to her. Why some presents?

"But she must have known I wasn't here." Kagome nodded as Sango took up the story.

"Yes, and we told her that. And you know what that kaze did? She smirked. And then she said to us, 'Don't worry too much about that little witch. She's got more spirit in her than she let's on. Just give her time. She'll come back. Once she finds herself again.' And then Kanna showed up and guess what? Her voice is so beautiful! She doesn't sound hollow anymore! She showed up and said to Kagura, 'Oneesama, we will be late.' And they just disappeared!" Sango glowered now. "How the hell did Kagura know anyways!"

"She has her ways I'm sure." Sumire rose and noticed the shadows were a little longer now. "Let's get down to the village ne? I really want to see Kaede-baaba!" The others agreed and Shippou jumped down to give Kaede a little heads-up. Sumire picked up her bag and smiled as Inuyasha draped an arm around her shoulders.

"It's good to have you back Sumire." Sumire nodded and giggled as she bounded ahead.

"Last one there is a rotten egg!" She ran ahead and Inuyasha followed, playing fair and not using a lot of his demonic strength.

The three ningen left in the dust shared a look then a laugh. Sumire was back with them which meant Inuyasha would be a lot more tolerable. For some reason Sumire's presence just seemed to soothe the hanyou boy as much as Kagome did.

Sumire waited until everyone was thoroughly asleep before sneaking outside. She'd felt their presence earlier but it was distant as though telling her not to bother coming for a while. Now though they'd gotten closer and Sumire knew they had let her get back into her groove before coming to greet her. They must have been watching through Kanna's mirror.

"Sumire-Oneechan." Sango had spoken truthfully. Kanna's voice was no longer void of emotion. Her eyes sparkled as she ran forward like the child she was to embrace Sumire. "You've returned to us." Not so hyper like Shippou but Sumire loved that about Kanna. The girl was reserved but not overly so. She could smile now and be free of worry. She was a child, a very noble child.

"Hai, it's so good to see you again Kanna-chan." Kanna smiled and pulled away as Kagura came forth.

"Tut tut forgotten me already?" She teased the girl who'd spent three weeks with them two years ago.

"Who can forget the wind?" Sumire asked as she embraced a very happy Kagura.

"Hai, who can? Not Naraku. I've been giving him as much hell as possible. Since we have our hearts we don't smell like him anymore. And that spider scar disappeared from our backs. But I can still find the bastard! Just follow the stench of blood and thousands of demons and that's him." Sumire stiffened a second at the mention of the hanyou before her anger boiled her blood.

"I'll keep that in mind." Sumire said finally as she pulled away. Her eyes blazed as she silently promised, I won't let you ever forget me Naraku. You'll remember me every second of every day in the endless torments of hell. I will make you remember me…and remember how I repaid you for your injustices towards me!

"So Sumire, you back for good? Or will you continue to travel between times?" Sumire blinked then and Kagura continued. "Kanna figured it out. We watched the miko through our mirror. Kanna caught her as she jumped the well. We couldn't see what spell was used but then the miko emerged again and there you were. We followed you as far as that tree before Kanna's mirror broke. We had to get her a new one. So we know now." Kagura pat Sumire's head. "We'll keep your secret for a long as you like Sumire."

"Arigato Kagura-chan." Sumire smiled. "Oh and arigato for my kimonos! I love them!" Kagura's presents had included several hair accessories, a few kimonos, and a set of poisoned daggers. "Arigato for all my presents!"

"No need to thank me. we figured you might like to blend in more. Your miko seems to like hers as well." Sumire nodded. Kagome had also acquired some kimonos along with two miko outfits. One with a hakama of royal blue, the other with a hakama of pale lavender.

"You should thank our friend." Kanna added as the three females settled onto the grassy ground a few feet away from Kaede's hut.

"Your friend?"

"Hai. Rin-sama of the West." Sumire gasped and then giggled.

"You're friends with Rin?" Her smile turned into a delighted smirk. She turned to the kaze youkai who arched a brow. "How goes the seduction game?" Kagura gave a hearty pout.

"That bastard is just as cold as he seems. Except when Rin and Kanna are around. I swear that Tai needs to learn females are delicate creatures who deserve to be treated like queens!" Sumire burst into laughter as Kagura posed regally with a hand in the air. Kanna joined her as well and soon the two were clinging to each other while a slightly irritated kaze looked down her nose at them.

"I can't wait to see Rin-chan again! I wonder if she remembers me?" Kagura snorted at Sumire's question.

"That girl is as insatiable as Kanna. They would check the mirror every day. Sometimes they holed up in their room for hours at a time as Kanna learned to see more and more of your time." Kagome paused and licked her lips. "Tell me Sumire…are we really all gone?" Sumire gazed at Kagura and shook her head.

"I never told Kagome this but a few youkai that I met during our travels have found me. Never really conversed with me yet but they let me see them. Kouga-Oniisama was one of them." Sumire smiled fondly as she remembered that day a month after she returned from the Sengoku Jidai. She'd been wandering aimlessly trying to keep the dark memories at bay when she felt something tugging at her. She'd felt jyaki and then she'd looked up and for a moment Kouga had stood there, a wolf prince in Armani, before he vanished and morphed into a human disguise. "I haven't seen you but I know you're there…waiting for the right moment to bid me hello." Kagura breathed a relieved sigh then sprang to her feet.

"Well the hanyou's awake." Sumire gave a giggle. Kagura wrinkled her nose. "Time for you to go back."

"Will you come back soon?" Kagura nodded as she hugged the girl and Kanna did the same.

"Hai. Not that you've found yourself again." Sumire gave a big grin at that. Yes, by returning to the past she had found her heart again. The loneliness and emptiness melted away… She was very happy to be back. "We'll bring Rin next time. You be a good girl now." Kagura patted her hair then summoned her feather and Kanna waved merrily before they both took off into the night.

Inuyasha found her like that, watching the stars, her hands behind her back, her head tipped back, her hair swaying in the soft breeze. He smiled. Man did it feel good to have her back on his side. This time, the Sengoku Jidai, this place….she was home.

"Come inside Suzu, you'll catch a cold." Inuyasha watched her look over her shoulder and he smiled fondly. His little sister had been lost to him, then returned, and lost again. But now that she was returned once more to his side he would not lose her ever again.

"Hai Oniisama. Sorry, but I wasn't sure if you would like them visiting me." Inuyasha nodded and scowled.

"Stupid kaze female. I don't like her any more than back then but she's come through once or twice. And she helped you out didn't she?" Sumire nodded solemnly before giggling.

"I think she likes Sesshomaru-sama." Inuyasha scoffed as they walked back to Kaede's hut.

"Feh! Just goes to show that stupid female has no sense. Liking my brother…baka. She better not start playing matchmaker with you!"

"Oniisama is silly. Only I get to choose my mate."

"You're forgetting he has to meet some standards."

"Yeah…my own."

"Like hell! If I say he's not good enough then that's that!"

"Whatever you say Oniisama. I trust you."

"Keh, you're a baka too then." Inuyasha grumbled so softly she thought he was only sighing. In a louder tone he grinned. "I'll pit him against Tetsusaiga. He wins, he's worthy."

"That's not fair, you know most can't stand up to Tetsusaiga."

"That's exactly my point!"

"So silly Oniisama, so silly."