Author's Notes: Hee I'm so glad everyone liked the last chapter. Now I'm glad I kept going back and rewriting it over and over. Now, some points to make clear in case anyone is confused:

1) Who said Kagome is dead because I didn't. She had an "out of body experience".

2) Heikou is a healer/channel.

3) The duty to purify the shikon jewel was Kikyo and when she died it was passed down onto Kagome. I needed them to do the duty they were given.

Sorry about any confusions but learn to read between the lines. Not a lot, more like a few years but that'll be explained in the chapter. BTW, the song "Broken" by Seether (feat. Amy Lee) is where I got the title for this fic from. Now read and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: The world and characters of Inuyasha is © Rumiko Takahashi. However, the characters of Inuyasha's twin sons (Souta and Yuki), Ammy, Lotus, and Heikou are © to me for the sake of this story.

Warning: Some of the cast might be OOC but again this is for the sake of the plot.

"Broken"

By: Beloved Shadow

Time was such a strange force of nature that bowed to no one; not to the poorest of peasants, nor the richest of nobles, or even the most powerful of demons. Beings grew older until they felt the sweet kiss of death carry them off yet with each death a life was born. But time could not ease the hurt of losing someone close to your heart as a friend, a sister, a lover.

Kagome stared out of the car's window wordlessly, watching the clouds lazily drift by. How long had it been since the final battle with Naraku? 'Much too long,' she thought to herself, frowning as the radio played a depressing song but she couldn't help but listen to it.

'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome

And I don't feel right when you're gone away

She smiled weakly, her lips quirking a bit as she slowed at a stop light. Though she hadn't known Heikou for very long it hurt to watch as a good friend sacrificed herself to save everyone. Oh how she had wanted to stay with everyone but the pull to go back couldn't be ignored. Once her soul returned to her body she gasped painfully for breathe, clutching at her chest tightly but immediately she began crying. The old wolf demoness that had been tending to her looked so shocked, claiming that she should be dead but held her tightly when she couldn't find the strength to stop crying. It wasn't until later that she was able to say what happened.

The worst is over now and we can breathe again

I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away

There's so much left to learn, and no on left to fight

I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Hearing this verse made her flinch. Out of everyone, the one that seemed to have taken it the worse was the Lord of the Western Lands. Though he didn't say anything, even when he came to Kaede's village and told the old woman to watch over Rin, the look in his eyes was blank and empty. He didn't even ask about Inuyasha or said anything about taking the sword from him. That had been about two years now and no word. Even Jaken and Ah-Un failed in finding their lord and bringing him home.

The old priestess explained he was on a journey and that they could not force him to return. He would come back when he was ready and not before then. Rin cried for so many days, wanting to find her lord and big sister but slowly she came out of her grief. She still smiled sadly whenever she saw birds flying freely in the skies but she enjoyed the company of the people in the village and learned a lot from the wise woman.

Miroku still couldn't believe his curse had finally been lifted and for the few days afterwards had spent so much time staring at his hand, as if expecting it to appear again and swallow him whole right on the spot. Even so he continued to wear the prayer beads around his arm, claiming that he had worn it on for so long he felt strange without it. Though he still had a bad habit of reaching out to caress Sango's bum whenever they were close.

The last of the demon slayers was glad to having finally avenged her village but she was even more thankful that her little brother, Kohaku, made it out alive. Unfortunately when the last of the shards was brutally ripped from his shoulder the healing properties of the shard left a heavy scar that made it hard for him to use his arm the same way again. He would never be able to use his kusari-gama as before but he never wished for the life of slaying demons. His sister understood this and let him live his life as how he wished. After many days of resting the two left with Kirara to see if they could find the former graves of their father and comrades, to return them to the village to be properly buried along side with the rest of their family and friends in the former village. They would make new lives for themselves but never forget everything that was taught to them. Miroku also left, to return to the temple of his old master with Hagi but promised Sango that he would find her so they could start their own family with Kohaku as the uncle of many nephews and nieces. The poor girl's face was so red it positively glowed but for once, she didn't slap him or call him names. She just smiled shyly.

Shippo couldn't remember anything after the battle with the ogre but he changed. He swore to grow stronger so when the time came to have a family of his own, he would be strong enough to make sure they lived. However, he would require training from demons of the same species as himself but it was not so easy. Kitsunes were cunning creatures who could never be found unless they wanted to be found but he refused to give up. Until he could find someone to help his training, he opted to stay in Kaede's village and train the best he could. Already he was slowly growing up but he and Rin continued to pull prank after prank on the easily frustrated Jaken.

Kouga and Inuyasha returned back to the caves with their sons, their wounds taking a bit longer to heal but they didn't mind. They swore to visit and as such, the group promised to meet up at the sacred tree each year on the day they vanquished Naraku. They were the last to leave, walking Kagome to the Bone-Eater's well that would take her to her own time but that rose another problem. With the sacred jewel gone, could she ever return back here? Part of her didn't want to go, she wanted to stay with her friends but she couldn't leave her family like that. She clung to Inuyasha so tightly, trying to forever keep the image and smell of him permanently imprinted in her mind. The hanyou was her best friend, her first love, her stubborn brother, her fierce protector, her everything and now she would never see him again.

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open

And I don't feel like I'm strong enough

'Cause I'm broken with I'm lonesome

And I don't feel right when you're gone away

She slowly eased her car to a stop and put the gear in park, leaning her head back as she turned the key and shut off the engine. The song was coming to a close and she could feel herself crying. When it finally ended she sniffed, looking into her rearview mirror and wiped at the stray tears before running her hand over her hair. Carefully she opened the door, the radio turning off by itself, and stepped out. She smiled as she slowly began to walk up the numerous steps leading to the Higarashi Shrine, feeling a sense of peace come over her. School and work had been so hectic, making it hard to visit her family but no matter what she always made time to come home on this day. Finally reaching the top she smiled as she took in the shrine grounds. Still the same with a few new additions here and there but it was just as she remembered it. Her feet took her off the path, going past the main shrine to visit the great tree that had been around for so many years. She had a feeling if it could speak, it would have so many amazing tales to share. Stopping before it she reached out, fingering the scar that was still there from the arrow and smiled softly if sadly.

"Mreow!" Laying there at the base of the tree, looking quite content in his old age was Buyo. He was already purring deeply as she reached down and picked him up in her arms, rubbing at his ears and hugging him close.

"Hey Buyo, I'm glad to see you're still around," she said softly, rubbing her cheek along his head. The poor thing was so old but no one had the heart to put the loveable cat down. They wanted him to live out the remainder of his life with the family that took care of him since he was a kitten, in the only place he knew as home. As she stroked his slightly course fur she didn't hear the door open as a figure stepped out of the house.

"Nee-chan!!"

Kagome tuned and smiled brightly. "Souta!!" She hurried to meet him even though he was already running, hugging him one-armed as he hugged her as tight as he could without crushing the family pet. He had grown up so well, a few inches shorter than her and now in high school he was one of the star players in the school's soccer team along with his best friend. "Let me look at you. Kami, soon you'll be taller than me!" she exclaimed with a bright smile.

"You think so? Okaasan swears I grow so fast that she won't recognize me one day," he laughed, reaching out to affectionately pet Buyo. "By the way, she's in the kitchen. I have to run and pick up some more last minute stuff from the store."

"Do you want me to give you a lift?"

"That's okay, I can catch the bus on the way back." Promising not to be late he gave her another warm hug and waved as he headed out to do the errands. She waved back, telling him to be careful. Sighing she gazed at the tree once more before heading inside. Setting the cat down on the floor she slipped her shoes off and looked around. Everything was still the same she couldn't help but smile at the delicious smells coming from the kitchen. Coming in she smiled and waited for her mother to notice her. It didn't take long.

Mrs. Higurashi hummed a merry little tune as she worked, tasting something she was cooking but as she turned to get add a spice she caught sight of her eldest daughter and smiled brightly. "Welcome home, Kagome." The young woman smiled before walking up and embracing her parent tightly only to have the embrace returned. It felt so good to be home and for a very small moment, the grief of losing a dear friend was gone from her mind.

--

"I can't believe we're lost," a man grumbled as he leaned agaisnt the wall. Her parent growled as he tried looking over the map in his hadns wihtout tearing it apart. "I told you it was a left and you went right."

"Its your fault, you said you weren't even sure it it was the right way!" he growled angrily.

"I said maybe so there was still a chance I was right, baka!"

"Who are you calling a baka!?" A loud rip and he blinked, looking down at the now torn map. "... Don't, say anything."

"... Told you." That was enough to set the two off in a argument in the middle of the sidewalk, and embaressing their three children. The twin teenage boys sighed, as the youngest child stood close to him, wordlessly holding onto the loose material of his pant leg and looking up at their parents curiously.

"How come okaa and otou are fighting?" she asked cutely.

"They're bakas," the older of the two muttered with a heavy sigh.

"Souta!" the younger reprimed and smiled down at their imouto. "It's okay, Hikari. They do this all the time"

"Naze?"

"Ano... because they're both men."

"Naze?"

"They love each other."

"Oh." They were quiet until she spoke up again. "Onaka ga suite imasu."

The brunette snorted until his stomach growled in want. "... Me too. Let's go find some food."

"But our kazoku-" the fairer boy said but was cut off by the older twin.

"We'll be back before they finish arguing." Kneeling down he lifted the little girl in his arms easily and stood. His brother looked back at their bickering parents, his brows drawn together. "Stop worrying already, Yuki."

"... If we get in trouble it's your fault, Souta."

"Yare yare yare."

The children walked down the sidewalk, looking around with obvious curiosity at the bustling city. It was so different from their large home out in the mountains and already they missed the massive tress, the scent of dirt, the rush of untainted wind, the clear streams, and the wild wolves they had grown up with. They weren't sure how long they walked but before they knew it they found themselves downtown, surrounded by restaurants and stores with people constantly going in or coming out but only one place caught their attention.

"WcDonald's..." Souta narrowed his golden eyes and took a deep breathe, his nose wrinkling at the smell. "It's food but its nothing like what we usually eat. It's--greasy."

"It'll have to do. What about money?" Yuki asked.

"I got it covered. C'mon." Walking to the resturant they entered the building only to have a feeling of dread fill them up. Unfortunately, the boys picked the wrong place at just the wrong time. The place was full of girls from the local junior high school, the same one a friend of their parents went to before she graduated. They wouldn't have noticed if someone handed pointed to the adorable little girl and the two most handsive boys they had ever seen.

The boys looked like they were in high school and were tall but they were as different as summer and winter. One of the boys had an onyx black braid hanging over his shoulder with bangs swept over one of his melted gold eyes, giving him an impression of a bad boy which only added to the piercing in his sleek eyebrow and ear, his slightly sun-tanned skin (more than one girl wondered if that gorgeous tan covered every inch of his body) firm with muscles. He wore a plain t-shirt pulled tight over his muscular chest with a leather jacket, the image of a howling wolf painted on the back though it appeared a bit faded, and a cresent moon pendent hanging around his neck gleaming proudly. Baggy stonewash jeans, like the jacket, hung off his hips with ragged holes adored his legs with unlaced boots. Overall the girls swooned over the image of the tough guy punk mothers warned their girls of. But the one next to him seemed the type any father would approve of their girls dating.

The other boy holding the cute little girl was dressed nicely in a crimson dress shirt, several of the top buttons undone to reveal more of his smooth, creamy white skin and part of a stark white muscle shirt hidden beneath the soft material, tucked into a pair of semi-formal black pants and matching shoes. So sharp and stylish brought out more of his pale features, such as his moonlight colored hair that was combed away from his face, pulled into a loose ponytail that extended to his hips. The girls now swooning over the dark bad boy were fawning at the other's quiet intensity revealed in his gentle, sky blue gaze. A silver watch adored his left wrist as they moved to the counter and he set the most adorable little girl to sit on the counter as they ordered.

The little girl looked around four or five years old and had lovely black hair like the punk bishounen only hers seemed to simmer silver when the light hit the soft ringlets tied back with ribbons. Her eyes were a gorgeous blue-violet that changed shades and worked well with her cream-colored shirt, a blue overall dress with matching shoes. She looked up at the menu before choosing what she wanted. The boys did the same and paid, moving to the side to wait for their food. The junior high students waited anxiously before a few of the daring ones stepped forward and tried hard not to squeel when they were finally noticed.

"Konnichiwa!" the girl said brightly, dark brown hair pulled into a braided ponytail. "Are you new in town?"

"...Ama," the golden eyed boy muttered too low for her to hear, taking the tray of food and walked to a booth near the back.

"Sumimasen," the blue-eyed boy said, lifting the little girl in his arms and joined his brother but the girl followed as well as others. "May we help you?"

"Will you be my boyfriend??" she blurred. The pale boy just stared at her wide-eyed, the darker boy nearly choked on his hamburger, and their sister, who sat between them, innocently ate her food. Before the boys could reply the other girls, who had been watching closely, swarmed the table and even slid into the booth until the boys on either side were trapped. So began the public displays of infatuation.

"Oh you are so kawaii!!"

"Your hair is so soft, like silk!"

"I love you eyes!!"

"Can I have your phone number, onegai!?"

"I can be the best thing you've ever had just give me a chance!!"

Both teenagers were not used to this and they couldn't get a word in edgewise. It was getting so bad the girls kept closing in on their personal space they were found to be back to back but they blinked and quickly looked down.

"Shimatta!!"

"Where's Hikari!?"

They lost their baby sister.

--

A young man softly whistled to himself as he walked down the sidewalk, ignoring the looks from the traditional Japanese people. It didn't matter how often he told someone that he was really Japanese, they just refused to accept it but it didn't matter and he really didn't care if he didn't look it. Besides, he hated dying his hair and putting contacts in; using his Kitsune Youjutsu was just a waste even if he had enough to spare.

"I wonder if I'm even going in the right direction," he wondered to himself, looking around. Pulling out the piece of paper he frowned as he reread the address and directions. Unfortunately in his haste he had scribbled it all down too fast so it looked like chicken scratch. He sighed and pocketed the paper. "What I'd give to be riding in Kagome's basket again."

There was a light tug on his jeans, causing him to turn and looked down at a little girl who looked no older than maybe five human years old. She was a pretty thing, with dark eyes and hair that shined with exotic colors he hadn't seen before, held back with cream and blue colored ribbons that matched her outfit. For some reason, he felt like he should know her but that didn't stop him from slowly kneeling down so he was more or less eye-level with her. She continued to stare up at him quietly, tilting her head to the side like a curious pup.

"Can I can help you?" he asked, looking around for any sign of a frantic parent or baby-sitter. "Are your parents close by? Maybe I can take you to them if you tell me what they look like."

"... Kitsune."

He slowly turned and looked into the eyes of the child only to see that she was not human. Peering closer he saw that her dark colored eyes were hiding her silted pupils, those that should only belong to those with demon blood. He blinked gentle green eyes when he felt her small fingers wrap around a leaf-shaped pendent hanging from a chain around his neck with the kanji of nigimi engraved into the metal.

"What's your name?"

"Hikari."

"Where's your family?"

"Okaa and otou are arguing and my brothers were attacked."

That didn't sound good. "Attacked? By who?"

She shrugged. "Really loud girls. They were loud and my anis were squishing me."

"I see." He still didn't understand much about women nor was he used to know how blunt the younger generation was when it came to attractive young men, him included. It was flattering but quite a nuisance. "Well, I think I better take you back to your parents because if they're anything like I remember, there won't be much of a city left when they realize you and your brothers are missing." Sighing he looked for her permission before picking her up and began walking. They waited in a small crowd of people, women cooing over how cute the little girl was but she quietly hid her face in his neck and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "She's shy," he explained which caused the women to now awe but backed off. The light changed and they crossed the street with everyone else.

"Who are you?" she finally asked.

He smiled as he recognized the street they were now heading down. Now it would only be a matter of time before they reached the family owned shrine. "Call me Shippo."

--

Souta heaved a sight as he finally made it out of the store. It took longer than expected but he got the ingredients. Now to get back home in time would be the challenge. Had he known it was going to take this long he would have taken Kagome's offer to drive him to the store but if he ran, he should make it. He was prepared to run but as he turned a corner he ran smack into someone who ran into someone. The bag fell to the ground yet he managed to keep his balance.

"Hontou-ni gomennasai!" he exclaimed, bowing as he knelt down to gather the slightly bruised items.

"Shinpai shinaide. We shouldn't have been arguing in the middle of the sidewalk like that," a feminine voice answered.

"'We'?" He looked up and found himself looking at the prettiest girl he had ever seen in his young teenage life.

She seemed a year or so older than him as well as taller but slender like a model. Her rich black hair was pulled into high ponytail that was braided down her back, two soft white streaks extending from her temples into the base of her braided tail. Gold-colored eyes with specks of shimmering blue surrounded the iris; they almost matched the blue-gold earrings and necklace she was wearing. Her dress was a gentle blue-gray color that buttoned down the front, leaving her slender arms bared with sandals that had the laces wrapped up her legs.

"Hai. 'We' as in my ani and I," she answered and gestured to the older boy standing behind her. He was not only taller but a bit more muscular than his sister, though his air of confidence made him seem like he was 30 meters tall. He had ivory white hair combed back but with bangs framing his brow and a silver cuff adoring his upper left ear. His eyes were a darker gold color, more like dark amber than anything. He was wearing black, charcoal colored slacks with matching shoes, a royal blue dress shirt with the short collar unbuttoned, and a long black coat with his hands in his pockets. He stared the strange boy down, as if daring him to so much as breathe.

The girl looked between them before frowning and reached out to smack the other boy with the back of her hand in the stomach. He didn't so much as flinch. "Leave him alone, Yomi. And it's your fault we're going to be late," she turned on him.

"I warned you of the time repeatedly. The fault was yours," he said in a cool, calm tone.

"..." Huffing she turned to the boy who bumped into her and gave a slight bow. "Gomen but can you help us? We're running late in meeting our parents and we need the quickest route to the Higurashi Shrine," she quickly explained.

"Higurashi Shrine? I live there! In fact, I'm on my way there right now. You can join me if you like." The girl smiled and the older boy grunted but together they followed him.

--

Kagome was, for lack of better words, shocked. According to her mother she had said that they were expecting quests but she had been hush-hush about that, saying that it would be a surprise. Imagine her great surprise when she noticed two very familiar figures arguing in the courtyard up front. She wasn't sure what to expect and she had half a mind to yell at them and demand they get off the shrine grounds but she took one look at them and almost fainted.

"I didn't think you'd go and faint on us, Kagome," Inuyasha said, ears flickering as a breeze tickled them. He still looked the same as she had remembered seeing him, dressed in a pair of black jeans with a red button-up shirt left untucked but the charm he had been wearing made his eyes more of a honeyed hazel color, his hair cut short and more of a incredibly lightened white blonde instead of the normal white. He had been the first to see her fall and rushed out to catch her before she touched the ground.

"Would you rather she had tried to sit you?" Kouga smirked, watching as his mate still flinched from that certain word before growling at him. The wolf prince still looked the same though he was dressed in the same style as the hanyou but his colors were more of an earth browns and dark greens. What both shared in common with the matching silver rings both wore that looked like a dog/wolf face peering out with tiny jewels for eyes: Inuyasha's had blue topazes and Kouga had golden stones set in his.

"Shut it, ōkami."

"You both took me by surprise, that's all. But not only am I really glad and surprised to see you, what were both of you yelling about? I almost called the police," she explained. Both men looked away and she had a feeling it wasn't good news.

"We kinda... lost our kids."

"... Nani?"

"It's true. We were both arguing we didn't realize they were gone until it was too late," Kouga admitted quietly.

"We tried looking for them but it's hard to pick up their scents in the city even now," Inuyasha muttered. "We came here hoping you could help us out."

"Hai of course I'll help! What do they look like?" she asked quickly.

"Well the boys look like us but Hikari has black hair and bluish eyes." Reaching into his pocket Kouga pulled a photo of the kids out of his wallet and gave it to her. Kagome smiled at the happy family, glad that they were all happy together. She looked up, about to ask them where they think they would be but her attention was caught by a figure silently walking through the shrine's gate. She didn't wait as she started running, already knowing in her heart who that man was.

"Shippo!!!"

Said young man smiled and bracing himself, opened his arm to hug her tightly when she threw her arms around him. "Kagome-okaasan..." he whispered, his heart beating happily.. Hikari looked up and smiled as she noticed her parents running towards her and opened her arms out to them only to be taken into her mother's arms.

"Hikari, are you alright? Where did you go?" Inuyasha asked like a frantic parent as Kouga checked her over for any injuries.

"Anis and I were hungry," she said simply but was glad to be back.

"Where are your brothers?" her father asked, frowning.

"I left," she explained simply with a look that said "duh".

"I think what she means to say is a bunch of girls found your boys attractive enough they refused to leave them alone and in trying to get away, temporarily, forgot she was sitting between them," the young man explained with a small smile. "I'm guessing they were at WcDonald's. I could smell it on her breath."

"Arigato gaki," but Inuyasha was smiling. Kouga nodded his thanks but reached into his pocket and pulled out a slender cell phone and proceeded to dial a well-known number. Moving away from the group he sounded like he was literally barking into the phone, his body tense. It didn't last long but once he calmed down he walked back to the group, taking their daughter into his arms when she reached out to him. It was then that introductions were given and Kagome found the little girl to be simple adorable. Hikari even let her hold her, saying that she was pretty (Kagome blushed and hugged her for being too cute).

"They'll be here soon and they're grounded for not only leaving without telling us but for losing Hikari."

"They should be lucky Shippo found her," Inu growled and turned to the grown fox. "So, what have you been doing?"

"Well after you and Kouga left I found a small clan of kitsunes to take me in and train me. I managed to gain up to 5 tails but when the land began changing I made sure to never stay in one place for too long. Right now I'm a video game programmer," he smiled. "I live in America in the Midwest, but I do most of my work from home so no one knows what I look like, so every several decades I claim to be renamed after my father or uncle. You should come visit one of these days."

"Sounds like fun," the young lady smiled. "What about you two?"

"We live up in the mountains. I worked too damn hard to keep those idiots developers from tearing down my homeland but now I work in forest conversations and helping maintain the wolf population in the area," he explained.

"See how he didn't mention he made a fortune in mining a few decades ago," the other man smirked. "We got enough to keep us out of the red. I help out but I work in the museum of ancient antiquity."

"As long as you don't spoil your kids," she smiled and set the little girl down, watching as she went over to where Buyo was napping and silently began petting him. "How old is she?" While she look so very young. Kagome remembered that demons aged much slower than humans.

"She turned 45 last week."

"What about her school?"

"All the kids are home schooled. It would raise too many questions if we had to move every few years so we thought it would be safer. The boys take online classes and we got a demon tutor for Hikari."

"So there's still demons around?"

"Hai, you just gotta know where to look."

"I see..." It made such perfect sense. Demons adapted the same way humans did, on different levels but with the lands changing they had no choice but to adapt and change, or fight again it. The former choice seemed to be the best option she could think of. She looked over and even seeing the photo of the family she was still taken back by how handsome the twin babies she remembered had grown up. She could see a lot of her friends in them and smiled as they were both berated for losing their sister. Said little girl walked up to them, carrying the heavy, and old, housecat in her arms but she was so small even for her true age Buyo's hand legs were almost touching the ground. He took it into stride without any complaint, especially when Hikari knelt on the ground so he was more or less sitting in her lap. More introductions and apologizing were given and the group chatted.

Yuki smiled as he bowed to Kagome. "It is wonderfully to finally meet you in person," he said with a polite smile. "I heard a lot about you and I always wanted to meet you."

"Well I hope all you heard was good," she smiled.

"It was. Otou sometimes wishes he had those beads you used to control okaa." That earned Kouga a punch to the head and him whimpering pitifully.

"I remember those times... I was afraid one day I would kill him but he was a stubborn one." In fact, she still continued to wear the necklace and when asked, she told her friends it had been a momentum from a close friend.

Souta chose that time to come jogging up the steps with two strangers the group hadn't seen before but they're scents were very familiar. Souta (Inuyasha's son) took a deep breathe before smirking and walked up to the girl. "Well well well... if it isn't Ammy-chan," he said in a sarcastically sweet tone. Said girl turned red and reached out to punch him.

"Shut up, dobe!!" she snapped angrily.

"Make me, hime!!"

"Amaterasu." Ammy froze and immediately backed down when she heard the stern voice though if looks could kill the teenager would be six feet under. Stepping from the shadows of the trees a handsome gentlemen stepped out. Dressed in dark colors of slack, dress shirt, and jacket but it went well with his nearly knee-length moonlit hair and gleaming gold eyes. Slowly, twin strips and crescent moon appeared on his skin. Ammy closed her eyes, the image of a sun appearing on her brow faintly while the boy next to her bore the twin stripes along his cheeks.

"Sesshomaru... thought you weren't gonna make it," Inuyasha growled low in his voice.

"I did but she wanted to come," he said simply.

" 'She'? So, you got married?" Kagome asked softly.

"Hai, and we couldn't have been happier." The poor girl jumped and turned to face a woman with short black hair with several white braids falling over her shoulders. Her smile reached her blind silver-blue eyes as she walked towards Sesshomaru who wordlessly wrapped his arm around her tightly. She wore a dark silver blouse with slimming black jeans and simple shoes, her arm coming around his waist. Holding her hand and walking with her was a little boy, a little older than Hikari, and wearing dark blue jeans with a storm gray shirt. Unlike his brother and sister, he had two small feathered wings sprouting from the back of his shoulder blades that looked like tarnished silver. His hair was a messy black peppered with many white and gray strands and his eyes were more of a blue-gray than anything else. It took a few moments for the group to realize who she was as the little boy let go of her hand and knelt on the ground to gently pet the purring Buyo.

"Heikou..." y-you're alive??" She just smiled.

--

As the group ate they spoke of how everyone had been doing. After Sesshomaru found Heikou they two returned to the Western Lands to put order to the chaos that had been going due to the lord's absence. Even though Naralu was gone and the jewel finally purified, there were still demons who wished to take over. The group, though separated, did what they could. Then the east began to become more and more "civilized" by the west and the era was changing. Demons were becoming things of the past and no one had time to learn once treasured traditions. The group, at first fought all changes but were forced to adapt or become lost in the rush. Like the boys, the three children of both Sesshomaru and Heikou had demon tutors themselves.

Sesshomaru still owned a great deal of the western lands but in the past had been forced to give it up for one reason or another so what land he had left he guarded it fiercely from surviving demons and greedy humans. Rich in natural resources he was making sure the land would continue to be in the family for the rest of eternity. His company ranged in a multitude of products and Heikou was the company's senior lawyer. She had always been interested in the field and could help her family better as such. Tsukuyomi, the oldest of the three, was following in his father's footsteps so he would help run the company, then eventually take voer. Amaterasu was debating about joining her brother in taking over and sharing the company with him but Susanowo, the youngest, claimed he wanted to be a doctor.

The group chatted and got to know Souta and Emi better. Ammy kept teasing her cousin about his name the two almost had a brawl if it hadn't been for their parents. It had been so good to see eveyone and even when the group was told of the trial and hardship Sesshomaru had goen through to not only find Heikou but to get her to become his mate, it was something they wouldn't forget.

It was getting close to dusk and the group was debating about staying the night or leaving in the morning. Inuyasha found himself looking up at the sacred tree. He couldn't help but smile, knowing that if the tree could speak it would have so many tales to speak of. There was still the mark where he had been pinned and where the arrow had been trapped. So many centuries had gone by...

'Kikyo... Wherever you are, I hope you're happy...' he hought silently.

"Whacha doing out here?" a warm voice asked as strong arms slowly slid around his wiast.

"Just thinking back. I remember Kagome told me, stuff happens for a reason whether we like it or not."

"Wouldn't have pegged you for such a deep thinker." He hcuckled as his mate growled but didn't let him go. "Been a while since we were alone like this," he said softly, breathing in the sweet scent of his mate. "Too long..." His hands slowly began to wander, pulling the shirt up to touch his mate's soft skin.

Even being together for so long there was something about the way the wolf prince that made him weak in the knees. Or it could have been that he knew what tunred him on, but this was hardly the place or time! "Cut it out, we're guests here," he growled, reaching to remove his hands but he couldn't deny what he was feeling right now.

"I'm sure Kagome won't mind if we have some time to ourselves," he growled, pushing on of his hands down into the tightening pants. "I know you want this..."

Kami yes he wanted it! But not here on the open and certainly not in front of the sacred tree! Where... his eyes narrowed and he pulled out of the warm embrace to lead him to the storage where he remembered the well to be. They raced to it and closing to the door behind him, was nearly tackled and pinned to the soft dirt surrounding the well.

Souta growled and Yuki sighed as they heard their parents. Hikari looked up where she was playing with Susanowo, head tilted to the side. "Are okaa and otou fighting again?" she asked. The boys just looked each other before quickly shaking their heads.

"Iie, 'Kari. They're... making up."

Author's Notes: Does anyone want to guess how many times I rewrote this chapter before I could get it to flow this good without screwing it up? If you guessed 3-4 times then you're right. I wanted to tear my hair out but just as I was about to ask a friend of mine for help it donned on me. Just do a side story! Yes, I am a dorky dork if it takes me that long to realize something but I've come to accept that. I don't know when, but a side story will be up on just what Seeshomaru and Heikou went through to be together.

On another note. This is the lemon omitted part of the chapter. If you wish to read the part with the lemon (not my best but I did say I would have them rutting again) check out the same story title in adultfanfiction. I want to say it was a pleasure doing this, but I just did. I had fun with it but now I can try to focus on my other works. Sorry it took so long to get here but I can now put a big red completed stamp on this.

Enjoy and please don't forget to review!!

Hikari – light

naze – why

domo – please

ama – bitch (I think)

kawaii – cute

"Shimatta!" – "Damn!/Damnit!"

"Onaka ga suite imasu." – "I am hungry."

kazoku – family

"Konnichiwa!" – "Hello!"

"Sumimasen." – "Excuse me."

"Hontou-ni gomennasai!" – "I'm really sorry!"

"Shinpai shinaide." – "That's all right."

Amaterasu "Ammy" - shining over heaven (sun goddess)

Tsukuyomi "Yomi" – (moon god)

Susanowo – (storm god)

Hikari – light

Ani(s) – older brother(s) (referring to self's family)

Emi – smile (I think it really suits Mrs. Higurashi)