Chapter 38

The days began to move on as life always does. Eventually, they returned to Masao's village to pick up Rin and Jaken. The little toad groveled at his Lord's feet, bemoaning the human male that seemed to catch the young girl's eye. They rested there a few days before moving on.

Several days later, a soft-spoken, properly humble Masao bowed deeply when requesting to court then marry the young woman. It took many days more before Sesshoumaru, being always controlling, consented with conditions, one of which being that they would return to live in Edo. He knew the Slayer and Monk and he knew that Rin would be welcomed there, safe to build her life. He would provide them with a proper doury and Masao would provide her with a proper life. They had a small hut built near the god tree, next to an old, dry well.

And life progressed on still.

They worked and rebuilt the Keep that was the House of the West.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru officially mated a year after Legion's downfall.

It was 8 years later Kagome noticed she hadn't aged. Apparently, the bonding took to holy power as it did to demonic power, if the bond was balanced.

They traveled together, the Lord and Lady of the West, as the boys remained at the keep training under various tutors, much to their dismay.

10 years after their mating, an attempt was made to assassinate the Lady of the West. She killed the assassin in the process and cried when she removed the mask. Prince Tatsuya, heir to the House of the East stared back at her with lifeless eyes. Though he was loath to do it, Sesshoumaru brought the boy back to life, knowing it would haunt his bonded if he didn't. The boy was seeking revenge for his lost friend from all those years ago. Lord Yoshiaki delt the boy his punishment. His life would be spared, because the demons were dieing out, but he would be banished for 150 years, and loosing his birthright.

Almost 100 years after falling down the well for the first time, the humans united Japan. Kagome knew they would need to work to protect the remaining demons. They located a large island off the Southern coast and set about having 4 Keeps, on for each of the remaining Lords, and a large village built. Here is where demons from the four lands and humans with spiritual energy would live, protecting one another. They also worked together to continue to heal the demons so they could again bare young.

They traveled the world for some time and finally, when the bombs exploded for the first world war, they went back to the island and strengthened the barriers protecting it. The island disappeared to normal sight, only spoke of as a haunted place. Some of the more human looking demons or ones that were gifted with illusion stayed on the main land of Japan and China, relaying information and goods to the island inhabitants.

Finally, the year of her 15th birthday came around, and Kagome began to make plans. In a few short years she would be able to see her family again.

She looked up the tall stair case with a wistful smile. It had been almost 500 years since she last climbed these specific stairs. She was given regular updates through Myoga and several other smaller demons as her family came into the picture. She laughed as she thought about Rin and Masao. They took on the Higurashi name after moving to Edo, and ended up being her ancestors. Her grandpa was going to want a full account them. A small whine and grip on her dress pants drew her from her reminiscing.

"Mama," a small girl that looked to be about 6 years looked up at her, giving her mother her best pouty face. "Takeshi called me a brat." Blue eyes moistened in a mock sadness.

"That's cause you are a brat, brat." A young man said with a smile from behind her. He ran a hand through his short, two-tone hair. A quick jab to the ribs from a nearby red-head made him smile more.

"I not a brat... You're a brat." The little girl growled at her brother. Takeshi and Shippo just laughed at her. Neither acted like the 20 something year olds that they looked like.

A growl from their father quieted the three as a pair of twin boys that looked to be about 15 years old, quietly giggled behind them. They were enjoying the fact their siblings got a bit in trouble this time and it wasn't them. There father gave their short pony tales each a quick yank to silence them as well. Not for the first time, did the older demon wonder if there was fox demon blood somewhere in the family line or if maybe they spent too much time with Shippo and his friends.

They made their way to the top of the stairs. Kagome took another look at her young ones. She was making sure they all looked presentable to meet her side of the family for the first time. Their illusions were firmly in place, much to their mother's dismay. She preferred their original features, but that was not an option these days outside their island home.

The small group topped the stairs and took in their surroundings. A breeze blew through the peaceful courtyard, gently moving the branches of the old god tree that watched over it. Kagome looked over to the small building on the left. Her breath gave a small hitch as an older woman stepped out of it. They watched as the woman gave a small sniffle and gently closed the door.

"Mama..." Kagome said softly. She was so happy, she only barely remembered the day and time she went back down the well. She didn't want to wait another moment to see her family again. It was difficult enough all these years watching and waiting for the right time.

Her mother's eyes grew wide. Kagome watched as her mother looked from her to the building she just walked out of then back to her daughter. She watched as her daughter went down the well, and yet, here she was, in a different outfit, looking slightly different... older... "Kagome?" She looked harder at the young woman in front of her. "...but... how?"

Kagome didn't wait another moment as she left her family's side and ran into her mother's arms. Both women broke into tears as they held each other tight. Each thought they would never see the other again and their relief was palpable. After a few moments they pulled back slightly, looking at the wet smiles that adorned the other's face. Her mother moved a few strands of Kagome's hair, tucking it behind her ear. "I'm guessing you have a grand story to tell." She said with a quick glance to the man and children standing quietly near by.

Kagome nodded, turning towards her family and extending her hand to Sesshoumaru.

~end~

Hope you liked it. I was really trying to make this seem like a possibility of what could happen after the original Inuyasha storyline. Please let me know what you think. Thanks again to everyone for the wonderful support and reviews. You all are the best! :)