InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cry of the Heart ❯ Changes to Come ( Chapter 12 )

 

Taking Takeshi with them, InuYasha held tightly on to them as he headed in the direction of his mother's castle. Kagome was just happy that it had stop snowing. As they broke through a clearing Kagome gasped as her eyes fell on what was now called Izayoi castle.

 

“I'm a sleep right? I fell asleep why reading a fairytale to the kids.”

 

“You ain't asleep Kagome, that castle is as real as you and me.”

 

Just as InuYasha was preparing to jump over the castle wall, the large doors started to open. A man who seemed to be about the age of twenty-seven in human years stepped through the doors and bowed to InuYasha and Kagome.

 

“Welcome home milord and lady; we have been awaiting your arrival.”

 

InuYasha pulled Kagome and Takeshi closer to him as he followed the man through the doors. It was then that Kagome realized that the young man was a half demon, just like InuYasha.

 

“InuYasha…”

 

“Yeah I know Kagome.”

 

He already knew what his mate was going to say before she even spoke it. InuYasha had sensed it the second that his eyes had fallen on the young man. Yet there was something oddly familiar about the man as well.

 

The man's dark hair was braided and stopped in the middle of his back. However the sights and sounds around them distracted InuYasha from his thoughts. There was a village inside the grounds of the castle walls. Most of the villagers seemed to be either human or a demon half breed of one kind or another.

 

“Milord you seemed to be deep in thought. I see that you and you wife have noticed the villagers. This has been a safe house if you will, for many like me or humans who have half demon children. However the only demons here are the ones who truly care for the ones who have bore them children.”

 

The man then turned and made a jester to the people who were busy with their everyday lives.

 

“All these people, Lord InuYasha are you and your wife's subjects.”

 

It was at that moment that the young man remembered to introduce himself.

 

“My name is Bankotsai; I will be your informant if you will. I shall keep you up to speed with everything going on in your land.”

 

InuYasha stiffened at first at hearing the name. The memory of his old enemy came to mind, However, InuYasha realized that this man was not dead. He was very much alive and he was a half demon. The Bankotsu he knew had been a human with an evil heart.

 

Pulling open one of the large doors to the castle, Bankotsai lead them inside.

 

“Shall show you to the Great Chamber, follow me.”

 

Kagome's eyes widened as she saw how large the inside of the castle was.

 

“Excuse me, Bankotsai how many rooms are there in here?”

 

Bankotsai bowed to Kagome as he spoke, “There are about 50 room milady. Thirty of the rooms are bedrooms; three of the bedrooms are servant quarters. The other 20 rooms are your ballroom, kitchens, study, library, weapons, meeting and den; the other few rooms are forbidden to the staff.

 

At hearing this InuYasha's interest was peeked. However if there were rooms in the castle that the staff was forbidden to enter, InuYasha figured that there was going to be any thing that Bankotsai could tell him.

 

As InuYasha continued to look around him, his guard remained up. It was then that InuYasha noticed that Bankotsai had led them to another room. Only this room had no door to keep people out.

 

“This room Milord InuYasha is the den.”

 

“Stop calling me that already, I sure as hell ain't a Lord.”

 

“Forgive me Sire; I am merely doing as I was instructed to do. I was told that this room would be the most welcoming to you and your family.”

 

Not knowing what Bankotsai meant, InuYasha's ears twitched at hearing Kagome gasp. He cast a glance over at his wife.

 

“Kagome, what is it?”

 

“Oh InuYasha, she truly was beautiful.”

 

His golden pools looked up to see what she was talking about. InuYasha's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the large painting of his mother and father; there was a painful ache inside his chest as he looked into her dark eyes.

 

`Mother, oh how I miss you.'

 

InuYasha then noticed that there was something off about the painting. Izayoi had her arms out as if she was holding something. Yet there was nothing there. Noticing both InuYasha's and Kagome's confusion; Bankotsai hoped to help it.

 

“This painting was painted before for you were born. Lady Izayoi was barely showing when it was painted. Toga the Great Inu Youkai had planned on having you added to the painting. Once you were brought into this world. However, your father lost his life in a battle before that could ever happen.”

 

None of Bankotsai's words seemed to comfort InuYasha at all.

 

“My mother died trying to defend me. She gave up her life to protect me. Why didn't any of you come for us then, if you respected my parents so much?”

 

Bankotsai hung his head in shame as he noticed InuYasha tight fist.

 

“Forgive me and my family's sin. My grandfather wanted to go search for Izayoi and bring her somewhere safe. With much regret he could not get through the barrier that your father placed around this place. It still remains today, even after all those years after his passing. It is not only the swords that allowed you and your brother to come here, but the blood of your father that flows through your veins.”

 

InuYasha gave what Bankotsai had just said some thought; before he decided to answer him.

 

“So you're telling me that no one can come and go as they please here; unless the blood of my father runs through their body.”

 

Bankotsai merely nodded his head in response.

 

“It was your fathers plan to keep this place hidden. The demons and humans here are ones who knew your father well.”

 

Not wanting to think of his father any more. InuYasha changed the subject as quick as he could.

 

“So is there more to this castle or not, where are the rooms we sleep in?”

 

The half demon just bowed to InuYasha as he continued to show them around the castle.

 

“Yes, of course Sire, come this way please.”

 

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Two Months have passed

 

 

Sesshomaru was going to get to the bottom of this today. He was going to make Lord Ringo choose. There was no way he could allow Akako to stay in the castle. Not if she was going to be causing harm to Rin and his unborn child/pup. Yes The Lord of the West planned on having a talk with Ringo. If he had no intention on making her suffer, then Sesshomaru would speak to Lord Yoshi instead; if that failed then he would punish her himself.

 

After all, Lady Akako was no long in the Southern Lands she was in his lands now. As such she would obey his law and show respect to those in his Castle; whether she disliked them or not.

 

Upon reaching the young lord's guest chamber; Sesshomaru called out to the Lord.

 

“Lord Ringo, there is something I must speak to you about.”

 

Hearing hurried sounds of rushing fabrics; Sesshomaru could tell that he had just interrupted something intimate between Ringo and one of his wives. The mere fact that Ringo had so many wives made Sesshomaru's skin crawl. A few seconds later the large wooden door came open and Ringo stepped out into the hall. Sesshomaru caught the sight of Yei Ringo's third wife out of the corner of his eye; as the lord pulled the door closed behind.

 

Only a slight scent of Yei hung upon Ringo, telling Sesshomaru that he hadn't interrupted them too much.

 

“I have concerns concerning your wife Akako. Earlier this week she threatened the life of not only Rin, but my unborn pup as well.”

 

Ringo felt a chill run up his spine as Sesshomaru continued to look at him with frozen golden eyes.

 

“Let me remind you Lord of the Southern Lands. You and your family are my personal guest. I am aware of your First Wife's condition. However, if you can not tame her I will do it for you. As far as this Sesshomaru can see your wife has put a tare in the alliance that your father has worked so hard for. Perhaps I should send word to him, of what has been done.”

 

There was still one thing that Sesshomaru still enjoyed and that was fear. That was as long as if wasn't Rin's. Fear was exactly what he saw in Lord Ringo's eyes right now.

 

“No, Lord Sesshomaru that will not be needed. I have already come up with a punishment for Lady Akako. I plan on making sure that it is done.”

 

“I am happy to hear that Lord Ringo, for it looks like you will be staying with us a little longer. More snow has fallen over night; you have been here for almost two months. Your pup's birth is approaching. Traveling would not be wise.”

 

Without saying another word Sesshomaru turned and walked away from the speechless young lord.

 

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Kagome blinked a few times as she tried to get herself awake. It took her a little while to remember where she was at. She, InuYasha and Takeshi were still at Izayoi Castle, on the day she and InuYasha had planned to leave a snow storm had snowed them in at the Castle. With the snow melting InuYasha had said he had thought they could leave today.

 

Kagome glanced into the cradle that now held her three month old son. Takeshi was still sleeping soundly his lips quivered in his sleep; almost as if he were sucking on something. She then rolled over to see if InuYasha was watching her sleep. To her surprise he was no longer in bed. Kagome's dark chocolate pools soon caught sight of him. He was staring out of the window of their bed chamber.

 

“InuYasha, what is it? What's the matter?”

 

InuYasha tried not to sound irritated but there was no hiding how frigging irritated he was.

 

“There was another damn snow storm last night. So we won't be going anywhere, I'm the only one going, well me and Bankotsai and two of the castle's mid-wives.”

 

InuYasha couldn't help but smirk, at Kagome's reaction. For the last two months here she had been worrying over their older children not being here, and she constantly reminded him of how close Sango's due date was approaching.

 

“So don't worry I have everything covered, I'm going to go get our family and bring them to their new home. I don't plan on asking Miroku and Sango to stay with us here until we get back.”

 

Climbing out of bed, Kagome slipped a nightgown over her head and then covered herself with her robe; as she made her way over to InuYasha. She smiled as she took in his scent, even though the trees had long lost their leaves. InuYasha still smelled of the forest in the warm summer sun.

 

“What about Rin? I should have been back to check on her weeks ago.”

 

“So you haven't seen her in a few weeks, Sesshomaru will just have to get over it. Beside I'm taking you and Takeshi to his place until I return. There's no way I would leave the two of you here without me. It's one of the reason's I'm taking Bankotsai and a human and half-demon mid-wives with me.”

 

InuYasha turned around so he was now facing her; he then placed a hand gently on one of her cheeks.

 

“It's the only way I can tell if I can trust them. If Bankotsai can give me no reason, not to trust him; then I'll trust him. The minute something doesn't smell right it will be the last thing he does. Naraku may be gone, but there is still something out there and I'm not about to lose you guys.”

 

Kagome leaned into InuYasha as he brought his lips to meet with her own. Every time InuYasha kissed her she felt like she was fifteen again, sharing her first kiss with InuYasha. There was a warm tingly sensation between her thighs. Kagome could feel him tense, the kiss they were sharing deepened with every passing second. InuYasha swept Kagome up into his arms in one quick movement. He pulled at the slash that held her robe in place allowing it to slip free. Kagome shivered as she felt InuYasha's tongue pass over the mating mark he had placed on her.

 

InuYasha groaned as Kagome slid a hand over his chest; while the other undid the tie on his pants. Kagome responded with a moan as InuYasha kneaded one of her covered breast with a hand. A smile found its way onto InuYasha's lips, as the scent of her arousal reached his nose. She wanted him; she needed him with every ounce of her being.

Just as InuYasha's nails caught the lacy trim of Kagome's nightgown.

 

The sound of Takeshi cries, caused Kagome to pull quickly and gently out of his arms. InuYasha tried once more to get his mate back into the mood.

 

“Come on Kagome, he just had a bad dream he'll be fine.”

 

Kagome gave in slightly as she allowed InuYasha to pull her into his embrace; but it was short lived. It became apparent to InuYasha that his infant son was going to have the last word this time. As Takeshi's cries précised, Kagome started too slid out of bed and go to her son; when she felt InuYasha grab her wrist. She understood her husbands need, but her son's need won out this time.

 

“InuYasha, it's his hungry cry I can't just ignore it. Takeshi has a schedule just like Sera, Inuhiko and Miran had when they were his age.”

 

InuYasha released Kagome's wrist and hung his head for a second; before lifting it up and looked in his son's direction as he nursed from his mother.

 

“You may have won this round kid but the next one's mine. I'm a pro at this game you know; I beat your big sister and your big brothers at this game. How else do you think you got here?”

 

Kagome couldn't help but laugh at her husband's childish antics. It had been six long years since she had seen him act this childish.

 

“InuYasha stop acting like a child, I can't believe your yelling at your son for being hungry.”

 

“I wasn't yelling at him I was just warning him that's all. Besides if I wasn't childish sometimes still, how the hell would you want me to act? Like I have a stick up my ass like Sesshomaru does I don't think so.”

 

At hearing InuYasha's words Kagome wrinkled her nose up at him.

 

“No InuYasha I love you just the way you are, I would never ask you to change. Besides acting like a little kid is what makes you InuYasha.”

 

InuYasha raised an eyebrow in question over this.

 

“What the heck is that suppose to mean?”

 

“It means exactly what I said.”

 

At first InuYasha felt like pouting then he let what Kagome had just said run through his mind. She had a point his childishness is one of the reasons he had such a good relationship with his children. Not to mention that he understood what it felt like to be different.

 

Placing a kiss on the back of Takeshi's head, InuYasha then looked down at Kagome as he kissed her gently on the lips.

 

“While the two of you finish up here I'm going to go see if Bankotsai and his little party are ready to go then I'll come and get you.”

 

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Rin winced as she struggled to her feet; it had been a month and a half since she had seen Kagome. She could only hope that she was doing everything right for her baby. Before she could even say anything, Mina was at Rin's side.

 

“Forgive me my Lady, I was with Lady Akako. With the snow storms that we have had it has delayed Lord Ring's departure from the castle. Lord Sesshomaru asked me to see to her and make her comfortable; her due date is closing in on her.”

 

“No not at all, I was making due I was just wondering if you knew where Sesshomaru went off too. He left our chambers early this morning and I haven't seen him.”

 

Mina helped Rin gently to her feet before answering Rin's question.

 

“I believe he had a meeting with Lord Ringo.”

 

Rin stopped in her tracks as the baby seemed to move up into her ribcage. Making her stop and grab for the bedpost as she tried to catch her breath. Seeing Rin stop as if she was trying to catch her breath Mina hurried back to her Lady's side.

 

“Are you all right Rin?”

 

Rin just smiled weakly at Mina. “I'm fine really I just tried to move too fast.”

 

Mina raised an eyebrow as she watched Rin pull in a breath.

 

“Is there any thing I can get you Rin?”

 

“I only wish to see Sesshomaru that is if my Lord has time for me.”

 

Mina bowed to Rin as she excused herself. Once she was sure that her hand maid was gone. Rin drew in a slow breath and then let it out slowly.

 

`It's too early and Kagome isn't here. She promised she'd be here.'

 

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Sesshomaru was on his way to the castle gates, he had received word from his brother that he would be bringing his mate to the castle. However, the dog lord stopped suddenly in his tracks, Rin was calling him. She seemed to be panicking about something; the anxiousness he was feeling from her was like a sharp hard slap in the face.

 

Without another thought he turned and disappeared in the direction that his mate was in. Something was defiantly wrong; there was no doubt it but what? Then the thought came to Sesshomaru, what if Akako decided that she wasn't afraid of her mate, what if she had done something to Rin yet again.

 

`If she truly was stupid enough too try something inside of my home yet again. I shall make her regret her actions all together.'

 

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Kagome couldn't help but smile as she looked down at all the snow that was covering the ground. In a few days she would not only be reunited with Sera, Inuhiko, and Miran, but Miroku and Sango and their son.

 

“Oh and I can't forget about Shippo, I still can't get over how much he has grown in six years.”

 

She then looked down at Takeshi as he napped in her arms now that his belly was full. He had a head full of raven colored hair. Takeshi's right little hand was balled into a tiny little fist, and rested on his cheek as he made soft sucking sounds in his sleep. Noticing this Kagome chuckled softly to herself.

 

“Your belly is full yet you still dream about eating. You really are InuYasha's son.”

 

“Hey are you talking about me?”

 

Kagome smiled as she looked up to see InuYasha standing in the door way. She then giggled a little.

 

“What's so funny Kagome?”

 

“Oh nothing really I was just talking to Takeshi. As soon as his tummy was full he was out like a light. It kind of reminded me of some one I know.”

 

InuYasha knew that she must be talking about him, but he didn't push the issue.

 

“As soon as you're ready we can head out, is there anything you need before we leave?”

 

Kagome just shook her head.

 

“I just need my bag, and then we're all set.”

 

InuYasha smiled lightly as he watched Kagome lay Takeshi down gently into his cradle. Then hurrying off to make sure everything she needed was in her bag.

 

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Rin bit her lip this time as an unfamiliar pain seemed to shoot up her spine. She pulled in a breath as best she could, as another pain came. This was not how she had envisioned the birth of her first child. To be honest with her-self Rin wasn't even sure if she was breathing right. Kagome hadn't had a chance to talk to her much about any of it.

 

She continued the breathing she was doing when another contraction came only this one was stronger then the last. Rin clutched her abdomen as she tried to sooth and talk to the child that was within her womb.

 

“It's not time for you to come yet, so please just wait a little while longer.”

 

However before Rin could say anything else another sharp pain washed over her. Only this time Rin's knees buckled from under her.

 

“My lord where are you?”

 

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Sesshomaru's right hand was ready to attack if the need arose. The pain and fear he was sensing from Rin was becoming more intense. His eyes bled red for a moment at the thought of harm coming to the unborn pup Rin was carrying. It was then that Sesshomaru realized that half-demon or not he cared simply because it was apart of Rin.

 

Upon reaching their sleeping chambers Sesshomaru pulled the heavy doors open in one quick movement. Rushing into the room Sesshomaru found Rin sitting on the floor, beads of sweat dotted her forehead her breathing was labored as well.

 

“Rin what is wrong are you injured?”

 

Hearing Sesshomaru's voice Rin looked toward the door. She couldn't stop the small smile that appeared on her lips at seeing him standing there.

 

“No my lord I'm not injured, but I think it's time.”

 

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow as he saw the distress that Rin was in.

 

“It is impossible; there is still one more passing of the full moon before the pup is born.”

 

Rin winced as another contraction came.

 

“I think the baby gets to decide Sesshomaru, he or she has decided that it wants it to be now.”

 

Sesshomaru looked around the room for Mina as he helped Rin to her feet.

 

“Where is Mina, she should be here with you at a time like this.”

 

Continuing the slowly even breathes she had been trying to do. Rin gasped and gripped Sesshomaru's hand as water suddenly rushed from inside her body. Before Sesshomaru could say anything more Mina was there in a flash.

 

“Forgive me milord, I no idea that my Lady's labor pains were going to come so early.”

 

Noticing the tight grip that Rin still had on his hand, Sesshomaru allowed it as she leaned against him for support. Mina quickly changed Rin out of the kimono that was now soaked. In that small amount of time Sesshomaru saw how full and large Rin's breasts were. He also noticed that the swell of her abdomen was much larger then he remembered. It looked out of place on Rin's small form.

 

`How could I've missed these changes in Rin, I should have been the first to notice such a change in Rin's body. Yet I allowed myself to be blinded by other matters.'

 

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Jaken was in complete panic as he paced back and forth in front of the castle gates. His yellow eyes almost jumped out of his skull in happiness; as he smelled and saw InuYasha and his mate's approach to the castle. Turning his head he yelled at a pair of guards.

 

“Hurry up and open up the gates, this is no time for you to be lazy.”

 

InuYasha became curious over Jaken's nervous movements; making him yell at the green little imp.

 

“Hey Jaken, what's the matter did you do something to piss Sesshomaru off.”

 

InuYasha jumped as Jaken turn to look at him, tears were streaming down his cheeks.

 

“Ooooh, I never thought I would ever say this, but I'm so happy to see you.”

 

InuYasha sweat dropped as he watched the imp run to Kagome's side.

 

“We mustn't waste any more time. Rin's labor pains have come early she may even now be delivery milord's child.”

 

Kagome kissed InuYasha quickly on the lips, whispering something only he could hear.

 

“I love you, bring our family back safely.”

 

“Always Kagome and you bet I will.”

 

With Takeshi in the pack on her back Kagome hurried inside the castle doors. The female half-demon that had come along with them took quick steps and followed after Kagome. Kagome had learned that the young woman was half-fox demon and her name was Sai. With the human mid-wife that had come along to help with Sango; was called Kumiko.

 

Sai then stopped and turned to look at Kumiko,

 

“Kumiko, will you be all right with Lord InuYasha's friend? Should I not stay with Lady Kagome and help?”

 

The young woman just smiled as she shook her head.

 

“No go on and help Lady Kagome. I shall be fine with Sango. It appears that you may be needed more here. Besides Lady Kagome will be a good teacher for you Sai.”

 

Sai just smiled as she hurried to catch up with Kagome. She was quickly starting to like Kagome a lot; she was hoping one day to be friends with Lord InuYasha's mate.

 

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Miroku and Sango's home

 

“This isn't funny Shippo now let me go!”

 

Inuhiko and Miran continued to giggle at their big sister's predicament. Shippo had just pinned Sera to the floor with his fox magic.

 

“Uh-oh Sera, been a bad girl.” Both boys then just grin as they watched their sister give in.

 

“Uncle Miroku! Ok I've learned my lesson I promise not to try and run off again. Just tell Shippo to put his stupid toys away.”

 

However Miroku continued to ignore her as he polished his staff.

 

“Come on Miroku, tell Shippo to let her go. She has the same temper as InuYasha and with Kagome and InuYasha not here to calm her…”

 

Miroku sighed as he stood up and looked over at his lovely very pregnant wife.

 

“As always, Sango my dear you are right.”

 

“Shippo that's enough I think Sera has learned a very important lesson.”

 

Then Shippo, now thirteen years old just smiled as he released Sera from his fox magic.

 

“You got it Miroku.”

 

Miroku then walked over to Sera and sat down.

 

“Sera, tell me what you learned today.”

 

Sera's arms were folded tightly in front of her, and her dark brown eyes seemed even darker as she fumed.

 

“I learned that Shippo is mean butt-hole, and my mom and Dad, and you and Aunt Sango are all big stupid heads!”

 

Without saying another word Sera just disappeared in a small flash of silver and purple. Miroku, Sango and Shippo were too stunned by Sera's words at first.

 

“I really hate it when she does that.”

 

Miroku then looked over at Sango and asked, “Did I miss something, just why are we big stupid heads.”

 

The only answer Sango could give him was to shrug her shoulders. She then looked over at Shippo and the Miran and Inuhiko.

 

“Shippo, would you mind putting Miran and Inuhiko down for a nap.”

 

“Sure Sango, no problem.”

 

Taking Inuhiko and Miran by the hand, Shippo walked back to where Kazuo was already taking a nap. Shortly after InuYasha appeared in their door way; both Miroku and Sango answered in unison,

 

“InuYasha you're back.”

 

“Yeah I'm back and I want all of you to come back with me.”

 

InuYasha then looked at Miroku and answered Miroku's question.

 

“Yeah, Miroku we did miss something. Yesterday was Sera birthday, if we hadn't been snowed in Kagome and I would have been back for it.”

 

Sango gasped at hearing this, “How could I have forgotten.”

 

InuYasha just smiled as he looked at how big the child in Sango's womb was getting. There was only two more months left before it would be born. He then put a hand on Sango's shoulder.

 

“Take it easy Sango; I should have said something the last time I was here. So it's my fault.”

 

InuYasha then motion for Bankotsai and Kumiko to come inside; before he introduced them he explained everything that had happen after he had left the last time.

 

“Oh by the way, these are a few old friends of my father's This is my advisor Bankotsai, and this is Kumiko she's come to help care for you Sango as we journey to Izayoi Castle.”

 

Bankotsai bowed to Miroku and then to Sango. She blushed slightly as Bankotsai bowed to her and gently kissed her on the hand.

 

“Madame it is a pleasure to meet you.”

 

Kumiko bowed to Sango as well as she took her place beside her.

 

“It's nice to meet you, if you need anything please allow me to get it for you.”

 

Sango was stunned as Kumiko slowly helped her to sit. She seemed to be no older then Sango. There was only a slight show of wrinkles on her face. Kumiko's almond shaped eyes were sincere, and her dark hair was done up in a tight bun.

 

“I'm going to go find Sera, the four of you play nice.”

 

“I want to be able to trust you Bankotsai, so don't given me a reason not too.”

 

Bankotsai was surprised at first by InuYasha's words, but then he bowed in understanding.”

 

“I shall guard them well sire.”

 

Without giving what Bankotsai had just said another thought, Inuyasha quickly followed after Sera's scent. He smiled when he saw where it had led him. Sera, was hiding inside of their hut. InuYasha followed her scent and stopped when he reached her room.

 

“So I'm a big stupid head am I?”

 

He watched as Sera wiped her eyes and sniffled as she answered him.

 

“No.”

 

Though she answered him she didn't look at him. Sighing InuYasha walked into the room and sat down next to Sera.

 

“Hey, kido you mind telling me what's on your mind. If it's about your birthday I'm sorry your mother and I wanted to be here, but with the snow.

 

“No it's not that I wouldn't have gotten anything I wanted any way. Mom would have just gotten me a kimono, yuck.”

 

InuYasha smiled at the face his seven year old daughter made. However her sad brown eyes reminded him of all the times he had seen those sad eye in Kagome.

 

“I'm all alone daddy, and I'm a freak.”

 

“You're not alone you have your brothers and Sango, Miroku and Kazuo. Don't forget your mother and me; and who told you, you're a freak Sera?”

 

Sera turned her head to look at the father, “I am alone besides Mom and Aunt Sango I'm the only girl in the family and it's not fair. I wanted a little sister but I got Takeshi instead. As for me being a freak, I say I'm a freak, Shippo, you, Uncle Sesshomaru, Inuhiko, and Miran all have demon powers even Takeshi has powers. Me I'm just weak and stupid, that's why you spend more time with my brothers then with me.”

 

InuYasha picked up his daughter and sat her on his lap; so then he could look at her.

 

“Sera you're not weak and you're not stupid. You're just going to a late bloomer when it comes to your powers. As for me spending more time with you I didn't know you wanted me too. I thought you liked baking and sewing with your mother.”

 

Sera just shook her head no.

 

“Well why didn't you say something sweet heart?”

 

“I didn't want to hurt mommy's feelings daddy, I'm the only daughter she has. And I wanted to make her happy.”

 

Wiping away a few stray tears from Sera's eyes InuYasha just held her in his arms.

 

“I'm sure if you just tell your mother how you feel she'll understand. All you have to do is tell her.”

 

“Come on there's something I want to show everybody, including you if you and your brothers like it. You'll have a room of your very own and you won't have to share with Takeshi anymore.”

 

Sera's eyes danced as she reached up and wrapped her arms around her father's neck causing InuYasha to chuckle.

 

“Ready kido lets go tell everyone my big news.”

 

88888888888888888888888888888888888

 

Sango and Miroku just stared at InuYasha as he told the about inheriting Izayoi Castle from his mother. Miroku rubbed his chin as he gave what InuYasha had just said some thought.

 

“You inherited a castle and you want us to come and live with you there?”

 

“Yeah so what's wrong with that the two of you are our best friends? The castle has twenty-seven different bed rooms. Do you really think Kagome and I want to have that many empty rooms?”

 

InuYasha then looked over at Bankotsai and Kumiko before clearing his throat.

 

“Would the two of you excuse us for a moment or two?”

 

Without saying anything, Bankotsai and Kumiko bowed and stepped outside and away for the hut.

 

“There's more to it then that, after seeing how sad Kagome was when her grandfather died and then Kaede. I knew then that I had to do something.”

 

“InuYasha my friend, growing old and death is something that happens to all of us in time.”

 

InuYasha just shook his head.

 

“No it doesn't have to happen to you and your family Miroku. There is a ritual called the eternal seal. If I where to do it too you and Kazuo right now You would age at the same rate as me and Kazuo really would be able to grow up with Inuhiko, Miran and Sera. The two of you would also be safe; the mark is similar to when I marked Kagome. As for physical changes the aging is the only one that was set in stone.”

 

InuYasha let out the breath he had been holding.

 

“I'll give the two of you two weeks to decided, but the two of you are going to live with us at the castle. If I have to I'll knock you out Miroku and Sango all I would have to do is pick you up and carry you.”

 

Without another word InuYasha walked toward Kazuo's where the scent of Shippo and his boys were coming from. He shook his head when he saw that Shippo was asleep as well.

 

“He's still a little runt.”

 

A smile graced his lips as he watched the four boys sleep. He the gently closed the door as he backed away from it. Walking out the door he looked over at Bankotsai.

 

“I'm going for a walk, so don't try to follow me.”

 

Climbing up to the top of a hill, where a giant maple tree was growing. InuYasha then looked down at the stone that Kagome had made him place there.

 

“Hey there old woman, there were times that I was sure that you were going to die on me. You never did though, you surprised me every time.”

 

Brushing the snow off of the stone, InuYasha continued to talk to the person that lay beneath it.

 

“Sera is growing up so fast, she is really starting to remind me of myself and it scares me. Take care of Shiro and Kohaku for Miroku and Sango I know you will. Just as I know that you know that I'm moving my family away from the village. Something is coming, I'm not sure when or even what it is, but we can't stay here anymore. I will keep you, Kohaku and little Shiro safe. Kagome placed a special barrier around the three of you; to make sure no one disturbs you. Good-Bye for now old-woman.”

 

As InuYasha walked away from the three stones that marked the resting places of three very special people. The wind blew erasing any traces of his foot steps. As the gentle winter wind blew his long silver hair to the side. InuYasha looked behind him, he could almost see Kaede and Kohaku standing there smiling at him.

 

`You'll live again some day Kaede I'm sure of it.

 

TBC

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&&&&

 

(A/N: This is the longest chapter I have written in a long time. My next posting for this story will be Chapter 13: Winds of the Future

 

Ciao,

 

TaintedInuShemeeko)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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