InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Even If You Cannot Hear My Voice ❯ Nothing Left to Hide ( Chapter 17 )

 

 

Shippou sighed in both relief and pride. He was finally finished with all of the drawings he had wanted to make for Kagome. When Inuyasha and Kagome came back from her time, he was going to give them to her immediately. He looked over at Miroku and Sango and wrinkled his nose. They smelled like Miroku had infused Sango with his scent yet again. How many times a day does he have to do that before he's satisfied that no male will approach Sango? He thought grumpily.

 

Maybe Miroku didn't realize that the pair of them smelled to high heaven, and no youkai within a mile radius would even think of coming close to Sango right now…especially since she was pregnant. Shippou wondered if it would be helpful if he informed Miroku, but he thought that maybe they were keeping it a secret until they performed the human version of mating rituals or perhaps until Inuyasha and Kagome came back. What's taking them so long, anyways? He whined to himself.

 

Miroku gazed lovingly at his gorgeous taijiya. His eyes had a slightly drugged look to them, and smiled dumbly at her. He sighed as he wondered if he could make sure that no one but him and Sango gathered herbs for Kaede ever again. Sango just rolled her eyes and pretended not to notice how stupid he was acting. At this rate, everyone would know what they had done and that they'd done it several times already! Sango's cheeks reddened, so she pushed those thoughts down as quickly as possible. Great, now I'm being completely obvious! She mentally berated herself. Miroku noticed the change in her disposition and smirked. Apparently, she was thinking about what he was, and it pleased him greatly.

 

Kaede looked over at the pair and smiled. She was no fool, and she was certainly old and wise enough to understand that the two of them had had relations. She felt they deserved it after all they had been through, and she knew that they would want to get married soon. She had already sent for Miroku's old master to perform the ceremony. It would take him several days to get to the village, of course, and she had heard rumors that the elder monk at Miroku's temple was something of a drunk, so she hoped that he would not lose his way even with the tanuki flying him to the village. When she thought about it a little more, she supposed the tanuki wasn't very reliable, either, and she sighed. The old priestess wondered if maybe she was wrong to simply send for the monk and assume the two wished to be married, but when she took another opportunity to study their faces, she realized her doubts were unfounded. She decided that she would inform Miroku and Sango of their upcoming nuptials.

 

“Miroku. Sango, my dear, may I have a word with ye?” Kaede asked pleasantly.

 

“Of course, Kaede. What's on your mind?” Sango replied a little too hastily, for though she had tried to divert her thoughts from what had happened earlier that day with Miroku in the forest, it was to no avail, making her admittedly quick to respond in her slight embarrassment.

 

“I wanted to inform ye of a visitor arriving here sometime later in the week.” She explained.

 

“Kaede-sama, of what visitor do you speak?” Miroku asked politely.

 

“Your old master. I summoned him to perform the wedding ceremony for ye.” Kaede informed.

 

Sango's eyes grew the size of saucers, and Miroku raised an eyebrow and looked at his beloved demon slayer. Sango's face was strewn with complete innocence, so Miroku decided that Kaede had acted on her own.

 

“We thank you, Kaede, for your initiative in the matter.” Miroku smiled sincerely at the old priestess. “However, Sango and I were hoping to have the ceremony in the demon slayer's village after we started rebuilding there.”

 

Kaede smiled knowingly and decided to inform the couple of another piece of information. Delivering countless newborns, she recognized the newfound glistening in Sango's eyes for what it was. She was of course not a demon, so she could not smell this to be fact, but she was a miko and also a woman. She knew she was not mistaken in this matter. She feigned an expression of defeat and went back to her tea. After taking a sip, she responded softly,

 

“I do not believe that is a wise course of action.” And she then continued to drink her tea.

 

Looks of complete indignation appeared on both Sango and Miroku's faces. They could not believe that Kaede would ever say such a thing to them. What was so wrong with wanting to be in the presence of Sango's departed family and friends when they publicly announced their intentions for one another? Sango seemed to be holding back tears, so Kaede quickly continued, directing her attention to the distressed demon slayer.

 

“What I mean is, child, ye are in no condition to start rebuilding your old village just yet. It will take many months to complete that task, and soon enough, it will be impossible for ye to handle this.” Kaede clarified soothingly before staring at the taijiya with a strange look.

 

Sango cocked her head slightly in absolute confusion for a few moments. Then she gasped quietly, and her lips parted somewhat. She glanced at the old miko again and there was a sinking feeling that formed in the pit of her stomach. The taijiya closed her eyes and breathed out, effectively calming herself. When she opened her eyes again, Sango realized the sinking feeling had been replaced with a joy she had never felt before and a single tear rolled down her cheek.

 

Miroku, who was glaring at the old miko for apparently making his goddess cry, turned to his Sango uneasily when she spoke.

 

“You mean…?” Sango couldn't verbalize her suspicion.

 

“Yes, child.” Kaede paused for a second to let it sink in before continuing, “Ye are with child.”

 

Sango gasped excitedly, and Miroku stood up more quickly than any mortal that those present in Kaede's hut had ever seen. He donned a brilliant smile before running to his beloved and gathering her up into his arms. After spinning her around for what felt like an eternity, he gave her a bruising kiss and set her on her feet.

 

“Finally!!! A woman is bearing my child!” The overjoyed monk exclaimed.

 

“Well, duh! I coulda told you that!” Shippou announced sarcastically.

 

“Mew!” Kirara agreed.

 

The three adults looked at two small demons and started to laugh when the sound of the straw mat being pushed aside resounded through the hut. They all shot their heads in the door's direction to find that an arrogant-looking hanyou and a teary-eyed young miko had just made their appearance.

 

 

“Kagomeeeeeee!!!!” Shippou wailed happily before leaping into the young priestess's arms and handing her his pictures.

 

“Shippou-chan!” Kagome exclaimed while catching the young kitsune. “Oh, they're beautiful!”

 

“Oi, brat!” Inuyasha growled and crossed his arms angrily while going over to the pair. He was going to have to talk to that little brat about assaulting his mate whenever the kid damn well pleased.

 

“Inuyasha.” Kagome admonished before walking over to the gushing couple on the other side of the hut. She didn't notice Shippou crinkle his nose and give Inuyasha a shocked look.

 

Inuyasha glared and growled warningly at the young kitsune.

 

“Sango-chan! Miroku-sama! We heard what Miroku said outside!” Kagome explained eagerly.

 

“Oh, Kagome-chan!” Sango exclaimed before pausing and giving her best friend a bashful look. “You're not…ashamed that we didn't wait until we were married, are you?” Sango eyed Kagome awkwardly.

 

“Of course she's not! She smells like Inuyasha like you smell like Miroku!” Shippou announced before realizing that Inuyasha was lunging for him mid-sentence.

 

“WHAT THE HELL, SHIPPOU!!!!” Inuyasha bellowed before snatching the kitsune out of Kagome's grip. He bopped him on the bed and dropped him unceremoniously on the floor. Then he figured Shippou would be getting off pretty easily with only one bump on the head and reached for the young kitsune again.

 

Shippou wailed and ran to Kagome to find the miko's face buried in her hands. Stunned could not accurately describe all the people in the room save Inuyasha who was just severely pissed. Shippou couldn't hide in Kagome's arms, so Shippou started sprinting madly around the hut with Inuyasha close behind.

 

Kagome didn't save him, too embarrassed to allow her hands to release her face, and Inuyasha was able to give Shippou another few lumps on his head. Satisfied, but deciding to throw a warning growl at him one last time, Inuyasha strolled over to the group with an air of considerable dignity. Being the first to recover from the ordeal, Miroku spoke up in an of course calm and even manner.

 

 

“*ahem* So, Kagome-sama, we would be honored if you could participate in the ceremony.”

 

Raising her face to meet his, her eyes were again sparkling with the utmost delight. “Of course! Anything to help!” She couldn't help but remember her fantasy long ago of being the angel of love, helping Sango and Miroku on their way to matrimonial bliss. I guess got together without my help after all… A smidgeon of disappointment was evident by her expression, but it was not enough for anyone but Inuyasha to notice. He gave her a sidelong glance, and Kagome quickly pushed those feelings aside and perked right up again.

 

Inuyasha squinted his eyes and glowered at her for a split-second before deciding that maybe now wasn't the best time to say anything about it. Hey! He was capable of tact once in a great while! He would have to inform Kagome of such later, but for now, he decided to change the subject from all this gushy bullshit.

 

“Me and Kagome have decided what my wish should be.” Inuyasha announced rather blasé.

 

Surprised out of her hugging and fawning all over Sango, Kagome shot Inuyasha a venomous glare.

 

“Nani?” Inuyasha asked gruffly.

 

“This is THEIR moment, baka!!! Don't ruin it with our news!” Kagome retorted.

 

“Keh!” was his appropriate answer to that crap! He was sick of watching Kagome act like she was mentally unstable about their stupid wedding. I suppose that means she definitely wants to have one of those…he mentally groaned. His features softened, however, when he remembered how truly happy she seemed. Maybe he really should've kept his mouth shut because now his mate's scent and face showed that she was furious.

 

Miroku realized that this was rapidly escalating into a “sitting” situation, so he decided to placate them before that happened.

 

With his hands in the air, he said, “It's quite all right, Kagome-sama. We know now that the ceremony is going to be here, and Kaede has already sent for my old master to perform it, and now that we know you are willing to assist, there is not much more to be done save acquiring Sango's ceremonial kimono, so please, we have all been curious about Inuyasha's wish for some time now.”

 

Kagome's shoulders relaxed, followed by the rest of her body, to Inuyasha's extreme relief, not that he would admit it, and she replied earnestly.

 

“All right,” she conceded. “But I'M going to tell them since you'll probably give them the wrong idea!!!” She shot yet another vehement glare at her hanyou. Kagome thought back to the conversation they had had the previous night after thankfully acquiring clothing without waking anyone up and thereby raising suspicions.

 

 

 

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“Kagome….mate…(to which Kagome smiled radiantly) we need to talk about my wish. I've been wanting to for awhile now,” and he paused when he realized Kagome's smile had mysteriously vanished. “Kagome…?” he asked uncertainly.

 

With her eyes downcast, she replied, “Go ahead, Inuyasha…I'm listening.”

 

Inuyasha could not only smell but sense her wariness and displeasure at his words. He thought that maybe he should've waited, but-NO!!! FUCK that shit!!! I've put this off long enough!! And Kagome's just gonna have to deal with it!!! A small voice told him he was planning on discussing it with Kagome, not merely tell Kagome, but he ignored that and scowled.

 

“Kagome…” he gritted out through his teeth. “We have to talk about this…”

 

“I know.” She sighed, and then she looked up at him with love and faith. “Please, Inuyasha. Tell me.”

 

“Well, I've already told you that I don't want to be a full youkai, and I sure as hell don't want to be a puny human!” Inuyasha paused for a second and looked at his mate uneasily. He didn't mean it as an insult to her personally; it was just weak mortals in general. It was the same as his brother was with Rin. Neither classified the girls in such a way because they were…different. They weren't like those disgusting humans huddled together in their putrid-smelling villages!

 

“Go on,” she said as pleasantly as possible though her heart was pounding painfully in her chest. She was glad that at least it felt like he wanted to discuss the matter with her, instead of simply inform her of what he planned to wish for. She was of course wondering what Kikyo had said about it and how seriously Inuyasha was considering her thoughts on the matter, but she figured it was best not to voice those concerns.

 

“Well, I want to be with you forever, Kagome. In any time and in any place. You're my mate, now. You have the dog clan's mark, and you will share my lifespan, so I don't have to wish for that.” Inuyasha explained a little nervously since he had not informed her of this before they actually mated.

 

“Wow! Really?!” Kagome had always had her thoughts about how depressing it must be to know you'll outlive all of your friends and their children and their children and so on, and she didn't like thinking that Inuyasha would be all alone again. “I had no idea!”

 

Inuyasha took it as a good sign that Kagome wasn't upset about having to spend near eternity with him, so he relaxed a little.

 

“How long will we live, Inuyasha?” Kagome asked with the curious excitement of a child. She was simply overjoyed that Inuyasha was never going to be alone again because she'll always be able to be there for him!

 

“Well, provided that we're not killed in battle, a few thousand years, I suppose.” Inuyasha said while wondering himself. He honestly didn't know. It's not like there was a half-demon that he could ask that was older than him hanging around since all the half-demons they had met on their journey were younger than he was by at least 100 years. Besides, even if there was, none of them would be in his position. He being the offspring of a taiyoukai made his youkai blood stronger, anyways. That reminded of another vital piece of information he needed to tell Kagome.

 

“You really don't know?” Kagome mused.

 

“Well, no…” he responded grudgingly. “I need Tetsusaiga to keep my youkai blood under control because it's not balanced with my human blood.” He gave her a second to let her ponder this for a moment before continuing, “I mean, has any of the other half-demons we've met needed something to keep their demon blood under control?”

 

Kagome's eyes widened in realization. By the gods, he was right! There had been no other instance where any of the hanyous they had met needed the safeguard that he had. He needed both Tetsusaiga and a subjugation spell!

 

Inuyasha continued, unabashed. “That means that any pups we will have will not need the same kind of protection.”

 

Kagome smiled at this, but then a disturbing thought hit her. “But…doesn't that mean our kids won't live as long as us since they'll be without that much youkai blood?”

 

“Yes, Kagome. They won't have our lifespan, but if we wait to have kids long enough, that won't be an issue if it will bother you too much. We're not immortal like Sesshoumaru, but we're certainly going to be around for awhile.” Inuyasha tried to soothe his plainly distressed mate by making soft growling noises deep in his throat.

 

“But…what if we can't go back to the modern era after you make your wish and we decide to stay here? I can't buy enough birth control to last us 500 years! How could we make sure I won't get pregnant?!” He wasn't thinking about that!! What, was he going to keep his hands off of me until birth control was invented? YEAH RIGHT!!! She thought sarcastically. Earlier, she could tell by the look in his eyes that he had wanted to take her again three minutes after they had done it the first time!

 

“Keh! Baaaaka! I know when you're in heat, for fuck's sake!” Inuyasha scoffed at his little miko.

 

“Really? But…I was always in my time at the very end and beginning of my cycle since you were always such a jerk!” She looked at Inuyasha in horror when she realized she was talking about HER PERIOD with HER HANYOU. Completely scarlet, she hung her head low before she had come to a revelation. Wait a minute, she thought to herself, does that mean that Inuyasha was just…angry…because… She gasped and looked at Inuyasha with wide eyes.

 

“YOU MEAN YOU WERE ONLY MEAN TO ME SINCE YOU COULDN'T HANDLE BEING AROUND ME ALL THOSE TIMES?!” Kagome yelled suddenly.

 

Not being one to back down, Inuyasha responded promptly. “OF COURSE I COULDN'T HANDLE IT, BAKA!!! I WOULD'VE TAKEN YOU A LONG TIME AGO, AND I COULDN'T DO THAT YET!!!” Inuyasha crossed his arms over his haori and scowled malevolently before whipping around to face away from her. He was certainly sour that he had to admit that.

 

Kagome lightly gasped. She had come to the conclusion that he couldn't handle her-okay, increased moodiness-not that he couldn't stand her because of that. She was going to be really annoyed if he was going to try and get rid of her every month for the rest of her life!!! But now that she knew what he really meant, she found it oddly endearing. So he had wanted me a lot more than I had ever dreamed.

 

“Inuyasha…” she called out softly.

 

When Inuyasha sensed her ease, and the softness of her voice, he turned to face her with an eyebrow raised. Satisfied that she wasn't going to yell at him anymore, he decided to trudge on with the conversation.

 

“Anyways, Kagome. I've thought about this a lot, and I can't ask you to abandon your family for me. I am going to wish that the portal stays open for us so we can pass through it whenever we please.”

 

Kagome's list at home now forgotten, she launched herself at Inuyasha and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Inuyasha could smell the salt of her joyous tears and hugged her back tightly.

 

“Arigato! Arigato, Inuyasha!” She cried through broken sobs. “I was going to let you decide where we would stay, and now I don't have to worry about that anymore!!!”

 

Inuyasha smiled while he nuzzled Kagome's hair. “Baka, you don't have worry anymore. I'll always look after you.”

 

************************************************

 

 

After Kagome had explained the finer details of their decision, everyone got pretty relieved and thrilled at once-relieved that Inuyasha wasn't going to wish anything brash, and thrilled that they wouldn't be losing Kagome. None more so than Sango, who was ecstatic that she would always be able to see her best friend. Well, actually, Shippou might've been happier, but then again, he knew that he would be able to see Kagome again, even if it was 500 years in the future.

 

“Well, now that that's settled, why don't we have a big dinner to celebrate? What do you think, Sango, my Love?” Miroku asked serenely.

 

“I think that's a great idea!” Sango exclaimed cheerfully.

 

“We have a few hours before sunset, why don't you ladies get started, and Inuyasha, Kirara, and I can go and get something other than fish to eat for a change.” Miroku suggested while subtly giving Inuyasha a look that said, “Just go along with this.”

 

Sango gave her beloved monk a distrustful glance before answering. Whenever Miroku made a polite suggestion, there was always something more to it-always. “Um, all right, houshi-sama.” She emphasized that she was calling him houshi-sama so he got the point that she was on to him.

 

Miroku sweatdropped, but continued on as nothing was amiss, “Sango, we will return shortly, I can assure you, my Love.”

 

Sango favored her husband-to-be with another suspicious glare before the boys left with the also suspicious fire-cat youkai.

 

Once outside, Inuyasha narrowed his eyes malevolently at the monk with his arms firmly crossed, and said, “All right, Miroku. What the hell is going on?”

 

“Inuyasha, I would prefer it if we were a bit farther away from our current position before discussing the matter with you.”

 

“Okay, where do you suggest we go?” Inuyasha asked grumpily.

 

“Well, I was wondering if you could find your brother for me.” Miroku asked seriously.

 

“WHAT?!?!?! Are fucking INSANE?!?! Why the FUCK would you want me to find that asshole?!?!” Inuyasha screamed furiously.

 

“Please, Inuyasha, keep your voice down. The ladies will get suspicious.” Miroku eyed the hut warily to see if someone would venture outside to see what was going on. They had only gotten about thirty feet away before Inuyasha's outburst.

 

“Keh!” Inuyasha snarled then took off into the forest.

 

Miroku sighed and looked over to Kirara with exasperated eyes. The fire-cat immediately transformed and allowed to monk to climb on her back. Inuyasha was far ahead of them by now, so Kirara flew over the trees as that was the only way she was faster than Inuyasha, and even then, it wasn't by much-especially when the hanyou was determined and not to mention pissed off.

 

“Inuyasha!” Miroku called out as he finally spotted a scarlet and silver blur in the distance.

 

“What's all this about, Miroku?!” he yelled back while still rushing through the trees.

 

“I only wish to use the money I gave collected so far to buy Sango the most beautiful of kimonos for our wedding! The way your brother dresses, I am sure he can direct me to someone who can make one for her!” Miroku unfortunately had to shout his response since the hanyou would simply not stop for a second to converse like normal people.

 

“What makes you think Myouga couldn't find one for ya?!” He growled out brusquely.

 

“As you have undoubtedly noticed, Myouga comes around whenever he feels like it, and Sango and I are getting married at the end of this week or the beginning of next. I'm sure you understand.” Miroku was able to explain more calmly now that Inuyasha had finally slowed down somewhat, and they no longer needed to race above the trees.

 

“Fine.” He muttered grudgingly before taking off at full speed once more. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave!

 

Miroku sighed, knowing the hanyou was more than annoyed, but it could not be helped. He did not know of anyone who could acquire luxurious robes or kimonos except for Sesshoumaru who was sure to be able to obtain anything of real value. Not that Sesshoumaru cared about such things, he supposed, but the inu-youkai certainly didn't walk around in peasant's clothing.

 

After about an hour, Inuyasha slowed down. This was the first time Inuyasha had actively searched Sesshoumaru out. That bastard was probably going to give them such a hard time to get the information the monk wanted. Dammit…Inuyasha swore to himself irritably. This probably wasn't going to be a welcome family reunion. Sesshoumaru had just disappeared after the battle with Naraku! Not a word, nothing! Of course, even if he had come up to Inuyasha, he would've been ignored, anyways. Inuyasha's thoughts surrounded Kagome and her near death. I'll never let anything hurt her again. He thought darkly after reminding himself of that horrific event.

 

When Inuyasha stepped out onto the clearing, he found Rin playing happily in the river and waving when she saw him, Jaken yelling that she was disturbing their master, and Sesshoumaru leaning unconcernedly against a tree. Inuyasha knew Sesshoumaru was aware of his presence long before this moment, but the inu-youkai made no indication of such.

 

“Sesshoumaru.” He snarled. He couldn't BELIEVE he was actually going to be asking this dickface for a favor! Fuck! I can't do this!

 

Sesshoumaru obliged him with a glare as well as a raised eyebrow. Then he almost visibly cringed in disgust. You mated. He growled in inu-speak.

 

Inuyasha's visage turned ominous. That bastard better not say anything-ANYTHING inappropriate about his mate.

 

Disgusting. Sesshoumaru continued in their language. Miroku was all but lost, but made no move to intercept. This was probably hard enough on Inuyasha as it is. He was sincerely grateful the hanyou actually found Sesshoumaru instead of screaming at the monk and punching his face in as protest to his unusual request.

 

Inuyasha felt that he could take that simply as Sesshoumaru being revolted that anyone would mate him, a hanyou, so he allowed his hackles to lower somewhat.

 

“Listen, Sesshoumaru. We don't need anything from you. Just information.” Inuyasha blurted out hastily.

 

Sesshoumaru actually smirked. “Inuyasha, information is more valuable than any thing you would ask of me.” Sesshoumaru's sensitive nose picked up the fact that another in his company had recently mated as well. He silently cursed the fact that he was able to detect such repulsive affairs.

 

“Please, Sesshoumaru-sama.” Miroku decided it was definitely time to intervene. “We humbly request that if you know of any individual capable of fashioning fine silk kimonos, you might lead us in the right direction.”

 

Sesshoumaru ignored the monk and continued to glower at his half-brother. “And what makes you think that I would possess such knowledge?” He paused before casting a sidelong glance at Miroku. “Or care about such trifles.”

 

“Because you're dressed in that get up! Why else do you think, you bastard!” Inuyasha bellowed fiercely.

 

“I can assure you, dear brother, insults and outbursts will not benefit your endeavor for information.” Sesshoumaru responded evenly.

 

Inuyasha growled at his brother again. I fucking KNEW he would make this difficult. “Look, Sesshoumaru! The sooner you tell us, the sooner we can get the hell outta here!”

 

“Very well.” As much as he did not want to concede to that fact, the sooner his idiot brother left him, the more content he would be. He certainly did not approve of Inuyasha's language around Rin. “If the monk wishes to find someone who can weave the finest silk kimonos, there is a spider youkai north of here who incidentally fashioned the robes this Sesshoumaru wears.”

 

Miroku bowed low to the inu-youkai. “Arigato, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

 

“However, she does not weave for just…anyone.” Clearly directing this comment at the monk and hanyou, Inuyasha's lip curled.

 

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Inuyasha asked menacingly.

 

“I speak nothing but the truth, Inuyasha. She will refuse to spin a kimono for either a mortal or hanyou.” He paused thoughtfully, “Even a hanyou with our father's blood.”

 

“All right, Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha gritted out. I can't fucking believe I'm doing this. That monk better NEVER ask ANYTHING of me EVER AGAIN!!! “What do you want in exchange for the kimono for Sango.”

 

Sesshoumaru had foreseen this moment. He waited for several moments before responding. His brother was asking him what he wanted. Sesshoumaru was immensely amused, though he of course didn't show it.

 

“You must look after Rin whenever I feel it is necessary.” He stopped another second appearing to be pondering something, “Rather your bitch. I doubt you are any more reliable than Jaken.” He added with a contemptible sneer.

 

“Fine.” Bastard. Inuyasha added in inu-youkai language. What a fucking prick. He thought crossly.

 

“I will have it to you within three days along with your wench's first charge.” He informed smoothly with an uncharacteristic second smirk in one conversation.

 

Inuyasha growled at his brother once more before sprinting back towards Kaede's hut. Miroku could find whatever he fucking wanted to eat for dinner, but he was DONE. Miroku bowed low for the second time before jumping onto Kirara and followed the irate hanyou. Inuyasha could hear Rin in the distance shout,

 

“Bye, Inuyasha-sama!!! Bye, houshi-sama!!!”

 

I guess having another little brat around will keep Shippou off of Kagome for awhile. He silently mused, and Inuyasha spent the rest of the journey home thinking about what he was going to do with Kagome with Shippou distracted.

 

Miroku, however, thought about what his taijiya would look like in her kimono…then what she would look like as he took it off of her. He sighed dumbly, and Kirara sighed in exasperation. She didn't even want to guess what the perverted monk was thinking about, so she glanced at the horizon and watched to sunset for a moment before trying to catch up with the hanyou yet again.

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I know, I know, I know! I'm a horrible author, and I'm soooo sorry, you guys! My new year's resolution, don't make promises you can't keep! I will unfortunately not be done before Christmas, but this chapter is extra-long, so I hope you guys aren't too upset with me!!! The next chapter will definitely be the last chapter, and I will post it sometime next week. After that, I'm dedicating a page to addressing and thanking my reviewers personally. Also, if I get a few reviews asking for an epilogue, I will write one. I already know what I would say if you guys want one, but I also feel that it is not necessary for this story alone, and I could write an entirely separate story about Inuyasha and the continuing story. So if you guys want, I'll concede to an epilogue. Have a very Merry Christmas, and I'll talk to you soon!