Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ You Never Know Until It's Gone ❯ Revelations, Introductions, and Pleasant Surprises ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

note!: I know I have Wishing for Shikon as an ongoing project, and I promised an update, and it will happen! (In fact I have a hugeeeeeeee page update planned for tomorrow. I just didn’t feel inspired for that one at the moment so I’ve just kinda felt in the mood for a different one.) Plus I keep getting distracted by reading fanfics. This originally started out as a one shot but came out like this. I just saw the last episode! It’s too cute. And Howl’s moving Castle! I rated because I wasn’t sure if there‘d be a lemon. Pairings yet to be decided. Input por favor? ATTENTION READERS OF BOTH FICS! SPRING BREAK! MORE UPDATES!



Kagome had gotten used to the numb feeling she associated with consciousness. It had been over half a year since she had last seen the hanyou she had grown to love. Everything up to that moment so long ago had been a blur.

---------Six Months Ago----------

“AH! Inuyasha! Come quick!” A frightened miko screamed as she ran to the other side of the fire and hid behind a very amused demon slayer. The loud crack of tree limbs could be heard over the cry of the hanyou.

“Hold on Kagome! I’m coming!” He hadn’t sensed a youkai, but after everything they had faced so far, he wouldn’t take the risk. Inuyasha barreled out into the campsite to see everyone in their normal places, sans Kagome. Something was off. Why weren’t there looks of worry on the others faces?

“Watch out Inuyasha! It’s right next to you!” Kagome cried and shrunk further behind Sango, after having snatched up the drowsy kit and clutching him to her bosom.

Furrowing his brows together, Inuyasha looked down and felt the tension leave his body, only to be replaced with mild frustration. A tiny spider had crawled its way onto her sleeping bag and seemed to have settled there, content. The inu-youkai muttered something about “stupid wenches” and “fucking tiny bugs” while he flicked the creature away.

The girl never seized to amaze him. Like now for instance. She had launched herself and the brat into his arms and he was left to awkwardly pat her back before she pulled away to stare at his amber eyes with a small, and embarrassed smile on her face.

“Thanks, Inuyasha…” He grunted and walked over to a nearby tree, sitting down cross-legged and propping his sword up next to him.

“Go to sleep Kagome, we’ve got a long day tomorrow if we plan to find some more shards.” He closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.

“Night.” Kagome whispered and laid down next to Shippou, closing her eyes. Miroku and Sango echoed the others as they settled down for a hopefully peaceful night.

As they others slept on peacefully, Inuyasha could not help but look upon them with envy. He slept sparingly, mostly spending his time as guard. When he did slumber, it was often fitfully, with dreams that would cause a normal person to seriously question their sanity. Not that he hadn’t. Lately though, his doubts and worried had lessened, despite his situation. He knew it had something to do with girl who was curled up in a red bag, smiling at something in her dreams. The hanyou wasn’t quite sure the exact moment it had happened, but he knew sometime within the year he had known her he had fallen.

It wasn’t like when he was with Kikyo either, it was surprisingly different. With the deceased miko he had cared immensely, but it lacked passion or depth. They were together because they shared a common bond, both wanting to belong in the world, and knowing neither of them could. A convenience love of sorts. When he had first found out her death, it was the first time in over 50 odd years he felt truly alone. He was indebted to that woman, who had inadvertently saved his life. If she hadn’t pinned him to that tree, he was positive he would’ve either been dead, or in deep regret over his life.

But Kagome, his Kagome, with her, everything was always different. She trusted him before even knowing his name. She was the epitome of purity, and he didn’t deserve her. Yes, he knew she cared, if not loved him, but he couldn’t risk her that way. Even after he had gone to Kikyo, she remained steadfast and loyal to him, promising she could wait. Inuyasha knew she didn’t quite understood his obligation to Kikyo, and the fact that she hadn’t wavered made him love her more. The pain he caused was obvious enough, and behind his tough façade, his own heart wrenched with the tears she shed. The distance was for the best.

“Yes” the hanyou whispered, breaking the deadly quiet “I want you Kagome, but I won’t risk losing you. When this is all over…” He trailed off, and glimpsed over at said girl, only to see her staring at him curiously. He blanched when he saw her slowly untangle herself from her small kitsune, and make her way on all fours towards him.

“What did you mean by what you just said Inuyasha? Do you…really want me?” She stared attentively at him, a foreign look in her eyes. “What will happen when this is all over?”

He stared, the same uncertainty on her face was mirrored. “C’mon.” He whispered gruffly, and helped her up.

“Inu-” She was cut off by his intense gaze, slightly unnerved.

“Just follow me, and be quiet. We don’t wanna wake the others.”

The traveled silently through the blackness of the woods, and Kagome shyly slipped her hand in his, and smiled inwardly when he didn‘t pull away. After several tense minutes, they had reached a small clearing, and Inuyasha turned towards her, sitting down on a large decomposing log. She followed suit, and waited for the right moment to speak.

“Well…?”

Inuyasha sighed, and looked up at the moon and stars. The moon had been getting thinner and thinner every day, it would soon be the new moon.

“I meant exactly what it sounded like I meant. I want you. Your heart, your body, your mind…You. But it’s not that simple. As much as I’d like to be with you now, there are too many obstacles. Naraku…the Shikon…Kikyo… Until we have figured out what to do about the first two, and I lay Kikyo to rest, it’s too dangerous to ever be anything more than friends.” He took a breath, and looked down at Kagome’s hand, which still lay entwined with his.

“When this is all over, I intended to take you as my mate, but I’m not sure how long that will take. I already lost someone I cared for deeply, and it took me fifty years to get over her. If I were to lose you…I don’t think I ever could. I’m not going to jeopardize your safety, even if it means putting my own happiness aside for awhile.” His heart felt lighter somehow, even with his fear of exposing himself present.

He waited for Kagome to speak, making sure to avoid looking directly into her eyes. After the moon had significantly lowered from the sky, she used her free hand to cup the hanyou’s chin, forcing him to look at her.

“Inuyasha…you will never know how happy I am to hear you say that. You know I will always be loyal to you, so long as I’m alive.” A smile was evident on his face, accompanied by a larger one belonging to Kagome. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. She made to wrap her arms around his neck, but they fell uselessly back to her side. Her eyes opened and met the terror filled ones of her love. He was fading!

“Kagome?!”

“Inuyasha!?”
They grasped and tried to cling to each other, but soon they were nothing more than wisps of smoke, and Kagome was staring at the soft pink hues of her room in modern day Tokyo.


After she had realized she was home, Kagome ran directly to the well, sliding the door open with a large ‘thump.’ Throwing all caution to the wind, she hoisted herself over the well’s edge and dropped down. She had hit the ground, hard. Her legs crumpled beneath her and she cried out, both in pain and anguish. She couldn’t get through.

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Everyday for a month after that fateful day, she had jumped down the well, praying to the gods’ it would let her through. And everyday for a month, her mother would look through the kitchen window to see her daughter collapsed next to the wall, staring blankly off into space. Then after half a year of failing grades, sleepless nights, and tear filled eyes, she had almost completely given up. She knew she had to do something.

‘I can’t go on like this…As much as it hurts me, I can’t stand to see my family so sad for me. I’ll find out what happened to Inuyasha and the Shikon No Tama, and then…I will forget my past…Or at least, try to.’

Standing from her usual location at the Goshinboku, she ran into the house, heading into her room with a fierce new determination in her eyes. Kagome only needed a few things, like her trusty backpack, before she was able to head out. The library would be her first stop, and if she lucky she could manage to spend a good five hours or so there.

Kagome had been searching for over three hours and still yet to find anything worthwhile. What she had found was repetitive and useless. ‘Analysis of the Symbolism of ‘Youkai’ in the Sengoku Jidai…just what I was looking for.’ The raven haired woman snorted and tossed the book aside. She obviously wasn’t looking in the right place, but if not here, then where?

“Let’s see…a place you can go to learn about the past…” Kagome muttered, walking out of the library and sitting down on one of the cold cement steps. This shouldn’t have been that difficult for her.

‘A fresh start tomorrow is what I need. After a nights’ rest I’ll be able to think more clearly.’ She nodded to herself in affirmation and slowly began her retreat home.

------------500 years ago--------------

Inuyasha stood angered at the foot of the well. The trees around him were splintered from a months worth of abuse after his attempts to get through the well had failed. He wasn’t sure what to do, and for once he would admit he was scared more than he had ever been in his life. The others had looked on, empathizing with his grief and anger over the loss of their Kagome, but soon, reality came crashing down on them. The shards were still out there and everyday they spent here was another day Naraku beat them to one. It took a lot of persuasion and convincing that Kaede would contact them with Kagome’s return, but the hanyou had agreed with a deadened look in his eyes. Why would the fates do this to him after all he had already lost? How could it have even happened?

Five months after they had decided to search for the shards sans Kagome, they realized how much of a cornerstone she was. While she was with them she not only had located the shards, but proved to be a tough fighter. As it was, they had several close calls in which only luck had saved them, and they collect a mere four shards. Inuyasha and Shippou had taken the event the hardest, and the exterminator and monk weren’t so confident either. After all, how were they supposed to defeat Naraku once and for all when a large chuck of shards were 500 years away.

They all contemplated this fact around their campfire as they recovered after a fight with an ornery wasp youkai.

“Sango…” Miroku was in his usual spot, next to the taijiya, as he stared intently at the flickering lights. “We need to do something. There is no way we can we this war without Kagome here, despite our strength. Inuyasha lacks the will.”

Sango sighed in reply, and leaned backwards against a hard trunk. “I agree Miroku, but what can we do? You’ve seen how desolate he is. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day his sword refused to transform on him.”

“Hai. I do not know. My wind tunnel is a risk, and I don’t know how much good that will do us now with Naraku‘s Saimyousho constantly interfering. Speaking of Inuyasha however, where is he? I haven’t seen him since we made camp, over an hour ago.”
Kirara made her way from Sango’s lap to curl herself next to kit that was frowning in his sleep. The two observed in silence for a few moments before Sango responded.

“I don’t know either. We can only hope he is careful.”

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It had come to Kagome in the middle of the night. It was one of those late night revelations that occur only after the hysteria of several sleepless nights ensues, and the miko was half elated-half angered. She knew now that she would be unable to sleep, and she was running on empty as it was. But at least she had the new plan. Tomorrow morning she would head to the city museum and see what she could dig up there. Kagome let out a small laugh before she turned over, intent on forcing herself to attempt to achieve an hour of sleep if possible.

The light shined bright upon Kagome’s face, stunning her when she opened her eyes. ‘I guess I was able to fall asleep after all.’ She stretched her arms out and heard a satisfying pop in her back. ‘I’m so happy Momma decided to start home schooling me, I would’ve been dead right now otherwise.’ It was true, mornings, especially on Mondays were never a very good time for the girl. Heading into her bathroom, she showered and changed without much thought, and headed downstairs only to be greeted by her brothers’ triumphant cheer. Kagome giggled at the boys enthusiasm over a simple video game, which caused Souta to look up in surprise. He had not heard that sound in ages, and didn’t really care to know what had changed her attitude: he was grateful either way. Making sure to put his game on pause he jumped up and sat at the kitchen table as Kagome busied herself with making herself breakfast.

“Morning sis!” He smiled at her and she turned from the toaster which contained two very appealing pieces of bread.

“Good morning Souta. Where’s mom and gramps? Want any toast?” At the shake of his head she grabbed her toast and sat down across from him, nibbling.

“Mom had to go pick up some stuff for dinner and Gramps went with. He was muttering something about using his ofudas on that new cashier who ‘reeked of demon’. She said they’ll be back around noon or so, and told me to tell you if you’re going somewhere to take me with you.”

Kagome rolled her eyes and made a mental note to stop by the grocery store and bring something to the poor new guy as an apology.

“Ok then, are you ready to go? I need to stop by the museum but then we can go ahead and do something you’d like.” They stood, and Kagome grabbed her backpack as they headed out the door. After walking for several minutes in a comfortable silence, Souta met his sisters eyes.

“Sis…do you mind if I ask you something?” She wasn’t really worried at the hesitance and worry in his voice, she could figure out what he was about to ask, he was too readable.

“You don’t have to ask. What’s up?”

“Ok…Why the change of heart? I mean, you went from depressed and sad to smiling and losing that dead look in your eyes in a day or so. What happened?” Souta breathed out quickly. Had Kagome not expected the question she would’ve been very confused.

“It’s simple Souta. I realized late yesterday that you and Mom, and even everyone in the other time wouldn’t want me to be like that. I’m trying harder now to get over it, but I can’t yet. Not until I at least find out what had happened to all of them. You know how much I hate seeing all of you worried.” The two turning at the large sign welcoming them into the museum and Souta sighed out loud.

“Bout time. Jeez, I never thought you could’ve been so stupid. Everyone’s been telling you that for ages.” Souta mocked, and began to run as he saw the mock glare on his sister’s face. He didn’t really care that he would pay for calling her stupid, just happy that he had gotten some kind of response.

Unfortunately for Kagome however, she wouldn’t be able to get her revenge. They had reached the entrance and saw several security guards watching them with interest. It was time for her to be on her best behavior.

“Souta, I take it you know what type of things I’m looking for? I’m going to go check out the Sengoku Jidai exhibit directly, you can look at the other exhibits just in case. You have your cell phone? Good! Call me if you need to!” She rushed off as if she were possessed before Souta could even say goodbye. ‘Please don’t get your hopes to high sis…’

It was like going back in time directly. As she passed the glass cases several objects caught her eye, and many were very familiar. Wooden plaques hung in various places next to these, and she glimpsed over each of them, not finding anything too interesting. ‘Social Rank in the Feudal Era…Art in the Feudal Era…‘ Similar titles flashed by and she paid little notice until one caught her attention. “The Shikon No Tama and The Fallen Priestess…” Kagome gasped loudly and instinctively clutched her shards as she read on.

“The myth of the Shikon No Tama was closely related with the Feudal Era, and the legendary ‘demons’ that once roamed the lands. It is said that during the era, the jewel was held by a powerful priestess, whose sole purpose was to protect the jewel from evil. She fell in love with one of these demons, and was betrayed. She was killed and the recovered jewel burned with her body. It was said to have resurfaced approximately 50 years later in the reincarnation of the miko. Few salvaged records describe the breaking of the jewel and the pursuit of a miko, a hanyou and youkai, a taijiya, and a monk to retrieve the shards before a great evil. Before their quest was complete however, the miko vanished, presumably dead. The others continued in their quest, but soon after the evil supposedly vanished, and the group disbanded. The monk and demon slayer have been proven to have existed, and their offspring’s descendents continue to donate generously to the Tokyo Museum. Nothing else of this myth however, has been proven true. The evil was presumed vanquished as well, due to no further references of its existence in any records.”

Next to the plaque lied a armored body suit, one very familiar to Kagome.

“Sango…So you survived, I’m happy. But what happened to Miroku? Did his wind tunnel get him?”
Kagome lunged into her backpack and pulled out her cell phone hitting her speed dial for Souta. As she waited impatiently, she couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to her ‘mythical’ youkai friends. She hoped they had lived a long life. Especially Shippou, her baby.

“Hello? Earth to Kagome! You there…?” Souta’s voice snapped Kagome out of her reverie.

“Huh? Oh, yeah! Guess what?! I found something! They lived! Naraku vanished…or something?” The uncertainty in her voice made him wonder, but he had one more important question in his mind.

“That’s awesome sis! But one last thing…What happened to the rest of the jewel?”

“The rest of the Shikon, I don’t know. But I need to find out. Come find me at the entrance Souta.” She had almost forgotten with the discovery of her friends survival. Somehow, she had to figure out a way to locate the shards that had disappeared for over five centuries.

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< br> “Damnit Kuwabara, I don’t see how you talked me into going on this stupid school trip!” A angry Spirit Detective glared at the orange haired punk.

“Because, it’s a way to skip class without getting beat up by your girlfriend!” Kuwabara half mocked-half explained as Yusuke prepared to lunge at his companion. Luckily enough, a young man with shocking green eyes and deep red hair placed a hand on Yusuke’s shoulder.

“Yusuke, please refrain. If you knock him out we will have to carry him through the museum.” He sighed. Without Hiei there he knew things were going to get very frustrating, and he regretted spending his school holiday with the two.. Yusuke thought about it for a moment and nodded, walking through the shining glass doors. He knew Kurama was right. Pretty soon, a smiling tour guide came up to them, introducing herself as Yume before walking away swiftly. The boys’ ears were trained for deciphering even the most indistinguishable noises, but even they were having trouble keeping up with the speed of the woman’s words. Yusuke gave them a look that clearly meant ‘let’s get the hell out of here.’ and they complied, surprised when the woman turned the corner. She hadn’t even noticed their absence.

“What section are we in?” Kuwabara pondered, looking around at the few scarce people in the surroundings. Yusuke looked around for a sign, but found nothing. In one corner however, a girl could be seen running her hand lightly across the wall, absorbed in the exhibit.

Motioning to her, he turned to Kurama. “Why don’t we ask her?”

Kurama nodded, and he began walking towards her, the others waiting near the doorway. As he neared he could her gasp over something and reach her hand up to her neck. He looked upon it oddly, but she began reading the plaque out loud, and he focused in on her words.

‘I know this story!’ His counterpart, Youko, exclaimed.

‘How? It’s just a simple myth is it not?’ At this, Youko gave snort that was the equivalent of calling him an idiot.

‘Of course it’s not! I was alive when it happened. The legend occurs the same year the barriers were created.’ Kurama could not help the intrigue rising within him, but he put it on hold when the girl began talking to herself again. He had unfortunately missed the first comment, but when she pulled out her phone and began talking to a male.

“Huh? Oh, yeah! Guess what?! I found something! They lived! Naraku vanished…or something?” The woman‘s voice went from elated to unsure as she talked.

“That’s awesome sis! But one last thing, what happened to the rest of the jewel?” This part was quiet and he had to focus hard to hear the little boy speak.

“The rest of the Shikon… I don’t know. But I need to find out. Come find me at the entrance Souta.”

The woman flipped her phone closed and stood still for a moment in deep concentration. Suddenly however, the far away gaze she had disappeared and one filled with intense determination appeared. He coughed lightly, hoping to gain the woman‘s attention. She was a curious being indeed.

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Snappi ng closed the lid of her phone, Kagome felt a large weight being taken off her shoulders.

‘I’ve come this far! Now all I need is the rest of the jewel, and my mission will finally be complete!’ A small cough interrupted her thoughts and she turned her head towards the man a few feet in front of her and examined him closely. He was unusual to say the least. His hair was a crimson color, but was obviously natural and accompanied by emerald eyes that seemed to be waiting for her full attention. There was something off with the man though, the tingling in her spine reminded her all to well of the feeling she got in the past when a demon was near.

‘He couldn’t possibly be a youkai, could he? I’ve never seen any in the present before…It would explain the hair and eyes though.’ She decided to stay on her guard and met the mans eyes with curiosity.

“Excuse me Miss, but could you tell me where we are? My friends and I-” He pointed behind him to a attractive man with too much gel in his hair and another who had their back to them, staring with interest at a depiction of a neko youkai. “Are on a school field trip and lost our guide. Could you possibly show us the way out, or at least tell us which exhibit we are in?” He motioned his companions over and proceeded to introduce them.

“The man with the black hair is Yusuke Urameshi.” Yusuke nodded towards the girl gruffly. “And this is Kuwabara Kazuma.” The man looked rather unattractive, but beneath that Kagome could tell he was a kind soul. Kuwabara took her hand, and she tilted her head to gaze at him oddly when he kneeled.

“Miss, your beauty is amazing. Would you go out with me?”

The innocent words reminded Kagome painfully of Miroku, but she refused to let any of them see her negative emotions. Instead she smiled softly at Kuwabara.

“I’m sorry Kazuma, but I just met you. If I ever get to know you all better, then feel free to ask me again. Besides, even if you think I’m pretty on the outside, you may not like what’s on the inside, y’know?” She giggled, and the three looked on in surprise. Even though she hadn’t said yes, she hadn’t directly rejected him, an event that had never occurred before. Yusuke gaped and Kurama mentally noted the girl’s kindness and stepped forward to introduce himself.

“I am Shuiichi Minamino, but my friends call me Kurama.” He grabbed her hand she had offered and kissed it softly before letting go. Kurama was pleased when an almost undetectable blush colored her cheeks. Youko was screaming at him, asking what she tasted like, but he ignored him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss…” He trailed off and they waited for her to finish.

“Kagome Higurashi. It’s nice to meet you three.” She bowed slightly, a smile gracing her features. “We’re in the Sengoku Jidai exhibit, but, I can lead you back to the entrance if you wish. I’m meeting my brother there.” Kurama opened his mouth to respond, but a disgruntled Yusuke beat him to it.

“I’m sick of this place. We’ll follow you out.”

“Follow me then!” Kagome turned and waited for them to fall in step, making small talk as they weaved through statues. She asked them what school they went to, and wasn’t surprised when she heard Yusuke and Kuwabara attended a high school known notoriously for gangs. They had seemed a little rough around the edges. Kurama it appeared, attended a very prestigious high school. He must’ve been very intelligent. When asked what school she went to, Kurama noticed and awkward pause before she began.

“I used to go to a public high school, but around six months ago or so I started getting all kinds of sicknesses, so my mom decided to home school me instead.”

‘Kurama, I can’t smell any trace of illness on her! She lied.’ He heard the kitsune growl slightly and frowned. Kagome looked up at him and frowned as well, mistaking his displeasure for concern.

“I’m fine now though, I have been for awhile. Souta! Over here!” It appeared that Kagome had found her brother because he bounded up to her and gave her a hug. Souta looked up at the three men with interest and concern in his eyes. He was wary of others when it came to his sister. After all, she was girl and needed protection from a ‘man’ like him.

“Who’re your friends?” Kagome stood next to her brother and pointed each one out, introducing them as she did so.

“They got away from their tour guide and needed a little help back.” Souta accepted the explanation and nodded at the guys, who we’re amused by his protectiveness over his sister. “So do we get to do what I want now like you promised sis? Or do we have to find out what happened to the rest of the Shi-Ow! That hurt!” Kagome had stepped on his foot ‘accidentally’ and glanced nervously in the direction of her new friends. Kuwabara seemed oblivious, and if Yusuke wondered about it, he didn‘t let it show. It worried her that he was hard to read. Kurama stared at the boy with interest, after having confirmed with Youko that they both shared the same suspicions. This girl was more than she seemed.

“Sorry Souta, I guess I need to pay more attention to where I step.” She gave her brother a mixed look then smiled apologetically. “We should be going, I promised Souta I’d take him out after making him come to this stuffy old place. It was nice meeting you all, maybe we’ll run into each other some other time.” They gave a small bow, and watched her walk away before turning towards each other. Yusuke broke the small silence.
“Anyone else get the feeling she was hiding something?” Kurama nodded, but before they could discuss the matter further, a beeping sound was heard from all three of their pockets. Kuwabara flipped his open and the face of death could be seen.

“What’s the toddler want now Botan?” Yusuke sighed.

“We need you guys to check up on something. Hiei has been informed and will arrive as soon as he can, so you three are most likely on your own. There’s an upper level demon we gave permission to enter the Ningenkai at will, and like I said, we just need to check up on him. I’m bringing a portal to you guys in the alley in a second or two.” She smiled and cut off communication, and Kurama was happy. At least this would be an easy mission.

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< br> Meanwhile Souta and Kagome were sitting in the park, enjoying the large ice creams each held in their hands. It turned out Souta wasn’t sure were he wanted to go, so Kagome suggested ice cream and he heartily accepted. It was a beautiful afternoon, and they spent the time talking about everything except Kagome’s mission. Occasionally they would lapse into a comfortable silence, Kagome staring wistfully at the kids in the park and thinking of her Shippou, as Souta was left to his thoughts.

Kagome tore her vision away from the children and shook her head, forcing the thoughts out of her mind. It turned out to be a lot easier than she thought. For the second time that day she felt a shiver running up her spine, and something drew her gaze to the entrance of the park.

Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. That is, until Kagome looked closely. As a young child and her mother left the park as a man with an immensely strong aura entered who was all to familiar to Kagome. He hadn’t changed in over 500 years, despite the fact a humanoid illusion now covered his true demonic form. Her heart leapt with joy and she whispered his name softly.

“Sesshomaru…”