A/N: Okay, first off—who allowed me to create so many stories? Holy crap. What's worst is that I want to update them all because I know there are people that are waiting super patiently. But again, holy crap. Seven stories is more than it sounds. My poooooor braiiiiin. Also, i'm pretty sure my muse is getting annoyed of me not letting it go away, haha.

"And so, when we were summoned, the jewel picked a form and age for us!"

The excitement radiating off the little girl did not diminish the wisdom that was behind her eyes. Even still, Kagome had to remind herself that the child in front of her had witnessed and dealt with more than most youkai or human alike.

Rin had gone through the finality of death—and been brought back.

"I, for one, have no complaints."

Staring at the tall man before her, she tried to wrap her mind around such a concept.

Their father.

Inu Yasha's and Sesshoumaru's.

The mere thought of him made Kagome turn her head to the newly revived Daiyoukai before her and shout out a question that she could not refrain.

"Inu Yasha?"

Instantly, the living room that they had all sat down in turned somber. Scanning the faces of all the newcomers, she waited for a response.

Finally, one came.

"I shall be frank, and I apologize in advance for such a thing." It was Inu Tashio that had spoken up, but everyone in the room instantly paid attention.

"It was nothing short of a miracle that the wish of the jewel had been able to be pure. Had it been for my son, such would not have occurred. While he had verbally wished for everyone to be brought back, he knew in turn that it would discharge you from the Feudal Era. He was also aware that when those words left his mouth you would have no more goodbyes…"

Furrowing her brows in puzzlement, she tried to pull the memories back of the event from long ago. She had remembered him wishing for Kikyo back and then adding the last part to the wish. Had that been his saving grace? Adding the last part?

Everyone?

Almost instantly, understanding dawned on her.

"When I announced I was going home—" Before she could even get the words out, the centuries-old Daiyoukai was nodding in an answer.

"You announced your departure, but no one heard you. Time had been frozen. The jewel needed it to be, to grant the wish."

How had she been so blind to not recognize such a thing?

"When the wish was complete, and time began once more, you were gone." Before anyone could say anything else, Inu Tashio continued.

"However, unknown to my youngest, the wish was not complete. After all, even though you allowed Inu Yasha to make his wish, the jewel still had power reserved for its protector."

Had Inu Yasha really been so stupid?

So blind?

"So, he's not coming—"

She tried to keep the tears back, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't.

Even with the betrayal, her heart crumbled.

How different would have everything been had Naraku never existed? Would such darkness or selfishness even be present in either Kikyo and Inu Yasha? Why, were they not given a second chance?

"Do not weep for my son, Kagome. For, doing such a thing will only make our war more challenging."

It wasn't until his words registered with her that her surroundings began to spin.

Surely, he didn't mean?

Turning to Inu Tashio, she searched his face for signs of deception—but none was present.

"You can't mean…"

This time, it was Sesshoumaru that spoke up.

"Blind trust will result in our downfall." His piercing amber eyes gazed at her while repeating the words of Midoriko. Glaring back at him, she shook her head.

"He's your brother—and your son!"

And the argument would have proceeded, but a new voice interrupted them.

"Do not be mistaken, there is a war coming—and with such, more than just one individual is arriving." The voice belonged to a female with bright red hair. Gazing at her in curiosity, Kagome briefly wondered the reasons why the gods had chosen whom they did.

As if to answer her question, Shinji stepped in front of the demoness.

"Kagome, may I introduce you to my mate who lives once more?"

His mate? She stared in awe at the woman before her. Allowing a few moments of silence, Shinji then continued.

"I've spoken to those you've brought back, and it seems that each individual holds the memory of another that will fight us in the war." Hearing the hurt in his voice, she tried to understand the meaning behind such words.

Everyone knew another that would oppose them? Her body trembled in such a realization, she turned her eyes to the child before her. If Inu Tashio knew of Inu Yasha, then whom was the person for Rin?

No.

"Rin?"

But the little girl seemed to be able to look nowhere else but the ground.

"Who?"

Yet again, the childlike woman before her hesitated to name an individual.

But why?

A/N: Ohhhhhhh. Any ideas?