Guys, I'm sorry to say it, but this is the last chapter. I'm sorry it turned up so unexpectedly, but I did try to warn you that I might a few chapters before. 'Sides, I know there's about...oh, every other story on the site that's better than mine, so you can have fun with those.
Ch. 13 reviews
Aura Black Chan: I am so with you. I love using Rin! She's the best girl on the show, and that's besides the fact that I hate Kikyo and dislike Kagome to a point. Oh, and up to the part with Jaken, and the last two lines about returning to her, that song was from the show. It was on the episode called "The Panther Tribe and the Two Swords of The Fang." Well, I'm glad you hung around at my side as a faithful reviewer! Thanks!
"Wait!" Kagome cried. "How can you leave? Are you sure you're okay? You still have a fever..."
"Wench...Kagome...I no longer require your assistance. I am ready to take to things myself. If you care to, you may keep me company for a day after today. But I am leaving, and that is final," Sesshoumaru told the young miko firmly. "And things shall be as they were."
The others all bowed their heads a bit.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, nothing could ever be the same between us," Miroku finally said. "We have seen too much."
"What do you mean?" the taiyoukai said levelly.
"What he means is that we have grown slightly attached to you, Sesshoumaru," Sango added.
"Whether the bad memories are there or not..." Kagome began.
"...we will never forget how you were while you were with us," Shippo finished.
&And besides that, someone's got to make sure the koinu takes care of himself,& Kirara added playfully.
The Inu-gumi turned to their silent hanyou namesake. He was standing; arms crossed and nose in the air.
"...I will admit that I do have brotherly feelings for you. That is what the blood ties can do to you. Even as a feral animal...a demon or a hanyou, blood is thicker than water," he finally said. "But that doesn't mean I won't kill you myself. I just want to make sure you're in good fighting order."
"And I shall be there to strike you down, vile half-breed."
Both the Dogs drew their blades and crossed them with a clang of uniformity. Then they both uttered the same words.
"That is a promise."
Sheathing the swords, both brothers parted and took their distance.
"It is true what you all say," Sesshoumaru said as his hand released the Toukijin. "Things have changed between us. I have found that although you were stupid enough to help an enemy, you humans, and the half breed too, you are the strongest of teams. Do not take my words lightly. They are not to be taken so, as you may likely never hear praise from me again. Rin. Ah-Un. Jaken. Come, we are leaving."
-See you later,-Ah said, and Inuyasha translated.
'Hopefully we shall meet again.'
"Bye Uncle Inuyasha, Auntie Kagome, Hentai Houshi, Sango-chan, Shippo-chan and Kirara-neko! I'll miss you lots!!!" Rin said. Miroku paled at his name while Kagome and Sango blushed and Inuyasha "feh'd"
"See you Rin!" the girls and Shippo said happily. "We'll miss you!"
Sesshoumaru began to walk, Jaken leading Ah-Un and Rin merrily skipping at his side. Just as he was about to disappear into the woods, he turned his head so that one eye was trained on the Inu-gumi.
"If ever you need a heavy helping hand in battle, you can solicit my help. If it is Naraku you will battle, you can count on my presence. That I will give you. Farewell."
With that, the taiyoukai turned back around and walked off.
"Kagome!"
"Yeah, Inuyasha?"
"This was a battle to anyone else. Sesshoumaru would want it that way, and so do I."
"Okay..."
"But to ourselves, we can say we helped him. And I'm glad we did," Miroku said.
Now they knew what it was like to be in Sesshoumaru's company; and it wasn't as bad as they thought.
"Well, I guess we should get back to finding Jewel Shards," Kagome said. "You ready, Inuyasha?"
"Like always."
"Lord Sesshoumaru."
"Yes, Rin?"
"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Rin asked of her keeper.
Sesshoumaru sighed.
"You may see them again, but if you do, it may be that they are my enemies."
"But why?"
"Inuyasha...and I...we do not see eye to eye. We fight often."
"Well, that's okay. Brothers fight!"
"Yes, but we do not fight in fun. We fight to kill."
"...To kill? But why?"
"As I said before, we do not agree."
"But Milord...brothers shouldn't fight..."
"And why is that?"
"Brothers are family. Family is forever. Even if your family is hurt or even if someone dies, they are still family. Family is your best friends, only you're related. If you kill your family, then you won't have any best friends. And besides, a brother is the best thing in the world. It's someone who is closer to your age than you parents. You can talk about stuff together, and you know what you mean. I wish I still had a family...but I still have you, Lord Sesshoumaru!"
Rin hugged Sesshoumaru's leg, slightly wrinkling his pantaloons.
"That's right, Rin. I shall always be here for you."
Sesshoumaru stroked her hair.
"And I thank you for taking care of me in my time of need. It is appreciated."
"You're welcome!!"
Sesshoumaru put his eyes to the skies.
Sunset was approaching, and he decided resting was a good idea. Although he was nearly healed in all ways, he decided that perhaps he should not test fate. His temperature was back to normal optimum efficiency, yet he knew not to try his luck.
-You seem more cautious, M'lord.-
::Ah, there was a lesson in this.::
'Oh? And what was it?'
::Don't take candy from strangers.::
Oh, jeez!! What a crappy ending!! Well, I'd like to take an opportunity to thank my reviewers, especially Aura Black Chan. Thanks for your support, guys. I think I'm gonna get back on track with my other stories now. I encourage you to take a look at them. I wouldn't mind a little attention. And now, for the last time...
R&R, please!