Inu and Beyond
This is the continuation of Inuyasha and company’s goal to find all the pieces of the Shikon Jewel. Last time, after being rescued, everyone was returning to their time periods.

“I think I’m going to tag along with Inuyasha and help him out.” said Kagome to the others.
“Mom?”
“Yeah Mallorie?”
“Can I come along with you and Dad?”
“No way it’s too dangerous for you!” said Inuyasha.
“Oh come on Inuyasha we have another person that could help protect her!” said Shippo.
“Oh yeah, who then!?”
“I’m coming along with you all… That is if you don’t mind.” said Sango.
“Of course we…” started Inuyasha.
“Of course we would love you to come along Sango!” said Kagome. “Humph… fine whatever.” said Inuyasha. “Yah Mall you can come… Miroku you just stay away from her.”
“I have no clue as to what you’re trying to say.”
“Yeah fine then…” said Inuyasha. “Ash you watch him for me.”
He smiled “Sure Inuyasha.”
So they all went to the well and jumped in.
“This well really should be easier to get out of…” said Kagome.
Inuyasha stuck his hand in the well. “Come on, give me your hand.”
He helped pull her out of the well.
“Inuyasha…” she started.
“I guess we’d better find the other half of the jewel now.” said Inuyasha.
“I agree.” said Miroku. “But we’d better rest before we start.”
“All of you were looking for the Shikon Jewel?” asked Sango.
“Yeah what do think we were doing!?” said Inuyasha.
“My village was the protector of the jewel.” she explained. “I had heard somebody had broken it.”
Kagome blushed “Yah that was me… I hit it with an arrow and it kinda broke apart.”
So they stopped in an inn to rest for the night.
Miroku came back saying to the innkeeper “Now that the wards are up the ominous cloud should disperse.”
Then he came inside the room.
“Miroku do you have to do that every time we stay somewhere?!” asked Inuyasha.
“Yah it does look like good food!”
“Were you even listening to me?”
“You say something Inuyasha?”
“Forget it.”
They all ate and then went to bed.
“Hey Ash?” asked Kagome “You awake?”
“Sure Kagome what is it?”
“Inuyasha told me about what you did at the tower and I was wondering… Could you could teach me how to do that too?”
“Well… I can’t really teach you… Only 5 people in history are born with it.”

He explained “One person in each time period, except the present that is, can use the technique. The present I refer to is the one we came from, which has two.”
“Ok, go on.”
“The past was Inuyasha’s father. He fused the power into his fangs but, when the fangs were removed to make Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru’s swords, the life-giving power was forged into the Tetseiga, while the death-giving properties were put in with the Tetsusaiga.”
“Wow, how do you know so much?”
“King Kai told me.” He smiled. “Then there’s the present… only I can do it so far. We can let you try after I’m done.”
“Really?! You think I could be the other person?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Ok please continue then.” She smiled.
“Ok so then there’s the future. I don’t think the person in the future has been found yet. All that’s left is Other-world. In there only King Yenma can use it. That’s why he can grant life when he feels the spirit has done enough to prove they are good.”
“Can I try now? Please?”
He smiled “Ok, ok you can try.”
He moved over next to Kagome.
“Ok put your fingers like this.”
He showed her how to form the correct hand position.
“Ok now we just need something dead.”
He looked around.
“Hey Inuyasha stop listening in and go get something. Do what Yoshiro did to Kagome ok? Don’t slash it into bits.”
“Humph ya sure.”
He went out and came back with a demon.
“Um… I think it’s a bit big…” said Kagome.
“No problem we can do it outside then.” said Ash.

They got up and went outside.
“Now we won’t need any beans for this one. For some reason when people are just learning they don’t seem able to die.”
“Ok…”
“Trust me the most that can happen is you’ll pass out.”
“Ok I’m ready.”
“Ok fix your hand correctly and then say ‘Kassatsu Ikiwofukikaesu Junruou. Kassatsujizai!’ Ok?”
“Yes…up until the Kassa-whatever….”
He laughed “Hmm let’s see… Ok you know how to say ‘Life returns to the innocent. Life!’ in Japanese right?”
“Sure it’s Kassatsu Ikiwo… oh… that’s what you said?”
He laughed “Yah I guess I said it too fast.” He smiled.
“Ok I’m ready then.”
“Good. Inuyasha where’s the wound you killed it with?”
“Right there…”
He pointed to a wound of the demon’s back.
“Ok Kagome, say the words and aim for the wound with your fingers.” “Kassatsu Ikiwofukikaesu Junruou. Kassatsujizai!”
A bright light shot out of her fingers towards the demon.
“She…did it.” said Ash. “Inuyasha be ready to kill it when it gets up!”
The demon jumped up and Inuyasha sliced it in half with Tetsusaiga. Kagome was jumping up and down “I did it! I did it!”
She stopped and smiled.
“Inuyasha! Did you see that? I really did it!”
He smiled “I saw Kagome now calm down.”
“That was great Kagome! It seems like you lost no energy at all too!”
“Ok… Night…”
She went back inside. Inuyasha and Ash stared at the door.
“Wow, she really changes moods fast…” said Inuyasha.
“I’m just surprised she’s not unconscious.” said Ash.
“Well we’d better go to sleep too.”
“See you tomorrow Inuyasha.”
“Yah Ash, see you in the morning.”

In the morning…
They all got up the next morning and had breakfast.
“Sango! Miroku! Shippo! I can do what Ash can!”
“What on earth are you talking about Kagome?” asked Miroku.
She smiled “I can use that bringing back to life thing that Ash can do!” “Interesting…”
“So where are we off to today Inuyasha?” asked Sango.
“We’re going to try to find Naraku and kill him for good this time.”
“Lord Inuyasha! Your sword is too weak to break through his barrier!” said a flea on Inuyasha’s shoulder.
“Miyoga? Why are you here?”
“Miyoga?” asked Sango.
“He’s Inuyasha’s… vassal you could say.” explained Kagome.
“An unreliable one at that.” said Miroku.
“My lord you need to kill the leader of a bat demon tribe and it will increase your swords power spectacularly!”
“So where is this demon bat leader?”
“It’s in a cave near a small village far to the north of here.”
“Well everyone are you ready to go?”
They nodded.
“Ok let’s head out then.”

They left for the city and after a while rested on a cliff.
“Inuyasha?” asked Sango.
“Yeah?”
“I’d like to thank you for letting me come along with you…”
“Yah whatever.”
“Do you think we could head to my village?”
“Fine…”
They came to a small village.
Kagome gasped “This? This is your village?”
“Yes it is why do you ask?”
“We stumbled on this place a while back…” she started.
“Everyone in there was dead.” said Inuyasha.
“What?! Father and Mother!?”
“Inuyasha...!”
“Uhhh…What I didn’t…”
“Sit!”
He was hurled to the ground.
“What’d I do?!”
“You could’ve let Sango down a bit nicer ya know!”
“…No it’s ok.” said Sango.
“What? But you…”
“I feel better seeing that you buried all the dead.”
“It’s the least we could do.”
“Umm… Mom? Dad?” asked Mallorie.
Inuyasha and Kagome looked at her.
“Yeah what is it?” said Inuyasha.
“I think I’d rather go home…”
“Ok fine then.” he said. “Ash can you take her to the well?”
“Sure, come on Mall we’d better head there now.”
They headed off.
“By any chance did you see a ca…”
“Meow.” said a little cat.
“Kilala you’re alive!”
“Oh it’s so cute!” said Kagome.
“Oh this is Kilala. She’s a cat demon.”
“Heh… a demon slayer befriending a demon.” said Inuyasha.
“I seem to recall a certain dog-demon that she is friends with…” said Miroku.
“Shut up!”
Miroku laughed.
“Hey where’s Shippo been?” asked Inuyasha.
“Hmm… Shippo? Yes I recall that I have not seen him in a long while either.”
“I sent him to look around.” said Kagome. “Here he comes now!”
Shippo came through the village gates.
“Kagome I saw a lake not too far from here and it had a huge shire in the middle of it!”
“That’s gotta be Naraku’s castle!” said Inuyasha. “Let’s go!”

Near a small village…
They came to some farmland outside of a village. There was a procession going towards the lake.
“Hurry we must not keep the water god waiting.” said a villager.
“Please Headman reconsider.”
“Heh… Water god eh? Sounds to me like a demon using his new-found strength from a jewel shard.” said Inuyasha, sitting on the back of the carrier.
“Who are you?!” said the headman.
“Look at his ears…is he a demon?” said another.
“I…”
Inuyasha started. Miroku hit him on the head.
“Ow… what do you think you’re doing Miroku?”
“We do not intend to intrude. Please let me perform an exorcism on your village.”
“Are you really that powerful?” said one villager.
“I think an exorcism would be a fine idea.” said another.
“How could I justify an exorcism and betray all those children that have gone before my son. Hurry up, continue the procession!”
They continued out of sight.
“Well I guess we keep going and let them dump the kid.” said Inuyasha. “Not on your life! We’re going to save that little boy! Right?” said Kagome and she looked at Sango. She nodded.
“Are you serious?!” said a voice below them. “If so then follow me.”
He started away from them.
“Hey you wanna be left behind?”
“What’s with him, bossy kid.” said Inuyasha.
They accepted his deal to help save the other child.
“Hey whose child are you anyway?” asked Kagome.
“My family is none of your business.”
“Hey I bet you’re the headman’s son, not that other child.”
The kid, Taromaru, explained the situation.
“So he found another child to take your place and meanwhile you’re in hiding?!” said Inuyasha.
“What a stupid selfish parent.” said Miroku.
“I agree with ya there…”
They barged into the shrine and found the water god holding the child. “You even smell like a demon!” said Inuyasha.
He charged toward him and swung Tetsusaiga. The water god blocked it with a trident.
“A petty demon sword cannot overcome the power of the Trident of Amacoy.”
He summoned up a flood and swept them away.

Kagome was brought back to the water god.
Oh no! He’s going to eat the kid!
She strung her bow and shot at the water god.
“Come on, hit the mark!”
He grabbed the arrow and it destroyed his fake hand.
“How could a human arrow overcome me?!”
Kagome took the two children and ran to a hut. Miroku and Sango ended up on a rock outside of the shrine.
“Sango… are you all right?” said Miroku. “Oh no she’s taken in too much water. I’m going to have to breathe for her.”
He bent bow to breathe into Sango. Sango’s eyes opened and she slapped Miroku.
“My intentions were honorable…”
“Right…Where are we anyway?”
“We are outside the shrine. I was here when I came to.”
Inuyasha was brought back by two water sprites. They explained the situation by the sprites and decided to release the real water god.
“Get your priorities straight you idiots!” Inuyasha coughed “Kagome has to come first!”
He headed back toward the shrine. Miroku and Sango went to get save the real water god.
“The water god should be around here somewhere…” said Miroku.
“Hello? Is some one there?”
“The voice of a young woman.” said Sango.
“Ah I see the water god is actually the water goddess!”
“What?!”
“Yes now could you please release me?” she said.
“Oh, right away!” said Miroku.
He removed the ward and there was a bright light.
“Um… hello? Goddess?”
“In here.”
They looked into a tiny hole.
“Oh you’re so beautiful but so tiny…It’d be a first but I’m willing to try.”
“Try what!?” said Sango.
“Ah! Nothing!” said Miroku. “Resist all temptation…”

Miroku and Sango arrived with the goddess back where Kagome was. Miroku put the goddess down.
“That’s the water god?” said Kagome.
“I command the waters to part!” she said.
Inuyasha was fighting the fake water god in the water. He got the trident away from him and he turned back into a snake demon.
“I’ve had enough of you! You overgrown inchworm!”
“Let’s go Kilala.” said Sango.
Kilala transformed into a giant tiger and Sango got on her back. The snake’s tail shot towards the boys and Kagome. Sango threw her boomerang and cut the tail off.
“Inuyasha!” said Kagome.
“Don’t worry guys this thing’s too weak to get rid of me!”
“Stop fooling around and get the trident!”
“You’d think she’d be a bit concerned for me…”
He plunged back into the lake.
When he came up he said “Here take this stupid thing!”
He threw the trident towards Kagome. The snake hit the trident and it fell into the water.
“I’ll get it!” said Taromaru.
He dived into the water. Kilala flew over to Inuyasha and pulled him out of the water.
“Pretty slick maneuvering there Sango.” he said.
“That’s nothing”
“Ok I’m heading for its head!”
“Right.”
They flew towards the water.
“Do it Inuyasha!”
“I’m on it!”
He unsheathed Tetsusaiga and cut the snake in half.
“I’ll handle the clean-up.” said Miroku. “Wind Tunnel!”
He sucked up both halves of the demon.
The water goddess touched the trident and retuned to normal size. She then calmed the waters and saved the village. They continued on their way. Miroku was sitting on a cart with many things on it.
“Hey Miroku where’d you get all this stuff?” asked Inuyasha.
“I merely mentioned I would not be persuaded against telling the villagers of the headman’s sons’ bravery and surprisingly he gave me all this…”
“You blackmailed him into it didn’t you?!”
“Does he do this a lot?” asked Sango to Kagome.
“Sometimes…”
“Man that is the last time I do any acts of human kindness with you!”

In another small town…
They me up with Ash a little further up the path and continued to the small town.
“Are we staying here tonight Miroku?” asked Kagome.
“I bet Miroku tells the owner an ominous cloud hangs over his house.” said Inuyasha.
“I have a reason to come here.” said Miroku.
“We’ve heard that before…” said Ash.
That night they protected two princesses. Kagome moved closer to Inuyasha.
“Uhh… Isn’t this a little close Kagome?”
“Deal with it she’s freaking me out…It’s like she could spring to life any minute now!”
He looked at her.
“That was your motivation?”
“What else would it be? Hey! Get your mind out of the gutter and concentrate on what we’re supposed to be doing!”
“Gutter?! Yah as if you’re the one you jumped me and started pressing flesh!”
“So you did have your mind in the trash!”
“I was minding my own business!”
“You were hitting on me!”
They glared at each other.
“What the heck are you two fighting about?” asked Ash as he came in. “Humph… nothing.”
“Awful lot of nothing going on then…Ow!” he said. “Can’t you take a joke?!” “Next time it won’t be my fist!”
They protected them for the night and head off the next morning. After a while they reached another town.

“I guess we will rest here for the day.” said Miroku.
They came to a large house near the top of the town.
“Well here we go again…” said Inuyasha to himself.
“Thank you very much Monk, for exorcising my house.”
“It is my calling, I expect no payment.”
“Nonsense, you will all have a meal and beds tonight.”
He put a ward up on one of the walls. A giant black figure flew out and away from the house. The others were stunned.
“You mean there really was a demon here?!” said Sango.
“You weren’t lying?” asked Kagome.
“There’s a first for everything…” said Inuyasha.
Miroku just stared at them and said “Pardon me?”
The next day the demon that was exorcised attack a young girl named Satsuki that Shippo had befriended the day before. Shippo had rescued her and was fighting the demon. He kept attacking but nothing seemed to affect him.
“Maybe I’m just not strong enough to defeat him…” he panted. “Don’t I have what it takes to fight like all my friends do?”
Then Inuyasha came to where they were.
“Oh so you have yet again changed your appearance young fox.”
“What are you talking about?”
It lunged towards him.
“Humph… If you have some kind of grudge against me that’s just fine!”
He ran up and punched the demon. Miroku and the others came over and Miroku impaled his staff on the demon.
“It seems this was the demon I exorcised last night…”
“Inuyasha?” said Shippo.
“Hi! Nice work you did against that demon.”
Kagome, Sango, and Satsuki arrived on Kilala.
“Shippo! You defeated the demon!” said Satsuki.
“It wasn’t me…Inuyasha defeated it.”
“Actually, that demon was on its last legs when I showed up…”
Inuyasha…
“I suppose this demon used Satsuki hoping to get to the shard and overpower us…” said Miroku.
They left later that afternoon and Shippo stopped a little behind the others. “It seems Shippo was quite taken by that young girl.” said Sango.
“I guess so…” said Kagome.
“What’s he doing acting like a grown-up?” asked Inuyasha.
“He may be little but he’s still a man.” said Miroku.
“That was his first love…” said Kagome.
“Come on Shippo we’re leaving!”
“Move it along we don’t have all day to wait around.” said Inuyasha.
“I’m coming!”

That night…
“We’d better camp here.” said Kagome.
“Why? We haven’t even gotten more than a mile away from the village…” said Sango.
“It’s none of your business.” said Inuyasha.
“Inuyasha is only a half-demon Sango.” explained Ash.
“Yes I knew that…”
“Then you also must know that half-demons lose their supernatural powers in a cycle.” said Miroku.
“Inuyasha’s cycle is every month when the moon isn’t visible.” said Shippo. “Wow thanks a lot you guys… just blab it to the whole world why don’t yah!?”
“Oh settle…”
“Quiet…there’s somebody here…”
“Who?” asked Ash.
“Naraku…”
A voice came through the trees “Very good Inuyasha, considering you are now human…”
Inuyasha jumped up and Sango and Ash went with him. Miroku stayed back to guard Shippo and Kagome. One of Naraku’s roots shot out of the ground and went through Miroku.
“No…Miroku!” said Kagome.
Miroku fell to his knees.
“Damn…you…Naraku.”
“Miroku you need to lie down.”
“Kagome…Let me talk with Sango…”
“Sure…just lie down.” she said. “Sango! Miroku’s hurt! He needs to talk to you!”
“What!?” she said and she ran over and knelt by his side. “Miroku…” “Sango…come closer…”
She bent closer to Miroku and he kissed her.
She blushed “Miroku… you can’t die!”
“I’m sorry Sango.”
“Miroku…please…I love you!”
“I…love you too Sango.” he said. “But please forget about me.”
He closed his eyes.
“No hold on!”
“Sango… If you can get Naraku away from here…” started Kagome.

Sango got up and shouted “Naraku! You’ll pay for this!”
She charged towards him with tears in her eyes.
“Foolish girl…” he said and he stabbed her in the back.
“Miroku…I’m sorry…” she said and fainted.
“Sango!” said Ash.
“Damn you Naraku! You’ll pay for all of this!” said Inuyasha.
“If I’d of know you would be this easy to crush I’d have killed you all long ago.” he said and smiled.
Then an arrow shot into his chest.
“Die!” said Kagome.
The arrow destroyed him. Inuyasha walked over.
“It was just a puppet…”
“A puppet did all that?” said Ash.
“Kagome you’ll need to…”
“Ash I need one of those beans!” she said. “Hurry!”
“Right…” he said and dug into his pocket and tossed two beans over to Kagome. “That’s all I have. Sango will have to recover on her own.” Kagome gave Miroku the beans and he opened his eyes.
“Kagome? But I was…”
“I brought you back Miroku.”
He looked over to Sango.
“Sango!” he said and dashed over to her. “Tell me she isn’t dead.”
“No she just fainted.” said Ash.
Miroku picked up Sango.
“Come on, we need to find shelter for her to rest.”
He started forward.
“Hey Kagome…” said Ash and Inuyasha.
“Yes Inuyasha?”
“Thanks for your help back there.”
She smiled. “Yes Ash?”
“Did they actually say they loved each other?”
“Yeah they did. Must have come out when they both knew he’d die…”
“Now if only one of you two would die soon…” he said and smiled.
“What’s that mean!?” said Inuyasha.
They looked at each other and blushed.
“See told ya.”
Inuyasha punched him in the head and continued on.
“Maybe you’re right Ash…” said Kagome.
“Maybe he’ll realize it later.”
“Hopefully.” he said. “Ok, ready Kagome? We don’t want to be left behind.” She nodded.

They found a small abandoned shack.
“You can rest here Sango.” said Miroku.
Kagome went inside to tend to Sango. Ash and Inuyasha stayed outside to guard the shack.
“Inuyasha…”
“Yeah what?!”
“I know you and Kagome love each other…”
“Shut up!”
“See you’re even blushing.”
“Didn’t I tell you to shut the hell up!?”
“Fine… for now…”
“Humph…”
Kagome came out and sat next to Inuyasha.
“Now we just have to wait until she wakes up.”
She leaned her head on Inuyasha’s shoulder and fell asleep.
“Told you…”
He glared at Ash.
“Just be quiet and let her sleep.”
The next morning Sango opened her eyes.
“Where am I?”
“Sango you’re awake!” said Kagome. “Miroku! She’s awake!”
“What? But he…”
Miroku came into the shack and Kagome left. “You’re alive!”

She quickly sat up and started to get up.
“No save your strength.”
She looked at him and nodded.
“Sango…I’d like to know something, if you don’t mind.”
“Go ahead.”
“Did you really mean you loved me?”
“Same question to you…”
Sango looked at him and blushed.
“I said that from my heart…” he said. “It’s seems death brings out your best kept secrets…”
“I agree, I’m sure it does.”
He leaned closer to her.
Then Inuyasha barged in.
“Can you two hurry it up?!”
Miroku shot back and he and Sango blushed.
Kagome’s voice came from the outside “Inuyasha you jerk! Sit!”
Inuyasha was hurtled to the floor and Ash rushed in.
“Sorry guys hope he didn’t interrupt anything…” he smiled. “Man you really know how to ruin moments Inuyasha…”
He pushed him out the door. Sango and Miroku looked at the door.
“Well… we better not keep them waiting.” said Sango.
“Give me your hand, I’ll help you up.” said Miroku.
She blushed and took his hand.
“Thanks Miroku…” They came outside.
“Geez it’s about time…” said Inuyasha.
“Maybe you’ll learn to knock before you enter somewhere Inuyasha.” said Kagome. “It’ll save me from saying sit.”
He shot toward the ground.
She blushed, “Oops…I didn’t mean it…”
He got up and said “Let’s just get out of this place. We’ve wasted enough time.”
“Sure it’s not cause of your head?” asked Shippo.
Inuyasha hit him in the head. “Sure it’s not yours?!”
“Ow…Sorry I asked…”

A little later…
“Does anyone else think it’s strange how much we’ve been attacked as of late?” asked Miroku.
“There’s been that Lizard demon, Yoshiro, and Naraku twice…” said Sango. “It’s strange Naraku has even attacked us once.” said Ash.
“You guys think too much…” said Inuyasha.
“But they’re right.” said Kagome.
“Humph…”
“We must have something Naraku wants… Something that could possibly be able to kill us…” said Miroku.
“Look!” said Shippo. “It’s Naraku’s insects!”
The insects dived towards them. Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha started to fight them. One went straight for Kagome.
“Kagome! Look out!” said Ash.
She screamed and Ash jumped in front of her. The insects’ stinger went into Ash.
“Oh, Ash are you ok?!” said Kagome.
“Yeah…I just need to rest…”

She took him further away from the insects. Kagome was watching them and Ash grinned. He stood up and put his arm around Kagome’s neck. “Ash…What’re you doing?”
He lifted her off the ground with his arm.
“Ash! Have you gone insane!?” said Inuyasha as he looked over at them. Naraku appeared behind them.
“You’re all fools. You claim to know so much of these insects, yet you don’t know if you are stung by them…” he paused “It will bring out your evil that is locked inside of you.”
“Damn you Naraku!”
“Continue Ash; snap the girls’ neck…” He grinned.
“Ash, no you can’t…” said Kagome, struggling to breath “You can’t do this… you wouldn’t…”
He held her head in one hand and slowly moved it as far as it could go to the right.
“Fool…”
He pushed it, sharply, further to the right and her body went limp. “Kagome! Ash how could you?!” asked Sango.

Inuyasha ran up to him.
“You’ll pay for that!”
He got close and Ash grabbed him by his neck. An energy blast formed on his hand.
“I…thought you couldn’t…do that…”
“You know nothing of what evil can accomplish.”
He grinned and put his hand near Inuyasha’s chest.
“Ka…Me…Ha…Me…”
“Kagome, I’m sorry…”
“…Ha!”
The energy shot through him.
“That was too easy.”
He let him go and Inuyasha fell to the ground.
“Sango…I think this is the end.” said Miroku. “If he has his full power back then we don’t stand a chance.”
Ash stood and faced them.
“Now it’s your turn… Ah!”
He grabbed his head.
“Sango this may be our chance you go after Naraku.”
Miroku ran up to Ash and hit him in the head with his staff.
Sango threw her Hiraikotsu (boomerang) and cut Naraku in half.
“Another puppet…”
Ash got up. “Ow… Why’s my head bleeding?”
“I hit you in the head.”
“What for?!”
“You killed Inuyasha and Kagome.”
“That’s right! I remember… but they’re not dead.”
“They aren’t?” asked Sango.
“No… I knew what was happening so I held back my strength…”
“How could you hold back snapping somebody’s neck?”
“Well there’s not a way… but before her neck was pushed back I forced my other hand to jab one of the pressure points on her neck…”
“So you knocked her out before she could die?”
“Yeah…”
“I think we know why Naraku was attacking now.” said Sango.
“True but I doubt it will ever occur again.” said Mirkou. “I feel as though Ash has suppressed the evil in him for good.”
“Well let’s get these two a place to rest.” said Sango.

“I’ll carry Kagome,” said Miroku.
“Oh no you don’t!” said Ash and Sango.
“I’ll carry her.” said Ash.
“We can’t trust you with any girls Miroku.” said Sango.
“What do you mean?”
They headed back to the shack they had used earlier. Halfway there Kagome woke up.
“Uh… What happened?”
She saw Ash and slapped him.
“Ow! What was that for?!”
“Ash? You’re back to normal!”
She blushed a bit. “Could you put me down please?”
“You can’t walk your leg’s broken.”
She blushed, more so this time.
“Could you get your hand off my butt then!?”
He blushed and looked at Mirkou.
“I’m only doing that so a certain Monk we know didn’t take advantage of you being unconscious.”
She stared at him.
“Okay then… I guess I can trust you. Could I ask you how I’m alive though?”
“That can wait until later, when Inuyasha’s awake.” he said as he looked at Miroku carrying Inuyasha.
“For now, try to get some rest. We have a bit of a walk until we reach the shack again.”
He looked back down at her but she was already asleep.
“Poor girl, she’s been through so much lately.” said Sango.
“What about you Sango?” asked Miroku. “How have you been since you’ve learned of your parents?”
“I’m fine…”
Ash came up behind Miroku and whispered “I think we’d better keep that quiet until it’s been a longer time.”
“I suppose you’re right.” he said looking at Kagome.
“Keep your mind out of the gutter Miroku!” said Sango looking behind her. “You people always assume the worst of me.” he said.
“And you think Ash is less trustworthy?” asked Sango.
“Well he is holding her butt…” he muttered.
“I’ve told you the reason already!” said Ash, blushing.
“He has a wife, unlike you. He wouldn’t do that for pleasure.”
“Not yet, he’s not married.”
“Actually, we got married just before I came back from taking Mall to the well…”
“Oh you did eh?” said Miroku. “Well congratulations I guess.”
“Miroku you’ll be married one day…” said Sango.
“You mean?”
“Ok we’re here!” she said.
She looked back at him and smiled.

That night...
They made another bed for Inuyasha. Miroku stood guard while Ash and Sango tended to Inuyasha and Kagome. Sango went outside and sat near Miroku. Ash stayed inside to watch over them.
“I just hope Inuyasha really is ok…”
He heard a slap and Sango came stomping into the room.
“Hehe… When will he learn?” said Ash.
“He’s getting to be less of a pervert though…” said Sango as she looked at the door.
“Sounds like you two are getting closer…”
She blushed and looked at the ring on Ash’s finger.
“So you really did marry her?”
“Yeah I did.”
“I’ve never seen her…”
“You haven’t?”
“No not even in the tower.”
“…She’s gotten really strong since then.” he started. “I told her to come with us when she thought she was ready.”
“What’s it like to be married Ash?” Sango said, thoughtfully.
“Really it’s no different that your regular life.” he smiled “Except for a ring and one more person in your life.”
She looked at the door for a bit.
“So… you’re thinking of marrying Miroku then?” asked Ash.
She looked at him quickly and blushed.
“I was…” she said “but he goes after every girl he sees… How am I supposed to marry somebody like that?”
“If it’s supposed to happen you’ll find a way.”

He looked at Kagome. “What about you and Inuyasha Kagome?”
She gasped “How’d you know I was awake?”
“You breathe faster when you think of breathing.”
She sat up and looked at them both. “Well… I have thought about it. He changes his attitude towards me a lot though…”
“So you’re both just waiting for them then…” he said and smiled.
“I was waiting for you in the same way, Ash.”
He looked at the door as Krystal came in.
“Krystal!” said Shippo and he jumped into her arms.
She giggled. “Hi Shippo!” she said cheerfully.
“Hey, Honey, you think you’re ready then?”
She smiled “Well I did find you all here right?”
“True, true.”
She walked over and sat next to Ash.
“Hey if you got in where was Miroku?” asked Sango. She walked outside and there was a loud wack followed by an ‘Ow!’
“Stay awake if you’re going to watch over us!” said Sango. “I guess I’ll have to stay out here with you…”
“You’d better rest a bit more Kagome. Inuyasha isn’t up yet.”
“Ok, Good Night Ash.”
“Night Kagome. You’d better get some rest too Krystal, that was a long walk from the well to here.”
He looked at her but she was fast asleep on his shoulder, Shippo sleeping in her arms. He kissed her on the forehead.
“Awww!” Kagome said.
“What?!” he said, surprised she was awake.
“That’s so sweet Ash.” she said and smiled.
“Didn’t I tell you to get some sleep?”
“Yah but I rolled over and saw you kiss her and it was so cute.”
“Good Night Kagome.”
He stared at her.
“Yah, ok, Good Night.” she said and they went to sleep.

The next morning…
“Hey Ash get up already!” shouted Sango from outside. “It’s almost noon!” Ash got up and stretched.
He looked over at Inuyasha and said “Still not up are we?”
He walked outside.
“What’s the hurry Inuyasha’s not conscious yet…”
Krystal got up.
“What’s happening?”
She looked down and saw Kilala.
“Oh you’re so cute!” she said and smiled at her.
Kilala jumped on her head and Krystal came outside, shielding her eyes from the sun, and stood next to Ash.
“What’s wrong?” she said sleepily.
“Awww!”
“Kagome will you stop that!”
“But… It’s…”
He sighed “You better get used to it then.”
Krystal looked at him and smiled sweetly “Aw, come on Ash, lighten up.”
He looked at her and said “Hey why’s Kilala on your head?”
She laughed. “We just met and I think she likes me.” She smiled.
“I’m sorry Ash you two are just cute together.” said Kagome.
He grinned then said “Hey what’s the occasion Sango? It better not have been just for us to stand together.”
“It’s nothing really…”
“Miroku’s missing Ash!” said Kagome.
“What?”
“He was gone when I woke up… I’m a bit worried about him.” said Sango. She looked at them.
“I’m going to find him. I’ll see you all as soon as I can.”
She ran off away from the shack Kilala following close behind.

“They both try to hide the fact that they love each other.” Kagome sighed. “Like a certain demon we know?” Ash asked.
“Yes I suppose…” she said as her voice wondered off.
“Ash?” she asked after a bit.
“Yeah what do you need?”
“Are you sure Inuyasha will be ok? It’s been a couple days…”
“Of course he’ll be fine… He is himself.” he said.
“I think I’m going to take a walk. I’ll be back later.”
“Ok Kagome, be careful.” said Krystal.
“I will. Later!” She wondered off.
“I think I should go get a few Senzu Beans.” he said shortly after she was out of sight. “I’m getting worried about him too.”
“I’ll come with you.” said Krystal.
“No stay here I need you and Shippo to watch Inuyasha.”
“Ok I’ll be here.”
He kissed her goodbye and went off towards the well.
“I think we’d better go in and wait.” said Shippo.
“You’re right. Let’s go inside.”

When they got inside Inuyasha was sitting up.
“Who the hell are you?” he said weakly.
He picked up Tetsusaiga and faced it towards Krystal.
“I-It’s me…”
“You’re just a woman.” he said as he lowered Tetsusaiga. “Don’t worry I won’t hurt you.”
“Inuyasha are you feeling ok?” she asked as she got closer.
“How do you know my name?! Who are you?! Tell me!”
She jumped back and stared at him.
“Don’t you recognize me?” she asked, alarmed.
He shook his head.
“It’s me, Krystal, Ash’s wife.”
He slowly got up. “Krystal? You mean the Krystal from the tower?”
He got close and stared at her.
She started to blush and said “Wh-Why are you looking at me like that?”
He didn’t respond. She started to back away and he grabbed her wrist.
“I can tell you’re lying. Ash isn’t married.”
“Let go of me!” she said and winced. “And yes I am his wife!”
“Give me some proof then.”
“Look at my ring.”
He looked at the ring on her finger.
“Humph… Ok then.” he let go of her wrist.
“Man you really are a jerk.” she said, holding her hand tenderly.
“So where’s your husband then?” he looked around. “He nearly killed me…”
“Why should I even tell you…” she said as she started to leave.
“No wait!”
“Why should I?!”
“Uhh… I’m sorry ok?”
“Well you should be…”
“So…Could you please tell me?”
“…I really don’t know what happened. You were already out when I arrived.”
“I see. Where are Miroku and Sango?”
“Miroku vanished and Sango went looking for him.” she explained. “Kagome went for a walk while Ash went to get some more Senzu Beans.”
“She’s alive?!”
She stared at him.
“What’re you looking at?!”
“You should rest. I’ll get you up when Kagome is back.”
“Hell no, I’m fine so leave me alone.”
She continued towards the door. “Shippo make sure he stays there.”
She left and Inuyasha said “Humph… Who does she think she is?”
A voice came from outside “Ash you’re back!”
Krystal jumped up and hugged him.
“That was fast.”
“I didn’t go back. I saw Raiden on the way. What he’s doing here I have no clue.” he looked at him and smiled.
It was nothing, I just happened to be here.
“Yeah I’m sure…” he looked at him.
Ash started to go inside but he was punched in the face and fell to the ground.
He spit some blood out of his mouth and said “What the hell was that for?!”
“There now we’re even. You tried to kill both of us.”
He looked at Inuyasha and grinned. “Well I guess I deserved that.”
Inuyasha stuck out his hand, helping him up.

Kagome came around the bend. She saw Inuyasha and said “Inuyasha?” She ran over to him and hugged him tightly.
“I was so worried about you!” she said through her tears.
“Kagome… you were worried?”
“Of course I was!” she sniffed. “Are you saying you didn’t feel the same way?”
“No I…”
She quickly turned away from him and said “You just don’t get it do you!?” “Kagome please don’t cry over me…”
“Who said I was crying about you!? I was crying out of frustration!”
He took her by the wrist and pulled her close to himself.
“Inuyasha…”
“Kagome I thought you were gone forever…”
She looked up at him.
“The thing is... I love you Kagome.”
“I...I love you too!”
She hugged him securely. He bent his head down and he kissed her.

Krystal and Ash were sitting near the shack with their backs against the wall.
“Isn’t that sweet Ash?” Krystal whispered.
He picked up her hand and held it in his.
“Sure is, brings back memories.”
She laughed softly, and laid her head on his shoulder.
“What do you two think you’re doing?” whispered Sango.
He shifted quickly away and said “Geez, when’d you get here?”
She sat next to Ash and Miroku came and sat next to her.
“I see you found him.”
She blushed. “Yah…”
“Hehe… It seems everyone’s admitted to it now.”
Inuyasha came over and hit Ash and Miroku on the head.
“You two enjoying yourselves!?”
“Will you stop that?!” said Ash and Miroku.
Sango and Krystal looked at Miroku and Ash. They both smiled at them.

“Well, Inuyasha, what do we do now?” asked Sango.
He walked back over to Kagome.
“What do you think? We’re killing that bat.”
Sango and Ash got up and walked over to him.
“Don’t you think you should rest?” asked Sango.
“Can you even lift your sword yet?” asked Ash.
“You saying I’m weak?!”
“Yeah I am!”
They glared at each other. Miroku looked over at Krystal. He held her hands with both of his.
“Hello. You are most beautiful.”
“Uh… Thanks?”
“Would you bear my child?”
“What?!”
Ash looked over at them.
“Miroku what do you think you’re doing?! Get off of her!”
He walked over to them.
“Well what do you say?”
She stared at him, blushed, and said “What are you saying to me?”
Ash pushed himself in front of Miroku.
“Who the hell do you think you are Miroku!?” he said. “Damn it if you ever think of touching Krystal again…”
“Ash…”
“Why are you getting so touchy?” he asked. “You already have a wife.”
“She is my wife you idiot!”
“Oh! Pardon me, I had no clue your wife was so beautiful.”
She blushed from behind Ash.
Sango came up and hit Miroku on the head.
“You’re saying I’m not beautiful?!”
“Not at all!” he said and smiled nervously. Sango just glared at him.
“I suppose we can stay for one day.” said Inuyasha. “Kagome needs her rest too.”
They went back to their beds and Ash and Krystal stood watch that night. Inuyasha came outside and said “Krystal you can use my bed if you want. I’ll keep watch.”
She yawned. “Thanks Inuyasha… Good Night.”
“’Night Krystal.” said Inuyasha.
“’Night honey.” said Ash.

During the night…
Everyone was asleep. The door squeaked and Ash quickly picked up his Halberd and swung it towards the door. Krystal screamed.
“Whoa! Sorry Krystal I didn’t know it was you.”
She laughed nervously “I thought you were asleep, I didn’t think you’d wake up and attack me.”
“The question’s why you are up” he yawned. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“No I couldn’t really…”
She sat down next to him. He looked at her and smiled.
“You think you’ll be able to sleep out here?”
“What don’t you want me out here?!”
“No! I-I just meant…”
“Humph… maybe I shouldn’t even be here.”
“Hey, come on, what’s gotten you so mad?”
She looked at him and smiled.
“I’m glad you care so much about me Ash.”
She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
“W-wait I don’t get it…” he said. “I thought you were mad.”
He looked down at her, thinking.
“Man, you’re so strange some times…”
“I’ve noticed that.” said Inuyasha.
“Huh?! You’re awake too?”
“Kagome’s the same way… She never makes up her mind.”
“Maybe they are all like that.” said Miroku.
Ash stared at them both.
“Those may be true but… maybe it’s just fun to make us think.”
“Ash?” asked Inuyasha.
“Yeah?”
“You think too much.”
“At least I’m able to…” he mumbled.
Inuyasha jumped up and punched Ash in the head.
“Ow… I’m starting to get used to that.”
“Ash you head inside, me and Miroku can stand guard.”
He looked past Ash at Krystal.
“She should have a bed to rest in.”
“Ok thanks Inuyasha.”
Ash brushed Krystal’s hair out of her eyes with his hand and picked her up.
“There he goes with touching her butt again…” said Miroku.
“She’s my wife! I have a perfectly good reason!”
“Miroku you getting jealous of Ash?” asked Inuyasha.
“Of course not!”
“Sure… Hey where’d he go?”
Inside the shack Ash laid Krystal in the bed.
“When will those two grow up?” he sighed.
“One day…” said Sango.
“What? Only people from my time sleep?”
She laughed “You three aren’t exactly quiet.”
“Well let’s get some sleep.” he smiled.

The next day…
They continued on and rested for the day at a hot spring. The girls went to take a bath. The guys set up a campfire and were waiting there for them.
“Sango?! How’d you get that scar on your back?”
“My little brother Kohaku gave me that Kagome…”
“Where is your brother?” asked Krystal.
“He was the one that hurt you all in the tower… I got this while I was fighting him.”
She leaned over and picked up a stone.
“Are you enjoying our conversation you peeping Toms?!”
She threw the stone into the bushes. They went over to see what it hit.
“A monkey?”
Miroku and Inuyasha jumped up and ran towards them.
“No guys wait!” said Ash, back at the campfire.
WHAM!
Inuyasha and Miroku were sitting back at the fire while the girls got dressed.
“Heh… you idiots, I tried to warn you.”
“This time you were really in deep conversation and rushed to help.” said Shippo.
“I don’t see why they had to hit me too…”
“Quit your complaining… That was a marvelous sight we saw.” said Miroku.
“Oh boy…” Shippo sighed.
“Humph… I can’t believe you guys would do that!” said Kagome as the girls came over.
“…I can believe Miroku would do that…” said Sango.
“Ash you didn’t come over…What if we really were in trouble?” asked Krystal.
“Well you guys didn’t scream so there can’t be that much trouble.”
“Humph…At least one of you thinks before they act.” said Kagome.
“Aw, don’t be mad at me! I came because I thought you were in trouble!”
Kagome sat next to him.
“I know… Thank you Inuyasha.” She smiled.
Sango sat next to Miroku.
“So what’s your excuse?”
He laughed nervously “Of course it’s the same.”
She glared at him.
“You should get some sleep girls… We have a long walk ahead of us.” said Inuyasha.
Kagome kissed Inuyasha goodnight and went to her sleeping bag.
“Good Night Kagome.” said Inuyasha.
The others did the same and the girls went to bed.
“I’ve got to admit… We really are lucky.” said Miroku.
Inuyasha and Ash nodded their agreement.

The next morning…
Inuyasha went over and poked Kagome.
“Come on, get up, it’s time to head out.”
She rolled over and said “Five more minutes…”
“If you want to sleep on the way it’s fine with me.”
“Ok…” she mumbled.
She got up and yawned.
“Good now climb on my back.”
She did and laid her head on his shoulder.
“Ok Miroku, ready to go.”
They continued off a bit.
Krystal stopped and stared in their direction.
Ash came up behind her, put his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her head.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“I don’t think I should be here… they seemed pretty beat up.”
“That’s what happens.” he said “Always has and always will.”
“It’s not them I’m concerned about.” she looked down “I just think I’ll get you killed because you would be protecting me…”
“Of course you won’t get me killed… but I’m not gonna lie to you.”
Krystal looked back at him.
“There’s always a chance any of us can die out there. The more people we have the less capable we are of getting hurt.”
She pulled away from him.
“How can you be so calm about this!? Don’t you worry!? Don’t you care at all?!”

Inuyasha and the others were peeking behind a tree.
“Wonder what’s up?” said Inuyasha.
“She’s obviously worried about Ash.” said Sango.
“Why?”
“When you love someone you have a tendency to be concerned over the smallest possible threat to them.” said Miroku.
“Miroku? How would you know?”
“I know these things.”
“Yeah… whatever you say.” said Inuyasha.

Krystal started to cry.
“Don’t you care if you, your friends or I die?!”
“Of course I…”
“Yeah? Then why aren’t…”
He put his finger to Krystal’s lips.
“Calm down and let me explain myself.”
She sniffed and nodded to him.
“First, please don’t cry. I hate it when you cry.”
He brushed the tears off her cheek, and then held her hands in his.
“You don’t have to worry about any of us dying. Kagome and I are capable to bring someone back to life if they do die.”
“Ok…”
“Also, I’ll never let you get hurt Krystal and It’ll take a lot to get rid of me.”
She nodded, embraced and smiled adorably at him.
“I don’t think I can fight anything though.”
“Heh ‘course you can,” he grinned “after all we’ll be fighting beside you.”
“I suppose it can’t hurt to try right?”
“Right, ready to go then?”
She nodded and they strolled, hand in hand, in the direction of Inuyasha and the others.

“They really make a cute couple.” said Kagome.
“I thought you were asleep!” said Inuyasha.
“I was.”
“Get off my back then!”
“Oh come on,” she pestered “Couldn’t you carry me?”
“Humph… Ok fine.”
Ash and Krystal met up with them.
“All finished?”
“What do you mean finished?” Ash said and glared at him.
“Inuyasha you can’t keep a secret at all can you!?” said Kagome.
“Krystal laughed “No it’s all right. I knew you were all watching anyway.”
“You did?” asked Kagome.
“Of course, four people glancing from behind a tree isn’t exactly hidden.” said Ash.
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s get going then.” said Miroku.

They came to a small outpost and decided to rest a bit. A group of men came towards them.
“Sango, the demon slayer, our Lord requires your assistance.” the leader said.
“M-me? …Why me?”
They went inside and talked about what they needed.
“Our Lord shall gladly pay you for your services.”
“The reward you offer is far too generous, I’m afraid I can’t accept…”
“You cannot refuse, Sango.” said a man getting off his horse. “It has been six long years since I have last seen you.”
“Do I know you?”
“Look closer Sango, he seems to know you quite well.” said Kagome.
She nodded.

The Lord took them to his castle and got them a room. Sango was sitting with a lot of food in front of her.
“Why does she get the royal treatment?” said Inuyasha.
“He’s trying to court her, of course she’ll get more!” said Kagome.
Miroku went over to the girl that brought the food.
He grabbed her hand and asked “Would you bear my children?”
“Silly monk you can’t be serious.” she smiled and backed away.
“No I am very serious.”
She smiled at him and left.
Sango got up, smacked Miroku in the head, and stomped out of the room.
“When will he learn?” said Ash as he took another sip of tea.
“What’s she so mad about?” asked Miroku.
“Well what can you expect Miroku? You flirt with every woman you see, while the young Lord has affections only for her?!” said Kagome
They all went back to their food.
About a minute later Kagome shouted “I got it! I know what to do!”
She jumped up, grabbed Miroku, and dragged him outside.
“Uhhh… what’s gotten into her?” asked Inuyasha.
Ash just shrugged and drank some more tea.

“Agh… Kagome what do you think you’re doing?” said Miroku.
“Listen I have a plan. You’ve gotta make up with Sango! Tell her you love her!”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t try to hide it! I can already tell!”
The Lord walked past a couple feet away, not seeing them, and Sango followed behind.
“Come on now’s our chance!” she grabbed Miroku and dragged him behind a bush.
“Sango I knew from the day I met you, that you were the only one I could love…”
“I’m glad you feel that way…”
Kagome gasped and looked back at Miroku, who was walking away. She looked back at Sango and went to follow Miroku.
“But… I can’t possibly think of marriage until… a task I have is complete, a task that will be difficult if not impossible. So I ask you to please wait…”
“I understand I shall await your return!” he said and walked off laughing.
She reached out her hand and said “No you don’t…” but he kept on walking.

Sango walked back to the room and saw Miroku sitting outside. He looked at her, stood up and smiled.
They walked past each other and he said “I wish you happiness…”
She stopped and then turned around.
She was about to say something when a man shouted “The demon has returned!”
They all ran to where the demon had appeared.
“Heh… It’s about time you showed up.” Inuyasha said as he unsheathed Tetsusaiga.
“No Inuyasha I’ll take this one.” said Sango.
“Why should you do it?”
“It’s my job… plus I wouldn’t mind blowing off some steam right now.”
Kagome looked at Miroku and said “What did you say to her!?”
“Nothing in particular…” he said and smiled nervously.
She fought the demon fiercely.
“Wow… I’ve never seen Sango fight so hard.” said Shippo.
“I don’t think anyone could stop Sango now…” said Inuyasha.
She cut the demon in half and started to walk back towards the others.
“All right Sango! You…” said Kagome.
“Look out!” said Ash.
Sango looked back and the demon bear’s claws headed for Sango. Her boomerang fell to the ground as blood splattered near it.
Miroku set Sango down and they faced the demon.
“Miroku you saved me…” said Sango. “Oh… your arm…”
“This is no demon, it’s a spirit.” he said. “I’ll exorcise this demon!”
He threw a ward at the demon and it destroyed it.

They left the Lords castle and waited a bit outside the gates.
“I think I understand now Sango… please if you ever need help come back to see me.”
She bowed and headed back to the others. They continued on.
“Miroku why aren’t you wearing your umbrella hat?” asked Kagome.
“I’m fine… besides the strap is broken.”
He turned back around and continued walking.
Kagome nudged Sango with an umbrella. Sango looked back and took it, as Kagome nodded towards Miroku. She walked over to him and held the umbrella above his head. He looked back and smiled at her.
She looked at him and blushed “How’s your wound?”
“It’s fine, thank you.”
“See I told you an umbrella was a handy thing Inuyasha.” said Kagome.
“Yeah whatever.”
Kagome looked back at Ash and Krystal.
“Ash where’s yours?”
“I gave it to Krystal, her hat strap broke too.”
She looked at Krystal and smiled, as Krystal and Ash smiled at each other.
Miroku reached over and touched Sango’s butt. She slapped him and walked ahead. Miroku sat on the ground, looked at Sango and smiled.
Sango was blushing then smiled, laughed and looked up into the sky.

“Miroku you really need to learn some things.” said Kagome as she smiled.
“Although it seems he enjoyed that one…” Ash laughed.
“You’re all delusional…” said Inuyasha. “Why don’t you think of something more important like the jewel shards we’re looking for!?”
“Well if you recall we were heading to a demon bat tribe…” said Miroku.
“Of course, I know that you idiot! What do you think I am stupid?!”
Kagome started to run ahead, to walk with Sango, but a wolf demon dashed in and grabbed her.
“Kagome!” said Inuyasha.
“Let go of me!” she said.
“Well if it isn’t the mutt.” he said.
“Oh great…Koga.” said Inuyasha. “Get out of her wolf boy!”
He let go of Kagome “Gladly… seeing as I have what I want.” he said as he held up the half of the jewel.
Inuyasha unsheathed Tetsusaiga and ran towards Koga.
“Inuyasha sit!” said Kagome.
He was hurtled to the ground.
“Ugh… what’d you do that for!?”
“Koga, please give me back the shards…”
“Humph… fine since you asked Kagome.”
She smiled.
“Don’t you smile at him!” said Inuyasha.
“Sit!!” she shouted. “I’ll smile at who ever I want.”
He fell to the ground again.
“Kagome, maybe you should think before you do things…” said Ash.
“Sit! Sit! Sit!”
He hit the ground and shouted “AGH!!!! That wasn’t even me!!!”
“Oh…” she laughed nervously “sorry about that Inuyasha.”
“Stupid girl…” he mumbled.
“Oh Inuyasha…”
“Uhh… I… I didn’t…”
“Sit...”
He fell to the ground.
“Will you stop it!?”
Kagome grabbed the back of his shirt and dragged him away from Koga.
“Hey let go of me!”
Inuyasha got up and they continued walking. Kagome slapped Ash.
“Ow. Heh, crap, I thought you forgot.” he said and smiled.
“Not on your life.” she said and pointed at him, then smiled.

Meanwhile…
Mallorie, Elie, and Bryth were walking around town. They heard a scream and a girl came behind the corner.
“Get back here!” said a man following after her.
“Stay away from me! I didn’t do anything!”
She ran past them and Elie pulled her gun out and faced it towards the man chasing her.
“Hey what’s your problem?!” she said.
“Whoa h-hey watch that thing…” he said.
“Stop chasing the poor girl then!”
“Of-of course. I’m sorry.” he backed away.
“Humph. Yeah… good idea.”
He ran back around the corner. Elie put her gun back.
“What an idiot…”
They turned to the girl.
“Arli?!” said Mallorie.
“Mall? What’re you doing here?”
“That’s all you have to say!? I haven’t seen you for years! I think you could be nicer to your sister…”
She smiled “Heh still the same old Mall huh?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
She laughed “Nothing sis… what do you say we head back to your house?”
They headed back to the lookout.
“So you’re from the future too Arliss?” asked Bryth.
She smiled “Yup I came to this time when I was seven.”
“Ten long years…” said Mall. “I’m eighteen now.”
“No duh, silly,” she smiled “I’m the same age.”
Mallorie smiled back.
“Hey let’s go introduce you to dad!” said Mallorie.
“What?”
“Dad from the past.” she smiled.
Arliss looked at Elie and Bryth, confused, but they just grinned.

They headed into the past and met up with Inuyasha.
“Mall?! What brings you back?” asked Kagome.
“Mom! I found my sister!”
“What?! You have a sister?” said Inuyasha.
Arliss smiled and waved “My name’s Arliss.”
Ash looked up quickly “What? Arli?!”
She looked past Inuyasha and saw Ash.
“Ash!” she said and ran over and hugged him.
He smiled “Long time no see. Eight years right?”
“Yeah… How’ve you been?”
“Great… Hey I’d like you to meet Krystal.”
He looked around.
“Hey where’d she go?”
“I think she headed that way.” said Miroku, pointing.
“Ok wait here I’ll be right back.”
He went in the direction Miroku said and saw Krystal sitting on a rock.
“Hey, honey, what’s up?”
She looked away from him and said “Like you care…”
He sat next to her.
“I think I know what’s wrong… You think something’s happening, or happened even, between me and Arli right?”
There was a pause and then she said “I thought you cared about me, Ash…”
“What do you mean? Of course I do.”
“I’m sure…”
“Look let me explain…”
“Fine go ahead if you must.”
“Okay, you don’t have to look at me but at least hear me out. See, I met Arli when I was little, she was one of my first friends… but that’s all she is. I never loved her and I never will. You get it?”
She sighed “I’ve heard that before Ash, with Serina. You said you’d never love anyone else but her and here you are with me.”
“That may be true but did I ever go so far as to marry her?”
She looked at her ring and smiled.
“I guess you’re right, honey.” she said as she looked at him and smiled.
He smiled back and Krystal moved over next to Ash.
“Ash?” she said as she laid her head on his shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“I’m glad I married you.” she said and then kissed him.
He smiled, stood up, and held out his hand “Well, ready to meet her now?”
She grabbed his hand and said “Sure, let’s go.”

As they got close Mallorie and Arliss waved.
“Well… as I was saying. Arli I’d like you to meet my wife Krystal.”
“Your wife?”
He nodded.
“Congratulations Ash!” she said and smiled. “To tell you the truth… I’d never think you’d get married.”
“Hey! What’s that mean!?”
She laughed “You were always a crazy kid. I’d never imagine you’d settle down with somebody.”
“But I bet he was a cute kid.” said Krystal, smiling.
“Of course he was. He still is.”
“Ok, enough…” said Ash, blushing.
“I agree he is still cute.”
“Come on, cut it out!”
They laughed “Ok we’ll stop.”
“Well… I’d hate to interrupt this exciting conversation but you two can’t tag along with us.” asked Inuyasha.
“Awww come on dad.” said Arliss “Why not?”
“If you were here you’d understand how dangerous it is… I’ve just met you. I don’t want you dying.”
“Inuyasha, you wimp.” said Ash.
“You’re lucky you’re over there!”
“I think he’s right though.” he said looking at Arliss. “We don’t want to have to worry about you two in addition to the people we have now.”
She nodded and Mallorie said “Ok then, let’s go Arli.”
They waved goodbye and headed back to the well.

They ran into Bryth on the way back.
“Hi B!” said Arliss.
“B what’re you doing here?” asked Mallorie.
“I came looking for you two. You’ve been gone a while.” he said.
“Yeah, we would have been sooner but Ash was talking to his wife about something.” said Arliss.
“Is something wrong with mom?” asked Bryth, looking at Mallorie.
“What? You mean Krystal’s your mom?!” asked Arliss.
“Yeah… I’m from the future too.”
“So… Ash is… your dad?”
He nodded.
“Well, I should have guessed you were related to Ash. You’re just as sweet as him.” she smiled, blushing a bit.
He blushed and rubbed the back of his neck “Uh… thanks.”
Mallorie walked ahead and whispered as she smiled “I’ll just leave you two alone.”
Bryth held Ariliss’ hand and they followed after Mallorie.

They came to a small opening in the forest.
“Why won’t you guys help me?” said a Mithra .
“We would, Ryo, but we don’t know what we’re up against…” said a boy.
“Ende, you have to be worried about her!”
“I never said I wasn’t… but that doesn’t mean we should throw away our lives.”
“Zeph you’ll help right?” she said turning to another boy, taller then the first.
“I wanna save Mall as much as you do but I agree with Ende.”
Mallorie and Bryth approached them.
“Ende?!” said Bryth.
“Zeph!?” said Mallorie.
“Mall!? B!?” said the girl.
Bryth smiled “Yup it’s us. How’ve you been Ryoth?”
Ryoth smiled, her ears perked up, and she said “Great I can’t believe you saved Mall!”
“Well I didn’t really…” he started then explained the rest.
“You ok sis?” asked the taller boy, in the meantime.
“I’m fine Zeph.” Mallorie replied, smiling.
Zephinos smiled and spotted Arliss in the distance.
“Arli?”
Arliss walked closer and she waved.
“Wow, you were busy, B. You practically found everyone.”
“Heh I just met Arli not too long ago Ende.” He looked at Arliss and smiled. “You should thank Mall for that.”
Endemion nodded and said “So where were you guys headed?”
“To the past really… you wanna come too?” asked Arliss.
“Meh, I suppose so… not much else to do at the moment.” said Zephinos.
“Ok let’s go then!” said Mallorie.
So Bryth, Mallorie and Arliss, reunited with their friends Endemion, Zephinos, and Ryoth, headed back to the past.

They kept walking and rested for the night. They sat near the camp fire and Inuyasha and Kagome were arguing about something. Krystal sat with her chin on her knees and stared into the fire, smiling, Ash sitting next to her.
“Oh no!” Krystal said, panicking.
Kagome stopped arguing with Inuyasha, looked over at her and asked “Is something wrong Krystal?”
“I completely forgot… would it be ok if I went back to the Present for a bit?”
Ash looked at her confused. “What’s wrong?” He looked into her eyes searching for the answer.
“I just forgot I had somebody to meet today…”
He nodded “Want me to come with you?”
“Yeah, sure, I’m sure she’d be glad to meet you.”
“She?” he cocked his head at me.
She nodded, smiling.
“Um… yeah how about we leave tomorrow?
“You said you had to meet her today…”
“Really? Sorry I meant today as in tomorrow.”
“Uh-huh… Ok tomorrow then.”
They all went to bed. Krystal got up when she was sure everyone was asleep and headed off towards the well. As soon as she thought she was far enough away she started to run. She got to the well, jumped in, and headed out of the door of the temple and Ash was waiting on the other side.
“Tomorrow huh?”
“You jerk! How could you scare me like that?!” She shouted at him.
He smiled nervously at her “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“How’d you get here so fast?” she asked, settling down.
“Instant Transmission… I can warp to wherever I’ve been if I can picture the place clearly.”
“Ok… well, you found me out, so I guess you two will have to meet.”
“Who is this other person, and why wouldn’t you want me to meet her?”
“It’s my older sister, Yumi, she only comes back every four years, and I didn’t think she’d approve of me getting married when I was only 20.” she explained quickly, embarrassed.
He nodded “Well, what does she look like?”
“Krystal!” a girl shouted from behind us.
“Uh… like that.” she said, looking behind her.

Yumi was still as tall as Krystal, her purple hair at the same length as hers (if it was down)… pretty much Krystal’s exact double, but with purple hair. Yumi walked up to her and gave her a quick hug.
“How’ve you been sis?” she said, smiling, her purple eyes looking into mine.
“Great! I missed you so much!”
“They still making you wear that old uniform, eh?” she said, looking at her white school uniform she kept.
It had a pink ribbon on the front and a blue collar, and matching hat.
“I thought you’d get new ones in College.” she continued.
“I might have… if I’d actually gone.” she said studying her red uniform.
“You didn’t go?” she asked, her eyes wide. “Why not?!”
“I decided to journey with Ash… speaking of which I’d like you to meet him.”
She stepped to the side and gave him a look. He walked forward and stuck out his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” he said, smiling.
“Uh… yeah, you too.” she said shaking his hand.
“How long have you known Krystal?” she asked.
“About two years now.” he said looking at Krystal.
“We’re married!” Krystal shouted, blushing.
“What, really?” she asked looking at her then at Ash who, in turn, was looking at her in surprise.
“Yeah…” he started “We got married just a little while ago.”
“Krystal how could you?” she said, turning on her.
“It’s my life and I’ll do what I think is best!”
She laughed “I didn’t mean it like that, silly.” she said, smiling “Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve come!”
“You really weren’t going to be mad at me?”
“No way… like you said it’s your life and you can do as you please.”
She looked at her and smiled, then asked “Hey Yumi?
“Yeah?” Yumi asked in reply.
“Have you heard anything about Ryo lately?”
She paused for a moment and then said “No… I haven’t.”
Krystal looked at the ground and Ash looked at her, confused.
“Oh Ash, Ryo’s my brother… but I haven’t seen him for twelve years… and I was just worried about him.”
He nodded.
“So… is this where you live Krystal?” Yumi asked, looking around the temple.
“Nope, it’s my friend Kagome’s house.”
“Then why’d you say to meet here?”
“I knew I’d be close.” She looked at Ash to see whether she should tell her about the well. He nodded. “I just came from the past.”
“What?”
So they explained everything, about when they had first met, the lookout, getting captured and taken to the future, their wedding… everything.
“Well… I’d have to say that sounds more fun than being in school all day.”
“No duh.”
She laughed “You always did hate school.” she said, looking off into the sunrise. “I just finished college myself… and I’d like to ask you something.”
“Uh-huh?”
“Do you think I could come with you two?” she asked.
“Uh…” Ash started, and then looked at me.
“Sure!” Krystal said.
“We’d love to have you come with us.” Ash finished.
So off they went into the well and back to Inuyasha and the others.

What they found wasn’t what they were looking for… It seems somebody attacked the others while they were gone. Kagome was leaned against a tree, her side bleeding, and Inuyasha was lying on his back in the middle of the road.
“Oh no… Ash what happened?” Krystal asked, frightened.
“I-I… don’t know…” he said, sounding just as worried as her.
Krystal looked back at Yumi, who was holding her hands to her chest looking down at Kagome. She looked at Krystal and Krystal could tell she didn’t expect to see something like this with them.
“Krystal… I need you to go back to the well.” Ash said, walking over to Inuyasha and kneeling next to him.
“Aren’t you coming?” she asked, nervously as Yumi went over to Kagome and checked to see if she was alive also.
Ash looked over at Yumi and nodded, “Inuyasha’s alive…” he said, pausing. “… Kagome’s not… I need you to take him back to rest.”
She ran in front of him and shouted, “I’m not going to let you fight this thing alone!”
He walked closer to her and stared into her eyes.
“If you two don’t get them out of here nobody will be able to bring Kagome back to life.”
“You can’t throw your life away! Why won’t you just think for once and bring Kagome back so we can help!?”
He held her head in his left hand and put his right hand on her shoulder.
“I can’t… I’m not able to bring anyone back for a little while… and I’m sorry I have to do this to you.” he said softly.
His right hand pinched her neck and her eyes got blurry.
“Yumi, please take her back… I want her to be safe.”
At that point Krystal fell into Ash, unconscious…
“Ash… I think you should listen to Krystal, she’s just worried.”
“Can you carry Kagome?” he asked.
“Did you even listen to me?”
“I’m not going to fight… but I can’t carry them all.”
Yumi looked at him and smiled “I’m glad you listened to her Ash.”
He nodded and they headed back towards the well.
Krystal awoke slowly and then I saw Yumi.
“Yumi… is that you?” she asked, hardly able to speak.
“Hey you’re up! Ash must have really known where to knock you out at… you’ve been asleep for 2 days now!”
Krystal sat up slowly and looked around.
“Yumi is Ash ok?!”
“Yeah,” she smiled “he’s just fine. He listened to what you said… he didn’t fight, and he helped me get you three back here.”
Yumi looked over to the door where Ash was sitting. He smiled at Krystal and she jumped up and ran over to him.
She smacked him in the head “Don’t you EVER do that to me again!!” she said angrily, and then calmly “I was really worried about you…”
He just looked at her and smiled “We better head back… Sango and Miroku are still back there.”
“Ok…” she said and got up. “Let’s go then.”

They headed back to the past and went to the spot they had found Kagome and Inuyasha.
“Ok we better split up… Krystal go that way.” he said pointing left. “Yumi you go right. I’ll continue forward.”
Yumi and Krystal nodded and they set off. Ash and Yumi both came to open spots in the woods.
“This could take forever…” said Ash.
Krystal also came to a small opening in the woods but saw a girl kneeling in the middle of it. She was wearing a black shirt and skirt and had cat type ears and a tail. Blood was running down her face, coming from her mouth, where it fell into a small pool of blood.
“Oh my God, are you ok?!” she asked, running over to her and kneeling next to her… she also had a gash in her head that bled to where it met the other one.
She backed away from her and stared.
“Just get it over with… go ahead and kill me already.” she said softly, looking away.
“I’m not here to hurt you… I was looking for my friends.”
She stared into her eyes, a small smile appeared on her face, and she nodded. Her eyes closed quickly and she fell forward into Krystal’s arms.
“Hey are you ok?! Hey wake up!” I said, worried.
No response…
“Ash, Yumi! I need your help!” she shouted.
They came running over.
“What’s wrong?” Ash asked and looked around. “There’s nobody here.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” she said motioning to the girl. “She’s hurt… badly… you have to help her! I told her she’d be ok!”
“Who is she?” Yumi asked.
“I don’t know I just saw she was hurt and I wanted to help.”
“Well let’s hurry and go back to the well, she’s still alive.” Ash said.
They headed back to the well and put her in the bed Krystal was using. It was 3 days before she woke up… and Krystal never left her side, and of course Ash never left hers… he sat on the floor at the entrance the entire time. When she did wake up they were both asleep.
“Hey… hey, get up!” said a voice, a finger poking her forehead.
She sat up and rubbed her eyes.
“Who’s that?” she said, sleepily.
“Thanks for your help back there… I thought I was done for.” said the girl, smiling.
“No problem, my pleasure.” Krystal said, smiling, wide awake now.
“The name’s Kairi, pleased to meet yah.” she said, extending her hand.
She shook her hand “Name’s Krystal and same to you.”
Ash stirred and rubbed the back of his head.
“That’s Ash, my husband.” she said, looking at him, and then turned back to Kairi. “He helped bring you over here.”
She nodded to him and he nodded back.
“If you don’t mind my asking, why’d you help me?” Kairi said, confused.
“You were bleeding and well… I just felt like helping you.” Krystal said, looking into her blue eyes. “Who did that to you?”
She shook her head “I don’t know… whatever it was killed everyone in my home… including my sister.”
“I-I’m sorry… I didn’t know.” Krystal said, sadly.
“…You said you were looking for your friends.” she said, changing the topic. “Did you find them?”
She shook her head and Ash said, “We brought you back here to rest… Miroku and Sango will be fine out there.”
“Um… are you a demon of some type?” Krystal asked, choosing her words carefully.
“Heh… no I’m not, the ears and tail make you want to think that though.” she smiled. “I just have ears and a tail… that’s what I thought everyone had.”
Krystal smiled, and shook her head, “Nope not many people have tails.”
They heard the door open and they all looked to see who it was.
“You couldn’t be the kid of a demon and a human?” asked Inuyasha as he sat next to Ash, Kagome came in next (she was just revived by the Dragonballs) and sat next to Inuyasha.
“I’m sorry I don’t know.” she said, her ears lowering.
“You have to know!” Inuyasha pestered.
“Stop pestering the poor girl Inuyasha!” said Kagome. “If she says she doesn’t know then she doesn’t know!”
There was a pause and then Ash said “Well since we’re all living shall we head back to look for Miroku and Sango?”
“Uh… what about me?” Kairi asked.
“You wanna come with us?” Krystal asked.
“Ok, that is if you don’t mind.”
“Yea…” started Inuyasha.
“First lesson is to never listen to Inuyasha, Kairi,” Krystal said, smiling. “Because he’s wrong most of the time.”
“What’d you say?” he said looking at her.
She smiled at him and said “Nothing Inuyasha.”
“Hmph… has she been taking lessons from you?” he asked quietly, turning to Ash.
He laughed “What makes you think that?”
Krystal got up and extended her left hand to Kari.
“Ready to go then?”
She nodded, grabbed her hand, and they set off.

They teleported back to Kagome’s place and walked up the steps to the temple.
“Ash?” said a girl’s voice from behind them.
They stopped and he turned around.
“It is you!” she said, walked up to him and kissed him.
“Ecliar?!” he said blushing “W-what’re you doing here?”
“What, aren’t you glad to see me?” she said, smiling at him.
“Uh… heh… sure.”
“Yeah that’s really convincing…” she said, rolling her eyes.
“I just didn’t expect to see you so soon.”
“Well Lumiere and I are stationed to Earth now. So you’ll probably see a lot more of us around here.”
He nodded and she grabbed his arm “Come on, let’s go see Lumiere!”
“Whoa, hey, wait!” he shouted as she dragged him away.
“Um… what just happened here?” Kagome asked, confused.
Krystal started laughing. “I knew Ash being friends with too many girls would come back to haunt him.” she said, smiling.
“You’re not mad at him?” asked Inuyasha.
“Nah… so Kagome, got anything to eat?” Krystal said, grinning at her.

Ash came back that night, and slide down the wall to the floor. Lumiere and Eclair sat on each side of him.
He let out a long sigh “You guys are crazy.” he said, then laughed.
Eclair was Ash’s age. She had brown hair, yellow eyes, and worked for a detective company called G.O.T.T. , sort of like Yusuke does with Koenma. She and Ash had met long before Krystal and Ash had met. Ash met them when he was traveling with Gene and the others looking for the Galactic Layline. Ash was only 15 then and so was she. Lumiere was 15 now and she had bluish hair and blue eyes. She was only 9 at the time but she was still working for G.O.T.T. with Eclair.
“How’ve you been Ash?” asked Lumiere.
“Great.” he said smiling.
“We’ve missed you Ash.” said Eclair “How’s Gene?”
“Actually, I haven’t seen him for so long… We should visit him soon.”
“Let’s go now!” Eclair shouted, jumping up and grabbing Ash’s arm.
“B-but I…” he protested.
She dragged him out of the room and down the temple steps.
“Hey wait!” Krystal shouted and followed after them.
She grabbed Ash’s arm but Eclair started pulling her along too. She took them both to her ship, Lumiere apologizing to Krystal on the way, and she let them go when they got there.
Krystal breathed heavily “Geez you’re really strong you know that?”
“Who are you!?” she shouted, pulling out her gun and putting it to Krystal’s forehead.
“H-hey watch it!” she said… sweat dripping down her face.
“Eclair it’s ok!” Ash said, grabbing the gun. “This is Krystal, my wife.”
She stared at Krystal, wide-eyed.
“No way… you’re married?”
Ash and Krystal nodded and Eclair lowered the gun slowly.
“Sorry about that.” she said, bowing.
“Heh… N-No problem.” Krystal said, nervously.
“So Ash I’m sure you remember La Muse… ready to fly her again?” she said, smiling, motioning to her ship.
He laughed nervously “I never flew it the first time. I never flew any ships.”
“You flew the Outlaw Star.”
“No, Gene flew it; I just manned the gun…”
“I’m sure you could fly it Ash!” she kissed him. “Wanna try?”
“Will you stop kissing him?!” Krystal shouted.
Eclair blushed and said “Sorry I’m just so used to that.”
Krystal glared at Ash.
“Uh… let’s get going! I might as well try right?” he said quickly, smiling nervously at her.

START HERE!!!!!!!!!!! So Ash did fly the La Muse to some planet (I can’t remember the name). We completely forgot about Inuyasha and the others at this point. We landed in the hanger and set out to look for Gene.
I looked around excitedly “I’ve never seen so many different people!”
“This is actually a really small amount of races… most here are human, except for the occasional Ctarl-Ctarl.” explained Eclair.
She lost me there.
“Ctarl-Ctarl?” I asked, inquisitively.
“Like her…” she said, pointing to a cat type person, sorta like Kairi.
The Ctarl-Ctarl noticed Eclair pointing at her and she looked at us.
“Hey, Ash!” she shouted.
She ran towards us and stopped in front of Ash.
“Aha, I knew it was you!” she said, smiling. “Eclair and Lumiere too!”
“Hey Aisha… how is everyone?” Ash asked, smiling too.
“Great!” she looked around. “Uh… I think Jim was just here.”
Jim came around the corner, talking to Gene, Melfina and Sazuka following behind them.
“I’m telling you, she’s crazy!” Jim was saying. “She just took off.”
Gene laughed “Wonder what she ran up here about.”
They stopped behind Aisha.
“Ash?!” Gene and Jim shouted, surprised.
He waved “Hey guys, long time no see.”
Gene was 23 now; he was only 17 when they first flew to find the Galactic Layline. Jim is 18 now… he was only 12 when they left! Melfina is an android so… she doesn’t have an age but she looked 17 to me. Sazuka… she remains disclosed about her age to this day. That leaves us with Aisha, who seems to be about Gene’s age.
“Hey we’re here too!” said Eclair.
“Hey Jim… Gene.” Lumiere said, bowing a bit.
“Hey Lumiere good to see you again,” Jim said, smiling “You too Eclair.”
“So Ash you traveling around with these ladies now?” asked Gene.
“Heh… more like they abducted me to come see you.” he said, smiling.
“Who’s the lovely young lady next to you Ash?”
“This is Krystal! She and I got married not too long ago.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, nodding to them.
“Married?” asked Melfina. “No offense, but you never struck me as the type that would marry so soon.”
“Heh… I get that a lot.”
“Well, why are we talking here?” said Jim “Let’s go back to our place and talk!”

They took us a large house, and we went inside.
“No way… this is YOUR house?” Ash said, amazed.
“Well, all of us live here. We also met your other friends we heard of… you know Ryoko, Ayeka and them. Well, they live next to us.”
“Heh… so this is where Tenchi left them.”
I’m not talking very much huh? Weird…