They made it to the well in the Higurashi shrine but they didn't have time to stop and say hello. Sesshomaru jumped into the well with Lyra still on his back and a dead Kanda in his arms. As they made it to the other side, Sesshomaru leapt out of the well and they were instantly unnerved by the atmosphere there.

"Sesshomaru, can you feel that?" Lyra whispered.

"Yes. We don't have much time," he said. "Naraku has used the Shikon jewel."

Up ahead, they could see a large and ominous cloud forming in the sky. The aura was dark and they could see demons flying towards it as if it was a beacon.

"That's where Mikazuki is, isn't he..?" she asked as her heart felt heavy.

Sesshomaru didn't say anything. There was no point. They both just knew they had to get to him as soon as possible. But they still needed to save Kanda. They had no idea why the Tenseiga couldn't revive him but there was only one person who could help them. Sesshomaru flew up to the sky in search for his mother's castle.

"Sesshomaru?"

"Yes, Lyra?"

She went silent for a few seconds before signing quietly. "I have so much to say but I don't know where to begin."

"Don't say anything," he told her. "Whatever happened meant nothing... Except for the moments with you."

Knowing he wanted nothing more to say, she lay her head down on his shoulder. Just minutes later, Inukimi's castle came into view beyond the clouds. When the guards saw Sesshomaru approaching, one of them quickly went to inform his mother. By the time he landed on top of the stairs, she had come out to see them.

"Sesshomaru. Lyra. You've finally returned," she greeted.

Lyra quickly climbed off and bowed. "Mother. We... I..."

"Stand, Lyra. There's no need for an explanation." She signed deeply. "Naraku enjoys a good boast and told us where he had sent you."

She stood and looked at her. "We need your help."

Inukimi looked at the man Sesshomaru was holding. "He's dead. Who is he?"

Sesshomaru placed him down on the cushioned bench beside the throne. "His name is Kanda."

"The man I was meant to marry," Lyra explained.

Inukimi raised her brows at Sesshomaru. "And you want to save him?"

"He saved Lyra's life," he said. "I owe him this."

Inukimi scoffed. "You owing humans? I never thought I'd see the day."

He frowned. "Mother."

"Fine, fine," she breathed out. "Why couldn't you save him yourself?"

"Tenseiga did not work."

"Well, I'm certain he hasn't been revived before."

She walked over to Kanda and looked down at him. Lyra clung into the sleeve of Sesshomaru's kimono and silently prayed that he would be revived.

"Hmm..." Inukimi hummed in thought.

"What is it?" Sesshomaru asked.

She looked at them. "The reason you couldn't bring him back from the dead is because the world you were in was fake."

Layla's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Naraku told us that he had sent you to a world he created from Lyra's memories," she explained. "The people were Naraku's doing as well but I don't understand how he came to be there." She looked at Lyra. "Perhaps it was because of his love for you."

Lyra didn't know what to say to that and so she kept quiet. Sesshomaru remained silent as well but simply because he couldn't help but be displeased of his feelings for her.

"Because the world was unreal, your sword wouldn't have been able to work, Sesshomaru," Inukimi added. "Try it now."

Sesshomaru was skeptical but approached Kanda's body. Lyra followed and watched silently as he drew the Tenseiga. His eyes widened as he was finally able to see the creatures of the underworld.

"I see them."

With a slash of his sword, he slay them. Lyra clasped her hands together and prayed that it worked. And it did.

Kanda's eyes began to move as he took in a deep breath. Lyra couldn't help but smile as tears welled up in her eyes. He slowly opened his eyes but then they suddenly shot open when he saw Sesshomaru's sword still pointed at him.

"Whoa, what's going on?" he asked before looking around and seeing a random woman staring at him. "Where am I?"

Sesshomaru put his sword away as Kanda slowly sat up. Lyra laughed out of joy and almost glomped him as she sat beside him. Still completely confused, he slowly put his arms around her as well, very much aware that Sesshomaru was watching.

"Lyra? What's happening?"

"Oh, Kanda. I'm so glad you're back," she spoke through her tears.

"I thought I died..."

"You did." She pulled away and looked at him. "You're such a fool. Why did you do that?"

"Instinct, I guess... I saw the car speeding towards you and all I knew was that I had to save you." He awkwardly scanned around him again. "Lyra, where am I?"

"This is the feudal era."

He looked at her. "The past?"

"Yes." She nodded towards Inukimi. "This is her castle. She is Sesshomaru's mother."

He bowed with his head out of respect. But before he could even greet her, Lyra held his hand to make him look at her.

"Kanda, I'm sorry to do this to you but you need to stay here."

His brows raised. "Why?"

She stood up. "The evil demon Naraku is about to destroy the world and he has my son so we need to go and save him. You need to stay here where I know you'll be safe." She looked at Inukimi. "Is that okay?"

She nodded. "He will be taken care of."

Lyra looked back at him. "Okay. I'll see you later."

Kanda was very overwhelmed with the sudden information and watched as she went to Sesshomaru, who he almost forgot was there because he was so silent. He lifted her up in his arms and then they left.

Inukimi sighed. "I never thought I'd have to look after so many humans in my lifetime."

Kanda looked at her and felt awkward. "Oh... Sorry?"

***

The closer they travelled to the ominous cloud, the stronger the dark aura became. Lyra frowned as she sensed something. With the way she suddenly clutched onto him, he knew something was wrong. Her heart was beating faster and there was an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"What is it, Lyra?"

"There's something dangerous in that cloud," she told him. "And Mikazuki is right in the centre of it. Naraku's using our son's demonic power to strengthen himself."

Sesshomaru frowned deeper. Whatever happened, he wasn't going to allow anything to happen to his son. Nor to Lyra. He found Kaede's village under the cloud and swooped down. Lyra became confused and looked at him.

"What are you doing?"

Sesshomaru landed but didn't say anything as he placed her on her feet. Kaede was there with Jaken and Shippo, all of them shocked to see them there. Jaken almost screamed whilst the others watched in surprise.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Lady Lyra!" Jaken cried with streams of tears pouring from his eyes. "You're finally back! And you're safe! You've been gone an entire month! I'm so happy!"

"Jaken, where is Rin?" Sesshomaru asked, completely ignoring his joy.

"Naraku has her, my Lord!"

"What?!" Lyra gasped. "Sesshomaru, we need to go now."

"You're staying here," he told her.

"But Rin and Mikazuki-"

"I will get them." He turned to her and held her face. "I need you to stay here. Please just listen to me. And trust me."

She placed her hands over his. "Make sure you bring them back. Promise me you will."

"I promise."

He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before turning and leaving whilst she watched him fly towards the cloud. She wished she could have gone with him but she knew why he didn't want to take her. There were no more chances for her. If she died, then there was no bringing her back.

Within the clouds, Sesshomaru witnessed what Naraku had become. A huge spider demon. However, it didn't phase him. To him, he was still just a spider to be stepped on. Lower level demons hung around him but when they tried to attack, he annihilated them. He was then joined by Byakuya, who confirmed that both Rin and Mikazuki were inside Naraku.

Soon after, the others arrived. Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and Sango flew towards the spider. They didn't notice that Sesshomaru was there until the jaws of the spider opened and he flew down into the dark abyss without a second thought. They were shocked to see that he had returned.

"Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked. "Was that really him?"

"Yes!" Kagome gasped. "That must mean Lyra is back too!"

"So much for a reunion."

"My," Byakuya said making them look at him. "He didn't even hesitate to go in after the little girl and his son. Brings tears to my eyes."

Kagome's eyes widened. "Rin and Mikazuki are inside there?! Come on, Inuyasha!"

"Alright!"

With that, they all followed after him. They had also been searching for Mikazuki ever since Sesshomaru and Lyra disappeared after his birth. But every time they got close, they would always be pushed back. But they had him now. The race had begun. Sesshomaru was focused and followed Mikazuki's scent.

'I'm coming, my son. Just hold on a little while longer. Rin, both of you remain safe.'