Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha world or any of its characters. That right belongs solely to Rumiko Takahashi. However, I thoroughly enjoy using the Inuyasha universe as my fanfiction instrument.

WARNING: My apologies for not mentioning this before, but this story has a few *spoilers*, situations I derived from the Final Act, mainly about Kikyo, Kohaku, Naraku, and the jewel and in this chapter it delves into it a bit more. I just wanted to give a fair warning.

Side Note: The Shinigami idea I borrowed from a new favorite anime/manga of mine, Rin-ne, which is also created by Rumiko Takahashi. I just started writing a fanfic for that as well, 'How Do I Get You Alone?' I simply couldn't stop myself from writing it when I realized there are little to no romance stories on that includes the two main characters. I'm telling you right now, if you love Inuyasha or any of Rumiko's classic beloved stories, you will probably get into Rin-ne. Moving forward, a Shinigami is incredibly similar to what we would call a Shikigami (I believe) which are the "soul-collectors" that aid Kikyo in her journey. There are some differences though; one of them being that a Shinigami more or less looks human, but can travel within the spirit world as well as communicate with spirits. I'm new to the idea so I apologize ahead of time if I happen to get any facts wrong. Thanks again and enjoy the new chapter!

Our Last Moments

Chapter Two: Soaking In The Wisdom

The group remained silent as they hiked together down the wooded, cobbled path towards the hot springs. They had a lot stewing in their minds on this particular night as time seemed to finally be catching up with them. Feeling as if the time were nipping at the back of their heels, their footsteps grew more rapid as they made it to the watery banks. There were two entrances with huge boulders on either sides as well as one larger boulder in between, naturally forming two separate springs. In front of the center rock was a small wooden shack, a not so natural formation. On either side was a door, giving whomever patrons or guests to enter and exit the structure discreetly.

They stopped momentarily, their eyes looking around at each other in speculation. Miroku was the first to speak after he cleared his throat. "Ahem, well," a mischievous smirk graced his lips. He turned to Sango and laced his arm through hers playfully, stepping to one of the banks. "Sango and I will take this side and Kagome and Inuyasha can-"

His words were cut short with a swift palm to the face, a slap sound echoing through the otherwise quiet night. Sango was fuming, peering up at him unamused with her arms crossed defensively. Miroku rubbed his raw cheek with his beaded hand as he grinned sheepishly and scratched his head with the other hand. "Typical!" She seethed through clenched teeth, ignoring the thoughts in the back of her mind that toyed with the idea of bathing alone in a hot spring with the monk. Pretending to be angrier than she was, she looked to Kagome and locked arms with her instead. "C'mon, Kagome," she said as she urged her best friend along with her.

Shippo hopped after the women, making a "tsking" sound with his tongue in obvious disapproval. "Lecherous old Monk, he'll never learn, the nerve of him, completely disregarding the fact that I'm here. Where was I supposed to bathe if you are all having an intimate time together?" Kirara mewed, suggesting he wouldn't be alone; he'd be with the tiny two-tailed as she perched on a rock to keep guard. Shippo ran his little hands along her mane as they walked. Kagome and Sango's faces flushed beet red at the fox-demon's words. Although he was technically still a child, Shippo knew a lot more about men and women than they gave him credit for.

"Shippo!" the women scolded in unison, uncomfortable from the small kitsune's knowledge.

"What?" he cried, seeing their humiliated faces, and his brow furrowed as his worried look turned serious. "I'm not stupid, ya know! Just because I'm a kid doesn't mean I don't know things." Sango and Kagome were slowly starting to realize that.

Kagome huffed and gave Shippo a discerning look, the kind a mother would give her son in disapproval. "As well as that may be," she began and reached down and took the small demon in her arms. "We'd rather you keep it to yourself, okay Shippo?" she said sternly. He gave her an apologetic stare and shrugged his shoulders.

"Of course, whatever you say, Kagome. I never meant to make you feel so uncomfortable." His eyes looked sad, brimming with tears. He let out a little hiccup. Kagome decided he felt guilty enough and gave him a small peck on the top of his furry head.

"It's alright, my little kitsune, no harm done." She smiled at him and wiped away his tear drops with her fingers. "We are all just a bit tense right now." Kagome set him down and looked to Sango. Shippo cheered up significantly and they began to undress, suddenly very excited to try out the healing waters.

On the other side, Miroku had been berated for his side-ways comment to Sango by the dog-demon, telling him it had not been wise. The monk laughed it off but remained quiet nonetheless as they undressed, and then the men seemed to relax more as they entered the steamy shallows. They each breathed a sigh as the misty minerals overwhelmed their senses and the muggy feeling of relief soaked through their warrior's skin. Inuyasha let his arms fall behind his head as he leaned back into the sodden rock, closing his eyes. Miroku sat deeper, letting the lagoon take him in. The warm waters lapped at his chin as he stared off, heavy-lidded in contemplation. Inuyasha opened one eye and peeked over at him with curiosity.

"Oi, monk," he started. "I know there's something on your mind, you can't fool me. Why not get out with it then?" Miroku snapped out of his thoughts but looked at his rugged comrade with serious eyes.

"Strange, Inuyasha, I never really knew you to be so compassionate."

Inuyasha grumbled in annoyance. "Keh, compassionate isn't the word." He then sighed in defeat and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Let's just go with slightly concerned. Every one of you is acting strange and uptight. Is it all because we're getting closer to Naraku?" Miroku closed his eyes. His demon friend didn't truly understand.

"Indeed. We're getting closer to the enemy, and to things that could happen that we have to be ready for." The monk replied.

"What sorts of things?" Inuyasha pressed.

"Look at it this way, if something were to happen to any of us, and one of us didn't make it.." he trailed off, saddened by his own words. Inuyasha clenched his teeth. He'd rather not entertain those types of thoughts. Miroku continued. "How would it feel to lose them in the act of battle, and to have never experienced with each other what we all know we deserve?" The silver-haired hanyou gaped at him, not sure what to say, he wasn't sure he completely understood. "I know Kagome feels it too, Inuyasha. We can all sense this journey might be coming to a close."

"Hmph, damn humans and their sentimental feelings," Inuyasha spat back, a pink tinge gracing his face, but he knew the monk's words made sense. He could feel the dark end looming in the distance too and he hated to admit it but on occasions had the same fears of death as well; he was part-human after all. "Plus, you're just being a pervert again. Not everyone has the same trash on their minds as you do." Miroku lightly chuckled and waved his hand in dismissal.

"True as that is my friend, I can't refuse to acknowledge that I will certainly live, or die, and with utter regret if I don't act on my feelings for Sango, and quickly." He responded firmly.

Inuyasha remained silent. The damn lecher did have a point. Kagome's sweet face, smiling up at him was all he could see as the monk's words filled his mind. He felt the usual sense of anxiousness crawl up his spine, in an intensity he only felt when he thought about losing her. "Keh, yeah I guess so." He croaked. Then, unwillingly, a maddening visual diluted his brain; Kagome's soft, naked body writhing underneath him, skin against skin, her voice letting out a type of sound he wished he could hear her make. He felt his face flush hotter as the image he didn't exactly ask for invaded him, and he growled angrily, moving to stand up. "Alright, I'm outta here."

Miroku gave a grin, seeing right through him. "Getting too hot in here for you, Inuyasha?" he snickered. Inuyasha scoffed in vexation at his lousy joke. He was making him really uncomfortable now.

"Shut up, you idiot!" he ruffed out. "I'm done with the snide antics. I know what you're playing at and I've had enough." Inuyasha wasn't about to relay to Miroku that he had similar perverse thoughts. Unlike the monk, the half-demon had a regal sense of pride about him, one where he didn't dishonor himself or any woman in that type of manner. He did have noble blood coursing through his demon veins; therefore he had some morals and standards. He wondered if Kagome would even let him do those things to her.

"Suit yourself," Miroku began, aware that it was time to stop pestering him. "Just make sure you stay out of my way." He finished with sternness.

Inuyasha grumbled a low, "Whatever," and started walking to the edge of the bank, ready to shake his body dry like an animal. The misty springs may have cleansed his body but his head felt so clouded with embarrassment and confusion. He was ready to settle down and relax… which now would be impossible, thoughts of whether or not he should take his friend's advice.

He hated that Miroku was right. What if he did lose his young miko? What if Kagome died in his arms, her fragile body becoming lifeless, just like Kikyo's had? Right before she disappeared from him forever, and her soul glittered up to the sky and appeared to become stars herself, he remembered the feeling of absolute despair as he held so much regret then. He had not been able to save her, and their sad, short love-story, full of betrayal, loathing, guilt and remorse came to an end with no real closure.

If Kagome ceased to exist, Inuyasha wasn't sure if he would ever completely recover from that. He couldn't go through it again. He would rather die right there; on the bloody battlefield with the woman he'd do anything for, unconditionally. If it all came to that, he realized he did not want to relive the guilt and sorrow from the regret of unfinished business. If he could, he at least wanted to cherish what little time he had with her. He understood now. When he entered the shack he noticed the Shinigami girl had already brought down towels and clothes and she had piled them neatly inside on a small bench. He was definitely grateful for this turn of events tonight. It wasn't often the gang got to be so luxuriously pampered, and at a real castle no less. He perked up at the delightful feeling of comfort he rarely ever got to enjoy.

Back at the ladies side, Chieko Hakone had already popped down to greet them, only to politely announce she had set all of the fresh towels inside the shack as well as sleepwear for all of them. She then left and went back up the path towards the castle. Once they had settled in, the women and their two furry demon companions relished in the heat of the natural mineral-laced waters. Kirara made a place for herself on a damp, mossy boulder, stretching out and lounging comfortably. Breathing mellow and more at ease, Sango and Kagome let themselves have a little fun, dipping around and gliding through the misty shallow pools like little girls pretending to be sea maidens or koi fish. Giggling, Kagome splashed Sango with a playful glint in her eyes. Sango dodged the spray of water and splashed her back, covering her mouth in innocent laughter. Kagome was smiling.

Shippo floated around lazily on a large lily-pad, gazing up in wonderment at the colors of the night sky. He breathed a dazed sigh, feeling his tiny heart pitter patter against his chest as he thought back to Chiekos's appearance. He had to admit he had an immediate crush on the mysterious girl. She looked so cute and timid, yet he could sense great power emanating from deep within her. It seemed she had suppressed her skills and talents for a long while, barricaded and hidden behind well-guarded eyes and power that could match a miko.

True, the Shinigami girl was a bit older than him, but one day, he would be taller, stronger, fully-grown, and when he reached his ultimate potential he would return to Chieko to prove his worth. "I wonder if Lady Chieko would let me cuddle with her…" he thought out-loud, and quickly blushed, mortified. The girls chuckled lovingly at the fox.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind!" Sango declared. "Lady Chieko seemed awfully smitten by you." Shippo cheered up and smiled a big smile. Maybe she was right? It wouldn't hurt to try!

"Ya know, Sango," Kagome started, her eyes held a tint of worry. "I really don't want these moments to end."

Sango leaned back against the rocks, nodding her head in agreement. "I know, Kagome, I feel the same," she said. "I want Naraku out of our lives forever, but what does that mean for us when it's over?" Purple robes and prayer beads flashed behind her eyes. She thought of a future where the monk was living happily, free of the curse of the wind tunnel, a future she had hoped had room for her in it.

Kagome giggled nervously yet looked at her friend with sly eyes. "You and Miroku can get married of course! You'll have many children," Sango's face grew hot and red.

"Kagome!" She shrieked with embarrassment.

"And Inuyasha and I will continue to rid this world of the evil going on around us, although, once Naraku's finally defeated, I hope this type of stuff will calm down." She continued, woe in her voice,

It was hard to ignore the priestess' first comment, but she did and said, "So, is that it Kagome? Are you going to choose to live on this side of the well? You'll stay with all of us?" Sango became excited with hope. She had never really had any girlfriend's growing up, so if Kagome, her closest female companion were to stay in this era and live out her life with them, she would be greatly pleased.

Kagome's eyebrows furrowed, thinking of her answer. She was slightly surprised at Sango's sudden question. "I hadn't really given it enough thought I suppose," her finger came up to pat her chin in contemplation. "I figured I'd be able to just keep travelling back and forth."

"Kagome," Sango looked at her with saddened eyes. "Miroku mentioned something awhile back, I remember, somewhere along the lines that once the jewel disappears from existence forever with the one true wish, the ability to pass through the Bone-Eaters well might falter or fade, and you'll have to choose which world you want to live in." Kagome pursed her lips. She already knew which world she would choose.

Feeling strong, she let herself speak the words. "I will always choose to live in whatever world…" but she paused, feeling flushed. "Whatever world Inuyasha exists." She finished boldly. Sango felt a small blush rise on her cheeks with the stunning courage her friend had to expel such a romantic confession.

"Aw," she cooed in admiration. "That was so pure and honest." She only wished she could get more honest with herself.

Kagome cleared her throat. "Sango, let's get back to you," she began, wanting to change the subject, and to also help her closest friend get to the bottom of her feelings. Sango braced herself for the prying questions. Shippo and Kirara were lulled to sleep in their respective spots; the two-tail perched on the boulder, and Shippo snoozing on his lily-pad. "Don't you love Miroku? I know the way he goes about things isn't very orthodox but his intentions are true, and I believe he would be a fair husband to you." Sango stayed quiet and sunk deeper into the water. "I sincerely don't think he would stray from you, despite his lechery. He's proven his loyalty, and I'm sure he would stay faithful," A small grin curled on Kagome's lips, and she whispered quietly so Shippo couldn't hear in case he was eavesdropping. "Especially once you give him what he's missing." Sango never felt so flushed, she started nervously giggling.

"Ak! Kagome, stop that!" she cried in humiliation, yet felt somewhat giddy. Curiosity getting the better of her she asked, "You really mean that though? You believe Miroku would stay faithful?"

"Of course I do!" the miko responded. "Give the poor guy a chance, Sango. As I'm sure you've realized, we may not all survive what Naraku has in store, and what if tonight is our last chance to clear the air and make things right with them?" Kagome clapped her hands in determination.

"And what are you hoping for? What are you going to say to Inuyasha?" the demon-slayer pressed on.

"I… I don't know yet." was her response. Kagome was the type of woman who trusted her intuitions and could read most people rather well. She credited that to her priestess powers. She trusted that when the moment came, she would know exactly what needed to be said. "I just think we should keep in mind to live in the present and enjoy our last moments together." Sango smiled and nodded her head.

"Yes, you're so right." she stated. "Kagome, you've grown so wise."

"Thank you."

Sango very much wanted to clear the air with Miroku. If she were to confront him, maybe ask him what his plans would be once Naraku was dead? Perhaps then she would try Kagome's method, and show the monk what he was missing. Wow, she might still not be ready for that, but did that matter? When is a person ever truly ready? Did they feel it in their hearts, in their souls? Or was it supposed to be a spontaneous, leap of faith? Either way you had to have a fire lit inside you, a burning for that other person like embers roasting deep in your abdomen. Sango's was an ever growing longing that would not desist.

Tonight was it. The dark aura in the distance was vibrating with impatience. They had to let go of their doubts and fears and confront each other before it was too late.

That's the end of that chapter! I hoped you liked the second installment! Thank you for reading! Don't forget to fave and follow! :)