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"The sweetest of all sounds is that of the voice of the woman we love."

~Jean de la Bruyere


He couldn't believe it. At the same time that a dull and pained grief filled his entire being, he was filled with awe. As he walked, a few steps behind the stony hanyou and the sniffling miko and kitsune, he stared at his covered right palm. The Kazanna was still there, he knew. He could feel it. But it was no longer tugging as viciously as it had been for the past few days...

He closed his eyes, mourning overwhelming him. Sango...his lovely Sango...was gone alongside her neko youkai companion. Both had been dragged into the Kazanna, though Kirara had leaped into it herself. Never again would he see Sango as she smiled or laughed or even cried. On top of it all, he'd have to break the news to Kohaku. He would have to tell the taijiya boy that his sister was dead.

"M-Miroku-san?"

The houshi glanced up. Kagome was gazing at him through eyes rimmed by tear-spiked lashes, her lips parted as she breathed through her mouth. Inuyasha kept a gentle clawed hand on her shoulder, guiding her along the path without looking at anyone. Miroku forced himself to smile gently at the miko. "I'm alright," he reassured, though he knew he was anything but. "My Kazanna has mysteriously fixed itself. I am certain I will live for a while yet."

"I know," she murmured, "I just...I can tell Kohaku-kun if you want."

Inuyasha's grip tightened on her shoulder, and she frowned, flicking at his fingers when his claws dug in sharply. He didn't want her causing herself more grief, and Miroku was more than aware of that. "No," he said firmly, giving a shaky sigh. "I have to be the one to tell him, Kagome-sama." He pursed his lips as they broke free of the trees, heading for the village. "It's my fault."

"It's not your fault, Miroku," Shippo piped up, scrubbing at his eyes. "S'Naraku's."

The group fell into a silence that hurt all of their ears, each remembering the taijiya that no longer would walk beside them as they made their way into Kaede's Village. It was a happy day for the villagers, apparently. Each of them were chattering as the group passed, even waving a greeting to Inuyasha, who they were still semi-wary of.

None seemed to notice the cloud of grief that surrounded the hunters of the Shikon no Tama, or the lack of taijiya and neko youkai.

Miroku paused, glancing at his companions. "Perhaps it is best if I wait out here?" he suggested. "Send Kohaku out to me; I shall break the news of what has happened to him." He studied Kaede's hut as they stopped just outside of it, his violet eyes full of grief.

"Of course," Kagome murmured. She ducked inside after taking a deep breath, Inuyasha close behind her. Shippo remained where he was, refusing to remove himself from the miko's shoulder as he sought comfort in her presence. Suddenly, however, there was a surprised cry from inside followed by Inuyasha's low snarl. Concerned, Miroku ducked inside after them, frowning.

The sight that met his eyes would etch itself into his memories forever.

Sitting there, perched on her knees comfortably beside her brother was none other than Sango. Her silky brown hair was loose, no longer tied out of her face as she sipped thoughtfully at a cup of tea. Her brown eyes sparkled as she stroked Kirara's head with her free hand as she listened intently to what Kohaku was saying, though that had come to a complete stop when she looked up to see who'd shown up, a smile curving her lips up.

His staff fell from his hand, striking the ground with a loud crash. "...Sango?" he rasped.

The taijiya's dark gaze turned upon him and the lit up. In a flash, she'd shoved her tea at Kaede, who'd been sitting on her other side, and was throwing her arms around his neck in a warm greeting, tears sparkling in her eyes. "Miroku!" she gasped, burying her face in his shoulder.

But Inuyasha suddenly drug the taijiya away, earning a look of annoyance from her. His golden eyes flashing, he calmly rested a hand on his Tetsusaiga, and Kagome gave a small gasp. "Inuyasha!"

"We watched you get sucked into the Kazanna," Inuyasha growled, voice accusing. "You're dead."

"Nope," Sango corrected, crossing her arms. Miroku's smile vanished, seeing the sense in the hanyou's words though he wasn't happy with them. This could easily be a demon taking on Sango's appearance and hiding its youki and scent...though it was hard to match Kirara's current glare. "I'll tell you how I'm okay...but first..." She stepped around Inuyasha and back to Miroku, gently grasping the front of the shocked houshi's robes. Without hesitation, she rose up on her toes and lightly brushed her lips against his with a faint smile, giggling when he froze, hands fluttering uncertainly around her waist.

Kagome squealed excitedly, clasping her hands together while Kohaku and Shippo exchanged looks of disgust. Inuyasha looked away from Kaede's knowing look towards him, his cheeks flushing.

When Sango pulled back, Miroku stared at her with round eyes, taking in the evil glint in hers. "Now," Sango said with a bright grin. "Let me tell you what kind of hell you put me through..."


A/N

LOVE how the epilogue turned out. I hope you all enjoyed OOT and thank you so, so much for reading and reviewing. :)