On the Darkest of nights

"I..Er…no..yes..maybe…I'll go check!" The maid scurried off through the corridor with a clinking of plates and Inu-yasha scratched his ear in confusion. Why was the maid blushing? He heard a hum of appreciation from behind him and he turned to look around to see Kagome with a Miroku-like smirk on her face.

"Didn't I tell you to put a shirt on or something…?" she smiled, eyes alive and blazing. Inu-yasha smirked right back.

"Yeah, so?" Kagome shrugged, walking towards him with a predatory step. It would take a while for the maid to come back.

A few minutes later, when she did come back, she just started choking and turned around to run away.

OoOoOoOo

There were so many people, talking, walking, looking, watching, waving, shouting, laughing and basically caging in the group in a happy jostle and bustle of energy and humour that Kagome wondered if anyone had stayed home. The elders were lined up in obedient, respectful order, talking between themselves or with Miroku and Sango. Shizuka was bowing to Kagome and Inu-yasha for the last time.

"Good luck. Fare thee well, Kagome. I'm sorry I cannot go." She excused with a smile, her hand over her abdomen, and Shigeru put a protective arm around her, a low rumble vibrating through him and into her, making her smile and relax against him. Inu-yasha snorted.

"You would only get in the way anyways." He in turn pulled Kagome towards him, an arm around her shoulders. Kagome shook her head as Shizuka smiled, but Shigeru seemed not so eager to let the comment slip.

"Watch your tongue, whelp, you're not barely fit to suck a milk bottle compared to us! My wife would beat your ass into the next century." He snorted. Inu-yasha narrowed his eyes, growling.

"Keep dreaming, wolf. Kagome could purify you so quickly you wouldn't even have time to say your runt's name!" He barked back. Kagome was surprised at the comment, and looked up at his frowning face as Shigeru's growl deepened.

"My son will be no runt! Look, mutt, I-" But his ranting was cut by a cry of pain as Shizuka doubled over, clutching her stomach. The change in Shigeru was extraordinary. All the anger dissipated at once, leaving no trace, his face etched in stone of worry as he griped her wife to steady her. Kagome took a step forward with a gasp and Inu-yasha tightened his arm around her, ears lowered.

"Shizuka! What's wrong?" His voice was so desperately panicked that Shizuka looked guilty for a second as she straightened up suddenly.

"Oh, must have been gas. Sorry! Now, Shigeru, love, what have I told you about fighting? It upsets me! And the baby!" She laughed and Shigeru looked at her in shock. He opened his mouth, but clamped it shut quickly. Kagome sighed in relief and Inu-yasha keh'ed, looking away.

Shizuka smiled tenderly and reached up to stroke Shigeru's ear with no shame. Kagome and Inu-yasha watched as he relaxed and started emitting a sound that sounded surprisingly similar like purring as he circled his arm around her waist and she murmured to him. Kagome watched in amazement at the subdued half-demon, while Inu-yasha just snorted laughingly. Shigeru cracked an eye open to look at the hanyou. He smirked tauntingly, as if someone had given him a treat but had deprived Inu-yasha, who's ears were now twitching with the lack of attention, and Kagome had to force herself not to reach up to them, but made a mental note to make it up to him later.

Someone cleared their throat behind them and they turned to she Aisu with her usual, expressionless façade, though her eyes were warm with amusement.

"Everything has been prepared. You are ready to go." Kagome and Inu-yasha nodded as Kirara trotted towards them with Sango and Miroku in tow. Behind Miroku, with several lumps on the head, was a very depressed looking Hachi dragging his feet towards them.

Kagome hadn't talked about what had happened to anyone, not even Inu-yasha, with the exception that she knew were Naraku was. They all felt she was keeping something to herself, and in truth it was eating her away some. The thought of having to face off with Naraku in the same way haunted her dreams, especially now that she knew she would not have the elder's powers to use against him but, at the same time, she comforted herself with the knowledge that her friends would be there, by her side.

Miroku had summoned Hachi for transportation, for Kagome had warned that they would have to fly there, for it was surrounded by mountains. They would travel non-stop on Hachi's back, eating and sleeping on it, and when Hachi had to rest, he would sleep on Kirara with Miroku supporting him while Sango and Kagome travelled on Inu-yasha. The main problem was the mountains, which Hachi had to cross, but by being so big and being able to float, he did not tire quickly, and could cover a large amount of land in a short space of time.

The village had prepared bags for the journey, with trinkets for luck hanging from them, hand-made from the villagers. Goodbyes, embraces and bows, growls and shakings of hand and they were ready and set. Inu-yasha was going to leap unto the awaiting Hachi, the last one to join the group when a soft voice called him from behind. He turned around and was surprised to see Hari. The swan demon, standing there, panting slightly, a simple white kimono making her look even more beautiful as it rippled in the wind, and though Inu-yasha didn't take notice, Kagome did.

What was going on…?

Inu-yasha didn't say anything and waited for her to make a move. She was gripping something to her chest with both hands, and Kagome watched as she took a step forward, extending her hands towards him, opening them to reveal a white package, tide with a light ribbon and one of her feathers attached to it. Kagome narrowed her eyes. What was it with her and white? Did she have a Kanna complex? She started at the though. Was she….jealous? She shook her head. Nonsense! There was nothing to be jealous about!

Inu-yasha looked at the half-demon in surprise. They had talked a few times…but this..?

"Er…You didn't have to, Hari." Everyone was watching now. She smiled lightly, the action lighting her clear eyes as she dropped it in his hand.

"I know but…I wanted to." And before Kagome could say sit, Hari leaned in and pressed her lips against his. The world stopped.

Sango gasped

Miroku sighed in a defeated manner

Hachi looked in confusion

Kirara mewed

The crowd watched in amazement, women cooing and murmuring at the 'puppy love'

Kagome…Kagome just gaped.

Hari took a step back, blushing prettily. Inu-yasha stared at her with his face matching his haori in colour, too shocked to shout.

"Goodbye Inu-yasha, it was nice spending time with you." And with that she fluttered off like a white bird. Kagome clenched her hand in a fist, and Sango could swear she was growling.

"Er…should we get going?" she tried to break the ice. Inu-yasha turned, not meeting anyone's eyes and he leaped unto Hachi's back. Miroku patted the racoon demon with a smirk and Hachi hovered into the air. People cheered, glad to have some entertainment, and not really knowing what their mission consisted in.

If they knew, the wouldn't be cheering so happily to their-maybe-doom.

"Be careful! Take care!" a shout from Shizuka.

"He kissed another woman! An un-loyal dog, he should be ashamed…" Shigeru's voice could be heard.

"Thank you! Thank you for everything!" Paloma waving goodbye. It seemed all hostility had disappeared for her, and the crowd cheered more loudly.

Here they go…

It seemed surreal as they set off, across the magic barrier and suddenly all sound and sight of the lively village disappeared.

They were off. The final journey, had finally began. The optimum battle. The heroic finale. The…but the group didn't seem very concentrated at the moment.

Kagome directed the racoon demon in the right direction in a slightly off-handed manner, her mind elsewhere. Replaying a certain scene.

"Kagome…?" she could tell he was blushing by the sound of his voice, and sighed inwardly. She told herself not to be petty. It had obviously been a misunderstanding.

…Right?

Kagome sighed for real this time.

Don't tell me he really is a playboy!

"Yes, Inu-yasha?" her voice was so cold they could swear an artic wind had just swept pass.

Oh-oh

Sango and Miroku tried not to look it, but there were waiting to see what happened between the explosive pair. Inu-yasha scratched his ear nervously.

"Er..it's not like it looks like…?" He sounded so uncertain it was more a question than anything else. Kagome clenched her teeth. She wasn't exactly jealous, it was more a case of being purely angry. Well, what kind of woman would she be if she let him kiss other girls?

"Oh? Then, pray tell, why did that girl, which you have never talked about, kiss you, and then say she had had a good time with you?" She ground out. Inu-yasha frowned. He felt cornered, trapped, oppressed. He didn't have a good explanation, he didn't even know why she had kissed him! It wasn't like he had led her on, and hadn't she seen him with Kagome? He didn't know how to defend so…he attacked.

"I have no idea what that was about! And stop being such a moody, jealous bitch!"

Ooh, bad move.

Kagome whirled around, her armour moving swiftly with the sudden movement. Her eyes were wide with anger and Sango and Miroku flinched as Inu-yasha backed away slightly.

"What did you call me?" her voice was low in warning and Inu-yasha gulped, though he didn't back down. Hachi sighed .

"You heard me! You're getting jealous for no reason!" he shouted back without thinking. Kagome put a hand to her forehead before doing a vague gesture.

"No reason? Like you, when Kouga comes near?" She argued back. Inu-yasha huffed.

"That's not the same!" He barked. Kagome spluttered.

"Of course not, cause I've never kissed Kouga!" she slammed her hand on Hachi, who winced slightly.

Didn't they have any consideration?

Inu-yasha growled.

"He better have not put a finger on you." He grumbled. Kagome stared at him in disbelief. How could be so stupidly blind? She turned her back at him with a snort.

"Well then, if a kiss is so meaningless, then maybe I should kiss Kouga!" She said. Inu-yasha growled again, and this time didn't stop.

"And then maybe become his girlfriend? Huh?" Inu-yasha's growl was starting to sound like a snarl. Kagome ignored him.

"And then maybe his mate!" His eyes were bleeding red now. Sango tried to signal to Kagome to stop, but her back was towards her too.

"And then have his pups, but, of course, making them will be the b-" She was pinned down on her back so fast it wasn't even funny. Well, Miroku found it slightly funny, but that was just because of their position.

"Not even in your dreams, bitch. Kouga is not laying a hand on you." Kagome stared at his red-flashing eyes, but didn't back down. She was as stubborn as him.

"Well, of course not. But that's because I don't want him to. Do you want to 'make babies' with Hari?" She pressed. Inu-yasha seemed so shocked with the question his eyes returned to normal.

"What? No! the only person who can touch me like that is you!"

Sango blushed three different colours of red as Miroku shifted slightly

Maybe that had been a bit to much information.

Kagome looked plain horrified.

"Inu-yasha!" she hissed, looking around, trying to get up, but Inu-yasha didn't let go, instead he put his fangs on her throat, his tongue against her pulse. She stopped struggling immediately, but narrowed her eyes at the sky, and by now Sango's face looked like it was going to explode as Miroku looked scarily interested. Kagome shifted underneath the pressure of his canines.

Trying to subdue me is he?

She would take none of it. She put her hands at the base of his ears and massaged them like she knew he liked, and reached over to lick and nibble at the sensitive points. It felt slightly weird, for they were covered in fur, but humans did it to each other, and she saw nothing wrong with it now. Inu-yasha growled softly as he responded with his own mouth on her neck and they moaned softly at the same time. Sango and Miroku didn't know where to look. A sigh could be felt and heard below them.

"Could you please control your primal urges until you are off my back?" Hachi complained. Inu-yasha pulled away reluctantly, though they were both blushing. Maybe they had gotten a slight bit carried away…

Kagome mumbled an apology as Inu-yasha keh'ed, but they couldn't keep their hands off each other, in completely innocent way, of course. They settled in a back-to-chest embrace for the journey that lay ahead.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo (such a good place too stop…)

It was dead silent, not for lack of noise, but of human interaction. The fire crackled, eating away greedily at the dry branches they had collected as nocturnal animals hunted in the distance.

There was a stillness in the air that they dared not interrupt, as each member of the group was wrapped up in their own thoughts, their own worries, their fears.

It had taken them three full days until Kagome told them to stop. They had agreed that they would strike at dawn, for they needed not the cover of darkness, but rest would do them good after sleepless nights.

Kagome's memories about the search for Naraku were like a film. She could re-wind, pause and start at her will. Photographic memory. She had told them that there was a cave nearby, and they did not question how she knew exactly where it was, or that it was not inhabited, or details about fire wood that it was strange she knew.

They had forced themselves to eat, for they were not hungry in the least. Hachi was sleeping profusely, and everyone was grateful and proud of what he had done for them, but he would wait for them in the cave so as to not be in danger. If they did not come back in a week he would go to Kaede's village and inform her of their misfortune.

Their faces were wearing troubled expressions as they stared into the fire, the only source of light in the incredibly dark night. There seemed to be a cloud of doom hanging over their heads like a death sentence.

"I'm sorry." The words were blurted, as if they had escaped off their own will. Everyone was snapped out of their musings as they turned to look at Sango, who was staring at the floor as if it would reveal the missing link.

"Miroku…" When their eyes met she looked so sad, so broken, so tired, so spent, his heart shifted, as if he were feeling the loneliness that ruled her life.

"I.." She began, but he put a hand against her face, silencing her. Kagome stood up and pulled a confused Inu-yasha behind.

"When did that happen?" He whispered. Kagome just rolled her eyes.

Miroku smiled at the blushing girl, but put his hands over her lips.

"Tell me when we defeat him. Tell me when it's over." He told her. He would not have her declare anything like a dieing wish. He brushed his lips over hers in a comforting way, and though her blush deepen in colour, she did not pull away.

"Let's go to sleep. We'll need it for tomorrow." His voice was soft, gentle, and Sango nodded in response.

This was really happening.

They set their things aside and, quite awkwardly, lay down on the spare sleeping bag.

Miroku put his arms around her and waited for her to relax before whispering.

"We will defeat him Sango. No doubts about that."

She nodded, smiling even though he couldn't see her, and let sleep take hold of her tired muscles. In another occasion, with such troubles ahead, it would be impossible to go to sleep, but with him by her side….

OoOo

Inu-yasha watched Kagome silently as she gazed up at the overcast, dark sky, not even the moon showing its glow through the heavy clouds. His chest was hurting, his heart clenching hard. He had waited so long for this moment, and now that it was so close, he dreaded it, but for different reasons than he would have thought.

"You don't have to fight you know. This isn't really your battle." His voice, though low, brought her back to earth. She turned to look at his smouldering amber eyes. He didn't even mean it. He knew that she would never step away, that by having her heart it was her battle. She smiled softly.

"Yeah, I know." Her eyes were sad with thoughts of 'what ifs'. He reached for her at the same time as she did him, and she was unresistingly pulled into a enveloping embrace that had his big arms and large haori covering her petit form as they sat with their backs to the yawning entrance of the hidden cave, where no creature would see or smell them.

"We're going to win." He informed her. She smiled against his chest.

"I know Inu-yasha. I know." They stayed in comfortable silence as they let the ache in their hearts increase.

No matter how sugar-coated it was, it was a straight fact who they were facing, and what kind of enemy he was, yet they were more afraid of living than of dieing. They were afraid that one would live, and the other, would not.

Kagome let his warmth hide her away from the cold air and icy memories. What would life be without Inu-yasha? How could she face the world without him? How could she go back to school and taking up her old life without looking back? How would she ever forget him? And yet…the same questions applied for the complete opposite scenario.

What if he lived? What then? Did Naraku really have all the remaining shard apart from Kouga? What would she do when all was over and done with?

If she lived through this, that is.

As if sensing her thoughts Inu-yasha's arms tightened around her so that her ear was pressed against his chest and she could hear the steady rhythm of his heart.

"This is love isn't it?" For a second she wasn't sure if it had really been him, or if she had imagined it, but she was so tired, both physically and mentally, that she couldn't even be surprised.

"Yes, I think it is." Silence fell over the pair like a security blanket as Inu-yasha held her in a bubble of protection, trying to keep her safe. Now and then he would trail butterfly kisses on her face or head or neck until she tilted her head so he found her lips, and with the constant reminder of being loved, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

No matter what, they would get through this alive.

All of us

OoOoOoOoOoOo

I wrote this all in one day, I'm knackered. I was going to make this so much longer. I was going to extend the journey but, oh well, this is how it turned up. Please review and tell me what you think, at least this one time, and make sure that all's well, though I don't tend to change things because of readers. It's kind of a –my story- thing, but I do appreciate all your comments. A lot.

Right, I'm going to Berlin tomorrow and coming back really late on Saturday, and then it's half term, so updating will be a bit rocky, but if I come back 2 see my e-mail box filled with reviews I won't hesitate in starting to write! Please? I just need a push sometimes ya know!

And now…(drums roll)….

Reviews! Trumpets sound

Animeaud: Thanks

And

Here

You

Go!

Captain-crunch!

Darkened Soul1: Yeah, I used to not read Au's, and now it's the thing I like most, because I like the Inu-yasha and Kagome meeting thing, and they hating each other at the start, and then slowly lovey dovey stuff appears with lots of angst in between and…I'm getting carried away! Well, after Crimson Tears is finished, I probably won't write anything that isn't AU, because there is a certain limit of imagination you can use with these, and they are more to write (in my opinion.) Except one-shots, which I probably will write in Feudal Japan. I love one-shots, you can kill people and break and torture them. It's great! Or make a fluff fest when you're feeling stupid! Thank you for the feedback, it really helped because sometimes I feel my writing sucks…but then you come along, yay! hands cookie (it makes me hungry when people do this, because you think about eating cookies but you don't really have one…TT)

Drummergrrlrox: You're one of those –fluff rule- kinda people aren't ya? See how perceptive I am!

Kamira: yay for lead pencils, my poor, deprived one-shot in need of a little love. And thanks for the feedback! Yeah, I have high hopes for –when a wave is too wild!- so alls good in the world at the momento!

Inugurl27k: You know, I really don't appreciate flames like yours! Do you think you're funny or something, cause you're not. I'm warning you now…I'm kidding! Tee-hee! Yes, I have humour problems, it comes with the lack of brain-cells. That was a very nice review! And don't worry, I had a talk with God, and he agreed not to make me disappear, he's not a bad chap ya know, maybe a bit young…

AsHeSlowlyFellApart: Yes, I have! I think the best part was when Kagome throws herself, and Inu-yasha catches her, scolding, and then Miroku looks like an idea hit him in the face and he outstretches his arms with a 'Now noe Sango, don't be shy (blah blah)' and Sango throws her poison mask at him, she's great. And the little ouch. I was laughing for longer that was probably sane. Actually, I was laughing in parts where most people wouldn't have, I just found it hilarious! Then I clicked something when Kaede was throwing up the barrier against moths, and about 5 seconds earlier (when a boy says –are those insects!) and it went fast, so that they were talking with helium-deformed voices, and I couldn't stop laughing at them! Ok…look at how much I've written about nothing! Thanks for the feedback!

Azngirlchibi: Because she's the same one! Bu-bum, chussshhh

Janey: It's a hobby! And I don't think he would hurt me, he would probably give me a present (like one of his hairs…?) for what I have done to him! They just needed a little push! Or maybe a shove! And a kick in the knees…and the ribs. And maybe the stunt gun would…(tunes out to violent musings)

Thanks for the review!

Deadly Crimson: I laughed too, how sad is that? I love you too (huggles) and remember- life is a disease transmitted by sex!

Yana5: Wait, look…(one of those balls of branches from wild-west movies roll past, which I cannot remember the name of…wait…it's coming back…tumbleweed? It would make sense… where was I going with this? Oh, well, thanks Anywho!)

Sarria: Thank you, thank you, I agree, and thank you! Woo-hoo!

MoonlightHanyou: Was that the movie with the kind who was a leper and his sister takes his mask off and it's a really sad moment but me and my friend laughed for five minutes because we are insensitive jerks? If so- yes, I have seen it and yes, I agree, I liked it too! Thank you so much for the feedback on the trailer!

OOOOOOoooo

Righ! That's that! Now a gotta pack me bags! Can you notice I'm in a good mood? (nn)! fare thee well, and review, or I'll stick a roll of duck tape up your nose! Beware! Be aware! Be very aware!

Hmm… where are my pills…?

Xx