The Otome Game

by mythica magic

Kagome has become obsessed with playing dating sims. She ironically becomes trapped inside a game, and must now choose a love interest. In order to win and return home, she has to successfully fill his 'love meter' to the maximum marker. The catch is, her choice will keep all of his memories from the game. So who will Kagome choose as her love interest? CU Divergence. SessKag

26. The Normal End

Chapter 26 - The Normal End

"...And this makes what kind of sense?" Inuyasha grumbled.

The elder priestess sighed heavily. "Pay attention half wit, we need the Beads of Subjugation from around ye neck to help lord Sesshoumaru pass back into the marble."

Sesshoumaru stood tense and watchful from the sidelines, frustrated with Inuyasha's dawdling. Miroku glanced at the demon, and noticing the dark expression on his usually passive face, decided to intervene.

"It's really not so strange Inuyasha, Kagome has a strong link with the beads. The marble thinks of her as its host, so when it senses Sesshoumaru holding the necklace it will be more likely to let him through. Kagome's aura is also linked with Sesshoumaru's through the... err...mating so that should also help with the deception." He smiled pleasantly, still finding it strange to think that the miko and demon were now technically married. He was infinitely curious about what had happened between them in the marble.

Inuyasha seemed to share Miroku's thoughts as he paled, shifting his gaze elsewhere. "That just sounds wrong, don't say that shit out loud."

Sesshoumaru smiled slightly, though it went unnoticed. Kaede rubbed her temple and stepped closer to the stubborn hanyou. "That is the situation at present Inuyasha, now please, will ye relinquish the beads?"

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed as he touched a bead around his neck. "Keh, it ain't like I'll miss these damn things."

Despite his words, the monk and priestess knew he felt differently. The beads had been Kagome and Inuyasha's first connection to each other, and while they'd been annoying, Inuyasha did somewhat treasure them for that. He allowed himself one brief moment to look at them around his neck for the last time before turning to Kaede.

"Alright, get em off."

"I may have been the one to enchant them onto you, but only Kagome can take them off. However, since lord Sesshoumaru is linked so closely with her I think be may be able to as well." Said Kaede.

Inuyasha scowled deeply, but Sesshoumaru ignored him and stepped forward until they were facing one another. A low growl escaped the hanyou as his ears flattened. You bastard...I cant believe you took Kagome from me.

He'd noticed something strange between the two of them before, but had willingly ignored it, telling himself it was impossible. But now his half brother stood before him, carrying the faint scent of Kagome within his own. I don't accept this, I cant...but why don't I feel pissed off with him? I couldn't have been okay with this in that damn marble, could I?

Sesshoumaru reached for the necklace, lifting it up. The beads flashed brightly, and his eyes narrowed as he concentrated on the feeling of Kagome's aura. It rose up, tangling with his own and easing the strain on his face instantly. As he relaxed and gave himself over to the familiar essence of her, the beads lifted from around Inuyasha's neck.

Inuyasha's eyes widened, and he stared at the necklace numbly. "I guess you really are mated to her..." He trailed off quietly.

Something eased in Sesshoumaru's eyes, but the Diayouki's expression didn't soften or change in the slightest. Years of resentment had kept the brothers from ever speaking so openly, it was strange to hear it now.

Kaede took the beads from him and placed them on the well. Bringing her hands together, she began to chant. Miroku joined her, and the rest of the group watched as the beads began to glow with holy powers.

Once they'd completed the chant, the priestess turned to Sesshoumaru once more. "Miroku and I have given some of our reiki to the beads, in case Kagome has need of it."

He nodded and accepted the beads from her, but decided against wearing them. As the group fell silent, Sesshoumaru jumped onto the mouth of the well and gazed down into its dark depths.

"Sesshoumaru."

He looked over his shoulder at the kitsune. Shippo fidgeted under his scrutiny for a moment, but soon squared his shoulders and met his gaze. "Promise me you'll bring her back."

Sesshoumaru's eyes flicked to Kaede, before narrowing and moving away. Inuyasha caught the look and wondered what they'd talked about when Kaede had taken the Daiyouki aside earlier.

"This one will save her, I give my word." He murmured, struck by the sight of Kagome's pack turning to him for help. The miko truly didn't realize how much of an impact she still had on those around her.

Sesshoumaru turned, and holding the beads tightly in hand, jumped into the darkness below.

OOO

She was breathing hard, ragged breaths. Every so often she chocked on air, and swallowed, trying to calm her racing heart.

Kagome had been running for what felt like hours. Desperate for a respite, she'd collapsed to her knees when she'd reached the fake replica of Goshinboku. Though she'd barely had a moments rest, Kagome was eager to leave as soon as possible. Whenever she'd stopped to catch her breath he hadn't been far behind. She would feel the painfully familiar aura draw close, and the forest would grow quiet until he appeared from the mist, walking gracefully towards her. As he walked, thin tendrils seemed to spread out behind him that clung to the trees, wrapping in different patterns. Kagome hadn't stuck around to find out what happened next, and had managed to evade him until now.

She'd noticed that this new illusion was one of the feudal era instead of the 21st century, and wondered if the game world had been altered, or if she was in an illusion, held within another illusion. My head hurts...

It didn't escape her notice that Naraku seemed to be able to alter this illusion to his benefit. Shit, this is bad. This is really...no okay. Calm down, I'm scared yeah, but that's no reason to totally panic and lose your senses. Remember what Sesshoumaru said when we trained together.

She could picture him easily, the memory instantly calming her as she recalled his steady, self assured voice. "Fear is an illusion more tangible than even this fake world miko. Danger is real, it can and will harm you if given the chance, but fear is a choice."

His cold eyes had warmed slightly at her crestfallen expression. "You can run, or fight it, but facing your uncertainty is the only way you will be freed of whats holding you back from contentment."

Kagome exhaled through her nose, calming herself. The air was starting to change again, heralding his approach. Closing her eyes, she focused on the feeling of Sesshoumaru's bite marks on her shoulder. His aura spread up, tangling intimately with hers until all she could feel was strength, wisdom and pure instinct.

Kagome quickly ducked down in the nearby cover of trees. Her fingers reached under the back of her shirt automatically. A handle met her hand, and Kagomes eyes narrowed just as the fake Sesshoumaru entered the clearing.

He stopped once he'd taken a few strides into the open plains of grass, his honey gold eyes watchful.

When her eyes traced the thin tendrils extending out from his back, she realized with a start that they were spider webs. It was probably a trap, to ensure that she remained in front of him as he searched for her. If she fell behind he'd know from the webs if they caught on her clothes.

Kagome stayed still as he passed her, continuing on through the clearing and into the waiting forest. Taking a deep breath, she crept from her hiding place and maneuvered around the spiders webs he'd left behind.

I know this is risky, but I think I can use this to my advantage. Either way, I have to try something.

As she crept, Kagome judged the distance between the webs and Naraku. Once she was a safe distance away, the miko grabbed a web, pulling it sharply.

The forest seemed to hold its breath as Kagome got in position, pretending to be caught in the webs. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she felt him approach her, and soon enough, the fake Sesshoumaru appeared.

"Ah, have I caught a fly in my web?"

Kagome struggled, gritting her teeth when he drew close to her. His winter eyes were so familiar it hurt to look directly at him. He smiled, grabbing her chin and forcing her gaze to meet his. "Its true I take delight in tormenting you, but my main goal has been achieved. I have this world at my disposal, and can live on inside it. If you submit to me, perhaps we can come to an understanding."

She saw the lie in his eyes. There was no way he'd stop trying to mentally break her. "No thanks." She spat.

Reaching behind her, Kagome grabbed the handle of the dagger Sesshoumaru had given her, and in one quick motion, sliced into his chest. His eyes widened in shock, and he staggered back. The knife clattered to the ground and Kagome realized with despair that the cut hadn't been deep enough.

Staring at the knife in utter amazement, his hand rose, touching the wound lightly. Kagome breathed quickly, feeling sick. When he raised his eyes to meet hers however, they flashed with rage. A jagged smirk spread over his lips. "My, my, dear Kagome. It seems you've learned some new tricks. To think you would do something so underhanded as use a dagger."

Her eyes widened when he brought his hand up, and suddenly the world flipped on its side. The ground at her feet turned at a 90 degree angle, until it stood next to her as a wall. Kagome grabbed at the grass, the dirt, anything to hold onto, before falling back. A cry of surprise escaped her as she landed in the spider webs, supported by the trees still held in the vertical ground.

Disorientated, Kagome tried to rise, only to find her limbs stuck like glue to the webs. Her heart was now racing in her chest. "S-shit." She muttered, pulling as hard as she could.

"That won't do any good."

Looking up, she watched as Sesshoumaru descended gracefully onto the webs next to her. His easy facade seemed forced, as his face was strained with pain. He wasted no time in raising his hand once more, and the wind shifted around Kagome until pictures materialized from thin air. Each image showed a different friend or loved one, Miroku, Sango, Inuyasha, even Souta. When the images began to move, they showed fake scenarios of each of their deaths.

Vile rose in Kagome's throat and she quickly closed her eyes, turning away. "Stop it."

When the noise continued, she felt her body quake. "Just stop! Why are you showing me this?"

"Because you suffer more from the pain of others than anything I could inflict on you. And really my dear, after the trouble you've caused me you deserve to suffer."

Her friends screams and cries of anguish rattled in her mind, until panic rose up in her chest. The urge to help, to protect them, squeezed her heart until tears gathered and streamed down her cheeks.

Shutting her eyes tightly to try and escape the noise, the panic strengthened until it encompassed her very being. It was hearing Hojo's gasp of pain that startled her, gave her clarity. It was a reminder that she'd failed to help someone. Laying her hands flat against the webs, a surge of energy rattled from her finger tips, flowing into the webs. The stream of reiki burst out, following the intricate lines, and burning Naraku in an instant.

He snarled, jumping away from the webs and into the air. Kagome strengthened the flow of holy powers, until they raced through every web, singeing Naraku as he tried to escape. The singes created sparks, which caught onto the dried leaves of the trees, coaxing flames to life.

"Enough." The fake Sesshoumaru hissed, the mask of cool indifference completely gone. A deep fissure split down his face, revealing one narrowed red eye where gold had been before.

Kagome burned through the webs holding her arms down, and struggled to sit up. Never again, I'm not going to let anyone else be hurt by you again. Her eyes widened in alarm at the sight of the flames starting to spread into the branches of the tree. Naraku's blood red eye flashed as he raised his arm threateningly.

"If I must rob you of consciousness Kagome, I will. Do not try my patience."

She raised her shield protectively, hoping to stop whatever he planned to do next. Naraku grinned widely, bringing his arm down just as a blade sliced through the air.

The face of Sesshoumaru broke, scattering into pieces as it fell from Naraku's stunned features.

"Actually, I think we should be saying that. Our patience has been stretched pretty thin by your cheesy one liners, Naraku." Said bored voice. Kagome looked up in surprise, and found Bankotsu standing above them on a side-facing tree.

"The inconsistent threats are whats pissing me off more. What exactly do you want from her anyway? Because if you're trying to gain her attention like you were that undead priestess, then you're really a desperate bastard rather than a criminal mastermind." Intoned Hiten, who lounged on another.

Kagome didn't know what to think, but she couldn't deny the relief that flooded her at the sight of them. Even if this was some cruel trick they were playing on her, she'd rather deal with two mercenary's than Naraku any day.

Naraku turned to them, face white with rage. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Having some much deserved fun." Bankotsu lifted Banryu and rested it on his shoulder.

Hiten smirked and rose from his seat with feline grace. "Yeah, and pulling the legs of insects was always a favorite pastime of mine."

There was a brief moment of silence as Bankotsu looked at the Thunder Demon awkwardly. "...Hate to break it to you Hiten but spiders are arachnids, not insects."

Growling in annoyance, Hiten lunged into the air with his Thunder Pike. "Whatever." He growled, launching a sweep of lightning at Naraku, who barely managed to evade it.

Kagome started in surprise when Bankotsu appeared before her. Raising his blade, he gazed down at her. "Stay still," he muttered.

Something told her to trust him, so Kagome fought not to flinch as he brought the halberd down, slicing through the webs that held her. Once freed, Kagome scrambled to grab a tree, hoisting herself up to sit on its trunk and breathing a sigh of relief. "Thanks," she breathed.

Bankotsu rested the large sword on his shoulder once more. "You can thank me by putting the ground back below us, this place is disorientating."

Kagome watched as Hiten met Naraku in the air with the Raigekijin, lightning reining down from their attacks. "But- I've never tried taking control of this world, I don't even know how Naraku can manipulate the illusion."

The mercenary snorted, "look if that weasel Naraku can do it I don't see why you cant. This is your illusion after all, and Naraku's just a figment of you. The more power you think he has, he'll have it."

With that said, Bankotsu leaped into the fray, parrying an attack from Naraku easily.

Kagome closed her eyes and focused on the energies surrounding her, but everything felt off. The ground was beside her, the smell of smoke was growing stronger, and the feel of three dark souls nearby unbalanced her.

She felt as if she'd gotten a grasp of something tangible in the space surrounding her, but a shout from above broke her concentration. A burning tree branch fell from above, and Kagome barely managed to dodge to the side in time. As she sat on the tree truck, Kagome gazed down at the other trees below, jutting out from the vertical ground like rungs of a ladder.

"Hey!" Hiten growled, suddenly scooping her into his arms and jumping into the air. Kagome gaped at him, just as a misshapen tentacle swiped close to their side, missing them by an inch.

Raising her shield, the miko held off Naraku's attacks as Hiten spoke lowly to her. "I still don't care much about what happens to you Shikon miko, but you did eventually save Souten. I guess I can do this much for you."

Kagome smiled, "I really appreciate it."

"Yeah well, don't let it go to your head. If you want to get outta here you need to find the Bone Eaters Well. This is a second illusion inside the marble, and if you're serious about getting rid of Naraku then this is the way to do it."

"What do you mean?"

Hiten grabbed onto a tree branch, swinging them down as Naraku followed in hot pursuit. "Leave through the well, idiot, it'll take you to that dating illusion from before. Once there, seal the well behind you using your power over the marble."

Kagome absorbed this information, uncertain about the last part. His hands tightened around her as he glanced down briefly. "And when you do get out of the marble once and for all, you better make sure Souten gets the best life she can."

Sincerity shone in her eyes as she nodded seriously. "Of course I will, I promise Hiten."

The Thunder Demon's eyes softened slightly before he set her down on a tree branch. Once she'd stepped away from him, Hiten turned to where Naraku was approaching from in the air. "Fix this illusion first to make it easier on yourself. We'll do what we can to stop Naraku from getting to you." He said gruffly.

She opened her mouth to voice her worry, but Hiten beat her to it. "We'll get left behind when you seal off this illusion, but don't worry about that crap. We're not real anyway." He glanced at her over his shoulder. "So just do what I say for once and save yourself."

Warmth flooded her chest as Kagome smiled gratefully. Hiten then sprang into the air, meeting Naraku head on with a clash of thunder and miasma.

Kagome breathed out shakily and focused on the illusion once more. I can do this. When her aura spread into the air, she gave it no direction, letting it go without control. She frowned thoughtfully when her reiki tried to reach into the sky, and that's when it clicked. What energy the marble had collected lay within the barrier around the sky, so tapping into that power could shift the gears of the illusion, changing it as she willed. Naraku must have known this too, or heck maybe Bankotsu had been right.

Grasping onto the feel of the barrier, Kagome called it to turn. Immediately the branch she was standing on began to move, and the ground beside her trembled as it was turned back beneath her feet. A cry escaped her lips as she lost balance, and Kagome quickly grabbed onto the branch, swinging herself down to earth when it had settled. Everything looked normal again.

Not giving herself time to adjust, Kagome ran in the direction she could feel the well's magic coming from. Blasts of energy sounded behind her, thundering in her ears as she fought not to look back.

Thank you Hiten, Bankotsu. I wont forget this I swear.

Her heart leaped in her chest when she caught sight of the Bone-Eaters Well. Pushing herself to run faster, her breaths came in warm puffs when she finally stood over the side of the well.

What the-

Spiderwebs crisscrossed in a steady pattern throughout the inside, making an easy escape impossible. Naraku, Kagomes eyes narrowed as she panted. Heart still beating wildly in her chest, Kagome steeled herself.

Climbing into the well, Kagome tried her best to maneuver around the spiders webs blocking the way. She stood on the webs hesitantly, using her reiki to break free when they clung to her. As she pulled herself down, she tried to pick up the pace, wanting to reach the bottom as soon as possible.

He foot slipped, and Kagome quickly grabbed a stray vine on the wall, sweat beading on her brow. Breathing out shakily, she looked at her shaking hand and willed it to be still. Catching sight of her burned wrist, Kagome thought of Sesshoumaru, longing gripping her.

"Perhaps you were not the most powerful in terms of physical strength, but you were the strongest miko in our time. A true leader does not cater to strength alone, they care for their pack, healing and providing for their physical needs. You also cared for emotional needs. The pack broke down without you." He uttered in her mind, as if whispering directly into her ear.

She had people waiting for her. Once she was free of this illusion, Kagome had made up her mind. I will find my way back to them.

"Leaving so soon miss Higurashi?" A voice laced with venom called out.

Her blood froze in her veins, but Kagome didn't stop to see who'd joined her in the well. Leaping from the wall and falling onto the webs below, she sloppily tore herself free, trails of broken webs clinging to her.

A laugh sounded behind her, bouncing off the walls."Whats the rush my dear? You're trapped. Even if you do escape this illusion, there's another one waiting for you on the other side."

"Yeah but you wont be in it." She gritted her teeth, chocking on the smoke that drifted in the air. The fire from the forest had spread far, and she could now hear the roar and snap of flames above. She was certain that if she looked up, she'd see an orange sky, in addition to Naraku's dark figure.

She cried out when something sliced her exposed knee, drawing blood.

"My apologies, it seemed I missed. I was aiming for a clean cut that would sever that troublesome limb of yours." She heard the scrape of his talons in the air, barely missing her as she jumped down. "Perhaps I'll remove both of them, that way you wont be able to run away from me so easily." He murmured offhandedly.

The smoke was now so thick it was hard to see the webs, and Kagome coughed, tears stinging her eyes.

When she looked, only a pitch black drop hung below her, and she wondered how far from the bottom she was. Her heart lurched when she was yanked up roughly, sharp, elongated fingers digging into her back as it gripped her clothing, pulling her up.

Kagome struggled, eyes wide as she was suddenly face to face with Naraku. "Don't worry my dear, I'll make it as painless as possible. I promise."

OOO

Darkness surrounded him, its cold breath raising the hair on the back of the demons neck. He floated for a moment, suspended in the air, before faint lights guided him down. Among them lay one bright burst of energy that caught his attention.

Sesshoumaru floated towards it, the ache in his shoulder lessening as he moved closer. When he reached out, heat assaulted his senses, and the familiar burn of holy powers scattered into the air. Pushing forward, the warmth grew until it became almost unbearable, the bright light forcing the demon to close his eyes.

You will let me in. He grit his teeth, hissing as the flames singed his clothes and flesh.

She is mine, you will not keep me from her. This thought kept him going, enduring the pain that made him shudder and choke. His teeth enlarged as the marks on his face became jagged, and Sesshoumaru fought not to transform. It was a natural defense to try and escape danger, but he knew doing so would only make the situation worse. The beads in his hand began to glow brightly, lessening the sting significantly.

Somewhere in the blinding heat, he caught a thread of familiar aura. It tangled with his own, and he accepted it as naturally as breathing, the energy seeking the mark on his shoulder.

Sesshoumaru opened his eyes slowly, wincing against the pain, and pushing on forcefully. Following the pale pink light, he picked up speed, energy streaming past him until the passage narrowed.

Bracing himself, Sesshoumaru gripped the beads tightly, and burst through the barrier of the marble.

Blue sky, and the faint trace of her scent in the air were the first things he noticed.

The demon lord looked down, and immediately felt his heart stutter in shock. His form blurred in the air, racing down from the sky. Within the recesses of his mind, Sesshoumaru felt alarm, and tried to stifle the tension within his chest.

Great buildings, the size of which he'd never seen before were crumbling to the ground. Even smaller buildings collapsed in on themselves, dust and debris following in their wake. His sharp eyes caught sight of bones being unearthed from the ground, and frowned silently. What was happening?

He caught the scent of smoke, and followed it as he descended from the sky. Since he was unable to sense Kagome straight away, he theorized that perhaps the smoke was masking her. He only hoped this meant she was near the fire and not at the heart of it.

Landing on the grounds of a shrine, Sesshoumaru watched as a young boy around Rin's age ran up to him. "Y-you're Sesshoumaru aren't you? I'm Souta, Kagome's brother."

Noticing the worry in his eyes, Sesshoumaru's voice lowered as dread clawed at his insides. "Where is she?" He demanded.

OOO

Kagome twisted in his grip, but Naraku held fast, fingers cutting deep into her skin. His red eyes were unfocused, and she noticed scorch marks marring his body. Wondering what had happened to Bankotsu and Hiten, Kagome winced and turned her face away when he brought her closer.

He breathed hot, sickly air against her neck as he gazed at her frightened expression. "So scared, so pathetically afraid of who you used to be, what you used to mean to people. Without your title, who are you but a nameless miko?"

A part of her recognized his words, they were the part of herself that belonged to him, to the fear and stress inside. But his words drifted through her like a soft breeze, and all she could focus on was the feel of the mark on her shoulder.

She raised her eyes to his silently.

Naraku cried out as reiki burned his flesh, and he tore his hand away. Narrowing his eyes, he wondered how she'd managed to burn him even though he hadn't been touching her skin.

Pink static raced through the air around her as Kagome raised her hands, parring his talon away when he launched it at her.

"I see...you've become more like Kikyo. She could wound without the use of touch as well. Inuyasha would be pleased." He smirked. but inside something uneasy settled in his bones.

Kagome dismissed his words easily, feeling a certainty within herself she'd never felt before. "I don't even need to tell you that you're wrong. I have changed, you know that better than anyone." She felt his fear now, as easily as if it were her own.

He was a part of her, she acknowledged that, even accept it for the first time. He'd lived in her unease when she'd go to visit her friends in the feudal era, like a dark shadow hovering over her thoughts. He'd been there when she'd decided not to visit them one weekend, and then cancelled the next. Her mind had been ridden with worry, until she numbed it with the easy thoughtlessness that came with playing computer games.

Smoke curled around her as she faced him. "I'll always carry you with me, its not possible to live without fear. But I wont let you control me anymore, or stop me from living the way I want to."

Without hearing his reply, Kagome raised her hands, picturing a bow. Light burst forth from her palms, and she mimicked noting a bow, drawing the string back. The pale pink light reacted accordingly, becoming the glowing image of a bow and arrow made purely of reiki.

Kagome pointed the bow downward, letting the arrow fly free. It shot straight through the webs at her feet, melting a clear path through the webs below to the end of the well. With a leap, she jumped down, finding a familiar blue mist rising up to greet her.

She floated down slowly, caught in the wells power, when a talon suddenly caught at her arm. Raising her head, she started as Naraku lunged straight for her, eyes impossibly wide.

Throwing her hands up at the last second, Kagome built a shield between them, which the spider demon crashed against. His miasma and the smoke from above clashed and roared against the sparks of her holy powers. His hand was burning as it held her through the barrier.

"L-let go!" She chocked, increasing the flow of reiki until it inflamed his entire body and made her sway with dizziness.

The air changed, and a phantom breeze picked up. A sharp strike cleaved an arch in the air, and Naraku's hand flew free from his body. The spider cried out, snarling in hatred as Kagome turned uncertainly.

Silver locks dancing in the air was the first thing she noticed, before his golden eyes registered, and something broke within her. "Sesshoumaru." She breathed.

His winter eyes softened, as his hand found its way around her waist, body meeting hers in the air.

Through all the panic and confusion in her mind, she heard Naraku clearly as he laughed wildly. Turning her eyes to him, she watched as broken pieces of his flesh were crumbling into the air.

"You'll never truly be rid of me, have your triumph, your supposed victory over me. That wont change the fact I am a part of you, closer within you than even your precious mate." He uttered, looking hatefully at Sesshoumaru, who said nothing.

The spider hanyou coughed hoarsely, but the smile never left his face. "I'll simply go on as I did before, lurking in your darkest thoughts. Your nightmares will give me flesh each night, and that my dear, is when you will see me again. As long as you live, it will be as the shikon jewel wanted."

She recalled his words from before; 'We will hate and fight one another forever like Midoriko and the youkai before us.'

He leaned down to her until they were at eye level, only the thin layer of her barrier separating them. "Sweet dreams, Kagome." He breathed, disintegrating into ash that scattered into the air, catching in her tangled locks.

Kagome turned dazedly when Sesshoumaru called her name. "Kagome, we need to leave." He said, bringing her closer when she didn't respond.

His eyes gentled. "Release the barrier miko, he is no more."

Kagome blinked, and slowly relaxed in his arms. Nodding, she lowered her hands, shutting off the reiki shield. Smoke and left over miasma immediately swept in, trying to swallow them. Kagome held onto Sesshoumaru tightly as he descended to the bottom of the well, passing through the blue light and out to the other side.

OOO

Smoke followed through the well, arching up into the shine that awaited them. Sesshoumaru jumped, landing on the rim of the well and opening the shrines doors to leap outside.

Kagome breathed the clean air into her lungs gratefully, her head foggy. The demon lord took her a safe distance away before finally setting her down, his hand on her side to steady the wobbly miko.

"H-how are you here?" She breathed, reaching to touch him. Kagome wasn't sure how she'd known he was the real thing, it had been something like opening a door to a loved one she hadn't seen in years. Relief had flooded her, and there'd been no room for suspicion.

His lips lifted, but he inwardly started as her hand brushed against his cheek. "Your pack did what they could to ensure I reached you." Sesshoumaru held up his hand, showing the beads wrapped around his wrist.

Shaking fingers touched the necklace lightly, and when Kagome raised her eyes to meet his, they were shining with tears. You came for me. Somehow, I knew you would.

A shuddering breath escaped her. "You remember everything?" She asked softly.

Sesshoumaru gave no outward reaction, but he felt hesitation grip him. She was looking at him with such tenderness and affection, he didn't want that to change. To see her so unguarded and trusting towards him felt...strange, but entirely welcome. It was oddly natural to feel her touch and stand so close, and the buried part of him that had craved her raced in his bloodstream,

Her brows furrowed when he didn't respond, and Sesshoumaru shook himself. He would not have her uncertain and guarded in front of him again.

Sesshoumaru raised a clawed hand, slowly brushing his fingers down from the fall of her hair, turning his knuckles against her cheek. Her skin was soft, and he marveled at her loving gaze. She was looking at him...and only him.

He lowered his head to press his lips against hers. She leaned into his warmth, her hand drifting up from his armor to rest over his heart. It raced under her fingertips. All at once, it was as if something clicked in his brain, and the memories of the marble rushed back like a burst dam. Sesshoumaru's body relaxed, the questions and concerns he'd had scattering to the wind.

When Kagome pulled away she allowed herself a moment to just stand in his arms, breathing in the sensation of being safe.

Her senses slowly returned to her, and Sesshoumaru pinpointed the moment her ire rose. "Wait, I sent you away for a reason, its dangerous for you here! You'll get drained again!"

Sesshoumaru gave a dusty chuckle. "Foolish miko, this one came back for a reason as well. You are coming with me this time."

"U-um-" A voice called.

The couple turned to see Souta standing in front of them. Kagome smiled and stepped up to him, "Souta! I'm so glad you're alright."

Her fake brother shook his head worriedly. "Yeah, well...everything else is definitely not alright."

"What do you-oh." Kagome trailed off, awed as she rose her eyes to the buildings ahead. They were crumbling to the ground, great clouds of dust rising into the air. As she looked, she began to notice bones being unearthed in the ground. They were giant, misshapen things, all in different sizes.

"Are those demon carcasses?" She looked at Sesshoumaru.

"Hn, the miko's and priests probably left them inside the marble to rot." He said tonelessly, hand curling at his side.

Souta looked at the wreckage with wide eyes. "I think the illusion is starting to break down, so the marble is revealing its true form. This is how its always looked."

Kagome nodded, now understanding. The marble was never meant to make anyone's wish fulfilled, it had been a gilded cage all along. She caught Sesshoumaru's eye. We should leave.

"You need to get outta here sis." Souta said, as if reading their minds.

Kagome turned to him guiltily. "But-Souta, I don't want to leave you here alone."

His brown eyes gentled, acceptance in his seemingly older face. "I wont last after you leave anyway, and the illusions breaking down as it is. You have to go."

She bent down to wrap her arms around him, and Souta clung to her for a moment. His small hands gripped the material of her clothes, and he fought the lump in his throat.

Kagome was about to say something when he stepped away, tears in his eyes. "Goodbye sis." He said with finality, back straight.

Her eyes gentled, and she gave a broken smile that felt painful on her lips. "You were the best little brother I could ask for." She murmured softly, and something like pride entered his eyes.

Walking up to Sesshoumaru, she held onto his shoulders as he lifted her up into his arms. With a burst of youki they were sent sailing into the air, leaving the decaying earth behind. She turned to watch as Souta fell further and further away, a heaviness weighing in her chest.

After she'd turned back to Sesshoumaru, a thought occurred to her. "I changed the illusion earlier, using the barrier in the sky. I think if I can manipulate it again, maybe I can let us out."

Sesshoumaru nodded, flying closer to the barrier. "The marble was meant to be harnessed by miko's. It is almost certain to let you out once you find the right way."

"Yeah its just finding it." She wet her lips, feeling weary but pushing away the fatigue.

His hands tightened around her. "There is...something more miko."

"I don't think I'm going to like the sound of this, whats wrong?"

She felt a change in the air as they rose higher, now hovering directly below the barrier. "The old miko Kaede approached me before I left to find you." He looked away, expression going blank, which instantly alerted Kagome. "The well's magic has been leaking into the marble for some time apparently. The trinket absorbed its power, keeping us frozen in time and stopping us from dying of starvation within the illusion. This may be why the illusion is starting to break down here, as the marble holds too much power within."

"That explains allot." Her brow furrowed, concerned.

"However...since it has been drained so thoroughly, the miko is certain the well will not be usable for much longer. It is weak, and will be rendered useless after just a few more leaps to and from our era."

Kagomes eyes widened as she stiffened. She'd known she'd have to choose one era over the other eventually but hadn't thought that time would be now. Sesshoumaru's tone was detached, but she could tell he was just trying not to influence her decision.

Feeling the pull of the barrier, Kagome shook her head. "I-I guess we deal with that once we're actually out of here." Her fingers shook as she rose her hand towards the barrier.

Sesshoumaru watched her quietly, keeping his wants and fears to himself.

Kagome cleared her mind, though with some difficulty. Retracing the energy paths in the air that influenced the illusion, Kagome asked herself what she could picture to help them escape the marble.

Wacky ideas like using a cartoon hammer to smash through the barrier popped in her head, but she shook them away. Thinking about how silly they were though, led her to think of how she'd gotten into this mess in the first place.

The Otome game.

Everything had started because of something as simple as playing dating sims, and she'd been trapped not by a criminal, but a child. Things had been dressed up simple, but hidden a death trap underneath. However...maybe that didn't mean it couldn't be solved simply too.

Kagome closed her eyes, and when they fluttered open, a Love Meter was beside Sesshoumaru. The level was where it had been before she'd used the marble to free Sesshoumaru and the others.

"What is it?" He asked, seeing the change in her face.

He still cant see the meter? Kagome shook her head, smiling wryly. "Nothing, its just...after everything that's happened I never thought I'd be happy to see something I once hated."

Sesshoumaru rose a brow as she looked at something over his shoulder, then he clicked. "The meter is there again."

"Yeah," she said softly. "Naraku told me that it was actually my feelings that changed the level of the meters, not yours or anyone else's. When he told me, I felt terrible, thinking that it was my fault I couldn't do something again. But right now I'm pretty grateful that he said it, because it makes this a heck of allot easier."

She reached forward and kissed him easily, her hand brushing against the mark on his shoulder. Their aura's rose and tangled, fitting together and relaxing the demon and miko, until nothing but contentment shined within.

When Kagome pulled away, she smiled, seeing the warmth in his golden eyes. He looked up sharply, sensing the change in the wind as it picked up, but Kagome just held onto him, relief flooding her as she rested her head on his shoulder. The Love meter beside him had risen to the maximum marker, flashing brilliantly in a myriad of colours. Multiple exclamation icons popped into the air, though one particular icon appeared right in front of Kagome.

'Congratulations! You've won! We hope you have enjoyed Feudal Fairy tale! Exit Game?' 'Yes' 'No.'

Never had she been so quick to say 'yes' in her life. Pressing the icon, the wind picked up until it lashed against them, and Sesshoumaru's grip tightened as energy snapped above.

They watched as the barrier parted, and as they climbed higher into the sky Kagome felt anxiety build in her chest. Sensing her unease, Sesshoumaru lowered his head until his lips rested against her ear. "Do not be afraid miko, trust that we can leave and we will."

She nodded, and instead rose her gaze above them, bracing herself as they touched the surface of the barrier. Let me through, she prayed, no, willed herself to pass through with him.

Kagome jumped as she watched the barrier disappear under her feet and she rose higher with Sesshoumaru into the air until the buildings faded away below. She raised startled, amazed eyes to his, and he smiled slightly.

"W-were out? We're free?" She half expected Naraku to show up, chortling that this was just another trick.

The demon lords eyes warmed, and when her heart settled in her chest, that was when it clicked. I-Im free!

She grinned, elated as the sky below grew so distant it turned into a speck of light. The light then became a small orb, and when it floated towards them again it was a harmless looking marble.

Sesshoumaru's hand snatched out and gripped it tightly between his fingers. "I think it best we destroy this." He murmured lowly.

"Yeah, but maybe not here." She looked at the darkness surrounding them and felt the wells presence. Two currents were pulling them in opposite directions, one of them smelling of fresh grass and nature, while the other smelt distantly of smoke and exhaust fumes. Tokyo...

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru desperately. Now what? She couldn't make this decision so quickly, not on top of everything else. She wanted so many things that she knew was impossible, but deciding her future in one second was something she knew couldn't be done. Maybe someone stronger could have, but she was tired of being strong.

"I cant make this decision now, and I need to see my family, my mom is probably worried sick. Heck it might be unorthodox but...come with me?" She asked, a note of pleading in her voice.

Sesshoumaru rose a brow, intrigued. "To your time?"

She nodded, and he thought back to Rin and the others. He had his lands to think of, and his people, but he could not deny her request or stifle his curiosity at seeing a new world.

"Very well, but understand that I cannot stay for too long Kagome." He said gently, content to see her relax.

Holding her close, Sesshoumaru turned, and they were soon pulled along a current that opened out to an old wellhouse.

ooo

To elaborate on the escape from the marble, it was Kagome's mental state keeping her inside. The moment she rose above her fear (personified as Naraku) she wasn't worried like before, and this made the marble bend to her will.

I wasn't planning on elaborating on Hiten and Bankotsu since I thought I'd leave that up to you to interpret what happened, but if you want one last scene with them tell me and I'll squeeze it in the the next chapter, which will be the last ^^ Hope you enjoyed this one, and as ever thank you for the reviews! x Happy Holidays!