A/N: I want to thank everyone for reviewing, especially the ones who told me what seemed "off", so that I could (hopefully) clear things up in this chapter. I'm sorry that this chapter is late, school is a life draining task. Unfortunately, it also does a good job of draining creativity and inspiration. Anyway, I apologize once again for the long time it took to get this out. However, I think this chapter is slightly longer than my other ones. Then again, maybe not. Anyway, this is the last chapter, not counting the epilogue that I'm planning. Can't leave well enough alone, that's me!
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Jezunya~ I know it was short, sorry, sorry. ^_^ Hopefully you'll find this chapter longer.
Noa~ Life isn't fair! LoL! Just kidding. I'm sorry, just finished the chapter and I'm super hyper. I agree, they're adorable!!
kristy~ Or else what?! o.O Does it involve pitchforks? Anyway, no need to worry (on my part)
'cause here's the next chapter!!
Rymsie~Wow... five words... Your review is SOOOOO good!
amy lin~ You want to stalk me? Cool! Never had a stalker before! ^_^ Doncha just looooove cliffhangers?
Kumi Boa~ *hands you a tissue to wipe drool from keyboard* Glad you liked that chapter! ^_^
Kanna~ Hate to admit it, but I forgot that one little detail. I'll explain it in the epilogue though!
Emmi-chan~ Hehe.. you shouldn't even worry at this point! It's InuxKagome all the way!
Jetflash~ You only like AU fics? Well, I'm glad you like this story. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
SacredWings~ Thanks for all the encouragement! (especially at school) You're the best!
ChaosCat~ *wipes happy tear away* My dialogue flows smoothly.. wow!! Thanks! ^_^
Windshale~ Yikes! I'm sorry that Sesshy is jagged, and I know exactly what you're talking about. But the truth is, I've only read two books with Sesshy in it, so I was tentative with his character. Hopefully I'll improve with time.
ArmAndLeg~ Haha... well, Kagome pretty much fully remember IY now. ^_^ Fluff in the epilogue, by the way.
Inuki~ Thanks for reviewing!! What's WAO mean? Heh.. *sheepish*
miroku~ I hope Sess's reason for what he told Kagome gets cleared up for you.. As for the sequel, I might write one.. but I'm not sure about the lemon part. I mean, I don't have anything against lemons, of course, but I don't know if I can pull something so *mature* off.
sandy~ Hehe... after that encouragement, how could I not continue?
MoonKnight Maiden~ I am truly glad that you have no problems with Sesshy's character, and that you took time to tell me so. Thanks for reviewing! ^_^_^_^
-~ Um... sorry, no SesshyxKagome. -_- Not in this one, anyhow. Thanks for reviewing though!
bel-chan~ Well, Sesshy's nice in this one! At least, I think he is...
Akiko~ Haha.. I'm sorry you had to suffer that cliffhanger. But you're right, it keeps people interested. Hopefully, that is. ^_^
Anhy~ Thanks for your suggestions, and I don't think your review came out offensive at all. I like constructive critcism, it imporves my writing. I made the ending different.. but I guess it's not too interesting... ;_;
Shiori~ Yeah, I'm sorry about the shortness of the chapter. Doncha love suspense? ^_^
Nancy~ *starry eyes* Wow.. I love your review!! ^_^
Goddess of Death~ Are you serious, it made you cry? 'cause that's way more than I could hope for, I always feel that my stories don't have enough emotion. ^_^
Kate~ Thanks! Keep reading!
Accessa~ I'll definitely finish it, don't worry! ^_^
Embyr~ Hehe.. that cliffhanger wasn't so evil! Enjoy!
Katra Winner~ So your friend "insisted" for you to read this? o.O I've always wanted to be a fanfic writer that people recommend their friends too! Is that what you mean? .... Oh yeah, thanks for the "ne-chan" tip. It totally helps. ^_^_^
Anime Chick~ Here you go! Keep reading and reviewing!
Hev-ver~ Thanks for reviewing, and keep doing so, please! Thanks!
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"What?" Kagome staggered slightly. "Sesshomaru-sama.. what do you mean?"
Sesshomaru sighed. "It was a brilliant plan. But since it's failed, I'll just have to resort to what I do best."
Inuyasha sneered. "What, lose?"
Sesshomaru graced him with a patronizing smile. "Try again, little brother."
"Run away?"
"Brave words to come from a cripple. But no, I'll just have to kill you two. Simple as that."
Kagome was still having a hard time comprehending the transformation Sesshomaru had gone through. "I don't understand," she cried desperately. "Sesshomaru, why did you tell me Inuyasha was dead?"
"Yeah," Inuyasha mocked. "I'd thought you'd have been smarter than that."
Sesshomaru raised an elegant eyebrow. "Stalling, are you? Well, I might as well explain, seeing how there's no possible way for you to escape. Back when I first found you, I thought you were the perfect bait to lure my little brother straight to the tip of my claws. However, seeing how much Rin loved you changed my mind. I decided to keep you around. After all, you didn't remember Inuyasha, and wouldn't it be the perfect touch for him to see you in my arms right before he died? But then you began to ask for him, and I figured telling you he was dead would solve that loose end."
Inuyasha snorted distainfully, trying to ignore the darkness pressing in on his vision. "Bad move, you fucking bastard. This loose end came back to haunt you."
"Yes, well, I already had plans to get rid of you, thus the attack by the vultures."
Kagome's eyes widened. "You set vultures on them? My visions.."
"And that was why I had to call them back." Sesshomaru said, resigned. "A pity, that would have been the perfect way to dispose of Inuyasha. But now that my plan has gone off track, the next best thing will be to kill Kagome while Inuyasha watches. Don't you agree?" Kagome paled. "Don't hurt Inuyasha!" she had planned for the words to come out in a strong, defiant voice, but all she managed was a frightened squeak.
"Forget that," Inuyasha snarled, pushing her behind him. "Don't hurt Kagome."
Sesshomaru laughed. "Do you really think that will make me change my mind?" he scoffed. "Imagine how long I've been waiting for this. Do you really think I'd let it all go just to make you happy?"
Before either one could move, Sesshomaru struck, barely seeming to exert himself as one claw sliced neatly through Inuyasha's side. Inuyasha staggered, already weak from his previous wounds. Kagome screamed. "Inuyasha!" she knelt next to him, hugging him against her.
"Don't cry." he whispered, gripping her hand gently. "Don't cry, I'll protect you. I promise."
"That's not why I'm crying, you idiot." she whispered back, dark hair curtaining his face. "Who's going to protect you?"
"As long as you're not hurt."
"You always say that!" Kagome's tears were streaming down her face now. "Inuyasha, please, please put yourself first for once! I mean, think of how I'd feel if you died!"
"But you'll be alive." he insisted, caressing her face gently. "That's all that matters."
"You idiot." she broke down. "If you die, I'll hate you."
Suddenly, her eyes burned with deep, _real_ hatred. "How could you do this to me?!" she stood up, gently placed Inuyasha's head on the ground, and turned furiously to Sesshomaru. "How could you make me think you were on my side?! How could you make me almost fall in love with you?!" she spat out the last sentence. Inuyasha, struggling up, winced. Even if he knew the circumstances, the thought of Kagome actually in love with his brother made him dizzy with despair.
"How could you?" Kagome was losing her tears, and becoming very, very full of rage. "You bastard."
"I'm hurt." Sesshomaru said drily. "But I'm sure I'll get over it. Especially after I kill you and the cripple. It'll help the healing process."
"Don't call me that!" Inuyasha launched himself at Sesshomaru, trailing dark blood as he went. "Cripple or not, I can beat you any day!"
"Famous last words." Sesshomaru remarked, dodging Inuyasha's claws.
"Stop it, stop it, stop it!" Kagome ran in the midst of the fight. Inuyasha grabbed Kagome. "What do you think you're doing?" he hissed.
"Stopping you from being killed! Stop fighting! You're much too hurt to beat him."
"What?" Inuyasha retorted scathingly. "You'd rather have me stand there while he cuts me up, piece by piece?"
"Lovely picture." Sesshomaru mused. "Yes, Inuyasha, why don't we try that?"
Kagome looked wildly around for help. But, alas, her search was in vain. Miroku and Sango were both still fighting for their lives, with Shippo throwing in a feeble foxfire whenever he could. All three were tiring out, and the vultures could feel it. They attacked gleefully, sure the reward was near.
"Sesshomaru." Kagome appealed. "Why do you hate us so much? Why are you trying to kill us? Can't you just let us go?!"
"You wouldn't understand." he replied lazily. "Kagome, this worthless half brother of mine has been inviting death ever since he took the Tetsusaiga. It never should have been touched by his tainted, half human hands. Just imagine what I could have done with it! But instead, this halfling took it, to protect _humans_, of all things."
"So what," Kagome tried desperately. "if we give it to you, you'll let us go?"
Sesshomaru let out a short bark of laughter. "Kagome, your naivety is just charming. So, to humor you, no, of course I will not let you go. Inuyasha is a source of extreme shame and dishonor to our bloodline. It would be better if he were taken care of quietly."
Kagome processed this information, surprised and irritated. "Surely you don't believe that pure bloodline junk!" she exclaimed.
"Of course not." Sesshomaru said with a shrug. "I just want to see the world rid of one more pesky halfbreed."
Thus said, he knocked Kagome aside and sliced an identical wound on Inuyasha's right side. Kagome stirred, finding her vision blurry. "Inuyasha.."
Inuyasha stood his ground, even as the cut burned and stung him almost into unconsciousness. He lunged at Sesshomaru, his mind only on Kagome's welfare. Sesshomaru dodged easily; Inuyasha's lesion slowing him down. "This is almost too easy." Sesshomaru scoffed. "Really, little brother, I would have thought that you could put up a more admirable fight. I suppose the vultures really took a lot out of you, eh?"
"Inuyasha.." Kagome whispered, trying to stand and get to where he laid.
"Sessho-sama!" A small, very upset voice rang out. Sesshomaru froze... then turned around very slowly. Jaken stood there, bowing frantically, but Sesshomaru's concentration was focused on the small figure standing before the toad. "Rin! What are you doing here?"
Rin's eyes were large and filled halfway with tears. "Sessho-sama, what's happening to Kagome-nechan?"
Sesshomaru's mind raced frantically. How could he possibly cover up this horrible scene before the child? Inuyasha groaned, and began moving towards Kagome. At the same instant, the heavens opened and rain poured down. Sesshomaru turned to Jaken and commanded coldly, "Take her inside. The rain will make her catch cold." Slowly, the wasps disappeared, seeking shelter from the large drops of water. Almost crowing with delight, Miroku twisted away from the vulture and tore open his rosary cloth.
Sango lay on the hard ground, letting the deliciously cool water drip into her mouth. She rolled over painfully, ignoring the blood that was already soaking through her garments. Stopping atop of Miroku, Sango dropped a tired kiss on his lips. "Thanks."
"You can thank me later." Miroku groaned. "As soon as we find a hot spring."
"Are you okay? You look pale."
"Hey, it's not easy sucking in two human sized vultures, you know."
Sango let out a sigh and dropped her head onto his shoulder, pressing her face against his neck. "We have to help Inuyasha and Kagome-chan."
"In a minute." Miroku looked up at the cloudy sky, then at the girl in his arms. "I'm just being glad I'm alive."
Rin struggled against Jaken's scaly hands. "Let me go! Sessho-sama, what's happening?!"
"Jaken's taking you back to your room."
"But I want to be with Kagome-nechan! Why is she bleeding, Sessho-sama?"
Sesshomaru looked away, unable to meet the child's pleading eyes.
"Rin, listen to me. Go back to your room."
"No!" With one well placed kick in Jaken's knee, Rin broke loose and ran into Kagome's arms. "Kagome-nechan, what's happening? Why are you bleeding?"
"It's nothing, Rin-chan. Look, you be a good girl and go back with Jaken, okay? Sesshomaru-sama and Kagome-nechan have to talk. So you go back and take a nice, warm bath, okay? We wouldn't want you getting sick."
Rin cast a doubtful glance around. "Are you sure everything is okay?"
"Yes." Kagome reassured. "Go now, okay?"
Rin heaved a sigh and obediently followed a limping, grumbling Jaken back into the castle.
Sesshomaru scrutinized Kagome skeptically. "You had a chance to turn Rin against me." he pointed out. "The evidence was all there, all she needed was for you to point the finger at me, and she'd believe it."
Kagome cradled Inuyasha's head in her lap. "My fight is with you." she replied stiffly. "Not against Rin. Can't you see how much she adores you? I couldn't ruin the little girl's world like that."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Sesshomaru asked, ignoring the rivulets of water running down his silky hair. "How do you know I won't hurt the girl?"
"You love her." Kagome said, a matter of factly. "She's probably the only thing keeping you civil. You're good for each other."
"Love.." Sesshomaru eyed Inuyasha, who was, at the moment, unconscious. "Love is a weakness." he pronounced. "It's impossible."
"Love," Kagome said firmly. "is a blessing."
Sesshomaru snarled, his composed face disappearing. "Leave. I never want to see you again."
Kagome sat, bewildered. Water streamed down her face like tears, and her expression was honestly confused.
"I will change my mind if you don't leave." Sesshomaru growled. "I can kill that worthless mutt right now. In one move. So you better take this chance, because it's the only one you'll have." Before she could fully realize what he was saying, Kagome found herself dragging Inuyasha up with her, careful not to aggravate his wounds. Looking toward the gate, she realized that Sango, Shippo and Miroku were already there, poised to attack if the need should arise, but also to flee, should the opportunity present itself. And, wonders of wonders, it had. As Kagome led a semi-conscious Inuyasha toward the opening, she took one last look back. "You know, Sesshomaru, love isn't only for humans and half humans. I wasn't lying when I said I fell in love with you."
Sesshomaru watched the retreating group. "Then it's a good thing I let you go."
And so there he was left, standing alone in the rain.
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Ending Notes: Wow... almost done! Only the epilogue left to go. Anyway, before I run off to bed, (my mom's getting mad, it's 10:30 on a school night), I just wanted to tell you all that I'm planning on writing a IY and K ficcy where they're accidently bound by handcuffs. So well, I'll post it as soon as I think of a title. Hope you guys'll read it!
C
Thanks for all the reviews, they are wonderful! I love them! I LIVE for them!
1/24/2oo2
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Jezunya~ I know it was short, sorry, sorry. ^_^ Hopefully you'll find this chapter longer.
Noa~ Life isn't fair! LoL! Just kidding. I'm sorry, just finished the chapter and I'm super hyper. I agree, they're adorable!!
kristy~ Or else what?! o.O Does it involve pitchforks? Anyway, no need to worry (on my part)
'cause here's the next chapter!!
Rymsie~Wow... five words... Your review is SOOOOO good!
amy lin~ You want to stalk me? Cool! Never had a stalker before! ^_^ Doncha just looooove cliffhangers?
Kumi Boa~ *hands you a tissue to wipe drool from keyboard* Glad you liked that chapter! ^_^
Kanna~ Hate to admit it, but I forgot that one little detail. I'll explain it in the epilogue though!
Emmi-chan~ Hehe.. you shouldn't even worry at this point! It's InuxKagome all the way!
Jetflash~ You only like AU fics? Well, I'm glad you like this story. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
SacredWings~ Thanks for all the encouragement! (especially at school) You're the best!
ChaosCat~ *wipes happy tear away* My dialogue flows smoothly.. wow!! Thanks! ^_^
Windshale~ Yikes! I'm sorry that Sesshy is jagged, and I know exactly what you're talking about. But the truth is, I've only read two books with Sesshy in it, so I was tentative with his character. Hopefully I'll improve with time.
ArmAndLeg~ Haha... well, Kagome pretty much fully remember IY now. ^_^ Fluff in the epilogue, by the way.
Inuki~ Thanks for reviewing!! What's WAO mean? Heh.. *sheepish*
miroku~ I hope Sess's reason for what he told Kagome gets cleared up for you.. As for the sequel, I might write one.. but I'm not sure about the lemon part. I mean, I don't have anything against lemons, of course, but I don't know if I can pull something so *mature* off.
sandy~ Hehe... after that encouragement, how could I not continue?
MoonKnight Maiden~ I am truly glad that you have no problems with Sesshy's character, and that you took time to tell me so. Thanks for reviewing! ^_^_^_^
-~ Um... sorry, no SesshyxKagome. -_- Not in this one, anyhow. Thanks for reviewing though!
bel-chan~ Well, Sesshy's nice in this one! At least, I think he is...
Akiko~ Haha.. I'm sorry you had to suffer that cliffhanger. But you're right, it keeps people interested. Hopefully, that is. ^_^
Anhy~ Thanks for your suggestions, and I don't think your review came out offensive at all. I like constructive critcism, it imporves my writing. I made the ending different.. but I guess it's not too interesting... ;_;
Shiori~ Yeah, I'm sorry about the shortness of the chapter. Doncha love suspense? ^_^
Nancy~ *starry eyes* Wow.. I love your review!! ^_^
Goddess of Death~ Are you serious, it made you cry? 'cause that's way more than I could hope for, I always feel that my stories don't have enough emotion. ^_^
Kate~ Thanks! Keep reading!
Accessa~ I'll definitely finish it, don't worry! ^_^
Embyr~ Hehe.. that cliffhanger wasn't so evil! Enjoy!
Katra Winner~ So your friend "insisted" for you to read this? o.O I've always wanted to be a fanfic writer that people recommend their friends too! Is that what you mean? .... Oh yeah, thanks for the "ne-chan" tip. It totally helps. ^_^_^
Anime Chick~ Here you go! Keep reading and reviewing!
Hev-ver~ Thanks for reviewing, and keep doing so, please! Thanks!
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"What?" Kagome staggered slightly. "Sesshomaru-sama.. what do you mean?"
Sesshomaru sighed. "It was a brilliant plan. But since it's failed, I'll just have to resort to what I do best."
Inuyasha sneered. "What, lose?"
Sesshomaru graced him with a patronizing smile. "Try again, little brother."
"Run away?"
"Brave words to come from a cripple. But no, I'll just have to kill you two. Simple as that."
Kagome was still having a hard time comprehending the transformation Sesshomaru had gone through. "I don't understand," she cried desperately. "Sesshomaru, why did you tell me Inuyasha was dead?"
"Yeah," Inuyasha mocked. "I'd thought you'd have been smarter than that."
Sesshomaru raised an elegant eyebrow. "Stalling, are you? Well, I might as well explain, seeing how there's no possible way for you to escape. Back when I first found you, I thought you were the perfect bait to lure my little brother straight to the tip of my claws. However, seeing how much Rin loved you changed my mind. I decided to keep you around. After all, you didn't remember Inuyasha, and wouldn't it be the perfect touch for him to see you in my arms right before he died? But then you began to ask for him, and I figured telling you he was dead would solve that loose end."
Inuyasha snorted distainfully, trying to ignore the darkness pressing in on his vision. "Bad move, you fucking bastard. This loose end came back to haunt you."
"Yes, well, I already had plans to get rid of you, thus the attack by the vultures."
Kagome's eyes widened. "You set vultures on them? My visions.."
"And that was why I had to call them back." Sesshomaru said, resigned. "A pity, that would have been the perfect way to dispose of Inuyasha. But now that my plan has gone off track, the next best thing will be to kill Kagome while Inuyasha watches. Don't you agree?" Kagome paled. "Don't hurt Inuyasha!" she had planned for the words to come out in a strong, defiant voice, but all she managed was a frightened squeak.
"Forget that," Inuyasha snarled, pushing her behind him. "Don't hurt Kagome."
Sesshomaru laughed. "Do you really think that will make me change my mind?" he scoffed. "Imagine how long I've been waiting for this. Do you really think I'd let it all go just to make you happy?"
Before either one could move, Sesshomaru struck, barely seeming to exert himself as one claw sliced neatly through Inuyasha's side. Inuyasha staggered, already weak from his previous wounds. Kagome screamed. "Inuyasha!" she knelt next to him, hugging him against her.
"Don't cry." he whispered, gripping her hand gently. "Don't cry, I'll protect you. I promise."
"That's not why I'm crying, you idiot." she whispered back, dark hair curtaining his face. "Who's going to protect you?"
"As long as you're not hurt."
"You always say that!" Kagome's tears were streaming down her face now. "Inuyasha, please, please put yourself first for once! I mean, think of how I'd feel if you died!"
"But you'll be alive." he insisted, caressing her face gently. "That's all that matters."
"You idiot." she broke down. "If you die, I'll hate you."
Suddenly, her eyes burned with deep, _real_ hatred. "How could you do this to me?!" she stood up, gently placed Inuyasha's head on the ground, and turned furiously to Sesshomaru. "How could you make me think you were on my side?! How could you make me almost fall in love with you?!" she spat out the last sentence. Inuyasha, struggling up, winced. Even if he knew the circumstances, the thought of Kagome actually in love with his brother made him dizzy with despair.
"How could you?" Kagome was losing her tears, and becoming very, very full of rage. "You bastard."
"I'm hurt." Sesshomaru said drily. "But I'm sure I'll get over it. Especially after I kill you and the cripple. It'll help the healing process."
"Don't call me that!" Inuyasha launched himself at Sesshomaru, trailing dark blood as he went. "Cripple or not, I can beat you any day!"
"Famous last words." Sesshomaru remarked, dodging Inuyasha's claws.
"Stop it, stop it, stop it!" Kagome ran in the midst of the fight. Inuyasha grabbed Kagome. "What do you think you're doing?" he hissed.
"Stopping you from being killed! Stop fighting! You're much too hurt to beat him."
"What?" Inuyasha retorted scathingly. "You'd rather have me stand there while he cuts me up, piece by piece?"
"Lovely picture." Sesshomaru mused. "Yes, Inuyasha, why don't we try that?"
Kagome looked wildly around for help. But, alas, her search was in vain. Miroku and Sango were both still fighting for their lives, with Shippo throwing in a feeble foxfire whenever he could. All three were tiring out, and the vultures could feel it. They attacked gleefully, sure the reward was near.
"Sesshomaru." Kagome appealed. "Why do you hate us so much? Why are you trying to kill us? Can't you just let us go?!"
"You wouldn't understand." he replied lazily. "Kagome, this worthless half brother of mine has been inviting death ever since he took the Tetsusaiga. It never should have been touched by his tainted, half human hands. Just imagine what I could have done with it! But instead, this halfling took it, to protect _humans_, of all things."
"So what," Kagome tried desperately. "if we give it to you, you'll let us go?"
Sesshomaru let out a short bark of laughter. "Kagome, your naivety is just charming. So, to humor you, no, of course I will not let you go. Inuyasha is a source of extreme shame and dishonor to our bloodline. It would be better if he were taken care of quietly."
Kagome processed this information, surprised and irritated. "Surely you don't believe that pure bloodline junk!" she exclaimed.
"Of course not." Sesshomaru said with a shrug. "I just want to see the world rid of one more pesky halfbreed."
Thus said, he knocked Kagome aside and sliced an identical wound on Inuyasha's right side. Kagome stirred, finding her vision blurry. "Inuyasha.."
Inuyasha stood his ground, even as the cut burned and stung him almost into unconsciousness. He lunged at Sesshomaru, his mind only on Kagome's welfare. Sesshomaru dodged easily; Inuyasha's lesion slowing him down. "This is almost too easy." Sesshomaru scoffed. "Really, little brother, I would have thought that you could put up a more admirable fight. I suppose the vultures really took a lot out of you, eh?"
"Inuyasha.." Kagome whispered, trying to stand and get to where he laid.
"Sessho-sama!" A small, very upset voice rang out. Sesshomaru froze... then turned around very slowly. Jaken stood there, bowing frantically, but Sesshomaru's concentration was focused on the small figure standing before the toad. "Rin! What are you doing here?"
Rin's eyes were large and filled halfway with tears. "Sessho-sama, what's happening to Kagome-nechan?"
Sesshomaru's mind raced frantically. How could he possibly cover up this horrible scene before the child? Inuyasha groaned, and began moving towards Kagome. At the same instant, the heavens opened and rain poured down. Sesshomaru turned to Jaken and commanded coldly, "Take her inside. The rain will make her catch cold." Slowly, the wasps disappeared, seeking shelter from the large drops of water. Almost crowing with delight, Miroku twisted away from the vulture and tore open his rosary cloth.
Sango lay on the hard ground, letting the deliciously cool water drip into her mouth. She rolled over painfully, ignoring the blood that was already soaking through her garments. Stopping atop of Miroku, Sango dropped a tired kiss on his lips. "Thanks."
"You can thank me later." Miroku groaned. "As soon as we find a hot spring."
"Are you okay? You look pale."
"Hey, it's not easy sucking in two human sized vultures, you know."
Sango let out a sigh and dropped her head onto his shoulder, pressing her face against his neck. "We have to help Inuyasha and Kagome-chan."
"In a minute." Miroku looked up at the cloudy sky, then at the girl in his arms. "I'm just being glad I'm alive."
Rin struggled against Jaken's scaly hands. "Let me go! Sessho-sama, what's happening?!"
"Jaken's taking you back to your room."
"But I want to be with Kagome-nechan! Why is she bleeding, Sessho-sama?"
Sesshomaru looked away, unable to meet the child's pleading eyes.
"Rin, listen to me. Go back to your room."
"No!" With one well placed kick in Jaken's knee, Rin broke loose and ran into Kagome's arms. "Kagome-nechan, what's happening? Why are you bleeding?"
"It's nothing, Rin-chan. Look, you be a good girl and go back with Jaken, okay? Sesshomaru-sama and Kagome-nechan have to talk. So you go back and take a nice, warm bath, okay? We wouldn't want you getting sick."
Rin cast a doubtful glance around. "Are you sure everything is okay?"
"Yes." Kagome reassured. "Go now, okay?"
Rin heaved a sigh and obediently followed a limping, grumbling Jaken back into the castle.
Sesshomaru scrutinized Kagome skeptically. "You had a chance to turn Rin against me." he pointed out. "The evidence was all there, all she needed was for you to point the finger at me, and she'd believe it."
Kagome cradled Inuyasha's head in her lap. "My fight is with you." she replied stiffly. "Not against Rin. Can't you see how much she adores you? I couldn't ruin the little girl's world like that."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Sesshomaru asked, ignoring the rivulets of water running down his silky hair. "How do you know I won't hurt the girl?"
"You love her." Kagome said, a matter of factly. "She's probably the only thing keeping you civil. You're good for each other."
"Love.." Sesshomaru eyed Inuyasha, who was, at the moment, unconscious. "Love is a weakness." he pronounced. "It's impossible."
"Love," Kagome said firmly. "is a blessing."
Sesshomaru snarled, his composed face disappearing. "Leave. I never want to see you again."
Kagome sat, bewildered. Water streamed down her face like tears, and her expression was honestly confused.
"I will change my mind if you don't leave." Sesshomaru growled. "I can kill that worthless mutt right now. In one move. So you better take this chance, because it's the only one you'll have." Before she could fully realize what he was saying, Kagome found herself dragging Inuyasha up with her, careful not to aggravate his wounds. Looking toward the gate, she realized that Sango, Shippo and Miroku were already there, poised to attack if the need should arise, but also to flee, should the opportunity present itself. And, wonders of wonders, it had. As Kagome led a semi-conscious Inuyasha toward the opening, she took one last look back. "You know, Sesshomaru, love isn't only for humans and half humans. I wasn't lying when I said I fell in love with you."
Sesshomaru watched the retreating group. "Then it's a good thing I let you go."
And so there he was left, standing alone in the rain.
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Ending Notes: Wow... almost done! Only the epilogue left to go. Anyway, before I run off to bed, (my mom's getting mad, it's 10:30 on a school night), I just wanted to tell you all that I'm planning on writing a IY and K ficcy where they're accidently bound by handcuffs. So well, I'll post it as soon as I think of a title. Hope you guys'll read it!
C
Thanks for all the reviews, they are wonderful! I love them! I LIVE for them!
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