Last Chapter:
Sesshoumaru was in front of Kagome, his ivory figure swallowed in his own impenetrable darkness. His rage ignited the air around him, sparking red. She cringed back in spite of herself.
Amidst this oppression, the jewel from Naraku's arm shone warmly through Sesshoumaru's bloody hand. She was closer now. She had spent the last seconds desperately trying to figure out which jewel was really the Shikon no Tama. Now, she could feel the difference.
'Wrong one!' she thought urgently.
A cold laugh split the clouds of youki. This time it came from Sesshoumaru.
Chapter 25: Death and Defeat
Red eyes watched the battle unfold, concealed on a nearby hilltop. Things were not going well. The monk had fallen, the female taijiya was on the brink. The miko was still struggling with Naraku's spell... and having little success. Only Kohaku and the strange dragon protected her now from the legions of demons and her own dead fighters. Even Sesshoumaru seemed to be having difficulty, his sword gone while Naraku's strength only increased.
"You're such a fucking coward, Kagura." The hard voice froze her. Slowly she turned, meeting the eyes of a very frustrated wolf demon. "The battle's down there, and here you are, hiding behind your fucking corpses."
"Kouga..." She stuttered. "You were dead!"
"And I'm fucking tired of everyone trying to keep me away from this fight!" He readied his claws with a smirk. "But here you are... I can take you out and all your little puppets as well. Just so damn convenient for a change."
"Wait!" She begged. "Kill me and you'll doom that girl down there!"
Kouga's eyes narrowed. "Like hell. We'd all be better off with you dead."
"The second my corpses are out of the way the demons will tear her apart. I can hold them back!"
"You're lying."
"Look for yourself!" She shouted desperately.
Kouga's eyes tracked to the swarm below them. He could easily see Sesshoumaru's dragon, dead warriors in a wavering circle around them. They had worked penetrated the swarms of demons, the front line meeting Kohaku's assault.
"Why should I trust you, bitch?"
Kagura leveled her crimson gaze. "Because I'm dead if I let Naraku win."
Something was off, Kohaku realized. He was tiring, he could feel the speed of his blade falling as his injuries and weariness increased. However, his enemies were not taking advantage. The dead warriors refused to allow any of the demons closer, saving the attack for themselves. But the ring was not closing. They were not even trying to take proper advantage of their numbers, attacking in small groups.
It was not Kagura's usual style. This measured and controlled attack was more difficult than letting the puppets swarm mindlessly. She was doing them a favor after all, but she was trying her hardest to make it seem otherwise. As long as Kagura's warriors held back the bulk of the flow, Kohaku still had some hope of protecting the prone miko.
Kagome shuddered at Sesshoumaru's cold laughter. His voice was laced with bloodlust, the sound of a killer relishing the final moment's of his prey's life. His arms glowed green in his own poison, hissing to be released. His arrogant expression mimicked Naraku's smirk, both caught up in the fight. His eyes were smoldering red, displaying none of the control she had expected.
The pearly glow of the jewel in Sesshoumaru's hand pulsed warmly, catching on the white of Sesshoumaru's sailing hair.
The warmth seemed to reach for her. Each pulse seemed to ease her pain. She raised her head tentatively, looking in wonder at Sesshoumaru, still locked in furious combat. It wasn't just her imagination. The pain was fading as a strange feeling of comfort returned. 'This... is not the Shikon no Tama?' She staggered to her feet, distantly relieved that the strange white jewel was in Sesshoumaru's hand.
"So you try to save her instead of killing me? You're stupider than I thought, Sesshoumaru." Naraku's throat glowed darkly as he taunted his opponent. "I don't know what you plan on doing without a sword."
The confidant smile did not waiver from Sesshoumaru's face. Kagome's essence warmed him as if he were embracing her. "It is you who have made the mistake. Thinking you could turn my mate's power against me."
A bright arrow shot past Sesshoumaru, embedding itself in Naraku's arm. The hanyou shrank back in pain, severing his own arm as it disintegrated. He glared past Sesshoumaru to Kagome, standing weakly with her bow tightly in hand. "Bitch!"
Miasma poured from his body. The swarms of demons went berserk with the enraged jaki filling the air. In a fury of teeth and claws, they lunged through the lines of undead fighters, assaulting the miko and her attackers. Kagome turned her bow from Naraku, trying to help Kohaku hold off the seemingly endless waves of youkai.
'She has to die, now!' Naraku's anger at Kagome's revival enveloped him. She had been inches from death, and he had been seconds from completely absorbing the jewel! Now her damn spirit was trying to purify it all over again.
Sesshoumaru stepped cleanly in front of him as he tried to move toward Kagome, bringing his claws up in a deadly arch. They ricocheted off the hanyou's body; the power of the complete Shikon no Tama was invested in strengthening his opponent.
"She will die! You have no weapon! I have the Shikon no Tama!" Naraku yelled recklessly. "I'll be tasting her blood before your body is cold!"
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in anger, his fangs glinting cruelly. He forced the other back, slamming Naraku further from Kagome. Nothing seemed to damage him, his strongest hits were nullified by the power of the jewel.
The demons were in a fury now, spurred by the energy and blood in the air. There was too much for Kohaku alone to handle. His young body was tired, his blade notched and dull. In a rush, they surged past him, slamming him into the ground.
Kagome's eyes widened at the assault, raising her bow in an attempt to defend. A brown blur swept in front of her, claws slashing. The ranks parted like water in the face of Kouga's sudden assault. Kagome's white light washed over her, purifying he closest demons.
Every nerve on Kouga's body tingled. "Shit woman! Do you have any idea how much that hurts!?"
"Kouga-kun... you came..." Kagome's voice was weak and surprised.
"It's obvious your fucking mate isn't doing a good enough job protecting you," he said bitterly, hauling Kohaku back to his feet even as he fought. "Everyone seems to be forgetting this is my fight too!"
Kohaku looked up shakily, noticing the attacks stall. The fury had not died down, but it seemed help had arrived. The dead warriors, already meshed with Naraku's demons, had turned. In a sudden desperate move, Kagura's soldiers were grappling with their demon counter parts, holding them away from the miko. Kohaku felt a twinge of sadness. 'He will kill her now for this.'
Sesshoumaru let his instincts run rampant as he again and again shoved Naraku back. Naraku's body grew, hacked off limbs regrowing in more threatening shapes. Spiked tentacles attempted to ensnare him. There were too many-- even with all his skill Naraku's strikes were beginning to find flesh.
With a surge of energy, Naraku threw the demon lord back, sending him slamming into the swarms encircling the combatants.
Naraku snarled at Kagura's betrayal. He thought she had more instinct for self preservation. His hand found her heart, squeezing it in warning.
On the hill, Kagura fell to her knees, holding her chest. The air squeezed from her lungs. If she obeyed him, perhaps this pain would end. 'No, I'm dead now, no matter what happens.' With a final defiant smirk, she spurred her puppets to one last attack.
Naraku let the crumbled remains of Kagura's heart fall from his hand as the dead soldiers promptly fell all over the battle field.
"Your own flesh defies you," Sesshoumaru taunted, having broken through the demons back to Naraku.
Naraku's eyes burned red. "You are entirely too confidant in yourself."
There were too many, even with Kouga's help.
They could not keep them away from her now, she felt one of them cut her leg and fell to her knees. Her body reacted instinctively, her holy power rushing to her protection. She squinted in pain and effort.
"Run! I can't stop myself!"
Kouga finally realized what she was about to unleash and tried to get away from her. The energy surged out of her in a white wave. It tore at his demonic aura, more aggressive even than it had been the last time. He lost consciousness, hoping he still had the strength to survive this.
The jewel in Sesshoumaru's hand pulsed in response to Kagome's power surge. If there had been any previous doubts about what he held in his hand was, they vanished now.
The blast had left Kagome with only Kohaku to protect her. It had also succeeded in inciting further Naraku's fury.
With a speed gained from rage and anxiety, he shoved past the taiyoukai, easily sweeping Kohaku aside. He reached for the girl with everything he had as she stumbled, trying to recover enough to muster another defense.
Kagome fell backwards, throwing her arms up protectively and waiting for him to crush her life from her. But the blow never came.
Naraku felt a searing pain, worse than any wound Sesshoumaru had managed to inflict on him in this fight. It burned like Kagome's holy energy, but it struck like a viper, vicious and violent. The power bit into him, passionate and bloodthirsty, shaking him to the core. It had not come from the miko.
He spun in pain, once again meeting Sesshoumaru's face. All three froze for a moment, Kagome and Naraku aghast at what they saw in Sesshoumaru.
For a moment, he appeared as dazed as they, staring out with clouded eyes as if half-possessed. Tenseiga was drawn before him, glowing strongly while white energy swirled down the blade like spiraling smoke.
Naraku glanced down at his side, discovering a long, wide slash mark. Traces of blue and white fire still swirling in the wound, spreading hungrily into his body.
Sesshoumaru glanced down at his glinting blade, then back up to Naraku. He smirked, that short sinister laugh escaping him once more. He only vaguely remembered drawing the sword, but never had a blade felt so completely right in his hands. Tenseiga in one hand, the jewel in the other, and an incredible force rushing through his body. He had found his weapon.
Naraku felt his control of the situation slipping away. His yourouku fueled by the power of the Shikon no Tama, he attempted to banish the purifying energy from his body. How the hell did Sesshoumaru manage to do this?! He had to kill Kagome now!
He slashed towards her with all the speed he could muster, roaring in fury. That move, however, only served to anger Sesshoumaru more. Kagome felt her power rush from her, decimating Naraku's many lashing limbs as a similar glow caught him from behind. He was caught between a hammer and an anvil.
Sesshoumaru pushed Naraku away from his mate. In the back of his mind, he registered Kagome's weakened and hurt state. It was time to make Naraku pay.
White energy poured into his jewel, burning his hand. Just as eagerly, Tenseiga devoured the energy until it hummed with anticipation. It ran through Sesshoumaru like a current, an all-too-willing conduit for the growing power.
He let his raging blood have its way, attacking Naraku with speed even he had never achieved before. The Shikon no Tama could not lend Naraku the strength to escape Sesshoumaru's intensity. The sword of healing slashed mercilessly against his abominable flesh. The white light was spurred by Sesshoumaru, it bit and tore, more akin to Sesshoumaru's youki than the usual form of purifying energy.
A few well placed blows and his body was beginning to fall apart. Desperately, he pushed the dark energy from the Shikon no Tama at his neck downward, trying to send away the white light.
The holy power latched onto the source of the dark energy, aggressively consuming it. The searing pain raced into his neck-- it was chasing away the jewel's taint! His power was falling away like sand. He reached out with his remaining dark energy, grasping desperately for his fleeing youki even as the taiyoukai's white sword lashed into him again and again. He fell.
Kagome writhed weakly on the ground, glowing white tendril's escaping her body, trying to answer the call she felt. The white glow surrounded Sesshoumaru, too.
The masses of demons were fleeing in terror, trying to escape the sparks of holy power coming, not from her, but from Sesshoumaru.
She did not fight that unrelenting tug at her soul, even as she felt her energy leave her. It was insistent, but not invasive. It wanted to keep her safe.
Naraku found himself on the ground, the demon lord staring coldly down at him. His fangs were bared, and the white light surrounding him crashed and mixed with his own furious dark aura.
The blade of Tenseiga slowly came to rest against his throat. The hanyou's body convulsed, lights flashing in front of his eyes as the last of his power vanished.
The sword lifted, and Naraku found he was helpless to move. His body was almost completely gone. His life force fought to cling to the faintest bit of humanity in his corrupt body.
The white was bleeding back into Sesshoumaru's red eyes. His face relaxed as he gained control. He was grave as he surveyed the disgusting creature before him. Naraku struggled to breath, his mass of limbs gone, the demonic glare fading from his eyes to be replaced by the duller stare of a lesser creature, still burning with pain and hatred.
"Killing my brother... was perhaps the greatest of your many mistakes," With a small treacherous smile, he slid Tenseiga into its scabbard. "It will be a pleasure to kill you."
Naraku snarled. The Shikon no Tama in his neck glowed as a trickle of tainted energy returned. His head turned slightly towards where Kagome lay. "That fucking bitch-"
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in anger, five glowing claws ripping through the hanyou's neck and cutting off the remark. Naraku's head rolled away from his body, the Shikon no Tama falling free.
It chimed innocently as it tumbled onto the bloodstained ground.
Sesshoumaru stood shakily in front of the destroyed flesh of his enemy, feeling more drained than he could ever remember. He did not even hear Kagome as she dragged her body towards him.
At a small whimper of exertion, he finally caught sight of her. She wrapped her slender fingers around the Shikon no Tama, chasing away the last of the darkness. Her head fell in exhaustion, her eyes closed.
"Kagome..." he whispered, a wave of relief washing over him.
Her eyes opened once in response. "You kept your promise... you protected me." Her lips only barely managed to form the words.
"You kept yours, too."
She almost smiled. "I can sleep now?"
He nodded weakly as Kagome ceased her fight to remain conscious.
Never before had his body so demanded a rest, but he resolutely kept his feet. He had to remove his innocent Kagome from this carnage.
He felt weaker than a human as he lifted Kagome with as much gentleness as he could muster. With slow deliberate steps, he moved them away.
Finally, reaching the end of the battle grounds, he lowered Kagome to the ground. He turned, black edging his vision as unconsciousness threatened to drag him under. Only one figure stirred on the leveled field, a boyish form just struggling to his feet.
His eyes closed wearily as he drew his sword. He swung once, the last of his energy lost in the stroke. He had no choice now but to give into the blackness.
"Aneue!"
An urgent tug, trying to pull her back to consciousness.
"Aneue, Houshi-sama! Wake up!" There was a young hand on her shoulder, shaking her gently.
'This does seem familiar...' Sango thought hazily as she sat up with a hand to her head. The rising sun was entirely to bright.
She looked up at a familiar freckled face. "Kohaku!" She threw her arms around her little brother. "I'm so glad you're ok!"
"I'm alright," he mumbled, embarrassed. "I was worried about you."
Sango gasped as she remembered something. She glanced around in a panic, quickly locating Miroku waking near her.
She felt tears of relief fall from her eyes as she practically tackled him back to the ground. "How dare you! I thought you were dead!"
Miroku blinked, his mouth failing to catch up to his mind. He clumsily returned her embrace. His first thought was: 'That's odd, I thought so too.' But it seemed strange to say 'That's odd,' when one found one's self back from the brink of death. Instead he settled for: "Sango... I'm sorry."
He raised them both and held her close against him. He fumbled with the beads around his hand, confirming what he felt. The kazaana was gone.
He looked up to Kohaku, who was blushing a little at his sister being in Miroku's lap. "Kohaku-" He broke off, looking about him in confusion. They were surrounded by flowers, red and white blossoms just beginning to unfold. They were as tall as his head as he was sitting. The early morning sun ignited them like flames on the edge of his vision. "Where the hell are we?"
Sango seemed to realize what he was talking about. She looked about in abject confusion, certain she would have remembered the flowers. Perhaps they were all dead after all.
Kohaku shook his head as if he wasn't sure how to answer the question. "I... Sesshoumaru-sama did this... I... I need your help with them."
Sango and Miroku stood slowly, surveying the field with wide-eyed curiosity. They weren't the only figures beginning to stir in the new dawn. "What the hell...? Did he do this?"
Kohaku anxiously tugged them away from the strange scene towards the edge of the field. There, tangled together with flowers growing up around them, they found Kagome and Sesshoumaru. She was sprawled underneath him, his head resting on her stomach with his hair spilling like a silver shield over both of them. Sesshoumaru's hand still limply held Tenseiga, shining dully like as if only a simple piece of steel. They each held tightly similar whitish-pink jewels.
Sesshoumaru was not used to waking up in strange places. Nor did he enjoy it, even as infrequently as it happened.
The moment he started to wake he recognized that he did not know where he was, and had no clue how he got there. Realizing this, he would have immediately jumped to his feet, but was finding it difficult to pull himself out of his lethargy. It felt like a mountain had fallen on him.
Slowly he became aware of his arms wrapped tightly against a warm body, spooned against his front. He relaxed slightly at Kagome's soft scent and her gentle slumbering breaths. There was another warm body cuddled behind him. He sniffed carefully. 'Rin? When did she become so bold?'
He sat up, looking around himself cautiously. He was in that hut. Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga lay innocently nearby.
"Ah, Sesshoumaru-sama, you're awake finally." Sesshoumaru glanced back, meeting the face of an old woman, who apparently had just been conversing quietly with Sango and Miroku.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, this is Kaede. We brought you both back here to her home after we came to."
Sesshoumaru nodded mutely, looking down at Kagome curled in front of him. She was soundly asleep, at peace next to him. Her spirit seemed unusually weak. "I tried to heal her..." he said softly.
"I think you did," Miroku said swiftly. "She has no apparent wounds anymore, though her power was nearly drained in the ordeal. I've felt her recover while you've been sleeping. She'll be alright."
Sesshoumaru watched Kagome's torso rise and fall steadily. He gently stroked her arm, smiling slightly as she relaxed under his touch. The jewel was still curled tightly in her hand. "How long?"
"Almost exactly a day. We carried you back here just after dawn yesterday. Both of you were very weak. Yesterday, I could hardly even feel your youki, Sesshoumaru-sama. Even so, we could not force you to release your grip on Kagome-sama. It made it somewhat difficult to bring you both back here."
Sesshoumaru nodded again, still feeling oddly calm and a little tired.
Miroku continued. "I... I should thank you. For restoring my life... and Sango's. Although I was somewhat surprised about the others..."
Sesshoumaru gave him a bored look. "The wolf, unfortunately, was not dead at the time. As for Kagura... she realized who the more powerful demon was."
"But the others?" Sango prompted.
Sesshoumaru blinked. "Others?" he asked, making it sound like a demand.
The three humans looked surprised. "Sesshoumaru... you healed everything... the forest is mostly gone, but now the field is covered in flowers. Kagura's army... you brought them all back to life."
Sesshoumaru paused, considering. "How many?" he asked curiously.
"Some ran off right away, but most are still around... waiting to see you. There are about eighty men, most of them human. They've been camping outside the village."
"Interesting," Sesshoumaru remarked, a hint of self-satisfaction in his voice. It was not entirely expected, but not exactly unwelcome either. He had little control when he swung Tenseiga that final time, but it gave him a slight boost to his pride to know what he could accomplish even at the brink of unconsciousness. It was a circumstance he could easily work to his benefit.
"Kagura disappeared pretty quickly. She said to thank you when you woke up. I don't think she wanted to be nearby when you actually did. Kouga helped us bring you back, then he left too. He said: 'The difference between me and Inuyasha was always that I knew when it was too dangerous to keep fighting.' I guess that means he won't be trying for Kagome-sama anymore."
Sango and Miroku fought with their eyes for a moment as silence settled again. Miroku finally gave in and broke the quiet. "Sesshoumaru-sama? Kohaku filled us in on the fight. He said that... you used Tenseiga as a weapon... and that it purified Naraku?"
Sesshoumaru looked at him blandly. "Yes."
Miroku fought his impatience. Better to start from the beginning. "Who has the Shikon no Tama?"
Sesshoumaru lifted Kagome's arm, gently kissing the back of her hand gripping the jewel. "She does."
"Then what are you holding?"
Sesshoumaru lifted his own hand, smiling slightly at the subtle white glow. "Kagome's bloodstone."
Sango started. "What? How do you know that?"
"Naraku was a fool. He told me, that first night he tried to control her, that this thing existed. He must have made it when Kagome was in his captivity. He used it to leech her purification powers in battle, and to invade her mind."
Sesshoumaru pulled the still-slumbering Kagome into his lap, stroking her hair fondly. "I can only assume he used the tainted Shikon no Tama to prevent harm to himself when he unleashed the holiness in this jewel. He used Kagome's power to stop Tetsusaiga's demon power... but he forgot Tenseiga."
Miroku's eyes widened in realization. "It was hers! You cut that stone out of him, and used it to draw out Kagome's power!" He paused in wonder. "You're a demon... you shouldn't be able to wield a holy power like Kagome's. It's a wonder you can even survive it!"
Sesshoumaru smiled in satisfaction. "Tenseiga has a bond with Kagome's power; they are much akin. It drew on the jewel's energy when Kagome was in danger. Tenseiga allowed me to wield it."
"It really took it out of you-- both of you. Your body is not meant to have that kind of energy traveling through it. No wonder you were so worn down."
Sesshoumaru's face was hidden as he watched the woman cradled in his arms. "I... was angry. Kagome was in danger, in pain. I hardly thought during the fight. My instincts are stronger than I thought, especially where she is concerned. I... took too much from her."
A soft touch on his cheek surprised him. "Don't regret it," Kagome said softly. His senses must still be dull, to not notice her waking. "I knew it was you drawing on me, and I gave it freely. If you had hesitated for my sake, we would not have made it. Even as you were, you would not have taken everything from me. I trust you, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru lowered his head to hers, relieved to hear her speak. She did not blame him for stealing her power-- she had given it to him. "Kagome..." he murmured.
"I was worried. For a moment, I thought I lost you to the fight. You were so determined to kill. But when your hand closed around that stone, I felt safe again."
"Kagome-chan?" Sango asked, calling the two back from their own private world. "What do we do now about the Shikon no Tama?"
Kagome rolled the jewel lightly in her fingers, frowning. "I don't know. Kaede, is there some way we can destroy it, or purify it permanently or something?"
Kaede shook her head sadly. "The Shikon no Tama is a very powerful thing. The battle within it goes on. Only an act of complete purity or total malevolence can decide the outcome of the fight. Kikyou knew what she was asking when she offered the jewel to Inuyasha. Their love might have ended this long ago, were it not for Onigumo. If Inuyasha still lived and was willing, there might have been a way to put an end to it. Now, I do not see a way; it would kill any full demon to use the jewel in such a manner. I'm afraid the burden of protecting it must fall on you, Kagome."
Kagome took a shaky breath, her fingers tightening. "I... I will. I just wish that... this could be easier. Demons will come after it all over again, until it's gone. Maybe... maybe I should take it... back to my own time. Perhaps there, I can better protect it."
"No," Sesshoumaru said sharply. "I won't allow that. You belong here."
Kagome looked up at him in indecision. "But... if it's safer there..."
"No. You said it yourself: you are safest by my side. Or do you have so little faith in my ability to protect you?"
Kagome smiled broadly as she threw her arms around him, burying her face against his neck. Tears of relief stung her eyes and threatened to fall. "You're right," she murmured against him. "I won't ever leave you. Thank you so much." It was such a comfort to know she would never have to be alone in her duty. He would always be with her, helping her, loving her. She wouldn't be lonely like Kikyou.
"Then what about the other stone?" Miroku asked.
"I'll keep it," Sesshoumaru answered easily, pulling Kagome closer. He did not want to risk anything happening to her, should they try to destroy it. "It will be safe in my care." He held her stone lightly, enjoying the feel of it. He found he liked the idea of having a little piece of Kagome always with him.
"Wait..." Sango began, "You knew all this time what Naraku was using against Kagome? You must have realized right away what the other stone was!"
"Yes," Sesshoumaru replied passively, "Kagome's bond with the jewel is strong. It only made sense that her bloodstone would seem to have a similar aura to her."
Sango groaned and shook her head. "Did it ever occur to you that it might be helpful if we knew what was going on?"
The look on Sesshoumaru's face clearly stated the thought had not crossed his mind.
"I mean no offense, but it would be easier on everyone's minds if you would be a little more communicative. It's obvious you aren't used to fighting with others."
"It's ok," Kagome interjected. "It worked out, after all, didn't it?"
"Kagome-sama is right," smiled Miroku, "We'll give you a moment to yourselves. Rin has been very worried about the two of you." He and Sango pretended not to notice as Sesshoumaru gently stroked Rin's back as she slept.
"Oh, and Sesshoumaru, if it's not too much trouble, perhaps you could let my brother of guard duty? He has refused to rest until you give him leave to. He is the only among us who has not slept. I think Jaken feels like he's being usurped, he's been insufferable."
Sesshoumaru nodded. Even he grudgingly gave the boy respect; if he had not been present at the battle... He did not want to think about what may have happened to Kagome.
Sango looked down at your hands. "I'm sorry I was angry at you for the way you were treating him. I didn't realize it, but... he needed this, a way to make up for what he's done." Her eyes were moist with unshed tears, a mix of emotions coloring her face. "I don't think he'll ever forgive himself... but maybe I can heal him."
Sesshoumaru stood, waiting as Kohaku led Ah-Un to him, Rin entangling herself in the boy's legs and chatting happily to him.
Suddenly, he snapped around, his hand quickly trapping the wrists of the person who had been sneaking up behind him.
Kagome sighed in mock despair as his other hand ensnared her waist. He bent down, both of them arrested in the other's presence.
"Can't you let me win, just once?" Kagome whispered in soft good nature.
He glanced down, smiling privately at the blossoms in her hands. "I like to win." He took the two red and white flowers from her smooth fingers. "Flowers again? Why do you enjoy them?"
"They're yours," Kagome said. "Why do you enjoy them?"
He paused. Why indeed? He kissed her softly, tucking the flowers into her collar. His fingers brushed against the Shikon no Tama around his mate's neck before worshipfully tracing the lines up her collar.
"My colors are lovely on you," he said. He pulled away slowly, Kagome's friend's approaching to see them off.
"You're leaving already, Kagome-sama?" Miroku asked. "Are you sure you're both recovered enough to travel?" Kagome stood opposite the group of shard hunters and Kohaku, Sesshoumaru's arm casually draped over her shoulder. The band of resurrected soldier had been sent away by Sesshoumaru, though where he had sent them he had not divulged.
"We'll be ok. Sesshoumaru is anxious to leave, and I find that I'm ready to go home too." Sesshoumaru inwardly smiled that Kagome considered his home as her own. "Besides, I promised my mother I would visit her and try to bring Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru said we had other things to take care of on our way back. I'm sure by the time we finally make our way, we'll both be back to normal. What about all of you?"
"I finally can lay chichi-ue and the others to rest properly," Sango said. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru, for giving Kohaku leave."
No one bothered to voice the assumption that Miroku would be accompanying Sango. Shippou chose to go with them, finding Miroku and Sango's relaxed travel more pleasant than Sesshoumaru's company, though he sniffed at leaving Kagome.
"I'll be expecting your return in two months," Sesshoumaru told Kohaku. He had drawn the young man aside privately earlier, though none of the others knew exactly what had transpired between the two. There was an underlying current between them, resembling something like a respectful trust.
Kohaku nodded seriously.
"What will the two of you do?" Sango asked curiously. "How will you manage to deal with your races? Will you still be welcome in the West?"
Sesshoumaru smiled sinisterly and Kagome blushed. "I don't think we'll meet as much opposition as you think."
"But what about your life spans? It will be difficult, for both of you."
It was in the back of both of their minds, always hiding behind their other worries and doubts. How much time until they were parted?
"How long do humans live?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"In my time... some live to one hundred years... but not most." It suddenly seemed so short, even to her. "What about you? How long will you live?"
"I don't know."
Kagome sighed. "Of course no one really knows, but you must have some idea how long you are able to live."
"No."
"Can't you just tell me how long demons can live?" Kagome asked impatiently.
Sesshoumaru stroked her hair. "I have no answer to give. In the history of my family, I can recall none of my sires who died a natural death. Without a violent end, I do not know how long I would live."
"That's not a very comforting answer, Sesshoumaru." Kagome rubbed her temple tiredly.
"Wait a minute," Miroku said, "If all of your forefathers have been defeated in battle, why the hell are you always so convinced of your own invincibility?"
"There is a difference," Sesshoumaru said smoothly, "between death and defeat. That should be obvious to you, after this fight."
He continued, allowing the others no time to recover from his words. "After you have properly served your dead, consider the West open to you. The young taijiya will no doubt wish to be near her brother. It would be useful to have allies nearby who are trustworthy, especially where Kagome is concerned."
Miroku blinked. "The word is 'friend' Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru tossed an irritated glance over his shoulder as he turned to lead Kagome and Rin away. "Use whatever words you like, Miroku."
Both Sango and Miroku were dumbstruck for a moment.
"Did that sound like an invitation to you?" Sango asked.
Miroku scratched his head, furrowing his brow. "Did he just call me Miroku?"
Sesshoumaru's hand was comforting around her waist, Rin trotted excitedly at her side. Kagome tossed her hair back to look at her confused companions. She laughed.
That may be all, folks. Then again, I might add one more tiny chapter. I'll write it and see if it fits before I decide wether this story is done or not. If I decide not to, I'll post a complete notice in the summary. Thanks to everybody who helped keep me going.
I put a lot of work into this chapter (action is hard), and neither my beta nor I noticed any glaring plot holes, but please tell me if you do. And if anything was unclear, let me know that too.
I do have another Sess/Kag fic started, if you haven't noticed (Moonstruck). This one... well, is a lot different than MtaE. I'll be updating it soon.
For people on my email update list: I won't be using that list to send out notices about updates to any of my other stories. However, if you ask, I can modify my list s.t. only people who want updates will get them. I will of course, send an email to the list if I post another chapter.
Much thanks, and please review.
-Aiwendil
This chapter last updated: Tuesday, August 26, 2003