A/N: Well, none of you really commented about whether or not the long a/ns and review responses bothered you, so I just went ahead and followed the same scheme this time. I think the chapter once again is longer than the a/ns, even though it is long!
About the chapter, let's see…oh yeah, special thanks go out this chapter to Piukka for asking in her (his?) review of the last chapter about the Mir/San relationship. If it wouldn't have been for that review, I wouldn't have remembered about Mir/San probably. I was way too enthused with my Kag/Inu plot! As it stands, I remembered, realized what a big hole it was and attempted to fix it. Maybe because I remembered almost at the end, but it feels a little rushed to me. It wouldn't fit anywhere else, though, and although I might elaborate a little more later on, I can't promise any more than what is in this chapter. I hope it satisfies. I know Puck had a lot of fun writing it since all I had to do was look at him and say "Alright, Puck, we've got to find a place for Mir/San" and Puck just literally glowed at the idea. He found a place quick enough and inspired me in how to write it. What a difference from when I wanted to add in a bit of Kikyo understanding! *Puck glares at her, she smiles sweetly* Anyway, so it's thanks to her that it's in there at all, but I must warn you that I feel it's rushed.
Anything else? Hmm…
Oh, yeah. I also put a lot in this chapter. Mostly because I wanted to get it off the ground, get it said, and get on with it because I'm as anxious to write Kag/Inu together as you all are to reading it. (which, unfortunately means that no, although there is fluff in this chapter, it's not Kag/Inu fluff together.) For however quick Puck is to writing Mir/San together, he sure takes his time with Inu/Kag!
So, I think that's all.
Rating: Probably not even much of a PG-13. Definitely one of my milder chapters.
Disclaimer: Not mine. I don't even have my nifty Official Non Existent Certificate of Ownership of one Inuyasha which Del_kaidin offered me. *frowns*
Thanks: *jumps around ecstatically, laughing madly as she does a mix of the happy dance and just crazy dancing* I've past the 300 mark! I now have 304 reviews! Oh, you guys are great! All of you! I had something like 30 reviews for the last chapter! Granted, some of them were for previous chapters where some of you were catching up, but…thirty! You are all sooooooooooooooooooooo wonderful! Really! All of you made such an effort to review and try to make me feel better about the chapter that I'm just in awe and filled to the brim with gratitude! Along with the usual reviewers who have had me on their favorite author list, there are now three more people who have added me! Yipee! *cartwheels* I just had to share that. I'm on the favorite author list of 18 people! It just trips me out. Special thanks to all the ones mentioned before for keeping me up there and blazingnymph7, Cait The Bloody Rose, and Kiyoushi for adding me.
Pruningshears: whew! I'm so glad to read your review! I became very worried, as I wrote before, about Kikyo's character after you made that observation and I realized how right you were, so I'm glad that what I put in ("Rather last moment," Puck mumbles from his corner.) works well to amend for the gap in Kikyo's character. Thank you so much for reviewing and I'd appreciate any critique on specific areas that you have time to offer! Thanks again! VERY big grin.
eX Driver Liz: goofy grin No, as evidenced by this, it wasn't the last chapter, although it is pretty much around the corner. I'd say maybe another oh, three or four chapters. I can already see the end of the story on the horizon and both Puck and I are ready to move on, even though it's been so much fun to write this, especially since I wasn't at all sure what I was going to do with the whole death plot thing. I'm glad it wasn't confusing and I hope you like the rest of it, too! ^_^.
Anonymous: Hey there! Thanks for taking the time to review! I really like how you put it…it's mostly what I feel for Kikyo too… "undead revenant…in a clay body" I like that! I think Naraku will seem like nothing after Kagome's been through this…can't you just see her stepping up to him, going, "Bring it on!". Heehee…
LilacRose: Like I said in my…uhm…numerous reviews of Through The Ancient Well I'm really sorry I didn't review it sooner, but I got caught up in reading it! Which was really easy to do cause your story is sooo good! You've got to be one of my favorite authors on ff.net, but I think I said that in my review to your story, didn't I? Oh, well, a shameless plug can't hurt…YOU'RE AWESOME! WONDERFUL! Anyway, I'm glad you liked the last chapter. As you can probably tell from my notes to it, I was rather unhappy with it but if I made you through away the Anti-Kikyo membership card (Puck glares at, Lilac, retrieving it from the trash and wiping it off… "What?! Nononono…you don't have to do that! She's still a horrible character!" He glares at Emania. "See what you did?!") then I must be doing something right, even though that wasn't my objective. As I said, I just realized that I hadn't been exploring her three-dimensionalism…*shrugs* Oh, well. In any case, I'm glad you liked it and now, after reading this chapter and reviewing, you better go and post a new chapter to Well.
Silverpuppyinuyasha: Awww….*blushes* thanks! Hope you like this one! Oh, and thanks for reviewing!
Inuphoria: *wipes brow* Whew! Glad you're still around! Yeah, I think I'm going to stay away from the vision thing for a while now, even in other stories. I'm also glad you thought adding the Kikyo-realization thing in the chapter was a good addition. I hope you like this chapter.
Eartha: Yeah, I think I did get tired of re-editing the chapter. That was probably why I thought it might be confusing. I think I was just too dizzy of it! ~_~. Now that you've had time to think about it, maybe you can elaborate on what it seems is missing?! That comment you wrote is driving me crazy! I can't find anything, but if you can think of it, then write me immediately! Okay?! Yes? I hope you like this chapter. ^_~
LilyFlower: Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it. And I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint! ^_^ Oh, btw: Thanks for recommending my fic to your friend, Kai-Aki Ti. She's been reviewing too and I feel so special that you thought of recommending my fic to her! VERY, VERY, VERY BIG GRIN
Courtney: Awww…thanks! You don't know what your support means to me! Especially with that chapter! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter, too! ^___^.
MoonFairy: Thank you so much, MoonFairy! I'm so glad that you liked the chapter and thought everything fit in well. I was so tired of re-reading it, I guess I let myself get caught in the small elements and didn't look at the big picture. Thank you for saying that it worked out well. I feel much better about the chapter now that I've had an outside perspective on it! ^__^; So, you think that at least in reference to Kikyo and Benten, all loose ends were tied up?
Kai-Aki Ti: (21) big grin I'm glad you liked it! When you were writing before about wanting them to do something about their feelings, I kept waiting to see what you'd say about this chapter! (22) Inuyasha as Death? Really? Hm…that wouldn't have been a bad plot twist… (23) Yes to both. But I'm working on them…both…evil grin (24) Aw, stop it…I'm getting embarrassed! (Puck smacks her. "Stop it?" he mimics her. "You idiot! We don't want her to stop it! We want her to continue praising us!") (25) (Puck laughs heartily. "That's what I said! Heehee…") (26) Aw, well your reviews make me feel special and I want to thank you very much for them. Wow, someone recommended my fic to you? I'm amazed! That's just amazing… Anywho…I hope you like this chapter too.
Ghoul King: Hello! Very interesting name! Sorry if Puck foiled your world domination plot. But he is a fae and a trickster fae at that, so… shrugs If you would have asked him to help you take over the world, I'm sure he'd have gotten a kick out of that, though! You know how they say you've got to be nice to the fae or they play tricks on you, like stealing your left sock, inexplicably hiding pen caps in the freezer or in your sock drawer, re-arranging and disappearing important papers, homeworks, etc? Yeah, well, Puck is just like that, only he's conceited to boot, so, yeah, he can be a bit of a trickster and a very big pain in the…um…you get the point, if he's not kept entertained. I'm very honored you thought you would be able to get what you want just by kidnapping Puck, though and I'm incredibly honored that you couldn't find anything else wrong with the chapter except the word "knob". That little error escaped my scrupulous eye, but I've fixed it now. (The word, not the eye!) Loki, huh? That's another one you've gotta watch out for. He's not fae, but he's a spirit, which is even more nebulous…*laughs* Nebulous. Get it? Like a spirit is see through, nebulous? *smile fades as Puck glares at her.* Aw, shut it. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. It's always great to hear different perspectives on my story! Oh, and as you can see, since nobody seemed to be bothered enough by the reviews enough to respond to it, I'm just going to keep doing it this way, but thanks for the suggestion! Oh, yeah, and Puck wants me to tell you that the bomb was his idea…oh, and that the best way to get Loki to work is to convince him of the fun he'll have once the army's done, then maybe he'll get to it quicker so he can have fun with them! ^_~.
Yoshiko-Rae: Thanks! So much! It means a lot to me to have you still reviewing and still interested and especially to read you saying that the chapter was good! I feel a lot better now, so thanks! ^_^
Jen: Really?! You were tearing up?! WOW! I hope what happens next doesn't disappoint you!
Niamha: Thanks! After such wonderful reviews, I can't help but feel better about myself! I hope this update doesn't disappoint.
Simplesticself: Really? Wow. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to put it all together. When I get around to letting Puck inspire me into another story, I hope you like those too?
Funky Nassau: Yes! Thank you! I was a bit proud of the way I have fleshed out the plot. Unfortunately, I wasn't proud of the way the chapter went. Note the use of the past tense…wasn't…because now thanks to all you wonderful reviewers, I feel much better.
Blazingnymph: Not a bad idea…Emania throws it to Puck, watching him play with it. Maybe something'll come out of that…you never know with Puck! Thanks! ^_^
Trinity Kirara: Hiya! Welcome back! (22) No problem, just glad you came back! Glad I didn't loose you along the way! (23) Yeah, Kag's magic surprised everyone! Even her! (24) Sorry about the cliffies…they're Puck's fault. ::Puck glares at her, then yelps as he sees Joy advancing on him and pops out, trying to hide from Joy:: (25) ::Puck groans as he gets smacked around and he glares at Emania between smacks:: You wanna help me here?! ::Emania raises her eyebrows, going back to filing her nails.:: Stop, Joy. ::unemotionally:: Please stop. ::smiles at Trinity:: Thank you, Trinity! I appreciate it. (26) ::Puck eeps and pops out, trying another dimension where hopefully Joy can't find him. Emania smiles at Trinity.:: What are we going to do with these muses, huh?
Katergator: Thanks! That's a load off my mind. The way I see it, two chapters from the one I'm posting now will be a sort of explanation chapter, where I try to clear up everything that I couldn't make any clearer within the chapter itself. I generally try to stay away from those cause they're a little, um…talkative for my tastes, but it seems like I'm going to have no choice but to do that here. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you like this chapter too!
Kiyoushi: Wow! My head's still spinning from your wonderful review. I am so thrilled that you like my humble fic. There's nothing better for me as an author than to read how someone gets pleasure out of reading something I've written. It's the biggest high, really! Your review just really hit all the spots! I'm excstatic that you enjoy my story. This chapter will have some fluff in it, but as you might have guessed, I'm not altogether comfortable with my skill in writing fluff, so it won't be the typical kind. In any case, there will be resolution by the end of the fic, that I can promise you! And as for the quick update, ::blushes:: well, I'm writing this on the 23rd. I've pretty much written into the chapter itself everything I want to write (as I explained last chapter, the review responses is the semi-last step for me) and since all I have to do when I finish with the responses, is go over the chapter again to make certain there's no glaring errors or gaps I didn't fill, I should be posting it tomorrow, the 24th. In which case, it would be 7 days from my last post. ::frowns:: Not my quickest update, but I know of some authors who leave me hanging for weeks! I won't name names, (LilacRose!!) but I think 7 days isn't all that bad! On the upside, I've got at least the beginning of the next chapter after this already typed. It hasn't gone through 'the process' but at least it's started, which is usually the hardest thing for me. Please don't beat me with Sesshoumaru's Tokijin! I like the hugs better! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter…(carefully watching out for Tokijin in her hand…)
RavenShadow: ::So full of gratitude she almost bursts:: Thank you so much, Raven. It was very sweet of you to review and try to sooth my ego like that. Especially since, by feeling the need to spend weeks rewriting a scene, you DO understand! I wish I had someone I could share this with in my everyday life, but I can't seem to get anyone interested in anime over here! I've left all my anime pals at home and the phone bill is getting to be too much just to talk about anime! ~_~. Anyway, I hope I don't disappoint you with this chapter!
Niku: *grinning like an idiot* You're too cute, really! I don't like Kikyo with Inuyasha either, but I'm glad that my intention of just sort of having Kag come to some sort of peace with her came through, especially since Puck was all too happy to help me write where Inu kills her, but not where Kag comes to peace with her. ::Glares at Puck who ignores her:: I am planning to write other stories. Puck is buzzing around me with a multitude of ideas and I just have to decide which one to pluck up and write. The way I do it is that I write out a few chapters first just to make sure that I can go a few chapters without getting bored of the idea or not liking where it's going and letting it go. It would be bad if I let go of an idea after I'd already posted it! And, if I'm allowed a shameless plug here ::glares at Puck before he can say anything.:: Shut it! ::Puck closes his mouth with a snap and turns away from her. Emania smiles.:: As I was saying, shameless plug wise, some of the ideas running around in my head would include the introduction of a new character to the storyline, another one would be a kind of AU-ish story, another would be one dealing mostly with Mirouku ::Puck jumps up and down at that one. Emania glares at him again, then sighs:: Puck likes Mirouku. Another story would be another one I have the plot for running around in my head, but don't really know how to approach it. In any case, as you can see, my mind is already a buzz with new story ideas…it always happens to me because Puck inspires me to figure out how the one story I'm working on is going to end before I can actually write out all the pesky details of getting there, so Puck decides that since the end is done, revealed to me, he can move on to inspiring me about something else. However, ::trumpets blare a flourish in the background. Emania turns to Puck who quickly pops the trumpeters in medieval like tights out of sight. She sighs and turns back to computer.:: I will not fall into that trap! I will prevail! I will finish this story first! Wow. That was a bit of a rant. Sorry!
MoonBaby: I'm so glad you liked the chapter. Yes, the song Breaking the Habit is what originally inspired me to the main idea of this story. The lyrics is also the very first song I quoted in the Prologue. I'm glad you think my story has no holes! I hate having holes! I think it's why I read over it so many times! Your review did help me very much, so thank you again and again! I hope you like this one, too!
Piukka: Oh, no! You were one of the ones that the hurricane hit! I'm so sorry! I hope you didn't loose anything valuable and that everyone you care about is healthy and okay. I know, I got kinda lost in the chapters dealing with the club and I don't know why it was so difficult for me to get them out of there. I just had the idea of several things I wanted to happen while they were there and it took me a while to get it together. I'm glad I didn't loose you! By the by…once you read this chapter I'm posting now, you'll understand why I owe you a HEAPING DOUBLE DOSE OF THANKS! If it hadn't been for your review, I probably wouldn't have remembered Mirouku and Sango at all! I got so caught up in my plot development of Kag and Inu that I forgot them. However, as I've said above, Puck likes Mirouku ::Puck smiles from pointy ear to pointy ear:: and as soon as I decided that I had to put something about them in and started wondering where I was going to put them, Puck gleefully jumped back onto my inspiration track and worked double time, finding almost a perfect spot for them (at least, I think it's perfect, but what do you think?) I personally feel rather happy with how it ended up. It might be a little too OOC but considering I didn't have much more space to develop it…well, I'm content. As always, if you've got any other ideas, PLEASE lemme know, k? So, as I said above, the whole part with Sango and Mirouku is dedicated to YOU cause I probably would've forgotten about it if you hadn't brought it up! whew! Glad you did!
AgentScully: HEEEY! It's so good to hear from you again! I was afraid you had abandoned me! Awww…my creative abilities, huh? Wow. I hadn't really thought about it that way, but I'm really honored for your saying so. I hope you like what I did in this chapter I'm posting now ::tries to hide under the bed without making it too obvious:: I promise it'll end well! About the editing, just the fact that you tell me you understood it and enjoyed it really helps me on its own. It's one of the most worried thing that bothered me. You are a very faithful reviewer and I shall never doubt you! (Trust No One, huh? How about, The Truth Is Out There?)
Puck tries to keep scrolling through the reviews, up and down again and up again. He looks on forlornly. Emania looks over his shoulder. What are you doing?
Puck tries to scroll through one more time. "Is that it?"
Emania nods. That's it. Puck frowns. I'm sure she has a good reason for not writing, Puck.
Puck's eyes snap up to hers. "What? Who? Huh? I…I don't know what you're talking about."
Chapter 26: Whisper, reprise
"Catch me / As I fall / Say you're here / And it's all over now / … / I know I can stop the pain / If I will it all away / Don't turn away / Don't give in to the pain"
-Whisper, Evanescence
Inuyasha saw her first.
It wasn't until he had stood and was halfway to the barrier that Mirouku and Sango noticed her walking between the trees. She was walking as if every step was painful, as if her legs were heavy and she had to consciously tell them to move. She looked so tired, soul-weary. Her head was bowed as if even it were too heavy for her to lift, or as if she had to watch her feet to make certain she kept moving. Her hands reached out half-heartedly to grab hold of trees when she was close enough to them, but she mostly seemed to be dragging herself along by sheer force of will alone.
Mirouku and Sango watched her painful movements and itched to help her, but she was too far beyond the barrier for them to do anything but watch her approach.
Inuyasha started for her, but stopped when he remembered the barrier. There was nothing he could do until she came beyond it. She winced as she stepped and Inuyasha winced with her. "Kagome," he whispered softly.
Her head rose as if she heard his whisper and their eyes met. She didn't stop moving, however, afraid that if she did, she might not be able to continue and she stepped wrong or tripped, her balance wavering. She reached out for a tree, but didn't have one near. 'So close,' she thought as she started to fall.
Inuyasha reacted without thinking, a blur of red and silver toward the barrier.
As Inuyasha reached the area previously barred from him by the barrier, it shimmered but didn't stop him, dissipating as he passed. He reached her just as her legs gave out under her and held her under her arms, supporting her weight and helping her regain her balance.
Mirouku and Sango rushed to their side and Kagome looked up at them, attempting a smile. She steadied herself and then let go of Inuyasha's shoulders. "I'm alright," she said, her voice coming out hoarse so that it was nothing more than a whisper. She tried to take a step but her knees buckled again betraying her words. Inuyasha reached out for her, but was afraid of grabbing her too tightly, and consequently could not resist the momentum of her fall. They fell on the ground, Inuyasha holding her upper body from touching the ground. She fell back against his chest and slid so that her head was on his lap.
She winced but opened her eyes. "See? I'm alright," she insisted groggily.
Inuyasha snorted doubtfully but didn't comment.
"Can you stand, Lady Kagome?" Mirouku asked.
Kagome blinked up at him, frowning as she tried to figure out why Mirouku was looking at her upside down. "You mean I'm not?"
"That's it," Inuyasha exclaimed, standing easily and lifting her into his arms.
Her eyes almost crossed as she tried to focus while her surroundings kept shifting. She looked up at Inuyasha. "What are you doing?"
"I'm carrying you," Inuyasha answered softly. For a second, he thought she was going to argue. He was ready to fight her if he needed, but she just smiled tiredly and sighed.
"Thank you," she said, closing her eyes and leaning her head against his chest.
"What happened, Kagome?" Sango asked.
"It's over," she whispered. "He's gone." She blinked to open her eyes. There was a tired smile on her lips. "I did it." She looked at Inuyasha. "I had the strength after all," she whispered.
"Nobody doubted you, Lady Kagome," Mirouku spoke up.
She tried to smile at them again and her lips curved slowly. "Thank you," she whispered, fighting off exhaustion. "It was my trust in you that saved me, in the end."
Before anyone could question the comment, her eyelids fluttered closed again and her breathing regulated into sleep.
Inuyasha held her closer to him, feeling the warmth of her body spread along his wherever she touched him. The warmth meant she was safe, she was in his arms and he took comfort in that warmth. He took in a full lungful of her scent and let it out slowly. "Stupid girl," he whispered. He would yell at her later, right now, he just wanted to relish in the feel of her.
"Is she hurt?" Sango asked.
"No blood," Inuyasha answered.
"Her aura is very weak," Mirouku spoke worriedly. "She has strained herself beyond her training…she is exhausted."
Kirara transformed next to Sango and Sango petted her, her eyes brightening. "Good idea, Kirara," she said, mounting her. "Come, Inuyasha," she called out. "Sit her here, we will carry her back."
Inuyasha simply continued to walk, as if he hadn't heard her. Sango and Mirouku exchanged looks.
"Inuyasha?" Sango asked as Kirara walked next to him. "We can take her much easier and much quicker."
Inuyasha feh-ed, gently pulling Kagome closer against his chest. "We're fine," he mumbled and continued walking. "You two go on ahead and tell Kaede we're coming." He could rush, but he didn't want even the possibility of disturbing her. "It's okay, Kagome," he whispered to her. "I've got you now, it's all over."
+~+
"It's not over, is it?"
Mirouku looked at Sango across the room and didn't know how to tell her what he felt, but he knew he must. "Her aura should be strengthening," he finally spoke.
"But it's not." Sango's voice was unemotional, as if she were stating nothing but a fact, but the blankness to her eyes betrayed her to those who knew her.
"No," Mirouku answered finally. "She is getting weaker."
"Why?" Sango asked. She looked at the hut where Kagome lay, apparently sleeping. "I don't understand, what's stopping her? Is it a spell?"
Mirouku thought about it, but couldn't come up with a viable answer. "I do not know," he finally answered. "I feel no spell and Kaede-sama and I both have tried to cleanse her aura of the negativity she drew into herself by her confrontation with the water demon."
Sango looked at the hut. "Maybe if we…" she trailed off, and looked at Mirouku. "Maybe the jewel could help her."
Mirouku took a breath to steady himself. He had been thinking the same thing, but had dismissed the very tempting thought from his mind by reminding himself what the jewel did to people who tried to use it that way. "I cannot, Sango," he admitted. "I cannot dispel the image of what the jewel does to those who try to use it in such a form."
Sango nodded, remembering her brother. "It would only be borrowed strength anyway; she would be a slave to the shard."
Mirouku nodded. "Yes, exactly."
Sango stood and she too was weary. She grabbed a bowl at her side. "I should go get water," she said emptily. She seemed to think. "Then I will make food, we need to eat," she said, trying not to wince at the thought of anything solid in her stomach. She shook off the feeling. Even if she didn't want to eat, cooking was at least doing something.
"Sango," Mirouku spoke softly.
"I need to do this, Mirouku," she interrupted whatever he might say. "I know it's not saving her, but I can't just sit idle."
Mirouku nodded. "I will help," he said, standing.
"Thank you, but I'd rather you did not," Sango said, without meeting his eyes. "I…" she trailed off. "I need time on my own right now."
Mirouku bowed, but she was not looking at him. "I'll be here when you need me, Sango," he said as she started to walk away.
Sango stopped at his words, unsure of what to answer him. The first thought that came to her mind was to say that she knew. She did know that Mirouku would be there for her. He always had, but…what did that mean? She couldn't think of it, she…
All thoughts left her as Kaede stepped out of the hut, a grim look on her face. "Kaede?" she spoke, her tone asking all her voice could not.
Kaede met Sango's eyes. "She has yet to awaken…her sleep is growing deeper."
"Is it normal?" Inuyasha asked, coming out of the hut.
Kaede did not meet Inuyasha's eyes. "So thee hast felt it?" Kaede asked.
"Of course I did, baba!" he exclaimed. He lowered his head. "She's getting colder…the sleep is changing…"
Kaede inspected Inuyasha with her one good eye. He had changed, she could see that now. He had been changing. She had noticed his slight change, a little every day, but since he had come back from Kagome's time he appeared to have come to some realization. They had all changed, and not for the worst, she realized.
Kaede looked around her, taking in the sight of the saddened group who had grown so close in so short a time. Her eye met Sango's anxious ones. The exterminator was waiting for her answer, barely holding on to the tether on her emotions. They were like sisters, she knew. She had caught Kagome looking at Sango with something like the awe she had looked at her own sister with. And Sango…Kagome had never seen it, but Sango had let Kagome in, becoming as close to the girl from the future in a way that Kaede was almost sure the exterminator had never allowed herself to become with any person outside of her brother.
Mirouku's face was carefully blank, a product of his Buddhist teachings. He would hold his emotions back, keep his features neutral so as to not burden any with his feelings, but Kaede could felt the pain surrounding him like a cloud.
Shippou, the poor baby kitsune lay sleeping close to the fire as if he were cold despite the mild night. He had not taken it well when he had been unable to wake Kagome. He knew naught but how to express what he felt and he had cried loud enough to wake the dead, curling in on himself when not even that had been able to awaken the girl. Kaede had finally given him some of her calming tea which had finally allowed him to sleep as well…
Would that she could do as much for Inuyasha…
"Her temperature is lowering steadily," Kaede finally announced softly. "I have tried all I can to wake her, but she is slipping into a deep sleep that she might not awake from."
Sango's breath seemed to freeze in her lungs, her heart ceasing to beat mid thump. She felt a rushing in her ears. She had faced death a hundred times and it had never been like this. Kagome had been in trouble before and it had not felt like this then either, but there had always seemed to be something to be done. Some hope…
Mirouku's staff jingled as he leaned on it heavily. Kagome's smile played back in his mind's eye and he tightened his eyes from the vision. He knew that that smile would be yet another ghost that would haunt his thoughts…surely, there could have been something more he could have done? Perhaps if his wards had been better she would not have been able to get out without waking them? Perhaps if he had realized that the death after Kagome would get her to leave the house, he might have stopped her. Perhaps if he would have been stronger, his magic would have broken through the shield…And Inuyasha suffers for the loss of his love. He looked at Inuyasha, half expecting the hanyou to attack him, to kill him for his incompetence, but Inuyasha was long gone, having rushed to Kagome's side as soon as Kaede's words left her lips. He walked to follow him, all the while wondering what he would have done if it had been Sango instead?
Sango was at Mirouku's side as they entered the hut. Inuyasha was leaning over Kagome's form, shaking her as violently as he dared. He was whispering fiercely to her but Kagome looked like a rag doll in his arms.
Sango closed her eyes against the thought. Kagome was not dead yet…there had to be something they could do!
"Inuyasha," Kaede spoke from the door. "Thou canst not wake her that way."
"She needs to wake up or she will die," Inuyasha said simply, still holding her.
Sango frowned, trying to hold back her tears. She turned to face Kaede. "Is there nothing we can do?"
"Naught but wait," Kaede answered. "Her soul must decide to return on its own-"
"It's more than that, baba," Inuyasha spoke tiredly. "She does want to return," he gently laid her back on her futon. "She wouldn't leave me," he whispered fiercely. He glared at Kaede as if daring her to argue. "She does want to return," he insisted, his voice louder.
Mirouku frowned, standing next to Inuyasha and looking at Kagome as if there were something he hadn't quite noticed before and thinking that if he looked at her strongly enough, it would be made clear. Finally, he gasped. "I think Inuyasha is correct, Kaede-sama," Mirouku spoke, meeting Kaede's eyes. "She is too weak to return even if she wanted to."
+~+
Kagome felt strangely like she did when she was completely relaxed. It felt as if her consciousness was awake, but her body was asleep. She had never decided if she liked this feeling before, but now…now, she rather liked it. She was comfortable and safe where she was. She had done what she had set out to do and her weariness was one that came after having accomplished a great feat. She felt like she could finally rest now, like she deserved it…
Still, there was something nagging at her subconscious…something…keeping her from giving in to the silence…
…something…calling her back…
What was that? She felt a heat, a pressing need, like there was still something she had to do, something more to accomplish…
She fought against it. She was tired. She had done what she set out to do, she didn't need to do anymore, she could just surrender...
The Shikon no Tama…
She had a responsibility to complete that jewel didn't she?
As soon as she thought it, she could feel the jewel…all of it…the way she felt it when she was near to a shard. She knew where the other pieces were. There were so few left, really. And now that she knew where they were, it wouldn't take long…
There was more calling her back, however…much more…
The memory was just out of her reach, like the remnants of a dream after you wake, vague shadows in the mist of her mind, but it nagged at her and didn't let her rest.
Kagome sighed. She was so tired and she was so comfortable.
There was mist on the ground and she watched as it rose. She shivered as it touched her skin. This place she was at now didn't want her anymore. She had to move on. It was too cold here to stay here anymore. But where?
She turned and saw a light shining beyond the mist and she could feel the warmth from it. She would be welcome there. It would be warm there and she could finally rest.
Something called to her and she turned away from the light, looking into the enclosing mist, and shivered. What was calling her?
The whispers came out of the mist then, the insistent voice that she could almost hear…almost make out…almost recognize. She felt the warmth from the light at her back and the cold of the mist around her, the contrasting feelings making her wrap her arms around herself to still the shivers.
'Who's there?' she called out.
The whispers continued and the mist seemed to dissipate. She felt warmer all around now, not so conscious of the warmth of the light behind her.
She strained to make out the whispers and thought of Inuyasha.
She was so tired, but there was Inuyasha…
Where was Inuyasha? He had caught her before she could fall when she came out of the woods. He had been waiting for her, but where was he now? She couldn't see him. She was alone in this mist and she was so tired…
She wouldn't leave me…
Kagome gasped. 'Inuyasha?'
+~+
"Kagome," Inuyasha whispered his face close enough to feel her soft breath on his cheek. "Kagome, you need to wake up, you need to fight," he told her fiercely. She looked so pale. "Please…" he could barely feel her breath anymore. He leaned down to rest his head on her stomach, hoping to feel her breathing, hoping to ease the tightness in his chest by the feel of her heartbeat against her skin, but her skin was so cold to the touch, as if she were in a very cold place with no warmth. He did the only thing he could think of...he cradled her into his lap, pressing her against his body, hoping to lend her some of his body heat. "You promised you wouldn't leave me, remember?" He swallowed against the lump in his throat. "Kagome, fight. Please, I don't know what I'll do without you…" She wasn't responding, he leaned in so he could cradle his body over hers, but she didn't respond at all, not even to open her eyes or sigh or breathe heavier.
He couldn't give up hope. Kagome had taught him that. "You can't leave me yet, not before I've had a chance to tell you what an idiot I've been…I've been an asshole to you, Kagome, I've been so afraid of losing you, and now I'd do anything just to have you come back, just to have you yell at me again, just to have you glare at me or sit me for teasing Shippou."
It wasn't fair. He had been dead inside, Kagome had given him life more than by just waking him from Kikyo's spell. Kagome had taught him to love again and he had been too much of an idiot to realize that before, and now she was slowly dying and there was nothing he could do to stop it. "You can't…" he fought to control his voice so that it wasn't strangled with the tears he was fighting off. "…can't leave yet…" He shook his head. "We haven't completed the jewel…we haven't beat Naraku…we haven't…" he stopped as he felt the tears travel the length of his cheek and salt his lips. He tasted the salt of his own tears. "But if it means having you wake up, I couldn't care about the jewel…" he shook her gently. "Can you hear me, Kagome?" he called to her. "I don't care about the jewel or Naraku or anybody else, just…just wake up, okay?" He marveled at the way the tears fell from his eyes even though he tried to stop them. He couldn't remember ever having cried before… "Don't give in, Kagome…I haven't yelled at you yet for going off on this thing by yourself…for leaving me behind…" he swallowed hard. "You can't leave me, Kagome…" he whispered, he clutched her to him as he suddenly realized that he had to strain to hear her heart. "I haven't told you how much I love you…" He felt a shiver go through her small body, and her face seemed as if it were drawn in a frown. "Kagome?" he asked.
He felt useless sitting there, doing nothing, watching her slipping away no matter how much he held onto her. He couldn't just sit here and wait, watch as she died. He couldn't. There had to be something he could do. There had to be some way of helping her find her way. He would do anything…
+~+~
"Inuyasha hasn't moved once," Sango said tiredly as she emerged from the hut. "His food remains untouched, his bed unslept in…" she shook her head and wiped her eyes.
"I cannot blame him," Mirouku spoke pensively. "We all care for Kagome, but it is his love's energy that is slowly draining away…" he sighed, contemplating the flames. "Not a herd of wild animals nor all of Naraku's spawn could move me from that bedside if it were you in Kagome's place."
Sango went completely numb at his soft words, the bowl of water crashing at her feet as it slipped from her hands. "What?" she asked so quietly she wasn't sure he had heard her.
Mirouku looked up at her, his eyes as unreadable as she had ever seen them. "I am dying inside that I cannot help Kagome, but a part of me is thankful that it is not you in her place…" he shook his head and looked back at the flames. "I could not bear to lose you, Sango--" he swallowed back his emotion, finding it hard to control his voice. His expression went hard. "And Kami help the soul who tried to move me from your side."
Sango was on her knees on the ground before she realized her legs had given out under her. A sob escaped her lips and the tears finally broke free, wracking her body with their violence.
It was too much for her to take…
She had been able to focus after that night at the club and she realized that her feelings for Mirouku were more than just as a friend. She had been able to control herself as she realized Kagome had left and they couldn't get to her. She had been strong as the days passed and Kagome didn't wake, and although she had had a few moments of doubt, she had even managed to remain calm when Kaede said she might not awaken…but now…
…this…
…Mirouku telling her…telling her…
All of this together was too much for her frayed nerves and her control broke, the floodgates of her tears bursting open.
"I'm sorry," she heard Mirouku's voice speak. He was close to her, but he hadn't touched her. "I shouldn't have burdened you, I shouldn't…" he stopped short as Sango leaned into his heat, her hands clutching at his back as she wept on his shoulder. He slowly let his arms bring her closer to him. "The thought of loosing you…" he trailed off, watching as his tears fell on her hair. He let his hand soothe her back. "I pity Inuyasha because he's watching his love die and he can't do anything…he can't even tell her how he really feels and I hate myself because although I'm in pain, I can't help but think that I'd be a fool to let another day going by without telling you that although I know I don't deserve you, I…" he faltered and took a deep breath to steady himself. "I love you, Sango."
Eventually, Sango's tears started to lessen, even if the pain in her heart hadn't gone away. But…Mirouku loved her, and it was suddenly easier to bear. She wouldn't give up. She'd find a way to help Kagome, she had lost a brother, she wouldn't lose her sister, too. And knowing Mirouku loved her…loving him back made it more possible somehow.
"We'll help Kagome, won't we, Mirouku?" she whispered.
"We'll do anything to save her," Mirouku answered, unsure of what they could do but sure that they'd try it all to save her.
He felt her arms tighten around him as she sighed.
It wouldn't be easy loving Mirouku, but what had been easy in her life? "I love you, too, Mirouku," she whispered. They could work out the details later…right now it just felt right to be held by him.
He was prevented from responding by the sound of bamboo shifting. He looked up to see the bamboo curtain at the entrance to the hut be pushed aside.
Sango looked up, wiping her eyes to watch Inuyasha walk out with Kagome cradled in his arms. "Is…" she started, the tears falling anew. "Is she…?"
Inuyasha glared at her. "Of course not!" he growled.
"Where are you taking her, Inuyasha?" Mirouku asked.
"I can't just let her die," Inuyasha answered, walking past them. "I have to do anything I can…"
"Inuyasha!" Mirouku called. "Where are you going?"
"To find Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha said between clenched teeth.
+~+~
A/N: Well…so, what did you guys think? Was Mirouku's declaration too rushed? It felt like it was rushed to me. Were Inuyasha's feelings too OOC? Y'all know I won't feel calm about this chapter until I get SOME comments on it, so come on! I know you guys won't let me down! ^_~.
Oh, btw: VERY IMPORTANT PLUG! People, you've got to go read Through The Ancient Well by LilacRose23. It's just such an amazingly told story and she hasn't gotten nearly enough props for it! Take it from me, her writing is so amazing it'll leave you speechless. I normally don't read the type of story that Well is, but I know she's an excellent writer, so I started reading it, and now I'm hooked! Her characterizations, her descriptions, her plot…it's just…TOTALLY AMAZING! GO! Off with you all! Read her story and review it! (Mind you, she did not ask me to do this plug, she doesn't even know I'm doing it until she reads it when she hopefully reads this chapter. I did this all on my lonesome, but it's not cause I'm such a good person or anything…I'm just hoping that if enough reviewers tell her how wonderful her story is, she'll update sooner! I told you, I'm hooked and I need my next fix!) So GO! OFF WITH YOU! GO READ THROUGH THE ANCIENT WELL…I'll even make it easy for you, it's story ID: 1364362
…um…but review my story first, right? ^___^