Hi everyone! ^_^ Sorry I had to make you guys wait so long, I really do apologize. I'm off to a spring vacation, so I need to hurry with this update. Here's some A/Ns first though:

1) Would you believe it? I still don't own Inuyasha *teh sigh*

2) I've started a new fanfic! ^____^ It's a WHR one. Anyone here a big fan of that? Well it's what I'm going to be working on once I'm done with this fic, so come see if you have any interest. If you like this one then I bet it'll be appealing as well. That'd be really helpful if some of you guys could come over! I need the feedback! ^____^ Thanks!

…Yeah, I guess that's really all I needed to say. Well, here's the update!:

~~~***~~~

I knelt down to him—there was no heartbeat. Kouga was gone. "Kouga…Naraku took the jewel shards…Kouga knew…he would do that…but he…he saved Sesshoumaru anyways…his last act of this world…"

Sesshoumaru stepped forward. He hid his eyes underneath his bangs. "A proper grave must be dug for him." Without saying anything else the three men set about digging a hole nearby.

"Is…is there no other way? Can he not be saved?" Sango asked anxiously. "Surely we shouldn't give up so quickly?"

"No." Kikyo said. "Listen…" She knelt down to him. "This demon was dead long before. He was only functioning by the power of the shards. Without them, Kouga could not have survived."

"…But…but we could get a jewel shard back, couldn't we? He could be restored!"

Kikyo shook her head. "Kouga would only be an empty shell, nothing more. It would be…tragic." She smiled a sad, knowing smile. Kikyo studied him further. "Besides, this demon had already accepted death long before. He was prepared and awaited it eagerly. Now…he is at peace. We should not disturb him from it. I sense Kouga would want it that way." She stood up.

"Naraku…" I gritted my teeth. "You'll pay…you'll pay for this!!" I shouted as loud as I could. "Controlling minds, taking souls…taking lives! It's wrong!!" I sighed in exasperation. Shouting…wouldn't help.

Sesshoumaru paused from his work. "Kagome…" He said in a soft voice. "If we travel back to our own world, Kouga will be saved. Remember this…there's still a chance." Everyone looked at me.

I nodded. "That's true." I felt a new determination within me. Now there was no turning back from our goal.

~~~***~~~

"I know the way." Inuyasha said. "Follow me."

We traveled with an even faster pace. As we neared the castle everything gradually became darker and darker. The clouds loomed high over the sky and the wind blew fiercely. The poison was starting to make me a bit sleepy, so Sesshoumaru buried my head in his thicker robe as a sort of muffler. The demon cries from around the forest gradually and gradually became quieter. It seemed to me that the demons were almost afraid of being near their leader. The castle itself was becoming bigger and bigger, and a clear picture came into my mind. It was of greater size than our castle and had a more gothic appearance to it. I shuddered. Sesshoumaru saw this and pulled me closer, protecting me from the solid wind. "We're almost there, Kagome." I nodded.

Inuyasha landed about a quarter of a mile from the entrance. Soon the rest of us followed. "…Okay, here's the plan." He began once everyone arrived. "This used to be my father's castle, so I can remember all of its weaknesses and passageways. The best way to infiltrate it is to climb the roof by the west side of the courtyard. Once in there we could open a window or door or…something, and climb in."

"Sounds good." Miroku assented. "I'm afraid that it won't matter how much we try to remain unseen—Naraku will still find a way to discover us, especially in his own home. It's only a matter of time."

"Yes, that's true." I said. "However, he is expecting us, and even invited us to come here…Naraku is probably waiting." I turned to the gate. "Everyone…let's go." We began to proceed inside. 'At last…' I thought. 'At last we can go home.'

~~~***~~~

And so, our plan was put into action. I supposed we looked sort of silly, sneaking around like secret agents. We climbed over the east side of the castle and ran through the courtyard. When Inuyasha opened the door, hordes of demons immediately poured through, as if the entire castle was filled to the brim with them. We sprung into action and started the fight. These guys were the small fry, and soon were quickly disposed of, especially with the Wind Scar. However, they kept pouring and pouring in. "We must press on!" Kikyo cried. "Kagome, we must divide into groups. Go ahead!"

I thought for a second, and then nodded. "Okay. Sango, do you think you could stay here with Kikyo, Shippo, and Kirara? You guys should be enough fighters."

She nodded. "Yes, don't worry about us." Sango smiled. "Thank you for everything, Lady Kagome. Now…GO!" She leapt to the horde of demons. Shippo gave me a small hug and stood bravely next to Kirara and Kikyo. The rest of us moved up the hallway.

~~~***~~~

The inside of the castle was surprisingly well kept. In each hall there was a row of neatly lit torches that illuminated everything. A red carpet touched the ground and folded up the steps. Besides the fact that there appeared to be absolutely no one living here, it looked like a nice place…besides, of course, the evil presence…always breathing down my neck. This truly was a place to beckon with.

"Where do we go?" I asked. "There are so many hallways…"

"I think I know." Inuyasha said. "He should be-"

"-There's no need." Sesshoumaru said calmly. "Look." He nodded up ahead. Standing on the path of two different forks in the hallway was Kanna and Kagura. They raised their weapons. "We must fight. Choose your path."

Miroku stepped forward. "I have a score to settle with that young girl for all she's done…I'll take Kanna as my opponent."

"Not alone you won't Miroku!" Inuyasha cried, unsheathing his blade. "Let's go!" Miroku nodded and they sprinted after Kanna into another hallway.

Kagura smirked after they were gone. "Fools. You just destroyed any chance you had of winning by rapidly diminishing your numbers. You began with eight, did you not?"

"Silence, sorceress." Sesshoumaru retorted harshly. "We are simply doing this to save time. Don't be concerned with them." He paused to flex his claws. "I will be your opponent now."

She held her fan up to her face delicately. "And it could be no other way…if I remember correctly how weak your human wife is." My ears burned, and to the side I fumed silently.

He growled. "Watch your tongue, wench. I'll kill you before you have a second chance to utter another unpleasant comment towards my wife." My heart fluttered excitedly. He was defending me! He really was!

Kagura shrugged. "Have it your way, then. It makes no different to ME which one of you will die first." Kagura chuckled and flew with her controlled wind down the hallway. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in hatred and leapt after her. I followed quickly.

~~~***~~~

When I finally caught up, I saw them on top of the highest roof of the castle (several flights of stairs later, of course!). The two immediately began to fight, with Naraku's hatred for Sesshoumaru flowing in Kagura's blood. She lifted her fan up and sent a wave of air crashing to him. He dodged this swiftly and landed gracefully in front of her, slashing Kagura's side. Of course, it would've easily gone through all the way and killed her, with Sesshoumaru being the powerful demon that he was, if not for the fact that at the last second Kagura pushed a sudden strong wind to create a sort of a barrier that weakened the blow. Nevertheless she grimaced with the sudden pain, but kept her determination.

"A nice attempt…" She said, straightening up. "…But not good enough." Kagura sliced suddenly through the air with her fan several times, which Sesshoumaru easily dodged yet again. I looked up. The sudden movements in the wind had disturbed the clouds, and rain began to fall. This could only be to Kagura's advantage—which she took, whipping the water like razor blades wind straight at Sesshoumaru.

But he wouldn't let her. Sesshoumaru leapt high and slashed his claws to her face. Blood spurted everywhere, and Kagura gave an anguished cry. The last we saw of her was when she slipped from the sudden shock of it over the structure and tumbled down…down below.

~~~***~~~

I rushed over and looked at him carefully. "You…okay, Sesshoumaru? She didn't give any serious wounds to you or anything…?"

"I'm fine, Kagome." He held his hands to the sky in order for the blood to wash away.

I waited patiently. "Well…we should go look for the others now, I guess…"

He said no response.

"And defeat Naraku once and for all so we can go home, right?"

Still he said nothing. He looked out to the land slowly. His mind appeared to be preoccupied with something.

"…Sesshoumaru?" I stared at him.

He didn't look at me. "Kagome…I must tell you something…now." He broke his gaze from the land and turned to me. Sesshoumaru gripped my shoulders and stared into my eyes. I looked back at him questioningly. He sighed, closed his eyes, and then…kissed me. I was so taken aback at the unexpectedness of this that at first I didn't respond. But then, standing there in the rain with him, I leaned closer to Sesshoumaru and kissed him back with equal tenderness. I wanted this to last forever.

He broke away and I rested my chin gently against his shoulder. He wrapped his hands around my waist, softly feeling for my hair. "Kagome…" He breathed. "This may be…my last chance to tell you…"

My heart skipped a little. "Yes, Sesshoumaru?"

"Kagome," he said urgently, "When we defeat Naraku, and travel back with his Jewel half and the Wind Scar, what then? What of us? Will we still share the same feelings? Or were our emotions that we share really just the King and Queen's, and they'll disappear once we return? Would it be possible for this to happen? Will we become…enemies once again?"

I shuddered a little. "I don't know…I don't know." I whispered back. "But I wish I did."

"Might there be any way of knowing for sure? From the monk, perhaps? Or maybe the dead priestess?"

I shook my head. "I don't think even they will know for sure. The only way to find out is to cross over back to where we belong…our true home."

He lifted my head up gently and took my hand to warm it up from the cool rain. "Kagome…I fell the King inside of me grow day by day. I can tell his personality is…kinder than what mine once was. Before we confront Naraku together, I would like to be sure if I will return to the way I was before, and my attitude towards you, which was inexcusable."

I nodded. "I understand your concern, Sesshoumaru. But how about his—we'll defeat Naraku, but we won't have Inuyasha use the Wind Scar on us just yet—at least, not until we find some answers. Is that agreeable?"

Sesshoumaru nodded slowly. "I don't want to cause you any more pain, Kagome."

I smiled and squeezed his hand happily. "Sesshoumaru…don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out in the end, one way or another." I kissed his cheek for some further reassurance.

Sesshoumaru relaxed a little. "I don't want to cause you pain." He repeated. We stood there in silence for a few more moments, letting the rain fall upon us peacefully. I could've stayed there forever, if not for the constant reminder in the back of my head that Naraku still needed to be dealt with.

~~~***~~~

I shifted a little. He looked at me. "Well, Sesshoumaru…shall we go now?"

To my curiosity, Sesshoumaru tensed up and listened around him. "There's no need." He said after awhile. "Naraku is here."

And indeed, there was a flash of lightning, and Naraku appeared on the other side of the tower.

"So sorry to interrupt." Naraku stated with a hint of sarcasm. "But I was growing tired of waiting."

"There he is." I whispered to Sesshoumaru.

"I know what it is you want." He continued. "I have long before discovered you are not the true King and Queen—only…impersonators, shall we say? You seek my Jewel half to restore order and balance, correct? Unfortunately for you, I will not allow this to happen."

"Shut up!" I shouted. "It's time for you to give up, Naraku!"

He chuckled. "You are of no concern to me, wench." His eyes glistened. "It's Lord Sesshoumaru whom I am so anxious to fight in battle high up here…just the same that we did years ago?" Naraku laughed.

Sesshoumaru growled. "My father always hated you. Naraku, you are dishonorable for killing your own leader. I remember the day well when I came to bring my father's revenge upon you." My eyes widened with worry.

"And your defeat? Do you remember that, more importantly? No, you don't, of course. You are not the real King."

"Enough! Die, Naraku!" Sesshoumaru sprinted at him. Before he could strike, though, there was a bright flash of light. We looked around the building wildly for a few moments. Where…!?

Suddenly a dozen Narakus appeared from the air. They smiled together. "This is the latest technique I have perfected." They said at the same time. "Only one of me is the person commanding the rest, and with your sense of smell veiled by the rain I doubt you could seek me out. Choose fast!" They lunged at him. Sesshoumaru leapt high, striking around in frenzy at the air. The Narakus chuckled at this attempt and dove after him. Sesshoumaru jumped away quickly.

"Sesshoumaru, hold on!" I took my bow quickly and struck about three of them done. They saw this and came to me angrily, ready to attack.

"Stop, Naraku!" Sesshoumaru shouted. He sprinted towards me and pulled me away just in time to avoid the blow from all nine of them. The Narakus smiled evilly and turned to us yet again.

"Stop trying to resist…your defeat is…inevitable…"

I was then that I sensed it—somewhere among them was the Jewel half we needed. The real Naraku was carrying it—probably in order to create the clones of his. Why hadn't I thought of it before? 'Where is he…Naraku is hiding…ah!' I spotted the real one from the rest. He prepared to attack Sesshoumaru again.

"Stay back!" He cried to me. The Narakus leapt at him. Sesshoumaru fought them away persistently, but with a ratio of eight to one the odds weren't in his favor, even though Sesshoumaru was so strong. Eventually, one of them drew a knife and cut his skin, which made him lose concentration enough to be punched be another. The clones were swift, and soon Sesshoumaru stumbled down.

The real Naraku rose up to him and drew a long blade. "You will die the same death that your father did." His hand rose up to pierce into him.

"NO!!" I cried. Without wasting a split second I dove in front of Sesshoumaru to offer protection from the attack. I was successful, and the blade fell deep into me instead. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened in shock, and I collapsed onto him. The blade was twisted around by Naraku, and blood spurted around. Finally I felt him take it out and leap somewhere else to the side. Sesshoumaru held me tightly and whispered my name very feverishly. I smiled a weak smile, and then blackness closed around his face.

~~~***~~~

A/N: From this point on, everything will be from Sesshoumaru's POV.

I held her there, in my arms. The rest of the world seemed to disappear as I saw only her weak figure. My excellent Youkai sense of smell had told me she was dead now, but I didn't listen to it. I stroked her hair desperately and touched her skin, as if to wake her. But Kagome didn't move. Why? The world became darker. If only my sword hadn't been destroyed! This was the first time in my life to feel even a shred of fear. "Kagome…" I whispered in her ear with anguish. "Kagome, I was a fool……I wanted to wait after the battle to tell you…but I never had the chance…and now……and now, you will never know…Kagome……I…." My eyes closed and I held her tightly.

"I love you."

Review Responses:

Kagome-Ann-Saturn: 1) I guess so, if he meets up with that guy who forged it…2) if they come back it'll be there.

Hoshi-chan1: *pat* Yes, poor Kouga…

fluffys_sidekick: lol…well then, you haven't read very many stories! =D

RoguesHeart: Hehe, I know what pocky is but I've never had it myself…I should try it one of these days! ^____^

Vegetas4Life: Haha I never really watched that show…well thank you! Hope you'll be able to read this one! And the last one too! ^__^

zeddy200: Well technically he wasn't hurt, his soul was stolen from him…I mean, with stuff like that it doesn't really matter how strong you are, ne?

fluffy sama 13: Will do! =D

Battousai Lover: *blush* well then you should read more stories with this pairing, they're quite good!

mandyfanforevr: Well quit being 'distracted' and update already! =D

bonessasan: lol, most definitely not, I'd say!

Guardiun Angel15: O_O whoooooa…didn't mean to give you nightmares! ^__^' Hehe, well here's another update and after another we'll be done, ne?

Tsuki Yume: Actually, I am! Go and see my newest one! =D

Gomen: *confused* I don't see a fic in your profile…well when you make it, holler to me!

Stau-Chan: Lol, yeah pretty much, she's chosen him…heh.

Skitzoflame: Heh in that case this chappy probably made you fell really terrible, to feel sad over Kouga's death…

puffin: Hehe the next chappy will answer all of those! Stay tuned! ^_____^

Peaches Dani: Lol yeah that's what a lot of people seem to be saying…

kitsune-chan3: Haha well all good things must end at some point, ne?

Sesshys Hime: Well, as for that please see one of my A/Ns done below…if you have any questions now's the time to ask!

Sihara: lol, slow motion…I can just see that…=D

bloodbunny: *hands over some duct tape* will that help now? ^____^

jenni: *douses her with water* =D There ya go. And see, I updated on the same day you reviewed! ^__^

Ack, one last cliffy, you guys are gonna kill me. _ Well you'll find out soon enough what's going to happen! Is she forever gone? Who knows! ^___^ Since the next chappy is the last one, this is your LAST chance to ask me any questions you may have (besides the obvious lol) so I can answer them in my review response. If you're confused, ask! Please! After that, you can e-mail me for further questioning. R&R! Arigato, ja ne! ^_______^

P.S. - Lastly, don't forget to take a quick look at my new fic! ;)