CT: I have someone I would like you to meet. Get out here! Introduce yourself.
Guest: I am your sister's computer.
CT: And why are you so important to me in particular?
Guest: If I don't work, you have no Internet.
CT: And what did you do last week?
Guest: I blew up.
CT: Good answer! So – tell the nice people whose fault it is that this chappie is late?
Guest: Mine. All mine.
CT: Thank you. *hits it with a sledgehammer*
Guest: Ow.
A/N: *Author falls in a heap* It's finished! You wanted long and fluffy? Eat your heart out.
As for Kaede saying 'ye' instead of 'you' – that is strictly the Viz translation, which I do not follow at all. So, 'ye' can find someone else to flame *bows*.
Disclaimer: I'm not going to call down lightning this time – that hurt! So I'll just say that I don't own Inuyasha. At all. But Mizumi and Namako are mine, so hands off!
WARNING: Long. Exhaustively, finger-numbingly LONG. And fluffy. Very fluffy. Ugh.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tempting Fate
Chapter 20: Welcome to my Fairytale
Inuyasha and Shippo sat side by side in the small hut, keeping a watchful eye on the sleeping miko. A strained silence hung in the air, making the talkative kitsune a little uncomfortable. Finally he worked up the nerve to voice the question he was just dying to ask. "What do you think Kagome will wish for, Inuyasha?" If possible, the hanyou's mood got even darker. Shippo hastily backtracked, waving his hands.
"Eh-heh, no, don't worry. Didn't want to know, forget I said anything!"
Kaede looked up from where she was sorting her medicines and sighed. "I rather fear that we may never know."
"What do you mean?" Shippo squeaked in apprehension.
"Well," she answered grimly, "now that the Shikon no tama is complete, I believe that Kagome will return to her own time, where she will be safer. If she makes a wish, we will not know about it here in the past." The old woman glanced sideways at Inuyasha. "Of course, if she were to stay, it would be a different story. But I believe that once the wish is made, the well will close."
Inuyasha's eyes widened perceptibly.
"It all depends on what side of the well that the wish is made, whether or not she will be with us."
"What if no wish were made?" Shippo suggested desperately. "She would still be able to come here, wouldn't she?"
"Yes," Kaede answered slowly, "but youkai from all across Japan would come in search of the Shikon no tama, just like before. She would never be safe if the jewel were to remain in this world." She looked over at the unconscious girl. "She must decide." Joints creaking slightly with age, she pulled herself to her feet. Before leaving the room, she paused. "If what you have told me is true, then she will likely think that there is nothing to hold her here, Inuyasha." She left, leaving one person stunned and one deep in thought.
***
"Namako-chan, you little rascal, hold still!"
"Nyah! Can't catch me!" A brown blur zoomed past the tan wolf youkai, who made a grab for the speeding cub – and missed.
"Agh! Namako, come here-OOF!" Mizumi suddenly toppled as the cub changed course and slammed into her legs. The two of them landed in a tangled heap on the ground, prompting cheery laughter from the other females nearby in the nursery. Namako grinned, delighted with her success – but found herself unexpectedly restrained when she tried to get up for another mad dash. She looked around only to see Mizumi determinedly gripping one of her ankles tightly. "Aww, Mizumi -"
"No. Bath time."
"But-"
"Now."
"No fair!" At the child's shrill complaint Mizumi simply sighed and picked her up, walking over to the waterhole. Brilliant blue eyes watched in great amusement as the cub was abruptly launched into the air, landing with an enormous splash. Namako clawed her way to the surface, coughing and spluttering indignantly. She glared at Mizumi – who glared right back at her – then simply giggled and started playing in the water.
"It's certainly an innovative approach to bath time, Mizumi," a deep voice murmured near the wolf youkai's ear. She jumped and spun around, reaching out to whack her visitor on the arm.
"Kouga! Don't do that! You scared me half to death!"
"What a shame," he grinned at her teasingly.
"Why, you-!"
"I was thinking," he cut her off hurriedly, "of going to see how Kagome is recovering in that village of hers." As he had hoped, Mizumi was distracted from her imminent scolding by the mention of her friend.
"Do you think she's alright?" He chuckled indulgently at her.
"That's what I'm going to find out, silly." She crossed her arms.
"I? What's this 'I' business? You can forget going without me!" she declared. "I'm coming."
"And I will be glad of the company," he said placatingly. "As if I would go anywhere without you!" It was said in jest, but she couldn't help blushing slightly as she tried to hide her flattered smile. He watched her, a trifle surprised. 'She's pretty when she blushes...I wonder...'
"Why aren't you mated?" he thought aloud. Mizumi glared at him, blush completely gone.
"You still don't know much about talking to women, do you?"
"I was just curious!" he defended, inwardly kicking himself. "I mean, you're not ugly-"
"Well, thanks very much!"
"-and you seem perfectly nice, so...I wondered. That's all." Finally she threw her hands up in the air.
"Oh, whatever. Come on, let's go see Kagome." A dripping wet bundle of fur latched onto her foot.
"Can I come?" Mizumi looked down at a hopeful Namako and shook her head.
"It's a bit far for you, little one." Namako pouted.
"No fair!" The older wolf ruffled the cub's hair affectionately.
"I know." Before Namako could come up with an excuse to tag along, Mizumi and Kouga exited the cave.
"You're very good with her," Kouga mused as they walked. "I still don't get why you're not mated!"
"Kouga...you can be so DENSE!" *Whack*
"OW! Hey, I just don't understand it, come on. Oh, hey – wait up!" She had broken into a run, leaving him to catch up.
***
For what must have been the thousandth time, Miroku examined his gloveless, Kazaana-free hand. He had thought that he was about to die on that battlefield – how ironic, to die at the same time as Naraku. Who would have guessed that it would hurt as much to get rid of the curse as it did to get it in the first place? He turned his hand this way and that, marvelling at the sight of smooth, unmarked skin where there previously was none. This opened up a whole new world of opportunities for him, now that he knew that he would live long enough to enjoy them. He looked up from the contemplation of his hand to see Sango walking toward him.
'Speaking of opportunities...'
He drank in her appearance greedily, admiring her lithe form and graceful bearing. The grace belied a warrior's strength hidden in that body, but she was undeniably beautiful. And the Kazaana was finally gone.
"Sango, I was just thinking about you!" he grinned suggestively, getting to his feet. She huffed at him.
"Pervert." But somehow the retort didn't have its usual sting.
"Walk with me for a bit?" he invited, extending one arm courteously. He mulled over his words as they strolled, glancing at her every now and then. How to get started...?
*
Sango very nearly fell over when Miroku suddenly blurted, "So – how many children are we having, love?"
"W-wha...?"
"Eh-heh." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "That didn't quite...come out right."
"Uh-huh." She stopped and looked at him seriously. He managed to rescue his dignity and began again.
"I asked you once if you would bear my children once our fight was over. Do you remember?" She gave him an incredulous look.
"How could I forget?"
"And do you remember what your answer was?" She blushed.
"Yes."
"And?" he prompted her.
"My answer was yes," she replied softly. He gave her a dazzling smile.
"Mm, just keeping saying that." She looked at him, puzzled.
"Huh?"
"No matter what I say, you have to say yes."
"Ah." He cleared his throat, a touch nervous.
"Do you love me?" She chuckled.
"Yes."
"Are you going to stay with me?"
"Yes." He took a deep breath.
"Will you marry me?" She blinked, a smile growing on her lips.
"Yes!" Sango laughed and lunged at him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Yes!" Miroku held on tight, closing his eyes and savouring the moment. And when he shifted his head slightly to kiss his newly betrothed, it was perfect.
Life just didn't get any better than this.
***
Later, when they were walking back to Kaede's hut, Sango brought up a rather uncomfortable topic. "Won't this seem rather cruel? I mean, Kagome-chan and Inuyasha...and their, er, problems..." She trailed off helplessly. Miroku tightened the arm that was looped around her shoulders comfortingly.
"If I know Kagome-sama, she will be very happy for us, love. No matter what she is suffering in her own case." Sango stopped walking in order to think. Caught by surprise, the houshi continued walking for a few moments. He turned back to look at her, still walking.
"I guess that's true, Mir-look out!"
Too late to save himself, Miroku tripped on whatever it was that Sango had spotted in his path. He resigned himself to hitting the ground, only to be extremely surprised when his fall was cushioned by something soft. He opened his eyes to see...feathers. Lots of feathers.
"I don't believe it," he muttered. "It's you!" The chicken, who was looking a bit, well, squished, just looked at him. "I caught you! Ha! I finally caught you!" He scrambled to his feet, still gripping his prize. The ecstatic houshi bounded over to Sango, holding the incarcerated bird out in his hands. "Look! I caught it!" She looked at him dubiously, not trusting the rather mad glint in his eye.
"Yes, you caught it. But what are you going to do with it?" He snorted.
"It's going in the dinner pot, what else would I do with a chicken?" Proving that poultry could, in fact, understand human speech, the chicken in question began struggling, covering Miroku in feathers. Sango looked at him.
"Don't even think of coming in the hut like that." She leaned over to give hima quick peck on the cheek, then backed away. "Once the feathers are gone, you can come in." She left. Miroku glared down at the bird.
"Do you have any idea of the kind of grief you've caused me? It'll be a relief to have you consumed at the dinner table!" The chicken looked at him, clucking softly. "Well, I can't get rid of the feathers you so generously gave me without letting go of you, and I'm not doing that because you'll just get away again – so it's the chopping block for you!" He strode in the direction of the block...and stopped when the gentle clucking got louder. He looked at the chicken.
"I – don't look at me like that. You're a chicken, it's what chickens are for. Eating. You're fulfilling your destiny!" It looked at him. "The old man gave you to me for food, in payment for a hammer on the head! It's my right! You're my compensation!"
It looked at him.
"Oh, I don't believe this," he moaned in defeat. "Hundreds of youkai faced in battle, and I can't kill a chicken!" Miroku released the bird none too gently onto the ground, giving it a slight kick to get it moving. "Go on, beat it! If I have to eat vegetable stew again, I don't want to see the meat that I let get away hanging around to rub it in!" But the chicken didn't seem to want to leave. On the contrary, it weaved around his legs, absent-mindedly pecking and scratching at the grass. He scowled.
"Leave!" It didn't.
"I just don't believe this." He brushed himself clean of feathers and walked off – and the chicken, to his intense annoyance, followed.
***
Kagura skimmed over the cluster of little houses, eyes searching the area for a familiar face. She had spent a glorious week free of responsibility and care, revelling in the oh-so-welcome absence of Naraku in her life.
She hoped that he was having a hard time of it in hell.
But on her travels she had seen a young girl, nearly a woman – and the resemblance to Kagome had been uncanny. Not identical like Kikyou was, not by a long shot...but close enough to make her look twice. Before she really knew what was happening, she found herself airborne, winging her way to the miko's village. She wanted to know how she was.
Finally Kagura spotted the once-cursed houshi striding toward a hut on the village outskirts. She swooped down low, watching as he went inside. The wind youkai didn't particularly want to be seen – she wasn't sure of a warm welcome, not counting the boy – so she landed a little way off to try and remain undiscovered.
*
Sango looked up when Miroku entered the hut, hiding a smile when a second visitor came in. "Miroku?"
"Don't ask. Just...don't ask." He cast a disgruntled look at the chicken and resolutely settled himself on the floor beside Sango. Kirara began growling.
"Kirara?" The cat's only reaction was to puff her fur up, bristling in...anger? "Something outside?" Sango asked. "Well, off you go!" Kirara darted out of the door, transforming once she was safely out the door.
Miroku suddenly noticed Shippo's downcast demeanor. "Hey, who died?" Sango shot a look at him.
"Tactful!" Shippo was saved from replying by a loud shout.
"Let go of me, you...overgrown lapcat!"
"Kirara!" Sango rushed outside, Miroku just a few steps behind. A most amazing sight met their eyes. Kirara, feet dug firmly into the ground, had a part of Kagura's ornate kimono gripped in her massive jaws – preventing her from getting aboard the ever-present feather. Miroku was surprised; Sango was coldly furious. "What are you doing here?" she demanded. Miroku sighed.
'Whenever those two meet, they fight! Unavoidable.'
Sango snapped her fingers as she had an idea. "You're here for that fan of yours, aren't you?" Kagura smirked.
"No. Believe it or not, I don't need that thing. And I don't want it, anyway." Sango frowned.
"Why not? It's a perfectly good weapon." The youkai grimaced.
"Naraku gave it to me."
"Oh." Well, nothing more to be said. Or not. "Then why?" Kagura closed her eyes.
"Call off your animal, woman!" Indeed, Kirara still held Kagura down by her clothing. Sango had completely forgotten.
"Kirara, off." The cat growled in reluctance. "Now!" She let go. Kagura shook her off and inspected her robe, which was shining slightly with saliva from the cat's mouth.
'Eww...'
Annoyed, she looked up. "I just – I – oh, forget it. I didn't want to talk to you anyway." She was about to turn and stalk off when a steady, youthful voice stopped her.
"Kagura, you don't have to go."
'Kohaku.'
"Kagome-sama is resting well. That is why you came, isn't it?" he asked her calmly. Ignoring the two adults, she nodded at him. He smiled. "Thought so. Would you like to see her?"
"NO!" Sango burst out. "Kohaku, you can't trust her!" He looked at her, eyes strangely shadowed.
"Why not?" Sango spluttered.
"Because – she – she was Naraku's ally!"
"Ane-ue...so was I. Do you not trust me either?" She was shocked.
"Of course I do! But you're different!"
"How so?" he persisted. Kagura watched, stunned.
"I – you – she did more! I mean, you didn't do the same evil things as she did!"
"Didn't I?" he murmured, remembering a lady and her servants, all covered in blood. "Ane-ue, Naraku controlled us with the threat of death – we are no different. Kagura had no choice, just as I had no choice. And neither did you," he reminded her gently. Kohaku turned. "Come with me, Kagura. I'll take you to her." Kagura looked down at him with not a little awe as they walked away.
"You are a good person, Kohaku."
"Thank you."
*
Sango watched them go, looking as though someone had hit her with a landslide. Miroku instinctively tried to lighten the mood. "Are you sure he's only ten?"
"He was always mature for his age," she replied absently. Abruptly she snapped out of her daze. "He had no right to say that to me!"
"Oh?" She glared at him. "He had a point, Sango..."
"Argh!"
"Why do you hate Kagura so badly? She has done nothing to earn our enmity since Naraku's death, and she even helped with his demise." She groaned, gripping her head in her hands.
"I know! I know, it's just...whenever I see her – I...I remember being under his control." She didn't have to say whose.
"She is a reminder of your capture?" he clarified. She nodded miserably, not looking at him. He sighed and tilted her chin up, looking her in the eye. "Sango, it has only been a month or so since that happened – of course it still affects you."
"I can't help but feel that I should be better than this!" she bit out in frustration. "Look at her! She seems to be fine, why aren't I?" Miroku chuckled, earning him a punch on the arm.
"OW!...You think she's fine? She has as hard a time keeping her temper around you as you do around her. She is a grown woman, and she relies on a ten year old boy for support. Does that sound 'fine' to you?"
"N-no, not really."
"Well then, give her a chance. You're all recovering." He hugged her lovingly, reassuring her. "Let's get back."
***
"Kouga! Mizumi!" Shippo called, seeing the two wolves approaching from the forest. This day was just full of surprises; a near miss with Inuyasha, Miroku got a pet chicken, Kagura was inside with Kohaku (he still couldn't quite believe that one) and now these two! What else was going to happen?
"Hey, runt, how's Kagome?" Shippo noted that he didn't say 'my woman'.
"Kouga! For goodness' sake, have some manners!"
"What? It's what we came to ask, isn't it?"
"You don't just call friends 'runt'!"
"He's small enough – look at him!"
"That's not the point."
"Fine. Shippo, how is Kagome?"
Shippo looked between the bickering pair, green eyes twinkling with merriment. 'They sound like my mother and father...' This most interesting thought was cut short by a disoriented groan coming from the other room. "Kagome?" three voices asked simultaneously.
***
Inuyasha watched, hardly daring to hope as Kagome's eyelids fluttered weakly. "Kohaku – out. You too, Kagura. Out. Now." Not thinking it wise to argue, they left. His eyes remained glued to her face even as he heard Miroku and Sango arrive.
"Houshi – did you know there's a chicken-"
"Quiet, Kagura. Please...quiet."
"Kagome's waking up!"
"You're sure, Shippo?"
"Oh, Kaede, you're back. Guess what?"
He ignored their excited chatter and concentrated on the awakening invalid. Was she alright? She'd been asleep for so long...he couldn't be sure. But he knew that he didn't want anyone else in here. "Wha...?" she muttered groggily, wincing as she cracked one eye open. "Inuyasha..." He waited.
"Naraku?" He had to strain to hear her whisper.
"He's dead. You killed him, remember?"
"Oh, yes. That's right. How long since...?"
"A week. Or nearly, anyway."
"Ah." She fell silent, eyes thoughtful. Then she became aware of the Shikon no tama in her hand. "It's...whole?"
"Yeah." Damnit, why was this so hard? He wanted to talk, really talk, before she left him forever. But the words just wouldn't come! "The others are outside. Been worried sick." She looked at him sadly, making him catch his breath. 'Why is she...?'
"Can you take me out to them, please?" He nodded dumbly, scooping her up, blankets and all. When he felt her shaking he cradled her head against his chest firmly. He couldn't be sure, but he thought he smelt – tears? 'Don't cry, Kagome.'
*
Kagome pasted a smile on her face as her friends came into view. "Hi, guys!" Her eyes widened as her brain caught up with the sheer number of people gathered in the small building. "Wow..what a welcoming committee!" She giggled at the various puzzled looks she received. "Oh, never mind. It's a future thing." She looked around interestedly. "So – what did I miss?"
"Actually, Kagome-chan..." Sango looked to Miroku cautiously, smiling when he nodded. "Miroku and I are getting married."
"Whaaat?!" the girl squealed. "Since when?!"
"Since today," Sango grinned shyly. Kagome wriggled out of Inuyasha's hold and grabbed her friend in a hug.
"Oh, this is so exciting! I can't believe it! Well, I mean, I can believe it, it's just – oh, congratulations!" She mock-glared at Miroku as he pretended to cower in fear. "It's about time!" He smiled easily at her.
"I quite agree, Kagome-sama, but there were some things to be taken care of first." Her eyes fell to his hand.
"It's gone?" He nodded happily. "Oh, that just makes it perfect! Um," she paused uncertainly. "Why is there a chicken in here?" The houshi groaned.
"I – I don't want to talk about it." Kagome shrugged in bewilderment. Then she spotted Kohaku just behind them and smiled. "Kohaku-kun! I'm glad to see you're alright."
"It's good to have you awake again, Kagome-sama," the boy bowed respectfully. The next person in Kagome's path was...
"Kagura. This is a surprise. What brings you here? I thought you would be far away by now." The wind youka shuffled her feet, cheeks flaming with embarrassment.
"I – ah – came to see how you were recovering." Kagome studied her face closely.
"You don't regret Naraku's death? You don't hold it against us?" Kagura blinked.
"No!"
"Well then," Kagome beamed at her, "no problem! Welcome to the club!" Kouga coughed loudly, earning him an elbow in the ribs from Mizumi. "I didn't expect you guys to be here – don't get me wrong, I'm glad you are – there's nothing wrong, is there?" Mizumi chuckled at her.
"And they say I talk too much. We're here for the same reason Kagura is – to see how you are."
"And obviously you're doing well," Kouga broke in, not to be outdone.
"Yes, Kouga-kun." He blinked at the name, then smiled ruefully. He understood what it meant. 'Back to the way things were before.'
"Namako-chan wanted to come and see you," Mizumi said apologetically, "but the journey was just a bit too far." Kouga nodded.
Kagome sighed. "That's a shame. I would have liked to see her again."
'For the last time.' The words hung unspoken in the air, making Inuyasha shiver. Kagome didn't seem to notice. She was too busy marvelling at the new closeness that Kouga and Mizumi were displaying. 'It's a good match – she's sensible, he's responsible. They'll be great leaders for the tribe. And they're just cute!' She was about to make a pointed remark on that note when she suddenly felt a weight on her legs. She looked down to see Shippo hugging tight to all of her that he could reach – which was just to her knees. Evidently he couldn't restrain himself any longer. "Oh, Shippo-"
"You nearly died! And you were asleep for so long, and I was worried, and you're going away, and I don't want to lose a mother again!" the kit wailed miserably. The room seemed to hold its breath as Kagome stared down at the sobbing kitsune, who was like her own son.
"Oh, Shippo." She knelt down and wrapped her arms around him, trying to comfort him as best she could. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."
Everyone looked on; all of the previous gaiety vanished in the cold face of reality. "You – you're really going, Kagome-chan?" Sango pleaded, hoping for a quick denial. To her dismay, Kagome nodded slowly.
"The quest is over – the Shikon no tama is whole again, Naraku is dead...my job here is finished." She blinked when Shippo started shaking his head furiously, shaking her around a bit.
"Don't go!"
She looked at the ground, refusing to meet anyone's eyes – especially the golden ones belonging to Inuyasha. She couldn't bear to see the accusation that she was sure would be in his gaze. "I have responsibilities back there, you know. I have a family that I hardly know anymore, friends that have most likely forgotten my name, and grades that...will never recover...among other things." She looked up at Sango earnestly. "I have to go back – can't you see?"
The demon exterminator thought hard for a moment. What if her father, mother, and the people in her village – came back? Would she stay, or...? She finally understood. "I see, Kagome-chan. I do
see." Miroku played it safe and said nothing. Kaede looked at her knowingly. Shippo just clung tighter.
"Kagomeee!"
Inuyasha was getting hot under the collar. The way the kid was snuggling into Kagome like that – was it possible to be jealous of a tiny kit?
Yes, apparently it was.
"Feh! If you're going, then go already!" he snapped irritably – although the words seemed a bit strained, even to his ears. Kouga stepped forward, blue eyes blazing.
"If Kagome weren't here, I would slit your throat for that!" he snarled viciously. Mizumi looked like she would be right behind him. Kagura wore a mask of indifferent contempt, as always – but her fingers twitched as though they would like to be holding a fan right now. Kagome's defenders were stopped, however, by her low voice speaking softly. "No – he's right. I should just get this over with. No point in dragging it out." And still she wouldn't look at the hanyou.
***
It was a very subdued group that made its way to the Bone-Eater's Well a short while later. Even Kagura, much to her own astonishment, found herself tagging along. Inuyasha was very close to losing it completely. He knew perfectly well that if he didn't do something – SOON! - then his precious Kagome would be lost to him for good. And that was something that he just didn't think he could take.
Suddenly Kagome stopped walking, forcing everyone else to come to a confused halt. "I think you had all better stop here. I don't know what the well will do when it closes. Better to stay safe than sorry – I don't want anyone to get hurt or anything."
Which meant that her goodbyes would be said here and now. She started with the easiest first.
"Kagura, I hope you enjoy your freedom. I'm glad you got free finally." Kagura looked at her in surprise. "Yes, I knew it was what you wanted when I borrowed your energy in the fight. It kind of...slipped over to me in the bond. You wanted to be free." Kagura, to the shock of all, bowed slightly.
"I owe you much, Kagome. I wish you well." The girl moved on.
"Mizumi, Kouga." She swallowed. "Oh, gods I'm going to miss you!" She enveloped the pair in a hug. "And to think I won't even get to see your wedding," she whispered cheekily. They drew back, stunned. She giggled.
"Er – well, goodbye Kagome. I don't believe I ever had quite as much fun as when you stumbled into our tribe," the female choked out. Kouga wasn't looking much better off.
"We will miss you," he murmured, holding her arm affectionately. "If only you didn't have to go."
"Yeah, if only," she echoed sadly. He let go reluctantly, and she turned to the next in line. "Kaede."
"My dear child," the old miko said softly. "We knew this day would come, did we not?" Kagome sighed.
"Yes, I think so. But it hurts, you know? I mean, I love -" she glanced at Inuyasha standing to the side – "so many people here, it's hard to leave. So very hard." Kaede nodded, then leaned forward to whisper, "My sister's soul is at ease within you, Kagome. You have done our miko tradition proud." Kagome's eyes widened at the praise, and she blushed a little.
"Kagome-sama," Kohaku spoke up bravely. "I just wanted to – to thank you for helping me when I came to your group. And...I also wish you well for your life in the future." She shook her head at him disbelievingly.
"Are you sure you're ten years old?" Miroku grinned, remembering his comment of less than an hour earlier. Kagome saw it, and gulped. This was where it got difficult. "Oh, Miroku-sama..."
"Please," he said gently. "I think after two years, we can dispense with the formality, correct? At least, at this last point?" She nodded, tears shining in her eyes.
"Yes, Miroku. I – don't get any ideas, you silly pervert, but I really do love you. Very much. You've been the best friend I could ask for – when your hand was behaving." He smiled at her.
"You will be very much missed, Kagome. Your smile, your love – your soda, and your ramen..."
She bopped him on the head. "Gee, thanks. I feel so loved." He grinned – although it took a little effort.
"No problem. Just – good luck." He hugged her and then released her into Sango's embrace.
"Kagome-chan, I never thought we would have to say goodbye like this. I thought we could just keep on the way we always have!" Sango mumbled into Kagome's shoulder. The miko sighed.
"Things rarely work out that way, Sango-chan. There is always goodbye, and it always hurts – but don't let this hold you back, you hear me? You marry Miroku, have those 10 or 20 kids he was always talking about, and live a good life. Okay?" Sango sniffled slightly and nodded. "Good." She pulled away. Shippo looked up at her. "Shippo-"
"Don't go."
"I have to, Shippo."
"Why? Because Inuyasha was an idiot?" The hanyou growled.
"No. Just because I have to. I have family, and friends, and...oh, lots of other things that I have to take care of. Now," she knelt down and held him by the shoulders, "you're going to listen to the others, learn from them, and live the best life you know how. You're going to make lots of friends, maybe find your own pack, you're going to find a lovely mate, have lots of kits, just like I knew you always would."
"But you won't be here," he whined plaintively. Her heart wrenched.
"Oh, I'll always be with you in some way, Shippo. You just won't see me, that's all," she comforted. "Now, give me a hug." He did.
"Keh!" The loud outburst startled everyone. "I think I'm gonna be sick." Kagome stood, thoroughly riled.
"If you're so uncomfortable with it, then leave! I've said my goodbyes, you don't need to hang around!" He scowled at her.
"Nothing doing! I'm walking you to the well."
"I'm a big girl, I can make it on my own, you know!"
"Oh, just come on!" He stalked off, clearly expecting her to follow. She shrugged sheepishly at her friends and followed. "About time you caught up."
"What is your problem? Oh, forget it. I don't want to know."
"Feh!" Kagome looked back, noting that the group hadn't moved. They were determined to stay until she was gone. "Kagome-"
"Inuyasha-"
They stopped, startled. "Er, you first," he fumbled.
"Here." She grabbed his hand and slapped something into it. To his shock, it was the jewel.
"Kagome?"
"I promised I would give it to you, didn't I? Just – wait until I get through the well before you make your wish, okay? Wouldn't want to get stuck, would I?" She grinned half-heartedly and started walking again. He looked at the stone in his hand with narrowed eyes.
"I wish-"
"No, wait! Wait, I said!" She broke into a run, but she was too late.
"I wish for the well to remain open." A brilliant flash of light erupted from the well, and it was all over. Kagome stared at him, stunned. He smirked, swaggering towards her.
"Kaede gave me the idea. She said the well would close once the wish was made, and that just wasn't going to happen if I could help it. So, I removed the problem. No Shikon no tama, no closed well – you can stay!" She looked at him seriously.
"But, Inuyasha – what about your wish to become full-youkai? Isn't that what you wanted?" She watched in surprise as a pained look came over his face.
"You really thought that? Damn, I screwed up worse than I thought. Kagome, I haven't thought about that for a long time now." She gaped at him, uncertain whether to laugh or cry. "All I could think of was finding a way for you to be able to stay. Or go, whenever you wanted to."
"But you've – you've been so mean lately!"
"You should know by now that I'm horrible with words, Kagome. I do much better with actions." And he proved it.
He kissed her. Hard.
"Don't go," he mumbled against her mouth desperately. "Please don't go." She tried to resist, but found that it was impossible. Instead, she nodded, circling her arms around his neck.
"I won't." He broke away, looking her straight in the face.
"I love you. You do know that, don't you?" She grinned.
"Well, now I do." To his annoyance, she giggled.
"What?"
"I wonder what Mama will think of all this? After all, I haven't seen her in – THREE WEEKS?! Hey, we've gotta get going! Come on! Man, she'll be worried sick!..."
***
Miroku smiled as the entire group watched the goings-on at the well. "Finally, those two got a happy ending!"
"Took them long enough," Sango agreed through her tears. Happy tears.
It really was a fairytale ending. Except for..."Argh! I've got feathers on me again!" Oh, Miroku...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*Falls down dead* Finished! It's about 4 or 5 chapters in one, but I figured, what with the delays and all (and I just wanted it DONE already!) you deserved to get the rest of the story. Fluffy enough? I nearly choked on the sap.
There is a sequel planned, but it will be a LONG time in coming. Got other stuff I must do first. Any M/K fans out there? I'm going to give that pairing a try, see how I go. I/K fans are now disgusted with me, but I can't help that. Thanks so much for reading! I will do replies for this chapter via email, if you were wondering.
Reviewer replies for Ch 19
Aamalie – Well, chicken fan, are you happy? Lots of chicken. You put off reading??? Ah, why?
Bikutoria – If you thought Ch 19 was fluffy, how was this? We're drowning in the stuff! This clears up the bit about the fan, too. Kagura will be back in the sequel. How? Not telling.
KawaiiChica – I have heard of stranger ways to get ideas for fics. Not many, but some. And *now* she wakes up! Yay!
Mvdiva – Hope you don't think I wasted the jewel...
ShadowHeart – Ah, so supportive! I have a job, and a life? Could've fooled me! This is kind of 4 chapters rolled into one, like I said. Very, very long. Took ages. More Kagura for you, and Kanna and Kagura will be back in #3. Not telling how, though. You'll just have to find out.
Poohsbestfriend – You're already on the mailing list, so no worries there. You'll even know when I start the next one!
Stripe – I'll be writing a new fic soon. Promise!
Kage Neko – Thanks for the review, sorry the update was late!
Candace – Kagura was never all bad, in my opinion. This just proves it *points to Ch 20*.
Emowyen – You like my wolves? I do too. Very proud of those. Thanks for reading, there will be a sequel! Gotta love that chicken – who will also appear in #3...
Inudemoness247 – Fic#3 – Well, this is Fic#2 in my little series. Did you read the first one, Under Control? Well, you should have! Hff.
M+M – Updated as fast as I could. Sorry.
Badgerwolf – Well, there's the wish! Happy?
Lady Tiger Lily – Yay! The chicken came back! Kanna will be in Number 3.
Tsuki Miko – Aw, don't be sad! Another fic will be appearing soon. Like, a few weeks!
Miztikal-Dragon – Well, it wasn't years, but it seemed like it! Sorry about the delay.
Darkinuyasha – Longer chapter....oh yeah, this was long.
ArtificialRed – Nah, you can lurk. It's ok. Thanks for reading!
Jessica T It's Me! - Ah! I just love reading your responses! I'm almost afraid to ask – tomato soup? Well, this was one monster of a continuation, huh? And yes, there will be a sequel. I'll be trying something new in that one, more OC involvement and all that. But I/K are central to the fic! First – some alternate pairings. Ah! No stones thrown at me, please! It's just to see if it works!
Rogueandkurt – sequel, coming up!
C-dog – oh yes, they said it. Incredible, huh? But man, this was fluffy!
Ashley – have a nice vacation? And was this enough fluff? It better be – almost the whole thing was fluff! With just a teensy bit of angst – sorry, I couldn't help it. I live for angst!
A/N: Whew! I think that was all of you. (Flames don't get replied to.) Yes, yes, yes, there will be a sequel. No, I'm not telling you what it's about. You'll just have to wait and see. I will do reviewer replies for this chapter, but not on Ffnet. So, if you want to read the replies, leave an email address (pleeeease). Thanks sooo much for reading my little BIG story and enjoying the ride with me!
Toodles. CT.