Author's note: Sorry for the delay folks…loooooong story. AP season jumped right into the middle of my writing. I didn't mean to leave you on such an evil cliffhanger; I started writing this chap the day after I posted…so think about how long it took for me to finish…
Anywho, thanks to everyone who reviewed. I want to thank everyone who's stuck with me throughout, everyone who joined the bandwagon, and everyone who inspired and helped me along the way. You're all great, and I love you. It's been a journey, for me, and the characters. Don't drop me yet though, there's an epilogue coming soon.
You may also want to check out Swept Away, because if it goes where I think it will, you're in for an adventure.
Enjoy.
The sky rumbled quietly, the gray clouds solemnly shifting. After a tense moment, the clouds opened, letting a soft rain drizzle down into the silenced clearing.
Inuyasha barely noticed as the rain splattered upon his down-turned face, the drops mingling with his tears. Shaking, he clutched Kagome's still body closer to his chest.
Gods…I'm so sorry. I'm so…I'm so sor— A harsh sob ripped itself from his chest, halting his thoughts as he bent over her, shoulders shaking. Burying her torn face in his chest, Inuyasha let himself cry for the first time in his entire life.
I never even got to tell her…how much I…how much I love her! Taking a long, shallow breath, he tried to breathe in her fading scent, but it was clouded by blood and death. Already he could feel the warmth seeping from her body.
"I can't believe…" His ragged voice came out in a whisper as he touched his forehead to hers. "I can't believe…after all that…I still failed you. You've always been there for me, Kagome, whether I wanted you or not…but the time you needed me the most, I was…" A sob broke through. "I was powerless."
Shadows fell over his face as he closed his eyes, hot tears still streaking his cheeks. "I never deserved you, Kagome. I was never good enough for you." His voice became nearly inaudible. "I just wasn't…good enough."
The rain matted his silver hair to his head, leaving wet blotches on his face.
I can't believe I've lost you…
The world was pitch black, dark mists swirling about her. Slowly, she peeled her eyes open, but nothing met her gaze. She could feel herself drifting, though through what, she didn't know.
…Am I dead?
Slowly, like a crumpled bag filling, she took a breath, but she felt no relief from it. It was as if she hadn't breathed at all. Lifting a hand, she tried to make it out in the darkness.
It was almost transparent.
"Ok, that's not normal." Her voice made no noise in the dark world surrounding her. This looks so familiar. Is this the world from my dream?
"…D-dammit to hell…"
Blinking, Kagome turned towards the voice. Far off in the distance, she could make out a man who had curled himself into a little ball. His dark hair fanned out about him, a soft red aura hovering about his shoulders.
"Naraku." Even when he wasn't paying attention to her, his evil seemed to creep towards her. Frowning, she tried to move away, but her "body" was sluggish.
B-bmp!
Gasping, Kagome felt herself lurch upward. Looking up, she spotted a tremendous orb hovering above them. Bit by bit, her "body" was being pulled up into that orb, along with Naraku.
Kagome blinked and attempted to take a step back. "That's the Shikon Jewel!" When she looked around, however, she found no presence of either Midoriko or the Demon. "If they're gone, then maybe Naraku and I…"
She blanched. "…Are the replacements?"
Fear mounting in her heart, she searched wildly for Inuyasha's presence, but all she felt was darkness.
"Where is he?? Where??" If I could just find him, I could find my way back from…from wherever I am! Forcing herself to calm down, she waved her arms blindly and pushed through the mist.
"Kagome…come back to me…"
Biting her translucent lip, she headed in the direction of his faint voice. She could just barely hear him…
"Please, Inuyasha, keep talking! Show me how to get back!!" Each step she took became more difficult with the jewel's heavily increasing gravity. His voice grew more distant, and she started to lose her way.
"I failed you, Kagome!!"
Concentrating all of her remaining energy, she aimed it at the mist in his direction. The mists started to burn away, revealing the faint image of Inuyasha. His face was streaked with tears.
"I wasn't good enough to save you!"
Fear pounded through her chest. "No! Inuyasha, don't give up on me! I'm still here!!"
"I wasn't good enough…"
The image she had forced to appear faded, his voice dwindling into silence. The mists swirled angrily at her feet, and the jewel began dragging her back.
"Inuyasha!! INUYASHA!!"
Her yells ceased as a dark presence built behind her. Spinning about, she came face to face with Naraku. His eyes were alight with terror and rage.
"Damn you! This is all your fault!!" His hands wrapped around her throat. "If it weren't for you, I would have been able to make my wish. Now look!!" His voice spiraled up in pitch, hysteria steadily mounting. "Now we're stuck in here for eternity!!"
As she struggled to pry his fingers from her throat, a contorted smile took hold of his face.
"Unless…Unless I destroy you before I am consumed." His eyes glinted. "Then my soul will be freed."
She gasped, trying to build up her aura, but she was far too weak. Too much of her soul had already been consumed by the Jewel.
She started to black out as the two of them started to slide closer to the jewel.
"I…Inu…yasha…"
Miroku and Sango quietly approached as Inuyasha fell into silence. Tears swam in Sango's eyes as she looked down at her best friend's body.
"Kagome-chan…" Her heart snapped in two as she fell to her knees. I've lost my brother, my best friend…both to that wretched jewel! Sniffing, she swiped a hand at her eyes. Damn that jewel for ever coming into existence!!
Miroku stared down at them, a heavy heart in his chest. Slowly, he lifted one hand and began to pray.
Whooooooo…
Inuyasha's ears tweaked at the sound of serpents slipping through the air. A familiar scent drifted towards him.
Kikyo…
He lifted his haggard face as the miko entered the clearing, her soul-stealers hovering about her. His fingers tightened instinctively about the dead girl in his arms as Kikyo approached.
"Keep…" His voice croaked, so he cleared it and tried again. "Keep away from her. I'm not going to let you…let you…" Emotion closed his throat as he looked back down at the girl he loved. He couldn't do anymore for her. What else could he protect her from, now that she was…was…
Closing his eyes, he bowed his head and held her close to him. Kagome…god, Kagome, don't leave me here alone!! I want to be with you!!
"You won't reach her now."
Inuyasha peeled his eyes open and looked up at the dead miko. Her face was impassive, her gaze cold as she looked down at him.
"The girl is dead. You can't change that, Inuyasha." A tiny sliver of a smile appeared on her face. "Though I'm sure this is a familiar conversation."
A growl rumbled out of Inuyasha's chest. "Leave me alone, Kikyo! For once in your afterlife, stop tormenting m-me!" His voice cracked on the last word as her face melted into surprise, then hurt.
"You…want to forget about me?" Her voice was little more than a whisper. Slowly, she lifted her hands to her heart. "She means that much to you?"
Inuyasha's tongue felt thick. "I…well, I…" He couldn't say it. His heart torn, he looked back down at the girl cradled in his arms.
After a moment of silence, Kikyo spoke quietly. "You won't be able to see her in the next life, Inuyasha…but you will have me. Come with me to Hell, and your pain will be purged. Would you rather live, knowing you failed…twice?"
Inuyasha squeezed his eyes shut to prevent yet another tear from slipping free. I can't save Kagome, and I won't be able to reach her in the afterlife. What are the chances of me going to heaven?
Slowly, Inuyasha placed Kagome carefully on the ground and stood. I can't help Kagome anymore, but at least…at least I can end Kikyo's misery. I don't even deserve to hold Kagome anymore.
Sango bit her lip angrily as Inuyasha rose to his feet and slowly followed after Kikyo, his head hanging. How dare he…how dare he abandon Kagome again!! That…that BASTARD!! Tears rolling down her cheeks, she glared at Kagome's lifeless form. He'll go and get himself killed, just so he doesn't have to live with the pain of losing you. He doesn't deserve you!!
She jumped as Miroku gently laid a hand upon her shoulder. He sadly shook his head.
"I know how you feel, Sango, but there's…" He sighed, his face tormented. "There's nothing we can do."
They watched as Inuyasha staggered away.
Kirara slowly came to, blinking at the tremendous black and red face before her. Grunting, she shook her head and rose to her feet.
"You're all right." Kiori looked away. She had me worried.
Kirara ignored him, picking up on a familiar scent. She gracefully leapt into the well, landing beside the boy huddled on the floor. Ishiyana glanced up at her, his face worried.
"Something really bad has happened to Kagome, hasn't it?" he asked quietly. She nuzzled him with her nose, huffing softly. Running a hand over her head, Ishiyana climbed onto her back and wrapped both arms about the kitten. His heart sank with dread as she leaped out of the well.
"Oh…my…god…"
The kitten slipped from his nerveless fingers to the ground as Ishiyana took in the horrible scene before him. Ignoring the glad cries of Kiori, he slid off Kirara's back and staggered over to Kagome's prone form.
"What…" Hands shaking, he fell to her side and pulled her towards him. "What h-happened??"
Neither Sango nor Miroku seemed able to answer. His heart shattering, Ishiyana cradled her protectively in his arms.
"She doesn't deserve this." Reaching up, he gingerly trailed a finger along her torn cheek. Tears welled in his eyes. "You don't deserve this, Kagome! You don't!"
For the first time in his life, rage and pain rolled through him. Grinding his teeth, he glared up at the sky.
"HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO HER?? SHE DOESN'T DESERVE IT!!!"
Sobbing, he hugged the lifeless girl. "Kagome…"
Coming to, she dimly recognized a man's scream. Kagome peeled her eyes open to see Naraku's hands fly away from her throat.
"No!! No! I refuse to become a part of that wretched jewel!" The demon struggled valiantly, but once his back touched the shimmering surface of the jewel, a tendril of power wrapped around his middle and yanked him in. His horrid screams abruptly ceased as he disappeared into the jewel.
She watched dimly, her strength depleted. Is that what's going to happen to me? Her foot slid closer to the jewel, tempting the tremendous orb…
Abruptly, the jewel's power snagged her and began to draw her in. Adrenaline racing through her body, Kagome snapped out of her daze and began to fight.
"H-hey! Let go of me!!"
Kagome struggled with all her might, trying desperately to pull herself away from the shimmering jewel. Catching sight of her arm, she noticed its lack of color. I'm nearly invisible!! If I disappear…I might be gone forever!! Her breathing ragged, she tried to push through the mist.
"Inuyasha gave up on me. I told him to trust me!!" A tear leaked from her eye. "He gave up on me!!"
Her feet slipped, and she started sliding into the jewel. It burned a violent dark red, calling for her purity to complete it.
"I don't want to go. Please, Inuyasha! Please, help me!!"
"Kagome…"
"Huh?" She stilled suddenly. That was Ishiyana's voice!! Desperate, she tried to call out to him. "Ishiyana, help!! Get Inuyasha!! Quickly!"
No response.
Suddenly, Kagome got a horrible sense that Inuyasha was in danger. What's happening to him??
"Inuyasha!! INUYASHA, HELP!!"
The hanyou stood wearily at the edge of the clearing, watching as Kikyo took hold of the front of his haori and bent, tugging him down. The ground began to open, allowing the two forms to sink.
Inuyasha closed his eyes. If I can't be with you, Kagome, at least I can follow you in death. Then, in some sense, we'll be together. He sighed as the ground heated with the flames of Hell. I just wish we'd had a little more time together.
"Inuyasha, you care about me, right?"
He stirred slightly at the memory of her voice. Unconsciously, he moved his lips in response.
"Of course I do."
"Do you trust me?"
"You know I do! I've never trusted anyone the way I do you…"
"You must have faith in me, or we might lose everything. Promise me!""I promise…" His eyes snapped open. "Wait a minute!! She knew about this??"
Everything suddenly swam into focus as he snapped out of the daze Kikyo had put him in. Eyes wide, he stared down at her.
"Kagome said…she said that if I believe in her, everything will be ok. She knew about this, didn't she? That means…that means that she…"
Gasping, he flung himself away from Kikyo and leapt out of the ditch. He ignored her shouts as he flung himself towards Kagome.
Gods, if I'm right…Heart pounding, he skidded to a stop before the girl and crouched. Ishiyana glared weakly at him.
"What happened to her? I let you go first so you could protect her—"
"Just shut up and give her to me!!" He ignored the pang of guilt that swept through him at Ishiyana's words. Despite the boy's sputtering protests, Inuyasha pulled her out of the boy's arms and into his own. At a quick glance, he saw nothing different, but the jewel on her stomach was quickly gaining color as the girl lost hers. Her aura, wispy as it was, still funneled into the jewel. He lowered his ear to her chest.
Is…is she really alive??
He stilled and held his breath, waiting for any sign of life, but none came. She had no pulse, she wasn't breathing, and her skin was losing every drop of warmth it had ever possessed. His heart crumbling, Inuyasha struggled to understand.
"But…she said…" He shook his head. "She said that it would work out…"
His face crumpled as he leaned forward. "Kagome, please. Please! I do have faith in you! I believe you, I trust you, I…I care for you. Show me what I need to do!"
She gave no response.
Shaking, Inuyasha clutched her shoulders. "Kagome, I trust you! I do! Come back!!!"
He buried his face in her hair. "Come back…"
"Young man."
He stiffened as a voice whispered in his head. "H-huh?"
"You wish to save this woman's life?"
Peeling open his eyes, Inuyasha slowly glanced up. There, standing before him yet visible only to his eyes, was Midoriko's ghost. She shimmered softly, gazing down at him with a solemn, yet kind, expression.
"What would you give for this woman to live?"
He closed his eyes and pulled her closer. Anything. I'll give anything if it means Kagome will live!
"Even your own soul? Your heart, your blood?"
He nodded silently. I'll give anything. Slowly, he reached out and closed his fingers about the jewel resting on her stomach. It was warm to the touch.
Kagome, I'd give up my very life if it meant you would live. I would battle any demon, endure any torment, die any death for you, and I'd do anything, ANYTHING, to be with you. He tightened his arms about her. I love you, Kagome.
…I wish we could always be together.
The jewel began to hum, vibrating violently in his grasp. It power seeped into him, stealing up his arm into his heart. The dark sky rumbled threateningly.
Gasping, Inuyasha doubled over. His heart felt like it was being crushed! Pain raced through his limbs, making it nearly impossible to breathe. His vision started to go dark.
Shaking, he tightened his grip and took a last breath, inhaling her scent one last time.
I love you, Kagome.
She couldn't fight anymore. Weary beyond her comprehension, Kagome let herself be drawn into the jewel. Its power wrapped around her, smothering her. She could feel herself degenerate, her soul becoming little more than a memory of purity to balance evil…
Kagome! I believe in you, Kagome!
Gasping, she floundered within the jewel. Inuyasha?? He came back for me? The weight of the jewel's power crushed the air out of her, forbidding her to cry out for him. She could feel herself get pulled away from him.
Tears streaming down her cheeks, she tried once more to pull free. I want to see him again! Just once more!!
Suddenly, the crushing weight of the jewel was gone. Blinking, Kagome watched as the dark world around her began to glow with a yellow light.
"I…Inuyasha?"
A warm hand settled on her shoulder. Startled, she spun about to see Midoriko smiling at her. The priestess looked calm and pleased, probably for the first time in eons.
"Thank you for you help, young one. Without you, this cycle of destruction would have continued until gods know when. You saved us all." She smiled kindly and started guiding her towards an increasingly bright light.
"Your hanyou is stronger than I gave him credit for. Go to him."
Kagome opened her mouth to reply, but at that moment, the ancient priestess vanished. A soft yellow glow settled about Kagome's form, and she returned to her normal color.
"Wh-what's going o-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON???"
Kagome screamed as she was suddenly hurled through the air towards the light. As she flew, she heard a heartbeat start softly and increase in volume.
B-bmp. B-bmp! B-BMP. B-BMP! B-BMP! B-BMP! B-BMP!!
As Kagome soared, a brilliant smile lit her face.
"Inuyasha!!"
Ishiyana slowly scooted backwards as the pair began to glow. Light from the jewel burst from Inuyasha's fist and settled upon them, swirling angrily. The hanyou's face contorted as the sacred power seeped into him.
With a horrible grinding noise, Inuyasha's claws and fangs retreated, but as they disappeared, the blood on the ground drew back into Kagome's body. As Inuyasha's ears painfully worked their way down the sides of his head, the wounds on Kagome's skin meticulously knitted together and faded. Finally, shots of black swept over Inuyasha's silver hair…
…And a single streak of white swept down a lock of Kagome's hair.
The shimmering power slowly faded, taking the dark clouds with it. Silence fell over the clearing, the sun beaming gently down.
Inuyasha breathed in slowly, then out. The pain had vanished completely, leaving him with a peculiarly weak feeling.
What…what happened? Is she…? His heart sank when his ears picked up nothing. No heartbeat, no breath. She was still gone…
He froze as a hand gently trailed along his cheek.
"I…Inuyasha…"
Heart pounding, he peeled open his eyes and stared. Sunlight beaming a halo about her head, Kagome smiled sleepily up at him, all of her wounds perfectly healed. Her soft hand cupped his cheek.
"Thank you…Inuyasha."
"K-Kagome…" Choking, he let tears of relief stream down his face. "Kagome!! KAGOME! YOU'RE ALIVE!!"
Hands shaking, he crushed her against his chest. "YOU'RE ALIVE!!!" He broke into sobs, thanking every god that ever existed. "Y-you're o-ok!"
Kagome smiled, returning his embrace. "Thank you for believing in me, Inuyasha." She chuckled softly, drawing back enough to look up into his face. "I was beginning to think I'd never see you again."
His face crumpled at that, and he took a shaky breath. "I…I'm sorry I took so long to figure it out, but…when I thought I'd lost you…" He took another deep breath, attempting to calm his nerves.
"Kagome, I've never…I've never felt so much pain before. Losing you, and never even getting the chance to tell you that…to tell you that…" Swallowing hard, he locked eyes with her.
"I love you, Kagome."
His heart pounded when her face fell into shock. Oh gods…don't tell me she's going to reject me!! He closed his eyes. Gods, I'm an idiot. She's ok now. I should've just kept my big mouth…
His thoughts trailed off as her fingers twined in his hair. Opening his eyes, he jumped at the brilliant smile gracing her beautiful face.
"I love you, too, Inuyasha!"
His face brightened instantly, his heart soaring. "You do? Really?"
"Well, duh." She stuck her tongue out at him. "I only said it earlier."
"You were about to get crushed by a swarm of demons! How am I supposed to take THAT seriously?"
"Would I say it if I didn't mean it?"
"How am I supposed to—" Inuyasha cut himself off, staring into her teasing gaze. Abruptly, he smirked. "Why you little…I'll show you!"
Leaning forward, he kissed her.
Kagome gasped lightly at the feel of his soft lips against hers. Warmth exploding in her chest, she tangled her fingers in his hair and rested his other hand on his chest. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips.
Gods, this feels so RIGHT!
Inuyasha pulled back when she giggled and stared down at her, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "What's so funny?"
She shook her head. "Nothing. Absolutely noth…" She trailed off, looking at the hair entwined with her fingers. Her eyes slipped from it to the top of his head, then back down.
"Inuyasha…"
"What?"
She stared at him, eyes wide, before she pulled his hair into his line of sight. "What did you wish for…?"
Frowning, he took a look at the lock she had pulled in front of him.
…It was black.
"W-what the…?" Lifting a hand, he took in the absence of his claws. He felt along the side of his head, only to find a pair of human ears. No wonder I couldn't hear her heartbeat!
Swallowing hard, Inuyasha moved back and allowed her to sit up. The jewel…made me a human? Will she…accept me as a human?
Blinking, Kagome flipped her hair to the side and tilted her head to get a better look at him. She started to reach out to touch his newly black hair, but he caught her fingers in his hand. He was staring at her hair.
"I think…I know what happened, Kagome." He slowly reached out and pulled a particular lock of her raven black hair in front of her.
It was white.
Kagome stared at her white forelock for a long moment before cracking a hesitant smile. "If I had to guess…" She locked eyes with him. "It looks like you traded some of your demon blood…to me?"
He stared at her for a long moment, involuntarily twirling the streak of white hair about his finger. "I guess so…" His voice was quiet, hesitant. Is she…is she going to be mad?
"You gave up some of your demon powers for me." Her blank expression worried him.
"Y-yes?"
"Inuyasha?"
"Wha-mmph!!" His words were muffled as she threw her arms around his neck and started kissing him for all she was worth. Joy burst in his heart as he wrapped his arms tight about her waist and kissed her back. His arms tightened, crushing her against him.
It looks like I finally got my wish. He pulled back and tucked her head under his chin, closing his eyes.
"I love you, Kagome."
She closed her eyes, snuggling deep into his embrace. "I love you too, Inuyasha."
Unnoticed by both of them, the jewel winked and slowly disappeared.
Kagome's smile slipped as she sensed a familiar presence. Opening her eyes, she found herself gazing into Kikyo's solemn eyes. Her heart started to sink.
Oh, great. If she's here, Inuyasha might take back what he just said. Biting her lip, she pulled away from Inuyasha. He blinked at her in confusion.
"Kagome, what…?"
"Inuyasha."
Inuyasha's eyes widened slightly. Swallowing hard, he turned to face the dead miko.
"K-Kikyo." He felt all the old insecurities and doubts rise up again, but, gritting his teeth, he tramped them down again. No way. It's a miracle that I was given a second chance with Kagome. I'm not going to screw it up now!
He steeled his nerves and took a deep breath. "Kikyo…I can't…" He took another breath. "I c-can't let you drag me down anymore. I…I'm sorry but…" He winced. "I've chosen Kagome."
Kagome held her breath, her heart pounding. He's actually choosing ME over Kikyo?? Warmth spread through her heart. He didn't take it back. He really…he really DOES love me!!
Several emotions passed quickly over Kikyo's face. "You want to forget me, Inuyasha? That's what you're saying?" Her expression darkened. "You want me to cease to exist?"
Guilt swamped him, but he tried to fight it down. "Kikyo…" He stood slowly, grasping her shoulders. "You need to move on! You're miserable here! No matter how long you stay in this world, you'll still be sad and lonely. Why are you still holding on to the past?"
Heat flashed in her eyes. "I am the past! I will not…" She backed away from him. "I refuse to let you move on! I—"
"Kikyo, stop it."
The two turned as Kagome slowly rose to her feet. Her expression was unreadable as she stepped forward and gently took Kikyo's hand in her own.
"I know you don't want to hear this from me, but Inuyasha's right. You can't be happy here, no matter how hard you try." Her earnest gaze locked with the priestess', noting her lack of response. If I don't get through to her, both of them will be miserable! "Please, Kikyo, try to find peace. You know Inuyasha will never forget you, so why can't you be satisfied with that?"
Kikyo stared coldly at her double. "You can't possibly hope to understand."
"Then let me!" Her grip on the woman's hand tightened, and Kagome began to glow. Eyebrows furrowing, Kikyo tried to pry her hand away.
"What do you think you're doing? Release me!"
Inuyasha bit his lip, unsure of how to proceed. How could he possibly convince Kikyo to move on without stirring further bitterness in her heart? She was already so sad…
Blinking, he steeled his jaw. No no no. I'm not going down that path. I've felt guilty enough over her death. I think I…I think I've deserved a little happiness!
He stepped closer to Kagome and hesitantly placed his hand on her glowing shoulder. His heart clenched when Kikyo's eyes widened, but his hand stayed where it was.
"I'm sorry, Kikyo, but this is my choice," he stated quietly. Her lips moved silently as she stared at him, but her eyes were drawn away by Kagome's increased pressure on her hand. Their eyes locked.
What do you want most, Kikyo?
The woman blinked at the sound of the girl's voice in her head. She frowned, glancing at Inuyasha.
I don't believe it. If he was your primary concern, why do you spend so little time with him? Kagome frowned in return.
What business is it of yours?? Kikyo tried to break their connection, but Kagome's newly founded powers were too strong. Unbidden, the truth began to spill out.
I want…I want to be alive again. All I wanted when alive was to live a normal life, and that wish was never fulfilled. Her frown became bitter. Now the two of you are trying to prevent my dreams yet again.
Kikyo, don't you understand? Your wish was already fulfilled…through me. Our spirit was reborn as a normal girl, but because the jewel's cycle wasn't stopped, we had—I had—to come back and finish it. Kagome's eyes bored into Kikyo's. That's why you can't find happiness here. You can't regain your life as you are because you were supposed to get it through me.
Her hand began to warm on Kikyo's cold skin. If you let me, though…I might be able to grant your wish for a time.
"W-what?" Kikyo's surprise made her respond audibly. Her eyebrows gathered together. "How could you, a mere double, possibly—"
"I can, Kikyo, I swear I can, if you'll let me."
Inuyasha blinked and glanced back and forth between them. "What are you talking about? Do what?"
Kikyo hesitated, tugging lightly at her hand. I don't want to trust her, but…I can feel that her spiritual strength has grown recently. Combined with the power she received from Inuyasha, she just might be able to pull it off.
Tipping her chin up, she stared hard at Kagome. "Let's see what you can do."
Immediately, Kagome began to shimmer with her purple miko light. Her aura began to creep into Kikyo's cold frame. Both girls sucked in a quick breath, wind swirling about them.
"What…are you doing?" Inuyasha stammered. His brows knitted in worry as Kagome's shoulder grew cold. "What are you two trying to do??"
Kagome never took her eyes off Kikyo's. "We're trying to make a dream come true."
Slowly, the light around Kagome began to diminish, wrapping about Kikyo's form. A flush appeared in the dead woman's cheeks, her skin brightening by the moment.
Conversely, Kagome's color was fading with each passing moment.
Kikyo's eyes widened as warmth spread to her heart. Closing her eyes, she felt Kagome's pulse as her own. Her clay shell warmed and softened, turning to skin. The feeling of blood, real blood, rushing through her made her tremble.
I feel…alive! Her icy breath warmed as it filled her lungs, sending waves of pleasure down her spine. This feeling… I searched for so long for it.
Kagome's miko light wavered as she, too, closed her eyes. Her aura pulsed with every heartbeat as it seeped into Kikyo. Inuyasha had to clutch at her shoulders as she began to weave back and forth, her strength rapidly leaving her body.
"K-Kagome??" He shook her, but she didn't respond.
Involuntarily, Kagome squeezed Kikyo's hand. The aura forced a deeper connection, and images from the future passed rapidly back and forth between them: Kikyo leaving a village because her body refused to age over the decades, an eternal loneliness shadowing her every move, frozen tears streaming down her cheeks as she continued to lose her chance at a normal life. Next, images of Kagome spending time at school and with her friends whipped across their minds.
Kagome's breathing became labored as the last of her aura began to leave her body. Do you understand now, Kikyo? Can you see why you need to let go?
A slight smile graced the woman's face. I want to say no, but I do. As her heart warmed, she was finally able to reclaim her former self. Instead of the horrible moment of betrayal at her death, she could recall the good times she had spent with Inuyasha. Her memories washed over her, further melting the ice about her heart.
Kikyo stepped back, pulling her hand from Kagome's grasp. Lifting both hands to her chest, she smiled faintly at Inuyasha.
"Once, I wanted you to be happy." One corner of her smile quirked upward. "One day, I suppose I shall wish it again. You have made your choice, Inuyasha."
She cradled the newfound warmth in her heart with her hands, reluctant to let it pass. She marveled at the sensations that now passed through her flesh.
After all this time, I'm finally alive! Her gaze settled upon Kagome, who was slumped weakly in Inuyasha's arms, eyes barely open, but intense. This girl, who has the most reason to distrust me, risked her life energy to give me a few moments of peace. She smiled softly.
Thank you.
Kikyo stepped further back. The few happy memories of her previous life allowed a sense of peace to settle upon her shoulders.
I cannot keep this life energy as my own. I can see that now. Perhaps… Perhaps it is possible for me to find peace in the next world. Relishing her last few heartbeats, she beckoned for Inuyasha. When he hesitantly rested Kagome on the ground and stepped forward, she gently wrapped her arms about his waist and rested her head on his chest.
"The last time I died, my heart was bitter and cold. When revived, my heart stayed frozen, but now, I have finally been given a second chance. I know what I must do, Inuyasha, as I'm sure you do."
Inuyasha frowned slightly, but his expression swept clear when she whispered two soft words into his shirt. As he stared down at her, she smiled, sighed…
…And crumpled to the ground, her body disintegrating. The aura rushed back into Kagome's body in a tremendous purple tide, throwing color back into her form.
"K-Kikyo!" Stunned, Inuyasha watched as her ashes floated into the wind. Hundreds of souls burst into the air and flew away, but one tiny white soul hovered. After a moment, it faded into the sky. Turning slowly, Inuyasha helped Kagome to her feet and stood in shock before her, gazing into her eyes as if he had never seen them before.
"Live again…"
Unnoticed by those in the clearing, a soul suddenly broke away from the area and hurled itself through the air. Its path was a little erratic as it headed towards the mountains in the north. Abruptly, it dove towards the ground and slammed into a body.
Kouga gasped, his eyes snapping open. "What the hell??" Wincing, he sat up, his legs shrieking with pain. Two tremendous gashes ran across them.
He scowled, running his hand over the wounds. "Perfect. Now I can't even make it back to Kagome!"
Stilling, he glanced towards the sky. "Kagome…"
His memory was a little hazy, but he could distinctly recall a tender moment between the two. His woman and that mutt were definitely together now. Slowly, his fists clenched.
"I thought that half-breed would be too cowardly to ever really make a move on her." A bitter scowl marred his face. "Dammit!!"
He tried to stand, but his legs wouldn't hold him up. "If I'd just spent more time around her!!" His fists furiously pounded the ground. "How can she pick HIM over ME??"
Eventually, he came to a stop, his chest heaving. He passed a hand over his face, speaking quietly.
"Dammit to hell…"
Kagura slipped past the group towards Naraku, her fan unfurled. If he is truly dead, I should be able to get my heart from him. She started to smile as she approached the jumbled mass of demons.
"My freedom," she whispered softly. She lifted her fan…
CRACKLE!
Gasping, Kagura fell back. The air above Naraku's body sizzled angrily. "I-Impossible! He's dead. How can a barrier still exist??"
Sango rose to her feet and stepped towards her, swiping tears from her face. Her joy at Kagome's revival was quickly muted by the demon's presence.
"You want to go back on our deal, Kagura?"
The woman snapped her fan shut and haughtily lifted her chin. "If you can still uphold your end of the bargain, I won't." Her gaze narrowed. "After all, you proved remarkably useless during the fight with Naraku."
Sango scowled, but she refrained from replying. Hefting Hiraikotsu, she cautiously approached the mass of demons.
"How am I supposed to tell where it is?" Naraku's barrier sizzled angrily as she approached. She added under her breath, "And how am I supposed to reach it?"
"This barrier is weak, Lady Sango." Miroku stepped forward, staff in hand. "It feels geared towards demonic energy more than anything else, so if my hunch is correct…"
Wincing, he stepped forward…
…And the shield dissolved.
"Interesting." Smirking wryly, he turned to Kagura. "It seems that his lingering hatred was towards you."
She scowled, but when she tried to step forward, the barrier began to sizzle back into place.
Following Miroku's lead, Sango stepped towards the mass of demons. The barrier scraped at her skin, but it let her pass. Her gaze scoured the jumbled lump of demon flesh.
"Now where…" Her eyes passed over a single spot that gently pulsed. "Aha!"
Lifting her boomerang, she swung at the spot.
Ksssshhhhhh.
The skin split with a vile hiss, steam escaping from the opening. Her nose wrinkled in disgust, Sango retrieved the beating heart.
"This has to be the most disgusting thing I've ever done."
Walking with the offending item hand a full arm's length away, Sango delivered the heart to Kagura.
"There. Now tell me how to save my brother!"
Kagura's hands shook as she took the heart and cradled it against her chest. Within moments, it sank into her skin.
FREEDOM!
Her heart pounding, Kagura let wind whip wildly about her. "I'm free. I'm free!!"
Sango lifted a hand to shield her face. "Wonderful. Now tell me how to save my brother!!!"
Kagura slowly managed to settle her gaze upon the exterminator. A careless grin settled upon her face. "It's simple, really, since he's not really dead right now."
"What???" She turned and ran back to the boy's still form, cradling him in her arms. "Kohaku??" She checked for pulse and breathing, but found nothing.
Rage boiling into her eyes, she glared at Kagura. "You liar!!!"
"Relax." She walked forward, motioning for the monk to follow. Squatting beside the pair, she reached out to touch the boy's forehead. Immediately, a whisper of a dark aura rose from his skin, prickling her hand, but deep beneath it, she could feel a faint presence. She lifted her hand away, shaking it slightly.
"Just as I thought. Naraku never did take any chances." She glanced up at Sango. "It looks like that jewel shard didn't keep the boy alive so much as it ensured his death when removed. Naraku placed a little of himself in the shard, but when he took it out of the boy…" She demonstrated by pressing her hand to his forehead. Immediately, the dark aura rose, crackling angrily.
"You mean…when the shard was removed, Naraku was injected into Kohaku??" Sango cradled her brother close against her. Even in death, he isn't free. "But why would he do that, if Kohaku was going to die anyway?"
"Perhaps Naraku wasn't certain of that." Miroku kneeled beside Sango. "After all, you survived with horrible wounds. Isn't it possible that Kohaku could do the same?"
Kagura nodded briefly and rubbed her hands together. "It's not only possible, it's the truth. The boy isn't dead, but with Naraku's aura contaminating him, he won't last long." I've killed enough people to know when someone is still alive. His spirit is weak, but it's still there. "You have a chance to save him."
She stood, tapping her fan impatiently against her shoulder. "Naraku's aura is weak, since he is no longer alive. Nullify it, and you should be able to revive him." With that, she started to walk off.
"Wait a minute!" Sango called out angrily. "You're not even going to show us how—"
"I said I'd tell you how to save your brother. I said nothing about showing you." She glared over her shoulder. "I've kept my word."
Ignoring the indignant remarks of the exterminator, Kagura released a feather from her hair and leapt onto it, sailing freely in the air.
"I'm sure they can handle it from here." She closed her eyes as wind blew over her face. "Finally, FINALLY, the wind soars free!!"
Sango bit back her scathing remarks as the woman disappeared from view. Chewing on her lower lip, she racked her brain for anything useful.
"Something to nullify a demon aura. What could do the job, unless I had spiritual powers?" Abruptly, her face cleared, and she dug into a tiny, hidden pouch on her belt.
"What are you looking for?" Miroku's quiet voice received no response as Sango suddenly clasped an object and drew it out of her uniform.
"I still have it!!" Opening her fingers, she looked down at a tiny metal pendant. Bands of gold and silver wove together, the ends tapering into two tiny dragon heads. She glanced up at Miroku.
"My father once told me that this heirloom had the power to break a weak demon bond over a child. I never had a chance to use it, so I'd forgotten about it." She stared sadly down at her brother. "I wonder if it will work."
"Wait. Let me see it!" Miroku snatched the pendant from Sango's hand, ignoring her surprised expression. He ran a finger reverently over the metal. "I haven't seen such a relic in my entire religious practice! Amazing!"
"You mean you know what it is?" Her hold on her brother tightened, and her face alighted with hope. "Will it save Kohaku??"
He tore his gaze off the pendant long enough to stare at her. "It's a medallion from the ancient days of battle between humans and demons. With the correct incantation, it can release a child from possession by a weak demon, but…" He sighed. "I'm afraid I don't know what it is."
"An incantation?" She searched her mind feverishly. If there's even a chance that it will save my brother… I must know it. I must!! "Father said something about it…a children's song…"
Slowly, a faint memory returned to her. Her eyes widening, she glanced at Miroku, then at the quickly disappearing sun, and then at her friend, who stood far off, watching them with hopeful tears in her eyes.
"I remember the incantation. It's from a game I used to know." Her words were soft. Gently, she placed the medallion on her brother's chest and covered it with her hand. She glanced up at Miroku, her eyes unreadable.
"I'll need your help, monk. It feels strange to ask this, but will you lend me your…spiritual powers? The incantation alone won't activate the medallion."
He blinked. "Any way I can." He folded a hand over hers. Noticing the slight blush that crossed her cheeks, he closed his eyes and lifted his other hand in prayer.
Sango glanced at the fiery sky, watching as the distant sky began to grow dark. It just might work. It might work!!
Nodding to Miroku, she started to sing softly as he added his prayers. Her voice settled softly over the boy as she held him close and began to rock back and forth, tears slipping quietly down her cheeks.
"Kagome, Kagome. Kago no naka no tori wa, itsu itsu deyaru. Yoake to ban ni. Tsuru to kame ga subetta, ushiro no shoumen dare. (Kagome, Kagome. When does the bird inside come out? At dawns and evenings. Who is at the front of the back where a crane and turtle slipped and fell?)"
The medallion began to glow bright white upon the boy's chest. Miroku's muttered prayers grew in volume to match Sango's voice as she repeated the song. Slowly, a beam of light from the setting sun funneled into the medallion, allowing the metal's aura to spill forth. The boy's pale skin drank the white aura, forcing Naraku's aura to rise from his body, hissing and spitting angrily.
Peeling open one eye, Miroku reached his free hand back and dug in his cloak for a spell scroll. The white aura enveloped the boy, detaching the demon aura. Immediately, Miroku spring forward, clapping the scroll on the lingering demon spirit.
"Keeeeeeeeraaaaaahhh!!!"
Twisting horribly in the air, the dark aura dissipated. Soon after, the white aura faded from the boy's skin. Silent, Sango leaned over her brother's still face.
"Kohaku?" Her quiet plea received no response. Her face began to crumple.
Kohaku, please come back to me!! I… Tears welled up in her eyes. I miss you so much!
Tears streamed down Sango's cheeks as her mind recalled all of her memories of her brother. The joy and pride she had taken in him during his training weighed against the pain of watching him slaughter under Naraku's control.
"Kohaku…"
A grim, watery smile on her face, she shook her brother's shoulder. "Kohaku, I'm here! It's safe now. Come back to me!!"
She clutched him close, burying her face in her neck. Moved by her distress, Miroku gently wrapped his arms about her and held her close. Unnoticed, the pendant smushed between them began to vibrate.
"Kohaku, come back! COME BACK!"
B-BMP!!
"GASP!!" Eyes flying open, Kohaku sputtered and coughed. His arms flew out wildly as he tried to get his bearings.
"Who?? Wha??" Abruptly, his eyes fell on Sango. He froze, eyes widening.
"S-Sango??" He threw himself at her. "SANGO!!"
"KOHAKU!!" The girl wrapped her arms tight about the boy and wept openly. Miroku looked on with a bewildered smile.
I can't believe we did it!
After a long moment of sobbing, Sango looked up and fixed Miroku with a grim expression. The monk swallowed and backed away, lifting a hand.
"W-what? Why are you looking at me that way? I didn't do anything perv—"
Without warning, she launched herself at him, wrapped her arms about his neck, and planted a giant kiss on his lips. Startled, he fell back, arms waving in the air.
"Mmph-nngo? (Sango?) Wmmph mm mo mmng?? (What are you doing??)" Heart pounding, he wrapped his arms about her. Holy shit! Sango's actually kissing me??
…What do I do now??
Flustered, Miroku wracked his brain for answers, but even his normal lecherous ways seemed to have abandoned him. What was he supposed to do??
Before he could gather his wits, Sango pulled back and gazed at him, tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much!!!"
"Y-you're welcome." He watched, dumbfounded, as Sango went back to her brother, hugging and crying hysterically. The faintest of blushes settled upon his cheeks as he lifted a hand to his lips.
…I wonder what she'd say if she knew that was my first kiss?
Inuyasha managed to peel his eyes off Kagome long enough to glance over at the monk. Noticing Miroku's motion, Inuyasha felt a sneaking suspicion worm into his brain. Grasping Kagome's hand, he walked towards the trio.
"Hey, Miroku." Folding his arms over his chest, he ignored Kagome as she rushed to Sango and engaged in more weeps and hugs. He crouched beside the monk and lifted a hand.
"Why am I getting the feeling that you've never done that before?"
The monk jumped, his face burning. "W-what are you talking about? Of course I have!"
Inuyasha chuckled. "Sure, sure. Looks like being a lecher didn't get you very far, did it?"
Miroku scowled. "Shut. Up."
Inuyasha was saved from having to reply when a high-pitched voice broke out across the clearing.
"Woah! What happened here??"
Everyone turned as Kaede strolled into the clearing, Shippo resting on her uninjured shoulder. Shippo gazed about with wide eyes.
"What did I miss???"
When Kagome opened her arms to him, Shippo darted across the clearing and clung to her chest.
"Kagome, what happened? Why does your hair look different? Why do you smell funny?"
"Smell funny?" Her eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean, smell funny?"
The young fox sniffed. "Well, you smell a little like Inuyasha usually does…" He trailed off as he gazed at Inuyasha. "What happened to YOU??"
Before Inuyasha could reply, Shippo jumped onto his head, ruffling through his black hair. Irritated, he snagged the fox's tail and held him before his face.
"What does it look like, runt? I'm human."
Shippo blinked in confusion. "But…if you're human, why do you still smell like a demon?"
"Huh?" Inuyasha stared at him. "What are you talking about?"
"It's not strong, but…" He sniffed again. "There's definitely a hint of demon in your scent."
A soft chuckle floated through the air. Slowly, a faint pink mist accumulated before them, taking the form of a girl. After a moment, the wavering image of Midoriko settled in the air, hovering a few inches above the ground. She smiled warmly at Kagome, then at Inuyasha.
"Your wish was granted, young man. You wished to be able to be with her forever, so you now can…either in human…OR demon form."
His eyes bugged out. "You mean I'm not a human??"
"Well, more human than demon, right now, but it's under your control. You can be a half demon when you want, if you concentrate hard enough. You lost your ability to become a full demon when the girl was resurrected." She smiled when Kagome fingered her white forelock. "And your life has been extended in return. It was the least I could do for the two of you…since you set me free."
She lifted a hand. "Thank you both."
With that, she disappeared.
Bewildered, Inuyasha stared at Kagome. My wish did all that? He rubbed a hand over his heart, a tiny smile crossing his face.
Damn, I'm good.
He concentrated on his hand, frowning as he slowly managed to push claws out of his fingertips. Wrinkling his forehead, he found that he could force his ears back up his head. A low chuckle left his throat as he twitched them in the wind.
"Heh. Cool!" Grinning, he looked up. "Kagome, check out…"
She had wandered away from him, her eyes set on Ishiyana. He sat on the side of the well, staring off into the distance.
"Ishiyana? What are you doing over here?"
His gaze didn't meet hers. Well, it's not like I didn't know this would happen, but… He sighed. His heart thrilled at her safety, but watching the two of them together had crushed it. Lifting a hand, he rubbed it against his forehead. I'm supposed to go to school after all this?? How am I supposed to face her in class?
He stilled when her hand fell upon his shoulder. Looking up, he blinked at her smiling face.
"Guess things are going to get a little more normal around here, huh?" Her sunny smile beamed down at him, coaxing a reluctant smile out of him.
"You call any of this," he waved a hand at the clearing, "normal?"
She chuckled. "Normally, no. Still, it'll be nice to have a friend from my own time to talk about it with."
A friend… "Yeah, I guess it will." Dredging up some cheer, he gave her a cocky smirk. "Assuming you'll have enough time to spare for the future. And speaking of which…" He glanced pointedly down into the well. "Think we can get a ride back?"
"I think so…" She glanced over her shoulder at Inuyasha, who was quietly fuming. "But you know, it's already getting late. We can head back tomorrow, ok?"
"Yeah, sure…" He watched as she ran back towards the more-or-less half-demon. A sad smile settled upon his face. Slowly, he shook his head at her.
" 'Tis a far, far better thing I have done than I have ever done before." He chuckled softly, twirling his empty gun in his fingers. "Well, if I can't be with you…" He smirked. "At the very least, I can keep him in line for you."
He turned away, tucking the gun into his belt.
"…And I'll always protect you."
Kagome trotted back over to Inuyasha and tugged on his hand, pulling him slightly away from the group. He glowered at her.
"What was that all about?"
She blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"Your little talk with…oh, never mind." He folded his arms, growing uncomfortable as she stared at him. "What??"
"Inuyasha…" She stepped closer, hands clasped behind her back. Tipping her chin up, she gazed straight into his face. "You really did mean what you said, didn't you?"
He blushed furiously, but he tried to cover his embarrassment with a scowl. "Do you think I'd have said it if I didn't mean it?" He turned his face away. "You're an idiot."
"Am I now?" She stepped closer, nearly standing on his toes. Nervous, he backed up a step.
"Well, I mean…sheesh, Kagome, I've only…" His scowl deepened. "I've only tried to tell you about a hundred times!!"
Her eyebrows shot up. "You did? When?"
"When I was sick, when you fell asleep on me, when…" He trailed off at the glint in her eye. "Will you quit looking at me that way?? It's creeping me out!"
Slowly, a mischievous grin broke out across her face. "You want to know what I think, Inuyasha?"
"Wh-what?" His blush deepened as she reached up to his face…
…And snagged his ears.
"If you aren't just the sweetest thing!!"
Mortified, he tried to pull away. "Will you cut that out??" He pried her fingers off his ears and glowered down at her. "Is my loving you really that funny??"
Her impish smile melted into a genuine grin of happiness. "Nope. I just wanted to tug on those ears." Suddenly, her smile turned watery, tears brewing in her eyes.
He opened his mouth to reply, but his words were choked out of him when she abruptly wrapped her arms about his waist and started sobbing.
"What the…?" He stared down at her. Where did this come from?? She was smiling a second ago! Feeling helpless, he returned her embrace. "Kagome…"
"I'm just" sob "so" gasp "HAPPY!!!!" She stopped soaking his shirt long enough to beam up at him. "Naraku's gone, Kohaku's back, and now this!!!"
Inuyasha blinked at the brilliance of her smile. Slowly, he began to smile back. "Yeah, you're right. But, Kagome, even though our quest is over…" He hesitated. After a moment, he tightened his arms about her waist.
"Will you stay with me?"
Her eyes widened, and she swiped vainly at her tears.
"Of course, you big dummy!"
Inuyasha wanted to scowl at the insult, but too much joy was crowding his heart. She'll stay with me. She's going to stay with me!!
A grin to match Kagome's split his face, and a loud, free laugh flew out of his mouth. The others all turned to stare as he tipped his head back and laughed, long and hard. Without warning, he swung Kagome about in the air, still laughing.
"I-Inuyasha! Put me down!!" She couldn't help laughing as well. "I'm getting dizzy!"
He set her down, holding her close.
"Kagome, I love you with all my heart."
She grinned up at him. "I love you too, Inuyasha."
Smiling, he did the only thing he could do, as the sun began to set over the clearing.
He kissed her.
Later that night, the group huddled about a fire in Kaede's hut. Ishiyana and Shippo were curled on their sides, sound asleep, with Kaede silently dozing in the corner. The group had been worn out partly by the day's events, but also by Inuyasha's experiments with his new body. Most of the time, his transitions from human to demon were smooth, but he screwed up several times; once, he'd managed to turn the right half of his head demon, but the other side had remained human. With one ear twitching in the air and a perplexed expression on his face, he'd set off the entire group, everyone rolling on the floor with laughter. Disgruntled, he'd settled firmly into his demon form and glowered, and everyone had calmed down.
In the temporarily quiet hut, Sango had her arm wrapped tightly around Kohaku, whose memories of Naraku seemed to have been purged with the demon's aura. A familiar hand began to slide towards her.
"Monk, I'm warning you, if you touch me ONE MORE TIME, I'LL—"
"But my dear Sango, we must consummate our new relationship!" He ducked as she swung for his head. Kohaku blinked at them.
"Sister, do you really have feelings for him? He seems…odd."
Miroku stared at the boy for a moment before he backed off, slightly uncomfortable. It was one thing for the others to call him a pervert, but her only living relative? That wasn't what he'd call a good sign.
Still… Miroku couldn't resist a smile as he flexed his newly bared right hand. He marveled at the smooth skin.
Now that my life is no longer in peril, I can actually pursue a real relationship…if she's willing. Smirking, he deftly ran a finger over his lips. Somehow, I think she's willing.
"Now, Kohaku," he began, turning to the boy. "Surely you don't mean that. After all, I can't be that odd if my darling Sango," he wrapped his arm about her shoulders, ignoring her squeal of embarrassment, "has admitted an interest in me."
"What are you TALKING about?" Blushing furiously, she tried to pull away.
"Well, sis, you did kiss him."
"T-that…that has nothing to do with…!"
Quickly losing interest in their discussion, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. His cheeks warmed at the sight of her happily snuggled against his side. He gently shook her shoulder.
"What?" She looked sleepily up at him. "What's going on?"
"Just come on," he urged quietly. Taking her hand, he helped her to her feet and led her out of the hut. Miroku and Sango continued to argue, not noticing their friends' departure.
Stepping out into the cool night air, Inuyasha began to lead Kagome through the village towards the woods. By fractions, she awoke.
"Inuyasha, where are we going?"
He paused before softly replying. "There's something I've always wanted to do with you, Kagome, but…I never really got the chance."
She blinked at him. The moonlight reflected a slight blush upon his cheeks. I wonder what he's planning?
Eventually, their walk through the woods ended, and Kagome found herself standing before the God Tree. She looked at him in confusion.
"Inuyasha, what are we doing here?"
His blush deepened, but he held her gaze. "Kagome, I need to ask you something." When she looked at him expectantly, he bit his lip. "Will you…" He took a deep breath.
"Will you sleep with me?"
"WHAT??"
His eyes went wide, and he began to wave his arms in denial. "No! That didn't come out right! I don't mean…I meant…I meant actually sleep with me, not…" His blush consumed his face, and he fell silent.
Understanding dawned in Kagome's eyes, and she glanced up at the tree. "I get it. You mean up there?"
He nodded. Ducking her head, Kagome blushed in return, but she managed to give him a shy smile.
"Um, sure." She shivered as a breeze blew through the trees, and Inuyasha promptly shed his red haori and draped it over her shoulders. When she had wrapped herself in it, he gently gathered her in his arms and leapt into the tree. Within moments, he alighted on his favorite branch and settled down, arranging Kagome against him. She smiled and snuggled into his chest as his arms wrapped tightly around her.
"You won't let me fall, will you?" Her voice was already becoming drowsy. Inuyasha snorted.
"Of course not. Go to sleep."
"Mmhmm." Curling up against his chest, she promptly fell asleep. Still blushing, Inuyasha looked out over the forest and the clearing.
The well stood out in stark relief in the moonlight, its dark tones welcoming.
This is the first time I'm not sitting up here alone. Smiling gently, he tightened his hold on Kagome. She made a soft noise and shifted, burrowing deeper into his embrace.
For the first time, Inuyasha actually smiled down at the well in the distance. Blasted thing. His smile widened.
…I owe you one.
Feeling completely content for the first time in his entire life, the half demon rested his cheek upon the miko's hair, and slowly drifted to sleep. The moon set slowly over the waving branches, cushioning the boy as he held close the woman he loved.
Inuyasha smiled gently in his sleep.
I love you, Kagome. Now, and forever.