SUPER IMPORTANT AUTHOR NOTE

Okay, last year (I can't believe it's been that long too!) when the original debate on "Which hunk of burning youkai lovin' was perfect for Kagura?" came about, the internal debate on whether a love-triangle fic could be balanced assaulted my mind too.

The intrinsic problem is that the balance would be either incomplete or would forget someone at the very end. You can't make everyone happy.

Screw that line of logic.

So thus I present you, the 3 endings of Searching. Pick one that suits you and satisfies you, the reader. I've jerked you around enough as an author. You can read and hopefully enjoy the other endings if you want or you can ignore them.

The Epilogue and Omake Theatres will be presented in one week's time. (wink As long as I get plenty reviews to spur my laziness into some sort of action. And yes, there was plural omakes. As in more than one.)

ENDING ONE: BREATH (Kagura)

Sesshoumaru glanced back as he neared the edge of the clearing. "Kagura, I'll be at camp." Sesshoumaru couldn't help but prompt. He noticed with increasing irritation that she was still facing the wolf and hadn't turned away from the obvious lesser of the two opponents. He didn't expect her to be instantly at his side but she should have least started to shun the weakling.

Kouga looked up weakly at the towering woman before him. From his vantage point, he could see her face clearly. Only resolve shone staunchly across her face.

"Kouga, I have my answer." Kagura stated.

The whole forest seemed to still in anticipation. Sesshoumaru stopped midstep, his keen youkai hearing straining to hear. Kouga hesitantly got to his feet ready to face the answer.

Kagura took a calming breath. They both meant so much to her now. One was the man who calmed her heart even as he excited it and showed her the beauty of the quiet, whispering stillness. The other showed her the joy of racing down the meadows and the playfulness of battle quickening one's pulse. She couldn't go through life on a constant warpath like a thunderous typhoon. Before that, she had only known the confinement and subjugation under Naraku. They had both taught her how to live. Now it was time to take the next step.

"So, you decided to come with me?" Kouga asked, hopefully.

"No. I can't," Kagura said calmly, closing her eyes so she wouldn't see the stricken look crossing Kouga's face. Then she looked over her shoulder at Sesshoumaru. "I can't come with you either, Sesshoumaru," Sesshoumaru frowned in response. Kagura took another deep breath before explaining. "I am the wind. I can't promise myself to anyone. I'm sorry."

Kouga clenched his fists in agitation, the hurt evident on his face. Sesshoumaru continued to frown but nodded in acceptance. Kagura felt a weight lift off her shoulders because she knew she had chosen right.

Because she knew that she was free.

Kagura looked down at the sea spreading out to the horizon from the lapping waves at her feet. Who knew where the others were at right now? Sesshoumaru was, no doubt, was walking purposefully through some ancient forest, unmindful of the games Rin was playing on Jaken. Kouga probably went back to his home, to rule over the remnants of his tribe aided (and impeded) by his most faithful two companions, Ginta and Hakkaku.

With but a parting glance at the mist shrouded coastline of the island that was her birthplace, Kagura confidently took out her feather from her headband. Maybe one day she would return. Maybe one day love would be a possibility she'd embrace.

Maybe one day, but for today only the sweet breath of the wind embraced her.

THE END

I know it's a short ending that satisfies no shippy-ness. But it was needed. Sometimes romance isn't the final option.

If you need the shippy-ness, go to the other endings. (Ending 2 for Sess/Kagu and Ending 3 for Koug/Kagu.)

But if you like this ending, then please tell me. The final reviews to a fic are always some most satisfying. (Plus it guarentees the epilogue and omakes!)