A/N: I'm sorry, but, my cat ate the paper, so it was really hard to figure out what I had written, and then, and then, get this, My computer crashed. I lost everything. So, I had to try and type out the story with huge holes in the original copy, that's why it took so long, and I'm really sorry. Please, please forgive me.

Depending on what you people say, I may do a third chapter, just kind of lookign into everyone's thoughts about the events, and kind of explain Sesshoumaru's little part in here, cause it may seem like he's out of character, and he is, but I have a good reason for it! I swear!

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Sesshoumaru. God how I wish I owned Sesshoumaru. But I don't. I don't own anyone. Except Taylor... I may have 'accidently' got him to sign a contract that legally gave me his soul instead of my yearbook. Taylor, next time I give you something to sign, read the print that I write AFTER you sign it.

~*~

The day had warmed considerably, the sun shining down on the people that had gathered about. The wether contrasted with the mood of those assembled, all of them were crying, or looking at the ground, showing some kind of sorrow, except for two, the monk and the withered priestess.

Miroku, was heavy hearted about the events, but her found no time to mourn, blind fury that he could barely keep under control was preventing that.

"Where the hell is he?" He questioned softly, looking to Kaede for answers, but of course knowing her wouldn't receive a definite one.

"I know not where he be monk, but you must cease this anger ye feel towards him."

"What do you mean?! This whole thing is his fault.." He hissed savagely, and now he's not even here..."

Kaede merely shook her head, "Tis not his fault, ye know that, wether ye wish to admit it or not. As for him being here, he may or may not come, and if he does not, ye cannot blame him, and ye know this."

Miroku sighed, nodding slightly, having known that Kaede would say something of this sort, "I still believe he should be here... at least for a few minutes...."

"You know not of what ye ask of him, this will be harder for him then for any others."

Miroku posed no reply.

~*~

Sped all your time waiting

For that second chance

For a break that would make it okay...

~*~

Inuyasha sat silently in a tree, watching those below him, unseen by them. He closed his eyes, drawing in a deep steadying breath, fighting back the sorrow that tried to steal over him. He had done his grieving, and with these last moments, it would be time to move on. He would not mourn Kagome's death after this, he would move on, not forgetting... never forgetting... just not mourning.

~*~

There's always one reason

To feel not good enough

And it's hard at the end of the day...

~*~

He gazed down at the others as Kaede moved to stand in front of the gathering. She began speaking, but Inuyasha wasn't listening, his gaze having moved to Kagome.

He could see her perfectly, looking peaceful and pale, clothed in a long white kimono that covered the cuts and bruises... the ones he should have been there to prevent.

~*~

I need a distraction...

Oh Beautiful release

As memory flows from my veins

~*~

A sinking feeling filled him as he remember how she had looked just before she ad drawn her last breath, just before she had whispered his name, just before she died in his arms. Tears prickled and stung his eyes, but he forced them back He had already shed his tears.

~*~

Let me be empty

And weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

~*~

He fought back the grief that threatened to overwhelm him, only to have it replaced by self loathing.

'I told myself never again. I told myself I wouldn't let anyone close to me, especially not a pathetic human.' He thought bitterly, 'I can't even keep my own damn promises to myself... I should have been there... I should have saved her..."

~*~

So tired of the straight line

And everywhere that you turn

There's vultures and thieves at your back

~*~

Kaede paused for a moment of silence, glancing up and spotting Inuyasha, standing perfectly still on the tree branch, only the silver of his hair visible. The old woman smiled as she slowly bowed her head with the rest. He had come, for a moment even she had doubted him, but, he had come to pay his last respects to the woman laying on the pier.

~*~

And the storm keeps on twisting

You keep on building the lie

That you make up for all that you lack

~*~

After the silence, Kaede began speaking again, this time, it was not just the funeral rights, or a prayer, she was speaking about Kagome.

~*~

It don't make no difference

Escaping one last time

I's easier to believe in this madness, oh

The glorious sadness

That brings me to my knees

~*~

"Many of ye gathered here, had the opportunity to get to know Kagome..." Her one good eye gazed sadly at Miroku, who was still to furious with Inuyasha to grieve, then to Sango, who was holding the whimpering young kitsune Shippo.

"Kagome was a joyous person, always in good humour and willing to help those around her. She was one to be cherished, and I only wish she had not been taken from us so prematurely." Kaede's voice trailed off and she bowed her head once more.

Inuyasha smiled, he had not expected Kaede to speak of Kagome, it was hardly ever done that the person was spoken of when it was not in the burial rights. Kaede was kind to do so, and he would have to thank her, but, "She didn't even come close to how wonderful you really ar..were Kagome." he whispered softly, as he watched two men step forwards, setting the funeral pier aflame.

~*~

In the arms of the angels

Flay away from here...

~*~

The flames reflected in Inuyasha's golden eyes as he watched the fire slowly consume the woman he had once loved, the woman he still loved.

~*~

From this dark cold hotel room

and the emptiness that you fear...

~*~

Slowly, people began drifting away, returning to their lives, while only Kaede, Miroku, Sango, Shippo, and Inuyasha remained as the smell of burning flesh filled the air.

There was silence for a time, broken only by Shippo's muffled sobs, until Miroku slowly spoke.

"I still believe he should have come..." He murmured softly, lookign at Kaede, no longer able to watch the fire devour what remained of Kagome's body.

"He did. He's bene here since the beginning." Kaede nodded towards the tree where Inuyasha stood, and slowly, Miroku's anger subsided enough for him to sense the hanyou's presence eve though he still couldn't see him.

"We should go now." Kaede said simply as she turned and began walking silently away from the smouldering ashes that had once been Kagome Higurashi. Reluctantly, Miroku, Sango, and Shippo followed.

~*~

You are pulled from the wreckage

Of your silent reverie

~*~

Inuyasha leapt from the tree, landing silently on the ground. He watched in silence as the ashes began to scatter in the breeze that began to blow. He turned and walked away through the trees.

~*~

You're in the arms of the angels

May you find some comfort there

~*~

He paused and sniffed the air a few moments later as he glanced around and after a minute or so, Sesshoumaru emerge from the forest and into the clearing he had been standing in.

"What do you want?! If you're still after the Te..." Inuyasha began but was silenced when his brother raised his one hand.

"I am not after the Tetsuseiga." he replied slowly as he took in the hanyou's ridged appearance as the scent of suppressed grief assailed his sensitive nose.

"I heard that the wo.."he hesitate a moment before correcting himself, his voice seeming softer "That Kagome had died in battle. I merely came to see if it was true. I see now, that it is."He finished quietly, watching his half brother.

"So what if it is? What' it matter? She was just some pathetic human anyway."

Sesshoumaru walked silently toward Inuyasha and set his one hand on his shoulder.

"Whatever get's you through, my brother."

Sesshoumaru turned, disappearing back into the trees.

Inuyasha merely stood there as the tears finally began to fall down his cheeks.

~*~

You're in the arms of the angels

May you find, some comfort here...

~*~