A/N: There is an OC in this chapter. Don't worry, he's one of the good guys.
Like I've said to my readers on Single Spark, if any of you have a problem with abortion, I am apologizing in advance. I just wanted to let those of you sensitive to the topic know now that the fetus Kagome is carrying will die at the end of this chapter. I myself have had to walk that road before, having had to make the decision to keep my baby, so please don't think I'm being insensitive. I know what it's like to have to make a decision like that. Thank you.
Chapter 3
Sango eyed her friend doubtfully. "Okay, so you're gonna die by purification. How, exactly, will that remove your marks?"
Kagome reached up and grabbed a black and silver lock of hair and twirled it around her fingers. "I was in Sesshoumaru's library poking around and whatnot, when I came across this really ancient scroll. In it was a way to rid someone of a youkai mating mark. Apparently, it works better when the marked one is a human rather than another youkai."
"Probably because humans are so easy to kill," Miroku commented dryly, earning him another evil glare from Sango.
Kagome ignored him. "Anyway, it went on to say that if the one afflicted was human, the heart and lungs must cease their natural processes. The person must then have no life in their body. This will cause the youkai within them to die as well."
Sango looked uneasy. "Did it say anything about how to bring the person back from the dead after mark has gone?"
Kagome shook her head and Miroku added, "You might be dead, Kagome-sama, but at least you will appear human again." He grinned good-naturedly at Kagome until he felt a fist bash the back of his head.
"You baka!" Sango yelled, her arm pulling back for another swing. "This isn't funny!"
Kagome laughed. She couldn't help it. "Sango! Please...please! It's okay, really! Like I said, don't worry. The Shikon will protect me."
Both Sango and Kouga growled their displeasure at the unabashed houshi. Miroku and Kagome only grinned at each other.
"So, what do we do? Sango and I?" Miroku asked, rubbing the back of his head gingerly.
"All you two need to do is get my body home through the well," Kagome answered. A frown crept over her features. "Um, maybe Sango should carry me. I love you Miroku, but damn it all, I just know you'll try to grope my lifeless body."
Everyone glared a bit at Miroku, who shrank back slightly and put a hand over his heart. "Kagome-sama! I am wounded! It hurts to know that you think so little of me. I can honestly say that I have NEVER groped a dead woman. That's just so...so wrong!"
There was a collective releasing of pent-up breaths and bodies relaxing.
"At least that's one less thing we have to worry about," Sango muttered to herself. Everyone nodded.
Kagome turned her attention to Kouga, who sat watching her with such a brokenhearted expression, that she nearly wept. Kirara had come up and settled comfortably in his lap. He began to absently stroke the tiny neko's fur, never taking his crystal clear blue eyes from Kagome's face.
"You must find me, Kouga-kun," she told him quietly, gently, as though she felt he would shatter if she spoke too loud. "Always know where Inuyasha's Forest is, for my family's shrine will be here in my time, which is five hundred years from now. And where the shrine is, I am. Understand?" She reached a tentative hand out, which he took without hesitation.
"I understand, Kagome. I will find you again. Perhaps then you will agree to become my mate," he said hopefully.
Kagome turned her face away, before those hot, persisent tears flowed again down her cheeks. "Perhaps, Kouga-kun. Perhaps." Damn it, why did he have to be so wonderful to her?
A sudden thought struck her. The next time they would see Kouga and Shippo, they would have most likely changed drastically. Especially Shippo, for he would be an adult. But would Kouga look really different? Of their own accord, her eyes gazed thoughtfully at his well-built physique.
Kouga, bewildered by her scrutiny, looked down to see what was so wrong that she had to stare at him like that. "Ano...Kagome...?" he asked.
"Hmm, Kouga-kun? Gomen nasai. I was just thinking...wear Armani. You have the body for Armani. I'm thinking something in dark blue or black. Maybe dark brown." Wiping away the last of her tears, she grinned over at him as his cheeks stained a deep red.
'Does Kagome like my body? he wondered happily. At last, she had found something about him she liked! His heart soared.
Miroku rose and tactfully reminded everyone that it was late. Kagome would need as much rest as possible by tomorrow, for she had a huge task ahead of her.
Shippo sleepily crept into Kagome's arms, holding on to her tightly in his sleep. Kagome motioned to Kouga to lay next to her. He lay down behind her, letting her smaller form snuggle back against his larger one and wrapped his silky brown tail around her.
Kagome smiled, enjoying the feel of his warm body mold itself to hers, his tail wrapping around her and Shippo. Sighing, she scooted back into his heavenly warm embrace, inhaling his musky, earthy male scent.
Kouga knew the next five hundred years would be torture. But to sleep with her like this again...he would wait a thousand.
Burying his face in her fragrant hair, he fell asleep.
Once everyone had fallen asleep, Kouga had gotten up and left the hut. He ran swiftly towards Inuyasha's Forest and the Bone Eater's well, where someone was waiting for him. Before Kirara had come for him, Kouga had been talking with an old friend.
He'd been having bad feelings ever since Kagome had become Sesshoumaru's mate. His instincts were up and he wasn't going to ignore them. He knew the final battle was approaching fast and that Kagome would be caught up in it.
So he went to the only person he knew whose job it was to protect a holy miko such as Kagome.
When the fire cat had arrived, he himself had only just met up with his friend. Once he figured out what Kirara wanted, he told his friend to meet him that night by the Bone Eater's well in Inuyasha's Forest.
Kouga stopped when he saw a slim figure in shimmering gold, standing patiently beside the well. Wonderful, I knew he'd come, Kouga thought with relief.
"Hiroshi," Kouga called softly.
The figure turned to face him, his long dark hair swirling around him. "Kouga."
They bowed to each other. "I'm glad you came, Hiro. She's going to need you tomorrow."
The man called Hiro inclined his dark head slightly. "Of course. I was wondering when my services would be needed."
"Well, they are definitely going to be needed tomorrow, Hiro. I know she's ready to face Naraku, but I don't want her to face him alone."
"Won't you be there?" Hiro asked curiously.
Kouga shook his head. "Iie. I can't. She's going to purify every demon in the area, so that means I can't help her kick some ass. But I'll be damned if she's going to face him alone."
Hiro nodded slowly. "I will be there."
"Where's that jackass brother of yours going to be? I thought you two were a team," Kouga remarked sourly.
Hiro chuckled. "He's nowhere to be found. He's stil feeling like an idiot about getting excited over the last Shikon miko."
Kouga grinned, his fangs glowing white in the moonlight. "I can imagine. He should have listened to you when you tried to tell him that Kikyo wasn't Midoriko's reincarnation."
"I think he just really wanted someone to protect. After all, it has been such a long time since my people last protected a holy miko. But he's so hardheaded, is Yukio. What can you really do about that sort of person?" Hiro asked, shrugging.
"How long has it been since the last holy miko?" Kouga asked, sitting on the well's rim.
Hiro joined the okami, sitting gracefully down beside him. "A few centuries. It's been awhile. Thankfully I practice every day, unlike Yuki. He's probably rustier than Inuyasha's Tessaiga."
Kouga laughed heartily.
"Well, anyway, stay out of sight tomorrow, for Kami's sake. Kagome gave me the nastiest look when I told her it was going to be too dangerous." He shivered slightly. "She thought I said it because I believed that she couldn't handle it, being a female and all."
"Kagome treated you to Sesshoumaru's killing stare?" Hiro asked, amusement creeping into his soft, musical voice.
"Hell yeah. Nearly scared me shitless, I can tell you. She really picks things up quick."
Hiro nodded and gave Kouga a small smile. "Do not worry, my friend. The young miko will not see me. After all, we Elves are masters at being invisible."
The next day dawned bright and clear, the sun rising majestically on this warm spring day. And for three ningens, it would be their last day in the Feudal era.
Everyone rose and ate their breakfasts with heavy hearts, although they talked and joked lightheartedly.
Afterwards, Kagome pulled Kouga aside.
"Kouga-kun, if you want to take a mate, please do," she uttered gently.
Kouga started and began to say something, but Kagome silenced him, swiftly reaching up and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "You won't see me for five hundred years. I don't expect you to wait for me. Besides, Ayame will be disappointed."
Kouga took hold of her slender shoulders. "If I DON'T take a mate, will you mind then? Because you know I love only you, Kagome. That's something I know will never change."
She did not reply at first but told him that she understood.
"Although, I suppose I should take a weak female, one that could die after awhile, just to keep my line going, but I really don't want to. With my luck, I'd pick one that'd live forever," he moaned softly and appeared disconcerted.
"Kouga-kun! That's horrible!" Kagome gasped and slapped his shoulder.
"And Kami help me, she'd probably nag me into an early grave," he continued, his face a mask of mock tragedy.
"You are terrible, Kouga-kun!" Kagome cried. She would have marched off but was pulled into a pair of powerful arms and held there.
His chuckles reverbated through his chest, soothing her already frazzled nerves. "Gomen ne," he laughed softly. "I was only joking."
He stopped laughing and bent over and pulling the shards from his calves. "Here. I believe these are the last two shards."
Kagome nodded, receiving the shards with a heavy heart. She closed her fingers over them and prayed. When she opened her fingers, one shard lay against her palm.
Taking the Shikon from its chain that hung around her neck, she melded the last shard to the jewel. A bright pink light flashed and she finally held it, complete and whole, just like it was when it had been ripped from her body so long ago.
"It's time," she said quietly. They went back to Kaede's hut, where she collected her things and hugged Kaede. "I shall miss you, Kaede-sama," she whispered to the old lady.
"And I shall miss ye as well, Kagome," Kaede replied. "I am thankful ye have come into our lives here. Ye have taught us much."
Kagome squeezed her one more time before pulling away. "As you have taught me," she returned softly.
Next she turned to Shippo, who shot into her embrace. "Kagome!" the kit cried.
Kagome teared up, holding her little kitsune close. "It will be okay, Shippo-chan. Unfortunately, you will have to wait a very long time to see me again. It's not fair, since the three of us won't have to wait so long to see you guys again. Just be strong and brave for me, Shippo-chan. Ii?"
Through his sobs, Shippo nodded. "Don't forget about me," he managed, whispering heartbrokenly.
"Never...never, Shippo! I love you, little one. Remember that! I love you," she breathed, clutching him to her and rocking him gently.
Kagome looked up to see Kouga watching them. He came close and held them both tightly. "Nothing will happen to Shippo, Kagome. I promise."
"I know, Kouga-kun," she murmured, smiling sadly up at him.
Gently, she handed the crying kitsune to him and went over to Sango and Miroku, who were saying goodbye to Kirara.
Kagome whispered something to the fire neko, who growled softly in understanding and rubbed her huge head against Kagome's body. Kagome returned the affection, petting the massive cat.
Kouga mounted Kirara, still holding a weeping Shippo. With a roar, Kirara took to the skies.
Kagome turned to Sango and Miroku, who were ready to depart. "Okay, let's get this show on the road."
Kagome, Sango and Miroku made their way to the well. Kagome handed her pack to Sango. "All we have to do now is wait for the signal," she said, eyes turned skyward.
They did not have long to wait. A flash of flame appeared over the tops of the trees and vanished as quickly as it had come.
Kagome drew in a shaky breath and moved forward, dropping her scent-masking spell. She took her claws and cut her arm, letting her blood flow. She knew the scent of fresh blood would bring Naraku quickly.
As she stood there waiting, a sweet, perfumed breeze blew across her body, making her hair and clothing sway. She frowned. Where the hell did that breeze come from? It wasn't a windy day, in fact, it was quite still. Oddly enough, the scent of the freak gust of wind calmed her. It was almost as if it was there to comfort her...or something. Strange.
Then she smelt something else. Something rank and evil...Naraku! She readied herself for the attack, clutching the Shikon no Tama in one hot, nervous hand.
The skies darkened, signaling the arrival of Naraku's youkai hordes. From the midst of the nasty creatures, one appeared. One with long, wavy black hair and an evil countenance.
"Naraku," she growled low, baring her fangs at him.
"Ah, it's the miko! Tell me, where is that cold-hearted mate of yours? And what of Inuyasha? Don't tell me they have sent a little girl to fight their battle for them!" His laugh was repulsive and she nearly retched.
But he was playing right into her hands. He was making her angry and that was all it would take to bring out the miko energy.
Kagome's eyes began to bleed red and the lilac stripes on her face became more pronounced. "Oi, Naraku! No one fights MY battles for me, you filthy prick!"
As if on cue, the wind began to pick up, lifting Kagome's silver and black streaked hair and whipping it wildly around her.
She quickly looked again to the skies and saw Kirara's flames, signalling to her that they were far enough away now.
'Arigato, Kirara,' she thought. They would be safe from her wrath.
Naraku and his minions sped towards Kagome. She sensed that they were being slowed by something. The wind? Strange... It was like the wind itself was aiding her.
Without hesistation, she lifted the Shikon no Tama. It glowed in all its pure and holy glory in her hands. She felt something or someone try to read her thoughts. Angrily, she slammed her mind shut to the intruder, whoever they were. Without hesitation, she made her requests of the Shikon jewel.
As soon as she knew her wishes would be granted, she felt the jewel shoot into her chest, occupying the very spot it had been ripped from only a couple of years earlier.
A blinding pain shot through her, knocking her to her knees. She could sense two familiar presences speeding towards her, but she didn't care. Her head was flung back and she felt her miko energy blast out of her body. She heard the screams and roars come from Naraku and his drones; the explosions as some of the youkai were blown to pieces.
She could smell the stench of burnt youkai and realize that it was her own body that she smelt. She also knew that the fetus she carried had already perished. Such a terrible price to pay for someone's freedom... Better for the poor thing to die now, than be unwanted by its father.
That was when she began to scream. The pain was unbearable. She could feel every inch of her body burn and sizzle with the purifying energy.
From somewhere far away, she heard, "Kagome! KAGOME!" It was Inuyasha...but she didn't care. All she wanted, all she begged for, was her own demise. She wanted to set Sesshoumaru free of her once and for all, but also to become a human again. She desperately wanted to be human again...and not a mistake made by some out-of-control youkai.
She fell backwards, not realizing she was still screaming, feeling her life force dwindling away. It was time. The end was near. How thankful she was for it!
Her weakening eyes stared upwards, seeing something hovering in the air. Sesshoumaru! So, he had come to watch her die after all. How happy he must be now, knowing that he would finally be without his miserable ningen burden.
With her dying breath, she sent him a mental message. 'You are free now, Sesshoumaru-sama. Be happy.'
Her heart stopped beating...her lungs stopped breathing.
She was dead.
