"The End to the Feudal Fairy Tale"
Chapter 16
Author's Notes: I know it's been very serious and kind of dark lately. Believe me, I like having a fair mix of humor and romance as well, but the story just led me that way. So this chapter is for all of you fans who are ready for their laughs and fluff! Yes that's right, we have fluff again! Thank you for sticking it out with me. Also, there was just too much to cram into this chapter to finish the story; so there WILL be an epilogue. (sorry about that, but it's the price for a quicker update and full story) Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. But I do own my fanart! So there! (http/aefrae. All characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. This story is mine though, so please respect it.
"How much longer do you intend to watch?" said Sesshoumaru.
Kikyou returned his stare for a moment before speaking. "I must wait for the right moment."
"I see." He replied, expression unchanged.
Kikyou would have smiled, but every movement was becoming taxing for her body of clay. She had to wait. Wait for Naraku to finish killing Inuyasha and go for the shard. Then, Naraku would meet his end and her revenge would be complete.
vvvvvvvvvv
"Pathetic."
Inuyasha howled as his back made contact with the ground yet again. He slashed furiously at the tentacles pressing him down, crushing him. Gradually his movements weakened, he labored to breathe; the injuries he'd sustained were making his body scream in pain. With a whoosh of air and a crack, Inuyasha felt the air forced from his lungs. His arms fell limply to his sides though they were quickly bound by something dark and slimy.
"Inuyasha, I believe you are finally ready." Naraku's deep voice rang out. "For you see, I have won. And you are powerless to stop me." Grinning, Naraku watched Inuyasha's head lull to the side, his eyes wide with pain and fury. He slowly glided up to Kagome, reaching out with one gray, scaly arm.
She gasped involuntarily, her body stiff and unmoving. Her mind whirled. She had to move; she had to get away, do something! "N-no-" she muttered, her voice weak, throat dry. "You, y-you c-can't-"
"I can, priestess and I will."
Her muscles tensed. Silently, she willed her arms to move. If she could just make him take the bottle around her neck, maybe she could give Inuyasha some time to-
"Do not think that you can fool me so easily." Naraku said. "I know that you have the shard there-" He indicated her pocket. "Now give it to me and I will delay your death."
It was too late. Inuyasha's blank face stared at her, Sango was out cold, Miroku was surely dead; this time there wasn't anyone to save her. Kagome paused, remembering Sango's words. Could she just back down and die? Moreover, could she go on living with all of her friends dead? The fading green of Inuyasha's eyes sent her into tears again.
"Tsk, tsk. I had hoped you'd beg for your life."
A sharp jolt shot through her body. It was only when breathing suddenly became more difficult that she noticed the claws piercing her flesh. They withdrew and she tumbled to the side. Kagome's vision started to blur. Something red and sticky was running over the grass and dirt next to her. She felt something cold near her leg and shivered. Everything was becoming cold. Her eyes watered as the life slowly drained out of them.
vvvvvvvvvv
He felt like a prisoner in his own body. Every breath was labored, everything hurt. He had to survive, had to protect- to protect her-. Inuyasha's vision became clear enough to see her. If she was alive, then he could relax. But something wasn't right. His enemy was preparing to strike! If she didn't move then- Inuyasha growled low despite the agony. She couldn't die! He was her protector! He lived for her- Without her, what was the point? Darkness fogged his eyes.
vvvvvvvvvv
"What are you waiting for, priestess?" Sesshoumaru cast a cold glare towards the woman standing, bow drawn, arrow taught, next to him.
"I must wait." she whispered, eyes focused ahead.
Just what could she be waiting for? Naraku had just picked up the jewel. How much longer could she wait?
"It will happen momentarily." Kikyou recited.
It didn't appear as though anything else would happen, with the exception of the young girl's death. Naraku picked up the shard as it turned completely dark. The final shard was lifted to the larger jewel and with a glint of energy, it was whole. Its depths sparkled and swirled with a wholly unnatural light. The jewel continued to sparkle, even as it darkened further.
"Finally it is mine! I will be free of my humanity at last!" cackled Naraku. He inspected the jewel close to his face, as if to make sure it was real.
Kagome wandered aimlessly in her mind. It was dark, barely lit by some unseen source. Something pricked at her memory, but she ignored it. Why was it so dark in here? She felt like shivering too; it was becoming so cold. What was she doing here? A laugh echoed somewhere distant. "Hello?" she tried, but no sound came out. Again, she heard the laughter, then distinct voices. They seemed to be talking together-
"I wonder where she is?" came a small voice.
"Don't worry Shippo-chan, she always comes back." cooed a girl.
"And I'll bet Inuyasha's already gone to look for her." a man said merrily.
The voices faded, and Kagome fumbled through her mind, trying to find their identities. One of them had said a name, right? What was it? There was something so familiar about them all. Shippo? Inuyasha? What strange names. She felt sleepy. All she wanted to do was close her eyes and rest, in a blissful, dreamless sleep.
"Keh. What took you so long?" scoffed another voice.
Why wouldn't they just stop so she could sleep?
"She's not your woman!" A face flashed across the darkness, growling.
Huh?
"Oi! You're not going home wench!"
A flash of red and silver crossed her vision.
"Kagome!" A boy's face was screaming her name.
Had something happened to her? Where was she? Who was this-
"Kagome!" piped a child's voice this time. Someone small, with a bushy tail and bright eyes- She knew him!
"Kagome-chan?" That was- her friend. Sango! It had to be Sango! And-
"Kagome-sama?" Miroku!
"Wench." That was-
Kagome felt tears form in her eyes. Why would this person make her cry? Why in so many of these flashes, did he seem sad or angry? She clutched her eyes closed as a ripple of pain ran through her. It hurt. Wait a moment? Shippo, Sango, Miroku, and this person, they were all- she was- dying! Realization washed over her. If she didn't do something, they were all going to die! "Inuyasha." His name became clear in her mind. She had made a promise. How could she have been so selfish, wanting to just die.
"Inuyasha." whispered Kagome, her sightless eyes watering.
"Hmm?" Naraku glared at the bleeding priestess. "You still have the energy to speak? My, but how you make this difficult on yourself." He looked to the black jewel. "I will just have to test my new power on you."
Naraku lifted the shikon high over his head. "I will finally rid myself of you!"
Then, it happened. Out of the corner of his eye, Sesshoumaru saw the movement.
"Inuyasha-"
"What?" Naraku stared at the jewel in his hand, something glistened inside it. "You!" Turning his many eyes to the ground, he saw her, eyes blank, hands clasped inexplicably around his ankle.
vvvvvvvvvv
Kagome didn't know where she was, only that she wanted to live- No, she had to live! They all did! Something burned inside her and she let it. She'd made so many promises, and now she was going to keep them. She loved them all! She would tell Inuyasha! He would know that she loved him! Her friends were relying on her! Inuyasha needed her! For once, she wasn't going to be a damsel in distress; she would be strong!
Bright pink light shot from her grasp, searing Naraku's flesh. He tried to move, but found that he was rooted to the spot. The jewel refused to fall from his hands; it instead joined in the brilliant glow.
vvvvvvvvvv
A twang to Sesshoumaru's right caused him to turn. The undead priestess, Kikyou, had finally fired her arrow. Its blue hue was almost unnoticeable as it sped into the light. The arrow disappeared.
"It is done-" huffed Kikyou, stumbling slightly.
"What is? You have done nothing."
"Have I?" she replied coolly. "I believe my strike was true."
He turned back to the fight, but nothing could be seen beyond the shining light.
"It is time-" sighed Kikyou. Without another word, she walked forward into the glowing brilliance.
vvvvvvvvvv
Light blazed before her eyes, but she could not see. Kagome only knew that something was happening, and she was connected to it. The warmth that she had felt so strongly at first was fading. A chill crept from her fingertips, but she was unable to move them. She was surprised that she could feel her fingers at all.
"Kagome."
That sounded like- but how could she be here?
"Kagome." Kikyou repeated, placing a hand near the young girl's shoulder. A spark shot out at her and she recoiled slightly.
Naraku howled in fury. "How did you break my barrier? What are you doing?"
Ignoring his cries, Kikyou continued, "Kagome. You must destroy him."
Kagome's blank eyes swiveled up to meet Kikyou's. "I know you can hear me. I know you want answers to many questions, but I cannot provide them." Kikyou let her gaze wander to Inuyasha for a moment before frowning. "Much as I do not care to admit, you are the only one who can destroy Naraku and Onigumo for good."
She didn't have much time left. "Listen. You have already begun the purification on your own. I will help you to finish it."
"Ki-"
"Shh, save your strength; you will need it."
Kagome's mind was spinning. Kikyou was being nice to her? Helping her? The only time she ever helped was when they were both in mortal danger. But what if Kikyou was here to take Inuyasha?
"Inuyasha?" Kagome murmured weakly.
Kikyou frowned when Inuyasha's body moved slightly at her small cry. He lived; for her reincarnation. She shivered. Her waning energy seemed to be drawn into the future priestess. She didn't have any time to waste. "Kagome." she commanded.
Kagome stared, her face set in determination, but eyes filled with tears. If he could be happy, then she'd do whatever it took. "Tell me- wh-what- to do-"
Above them, Naraku's body was continually disintegrating and regenerating.
"Now, focus on that warmth inside of you. Bring it out, push it from your hands." Kikyou slowly touched Kagome's shoulder. It burned, and she hissed softly. Naraku's regeneration slowed slightly as the jewel in his hands started turning pink. "Good, now-"
The jewel's pink hue was filling with gray.
"No." It wasn't enough. Something was holding back Kagome's power. Warily, she checked the girl's wounds. They were slowly healing. The problem was something else entirely. "Kagome. You must force out all emotion. Focus only on the warmth."
Kagome furrowed her brow, trying to let Inuyasha and her friends slip from her mind. She concentrated as hard as she could, but only noticed the warmth fading away. Her body shook with cold.
Was the girl not trying? If anything, she was taking a turn for the worst. "Are you not focusing?"
"I- I- am b-but- cold- so- cold-"
"Try again!" Kikyou clenched a hand to her chest, it was getting harder to breathe. Her soul wanted to rejoin Kagome's; it tugged at her very being.
Meanwhile, Kagome's mind and body were aching. The warmth was fading away and her focus was waning. Inuyasha's face passed across her mind for a moment. It was so warm-
Pink flared from Kagome's fingertips as it had before. Kikyou watched it with suspicion. What was the girl doing?
"Inu- yasha-" she rasped.
Kagome was thinking of Inuyasha? That should dull her focus, but then- No, it couldn't be? "Kagome," she tried, "I want you to focus on Inuyasha."
"Inuyasha?"
"Yes, Inuyasha."
Kikyou watched baffled as the pink energy grew in brightness, becoming dominant again in the shikon jewel. Her knees gave out and she leaned fully against Kagome. Her clay flesh cracked. "So this is how it has to end?" she placed her other hand on Kagome's shoulder. "Kagome. We were never meant to meet. I live only for revenge. I was born of hatred and remorse. But this is how it must be. We will destroy Naraku and I will have the revenge I longed for." She struggled to speak; her body was quickly dissipating. "But do not make the same mistake I made. Let nothing get in the way of living your life as you choose." Kikyou turned one last half-hearted smile to Inuyasha. He was standing now, watching Kagome, eyes filled with worry and unspoken emotion. Those eyes said it all; he had finally made his decision. "I free you from the past. Both of you. I will be able to find peace knowing what will become of my soul-"
"Kikyou?" Kagome gasped, feeling a small burst of energy. "She's gone- her- the piece of my soul-" It was back. Kikyou was gone forever. There was no time to think about her right now! Kagome steeled her nerves. "Concentrate. Shippo, Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha-"
It felt like the dwindling fire inside of her erupted into a mighty blaze. Memories of her friends flooded her mind in mass. She remembered Shippo's smiling face greeting her every time she arrived in the past, Sango's knowing smiles when they talked about the boys, Miroku's lecherous habits, Inuyasha's concerned eyes; his arms holding her close; his lips on hers-
vvvvvvvvvv
Inuyasha didn't know what had happened. He only knew that he was standing up and the he was in control of his mind. Kikyou was staring at him, but her image was fading. Then, she was gone. Kagome was lying on the ground, wounded and holding tight to Naraku's leg. "What the fuck?" he growled out. "Kagome?" Inuyasha shuffled towards her.
"Here. You will need this."
Inuyasha was face to face with his older brother. "You?"
"Here." Sesshoumaru held out the Tetsusaiga, his hand slowly burning. "Take it."
Snatching the sword away, Inuyasha held it in front of himself. "What are you doing here?" he snarled.
"Be sure not to lose it again." With that, Sesshoumaru turned and started to walk away.
"What was he-" he was cut off by Naraku's loud roar.
"You cannot destroy me! I have unlimited power! I am no longer human! I will not die!" he shouted.
Inuyasha didn't want to believe him, but Naraku was regenerating, no matter how much Kagome- Kagome? She was doing all this? "Kagome!" He felt anger welling up inside of him. What could he do? The Kongousouha would be able to take Naraku out. Inuyasha didn't know how he knew it could, but he was absolutely sure of it. He drew the Tetsusaiga back, preparing to swing, but the sword didn't pulse. Why wasn't it reacting? "Dammit! What's wrong with this thing? Kongousouha!" he tried again, but nothing happened.
Maybe his bastard brother had cursed it. Then, he remembered. The last time he'd tried that attack, he'd hurt Kagome. Somehow, he was worried that it would happen again.
"What good is this damn thing if I can't use it when I need to?" he grumbled.
"Inu-yasha-"
"Kagome!" he called, drawing the Tetsusaiga back again. "Listen you," he growled at the blade, "I'm gonna shred Naraku to bits, and protect Kagome! So work!" Inuyasha closed his eyes in concentration. "Kongousouha!" Shards of diamond erupted from the blade, curiously controlled into a linear formation. Naraku only had the chance to glance in his direction before the attack hit him, tearing what was left of his flesh, leaving only ash behind.
Kagome saw Inuyasha's shadow growing nearer. Then, she saw the light flare once more before she drifted back into the warm depths of unconsciousness.
vvvvvvvvvv
"I think she's waking up!"
"Wha? Kagome-chan!"
Slowly, Kagome blinked her eyes open into the blinding sunlight. "Wh-" Her throat was dry, and words were difficult to form. "S-Shipp-po-chan."
"I'm right here Kagome!" Something warm and solid pressed against her left side in what she assumed was a hug. Her right side felt like something heavy was pressing her into the ground. For the moment, she ignored it.
"Water-" she managed.
"Hurry up, Miroku! Bring that here!" Sango shouted.
"Miroku?"
Kagome felt an arm slide behind her back. Then, she noticed the cool water against her lips and madly attempted to swallow it. About half of it dribbled down her cheek. She heard a low growl.
Trying hard to focus her eyes, she met the worried gazes of Sango and Miroku. "Sango-chan! Miroku!" Kagome wanted to hug them, but something was keeping her right arm from moving. "Oh no, am I paralyzed or something?" she whispered. There was that growling sound again. Was it her stomach?
"Para- what?" Miroku questioned.
"Paralyzed, like when you can't move your arms or legs anymore. I can't move anything on the right side of my body." she said.
"There's a reason for that-" Sango started.
"-But it's not that para-liee-zed thing!" chortled Shippo.
"Huh?"
Miroku grinned widely and pointed to her lap. Feeling curious and very afraid at what Miroku might be talking about, she glanced down and nearly fell backwards. Two furry triangles twitched precariously atop a head of silvery hair. "Inuyasha!" she screamed.
She expected him to jump into a fighting stance; she expected him to bolt off of her and save his butt with an excuse. She did not expect him to curl further into her lap, snuggle against her leg and squeeze her around the back. Everyone else seemed equally shocked as their eyes went inhumanly wide.
"Inuyasha just, he did-" stuttered Sango.
"Oh my! Such a bold move Inuyasha!" Miroku teased.
Kirara turned to see what was going on, then curled back up to sleep.
Shippo just laughed hysterically.
It was the laughter that woke Inuyasha, like an alarm clock that just won't snooze any more. He groggily came to his senses and lifted his head from Kagome's lap yawning. Sitting back, he scratched an ear lightly. "What?" All eyes were on him now and it was making him irritable. "What? Is there a demon behind me? Do I have something on my face? Come on?"
"I'd say mud, wouldn't you?" laughed Shippo.
"Oi! What are you laughin' at, runt?"
"Inuyasha-" rang Kagome's voice.
Inuyasha's head spun rapidly to face her. He then realized their position and had about three seconds to lean back into a sitting position.
"OSUWARI!" she screamed, scooting back out of the way.
His face met the dirt as quickly as she realized what she'd done.
"Oh Inuyasha! I'm sorry, you just- and I was-" She clapped her hands together and leaned forward a bit. "Please forgive me?"
"Mmph." he muttered.
She looked around as Inuyasha struggled from the ground. The village was in shambles. There was blood everywhere, including hers, she acknowledged with a queasy stomach. It looked like she had woken up exactly where she fell asleep. Where she fell asleep? The questions found their way to her mouth. "What about Naraku? How are you all okay? What happened? Why was Inuyasha in my lap!" her last question made her blush furiously. Thankfully, Inuyasha was still prying himself free of the spell.
"Slow down, Kagome-chan!" chided Sango. "We don't know that much right now. We were hoping you might be able to explain a little."
"We'll tell you what we know." Miroku replied calmly.
vvvvvvvvvv
"So you thought you were dead?" Kagome was almost in tears.
"Yes. It felt as though my blood were boiling inside me. I couldn't breathe. I just blanked out, and then I heard Sango yelling and crying. I think that I fought consciousness for a while, but I'm not sure."
"Well, you know what happened after that, Kagome-chan." said Sango wearily. She must have been referring to her brother's second death and her fainting.
Kagome knew that it would do no good to bring up the bad memories all over again so she hastily glossed over it. "Yeah."
"Kohaku- He was very brave." Sango sniffed. Miroku slid over and wrapped an arm around her shoulder to comfort her. Kagome noticed the way that Sango leaned into it and smiled in spite of the sadness she knew her friend must be feeling.
"But we don't know about anything afterwards."
"Yes, could you tell us what happened after we-" Miroku searched for an appropriate word. "After we fell unconscious?"
"Well," she searched her memory. "I remember watching it all happen, like I was on the sidelines. I watched Naraku destroy Kagura. Then, Naraku went for me and Inuyasha lost control. Naraku pinned him down and- and- I thought you were all going to die." Tears slid from her eyes unbidden. To her surprise, Inuyasha didn't yell at her for crying. He just let his ears droop.
"Then what happened?" Shippo asked.
"Okay, well, after that, Naraku, he-" Hastily, Kagome grabbed the bottom of her shirt and lifted it a little.
"Oi! What are you doing, wench?" Inuyasha flushed.
"Here. I know he attacked me. I felt them pierce me right here." But there weren't any scars. It was as though nothing had happened. She touched the spot where the wound should have been and winced. "It still hurts!" She tried again and once again, felt a twinge of pain. "It was all real. But then- he really did- and I-"
"Kagome-chan. What happened?" Everyone eyed her intently.
"Naraku attacked me and took the last shard. He had the whole jewel. I think I blacked out, but I kept hearing your voices." she blushed and tried very hard to avoid eye contact with Inuyasha before continuing. "Then, there was this bright flash, and I was fighting Naraku somehow-"
"What did you do Kagome-sama?" Miroku looked at her eagerly.
"I- just- I just wanted to stay alive. I wanted all of us to live. So I just thought about that I guess."
"Ah." he nodded, "Please, go on."
"After a while, it got cold and then, Kikyou was there." She paused, watching their faces, hearing the slightly hitched intake of breath at her name. "She helped me, but she disappeared after. I'm pretty sure that I felt the piece of my soul return."
"So she's gone forever?" Inuyasha asked quietly, eyes on the ground.
"Yeah. I'm sorr-"
"Don't you apologize! Just finish!" he yelled tersely.
Gulping down her fear of his reaction, Kagome tried again to speak. "So after she vanished, I felt warmer. I kept on thinking about all of you and I saw this bright flash. I guess I fell asleep after that."
"The flash was the Kongousouha."
"Inuyasha?"
"I did it. Something you were doing was halting his regeneration."
"But what about the baby? Naraku's heart?"
They all glanced over her shoulder. She turned to find a bit of cloth and hair speared to the ground by an arrow. "Kikyou. She must have-"
"If I may, Kagome-sama." interjected Miroku.
"Sure."
"I think that Kagome's purification powers were purifying the jewel even as Naraku held it." he began, "When his human connection was destroyed, he was a complete demon entity, subject to purification. So he could be purified, but Naraku is a strong demon so, Kagome alone wasn't quite enough. While Kagome held him, paralyzed was it? Inuyasha was able to destroy him with the Kongousouha."
"But how are you all okay?" Kagome asked, hushed.
"I think it was your wish." Sango smiled. "You wanted us to live, right? There's just no other explanation for it. So-" she scooted over to Kagome and grabbed her in a tight hug. "Thank you for saving Miroku."
"That's great Sango-chan! Kohaku must be so happy!"
Sango slumped back. "Kohaku is dead, Kagome-chan. He's not coming back."
"I don't understand? You said-"
"It seems that even the mighty shikon jewel has limitations. Kohaku and Kagura were not brought back to life." Miroku replied slowly.
"Sango-chan. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay. I'm just happy that my brother will not be tortured any longer. I know that he was himself when he died. That's enough." her voice was quiet, but strong. Sango was a really strong person; she'd be okay, especially when she had Miroku to turn to.
Kagome felt a bit jealous. It was obvious that her friends had gotten really close. Now that Miroku's kazanna was gone, they'd probably settle down and have a family- "Miroku? Is Naraku really gone? I mean, please, let me check-"
"Here." he held out his right palm, uncovered. "You know, I think I might miss that thing some day.
"You idiot! That curse was going to kill you! Do you know how many times it almost killed you in just the time I've known you?" Sango slapped him hard across the shoulder, furious. He winced, but smiled nevertheless.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha stood up next to her.
"Huh?"
"Would you come with me?"
"Why?" she asked, puzzled.
"I need to talk to you, so come on!" he tried to hide his blush by turning around and motioning for Kagome to climb onto his back.
Sango was still on her tirade, Miroku was smiling broadly, and Shippo was laughing himself into a stomach ache. They were very preoccupied. So why did Inuyasha need to talk to her somewhere private? Could it be about her? Frowning a little, Kagome hopped onto Inuyasha's back. He immediately leapt high into the air, the group rapidly fading as they moved away from the village.
It wasn't really a village anymore. Kagome scanned the area. Everything was in ruins. Trees were toppled, burned, or broken. Though she was glad to see Kaede's hut untouched, she felt horrible pity for all of the people who must have lost their homes and lives for their fight. She covered her face and let Inuyasha carry her in silence.
vvvvvvvvvv
"Pervert!" screamed Sango as she whipped around to slap a grinning Miroku.
To her surprise, Miroku grabbed her wrist a moment before the slap connected with his face. He held it tight, unwilling to let her take it back. Sango, astonished, kept staring from his face to her hand and back again. What on earth was this?
"Now, now, my dear Sango." Miroku tugged her hand a little, drawing her close. "There is a perfectly good reason why I've stopped you." His grin widened.
"Wha-" she blushed, trying to pull back.
Miroku laughed. She was so beautiful when she blushed. "You see, now I can fulfill my promise to you."
"Miroku, I-" She fumbled for her voice, to protest, to do anything. It felt like her legs were going to give out at any moment.
Silently, he stood, taking her with him. He allowed her hand to drop down between them, but maintained his grasp. Gazing into her eyes, Miroku knew this was the right thing to do. It always had been; there was just no way of knowing if he was going to survive. He couldn't possibly promise her something that he couldn't provide. He took a deep breath. "Sango. Now I can give you the one thing I thought I would surely lose: my life." His blue eyes glistened with the significance of his words.
Sango took a sharp breath. "M-m-mi-miro-ku?"
"Sango, you have my life in your hands. I love you." he smiled then, just a tug at the corners of his mouth, but enough to show he was absolutely serious.
She blushed the shade of a very ripe tomato.
"Will you marry me, Sango?" Miroku asked, eyes locked with hers.
Curiously, she tugged her hand free from his. Miroku looked confused. Wasn't she supposed to say something? Kiss him? Hug him? Tell him she loved him? Did she regret his even asking? "Sango?" he tried.
SLAP!
Miroku reached up to his cheek and rubbed the throbbing bruise. Did she hate him now? What had changed? As he opened his eyes, he came face to face with an angry looking Sango. He paled.
"S-s-sango?"
Her eyes twinkled. Miroku was knocked to the ground as she jumped into his arms. Gasping a bit for air, Miroku didn't expect to find Sango's lips against his own. Her eyes were tightly shut, but her lips moved against his. He made a mental note to ask her where she'd learned the subtleties of kissing later. Without warning, Sango pulled away. This was all very confusing. Then, her voice exploded above him.
"You jerk! Of course I'll marry you! I said I would before! That does not give you the excuse to stop me slapping you! I need to keep you in line!" she fumed.
"Sango-"
"You're going to give up those perverted habits."
He stared blankly at her.
"And not ask anymore women to bare your children." she ticked off the points on her fingers.
"That means no more flirting!"
He was vaguely aware that he was nodding.
"And this does not mean you're going to get to grope me all the time!"
He shook his head.
"And-" she seemed to have run out of things to say.
"I won't need to do any of those things anymore." he stated plainly.
"Huh?" Sango thought that he would protest; to simply agree to her terms didn't make sense. "Wha-"
"I may not be able to shake off all of my habits, but-" he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back down to within a foot of his face. "I wouldn't want any other woman to bare my children. And I won't need to flirt with the other girls because I have the most beautiful one right here." He reached up to touch her cheek gently. "And I won't need to grope you all of the time-"
"I don't like the way you said that-" she eyed him warily.
"Because, you'll let me do it most of the time." Miroku's smile had turned into a genuine Cheshire cat grin.
"Miroku!" She gasped, feeling a familiar hand on her behind. Someone giggled.
Miroku continued to rub her bottom gently, reveling in his small victory. Then he saw a large shadow and felt something hard hit him on the head. Sango leapt up from their previous position, Hiraikotsu in hand. "You pervert! Shippo's still here! He's been watching us the whole time! He's just a child! Don't expose him to your dirty habits!" She yelled, the crimson flush still staining her cheeks.
"I think you might have overdone it." Shippo stopped laughing.
"Huh?" Sango looked down to where Miroku was clearly unconscious, several large bumps and bruises now decorating his face. "Oh my-" She dropped her boomerang. She hadn't meant to beat him into unconsciousness, but really, with Shippo watching? And she was going to let him-
"Sango? What's the matter? Why are you so red?" the little fox asked pointedly. He carefully hid his knowing smile.
"It's nothing! My face always gets red when I'm angry." she stammered.
"Okay. Well, I'm gonna go see how Kaede is doing! Bye now!" Shippo raced off towards the hut.
Sango blinked. "I'm going to owe Miroku an apology when he wakes up." Her mind wandered into thoughts of a not-so pure apology. "What am I thinking? It's his stupid influence!" She glared at him, but the glare almost immediately faded into a funny grin. "Only most of the time, Miroku, and I get to choose when that is."
vvvvvvvvvv
Inuyasha was slowing down. Peering around his shoulder, Kagome saw that they were approaching a place she didn't recognize. She thought for sure they'd be going to the god tree or the well, but Inuyasha had taken her to a beautiful grassy plateau. The grass was soft as she climbed down. The earth was still warm under her feet, though the setting sun left the air feeling chilly. A gentle breeze ruffled the grass and Kagome's hair slightly. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling.
"Kagome."
She'd nearly forgotten he was there. "Inuyasha? Where are we?"
He didn't answer.
"Inuyasha?" Two arms snaked around her back and pulled her against something soft and red. The arms held her tight and heaving a sigh of relief and recognition, Kagome closed her eyes and hugged him back.
"Kagome, I-" his voice was coarse, but soft. "I thought I told you not to get hurt."
"You did- I didn't exactly listen." She frowned when he released her.
"Keh. Well, next time, wench, you'd better listen to me." he scoffed. Kagome smiled.
"Well, I'm sorry if I have to save you once in a while too."
He blinked. "Keh. Wouldn't have needed to if I'd have had my Tetsusaiga."
"How did you get it back anyway?" she asked.
"The bastard."
"You mean, Sesshoumaru? He gave you the sword back? Wow."
"Can't figure out why. He probably put a curse on it." Inuyasha huffed.
"Now, come on, he can't be all bad? He did save my life before."
"Don't remind me."
"Why?"
"Now I owe him something." He tucked his arms into his sleeves hastily.
"You two just can't get along. It's the same way with you and Kouga-" she gasped. "Kouga? What happened to him?"
"Relax will ya?" Inuyasha caught her shoulders. "That mangy wolf somehow manages to live through everything. He probably went home."
"But how do you know? What if he's dead? I don't want to be responsible!" Tears threatened to fall from her eyes and Inuyasha visibly winced.
"He's not dead! His body wasn't there when we woke up. Trust me." he touched a finger to his nose. "I know." But her eyes had turned watery. "Please don't cry."
Kagome sniffled. "Sorry, I just-" Kikyou's image filled her thoughts. "I don't want to be responsible for anyone else's death."
"You didn't kill anyone!" he said a bit louder than he'd intended.
"But I did! Kouga, Miroku, Sango, they almost died, and Kohaku and Kikyou are dead because of me!" The tears rolled down her face. She tried to wipe them away. "I'm sorry! I- I didn't mean to- I know that you-" Kagome just couldn't say it. Inuyasha still loved Kikyou, how could he ever forgive her for what she'd done?
"What are you saying?"
"Never mind." she caught a few wayward tears with her sleeve. "It's nothing."
"No. Something is bothering you and I want to know what it is!" he yelled.
"Kikyou." She whispered, hiding her face.
"Oh." Inuyasha was silent for a moment. "What happened?"
It was just as she thought; Inuyasha still loved Kikyou. "I told you before." Kagome repeated stoic, "She gave me instructions and then she disappeared."
"I know that."
"Huh? Then, what do you-"
"I want to know what she said to you before she died. I remember seeing the two of you there, and you were talking, but then she vanished." Inuyasha said.
"Oh." Kagome bit her lip. "She said that we weren't supposed to meet. Her and I. And she said something about wanting me to not make the same mistake she did. Inuyasha?"
"Hmm?" He seemed lost in thought.
"She said- she said that she-" Would he even believe her now? "She said that she set you free."
Kagome sat down and clutched her knees up to her chest. "I'm sorry."
He didn't answer.
She frowned. This was a touchy subject for her and she knew that it had to be worse for Inuyasha. Desperately, she searched her brain for something that could change the subject. "Hey Inuyasha?"
"Huh?" his voice was unreadable.
"What were you thinking about that time?"
"What are you talking about, wench?" He asked.
"When you were thinking off by yourself and I came to find you, you promised that you'd tell me after we defeated Naraku."
"Oh, that. Keh." Inuyasha's stomach churned. Leave it to Kagome to remember something like that. How could he have hoped that she'd forget. "Well- I- uh-"
What if it was Kikyou? Kagome grimaced. She was thinking so hard about what it could be that she completely missed Inuyasha's question.
"Oi! Are you listening to me?"
"Huh? What did you say?" Kagome jumped a little.
"I asked for your end of the bargain."
"I don't think I understand."
"If I'm going to tell you what I was- um- thinking about- at that time, then you've got to tell me something you've been keeping from me as well." He turned his nose high in the air to hide his blush.
"So you're hiding this from me?" Kagome teased.
"No! I mean- ah hell." He plopped down on the ground next to her. "Why did I ever promise to tell you."
"Oh, I see." her mood soured. "If you don't want to tell me you were thinking about Kikyou-"
"Who ever said I was thinking about her?"
"But I thought-" Kagome started.
"That's the problem! I don't know what the hell you're thinking! Every time I turn around you go from happy to depressed! I have no fucking idea how to deal with that!" He roared, standing and turning to face her. "How am I supposed to-"
"Inuyasha?" she gingerly started. "I promised that I would tell you something when we defeated Naraku, when it was all over. If I tell you that, will you tell me what you promised?" Kagome looked up into his amber eyes, hoping to gather courage.
"Keh."
Kagome turned her eyes back to the ground. Even if he didn't tell her, even if he didn't care about her, even if she never came back to the Feudal Era, she owed it to herself to tell him. She took a deep breath and whispered, "I love you."
She said it. She had said the only words that could make his heart swell and shatter at the same time. "Kagome-"
"It's okay if you don't feel the same way about me." she was crying now, he could smell it. If he could only- "I never expected you to. After all, you still love Kikyou-"
"Kagome. It's not that-"
She met his eyes then; they were filled with confusion. "Then what?"
"What if you don't belong here; you come from another time." Inuyasha paused, uncertain.
"What if I don't belong here?" she repeated. "I was brought here! I chose to stay! I feel like I was meant to be here! Besides, I'm still here, aren't I?" Her eyes fell again. "If you don't want me to stay, then I-"
"Dammit! That's not it at all!" He howled, frustrated.
"Huh?"
"I've been obligated to Kikyou ever since I let her into my life. After her, I didn't want anyone to get close. But you- you taught me how to trust someone again."
"What are you saying?" she asked, trying not to sound hopeful.
"Naraku is dead. I've been freed from my debt to Kikyou. I thought that when this ended, I'd end up in hell with her. No wait-"
Kagome was sobbing audibly.
"Let me finish would ya? Don't go crying before I tell you the rest!"
She nodded slowly.
"I thought I would just die in the final fight. I felt like I was going to anyway. But I was wishing that I could live; that I could protect you-"
"You wanted to protect me?" Kagome shivered.
"All I could think about was staying alive for your sake. I couldn't die- Not when-" He seemed flustered all of a sudden. "Not when- I knew- you-"
"You knew-" she gasped, her gaze surging up to meet his. "You knew that I- all this time- how long?"
"Since-" he had turned very red. "Kiss-"
Kagome put a finger to her lips. "You mean, in my time, when we-"
Inuyasha nodded rapidly. "You- kissed back-"
"Oh." she flushed.
"Kikyou- she never- not the way-" Inuyasha ran a clawed hand through his hair nervously. "I owed Kikyou for letting her die. I made a promise, but she set me free. I don't think that I can ever forget about her-"
"Inuyasha?" Kagome tilted her head to the side. What was he trying to say?
"But you- I-"
Kagome smiled, and after watching him flounder for about thirty seconds, she decided to help him. "So you liked them then?"
"What?"
"The kisses."
"I- um- I mean that- er-" he stuttered, watching her eyes go half shut.
He was pinned by her eyes. "Admit it dog boy."
Inuyasha felt some of the nervousness ebb away. "Keh. Fine, I love you! Are you happy now?" His ego swelled; he said it.
"Yes." Kagome leaned towards him. "You know what?"
Inuyasha grinned. His admission gave him a sudden burst of bravado. "We can kiss now whenever we want?" he answered slyly, a fang protruding over his lower lip.
"Inuyash-" Kagome relaxed as his arms held her up, pulling her close while his lips ravished hers.
"Wow." she breathed, breaking the kiss moments later.
"Keh." Inuyasha blushed.
"I guess you must really love me then."
"Damn right."
vvvvvvvvvv
A/N: Well, I told you that it was getting long, so I've decided to write an epilogue. It will just tie up a few loose ends and play out some of the humorous scenes that I'd still like to write. As it is…I've still got two pages of notes that were meant to be included here. 0o. Please, please, and did I mention, please? REVIEW! It's crucial as I am considering a sequel of sorts. eyes the little button to the left